Oil City has a new "thing" this year. It's called the Dutch Burch Chain.

Burch is believed to be the only player in District 10 history to be drafted by an NBA team. He is a 1950 Oil City graduate who later starred at Pitt before being drafted by the Fort Wayne (now Detroit)  Pistons.

Burch, however, decided to pursue his life's work -- coaching -- first at OCHS and then for many years at Lycoming College in Williamsport.​ Players in the first half of the 20th century did that -- get a job rather than fall all over the NBA or NFL.

Anyway, these chains go to Oilers of the here and now who work hard and show dedication and leadership.​

The first winner was "Mellow" Jones (right), Player of the Offseason along with Drew Hummel, Gage Price and Dalton Dasher. All kinds of things are recognized, such as taking two charges, which Steven Heise did against Cathedral Prep. Heise is a two-time winner, claiming a second chain for his all-around game vs. Rocky Grove: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals.​

Others:

Jaivoun Taylor --  drawing three offensive fouls vs. Titusville and energy he brings to team game-in and game-out

Konnor Beichner -- his game-changing spark vs. Warren

Spence Singleton -- taking first charge of the season

Derrick Jones --  defense vs. Corry

Nevin Stinson -- career high points

Michael Fink -- double, double vs. Seneca

Carter Thompson -- defense vs. C-L

Easton Liederbach -- off the bench vs. LeBoeuf

Demetrius "Meech" Proano (also pictured) -- all-around play vs. Cathedral Prep jayvees.

Isaiah Van Wormer -- 7/9 points off the bench in first quarter vs. Conneaut

Casey Rybank -- came in off the bench and got a steal the first possession he was in, then a rebound and a block in the subsequent possessions with a bucket in between vs. Seneca

Blake Stevens -- several O rebounds, hustle led to assists vs. Corry; plus displays Burch requirements everyday both on and off floor