Mr. Big Shot can see
both sides of a hoops game

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

When Father Judge High School senior Bob Zanneo isn’t making plays on the basketball courts, he’s calling them from the sidelines.
During the week, the power forward can be found sinking buckets during Philadelphia Catholic League games, leading the Northern Division with 316 points.
On the weekends, though, the Torresdale resident switches it up, working as a referee for local Catholic Youth Organization games.
"My dad has been refereeing as long as I can remember, probably fifteen or twenty years, or maybe even more than that," Zanneo said of his father, Bob Sr. "He even has me into refereeing too. It’s interesting to see both sides. When I’m playing, I complain to the refs, and now people are complaining to me."
Although he has been a regular on the courts for more than a decade, calling the shots is a new experience for Zanneo, who officiated his first game earlier this season. And the new gig has already played a big part in the athlete’s game.
"It gives me a better perspective of what the refs see, and now I try to keep my mouth shut," he said. "I have more respect for them because now I see how it is. I like it because it allows me to see the game from both ends."
As a player, the 6-foot-5, 190-pound Zanneo helped Judge beat Cardinal Dougherty and Archbishop Wood last week. But the Crusaders’ winning streak was halted with a 52-50 loss to Conwell Egan on Jan. 21, giving them a 5-3 record. Next on the schedule is a Friday game against LaSalle High School.
"The season has had its ups and downs, but we try to stay positive," said Zanneo, who scored 19 points against Conwell Egan. "We have a lot of talented guys and a good coach. I think we have a chance to be at the top with the rest of them."
The Crusaders can attribute much of their scoring success to key players like center Andrew Vose, who has scored 188 points this season, guard Tom Ryan, with 195, and, of course, Zanneo.
"We work on shooting a lot at practice," said Zanneo. "I try to work on shooting myself before and after practice too. I get in as many hours as I can and get as many shots in as I can."
Zanneo had plenty of good moments on the court last season as well, scoring 264 points and earning All-Catholic honors.
But it wasn’t always like that.
"Freshman year I was really quiet," he recalled. "I was the six-foot-five goofy kid. I think I’ve developed my game a lot over the past four years. I’ve developed as a person, too. My coaches and my friends helped get me where I’m at now."
In addition to basketball, Zanneo has been part of the Crusaders’ baseball team since his arrival at Judge. Once basketball season is over, he’ll once again trade his sneakers for cleats and get in a baseball frame of mind.
"I like switching it up from basketball," said Zanneo, who plays first and third base. "Baseball has a different group of people, different coaches. It’s a whole different experience."
Zanneo, who has played with the Crusaders’ baseball squad for the past four years, plans to cherish his time on the diamond this spring, because it might end his days of playing baseball.
"I probably won’t play baseball in college," he said. "I want to concentrate on basketball."
Zanneo has not yet decided on a college to attend. He wants to study education or nursing, in addition to continuing his athletic career.
"I’m trying to keep my options open because I’m not really sure," said Zanneo, a 4.0 student who is ranked fourth in his class. "For now I’m just working hard so I can go to college somewhere. I concentrate on school first and basketball second.
"I find school easier during basketball season," he added. "You have to control your time and control what you do so you get everything done. When you’re not busy you can get lazy and start to put things off."
That shouldn’t be an issue for Zanneo. He has plenty to keep him busy.
"I want to get the most out of this year," he said. "I want to have fun and do the best I can to help the team win." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com