ROCKETBASKETBALL

Whitlow Leads Post Season Honors

 

The list of post season honors in the young career of Malcolm Whitlow grew this last weekend as the sophomore earned First-Team All-City, second-team All Class A and third team super state honors.

 

Whitlow led the city in scoring, chipping in 22.1 points per game, while adding 3.6 rebounds.

 

“Being named All-City and Captain - I think he is very deserving.” Head coach David Mercer said.  “He was easily the best scorer in the city but he did a lot for us that didn't result in him scoring.  He was a very good rebounder and is also a very good passer.  In my opinion he was the most dominant player in the city”

 

Whitlow was the lone sophomore named to either the first, second or third teams in Class A.

 

“Being named third-team super state as a sophomore - that was a great honor as well, again, very much deserved.” Mercer said. “He played against the best competition in all of class A, our schedule proved that, and did very well against anyone.”

 

Whitlow wasn’t the only Rocket honored this year for their contributions, senior Trace Tupper earned his second All-City honor. The senior averaged 14.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

 

“Being named All-City - back to back All-City for Trace, great honor and very deserving.” Mercer said.

 

Northeast finished the season with a 14-11 record falling just short of the state playoffs dropping their district final to Kearney.

 

“Overall thoughts on the 2016-17 Varsity season - overall it was a decent year.” Mercer said.  “It was a roller coaster and too many close games we were on the wrong side of but the kids competed and were 1 minute away from the state tournament.  Very proud of them!” 

 

The future is bright for the Rockets as Mercer feels that with the play of the younger levels there is going to be talent to replace players like Tupper and Talon Little and Noah Thompson.

 

“Overall thoughts on the 2016-17 program from Freshmen to J.V. - a lot of up and coming talent.  Our freshmen team was runner-up in the city tournament and was a really fun group to watch.” Mercer said.  “A lot of those guys will be major varsity contributors in the near future.  Reserve and JV were also very competitive, many of them will be competing for varsity time in the next couple of years as well.”