Over the past two years, Catasauqua’s Frankie Pujols enjoyed all the moments on and off the court.

Pujols was an integral part of the Rough Riders’ program that won a district title and 40 games in the process. He also became the school’s 13th 1,000-point scorer.

Pujols concluded his high-school career when he played in the Lehigh Valley Senior All-Star Basketball Classic, recentlyh.

Playing in the game was a perfect way to cap his Catty career.

“The all-star game was a great way to end my career,” said Pujols. “Being able to be a part of a special game with all the top talent in the Lehigh Valley was special and it felt amazing to put on that brown and white jersey and play my last game in a Catty uniform.”

He also was glad to play his part over the past two seasons.

“The past two years were great for us and the Catty basketball program overall,” said Pujols. “My freshman and sophomore year we didn’t do too well, and we were barely making districts and didn’t really have a crowd coming out to watch our games, which was demotivating us and it was hard for us to really get over the hump.

“These past two years were something special though coming from nothing and then winning districts last year and going to the Colonial (League) championship after so long. It meant a lot to our team, coaches and a lot to our community seeing everyone come out and support us really boosted us in the long run and helped us win games knowing we had all that support behind us.”

Head coach Eric Snyder knows Pujols’ presence will be hard to replace.

“Frankie Pujols has been the cornerstone of Catasauqua basketball for the last four years,” said Snyder. “He, Hamaad Jenkins, and Reece Lopez have been playing and starting as a three-guard team since they were all in 10th grade. Frankie is a tremendous competitor who will do whatever it takes to win to make his teammates better and to make our team as good as possible.”

Snyder appreciated his selfless attitude and approach.

“He always talks about the community and how our basketball team was able to bring the community together over the last two to three years,” added Snyder. “He never talks about himself.

“He encourages other kids. He’s very humble. He is community oriented. He enjoys talking to and working with little kids when they come to the games on special nights such as youth night. Frankie Pujols was a tremendous asset to the high school basketball program.”

Pujols hopes to continue his career, and he would welcome a chance at DeSales, Moravian, and East Stroudsburg to name a few college options.

His high school career will always play a major chapter in his life.

“Making two state appearances was a great accomplishment for us because our pentameter hasn’t been there in a while,” said Pujols. “So these past two years making it there means a lot.

“I think this team is going to be remembered in Catty for a long time because of the way we bring back the true meaning of Catasauqua basketball.”