By Mark Nance / Sun-Gazette Correspondent Loyalsock's Ethan Nagy (left) defends Warrior Run in this year's District 4 Class AAA championship game. Nagy has truly become a two-way athlete, being a good pitcher in baseball and now also a good basketball player.
Ethan Nagy calls himself a baseball player. That's no surprise since he will play in Lock Haven next spring and developed into one of the area's best pitchers last season.
However, this baseball player has become quite the two-way athlete. And he looks like a good basketball player now.
Nagy focused on baseball as a freshman and sophomore before returning to the court last season. He made a huge impact upon his return, becoming the big man on the team and helping Loyalsock advance to the Elite 8 of the state tournament.
“In the (first round) game, I was able to watch my guys (Nate Bauman and Gage Patterson score their 1,000th point). When I got back to the locker room, I was able to see CI (coach Ron Insinger) ), I wish I could have played all four games.''It would take me years to give myself a chance to score 1,000 points.'' Nagi said. “I don't regret playing last season at all, but I do regret not being able to play all four years.''
The past is the past and Nagy has certainly made up for lost time. His decision to return proved to be one of the best of his young life and dramatically improved Loyalsock's fortunes. Loyasock is a well-rounded team with three 1,000-point scorers, but it wouldn't have made it into the state's top eight teams without Nagy's excellent inside play.
On a guard-oriented team, Nagy put on muscle in the post and played well throughout the postseason. He scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds in Tuesday's second-round game against Notre Dame-Green Pond. Over the past three games, Nagy has averaged 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, helping Loyalsock (28-1) advance to the quarterfinals against Mass Civic and Science tonight against Hazleton. did.
“He's a big player for us.” guard Isaiah Jennings said. “Our teammates do a great job finding him when he’s in the paint and when he makes mismatches and doing the job and when he’s done.”
“He made a difference for us a few times in the playoffs. He pulled down some big boards.” Insinger said. “It's refreshing to see him play like that.”
This is also surprising considering where he grew up. That's because Nagy was a small player on the team at the time. Nagy, who played alongside many of his fourth-grade teammates during his youth basketball days, was the team's point guard.
But rapid and significant growth changed that, and when Nagy returned a year ago he was 6 feet 3 inches tall. So Nagy not only had to get used to basketball again, but he also had to learn a new position.
“He's playing well outside of the position he's been practicing in.” Insinger said. “That makes it even more rewarding to watch him play in the paint.”
Helping Nagy progress is assistant coach Jahad Thomas, who played at Williamsport from 2010 to 2013 and had a legendary career. A first-team all-state selection as a senior, Thomas often outplayed taller post players during his successful college career at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Thomas practices how he plays, which makes Nagy better and stronger every day. And facing such strong and fast opponents at every practice provided Nagy with ultimate preparation and continued to develop into a reliable post player over the past two seasons.
“With Jahad protecting me, I started working solo. The hard work I put into practice gives me confidence when I go to play.” Nagi said. “When he thinks I'm not living up to my potential, he says, “I'll protect you.'' If I protect you, no one can stop me, so let's go.'' That's the spirit. is. It also gives me confidence. ”
That confidence is shared not only by Nagy but also by his teammates. It's an unselfish team that has used Super Bowl moves all season, so when Nagy is open, the guards will find him and vice versa. Having developed as a point guard, Nagy sees the court well and handles the ball well, making him a versatile threat.
Nagy is averaging 9.7 points per game and is one of four starters averaging at least nine points per game, with Jennings and Tyler Gee also surging. Thanks to his development, Loyalsock has skyrocketed, winning 25 straight games and tying the 2020 team for the most wins by a Lancer team in the 2000s.
And Nagy brought it all together at the perfect time. He was strong against Troy, grabbing 16 points and eight rebounds against Mid-Valley and repeatedly causing damage against Notre Dame-Green Pond.
Nagy led a come-from-behind 48-47 victory over District 4 AAAA champion Danville late in the season, and sank a pair of clutch free throws late in the rematch for a 52-49 HAC Championship victory. On Tuesday, Nagy made a key steal with 100 seconds left and three more important foul shots to help Loyalsock hand Notre Dame its fourth loss in 29 games.
“In the last few games, as I've gotten closer to the critical moments, I've become more confident in my abilities.” Nagi said. “I'm a baseball player. My sport is baseball, so the confidence I've instilled just from practice is huge. I've grown into my body. I've grown to the abilities I thought I was capable of.”
Loyalsock is scheduled to open its baseball season next Wednesday against Mifflinburg. For now, all Nagy is thinking about is that match. Baseball will come, but he's a basketball player now.
The goal at the moment is to keep one for as long as possible. No matter how it ends, Nagy has written quite the basketball story in her two years here.
“He has made great progress both physically and mentally. He is now really enjoying the team.” Insinger said. “He's not counting down the days until baseball starts. He wants to get this done and he's taking it seriously.”
