Northgate High ran the table in league play last season but this season has not been as smooth for the Broncos as they are 12-8 overall while 4-2 in league. But the drop off cannot be attributed to the play of senior wing Jonny Crosthwaite.
At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Crosthwaite is averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds, as Northgate is still very much in the battle for the Diablo Valley Athletic League.
Earlier in the season, Crosthwaite had set his career game highs in points and rebounds as he had 35 points in a win against Richmond and 19 rebounds in a loss against Skyline. In addition, he has had two other 20 plus point games and nine double digit rebound games.
Crosthwaite has the ability to slash to the basket in addition to hitting the perimeter shot. He considers his defense to be his best skill as he can guard any perimeter player as well as post player. On an undersized team, this Bronco is expected to multi task in all aspects of the game.
This ability does not go unnoticed by Northgate High Coach Steve Mitchell. "First of all, Jonny is the most improved player that I have ever coached. He has gone from a good solid player to someone that the other team has to game plan for on offense and defense. Jonny has many strengths, but to me his number one strength is that he loves to challenge himself and has the utmost confidence that he will succeed. At 6-foot-4, he is extremely versatile, able to defend all positions on the court. On offense, he has worked very hard this summer to become someone who can score inside or out and has become a huge weapon for us. He is a true senior leader, vocal when he needs to be, but primarily leads by example."
During the past summer, Crosthwaite played for his Lakeshow 17 team. Crosthwaite worked hard on his ball handling skills as he believes that will be a skill needed on the college level. But his versatility in defense may be his calling card for the next level.
Lakeshow Coach Joe Fuca assesses his player. "Jonny is one of the most tenacious defenders I have coached in many years. Jonny loves the challenge of holding the other team's best offensive players to way below their season average. Jonny is an excellent rebounder and 3 point shooter. Jonny was very strong from the arc in the summer where he helped his team to a winning record." Adds Lakeshow Coach Terry Ahern, "I always put Johnny on the other team's best scorer and he did a great job of limiting their scoring. Because of his defense, I found myself playing him more and more in crunch time."
Cal Lutheran College, Chapman, Chico State, Emery Oxford, La Verne, Occidental, Willamette, and William Jessup have expressed interest in this 3.10 GPA and SAT eligible student athlete. He wants to play for a fast paced transition style but also has a huge emphasis on defensive play. Watch for this Walnut Creek, California prospect to cross over to the next level in the fall of 2012.
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