Minersville’s Shazier Bethea’s basketball brilliance was on show this past Monday when the Battlin’ Miners closed out a close single-digit win at Williams Valley.
Bethea is one of four Battlin’ Miner (8-1; 5-1) seniors who have led the way to an 8-1 overall record in first-year head coach Chris George’s opening season at Minersville.
“Shazier (Bethea) is one of the best players in the league, and it’s easy to ride on his coattails, which is great for the rest of these guys,” said George. “When things get a little shaky, he calms us down and makes the big play, and it’s not always on the offensive end. He gets so much attention and is a borderline triple-double threat every night.”
Minersville certainly does follow in Bethea’s footsteps after the senior dropped a team-high 21 points in a 67-58 win over Williams Valley. He also led the way with a team-high 23 points against Panther Valley on December 18.
Bethea was a key part of the Battlin’ Miners’ playoff run last season, which saw the team fall to Catasaqua in the District 11 3A Championship before falling to Warrior Run in the first round of the PIAA 3A state playoffs.
“Shaz (Bethea) and Jordan (Bowers) had big roles last year, and the foundation is strong, so I can’t complain,” said George. “If we want to go far this season, we have to win games when we don’t shoot well.”
Bethea led the way for Minersville last season when he averaged 15.4 points per game and 4.7 assists per game on the way to a Schuylkill League Championship appearance.
Bethea’s presence has taken on an even bigger role this season as senior Dante Carr departed early for the University of Central Florida on a football scholarship.
The senior, Bethea, is joined by fellow seniors Shane Fessler, Nolan Plesnarski, and Jacob Mealey, while juniors Chase Zimerofsky and Jordan Bowers have also been integral in the team’s nearly undefeated start.
“It’s always good when we can get extra shots off, and I’m really thankful I can grab a lot of rebounds and kick it out to our shooters since we have a lot who can knock shots down this season,” said Bethea.
Bethea’s game wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for his all-around hustle, which has included rebounding and blocked shots defensively this season. Bethea led the way with 10 rebounds in the win at Williams Valley, which bodes well for the Battlin’ Miners’ scorers.
“I can spread the floor out and get around defenders and to the basket or kick out to shooters, and everyone can dribble on the team, so you can’t guard all of us,” said Bethea. “We’re comfortable, and we’re getting closer every day.”
Bethea has helped lead Minersville to a 61-25 overall record over the last four years and has led the Battlin’ Miners to two PIAA state playoff appearances in that time.
An emphasis for George’s team this season has been the three-point shooting as they’ve outscored teams by a combined total of 592-460, or 66 to 51 points per game.
“A close game like that this early helps us in the long run,” said Bethea after the 67-58 win at Williams Valley. “It’s been good with our new coach, and just getting more experience helps us out a lot.”
Minersville currently ranks second in the District 11 3A rankings, just behind Notre Dame-Green Pond.
Pottsville and Tri-Valley remain the only two undefeated squads in Schuylkill League action, while Minersville and Schuylkill Haven each remain standing with one loss in league play.
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