Pioneers want another playoff appearance
After breaking a two-plus decade-long playoff drought last season, the West Greene boys basketball team will look for another postseason push in 2016-17.
The Pioneers are coming off a 12-9 season where they finished third in the section with an 8-4 mark.
West Greene saw its season come to an end last year in the first round against Vincentian Academy.
After not losing a single senior from last year’s squad, veteran coach Jim Romanus will have 16 kids on the roster headlined by four seniors.
“Things have been very upbeat,” Romanus pointed out. “We had several non-mandatory gyms in the off-season and they were well attended. This past offseason we finished 9-3 in the Brownson House Summer League, 4-3 at the Pitt Team Camp and last week we went 2-1 at the Fox Chapel Shootout. We have a lot of confidence in each other.”
Two key players from a year ago are senior forwards Craig Weaver (6-8) and Kolton Rush (6-5).
“They are our captains and two most experienced players,” Romanus said. “Both need continued improvement offensively and defensively. We need a breakout season from both and the entire team needs to become more active on both ends of the court. If we can accomplish this, we will have the makings of a good team.”
Rounding out the starting five for the Pioneers will be seniors Zach McHenry (5-10) and Eric Stoll (5-9), and sophomore Nathan Brudnock (6-0).
“We are pretty stable with our lineup,” Romanus stated. “Zach is our best defender and Nathan will mostly run the point. Eric is very versatile and can play multiple positions. Everyone from last year’s bench has improved and we have a good crop of freshman coming in. We are looking to see who can give us productive minutes in games.”
West Greene will remain in Class A this season after reclassification and will join Avella, Clairton, Geibel Catholic, Mapletown and Monessen in Section 2.
“Obviously, one of our goals is to qualify for the playoffs,” Romanus said. “Optimistically, we would like to challenge Monessen and Clairton for the top spots in the section. We must stay healthy for any chance of that happening.”
The Pioneers will open the season on the road against non-section foe Bentworth on Dec. 9 and will play their first home game of the year versus Beth-Center on Dec. 12. West Greene starts section play on Jan. 3 at Geibel Catholic.