Mt. Lebanon two-sport athlete rounding into basketball shape
Joey Peters (50) puts up a shot between Peters Township defenders Aaron McDonnell (00) and Patrick McDonnell (4) during recent boys basketball action.
Joey Peters focuses on his shot during Mt. Lebanon's 47-28 victory against Bethel Park.
Joey Peters (55) was the starting right tackle on Mt. Lebanon's football team. He will continue his playing career at Washington University while pursuing a business degree.
Joey Peters of Mt. Lebanon earned the right to brag.
He was the starting right guard on the Blue Devils’ WPIAL and PIAA championship football team this fall and is now the center of the boys playoff-bound basketball squad.
Boasting, though, is not in his nature.
“He’s just a wonderful human being. A special kid,” said Lebo basketball coach Joe David.
Lebo football coach Bob Palko said a lot of credit goes to Peters’ family, which helped to shape him into the person and athlete he is today.
“He had an unbelievable year in football and finally got confidence,” Palko said. “Understanding and becoming comfortable with his role boosted his confidence and put a smile on his face. As a coach, to see a kid gain that confidence is priceless.”
Peters still beams about his production on the gridiron. He was part of an offensive line that blocked for running back Alex Tecza, who gained more than 2,000 yards, and protected quarterback Joey Daniels, who threw for more than 2,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. In four games on the defensive side of the ball, Peters picked up four solo tackles, one assist, a sack and a tackle-for-loss as the Blue Devils rolled to a 15-0 record.
“I let up only one sack,” Peters said. “I think I did a pretty good job. Obviously we had some playmakers on the team. It was nice to be part of it all. The football season was unreal. Crazy. It’s awesome. I have something to always feel good about.”
Peters has always been comfortable on the court. He picked up basketball several years before he became a lineman in fifth grade. At 6-6, 225 pounds, he has a body perfectly suited for basketball.
“That’s my critique. I’m not big and bulky,” he said. “I always loved basketball so I didn’t think it would be easy to play being big. I was able to function during the football season though. (Size) was not a problem but obviously I will have to gain some weight.”
That is because Peters will play football at the next level. He will continue his career at Washington University.
“It’s going to be hard to give up the basketball but I am not going to miss all the running,” he said.
Adjusting socially and academically will not be difficult for Peters.
His brother, Tom, attends the college. He also played basketball at Mt. Lebanon.
“It’s exciting,” he said of being back in school with his sibling. “I also really like St. Louis. I’m going for academics though.”
Peters owns a 4.6 GPA and plans to attain a business degree.
“I think I will do pretty well but I don’t think I will be the smartest person in the room there by any means,” he said. “I’ll hold my own though.”
Petes is holding his own on a basketball team that has qualified for the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs. The Blue Devils were 12-8 overall and in position to clinch a share of the Section 2 title heading into a game against rival Upper St. Clair.
The Blue Devils were 6-3 in section after a 47-28 win against Bethel Park Feb. 8. In the win, Peters scored seven points, dominated the glass and helped contain the Hawks’ top scorer, Dolan Waldo, who finished with 12 points.
“We are glad Joey is playing basketball,” said David.
A four-year varsity letter winner, Peters played during the summer in the recreational basketball leagues but he was not available to the team until mid-December because of the extended football season.
“He’s just coming around,” David said. “Joey brings a lot to what we do. He’s laid back and unassuming but he does whatever needs to be done. He wants to work. He wants to battle and he wants to win.”