Will to win
ADAMS TWP — As impressive as his tangible output is, there is one aspect of Robby Carmody's game that tops his statistics — his will to win.
“In both games against Moon this season (wins of 54-53 and 70-63), Robby blocked a shot late to help us win,” said Mars boys basketball coach Rob Carmody. “That's the thing with his skill set, he does whatever the team needs him to do.
“Our season ended on a Saturday (March 18) and by Wednesday, he was back lifting weights and then got back in the gym to get off shots. He's constantly looking for things to improve on.”
That drive and determination translated to 26.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and nearly four steals per game for Robby Carmody this year.
The junior guard raised his game to an even higher level in the Planets' five playoff contests, dropping 32.2 points and grabbing 13.6 rebounds per game.
“The other guys on the team knew I was more comfortable when we got into the postseason and they got the ball to me more,” said Robby, who has been named Butler Eagle Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Last year, Carmody shared the honor with teammate John Castello, who, along with 11 other seniors, graduated last spring. That mass departure included four of the team's five starters and seemed to leave Mars with a depleted roster entering this season.
But Robby Carmody didn't see it that way.
“I thought before the season that we had the chance to be a good team,” he said. “It was after our first game, when I saw what (senior guard) Ben Lewis was capable of, that I knew we could have a special run.”
The Planets did indeed turn in a memorable season, sharing a section championship before reaching the WPIAL Class 5A semifinals and state quarterfinals.
While Robby Carmody was the squad's unquestioned leader, Mars was by no means a one-man team.
“You can look at what he did with scoring and rebounding, but he showed confidence in his teammates,” Rob Carmody said. “That helped the younger guys grow up a little quicker.”
Robby Carmody is in the midst of a scholastic career that has attracted heavy attention from some of the top Division I college programs in the country. While he did not mention any school in particular, he did say that he has narrowed his choices down to 10.
“I hope to make a decision before next season,” he allowed. “During the season, I try to put the recruiting stuff in the background.”
While it is his ability on the basketball court that gets the attention, Carmody is determined to take full advantage of the college experience, including the academic side of it.
“At some point, the ball will stop bouncing and I will need something to fall back on,” he said.
Carmody still has one year left to finish leaving his imprint on Mars basketball. During his three years, the Planets have won a total of 66 games and have reached at least the state quarterfinals every season. It is the most successful stretch in the history of the program.
“It's unbelievable to think about,” he said. “I've been around Mars basketball my whole life and the team success is something I've wanted to be part of for a long time. It's really special.”
