Clearfield- The Beardsley League begins its third season this Tuesday, August 27 at the Clearfield YMCA.
It is a men’s pickup basketball league where new teams are drafted each season.
“The draft league has been a lot of fun the last two years. The draft levels out the competition to where all the best guys aren’t on the same team. Anyone can win on any given night. Last year there were multiple games that went to double/triple overtime. There’s a lot of guys who don’t play in the regular leagues that join the draft league because of the level competition. There’s a matchup for everyone”, said league commissioner, Seth Beardsley.
There are seven teams this year, one more added from the six last season. The team captains are Seth Beardsley (Green), Corey Bookhamer (Purple), Joe Davis (Orange), Max Kennedy (Blue), Coty Peters (Black), Katlyn Reitz (Red), and Chet Weyand (Gray). The schedule consists of a 10-week regular season with single elimination playoffs to follow. 2023 Champion, Coty Peters, looks to defend his title.
Key players to watch this season:
- Evan Brown – Coming off an MVP season, Brown is expected to make a large impact in the Red Squad’s success. Last season he led the league in rebounds and assists, and finished in the top 3 in scoring. He will be tough to guard. A true playmaker.
- Curtis Neff – The former Mo Valley standout is the definition of a game changer. There were multiple bouts last season where he brought his team back from large deficits to win games. When he gets hot, there is no stopping him. Defenders will lose sleep at the thought of having to guard him.
- Tyler Ferguson – An all-around big man with the size, skill, and IQ to take over the game at any point. A likely frontrunner in the 2024 MVP race. As long as he stays healthy, you can expect to see him at the top of the stat sheets. With his successful high school and collegiate career, as well as a many time YMCA League Champion, he knows how to win.
- Deondre Terrell – The 2023 scoring champ looks to reclaim his title. His midrange game and ability to get to the basket will be hard to stop. Sharing the front court with Tyler Ferguson on the Blue Squad will be a nightmare for teams to match up with. They are expected to make a deep run in the playoffs.
- Braison Patrick – A former 6th Man of the Year turned first round pick is expected to make a huge impact on both sides of the floor for the Orange Squad. BP can score at will and has the speed to matchup with a guard and the size to defend a big man.
- Dan Scutella – The Elk County Sharpshooter has been working hard in the offseason spending a lot of time in the weightroom. He will be a weapon on offense with his ability to get to the basket complimenting his smooth jumper. Scutella is just as active on the defensive side of the floor as his quick hands will contribute to many steals if the ballhandler is not careful.
- Christian LaParne– After spending some years away from the hardwood to focus on law, Christian is expected to make an immediate impact to the Green Squad’s offense. With his speed and ball control, he will be a floor general taking the game into his own hands.
- Chris Dotts – Another floor general, Dotts will be in charge of the Black Squad that was carefully curated by Coty Peters with some familiar faces. Dotts is no stranger to finding the open man and making a play. When the West Branch Alumni get in a groove, it’s hard to get them out of it.
- Melvin ‘Muzz’ Swanson – If there was a Mount Rushmore of Clearfield basketball, you would see Muzz’s face on there. After taking a year off, he’s back on the floor ready to go. His presence on the court makes the entire team better. Swanson will be the key to the Purple’s Squad’s success.
- Cody Spaid – When Spaid is on the floor, it’s a good idea to stay out of the key. A 2023 league leader in blocks, we are expecting another year of him protecting the paint. Offensively, he will be very difficult to guard in the post.
- Will Myers – Clearfield’s 2nd all-time leading scorer can take over a game at any time on the offensive end. Don’t give him too much room because he will knock the shot down. If he can make every game, expect to see his name towards the top of the list for a scoring title.
- Evett Maines – Returning for his second year on the Green Squad, Ev is going to be a great compliment to Will Myers with his scoring and will be a great compliment to LaParne as they run the floor. Not to mention he has grown a few inches from last season, his endless time spent on the court is showing.
- Josh Terry – A rebounding machine who finished in the top 3 leading rebounders last season. You can expect at least 10 boards a game from him. When a shot goes up, get a body on him or he will come down with the ball. Expect to see many second chances on offense when he’s on the floor.
Games are played on Tuesday nights at the Clearfield YMCA at 6, 7, and 8 PM in the downstairs gym. The league runs from August 27 – November 19.
To stay up to date with scores, stats, and league related content, follow @clfdrechoops on Instagram. For inquiries about the 2025 Beardsley League, email clfdrechoops@gmail.com.