Jan 13, 2015 3 min read

CALIFORNIA – Simulating a full-court press in practice was far from the reality that awaited California for this game.

Using their quickness, Monessen pressed early and often, forcing 17 first-half turnovers, as the Greyhounds defeated the Trojans, 85-28, in a Section 3-A game.

The Greyhounds (5-0, 8-5) rely on the press. It’s no secret that the defensive strategy is one that head coach Joe Salvino often uses, especially when his players lack experience.

They looked far from inexperienced Tuesday night at California High School.

Monessen forced California into turnovers on four of its first five possessions as the Greyhounds started the game on a 16-0 run that was aided by three three-pointers. Though the Greyhounds started two sophomores and a junior in the backcourt, the guards were the anchor for Monessen’s relentless defense, deflecting California’s passes and capitalizing in transition.

In a the packed gymnasium where many fans sat stunned, Monessen dissected the Trojans’ zone defense, driving to the basket to draw multiple defenders before finding an open player on the perimeter.

Sophomore guard Jaden Altomore had seven of his game-high 23 points during the stretch.

“We were trying to get the ball from the sideline to the middle of the floor, and we just couldn’t do it,” California head coach Bruno Pappasergi said. “We went through it in practice, but you can’t prepare for what they do. They are so good, and they come at you in waves.”

The Trojans (4-1, 7-4) did not score a point through the first six minutes of the game and trailed, 18-6, at the end of the first quarter. Sophomore guard Justice Rice started the second quarter with at three-pointer and followed it with a smooth drive to the basket, creating space with a fake to his right before laying it in.

Rice scored 16 points and junior Dwight Moore finished with 11 points. With a 19-point lead, the Greyhounds were not done on the defensive end. They forced eight more turnovers in the second quarter and made six three-pointers in the first 16 minutes. Monessen made 11 three-pointers, including three by senior Noah Rullo.

“Coach Salvino got us fired up before we went out there,” Altomore said. “We put it on them and didn’t let up. This is definitely a statement for Class A. (Cal) was supposed to be our top competition.”

Using a 10-man rotation, Monessen wore the Trojans down with their quickness and strong shooting from the field. California only had two field goals in the second quarter as the Greyhounds entered halftime with a 44-18 lead.

“We had a tough time trying to score,” Pappasergi said. “They don’t let you do anything. They don’t even let you breath. They’re a great team. Monessen is ranked as one of the top teams in the state for a reason.”

The Greyhounds started the third quarter on a 14-2 run and did not let up. Monessen outscored Cal, 13-0, in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

After facing top competition that included New Castle, North Allegheny, Franklin Regional. Chartiers Valley and Upper St. Clair, the Greyhounds have reasserted themselves as one of the top teams in Class A.

“Getting crushed by those teams helped us push forward,” Altomore said. “Now, we want to do it to the Class A teams we face.”