Minersville’s basketball team showcased its talent this past Monday, securing a hard-fought victory over Williams Valley with a final score of 67-58. Senior guard Shazier Bethea played a pivotal role, scoring a team-high 21 points and demonstrating his versatility on the court. This win marks an impressive start for the Battlin’ Miners, who now hold an overall record of 8-1 and a league record of 5-1 under first-year head coach Chris George.
Bethea’s contributions extend beyond scoring; he is recognized as one of the league’s premier players. Coach George emphasized the importance of Bethea’s leadership, stating, “Shazier 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.” Bethea’s ability to perform under pressure has been crucial for the team, particularly when the game dynamics shift.
The Battlin’ Miners have shown resilience and skill throughout the season. Bethea, who averaged 15.4 points and 4.7 assists per game last season, was instrumental in Minersville’s playoff journey, which ended in the District 11 3A Championship against Catasaqua and a subsequent exit in the first round of the PIAA 3A state playoffs against Warrior Run. This year, his role has expanded due to the early departure of senior Dante Carr to the University of Central Florida on a football scholarship.
Bethea is joined on the roster by fellow seniors Shane Fessler, Nolan Plesnarski, and Jacob Mealey, along with key juniors Chase Zimerofsky and Jordan Bowers. Their teamwork has been essential in maintaining a strong start to the season. “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,” Bethea noted after the game.
His all-around hustle has been a game changer for Minersville. Against Williams Valley, Bethea not only scored but also led the team with 10 rebounds, helping to create opportunities for his teammates. “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,” he said, underscoring the team’s depth and versatility.
The Battlin’ Miners have built a 61-25 overall record over the past four years, making two appearances in the PIAA state playoffs. This season, Coach George has placed a strong emphasis on three-point shooting, which has been evident in Minersville’s scoring statistics. The team has outscored opponents with a total of 592 points to 460, averaging 66 points per game compared to 51 for their opponents.
The victory at Williams Valley serves as a valuable experience for the team, particularly early in the season. Bethea reflected on the importance of such competitive games, stating, “A close game like that this early helps us in the long run.” The Battlin’ Miners currently rank second in the District 11 3A standings, trailing only Notre Dame-Green Pond. With Pottsville and Tri-Valley remaining the only undefeated teams in Schuylkill League action, Minersville stands poised to make a strong statement as the season progresses.
