Greyhounds no match for powerful West Greene
By Dean Dellamalva Jr.
MVI Sports
Monessen’s youth was evident and its leadership faltered in Thursday night’s Section 2-A matchup with four-time section champion West Greene.
Meanwhile, the Pioneers, who have four returning starters from a team that played for a WPIAL title last season, benefited from their experience and poise as it made a difference in a 72-41 victory over the host Greyhounds.
Senior Jersey Wise led West Greene (4-2, 3-0) with a game-high 27 points. Anna Durbin added 12 for the victors and Brooke Barner chipped in 10.
The Pioneers captured their 48th consecutive section win and 11th straight win over the Hounds (3-1, 3-1).
“Our goal the last five years has been to go undefeated in section,” West Greene coach Jordan Watson said. “We know if we do that, we’ll get a top four seed and a bye, and position ourselves well for the playoffs. We’re finally getting our basketball legs back and getting that rhythm of going five or six days a week.”
Monessen coach Janine Vertacnik was not pleased with the leadership of her upperclassmen, who did not help the youthful Hounds keep their cool under pressure.
“Our youth fell apart and our veterans did not come through,” Vertacnik said. “Instead of being leaders, they followed and panicked. Our freshmen quit going where they were supposed to go and caused a lot of turnovers.”
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