West Scranton’s Nate Schimelfenig (0) moves the ball past Nanticoke Area’s Ethan Ball (11) on Thursday at Nanticoke Area High School.
Nanticoke Area’s Mathias Mitchell (45) block a shot on West Scranton’s Nat Schimelfenig (0) on Thursday at Nanticoke Area High School.
West Scranton’s Nate Schimelfenig (0) shoots a three pointer over Nanticoke Area’s Mathias Mitchell (45) on Thursday at Nanticoke Area High School.
West Scranton’s Nate Schimelfenig (0) drives the ball between two Nanticoke Area defenders on Thursday at Nanticoke Area High School.
West Scranton senior Nate Schimelfenig.
West Scranton senior Nate Schimelfenig.
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West Scranton’s Nate Schimelfenig (0) moves the ball past Nanticoke Area’s Ethan Ball (11) on Thursday at Nanticoke Area High School.
WEST SCRANTON — Inside the cozy West Scranton High School gymnasium, basketball players are going through drills at a midweek practice.
Nate Schimelfenig hustles through, clapping and offering high-fives after each repetition. His encouragement energizes teammates.
For two seasons, the sharpshooting guard has built a reputation in the Lackawanna League as an impact scorer. Now, as his senior season reaches the midway point, he is a leader and game-changer.
His contributions helped West Scranton rebuild confidence while reaping some success for their work and commitment.
“Last year, I was stepping into a leadership role on the team, and to be honest, my leadership skills were not really there, so it was kind of tough,” Schemelfenig said. “We had some ups and downs. So, this year, I wanted to step up in that role for the guys. I am always trying to keep the guys together. We have a lot more energy and a lot more confidence.
“We are building a culture here, and that is most important.”
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Schimelfenig’s basketball journey brought him to the West Scranton varsity team three seasons ago. He had a smashing debut in a win over Dunmore by scoring 16 points that included four from beyond the 3-point arc.
West Scranton had some high points and finished 6-17 overall. Schimelfenig was the team’s second-leading scorer at 10.7 points per game, and he averaged 1.8 3-pointers per game. He had a team-high 15 points in a loss to Dallas in the District 2 Class 5A playoffs.
He was selected to the Lackawanna League Division I coaches all-star team as an honorable mention.
During the offseason, Mike Fazzi resigned as Invaders head coach and former Scranton star Hasiin Dixon took over.
Last season, Schimelfenig got off to a fast start. He led the Invaders to a 59-58 win over Nanticoke Area, where he led a furious late-game rally that included the deciding 3-pointer. His performance included eight 3-pointers and 33 points.
Within the Lackawanna League Division I, though, the Invaders endured some gut-wrenching defeats. They closed the season with a 66-27 loss to Wilkes-Barre Area in the District 2 Class 6A playoffs. Schimelfenig scored 13 points in the finale and was an honorable mention all-star for the second straight year, averaging 15.8 points per game and 2.6 3-pointers per game.
Schimelfenig spent time at the gym in the offseason. He wanted to become more than an outstanding long-range shooter. He built strength and speed and evolved into a scorer willing to take the ball to the basket.
“I needed to learn how to handle late-game pressure,” Schimelfenig said. “I needed to be more aggressive throughout the game. I had to attack the hoop and get to the foul line. I needed to be more confident. A lot of teams put the defensive pressure on me really high, so to get to the rim, it opens things up for my teammates, and then later in the game, it opens things up for me because they have to worry not only about my outside shot but also guard my drive.”
Eager to put his skills on display, he helped West Scranton battle Crestwood in the season opener, scoring 19 points in a 56-52 overtime loss to the Comets, who are leading the District 2 Class 5A power rating standings.
In the third-place game at the Jerry Finan Tournament, Schimelfenig scored 22 points in a win over Forest City. And he had 21 in a loss to Pittston Area.
He had a breakout game with 30 points and six 3-pointers against Nanticoke Area, and 30 points and three 3-pointers in a win over Mid Valley.
While he has enjoyed individual success, the most important thing for Schimelfenig is to earn wins.
During West Scranton’s first half of the season, Schimelfenig has done his part. He scored 19 points in an overtime win over Wallenpaupack that snapped the Invaders’ 20-game league losing streak.
“Getting that league win felt really good,” Schimelfenig said. “It meant a lot to us. We believe in ourselves more now, and we want to continue competing. We have to continue to build our energy and our confidence. Those are big things for us. We have to prepare in practice and lock in. We have to continue to believe in each other.”
Dixon appreciates the leadership Schimelfenig brings to the team.
“Just overall, the way that he has grown as a leader from last year to this year, he has grown tremendously,” Dixon said. “It’s been peaks and valleys, because when he goes out there as the all-league player that he is, I know that things can be tough sometimes. We have been competing this year, and I think we are a way more competitive team, and he has been at the forefront of that.”
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There are still 10 games in the Lackawanna League schedule and the Invaders want to have an impact on what is shaping up to be an exciting race for the Division I title.
That’s why Schimefenig remains a beacon of positivity at practice.
In his final year, while he hopes to continue his playing career at the collegiate level, he understands his experiences and opportunities to compete in a game he has loved are running out.
He wants to make each one memorable.
“This is coming fast,” Schimelfenig said. “We are already in the middle of the season. I can’t believe it. It is honestly crazy. Every practice, every game, I am lacing up my sneakers and going as hard as I can. I am leaving it out on the court every single game.”