South Fayette anticipates best shot from basketball opponents
South Fayette enters the 2022-23 girls basketball season as the defending WPIAL Class 5A champion. For the Lions, that means one thing.
“We are going to get everybody’s best effort,” said SF head coach Bryan Bennett. “So, we have to be prepared every night.”
As soon as their 23-5 year ended March 12 with a 46-45 loss to Moon in the second round of the PIAA playoffs, the Lions embarked on preparations for this winter. They attended open gyms and hit the weight room in an effort to lay the ground work for continued success.
South Fayette, however, never wavered in its approach and agenda. By replicating last year’s attitude, they should duplicate the achievements.
“Last year, we wanted to prove to everyone we belonged in the discussion as one of the top teams in the WPIAL and the kids took the court with a chip on their shoulders to prove it,” said Bennett. “We need to have the same attitude to hopefully continue our success.”
On March 5, success came in the way of a 57-48 victory over Chartiers Valley in the WPIAL Class 5A final played at the Petersen Center. The Colts were three-time WPIAL champions before faltering against South Fayette. A run similar to CV’s is not in the discussion for the Lions.
“Actually, we have not talked about repeating,” Bennett continued. “We are going with the same mindset as last year.”
The Lions are going into the 2022-23 campaign with a seasoned team. Four players return to the starting lineup.
Maddie Webber and Ava Leroux lead the charge. Both are seniors.
A Villanova recruit, Webber averaged 18 points and four rebounds per game.
A standout on SF’s WPIAL runner-up volleyball squad this fall, Leroux chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds per game last winter.
Lainey Yater is the playmaker. She averaged four assists per game while providing 6.5 points per game last season.
Erica Hall is another key contributor. She managed six points and four rebounds per game last winter.
“The group is definitely more experienced and knows what it takes to be successful,” Bennett said. “The kids have been working extremely hard and are pushing each other in practices to make sure we improve each day. That’s our sole objective. We want to improve each day and take it one game at a time.”
Newcomers who are blending into the team and will have an impact on the lineup are Rachel Black, Sydney Burns, Julianna Rossi and Ryan Oldaker.
The Lions possess plenty of depth and they will rely heavily on many reserves.
Among the key players providing a boost off the bench will be: Cami Feltz, Alexis Toth, Taylor Oldaker, Alexis Ankrum, Elle Astorino, Ainsley Burns, Bella Cestra, Sondos Khattab, Hannah Patterson, Cierra Rexrode, Mia Deramo, Haylie Lamonde, Juliette Leroux, Caroline Satler and Taylor Solomon
“Our team strengths are depth and chemistry,” Bennett said. He added that the team will endeavor to improve its rebounding on both ends of the floor while negotiating its way through Section 4 play.
The Lions open play hosting Bethel Park on Dec. 8. Section play commences after the holiday break when South Fayette hosts Moon on Jan. 3.
Tip-off for all home games is 7:30 p.m.
“Trinity and Montour should be the toughest section opponents. Lincoln Park has some new players so they will also be a challenge,” Bennett said.
Bennett also noted Moon’s ‘deep playoff run’ last year but the Tigers lost many players to graduation. “West Allegheny is a rivalry game,” he added. “That’s always a test.”