By Chris Manning/Sun-Gazette Correspondent North Penn Mansfield's Carson Dominik is one of three area players to earn all-state honors in boys basketball, earning the honor in Class AAA. Others were Muncie's Noah Confer (Class AA) and Bucktail's Brody Pentz (Class A).
North Penn Mansfield senior Carson Dominick exceeded the high expectations set for him before entering high school. Muncie senior Noah Compher continued his comeback from injury and showed his state what he is capable of. Bucktail junior Brody Pentz proved that small towns can produce big-time players.
And now all three are on the same elite team.
Dominik, Compher, and Pentz were named to the Pennsylvania Splotters All-America Basketball Team. Dominic earned First Team Class AAA, Confer Second Team Class AA, and Pens Third Team Class A.
Dominique was again selected as an All-State honoree after earning second team a year ago. He had the best individual season since the legendary Tom McMillen played for North Penn Mansfield, and making this year's first team selection seemed like a no-brainer.
Dominique, a fourth-year starter, overcame constant double teams to lead area scoring with an average of 24.9 points per game. He also scored over 20 points 22 times in 25 games and scored at least 19 points in each of his last 23 games, helping a young, injury-plagued team finish 17-8.
In a nightmare matchup, Dominik could score from the outside, attack the basket, or set up his teammates. He filled up the stat sheet every game, posting 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He ranks second on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,810 points and could have reached 2,000 points had it not been for his pandemic-shortened freshman season. Dominick, who will head to Lock Haven next fall, also finished his career with 602 rebounds, 207 assists, 112 steals and 132 3-pointers.
“I would like to thank my family and the wonderful people of our wonderful community for supporting me.” Dominic said. “This is a great honor. I would like to shout out to all the coaches who always stayed after practice and helped me become the best athlete I could be. And to the team who supported me. I would like to thank my mate.”
Compher helped propel a young Muncie team to its second straight District 4 Class AA championship. The only player to return with extensive experience with his national team, Compher has taken his own game to a new level and developed as an excellent all-round player and leader.
Compher, in his third year as a starter, averaged 16.7 points, nine rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, recording 13 double-doubles. His influence on and off the court helped Muncie win his first league championship since 2004, as well as a district championship and his 20th appearance.
All of this happened after he broke his arm during football season and missed all but one quarter before returning in the district final. Compher suffered an avulsion fracture late in the regular season, but he fought back and dominated throughout the postseason, posting double-doubles in all four games. He came into his own in a dramatic district final win over Neumann, posting a triple-double of 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 steals.
“Obviously, my football season was ruined because of injuries, so I wasn't able to really show my talent in football. And then I got into the basketball world and realized that I was the person that everyone was watching.” I just wanted to prove to people that I was a better athlete than they were.” Confer said. “There were so many players in front of me that I wasn't able to show my full potential until this year, but I never really complained and it didn't bother me. It was fun to prove myself.”
Compher helped Muncie reach three consecutive district finals, win two games and finish with 19 or more wins over the past three seasons. He was also active defensively, averaging 3.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
Like Dominik and Compher, Pentz was a glue player, doing everything he could to help his team thrive. The versatile junior has the strength and tenacity of a post player, but shoots and handles the ball like a guard. Pentz tied for the district lead in double doubles with 17 total, helping Bucktail win its first District 4 title and first overall title since 1989, when the school was in District 6.
Pentz also shared the big game gene of his All-State teammates, dominating in the district final, scoring a career-high 34 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a come-from-behind victory over Galeton. added. Pentz also surpassed 1,000 career points that night. A key player on both the basketball and football teams, Pentz finished the season averaging 15.8 points and over 10 rebounds per game.
