Time for 2010 Yucus Awards for Basketball Excellence

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It’s regional time for area boys’ basketball teams, and with the area girls’ hoops season in the history books, I figured now would be as good a time as any for the second annual installment of my grab-bag of basketball awards.

So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the recipients of the 2010 Awards for Basketball Excellence presented by the Yucus Institute of Scientific Basketball Research (I’m working on a catchier name for next year).

“Best Shot (by a fan)” — With no halftime entertainment scheduled during intermission of the Princeton versus Bureau Valley girls’ contest in Manlius in early January, fans were eager for some action in between the action. Little Christian Harmon was happy to oblige, as the tyke did his best to heave a basketball up toward the rim, while big sister, Molly, and the rest of the Tigresses were in the locker room.

When Christian finally managed to sink a shot after a few close calls, the crowd came alive, roaring their support for the future Tiger.

“Best Dressed Coaching Staff” — This honor goes to Gilbert Moreno and Charlie Klinefelter of the DePue Little Giants. When I caught the Little Giants taking on St. Bede at home earlier this month, Charlie looked resplendent in a dark suit, while Mr. Moreno’s sharp orange shirt was deftly accented by a blue tie in a nice display of DePue High colors.

“The Nepotism Award” — While you’re not supposed to cheer from the press box, I’m not sure what the rules are for sitting on the baseline, like I usually do. Joking aside, I have been getting a kick out of the play of St. Bede sophomore center Tony Yucus (who is a third cousin to your humble narrator).

The 6-foot-4 “Lithuanian Sensation” has been seeing big minutes off the bench for the Bruins and hearing “Yucus for two” over the Academy P.A. whenever he or big brother, Stephen, a senior, make a basket gives me a bit of a grin every time.

“Mr. Hustle” — No questions asked, this award goes to senior T.J. Mosbach of Hall, who exemplifies what heart is all about whenever he takes the floor for the Red Devils. Mosbach may not be the most physically gifted basketball player at 5-foot-8, but he more than makes up for it by giving 100 percent on every play. Hall coach Mike Filippini, (see below) said Mosbach won the Red Devils’ Hustle award on the very first day of practice, and it’s easy to see why after watching him play.

“Ms. Hustle” — St. Bede senior Ashley Pearson’s season was hampered, and eventually cut short, due to a bout with plantar fasciitis that required surgery. While the Lady Bruin standout and University of St. Francis recruit didn’t see a lot of playing time due to the injury, she made the most out of every second on the court for the Lady Bruins. During her last game this year at the Tri-County tournament, the hobbled sharpshooter left it all on the floor, at one point diving several rows deep into the stands for a loose ball.

“She’s on fire!” — Princeton senior Molly Stephens, who will be making the trip to Normal on Thursday to participate in the state Three-Point Shootout, was a sniper for the Tigresses during their regional loss to BV, knocking down six three-pointers in the contest and finishing a perfect 4-4 from the foul stripe to lead all scorers with 22 points.

“He’s on fire!” — While he unfortunately did not finish the season with his team, senior Alex Franklin of Bureau Valley put on one of the best scoring performances of the season against Erie in mid-January. When he received his curtain call with 5:40 to play in the fourth quarter, Franklin had single-handedly outscored the entire Cardinals team 31-24.

“Best Interview” — Hall boys’ coach Mike Filippini returns to claim gold in a category he dominated a year ago. One of my favorite Filippini-isms this season was: “The good news is that we don’t have to drive home in a blizzard,” after a tough loss on the road to IVC. (Which he preceded by apologizing to the reporters present for having to sit through the one-sided loss). While talking to coaches can sometimes be a painful proposition, especially after their teams come up short, Filippini helps keep things light, which is definitely appreciated.

“Best Haircut” — With their 20th win of the season accomplished by topping Mendota to win the Princeton 2A Regional, the Bureau Valley girls’ team collected on its longstanding bet with head coach Jeff Ohlson — and shaved his head in the locker room after the contest. Ohly looked pretty sheer after the shearing.

Chris Yucus is a sports writer and collector of witty anecdotes for the BCR. He can be contacted at cyucus@bcrnews.com.