Gladiators’ senior class made its mark

By JOSE NEGRON

jnegron@yourmvi.com

South Allegheny head coach Tony DiCenzo found it difficult to stand in front of his seniors one last time following Monday’s loss to Ellwood City in the WPIAL Class 3A championship game. 

“They have been the foundation and catalysts for South Allegheny basketball,” DiCenzo said. “Everything they have done for this program has been tremendous.” 

Antonio Epps, Omar Faulkner, Wes Digiorgio and Ayden Sloss have been a part of both the ups and the downs at SA over the past four years. 

During their freshman campaign, the Gladiators won 11 games before falling in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs. 

They struggled in year No. 2, winning just six games with no playoff berth. 

Last year was when South Allegheny really took off with Epps, Faulkner, Digiorgio and Sloss at the forefront. 

SA won 24 games, advancing to the WPIAL semifinals before falling to North Catholic. The Gladiators also made it to the second round of the state playoffs. 

This season, SA brought everyone back from its semifinal team and made it all the way to the title contest, winning 17 games in the process. 

“Growing up with this group, we knew our high school experience was going to be special,” Epps said. “We were finally able to get here (to the title game) and we didn’t get the result we wanted, but it was so special to be along for the ride. It was a great feeling to be able to do this with the guys I grew up with.” 

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