2 weeks Ago By Steve Bennett
When he came up to varsity as a freshman, there was no question Wilkes-Barre Area’s David Jannuzzi was going to take his lumps. Have the opportunity to experience the highs and lows of being the up-and-coming face of the Wolfpack basketball program that has expectations of winning every time it takes the court. But through his first two seasons, the point guard navigated not just the regular conference schedule, but the hardened nonconference games against some powerful teams from across the state.
As a junior, Jannuzzi applied what he learned from the first two seasons and had his best year, averaging 21.3 points per game. He shot 87.
7% from the free throw line and led the team in free throw attempts with 154. He also made a team-leading 48 3-pointers and reached the 1,000-point mark in a one-game playoff with Dallas to determine the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 overall championship. Winning the division championship was one of Jannuzzi’s goals.
As far as the rest of his high school career is concerned, he knows there is more work to be done. He is not yet a finished product, but is hoping to get there by the time he plays his final game in a Wolfpack jersey. Jannuzzi has been selected as The Citizens’ Voice Player of the Year.
He recently talked to high school basketball beat writer Steve Bennett on a variety of topics. Coming into the season what were your personal goals: Just to be named Player of the Year, win a district championship and win the division again. I was able to get MVP of the conference and Player of the Year.
You seem to always have the ball in your hands at crunch time. Is that something you like: It’s something as a player you work for, you work for the big moments in the game. You have to be composed in those situations.
I trust my work and ability to being able to have the ball in my hands at the end of the game. It is something I work for. What are some of the memorable moments from this season as far as the team is concerned: Winning the division championship over Dallas at Wyoming Area.
That was a big moment. I got my 1,000th point in that game. That was my favorite part of the season.
It seems you have a way to be able to draw an unbelievable amount of fouls on drives to the basket. Is that something that comes natural or is there a specific art to it that you work on: It’s kind of both. In past years I haven’t been able to get calls.
It is something I watch a lot of film on and make sure I’m on balance going to the rim. Just knowing I am going to be on balance and moving and driving helped me create a lot of foul. I am continuing to work on it as I continue to play more.
Hazleton Area seems to have the team’s number when it comes to the postseason. What is it going to take to get over the hump for next year: They 100% do at the moment. We just got to work a lot and come back and get them next year.
There is nothing we can do about it now, just work hopefully get a chance to see them next year.. What are your goals for the offseason: To put more work in through the AAU season and hopefully be blessed to receive an offer at any level to play college basketball to continue my academic and basketball career.
I want to make sure the team from school is committed for next year. What are some of the things you need to work on to come back a better player next season: I want to expand my range and be able to shoot a lot deeper more confidently. I need to get more athletic and stronger.
I have one year left of high school and after that it’s college. My size and athleticism has to take a jump..
