Connellsville boys hope experience leads to playoffs
Connellsville Falcons boys basketball coach Dan Bosnic is hoping the experienced gained by the Falcons last year will allow them to challenge for a playoff berth out of Section 1-AAAA.
“We have a lot of guys that have got a lot of experience over the last two seasons. That’s what we’re focusing on, trying to get better as a team every time we hit the floor.
The Falcons will have enough size to compete in the section with 6-10 center Trent Bauer returning for his senior year. He will be helped by fellow seniors Jade Maher and forward Jimmy Leichliter, who is moving to shooting guard. Both are about 6-5. Junior Caleb Pittsment could hold down the other forward spot.
The key for the Falcons will be at point guard. Senior Mike Parlak stepped up his play last season and looks to be more consistent this year. “Not only Mike, but a lot of guys had nights when they played well and other nights where they struggled,” Bosnic said. “We had some growing pains over the last couple of seasons. Hopefully, we can put all of that behind us and become more consistent in our play.”
Some of the things Bosnic wants to see from his Falcons this year are a better job of facing defensive pressure, better shot selection and more consistent shooting.
Bosnic is looking for more quality minutes from his bench, especially junior guards Griffin Thompson and Brock Bonadio. Both showed flashes of handling the ball in the open floor. “I think these guys have improved and progressed over last season and they should be huge assets this year.”
Bosnic said another big key will be his front line, led by Bauer, who was slowed by a concussion last season. Bosnic said Bauer worked very hard during the off-season and has grown into his body a little more. “I’m very pleased at the way Trent is progressing,” Bosnic said. “I think if he continues to work hard, he will have a really good season for us. He is looking real comfortable out there. We expect a lot out of him.”
Bosnic said Bauer can open up the floor for a lot of people, especially guys who slash to the basket like Maher and Pittsment.
“We have a lot of great kids, like Jade, who play hard every night,” Bosnic said. “They’ve got to learn how to be under control and not try to do things that will get them in trouble.”
Bosnic said Pittsment was a pleasant surprise last year and will get a chance to look for more opportunities to score. He says Leichliter has worked on his ball-handling and could become a consistent outside threat.
Bosnic said the section should be strong again, so the Falcons cannot afford to have any off nights. He said Hempfield was strong last year and has a lot of guys coming back. Norwin, Kiski Area, Latrobe and Penn-Trafford all figure to be in the mix.
“This is going to be a challenge,” Bosnic said. “I think the kids are in a good mindset to compete every night. If we continue to focus on what we want to get done, we’re going to be there every night. We have the ability to have a lot of fun this season.”