All-County boys basketball: Saint James' Robinson made winning his specialty
Just watching Justin Robinson perform on the basketball floor is priceless.
The 6-foot-1 Saint James senior guard played his junior season in the shadow of eventual player of the year Obi Enechionyia, who took his talents to Temple.
Robinson averaged nearly 13 points and just over six assists per game last season, but the writing was on the wall — his next season would be special.
And it was. Robinson averaged 21.8 points per game, had a Washington County-high 7.7 assists along with 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game.
There might not be another coach, teammate, opposing player or fan around who wouldn’t agree that if Robinson needed to, he could have put up much bigger numbers.
“There’s no doubt he gave up personal goals,” said Saint James coach Dan Prete. “He has a competitive edge and does not want to give up, but he also knew he had to be a leader and get his teammates involved.
For his efforts, Robinson is The Herald-Mail’s 2014-15 Washington County Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Prior to the start of the season, Robinson had much business ahead. First, he chose to accept a scholarship to attend Virginia Tech.
“Cutting the choice down to five schools was tough, but making the final decision was a huge relief to go into the season,” said Robinson.
Robinson, who hails from Manassas, Va., came to Saint James from Montrose Christian, along with Prete, after longtime coach Stu Vetter resigned.
“(Robinson) just needed to trust us and what academic strengths Saint James would have to prepare him for the future,” said Prete.
With his abilities on the hardwood, Prete said Robinson showed his talents early.
“His freshman and sophomore years at Montrose, he was one of the best players in practice,” said Prete. “He had some good moments (in games) as a sophomore. You could see he had the skill, had the tools and was mature and that he would be a Division I prospect.”
Even though the Saints finished 18-9 and just missed winning the Mid-Atlantic Conference tournament while playing against rigid competition with an unsettled, injury-riddled lineup, Robinson still excelled to pick up a key postseason award.
Robinson was named the Gatorade Maryland Boys Basketball Player of the Year a week ago, winning out over several other Division I recruits.
“I’m thankful I made the change (from Montrose),” said Robinson. “It was God’s way of making an opportunity to go to Saint James with Coach. We made huge improvements in the program. “I’m happy with the guys I played with.”
Joining Robinson on the all-county first team are:
Donte Doleman
St. Maria Goretti
The 6-foot junior made the Gaels go from his point guard position. Averaged 11.3 points, 3.1 assists, 1.6 rebounds, shot 54 percent from the floor; high point game of 22.
Omar Habwe
Saint James
The 6-4 sophomore forward averaged 11.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 blocks, shot 57 percent from the floor; high point game of 24.
Jordan Luna
South Hagerstown
The 5-11 senior guard averaged 13.7 points, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals, shot 53 percent from the floor; high point game of 25. His second year as an all-county first-teamer.
Ameka Akaya
St. Maria Goretti
The 6-5 junior forward averaged 14.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, shot 50 percent from the floor and 76 from the line; high point game of 24.
Michael Riley
Williamsport
The 6-2 junior forward averaged 20.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.0 steals, 2.4 assists, 1.3 blocks, shot 52 percent from the floor; high point game of 30.
Spencer Schultz
Clear Spring
The 6-5 junior guard scored a school record 45 points in a game and hit or surpassed 40 two other times. Averaged 24.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals, shot 52 percent from the floor and 74 percent from the line.
Elijah Stubbs
North Hagerstown
The 5-9 senior guard averaged 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 steals, 1.3 assists, shot 53 percent from the floor; high point game of 31.
All-County Boys Basketball Second Team
Toby Christensen, Senior, St. Maria Goretti, Forward
Michael Kelbaugh, Senior, Williamsport, Guard
JaColby Lott, Senior, South Hagerstown, Guard
Chris Harrell, Senior, Heritage Academy, Guard
Nate Patey, Senior, Heritage Academy, Guard
Domas Sakickas, Junior, Broadfording, Forward
Dalton Stewart, Junior, Boonsboro, Forward
Noah Teeter, Senior, Hancock, Forward
D’Aundre Gonzales, Sophomore, Broadfording, Guard
Elijah Clarance, Sophomore, St. Maria Goretti, Guard
Honorable Mention
Boonsboro —Alex Wetzel, Matt Nolan; Broadfording Christian — Isaiah Daniels; Clear Spring — Joey Fisher, Jaret Lazich; Grace Academy — Ignas Oleinikovas, Mark Koontz; Hancock — Skylar Faith; Heritage Academy — Cullen Nipe; Highland View Academy — Brayan Seidl, Jason Fiawoo; North Hagerstown — Malik Carey, Corey Hart; Saint James — Craig Lecesne, Grant Golden; Smithsburg — Justin Smith; St. Maria Goretti — Chandler Penn; South Hagerstown — Kevin Vaughn, Glenn Tinsley, Jeffrey Wetzel; Williamsport — Marquil Nelson, Tay Quon Queen.
