Belle Vernon boys preview: Patience key for Salvino to build a successful season
Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard
The Belle Vernon football team has made a run by winning another WPIAL championship and is attempting to win a second straight PIAA crown for the second straight year.
The successful playoff run has affected the start of the Leopards’ basketball season.
But with that being said, head coach Joe Salvino is still ready to go.
“I am hoping we have a very successful season,” said Salvino. “One of the things I took from last year is that I have to be more patient in reviewing and going over things, getting everyone on the same page.”
With the football players getting a late start to the hoop season, Salvino said other players are gaining experience and getting longer looks.
“We have some players who came from middle school or maybe didn’t play in middle school, but there are some young players out there who can develop,” explained Salvino. “This is their golden opportunity because they are going to show us what they can do.”
Three juniors are returning starters Zion Moore, Alonzo Wade and Trevor Kovatch.
“I am hoping Zion is our key ball player,” Salvino said. “Alonzo will have to be a little more aggressive.
“Trevor is a hustler and plays good defense, and I am looking forward to that part of the game, but we don’t want him to force things too much.”
The other two starters look to be junior Tommy Davis and sophomore Curtis Wade.
“Tommy has to do his job, post up, and get the ball,” Salvino said. “Curty just has to see what he is good at and know what he can and cannot do.”
Other players Salvino pointed out include junior Dom Ghilani, freshmen Luca Ghilani and Vincenzo Francia, and sophomore Dane Daugherty..
“We have some young kids who can play,” Salvino said. “I have to take my time, as they aren’t going to understand the system right away.”
Belle Vernon is in Section 3-AAAA with Albert Gallatin, Elizabeth Forward, Laurel Highlands, Southmoreland, and Uniontown, and Salvino didn’t hesitate to point out Uniontown’s talent.
“Uniontown, of course, is the pick,” said Salvino. “They are the top team. EF should be pretty good..
“Southmoreland won’t be bad this year. Keffer is a good ball player. LH won’t be as good as they were, but they still have players.”
Salvino said the team goals remain the same.
“Like always, we would like to win the section, get into the playoffs, and see how far we can get with that,” said Salvino. “We have to take it game by game, and our exhibition schedule is tough.”
Belle Vernon will play non-section games with Lincoln Park, Penn Hills, and Bishop Canevin.