On Tuesday, June 2, 2015, Abington senior Matt Penecale was recognized at a special college signing event for signing a letter of intent to play basketball at West Chester University. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery by clicking on the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/g/060215_signings_19_mjs
Matt Penecale – West Chester University (Basketball)
Guard (6-3, 190 lbs.)
Major: Physics
Final list of colleges: West Chester, Swarthmore, Rochester, Vassar, Temple
Reasons for choosing West Chester: “I took an official visit and played ball with the guys there. I loved the whole experience. I could really see myself fitting in with the team. The coaches are great, the location is great, and financially, it was a no brainer. Everything just felt right.”
What was the progression that led you to playing basketball at the collegiate level? “It was always a dream ever since I started playing. Sophomore to junior year I started hearing from colleges, and I realized if I kept working hard I could play at the collegiate level. I’m thankful I am.”
The scoop: Matt Pencale leaves Abington as one of the winningest and most prolific boys’ basketball players in school and Suburban One League history. A four-year starter, Matt scored 1,214 points, which ranks fifth all-time in Abington history. An all-league first team selection as a junior and senior, Matt guided the Ghosts to three straight SOL National Conference championships. Since the 2011-12 season – Matt’s freshman year, Abington is 56-6 in the SOL National Conference and currently boasts a 38-game winning streak in conference play. Over the past four seasons, the Ghosts are 95-24 on the hardwood with four straight appearances in the PIAA Class AAAA state playoffs and three trips to Temple’s Liacouras Center for the District One semifinals. The Ghosts advanced to the 2014 PIAA Class AAAA semifinals and advanced to the District One AAAA championship game. Matt was named the Class of 2015 Student Order of the ‘A’ winner and a 2015 William F. Dannehower nominee.
Coach Charles Grasty says: “It was great to have Matt four years - especially this year and last year, having him as captain, leading the program in the right direction, having kids look up to him. He was a positive role model in our community. Matt was just awesome.
“He did everything. He was a kid that sacrificed points for us when he had to. He played the four for us as a freshman. He was a 6-1 kid coming in as a freshman, his head’s spinning, and he just wants to be on the court. He just helped us out and did whatever we asked him to do. He led us in assists, got his thousand points, rebounded when we needed him to and always defended the other team’s best player. He did it all.”
About Matt:
Most memorable moment at Abington: “Winning the district championship”
Favorite class: Physics
Career: Engineer
Favorite food: Fettuccini Alfredo
Favorite movie: The Dark Knight Rises
Most played song on iPod: “Let the Beat Build” by Lil Wayne
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