Amherst Regional senior Devonte’ McCall has been named the Daily Hampshire Gazette Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Amherst Regional senior Devonte’ McCall has been named the Daily Hampshire Gazette Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Credit: GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Devonte’ McCall, senior, Amherst Regional

2015-16 season highlights: The 6-foot-4 forward played every position for the Hurricanes. Averaged 21.1 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 4.3 blocks per game. Posted three triple doubles. Can play above the rim at both ends of the floor or step outside the 3-point line. Led Amherst to back-to-back appearances in Division 1 sectional finals. Will prep next year at Westminster in Simsbury, Connecticut.

McCall on what changed following a slow start to the season: “My confidence. I had a lot of confidence going into the season but I started slow. I went to the gym a lot with my dad. He helped with my confidence, shot making. … I think it was mental. If you see a few fall in games the rest start to fall. Just getting back to basics.”

McCall on the challenge of facing the area’s best players: “I love when I have a matchup with another good player, like when we play Jake Medina (of Chicopee) or Ty Malone (of Putnam). It’s the good competition. I love to compete on both ends.”

Coach Jim Matuszko on McCall raising his game: “A big turning point in the season was when (point guard) Kyle (Murray) got hurt. After that we had to re-evaluate goals and Devonte’ really stepped up and said he would do whatever it takes. He got out of the postman role and he opened it up. He worked really hard to get his shot down and I thought he did a really great job.”

BOYS BASKETBALL ALL STARS

FIRST TEAM

Kevin Banas, senior, forward, Smith Academy

Jacob Bihler, junior, forward, Hampshire Regional

Raphie Coleman, senior, guard, Easthampton

Zach Crisafulli, junior, forward, Easthampton

Justin Farrick, senior, forward, Frontier Regional

Zach Gorham, junior, forward, Granby

Devonte’ McCall, senior, forward, Amherst Regional

Meikkle Murray, junior, guard, Amherst Regional

Sam’i Roe, junior, guard, Hopkins Academy

SECOND TEAM

Joe Advey, senior, guard, South Hadley

Matt Babyak, junior, forward, Hampshire Regional

Elijah Davis, junior, guard, Northampton

John Earle, sophomore, guard, Hopkins Academy

Colby Forbush, senior, guard, Granby

Peter Kowal, senior, forward, Gateway Regional

Mitch Medina, sophomore, forward, Belchertown

Jon Morrison, sophomore, forward, Hopkins Academy

HONORABLE MENTION

John Bella-Hunter, junior, center, Amherst Regional

Calvin Bridges, sophomore, guard, South Hadley

Will Budington, junior, guard, Amherst Regional

Spencer Butterfield, senior, guard, Hopkins Academy

Connor Davis, senior, forward, Belchertown

Joe Desormier, junior, guard, Granby

Javonte Grant, sophomore, guard, Smith Vocational

Greg Laroche, junior, guard, Hampshire Regional

Shane Mastello, junior, forward, Gateway Regional

Brett Morrison, senior, guard, Hopkins Academy

Shy Torres, senior, guard, Easthampton

Max Walder, senior, guard, Northampton