Trojans can make school history with PIAA win
California coach sees golden opportunity COAL CENTER – After a loss to eventual WPIAL Class A champion Union 10 days ago, California coach Steve Luko decided his team needed a break.
So, Luko gave the Trojans the rest of the week off.
But Luko didn’t expect his seniors – four of which start – to extend their vacation another day.
That’s what happened, though, when California began practicing Monday for its upcoming PIAA opening-round game against Southern Fulton.
“It was senior skip day (Monday) in school and our seniors didn’t show up at practice either,” Luko said. “We really didn’t practice with much enthusiasm on Tuesday either.”
Despite the AWOL players, Luko decided against ruling with an iron fist.
“I more or less just overlooked it. It didn’t happen the day before a game, and we still could get in three days of practice. At this point in the season, there’s not much you can do,” Luko said. “I was more disappointed than anything. And I was a little let down. Something like this comes along once in a lifetime. I thought the kids’ priority would be with the team. We set goals coming into the season. One was to win the section. We did that. We didn’t reach the WPIAL title game, but we did make it into the states.
“I don’t think any other team from California has won a state playoff game. Truthfully, I think we can go in and win a couple of games, if not more. But it’s up to our team. They have to come out with intensity Friday.”
The Trojans’ – the WPIAL’s third-place team – face Southern Fulton, District 5’s champion, tonight at 7:30 at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown campus.
California (19-6) hasn’t played since it suffered a 58-55 setback to Union in the WPIAL Class A semifinals Feb. 25. And Luko admits at this point in the season against a virtually unknown opponent, there’s not much new the team can go work on.
“At this point, we just try to work on conditioning in practice and our shooting,” Luko said. “I don’t know much about (Southern Fulton). I heard a couple of things, but I don’t’ know how true they are. I guess they have a nice point guard and a big kid who’s not too bad. They supposedly are a lot like us. They like to pound the ball inside. But I think our bigger guys are quicker than theirs and so are our guards.”
The three-point loss in the WPIAL semifinals still has Luko shaking his head.
“I told the kids that we didn’t play that good of a ball game against Union,” Luko said. “Our defense has been holding teams down, but our offense has to be more patient. That’s been our only liability. I think we can play with almost anybody in Class A.
“I really think we could have won the Union game. It was just a matter of us keeping our heads in the game at the end. We had four seniors (on the floor) and they have to keep their composure out there a little better. We can’t go back and change it, but hopefully we can learn something from that game.”
Seniors Rick Cope, Shane Tonkavitch, Ryan Robinson, Thom Russell, along with junior Dan DeMoss comprise California’s starting lineup. Cope leads the Trojans in scoring, averaging 17 points per game, while Tonkavitch averages 15.3. Robinson (12.7) and DeMoss (12.5) are also in double digits, with DeMoss close to double figures in rebounds as well.
“He’s (DeMoss) been playing really well, really consistent lately,” Luko said.
Russell’s numbers are gaudy, but his presence in the lineup is felt nonetheless.
“He’s our role player,” Luko said. “He has to stay out of foul trouble. He’s a 6-foot-3 kid who plays good defense and who knows our offense well. He makes a difference when he’s in there.
“We have a really balanced attack. That’s our strength. We just have to be more patient on offense.”
NOTES: Southern Fulton comes into the game sporting a 21-6 record … Directions to tonight’s game are: Take Pennsylvania Turnpike to Somerset exit. Follow signs for Route 219 North. Follow 219 North to PA 56 at Johnstown. Exit will bring you to Richland Mall. Follow signs to Pitt-Johnstown campus and signs on campus to the Sports Center.