Two local basketball players were named co-MVPs of the Ulster County Mid-Hudson Athletic League after February’s COVID-19 shortened season.

Wallkill’s Mat Shea and Marlboro’s Colin Casey both picked up the honors.

Shea averaged 15.5 points per game, 9.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals per game for the Panthers.
He has shown the ability to knock down 3-pointers and even on those nights when his shot is off, he can contribute on the defensive end with his hustle.

“He’s been so much better on the defensive end,” Wallkill coach Hunter Andrews said after the Panthers’ Feb. 27 game against Marlboro. “He struggled shooting the ball (on Feb. 27) but he rebounded so well. He’s been in all the right spots and we were able to use his size.”

Colin Casey has made a habit of coming up big for the Iron Dukes, this year,

“Colin has made some big shots down the stretch,” Marlboro coach Mike Koehler said after the Dukes’ Feb. 13 win over Highland. “It’s nice to see him step up.

Wallkill’s Justin Noelizaire also was named to the all-star team, after averaging 11.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game.

Andrews said Jeremy Figueroa also received some votes, but not enough to crack the team behind Shea and Noelizaire. He averaged a double-double with 10.8 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Senior shooter Alex Grzechowski was named to the all-star team for Marlboro.

Koehler said both Casey and Grzechowski had great all-around seasons.

Highland’s Zack Angelone and Ethan Thompson were named all-stars for the Huskies.

Angelone, a shooting guard who also played on the point, averaged 10 points per game, 7 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
“He handled the ball very well,” Highland coach Mike Milliman said. “He also was team leader.”

Thompson averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds per game.

“He was a tough defender on the post as an undersized big man,” Milliman said. “He has a great motor and shows non-stop hustle.”