ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jude Nocito, Dallas basketball

Dallas Jude Nocito shoots as Hazleton Areas Franklin Ritz defends during Thursdays game at Dallas High School.

DAVE SCHERBENCO/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dallas Jude Nocito looks to drive the ball past Hazleton Areas Franklin Ritz during Thursdays game at Dallas High School.

DAVE SCHERBENCO/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dallas Jude Nocito takes the ball down the court during a basketball game on Tuesday, Jan.

7, 2025.

(JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute logo Dallas Jude Nocito shoots as Hazleton Areas Franklin Ritz defends during Thursdays game at Dallas High School.

DAVE SCHERBENCO/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dallas guard Jude Nocito scored a combined 44 points in three games to help the Mountaineers remain undefeated in Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 boys basketball.

Nocito scored 33 points in a win over Hazleton Area on Thursday.

That victory came between wins over Pittston Area and Wyoming Valley West.

Nocito averages 17.1 points per game.

Three big wins this week, whats a three-game grind like: Its tough, but coach (Mark Belenski) has us ready.

We did a lot of conditioning before the season and we are ready.

Three games in a week is a lot.

We talk about the teams we are playing and coach always has us prepared.

How much did the Hazleton Area game mean to the team: That was huge.

We always believe that we can beat anybody.

That gave us a huge confidence boost.

Being one of two senior starters, how has your leadership role grown: Its fun.

We have a lot of young kids.

They give so much energy to the team, so it makes it easier for Jack Dale and myself.

Brady Zapoticky comes off the bench.

Having that kind of experience helps.

You had the chance to play with your older brother, Nick, and now your younger brother, Joey.

Describe those feelings: Its super cool just being able to experience both sides of it.

When I was a freshman, I learned so much from Nick.

I am able to carry on what Nick taught me to show Joey.

I dont know if I could be able to do it without Nick teaching me.

This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Mountaineers, how do you react to something like that: I knew what we had coming in.

We knew it was not going to be a rebuilding year.

We had Pat Flanagan, we knew hed do a great job.

Joey (Nocito) and Tyce Mason were coming up.

We never thought it would be rebuilding.

We were confident in the team we had.

Getting to Know Jude Nocito Year: Senior Hometown: Shavertown Age: 18 What are your hobbies outside of school: I like to golf a lot and hang out at Harveys Lake.

How would you describe yourself: Personable.

Pretty outgoing.

I like to have fun.

Favorite food: Pizza Dream vacation would be to: Hawaii What are your pre-game rituals: Take a nap before the game.

I like to listen to my dads Jimmy Buffett music.

Your dream prom date: Sydney Sweeney Favorite subject in school: Math What is your most embarrassing moment: I missed a wide open layup against Wilkes-Barre Area earlier this year.

The one thing nobody knows about you until now: Im a very picky eater.

Wont eat anything with ketchup, ranch dressing or mustard.

I dont like anything that has to do with sauce.

The team is coming over for dinner, what are you making: Chocolate chip pancakes and ramen noodles.

Favorite TV show: The Office Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting If you could choose one basketball player to play in a game of one-on-one, who are you choosing: Steph Curry In the future Jude would like to: Attend college at either Penn State or South Carolina, and would like to study something with business..

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