Coppola makes his mark on Wheaton's court
Joshua O'Dell
Issue date: 2/11/09 Section: Sports
As the Wheaton College men's basketball season has progressed, one must take notice of the incredible play by sophomore guard Anthony Coppola '11. Coppola is 6'1, from Watertown, MA, and is a major component to this year's Wheaton squad.
Last season Coppola made it to the Wheaton record book at seventh for most points on a season with 500 points in his freshmen campaign. He also achieved second at Wheaton in three point field goal percentage for a season with .472. Coppola's outstanding play was also noticed by the league. For the 2007-08 season Coppola received ECAC Division III New England Rookie of the Year, D3hoops.com Northeast Region Rookie of the Year, D3hoops.com All-Northeast Region honors, NEWMAC Rookie of the Year, and NEWMAC All-Conference honors. Coppola is proud of these achievements, but knows he can improve. If possible the standout would like to achieve being player of the year in the conference. Another major goal would be "win[ning] the NEWMAC tournament and mak[ing] the NCAA's."
Coppola has tasted glory before. With his time as captain at Watertown High School, he proudly helped his team to win the state championship. Of the accomplishment Coppola says, "It was real cool to be able to do something like that for your home town."
Recently, Coppola is leading the team in scoring through nineteen games with 365 total points and averaging 19.2 points per game. The sophomore is also leading the team in steals with 31 total and averaging 1.6 steals per game. He is second on the team in assists with 44 on the season with a 2.3 assist per game average. Coppola has been continuing his success on the court this season. Versus Springfield College, Coppola led all scorers with 19 points. He helped the team with a late three to break a tie and give the Lyons a lead which they then held for a victory.
Looking ahead at this young basketball player's career is promising for the Lyons. Coppola is on pace to do some major damage in school records. Coppola already has amassed 865 points in a Lyon's jersey. He is on pace to be one of Wheaton's all-time scorers.
One might think that in a long, strenuous basketball season, the wear and tear may be too much. Coppola is ready for the challenge, "The desire to win and move on to the post season is really what keeps me going; but also just trying to stay healthy and strong by eating right and working out." The sophomore guard loves the game so much; he even aspires to play in Europe after his time at Wheaton.
The Lyons have been doing well in this season going 12-7 overall and 4-2 in NEWMAC standings. Coppola would like the team to continue on its success with a win Saturday, January 31st at NEWMAC opponent MIT. The Lyons play only NEWMAC opponents for the remainder of their schedule.
Last season Coppola made it to the Wheaton record book at seventh for most points on a season with 500 points in his freshmen campaign. He also achieved second at Wheaton in three point field goal percentage for a season with .472. Coppola's outstanding play was also noticed by the league. For the 2007-08 season Coppola received ECAC Division III New England Rookie of the Year, D3hoops.com Northeast Region Rookie of the Year, D3hoops.com All-Northeast Region honors, NEWMAC Rookie of the Year, and NEWMAC All-Conference honors. Coppola is proud of these achievements, but knows he can improve. If possible the standout would like to achieve being player of the year in the conference. Another major goal would be "win[ning] the NEWMAC tournament and mak[ing] the NCAA's."
Coppola has tasted glory before. With his time as captain at Watertown High School, he proudly helped his team to win the state championship. Of the accomplishment Coppola says, "It was real cool to be able to do something like that for your home town."
Recently, Coppola is leading the team in scoring through nineteen games with 365 total points and averaging 19.2 points per game. The sophomore is also leading the team in steals with 31 total and averaging 1.6 steals per game. He is second on the team in assists with 44 on the season with a 2.3 assist per game average. Coppola has been continuing his success on the court this season. Versus Springfield College, Coppola led all scorers with 19 points. He helped the team with a late three to break a tie and give the Lyons a lead which they then held for a victory.
Looking ahead at this young basketball player's career is promising for the Lyons. Coppola is on pace to do some major damage in school records. Coppola already has amassed 865 points in a Lyon's jersey. He is on pace to be one of Wheaton's all-time scorers.
One might think that in a long, strenuous basketball season, the wear and tear may be too much. Coppola is ready for the challenge, "The desire to win and move on to the post season is really what keeps me going; but also just trying to stay healthy and strong by eating right and working out." The sophomore guard loves the game so much; he even aspires to play in Europe after his time at Wheaton.
The Lyons have been doing well in this season going 12-7 overall and 4-2 in NEWMAC standings. Coppola would like the team to continue on its success with a win Saturday, January 31st at NEWMAC opponent MIT. The Lyons play only NEWMAC opponents for the remainder of their schedule.
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