Often, Weatherly’s Ian McKeegan was the smallest player on the floor during a Wreckers basketball game.

But many times, he turned in the biggest performance.

McKeegan, at just 5-7, averaged 19.75 points a game this past season, hit 40 three-pointers and helped his team post a 16-9 record, including a trip to the District 11 Class 1A final and a berth in the state playoffs. He also chipped in with nearly five rebounds, four assists and two steals per contest.

He was named to the Schuylkill League’s First Team All-Star squad to cap off an outstanding career in which he scored 1,323 points.

McKeegan’s year wasn’t just recognized in his league and district, as the senior was recently selected to the Pennsylvania Sportswriters’ Boys All-State Team as a Class 1A third team selection. He was the only Times News area player to earn All-State status.

“Ian dedicated his life at an early age to being the best basketball player he could possibly be and he never stopped working at it,” said Weatherly head boys basketball coach Luke Medico. “He made noticeable improvements every year.”

The numbers verify his coach’s point.

The crafty guard upped his average from 12.35 points per game his sophomore season to 17.92 during his junior campaign. Despite being the focal point for most opponents, McKeegan was able to once again increase his scoring as a senior.

“When they talk about the phrase ‘ball is life,’ it sums up how Ian operates,” added Medico. “Being only 5-7 and ending up the boys’ fifth leading all-time scorer (at Weatherly) and making third team all-state is a true testimonial of the results that happen when you choose to have no excuses and put in the work. He could have easily just given up, but he never did.

“His accomplishments are truly admirable. My hope is that kids can see the proof of what’s possible when you focus, work, and have no excuses.”

McKeegan’s improvement year-to-year didn’t just result in individual results. Those efforts helped the team continue to get better.

The Wreckers were a combined 3-42 during McKeegan’s first two seasons, before enjoying a 14-12 mark in his junior campaign. The 16 wins this season were the most by a Weatherly boys team since 2005-06 when they were 17-11.

While McKeegan is done donning the Black and Orange, he will forever be a Wrecker.

“It was an absolute pleasure to have coached Ian for the three years,” said Medico. “He will certainly be missed on the court. Off the court, when you play basketball at Weatherly you gain a second family and we are honored to have him as part of it for life.”