Loaded Gladiators ready for any challenge

By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
The South Allegheny boys basketball team knows they have a large target on their backs.
Returning everyone from a 24-3 team that reached the WPIAL semifinals, the Gladiators are clearly among the favorites in Class 3A.
So for everyone who wants a piece of them on the court, they have a message for you — bring it on.
“We welcome the high expectations and we know that we’re going to take everyone’s best shot,” SA head coach Tony DiCenzo said. “This is a little different position than we’ve been in before. We’re used to trying to reach the playoffs and get a playoff berth. After last season, we have higher goals now.”
The Gladiators return their entire starting lineup consisting of senior guard Antonio Epps (18 ppg), senior center Omar Faulkner (15 ppg), sophomore point guard Bryce Epps (14 ppg), junior guard Ethan Kirkwood (8 ppg) and senior forward Wes Digiorgio (5 ppg).
Also returning are big men Ayden Sloss and Dillon Hynes, who combined for eight points per game.
“We fell a little short last year, but we were in that semifinal loss to North Catholic for three and a half quarters. We had about five minutes that derailed us there,” DiCenzo said. “Competing with them showed the kids we have the team back that could be special.
“We have the experience. We understand what’s out there and now we want to take the next step.”
It all starts with Antonio Epps.
“He’s our leader. He’s the one all the kids look up to,” DiCenzo said. “He’s probably the best athlete to ever come out of South Allegheny. The thing that makes him such a great athlete is his work ethic.
“He’s always going to be out there guarding the other team’s best guy. We all know what he can do with the ball in his hands, but he’s such a tremendous defensive player.”
Antonio’s brother Bryce erupted onto the varsity stage as a freshman. He immediately made an impact as a vocal leader for the Gladiators.
“I’m really excited to see what Bryce does over the next three years,” DiCenzo said. “He didn’t play like a freshman, well above that. Every time he goes out there, he wants to be the best player on the floor. He’s the antithesis of his brother. He’s the vocal guy out there and that’s what you want out of your point guard.”
Inside, Faulkner is a difference maker, whether it’s on the offensive or defensive end.
“Omar’s been working hard in the weight room. He’s a little bigger than he was last year and a lot stronger,” DiCenzo said. “He’s a year older and more mature.”

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Thursday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.