“He’s the best point guard I’ve seen in 17 years,” said Torrington High head coach Anthony Turine, “he’s a winner.” Turine along with the majority of basketball coaches in the State feel the same way about Crosby’s Anthony Ireland upon being named TopBallerz.net High School Basketball Player of the Year.
Returning after a junior year where Crosby won the 2008 State Championship, the 6'1” Ireland averaged 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists throughout his senior year. Scoring 25 or more points in 17 of 20 regular season games, Ireland reached 1,630 points in his career highlighted by a 46-point effort against Ansonia High.
Crosby rode the shoulders of Ireland as they made their way back to the State Finals. A last second basket in the quarterfinals against then undefeated Hillhouse and a triple double (28 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds) in the semifinals against Stamford set up the game of the year against 22-1 Windsor. Hampered by an injured wrist, Ireland battled waves of defenders from the top ranked Warriors throughout the game. With only seconds to play and Crosby down by three, harassed by defenders, Ireland’s double-pump attempt from 20 feet out was his last shot as a high school player as the Bulldogs are defeated 72-69. “I had a good look at the basket,” said Ireland, “it just went in and out.” Finishing the game with 26 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assist, and 5 steals, Ireland was an easy choice for the All-Tournament Team.
With his high school playing career behind him, Ireland looks towards the future. The Gatorade State Player of Year finalist is being courted by Division I programs throughout the country. “This is obviously the toughest decision I will make to this point in my life; I am looking at a lot of information right now to make a smart decision.”
“I think he’s the best pound for pound player I’ve seen over the past two years” said Bernie Armstrong, TopBallerz.net Prep advisor, “put him on any team in the State and he’ll give them a chance to win.” A great scorer and all around player, Ireland’s best asset is his ability to make his teammates better. “For a guy that is so exciting to watch, he has a way of slowing everything down for his teammates when he steps on the floor. He gives them the confidence to win, he’s the ultimate leader.”
Ireland gave the fans of Crosby and basketball viewers throughout Connecticut a thrill for the past four years. We are confident he’ll make an impact next season.