Greyhounds reload after winning 8th WPIAL title
Holly Tonini
Monessen’s Lyndon Henderson (5) finds the basket and scores two against Imani Christian’s Kenny Robinson in their WPIAL Class A championship game March 2 at the Peterson Event Center on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh.
Holly Tonini
Monessen’s Cory Fleming (10) drives through Clairton’s defense during a Section 2-A game Feb. 7 at Monessen High School.
A year ago, Monessen won its eighth WPIAL boys basketball title and sixth under Joe Salvino.
However, the team lost the second- and third-leading scorers in program history, Jaden Altomore and Justice Rice, to graduation as well as Jaron Youngblood.
Their collective absence leaves a big hole in the lineup, but Salvino, with 626 career wins under his belt, will look to get the most out of this year’s team.
“They brought a lot to our team, and Jaron was an unsung leader,” he said. “He did a lot of little things and now someone else will have to step up in their shoes and show that it is their time now.”
Leading the way is junior Lyndon Henderson, an ultra-athletic wing who was able to flourish while Rice and Altomore were the focus of opposing teams.
“He learned a lot last year,” Salvino said of Henderson. “He sees a lot of work has to be put in to do what has to be done.”
Senior Cory Fleming also returns as a starter, and if given the chance, he will drain open three-pointers all night.
Junior Vaughn Taylor started Monessen’s PIAA semifinal loss to Kennedy Catholic, was a key reserve last year and plays defense like a junkyard dog.
A key for Henderson, Fleming and Taylor will be whether they can channel their emotions in the right direction and not let it affect their play.
“Lyndon and Cory have to lead as good examples on the court but in school as well and I hope they are ready,” said Salvino. “Last year with Vaughn coming off the bench, it was one thing to give two or three minutes but now it will be the majority of minutes once he gets back from his injury.
“There is a fine line (of playing with emotion), they have that fire in them but it needs to be put forth while playing and keep things under control.”
Taylor will be brought along slowly as he recovers from an injury sustained during football season.
Salvino has always reloaded instead of having to rebuild, and he has a laundry list of athletes who will be looking to make a name for themselves.
A few of the players that Salvino mentioned included Elijahwa Payne, Isaiah Allums, Dishon Howell and Darnell Howell.
“I hope Elijahwa steps up his game,” Salvino said. “Isaiah and Dishon are looking to push people, and possibly Darnell will get in there.”
What will have to happen for Monessen to make a deep run again?
“We have to gain experience as we go to try and reach our goal of playing for a championship,” Salvino said. “By the time we get to section play, the guys will have some game experience and I would like to go seven or eight deep, so we will see how that goes.”
Monessen opens its season at the Upper St. Clair Tip-Off tournament.