Minersville’s basketball team, the Battlin’ Miners, secured a hard-fought victory against Williams Valley on December 18, 2023, with a final score of 67-58. The standout performance came from senior guard Shazier Bethea, who led the team with a remarkable 21 points. This victory marks an impressive 8-1 record for the Battlin’ Miners, who are currently under the guidance of first-year head coach Chris George.
Bethea’s contributions extend beyond scoring; he plays a pivotal role in maintaining team morale and composure during critical moments. Coach George noted, “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.” His ability to perform under pressure and make vital plays is evident, as he consistently attracts defensive attention, making him a borderline triple-double threat each game.
The Battlin’ Miners have built a strong foundation, thanks in part to Bethea’s leadership and experience. He averaged 15.4 points and 4.7 assists per game last season, contributing significantly to the team’s playoff journey, which included appearances in the District 11 3A Championship and the PIAA 3A state playoffs.
Team Dynamics and Future Aspirations
This season, Bethea’s role has expanded further following the departure of senior Dante Carr, who left to pursue a football scholarship at the University of Central Florida. Bethea is supported by fellow seniors Shane Fessler, Nolan Plesnarski, and Jacob Mealey, as well as junior players Chase Zimerofsky and Jordan Bowers. Their collective efforts have propelled Minersville to its nearly undefeated start, with aspirations of reaching new heights.
“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,” Bethea expressed. His all-around hustle, which includes strong rebounding and defensive plays, has been crucial for the team. In their recent matchup against Williams Valley, Bethea also secured 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and commitment to team success.
Minersville’s overall performance has been impressive, outscoring opponents by a total of 592 to 460 points, averaging 66 points to 51 per game. This offensive strength is a key focus for Coach George, who aims to enhance the team’s three-point shooting capabilities as they seek to improve their standing in the league.
Looking Ahead
Following their victory against Williams Valley, Bethea highlighted the importance of close games in preparing the team for future challenges, stating, “A close game like that this early helps us in the long run. It’s been good with our new coach, and just getting more experience helps us out a lot.” Currently, Minersville sits second in the District 11 3A rankings, just behind Notre Dame-Green Pond. Their only competition comes from two undefeated teams, Pottsville and Tri-Valley, while both Minersville and Schuylkill Haven have recorded one loss in league play.
As the season progresses, the Battlin’ Miners, led by Bethea’s exceptional talent and work ethic, remain focused on their goal of advancing deep into the playoffs. The combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent positions them well for a successful run, making Minersville a team to watch in the coming months.
