WP Boys Recognized

WAITSBURG - Last week, the families and players on the 2011-12 WP boys basketball team gathered to share awards and honor the Cardinals' hard work.

The boys basketball team had a great season, handing Dayton its only loss in regular season and playing hard in the district tournament.

"It was successful," said head coach TJ Scott.

This was the third year in a row that the Cardinals made it to the Final 16, he added.

The team competed well, taking into account the tough teams in the league this year, Scott said. The Cardinals were matched up with a couple of teams who boasted some very tall players, which gave them some trouble.

And with just three varsity returners, Scott said his players competed better and surpassed his expectations.

"We had a lot of pieces to put together," Scott said. "The kids overperformed."

Last Wednesday night, awards were handed out to some outstanding players.

Zach Bartlow was named most valuable player. Eshom Estes was awarded as the most inspirational. Most Improved went to Chance Leroue.

Bartlow and Dustin Wooderchak were named to the First Team All- League.

For next year's roster, Scott said he is losing four seniors who played many minutes on the court and really boosted the team. But, he will have four juniors and three freshmen coming back with lots of experience. Also, he knows some other players will step up to the plate.

He placed the future success of the team in their hands.

"It depends on how hard they want to work this summer," Scott said.