Four from Pennsbury commit to college sports
FALLS TWP. – Pennsbury seniors Maurice Stukes and Mark Flagg highlight a group of seniors who recently committed to collegiate athletic programs.
A 3-year starter who was 6-7, 350 pounds two years ago as a sophomore, Stukes is headed to the Division II East Stroudsburg University football program and Flagg is going to play men’s basketball at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
“He’s been a big part of our success,” said Falcons head coach Dan McShane. “We run the ball; it’s no secret and he’s a big part of that.”
Seniors Kimberly Bonar and Eric Kersten are also taking their respective games to the next level with Bonar headed to the Adelphi University bowling team and Kersten planning to run track and cross country at Lehigh.
Two years ago as a sophomore, Stukes helped the Falcons capture a District 1 Class 4A championship, part of an offensive line that cleared the way for running back Charles Snorweah’s 2,600 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns. As a junior, he helped Pennsbury to a district semifinal berth with wins over Downingtown West and Perk Valley.
“We lost a ton of kids to graduation last year and he provided some stability and leadership on the line this past season,” added McShane. “We’re going to miss him quite a bit.”
In addition to his position on the offensive line, Stukes was part of a goal-line package on defense. His size came in handy two years ago in the district championship win over Coatesville. Maurice helped stuff the middle when the Red Raiders were stopped from scoring the game-tying touchdown inside the 10 yard line with the seconds winding down.
He’s been on the field for goal line and short-yardage situations for the past three years,” added McShane. “It’s hard to account for him; it’s like having two bodies out there at once.
“He’s a massive man – a big man. He’s go in there and eat up a bunch of blockers.”
While East Stroudsburg runs a pass-first style offense, McShane believes Stukes has the smarts and athleticism to make the adjustment in college.
“He’s got long arms and long legs and he gets his hands on people,” said McShane. “It’s over is he gets his hands on you.”
For his part, Flagg led the Falcon boys basketball team back to the playoffs the past two seasons after the graduation of Cam Jones (Saint Peters), Derrick Woods (Saint Bonaventure/Delaware) and Mekhi Bryant (Baltimore County CC) in 2015.
Flagg led Pennsbury this season with 18.2 points-per-game, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 blocks-per-game. After the season, Mark was tabbed First Team All-Suburban One National League and Third Team All-State.
Bonar averaged 199 for the Lady Falcons’ bowling team this season, rolling a 708 series including 263 in game one at the SOL National Conference Championships February at Bristol Pike Lanes.
A distance runner, Kersten’s personal record in the outdoor mile is 4:41.03, he’s finished the 3,200 meters in 10:34.70 and his best time in a 5K is 15:50.
The entire list of Pennsbury student-athletes, the schools they are attending and the sports they will play is seen below:
Maurice Stukes, East Stroudsburg University, Football
Mark Flagg, St. Francis University (PA), Basketball
Kimberly Bonar, Adelphi University, Bowling
Eric Kersten, Lehigh University, Cross Country/Track
