Little Lions' Morse garners first-team all-state honors

Willie Morse wanted nothing more than for the State College boys' basketball team to repeat as state champions.

He followed the team concept and played within the system, putting personal goals aside.

The funny thing is, by putting the team first, Morse still got noticed. The St. Bonaventure recruit was named to the Class AAAA all-state first team by the Associated Press on Saturday.

"It feels pretty dang good," Morse said. "I'm still in a little bit of shock.

"I've played all over the country with some of the best players and with my style of play, I didn't think I had the numbers. The way I play and the way our offense is set up, I'm not going to put up huge numbers. I'm thankful people saw that and respected that in my game."

Morse, a third-team selection last season, averaged a team-leading 14.7 points per game this season. A four-year starter for the Little Lions, the senior scored 425 points and connected for 51 3-pointers. He was 58-of-65 (89 percent) from the free throw line.

Morse finished his career with 1,497 career points, third-best in school history. He helped the Little Lions to the 2002-03 state championship, scoring 33 points in a 76-71 overtime win over Chester.

This season, Morse, the Most Valuable Player in Division 1 of the Mountain Athletic Conference, led the Little Lions to a berth in the PIAA semifinals. He scored 24 points in a 60-55 loss to eventual champion Penn Hills.

Over his four seasons, the Little Lions increased their win total each year, setting the school record twice. The Little Lions improved from 14 wins his freshman year to a school-record 26 his senior season. He helped the team to a then-school-record 25 wins as a junior.

"When you look at the big picture, it's been a good career," Morse said. "(The team's improvement) has just been tremendous. Going from 22 wins my sophomore year, to 25 and a state title last year, and 26 as a senior with a Final Four appearance, those numbers are extra rewarding for me."

Those numbers Morse attributes to the players he has been surrounded by over his career. Last season, it was Gabe Norwood, who just completed his freshman season at George Mason University. This season it was sophomore center Eric Meister, also a first-team MAC selection. Throw in two-time MAC defensive player of the year Jordan Norwood and Morse has reason to spread to the credit around.

"It's just been fun, pure fun, playing with those guys," Morse said. "I've been fortunate to have guys like Gabe, Jordan, Meister and (Jon) Stupar. They make your game better."

And it's those teammates Morse credits for this honor.

"Absolutely. It's a tribute to my teammates," he said. "This is an acknowledgment to them as much as it is for me. And coach (Drew) Frank, this is a tribute to him as well."

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