Maria Fantanarosa
- Post by: mcalibrary
- December 15, 2023
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
On November 23, 1981, Maria Fantanarosa, a very nervous freshman with an already considerable reputation as a basketball player, began her record breaking career. That first night she scored 28 points in a game against Minersville. A little more than 4 years later she broke Tom McMillen’s All-Time Pennsylvania High School Coring record in the same gymnasium in a game against Pottsville, In between she provided as much fun and excitement for area fans as you would consider possible.
Despite he individual records, Maria constantly referred to teams goals when questioned. He goal to be the first District Basketball Champion in the School’s History was realized in 1984 in a thrilling 71-71 victory against Middleburg. Thinking back over the four-year career, her play produced many sparkling memories; but none more incandescent or poignant than her effort in a losing cause against Kutztown in her final game. She had always seemed, despite her numerous scoring records, to be an almost reluctant shooter. But in this game, with her team seemingly hopelessly out of the game trailing by 13 points at half time, she lit up the gymnasium. She made 13 of 17 field goal tries in the second half. Practically all of them came while double and triple teamed. With 30 seconds to play and the game lost, coach Debbie Greco substituted for her. It game local fans one more opportunity to applaud and show their appreciation for the thrill she had provided. Soon the opposition fans joined in, and there was minute-long standing ovation in which the entire gym demonstrated their respect for her performance. It was one of those moments that make sports such a special part of American Life.
Some of Maria’s accomplishments include becoming the All Time State Leader with 3,823 points, previous record 3,608 by Tom McMillen of the Baltimore Bullets; Finalists; Converse All Stars All American Team in 1984; All Time State Single season scoring record-1,318 points in 1983.