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P.O. Male Athletes of the Week: Cole Christian & Cade Whitfield


Through the first half of the season, it's become clear that Cole Christian and Cade Whitfield are two of the strongest players for Chambersburg's boys basketball team.

So when the Trojans finally broke through Cumberland Valley for their first Mid Penn Commonwealth Division victory of the season, it's no surprise it was thanks in large part to Christian and Whitfield.

The two combined for 42 of the team's 58 points in the win, and they are the Public Opinion Co-Male Athletes of the Week.

"I think first and foremost, both of those guys came out with a great sense of urgency," Chambersburg coach Shawn Shreffler said. "Their preparation before the game, both mentally and physically, they were really locked in. As the game started, I thought they just did a great job of playing off of one another really well."

In the defeat of CV, both Christian and Whitfield seemingly couldn't miss. Christian shot 6-for-12 (50 percent) from the field, which was bettered by only Whitfield's 72.7 shooting percentage on the night. He was 8-for-11 from the field, finishing with 19 points. Christian was also 10-for-10 at the foul line.

"Well, I'm getting great passes, so I have great opportunities to score," Whitfield said. "I don't want to try to do too much, so I'm trying to let the game come to me. I try to find space where teammates can pass it in to me, and I think we're sharing the ball extremely well."

Christian, in particular, has been an assist machine for the Trojans so far. He had nine assists in three games this week.

"Cole gets most of his notoriety from being able to score the basketball, but he's a really good passer as well," Shreffler said.

Christian said, "I think this week, we did really good with passing the ball. We've had a lot of assists and less turnovers, so as long as we can keep the turnovers down and keep sharing the ball, we should be good."

One of the best things about this duo for Chambersburg is their emotional leadership skills. Whitfield and Christian have emerged as the heart of this team so far.

"The last few years, we've talked about how we needed to be more vocal, and I honestly feel like he's one of the most vocal people on our team now," Whitfield said of Christian. "He can criticize you, but then come right back with a compliment. His energy at practice sets him apart; he wants to be successful."

Christian said of Whitfield, "He's grown into a pretty big leader on the team. He's been pretty hungry to play longer than just for the regular season. He's been a big factor in all that, and I know he's hungry."

Cole Christian, Chambersburg

Sport: Boys basketball

Grade: Senior

Position: Guard

Height: 6-foot-1

Parents: Carla and Ric Christian

Other interests: Cole is hoping to become a trainer when he's older.

Surprising fact: His favorite TV show is Dragon Ball Z

Favorite team: Milwaukee Bucks

Athlete most admired: Jabari Parker

Statistics: Christian finished with 49 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists in 3 games this week ... He shot 14-for-36 from the field and recorded 8 deflections.

Cade Whitfield, Chambersburg

Sport: Boys basketball

Grade: Senior

Position: 6-foot-1

Parents: Jenny and Shawn Whitfield

Other interests: Cade enjoys hanging out with friends, and playing Battlefield and Madden.

Surprising fact: He is in the process of joining the Coast Guard, and hopes to travel the world. 

Favorite team: North Carolina Tar Heels

Athlete most admired: Derek Carr

Statistics: Whitfield shot a staggering 15-for-26 (57.7%) from the field, finishing with 44 points in 3 games this week ... He also had 18 rebounds and 5 steals.