Who's the best boys basketball player in the Patriot League? Local coaches weigh in

Reporters see the scores roll in every night and set our opinions aside in the name of journalism. It's a big part of the gig.

But this observation is factual. The Patriot League is loaded with high school basketball talent, both on the girls' and boys' sides.

Upon his team winning its 10th Patriot League Keenan Division title last week, longtime Whitman-Hanson boys coach Bob Rodgers stood a ladder beneath the rim and watched each of his players cut down a piece of the net.

"It's something that's a goal, and it's not an easy thing to do," Rodgers said of winning the title chase. "Especially in our league."

We wanted to dig deeper.

What do other coaches think of the Patriot League hoops landscape? We sent out a survey to the league's coaches (hailing from Whitman-Hanson, Quincy, North Quincy, Hanover, Pembroke, Silver Lake, Hingham, Marshfield, Duxbury, Scituate, Plymouth North and Plymouth South).

Here are the questions we asked, and the anonymous replies we received.

Note: Here is the girls basketball version of this story.

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1. Which Patriot League team/player has displayed the best sportsmanship?

"Difficult to single out one as there are many in our league that demonstrate the ideals of true sportsmanship."

"Silver Lake (boys team). At 0-13, their players still play extremely hard and display great sportsmanship all the time. A testament to the kids and their coaching staff."

2. Who is the toughest player to game-plan against in the Patriot League?

"Danny Adams, Quincy: Can score the ball at all three levels. Always the main guy on the scouting report, yet continues to put up big numbers. Besides scoring, he is a really good passer and can make plays on the defensive end as well."

"Michael Porter: Unlimited range and doesn’t take bad shots. Defends and plays team basketball."

"Danny Adams of Quincy. He's quick, can change speeds to keep defenders honest, and create his own shot from anywhere. He has a great college basketball career ahead of him."

"The hardest players are some of the guards like Kobe (Nguyen) at North Quincy or, when he is on, (Chase) Mello at Hingham or (Justin) LaChance at (Plymouth) South. (Danny) Adams at Quincy when he attacks."

"Kobe Nguyen from North Quincy: A tough player and competitor who is able to score in a variety of ways."

3. Who is the most underrated player in the Patriot League?

"Zach Falls from Duxbury: A tough player to matchup against. He has his strengths and plays to those strengths to maximize his game and impact to his team."

"I strongly believe (Justin) LaChance of Plymouth South does not get enough credit. Does everything on both ends and always finds a way to make a difference."

"Al Marzullo (Plymouth South): He's averaging 12 points, shooting 45 percent from 3 and averages 7 rebounds per game."

"Gerald Ellison, Pembroke: His motor is relentless, he gives his team 8-10 extra possessions every night simply due to his effort on the glass, and finishes well at the rim."

"(Ryan) Mutschler, Hanover."

4. Who is the best defensive player in the Patriot League?

"(Alex) Barlow, Duxbury."

"I don't know that anyone stands out this year, but team-wise, Scituate and Plymouth South can make things difficult for your team to score"

"Ryan Dunn, Scituate: Always draws the best player on an opposing team."

"Jake Brilliant (of Marshfield) is."

"Jake Brilliant from Marshfield: A tough in your face defender who has the ability to lock down the best players in the league."

5. Who is the best 3-point shooter in the Patriot League?

"Evan Yakavonis from Whitman-Hanson: Evan can shoot the ball with the best of them, but his ability to not only create for himself but also hit tough contested shots from deep is what separates him from the rest."

"Al Marzullo, (Plymouth South): Shooting 45% from 3 with over 50 attempts."

"Michael Porter, Scituate: His ability to hit shots over defense and from extended range."

"Scituate, as a team. No one specific player."

"Michael Porter, Scituate. Tyler Vincent, Hanover. Mike Scully, Marshfield."

"Michael Porter, Scituate."

6. Which Patriot League team will make the best push for the state title?

"Pembroke: Division 3 is wide open, and their style is very difficult to prepare for, especially for a team outside the league that has little time to adjust to it."

"Scituate or Hanover: Scituate's style of play could be difficult for many teams if they are able to control the game. Hanover being in Division 3 could help them make a run."

"Scituate: Talented team with great senior leadership. Scituate can win in various ways."

"Scituate in their division."

"Hanover: A Div. 3 school with the opportunity to play Div. 1 and Div. 2 teams regularly throughout the season. It should prepare them for postseason tournament competition."

"None. League is down this year and none can compete with the private (schools)."

7. What is one word that best describes the atmosphere of a Patriot League rivalry game?

"Thrilling."

"Electric."

"Intense."

"Passion or Intensity: In the rivalry games every possession matters and there is a tournament like atmosphere."

"Intense: Stakes are high and every player out there will play like it is their last game."

"Quincy vs. North Quincy."

"Physical."

"Intense."

"Electric."

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: South Shore boys coaches talk Patriot League high school basketball