Isaac Blatt was one of only a couple of juniors named to Lebanon Sports Buzz’s preseason Al-County boys’ basketball squad. And Blatt had the type of season that did nothing to dispel that recognition.

Blatt’s 11th-grade campaign came to a close on Monday, when he and his Palmyra boys’ basketball team endured a 45-44 home setback to Gettysburg, in the opening round of the District Three Class AAA tournament. But Blatt and the Cougars did not go quietly – or without a fight.

With an eye on the quarterfinals, Blatt almost single-handedly placed the Cougars on his back late in the third quarter, after being taken down hard while attempting a dunk.

The athletic 6-6 forward notched Palmyra’s initial eight points of the final quarter, as the Cougars transformed a six-point hole into a 37-35 advantage. Blatt turned an offensive rebound into an old-fashioned three-point play, he drilled a three-pointer from the top of the arc, then jammed home another put-back bringing the Palmyra faithful to their feet.

Blatt, also an accomplished baseball player for Palmyra, possesses a unique skill set for hoops. An explosive first step, long arms, sharp shooting eye, tough handle and excellent court vision make him a force to be contended with on both sides of the court.

– Jeff Falk