Stranburg named Montrose Athlete of the Week

BY KATELYN SPELLMAN

Meteor Chronicle

BILL STRANBURG

As any athlete can attest, there are some games when he feels he can do no wrong. Whether it is sinking every three point shot he attempts or playing stellar defense, everything seems to go his way, and for Montrose senior Bill Stranburg, the Montrose versus Blue Ridge basketball game on Jan. 7 was just that.

“It was just one of those nights,” Stranburg said of his 32-point performance that included eight 3-pointers. “My shot just felt right; it felt like I couldn’t miss.”

For his strong play throughout the season and his performance against Blue Ridge, Stranburg has been named Athlete of the Week.

 “(Stranburg) is a hard worker,” teammate Colby Major, a junior, said. “Because he works so hard, he has a good shot; it’s flawless.”

Son of Carol and Steve Stranburg of Montrose, the 4-year varsity starter, began playing organized basketball in fourth grade. His exposure to the game, however, started much earlier.

 “I always played basketball with my older brothers and my dad in the driveway while growing up,” Stranburg said.

In the offseason, he hones his skills with the Susquehanna County based 21 Hoops Amateur Athletic Union team. This experience has helped him become a better player and has contributed to his success during the varsity season.

 “AAU keeps me playing during the off-season and allows me to play against better competition,” Stranburg said. “It definitely benefits my game.”

In the second half of Lackawanna League play which started last week, Stranburg and his teammates have avenged a first half loss to the first half champion, Lackawanna Trail, and are looking to capture the second half title and the overall league championship.

“We want to do well in our league and advance deep into the (District 2) playoffs,” Stranburg said.

Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Doug and Cindy Lattner of McDonald’s in Montrose.