Mar 2, 2022 2 min read

Name: Dylan Rogers

School: Fort Cherry

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Rogers’ week: With only one good ankle Rogers scored a career-high 29 points to help the Rangers down Winchester Thurston, 80-61, in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs.

The 6-2 senior guard, who plays wide receiver on the Fort Cherry football team, suffered sprained ankles to each leg, one in football season and three in basketball season. The injuries kept him out of last week’s 80-52 win over California in the first round of the playoffs.

“I’ve had a few games where I hit 26 points, but 29 is my highest,” Rogers said. “I’d say coaching and chemistry have been why we’ve been successful.”

Rogers and fellow senior guard Owen Norman form a devastating 1-2 punch that has helped Fort Cherry win 14 games in a row and advance to Saturday’s WPIAL championship game against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The Rangers have a 23-2 record, the first time a Rangers team has won at least 20 games since the 2004-05 season.

“Owen is my best friend,” said Rogers.

Fort Cherry head coach Eugene Briggs says Rogers is strong taking the ball to the basket and drawing fouls.

“Early in the year, he had trouble making free throws,” said Briggs. “Now, he is pretty proficient there.”

Against Winchester Thurston, Rogers sank 10 of 11 free throws to help turn the game into a rout.

Briggs said the team depends on Rogers and Norman for points, which turns games into victories.

“Always at least one of the two plays well, but it’s a great help when they both play well,” said Briggs.

Briggs said the two are especially strong defensive players.

“Dylan anticipates well,” Briggs said. “He’s a real good help defender.”

Briggs said Rogers and Norman have been given the nicknames, Milk and Honey, though the Fort Cherry head coach is unsure which one is Milk and which one is Honey.

“They have become buddies so it helps out, too,” said Briggs.

Compiled by Joe Tuscano

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