By TOM WILLIAMS

Connor Laverty was a very good basketball player. Only eight players in Ocean City High School history scored more points. He was an accurate three-point shooter, a strong rebounder and his dunks entertained fans for a couple seasons.

And he overcame a health scare in his freshman year.

Laverty was in biology class when he found himself struggling to breath. He asked to see the nurse. The school nurses at Ocean City High School – Rose Millar and Jill Geller – knew what was wrong. Millar also worked as an emergency room nurse. Laverty’s struggles to breath were caused by bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax. Both his lungs had collapsed because of holes in his lungs.

The nurses took quick action and the school locked down, not allowing anyone to leave their classroom so that the hallways would be clear to get help to Laverty as quickly as possible. He was rushed to the hospital where his breathing was aided. A couple weeks later his lungs were repaired surgically at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

“It was scary,” he said years later, “and I am so grateful that our nurses are as good as they are.”

They probably saved his life.

Laverty went on to Widener University where he also scored more than 1,000 points and was named the Player of the Year in the Commonwealth Division of the Middle Atlantic Conference. He had begun a coaching career on the college level when another health scare entered his life. He had cancer and this health scare was too much to overcome. After a difficult struggle, he died last week.

Here are what some people you know remember about Connor Laverty.

Scott Bittner, Stockton University mens basketball coach: “Still trying to make sense of the loss of Connor and come to terms with losing someone so young with so much life to live. I got to know Connor early in his high school career. He would come over to Stockton so I could work him out on his basketball skills. I immediately took to Connor and his love for the game and his desire for daily improvement.  When he was making his college decision – while I would have loved to have him at Stockton – there was no doubt that I felt Widener with my great friend Chris Carideo was the right place for him. 

That turned out to be a great choice. He became a great player at Widener and one that made so many people fond of him.  Connor and I kept in touch, and I was honored when he called picking my brain regarding coaching and wanting to get into the business. I was happy and eager to try and help him get a few interviews but again thought he made the great choice to return to Widener in that capacity before moving on to Seton Hill. All these thoughts are in my head as I try to comprehend his death.  My thoughts are with his family, who are such great people, and with his close friends. I immediately thought of Noah Gillian, with whom he had a brotherhood that reminded me of my friendship with Chris Carideo.” 

Sean Jamison, high school teammate: “Connor was an incredible human being and an exceptional friend. One of the qualities about him that I most admired was his ability to talk to anyone about anything. I attribute this skill to the way he listened. The way he would ask questions and answer showed that he genuinely cared about what you had to say. Often, he and I would call each other for no other reason than to enjoy each other’s company. I can confidently say that I would not be the brother, boyfriend or friend I am today without his friendship.

Nothing brought me more joy than to spend the evening watching sports, usually basketball, and talking with Connor. Our conversations ranged from basketball philosophy to coaching to relationships to life and usually ended with us discussing the next time we would see each other. While the future didn’t pan out as expected, I know Connor will forever be a part of me and that one day I will see him again.”

Andrew Donoghue, high school teammate: “This is horrible news. Connor was an outstanding teammate whom I looked up to as a player and leader. I am honored to have been his teammate at OCHS and enjoyed following his success into his college career. Off the court he was a hilarious coworker at our summer job where we made plenty of memories that I will relish forever. Connor has left a mark on my life that I am more than thankful for. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Andrew Bristol, high school assistant coach: “Such a rough day. Conner was everything a coach wants in a player. Yes, he was a great basketball player. But we see a lot of those. Connor was much more . He was loved by every coach, every teammate, every classmate, every teacher. He was genuine. So coachable. You never had to tell him twice. And he led. He led by example and he was vocal. But because he was so liked he never had to yell at his teammates to work harder or to motivate them. If he talked, they would listen. Connor Laverty is the reason people coach. He made you proud. He made you realize he appreciated you. And I was proud of what he became and appreciated the player he was.”

Luciano Lubrano, high school teammate: “When I reflect on Connor he always had a great relationship on & off the court with everyone on the team which made it easier for any teammate playing with him. After high school we all continued playing with each other every summer in summer leagues which made even more memories. Watching him lead and play made it easy for people to follow. One of the best teammates I’ve ever had. Even after high school we kept close and followed each other’s careers. I was always excited to see him have a good game, and likewise. I’ll miss him more as ‘my boy’ than playing with each other because we built a good bond off the court, as well. Still feels surreal.”

Garrett Jones, high school teammate: “I had the honor to play basketball with Connor Laverty for three years at Ocean City High school. We shared a lot of memories together, from being the youngest on the court as sophomores to the oldest as seniors. The one memory that stands out the most would be the game against Middle Township our senior year. We had not been able to beat Middle in 11 years. But that day, in overtime, we completed the mission! Conner was lights out in the first half, pouring in 20 points. His energy was through the roof, I couldn’t believe how he made most of his shots. But he had no signs of slowing down. He was hyped up – jumping, yelling, shooting. He really sparked us all that day. He was our captain, our leader and, most importantly, our brother. I will miss him dearly. I had hope of the team coming back together again for the summer to play the game that made us as close as we were. Now picking up a ball only brings me memories of you, Connor. I love you, C-bear! RIP,21! 

Patrick Holden, college teammate: “I cannot believe this news. I’m devastated and lost for words. Absolutely awful….this all happened too fast. Connor and I played against one another in high school. We later went onto play at Widener together for two years. Then he was on the coaching staff for one year after he graduated. On the court he was an incredible teammate. A true leader and very talented player. His stats and our team’s achievements speak for themselves. But more importantly, he was a great person. At Widener, the team spent a ton of time together off the court. The memories that I have with a Connor I’ll never forget and will cherish the rest of my life. My heart goes out to his family & loved ones.. all very good people. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.”

Luke Varallo, high school teammate: “My thoughts and prayers go out to Connor’s family during this time of mourning. Being introduced to the high school basketball team as an incoming freshman can be intimidating for some people. Connor made sure that was not the case with me. I remember Connor being welcoming during a time I knew no one. He was an exemplary role model to look up to and a great person to be around. I’m very grateful to say that I played basketball with Connor and I will always remember him as being a truly kind and caring person.”

Chris Carideo, college coach: “I have many fond memories of Connor. I remember recruiting him as a high school senior and how pleasant and easy he was to communicate with, a credit to him and his parents. I will miss his check-in phone calls and how he would keep me informed of things he was learning on the coaching trail. It was an honor to be part of his life. Connor was not just a talented athlete; he was a beloved teammate, coach, and, above all, an amazing person. His positivity and warm heart touched the lives of all who knew him. I can still hear him yelling ‘Let’s Go Yo’ to the team when they were lacking effort or execution! It wasn’t the words as much as how he would say it that made it special! I thought for a second today I felt Connor at our practice…just standing there beside me with his arms crossed as he observed, as he typically would…then he kinda leaned toward toward me when he liked a sequence and said, ‘you know coach, I think we could be pretty good!’ My response to him in my mind was ‘well, if they are built anything like you, Connor, we got a damn good shot!’ I’ll miss him! Until we meet again #21! “

Noah Gillian, high school teammate & college roommate: “Connor was one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever had. More than that, the bond we started on the court lasted until the very end. He was one of my best friends whom I could confide in with anything and could trust. On the court, he was amazing. A true three-level scorer who affected the game sometimes more with his passing and ability to read the court than his scoring. His infectious personality permeated throughout our entire team and created a tight knit group that overachieved through teamwork and togetherness. I know I speak for all my teammates who ever shared the court with him that he was one of the best players I’ve ever played with and one of the best people I’ve ever shared a uniform with. He is going to be sorely missed.”

John Bruno, high school coach: “Connor Laverty was the heart and soul of the Ocean City High School basketball team in 2016, his senior year. He was the motivator of the team both on and off the court. Teammates looked to Connor when times were tough. He made players around him better and always pushed players at practice to do their very best. He was a coach on the floor, often offering suggestions on strategies of the game. I knew that one day, Connor would become a great coach; he understood the details of the game and knew how important it was to be dedicated to the sport. He inspired the younger players and became a tremendous role model on how to do things the right way. He exemplified the team motto adopted from Villanova Basketball of ‘Attitude’. I will always remember Connor not only for being a great player but for also being an incredible teammate. His teammates were his best friends, they truly were a team. He will be terribly missed by so many whose lives he touched. Yet another life that ended way too soon! RIP, #21!

Normally in these final tributes those who offer their thoughts and memories are in their 50s, 60s or 70s. In this case, the majority were in their 20s. That is an example of what a tragedy this was – the death of a young man who had already overcome one serious health challenge to go on to make an impact on many lives. A young man who should have had many more decades ahead.

Connor Laverty was 25. He died three days before his 26th birthday.