Trib HSSN Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Mars’ Robby Carmody

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 | 1:15 AM

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Robby Carmody's senior-year mission was clear: Earn Mars its first WPIAL basketball title.

Mission accomplished.

But it's what Carmody did along the way to lead the Planets to Petersen Events Center and ultimately Hershey's Giant Center that makes him the TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 31.1 points, 14.1 rebounds, 4.3 steals and 1.6 blocks for Mars (25-5), which won the WPIAL Class 5A title and also was the state runner-up. Carmody, who was named the state's Gatorade Player of the Year, will graduate with 2,390 career points and 1,126 rebounds.

He and his father/coach Rob Carmody made Mars a basketball power in the WPIAL. The Notre Dame recruit won 91 games in his four seasons and reached the state finals twice.

What's the one moment from this season you'll remember forever?

Getting to win the WPIAL championship is what our program and this group of guys has been striving for since we were little. It's really special to be the first group that gets to do it.

What was that celebration like?

We were ecstatic. That entire night was so much fun afterward. It's going to be something we remember for a really long time.

Were you ever close to transferring to a prep school, like many top WPIAL players have done?

I wouldn't say I was ever super close besides my freshman year. At one point I thought it could have been the best option to get me scholarships. But then I was lucky enough to play (AAU) with the (Ohio Basketball Club). That gave me the exposure that I needed, so I didn't need to leave. That gave me the opportunity to stay and play with my lifelong friends. That's something I'm grateful I decided to do.

Was reaching 2,000 career points important to you?

Yeah, it was. We've kind of been working toward that. I always wanted to be the first 2,000-point scorer in Mars basketball history. It's been a special experience that I got to do with my friends and family.

How have you changed in four years?

I've kind of become better at everything. I think I can shoot the ball a lot better now, but the biggest things I've probably improved are rebounding and ball-handling.

Did you set out to become better with the ball?

Yes. It's something that will translate to the next level. Scoring and stuff like that doesn't always translate. But ball-handling, rebounding and defense, no matter what level you play at, if those are things you can do, you're going to play.

What led you to choose Notre Dame?

The players and the coaching staff. I feel like I fit their mold as who I am as a person and as a player. They stress the same things that I do. They expect highly out of their players. They're just really good guys. They're people that if I crossed paths with, even without basketball, would become really good friends.

What's the best place basketball has led you?

When I got to go to Italy (in 2017 for the Junior International Tournament). It's kind of like playing professional basketball over there. The stadiums are packed. People want your autograph. It's a really special experience.

Was that the first time you were asked for an autograph?

It was weird. You don't expect that stuff as a high schooler.

Chris Harlan is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at charlan@tribweb.com or via Twitter @CHarlan_Trib.

Tags: Mars