Trib HSSN Boys Basketball Team of the Week: Mars

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, January 7, 2019 | 4:15 PM

The TribLive High School Sports Network’s third Boys Basketball Team of the Week and first of 2019 is the Mars Fightin’ Planets.

Mars has been on top of the world in boys hoops in recent years, but what would life for the Fightin’ Planets be like post-Robby Carmody, who graduated and is playing at Notre Dame?

So far, so good as Mars is in first place in Section 3, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A and is 9-1 overall.

“I am really proud of the program we have become,” long-time coach Rob Carmody said. “This was not an overnight success, and so many kids, families, and coaches have helped get us here. Our guys know how successful we have been.”

That pride stems from six straight section titles, 11 straight WPIAL playoffs berths and seven straight PIAA playoff appearances.

In the last three years, Mars has won a WPIAL championship, finished as PIAA runner-up twice and had the Gatorade Player of the Year in Robby Carmody.

“That success motivates our guys, but their confidence comes from the work they have put in,” Coach Carmody said. “We have had a few games already this year where we have trailed late or where things have not gone to plan. Our guys lean on the work they did in the summer, the preparation in the fall, and their attention to detail in practice.”

Last week started 43 hours into 2019 with a key section game against surging Shaler, a game Mars won 68-62, as Andrew Recchia led the way with 27 points.

“We had been off since returning from Las Vegas, but the rest was needed, and I felt our team was ready to play,” Carmody said. “We were fortunate to come away with the win. Andrew’s game against Shaler was a tale of two halves. He really struggled in the first half but just dominated in the second half.”

On Friday, the Fightin’ Planets improved to 4-0 atop the section with a 64-56 win at Armstrong as Michael Carmody led all scorers with 24 points.

“We really struggled as a team to find any rhythm on offense and sustain our intensity on defense,” Coach Carmody said. “Credit to Armstrong for a well-executed game plan and credit to our guys for picking up the win. Michael was absolutely huge with 24 points and 20 rebounds (his second 20-rebound game of season). He made big shots, free throws and grabbed every rebound.”

While many feel Mars is the team to beat again in Class 5A, Coach Carmody reminds his players that while the past has helped mold them into the players they are now, it is on them to be successful in the near future.

“The one thing that I do think matters is that our guys have played a lot of extra basketball the last three years with our success in the playoffs,’ he said. “They understand the grind of a long season and don’t get too caught up in looking ahead. That experience is definitely a product of our success.

”Once the games start though, no one cares about what we did last season or five years ago. Robby isn’t coming back to help us win any games.”

Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TheDonRebel.

Tags: Mars