SA can lean on experience against Seton LaSalle

By JOSE NEGRON

jnegron@yourmvi.com

As South Allegheny prepares to play in the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals for the second consecutive season, head coach Tony DiCenzo says past experience has helped in his group’s preparation. 

“It’s definitely an added bonus,” he said. “I like to think our experience has helped us along the way and hopefully it can propel us to what we’re capable of accomplishing.”

The veteran coach doesn’t want his top-seeded Gladiators to take their foot off the gas as they continue their quest for WPIAL gold against No. 9 Seton LaSalle tonight. The opening tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. 

“It’s not any time to relax in any way shape or form. When you’re in this tournament, it’s one-and-done and if you have one bad night, especially against a quality opponent like the one we’re playing tonight, it can be the end of your season,” DiCenzo said. “Our focus is definitely there and I’d like to think it’s stronger now than it has ever been because these kids experienced what we did last year and how close we were to the championship game. With the expectations surrounding our team to start the season, I think we’re as hungry as we’ve ever been.” 

South Allegheny (15-4), which averages 58.5 points per game while allowing 43.4 points per contest, is coming off a convincing 75-36 victory Thursday over No. 17 Ligonier Valley.

The Gladiators are led by their big three in Bryce Epps, Antonio Epps and Omar Faulkner. Bryce and Antonio finished as SA’s top two scorers at 15.8 and 15.6 points per game. Faulkner averaged 12.1 points per game and nearly pulled down 100 rebounds. 

Ethan Kirkwood, Dillion Hynes, Ayden Sloss and Wesley DiGiorgio are the Gladiators’ other rotation players. 

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