Gladiators’ wait finally ends

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

Finally, the wait is over for the South Allegheny boys basketball team.

The Gladiators, one of the favorites to win the WPIAL Class 3A title this season, are finally getting back on the court today after a district-mandated shutdown and the governor’s pause for high school sports.

While some teams have gotten their practices in and are ready to compete, the Gladiators haven’t been together on the court since Dec. 1.

“I can’t wait,” SA head coach Tony DiCenzo said. “I just want to get back into a routine. Since I was a freshman in high school, I’ve been associated with a basketball team. I’ve felt so out of place the last month, I don’t know what to do with myself. It’s been really weird.”

Last year, the Gladiators entered the WPIAL playoffs at 21-1 and were the No. 3 seed behind Lincoln Park and North Catholic. SA fell to North Catholic in the semifinals then won their first PIAA playoff game beating Franklin. The season came to a close with a 68-58 loss to Richland in the second round.

“I know the players are really anxious to get back out there,” DiCenzo said. “After last season, it’s great to see us ranked No. 1 in some preseason rankings. There’s just a lot of anticipation to get rolling.”

For senior Antonio Epps, the thought of losing his senior season was terrifying.

“I was definitely concerned. A senior season is definitely something a lot of kids want to finish to complete their high school careers,” the Duquesne football recruit said. “Having it shortened or canceled would have affected a lot of people.”

The Gladiators return everyone from last year’s roster and that experience is something DiCenzo is counting on as the team moves forward in this different type of season.

“I think we got eight practices in and then things broke up,” DiCenzo said. “It’s going to be important to have that experience get us through the first couple of weeks. Our first game is next Thursday, so that’s going to give us a week of practice.”

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