When Joe Macciocco’s chance came, he was ready.
After barely seeing any varsity action as a sophomore in the 2020-21 season, the junior guard became Old Forge’s leading scorer during a run to a second straight PIAA state Class 2A semifinal appearance.
That effort resulted in Macciocco being named to the second team Tuesday when Pennsylvania Sports Writers announced their Class 2A boys basketball all-state team.
Following the graduation of four starters from the 2020-21 team, Macciocco knew the Blue Devils would be searching for offensive options.
“I knew I would have to come in and be one of the scorers,” Macciocco said. “That was what one of my roles was supposed to be.
“I was totally ready for it. I’ve been waiting on it to get into the lineup and be a bigger part of the team. I worked hard in the offseason.”
It showed.
Macciocco averaged 17.7 points during the postseason. He shot 46 percent from the floor and 73 percent from the line to finish at 15.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals for the season.
“I really hit the weight room around July and August and really tried to get quicker and stronger,” Macciocco said. “I tried to extend my range and really worked on my ballhandling, too.
“Being able to handle the ball under pressure was something I wanted to improve on.”
Following a slow start under first-year coach J.J. Thomas, Old Forge won 13 of 15 games on the way to an 18-10 finish.
