Joey Chapman of Reading High is Wyomissing PT Player of the Week
Wyomissing Physical Therapy Player of the Week
Joey Chapman has a new number to go along with his new game.
The Reading High senior has stepped up his play after seeing teammate Daniel Alcantara go down for the season with a broken hand. He’s moved into the starting lineup, assumed a role as a post defender and has become more offensive-minded.
“Joey’s evolved his game, where he’s finishing the floater, he’s making great passes,” said Reading coach Rick Perez after seeing Chapman score a career-high 19 points against Warwick in the District 3 Class 6A championship game Saturday. “It’s just amazing what he’s accomplishing.”
Earlier in the week he played a key defensive role, defending Cedar Cliff players six and seven inches taller in a 46-39 semifinal victory.
Chapman has been named Wyomissing Physical Therapy boys basketball Player of the Week for his efforts.
He hit 9-of-12 shots, grabbed five rebounds and had three assists against Warwick. He scored eight points in the final quarter as the Red Knights broke open a close game.
“Oh my goodness, he played great today,” said teammate Myles Grey. “There’s a lot of emotion for all of us. Joey, he came out here and played at a high level.
“He has a lot of experience. He’s a true leader. He leads with his emotions and his actions. I expect nothing less from him.”
Chapman, like many of his teammates, was emotional when the Red Knights took the floor for the first time without Alcantara in the semifinals.
He switched from No. 22 to wear Alcantara’s No. 21. He used those emotions to carry him to a standout defensive performance; he and center Xavier Davis combined to limit Cedar Cliff’s Tyler Houser to 10 points, about half is average.
Chapman, who came up as a point guard, isn’t tall but he’s strong enough physically to go against bigger guys in the post.
“Joey is just so versatile,” Perez said after the win over Cedar Cliff. “You can put him anywhere on the court and he’s effective. Today he just found his way in the high post. He made some plays defensively. He finished at the short corner. Where wasn’t Joey today? He’s gonna do whatever he can do for us to win.”
Chapman is the 12th Wyomissing Physical Therapy Player of the Week for the 2021-22 season and the fourth from Reading High this season. Ruben Rodriguez was picked twice and Myles Grey once.
Berks Conference coaches nominate their top player each week. At the end of the season a Wyomissing Physical Therapy Player of the Year will be selected.
Previously selected for Wyomissing Physical Therapy Player of the Week:
- Dec. 20: Matt Harley, Gov. Mifflin
- Dec. 27: Colin Payne, Exeter
- Jan. 3: Jake Karnish, Fleetwood
- Jan. 10: Myles Grey, Reading High
- Jan. 17: Danny Turchi, Oley Valley
- Jan. 24: Ruben Rodriguez, Reading High
- Jan. 31: Julian O’Brien, Wyomissing
- Feb. 7: Xavier Goodman, Kutztown
- Feb. 14: Danny Turchi, Oley Valley
- Feb. 21: Ruben Rodriguez, Reading High
- Feb. 28: Hector Tiburcio, Antietam
