Moon Named D-1 Boys Player of Year

In the eyes of his coach there is only one word needed to describe Adam Moon. Winner.

And when St. Mary's head coach Terry Viterna says that his base of reference isn't points and rebounds, though Moon got his share of both during a highly decorated high school basketball career.

"I only coached Adam this season but I have been around him for years and know that he's worked very hard for everything he's gotten. Adam plays the game with his whole heart and athletic ability, always wanting to win. He's a winner."

Huskerland Prep Report's Class D-1 player of the year not only rose above the competition, says Coach Viterna, but also rose above some of the crowds he played before. "Adam was taunted several times this season when he'd get knocked to the floor or have a foul called on him. He always kept his cool and played through all the garbage. For that as much as his basketball I am very proud of him and he's most deserving of this honor."

Moon's certainly got the numbers - 24.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game - helping St. Mary's to a 19-4 record, finishing one game short of a state tournament berth. St. Mary's qualified for state three times during Moon's career, winning Class D-1 with a perfect record his sophomore season.

Playing on a summertime traveling team since sixth grade, lifting weights, watching game video, working on the fundaments of the game, Moon immersed himself in basketball over the past few seasons. Not only has that helped him become a high school superstar but it also paved the way for him to earn a scholarship to play at Wayne State College, where he will study agribusiness.

"I found (trainer) Thomas Viglianco, and started doing workouts with him and he has become a good friend and mentor for me, " says Moon. "Also in the evenings after practice when I got home my dad and I would go to the gym and work on shooting, and post moves. He has always made time to work with me. Basically every time I could be in a gym I was there."

Winning the Niobrara Valley Conference championship three times in his career was a great memory for Moon - "it's one of the toughest conferences in the state" - and so was time spent with his former coach, the late Gary Chvala.

"I spent a lot of time with Coach Chvala, talking about basketball,and life, and last summer he told me I was going to break the school record this year for most points in a game," says Moon. "I did that this year with a 39 point game and I know Coach was cheering for me every step of the way. We talked a lot about grades, I have taken all of his advice and used it to become a better student, player, and person, I believe he would be proud of what's come of me."

Having great teammates was also a blessing, says Moon. "After a season that was filled with the hope of returning to the state tournament, when the buzzer sounded in the district semifinals I then realized this would be the last high school game I play with my team. I won't lie it hit me pretty hard but I realized how blessed I was to have such great teammates, great support from our school and fans, I have been very lucky to be part of such a great school."

Moon saved special praise for Coach Viterna.

"I would like to add is a big thank you to Coach Viterna for stepping up to be our coach this season, I know it wasn't easy but what I do know is he did everything in his power to help us have a successful season and I can't thank him enough. He will always be a friend of mine."