CRANBERRY TWP — Andrew Ammerman had to wait his turn — and did not mind a bit.

North Catholic's 6-foot-7 senior center, a Cranberry Township resident, has been with the Trojans basketball program for four years. He is in his first year as a starter.

“Actually, it's played to my advantage,” Ammerman said. “When you're tall, you play inside and playing inside is all about being physical.

“I've been able to use all of that time to get stronger in preparation for that.”

And he's responding.

Before producing 15 points and 13 rebounds in Tuesday night's 75-66 win at Knoch — his playing time limited by foul trouble — Ammerman had averaged 20 points and 20 rebounds in North Catholic's first three games this season.

He also played a role in the Trojans' run to the WPIAL Class 3A championship last year, a season that ended on a 20-game winning streak before the balance of the state tournament was canceled.

“He didn't start last year, but Andrew was getting starter's minutes, even though we had a solid center in Jackson Paschall,” North Catholic coach Dave DeGregorio said. “The biggest difference in his game this year is he's playing much more aggressively.”

Ammerman is a consistent free throw shooter and possesses a number of post moves.

His play is attracting college interest. Washington & Jefferson has already offered him. La Roche is interested as well.

Saint Vincent likes Ammerman as a volleyball player.

“He's tall at the net and hits left-handed,” his father, Jeff Ammerman, said. “That offers (volleyball) teams a different look.”

While his collegiate athletic opportunities may grow, Ammerman's desire to play a sport at the next level may not.

He plans to major in business once he gets to college.

“I'm still up in the air on that,” Ammerman said of his decision whether to play a sport in college. “I do have some opportunities. I'm just not sure if that's what I want to do.

“Even if I don't play for the school, I'll keep playing basketball, even if it's for a recreational team. I'm not planning on pursuing volleyball, but I guess that could change.”

If Andrew does not play ball in college, his father — who handles the varsity scorebook at North Catholic games — is asking him for one favor.

“I made him promise me he'd get into coaching someday,” Mr. Ammerman said. “There aren't a lot of guys out there who can work with big men like he could.

“Right now, he's just enjoying the moment, playing for his high school team, and that's fine. When this season's over, he'll be left with a lot of stories and memories.”

DeGregorio respects why a high school athlete may not want to continue playing in college.

“That's another world,” the coach said. “It's one thing to play high school ball. College basketball at any level is much more of a time commitment. It's definitely an adjustment.

“Andrew works hard and plays hard. He's been good for a double-double every night. That means a lot to us.”

Especially when the Trojans have effective 3-point shooters — giving Ammerman a key role in the team's inside-out game.

“When I post up and get the ball, I have to make split decisions,” Ammerman said. “Turn and go to the hoop, or who to distribute the ball to outside. We all work together that way.”

North Catholic has won 29 of its 32 games over the past two seasons.

“Andrew's been playing basketball since third grade,” his father said. “He played for St. Gregory in Zelienople. He's been at this for a long time.

“I know he's having a lot of fun playing with these guys. That's what counts.”

DeGregorio is happy to have Ammerman around for one more season.

“He does a lot of things well,” the coach said. “His fundamentals have really improved. You can tell he's worked hard in that regard.”