Muhlenberg’s Edwin Suarez recognized as Berks’ top senior basketball player

By Mike Drago Last updated Apr 4, 2022

Edwin Suarez grew a couple inches from his sophomore to his senior seasons.

He growth as a basketball player during that time was exponential.

The 6-6 Muhlenberg center showed his expanded game as a senior, when he was able to dominate not only in the paint and on the boards but in the open court as well.

“I’m just so proud of him, watching him from his 10th grade year, where he was this flashy kid, to now where he’s a leader on the court and he’s making his teammates better,” said Muhls coach Matt Flowers Wednesday, after Suarez was named the Dr. Richard Kleppinger Award winner.

The Kleppinger Award, along with a $2,500 college scholarship, goes to the top Berks senior boys basketball player and is awarded by the Reading Berks Basketball Association. The Kleppinger trophy was first awarded in 1972; Fred Wittich of Mount Penn was the initial recipient.

Edwin Suarez, left, with Muhlenberg coach Matt Flowers.

Suarez, a two-time All-Berks pick who averaged 18.7 points and 11 rebounds this season, was honored at the RBBA Winter Shindig at the Victor Emmanuel Society.

Also honored Wednesday:

Kerry Ciatto received the inaugural Dr. Richard P. Flannery Award, for dedication and service to Berks basketball. Ciatto, a long-time educator and coach, succeeded Flannery as executive director of the BCIAA seven years ago.

Janet Trate received the Robert W. Harbach Jr. Memorial Award for her distinguished work as a Berks basketball official. She has officiated for over 30 years, and is the first female winner of the award.

Kyle Conrad, Mike Paulson and Mike Pfeifer received Distinguished Achievement Awards for their contributions to Berks basketball. Conrad played and now coaches at Gov. Mifflin. Paulson has officiated Berks basketball for over 30 years and has been rules interpreter for the Berks Chapter for 20 years; he also coached at Tulpehocken. Pfeifer is a Reading High grad who had a long playing career in the Navy and in local rec leagues.

Members of the 2022 Berks County Basketball Hall of Fame class were recognized: Lisa Auman, Bob Birmingham, Charlie Copp, Bill Kline, Joe Linderman, Don Sechler, Dick Sherry and Donna Werner Trexler.