Vincentian Academy player still shoots high

Playing basketball at a high level takes a certain amount of talent, mental toughness and dedication. Taking that and turning it into a championship season is what every player strives for.

Vincentian Academy guard Chris Koryak has managed to play at a high level and help his team win a championship, and he has done it single-handedly ... sort of.

"A week before the season started, we were practicing, and somebody ripped through the middle and dislocated the thumb on my shooting hand," Koryak said.

The injury might have hindered Koryak's production, but he still is playing at a high level, said Royals Coach George Yokitis.

Koryak often scores in the double figures, an accomplishment Yokitis calls "remarkable."

"Chris has to use his left hand a lot more and takes more inside shots, because he can't get the rotation on the long shots," Yokitis said.

Koryak said his thumb sometimes gets jammed and knocked around; there are times the pain prevents him from holding the ball.

"It kills me, but there isn't much I can do about it," he said. "I just ice it after the game and take an ibuprofen."

Koryak spent a great deal of time polishing his shot in the off-season, but he has used layups to tally most of his points. He often feeds forwards John Bray and Adam Dian for baskets.

"I try to score when John can't," Koryak said. "Or, I get inside and kick out to Adam and try for the putback."

Koryak came to Vincentian from St. Alexis and said Yokitis shared similar traits with his former coach. He said with Yokitis guiding him, his game has flourished.

"Coach Yokitis taught me to play 32 minutes and go all out," Koryak said. "Run till you're tired."

Koryak said the team plays great together, and because they are all friends, there is no selfish play or arguing.

Being able to contribute in spite of his injury has made this WPIAL championship season sweet for the junior guard.

"It's weird to think that right now, we are one win away from playing for states," he said.

Yokitis had plenty of praise for Koryak and his role in the team's success.

"I have such a high degree of respect for Chris," Yokitis said. "He never makes excuses or complains about his thumb. He is physically, as well as mentally, tough."