On December 5, BP varsity basketball returns to the court in their season opener vs. Thomas Jefferson at home. This game is part of a tournament that BP is hosting, and one they are very excited about.

Returning to the team is senior Joe Mascaro. After starting for his sophomore and junior years, the 5’10” guard returns again to star for Bethel Park. So far, Mascaro has averaged 18 points and 4.5 assists per game as the only full-time starter on the squad.

“He can do a lot… he’s a very talented player,” Coach Ben O’Connor said, who has coached Mascaro for his entire high school career.

However, there are many other players on the team that can make a difference. With junior Jake Dixon at forward, he should be a monster on the boards with many put-backs and rebounds with his 6’5″ frame. In addition, 6’1″ junior guard Levi Metheny, who, along with Dixon, starred on the football team, can back up Mascaro pretty well at guard.

Senior Anthony Bomar shouldn’t be forgotten. Though he backs up Mascaro and Metheny, the 6′ guard is great at his job, and he will do a great job when substituting for Mascaro or Metheny. Also, senior Dan Breit brings a lot as the only forward other than Dixon. His experience should help the squad overall.

“Experience is a strength to our program,” O’Connor said. “Everyone knows their roles, expectations, and what it takes to be a part of the program.”

Even though the team is full of talented seniors, athletic juniors, and promising sophomores, freshmen Justin Meis and James Gmiter are huge contributions to the BP team. Meis will be great around the perimeter, while Gmiter, linebacker for the football team, will help inside with his huge 6’5″ frame.

BP is coming off an 18-7 season in which they had great success. The team reached the quarterfinals of both the WPIAL tournament and the PIAA playoffs. Even though they lost to eventual champion New Castle in both tournaments, their first and biggest goal is to capture a district banner. Last year, they just missed in Section 4-AAAA as they watched Upper St. Clair claim the title with an 11-3 record.

BP will face USC on December 19 at home. They will also face conference foe Mt. Lebanon away on December 23.

Wish BP varsity basketball luck as they look to win game after game.