Here's the unabridged version -- with more questions and answers -- of the interview with Red Lion's Cory Bray. He's our YAIAA Division I Boys' Basketball Player of the Year.
By STEVE NAVAROLI
Daily Record/Sunday News
Cory Bray never gets tired of basketball.
In fact, the Red Lion guard traveled to Rhode Island to compete in an AAU tournament just a few weeks after finishing the high school season.
It is that love of the game, along with his dedication and competitiveness that grabs attention.
Of course, his numbers are pretty good, too — Bray averaged nearly 17 points per game while helping lead the Lions to YAIAA Section 1 and playoff championships.
Now, we put the Daily Record/Sunday News Division I (Sections 1 and 2) Basketball Player of the Year to the test:
What was the highlight of your season?
Probably winning the county championship, beating York Catholic after they beat us. We wanted to beat them coming off our only loss of the (regular) season.
Not including yourself, who would you pick for Division I player of the year?
(Red Lion teammate) Grant Becker. He does a lot for our team.
Did you exceed your expectations this year?
Personally, I had a lot better year than I thought I would. I shot the ball better than I thought I would. I shot with a lot of confidence. Team-wise, I don’t think anybody expected what we did. Hopefully we can do that next year.
You have won a lot of games in your career so far, how do you explain it?
It all starts with Coach (Parrish Petry). He is always doing stuff for us. He puts in a lot of time for us.
What opponent did you enjoy matching up with?
Tim Llewellyn of West York. I know him pretty good; we are friends. He is one of best defensive players in the league. It’s always fun going against him. In years past he always had my number. It was nice getting one up on him.
The Red Lion girls’ team has also been successful. Was there a competition between the two teams?
It was more of a friendship type. I would always talk to (Red Lion girls’ star Meggan) Quinn and tell her if she didn’t score 40 points not to come back to school. We would always joke like that.
What teammate would you want with you in a sticky situation?
Either Grant (Becker) or Noel (Vega), just because they will step in front of you and pick whatever battle you want them to for you.
What do you think you will be doing at this time next year?
Hopefully knowing what college I am going to and then I can concentrate on playing basketball.
What was written on your game sneakers?
All kind of stuff is written on them. I got the idea from (former Northeastern standout) Levi Winters (when I) was a freshman playing with Northeastern.
Do you prefer NBA or NCAA basketball?
The NCAA overall, unless the Lakers are playing. It is more fundamental and more basketball-oriented.
What music is in your MP3/CD player now?
Eminem. I listen to pretty much anything by him.
What is your favorite TV show?
I don’t really watch too much TV except right after school. “Boy Meets World.� I am a big fan of that show.
If you watch a movie, what type do you prefer?
I am a pretty big comedy fan.
What would you like people to say about you as a player?
That I am really competitive.
Leave a comment