With last night's resounding win over Bloomsburg , Lock Haven basketball has matched the most wins in a season since 2014.
The Eagles are tied for 2nd in the PSAC East and with the 32 point victory over the Huskies it shows just out potent this team can be.
Mike Nestor, Lock Haven Coach says, “ Our toughness and our defense have really kind of carried us. I think our offense has not hits it peak yet. I think our defense has been very strong. Our guards have been just tough overall, all five of them, so being able to keep plugging guys in and getting so much out of them has been a huge benefit for us. “
Lock Haven’s depth is the best it has been in the Mike Nestor era and that includes Holy Redeemer’s Justice Shoat and Wallenpaupack product Gabe Springer who is one of just two big men for the Eagles.
Nestor added, “ There are certain games like East Stroudsburg where he was phenomenal, blocks a dunk, going after rebounds and brings a ton of energy. But just not that, he is just so positive. “
Gabe Springer, “ Lock Haven Sophomore(Wallenpaupack) says, “ Coach brought in a good amount of people and obviously they can play. We all trust each other, al of the guys connected pretty much as soon as we got here. “
If there were a rookie of the year in PSAC Shoats would be the leading candidate. He is averaging 20 minutes a game and just under 10 points a contest.
Bob asks, What have you learned about the college game ?
Justice Shoats, Lock Haven Freshman(Holy Redeemer) responds, “ It is a faster pace then high school and you have to pick it up a lot going into it.
Bob asks,How do you feel you are helping the team ?
Shoats answers, “ I feel like I am a big part of our team and give them energy while going out there and playing as hard as I can as we get it done. “
Nestor says, “ He has really settled in to understanding his role and when you give him advise he tries to take it and use it to his advantage so it has been a great Freshman year for me to have him, “
Once basketball season is over Justice can then turn his attention to his 2nd college sport, Track and Field. The Freshman won the state long jump championship in 2021 and was runner-up in 2022.
Shoats says, ,” I feel like it might be tough handling all of that and balancing with school but I feel like I am going to get through it and it will be a good ride. “
Bob asks, “ When is the last time you jumped. “
Shoats answers, “ I would say high school, I have not jumped since high school. “
Nestor, “ At the end of the day he is a basketball player. I know that and everyone else knows that but he is gifted so why not take advantage of it. “
Lock Haven hosts Shepherd in a PSAC battle on Saturday in Thomas Fieldhouse at 3 p.m.