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Chartiers Valley retires McConnell’s jersey

By Eleanor Bailey 3 min read
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Chartiers Valley Athletic Director Angie Potthoff presented Matty McConnell will the jersey number the school retired in his honor. While wearing No. 23, McConnell scored 2,018 career points. He is only the third player in school history to surpass that total.

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Matty McConnell is averaging 5.9 points and 2.2 rebounds a game as a freshman at Robert Morris University.

It was a big night for Matty McConnell but not such a memorable evening for Chartiers Valley. Before the Colts succumbed to Peters Township, 77-71, the boys’ basketball program retired No. 23, the jersey worn by McConnell.

During his four-year varsity career, McConnell scored 2,018 points. He is one of only three players to surpass that plateau, the others being his brother, T.J., who is playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Michael Colbert.

“It’s a great feeling to know that I am in the record books,” said McConnell. “It’s just a great feeling knowing I could do it on this night and forever really be here.”

Before retiring McConnell’s number, the Colts also raised their championship banner for capturing the 2015 WPIAL Quad-A title. McConnell cemented his place in the school’s annuals when he pumped in 34 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished up five assists in CV’s victory, 78-67, against North Allegheny last February at the Petersen Center.

“It was nice to be back here with the other senior (Jake Ritson) and to relive those memories with the others guys that are still here,” said McConell, who led the WPIAL in scoring during the 2014-15 campaign with a 29.5-point average. “It was a good time.”

These days, McConnell is enjoying good times at Robert Morris University. He is averaging 5.9 points and 2.2 rebounds for the Colonials.

“I love Robert Morris,” said the 19-year-old son of Tim and Shelly McConnell. “Personally, I feel like I am playing pretty good. I really don’t care how I do personally. It’s how we do as a team that matters.”

Despite RMU’s slow start (2-12), McConnell says the Colonials hope to secure an NCAA tournament berth in March. “And win the NEC (Northeast Conference),” he added. “Right now we just got to get a few wins under our belt.”

After that and after four years, McConnell believes anything is possible. He mentions his brother as his model. Currently the No. 2 guard for the 76ers, after a standout collegiate career at Duquesne and Arizona universities, T.J. has averaged 6.1 points, 5.0 assists in 4.1 rebounds during his first 37 NBA games.

“It’s crazy what’s he’s doing,” McConnell said of T.J. “Where he’s come from and look where he is now and how he’s doing and how good he’s doing.

“Yes,” McConnell added that he envisions such a future for himself in four years. “I am going to do everything I can do to work and put myself in that position to get there.”

NOTES: In Peters Township’s stunning win against the Colts, Nick Valentic fired in 23 points, 16 in the decisive second half when the Indians outscored CV, 46-30. Eddie Flohr equaled that output to pace the Colts.

Clayton Yeates (18), Kelson Marisa (15) and Mike Cortese (10) all finished in double digits for the Indians (3-2, 8-3). For the Colts, who led at intermission, 41-31, Joe Antonucci pumped in 18 tallies.

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