Radnor guard Vinnie Kelly is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The senior guard is averaging more than 11 points per game, and is one of Delaware County’s leading three-point shooters, hitting on more than 30 treys with a percentage over .420. One of his treys was a last-second shot to beat host Harriton Jan. 20. He is also an excellent student and a member of the National Honor Society.

Q: Can you describe the last-second three-pointer you hit to beat Harriton, and how the play developed?

A: We had called a timeout with a little over five seconds left. Coach [Chris] Monahan drew up a play where I would start on the low block and come off two screens set by Jake Bodenger and Mason Ressler. My job was to read the screens, get open, and ultimately take the last shot. Mason and Jake both set perfect screens that allowed me to create space and for Alex to hit me in the left corner. After I caught the ball, Alex came right down and set an on-ball screen and I came off and hit the three at the buzzer. It was an incredible team effort and comeback.

Q: What do you think has been the key to your success at 3-pointers this season?

A: Our guards, Mike Li, Alex Hino, Sami Ghazzi, Mason Ressler, and Jack Thompson all do a great job of getting into the lane and drawing the defense in, which allows me to get open looks. They have consistently given me passes right in rhythm that makes it a lot easier on me. In addition, Coach [Chris] Monahan calls a lot of plays for me, where I am coming off screens and getting open. Our big men, Jake Bodenger, Vernon Harper, and Billy Donahue are great at setting screens that allow me to get open looks. In addition, all my teammates and coaches give me confidence to continue to shoot the ball, which is very important to me.

Q: What (to you) has been the most memorable game of your Radnor basketball career so far? Can you share with us your most vivid memory of it?

A: Our win over Strath Haven in the season finale last year was pretty exciting.  I had a career high 28 points; 13 of which came in the final three minutes of the game.  This game was a big confidence-booster going into the off- season. The win over Harrition [Jan. 20] was definitely the biggest and most memorable win of our season.  We were down 11 points with only three minutes to play and with our season in the balance, we were able to hang tough and come back for the win. I think this win says a lot about the character of our team; especially the leadership of our senior group, and really bodes well for us down the stretch.

Q: You wear uniform No. 3 — is there a reason you chose that number, does it carry any special significance to you?

A: Not initially; but I am a huge fan of Duke’s Grayson Allen who wears No. 3.  I love his all-around game, especially his toughness and the confidence he plays with.

Q: Who are your favorite basketball players? Are there any players that you try to pattern your game after?

A: Stephen Curry is my favorite basketball player. Steph, like me, is relatively small, yet his impact on the game and his team is massive. Besides being able to shoot with remarkable efficiency, he is always making his teammates better. In my own game, I try to emulate Steph by also striving to shoot the ball at a proficient rate, yet always look to make the extra pass, attempting to turn a good shot in a great one.

Q: What sparked your original interest in basketball? Who have been your biggest basketball mentors, and what was the important thing each of them taught you?

A: From rebounding for me in the driveway, to taking me through workouts and being my coach throughout my youth, my Dad definitely sparked my original interest in basketball. He taught me the fundamentals of the game, how to play unselfishly, and be a leader on and off the court. I cannot thank him enough for his guidance and for facilitating my love for basketball. Additionally, my older brother Nick, who plays at Dickinson College, has been a big part of my development. Being only two years older than me, we always were playing and pushing each other.  He has taught me how to be tough, and he instilled a drive to be better.  Lastly, Coach Monahan has been an instrumental mentor and helped take my game to another level. His emphasis on attention to detail and being mentally tough are two aspects that tremendously aided my growth as a player. Most importantly he has taught me how to work hard and be accountable for my actions. Both of these things will carry over into other endeavors in my life and I would like thank him for being my coach and mentor for the last four years.

Q: What do you consider the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you working the most on currently?

A: The strongest parts of my game are shooting, having a strong basketball I.Q., and being a leader on the court.  Currently, I am working hardest on moving without the basketball, and playing stronger team and one-on-one defense.

Q: Do you want to play basketball in college? What are your favorite colleges at present? What do you think you’d like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: I would love to play college basketball at a top academic Division III program. Unfortunately, I missed the Spring/Summer AAU and Elite Camps with a shoulder injury, which really impacted my exposure. I am strongly considering a Post-Graduate year if the right opportunity does not present itself for next season.  I am planning to major in business in college and am very interested in pursuing a career in sports management or the financial services industry.

Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in other than Radnor basketball?

A: I am a youth basketball coach in the recreational league and camp counselor during the summer. At Radnor, I am a member of the National Honor Society and various other clubs.

Fun facts – Vinnie Kelly

Favorite book: The Great Gatsby.

Favorite author: Michael Lewis.

Favorite TV show: Entourage.

Favorite movie: Hoosiers.

Favorite athlete: Stephen Curry.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite pre-game meal: Grilled Cheese, Naked Juice.

Favorite color: Blue.

Born: Feb. 9, 1998 in Wayne, PA.

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)