No sophomore jinx for Mt. Lebanon
Ashleigh Connor’s first crack at a game-winning shot was a longshot. Trailing Imhotep Charter by two points with time winding down Jan. 18, Connor lifted a prayer from near midcourt, only to see it go unanswered. Blue Devils coach Dori Oldaker told her standout sophomore to keep her head up.
“I told her, ‘That isn’t the last time you’ll be taking a last-second shot,’” said Oldaker.
A few days later, on Jan. 23, the Blue Devils once again found themselves racing the clock against top-ranked and unbeaten Bethel Park. This time, Connor had a few extra seconds to work her magic, and she made it count. Connor took the ball the length of the floor and her layup fell through as time expired, giving Mt. Lebanon a signature win and shaking things up in Class 6A Section 2.
Her clutch performance added to what has been a breakout season for Connor. She averages 22 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3 steals per game. Connor is an efficient scorer as well, shooting 54% from the floor, 38% from behind the arc and 77% from the freethrow line.
“I’m not surprised by her growth,” said Oldaker. “She did start for us as a freshman. I thought she had an outstanding year and flew under the radar.”
Connor is just a part of the youth movement at Mt. Lebanon. In years prior, it was unusual for a freshman or sophomore to start. This season, fellow sophomores Reagan Murdoch and Brooke Collins join Conner in the starting lineup. Rounding out the starters are upperclassmen Morgan Palmer, a junior, and senior Patrice Smith. Palmer is the team’s second-leading scorer and the only other player averaging double figures at 10 points per game.
“We know it’s not just Ashleigh and Ashleigh knows that, too,” said Oldaker, who added that her squad has bonded recently at team dinners and charitable endeavors, such as feeding the homeless. “Our team chemistry is at an all-time high. These kids like playing with each other and for each other.”
Aquinas Academy
Opposing teams and their fans should take note that when you travel to Aquinas Academy for a game, you may want to show up early to get a good seat. A pregame singing performance is included in the price of admission.
Prior to each home game at the Gibsoniabased school, a trio of Crusaders players take the court for an a cappella rendition of the national anthem. Isabella Hite, Anna Keverline and Catherine Richthammer have wowed the crowds before hitting a shot or making a play on the court.
“People are standing up and clapping when they’re done,” said Crusaders coach Chris Lebakken. “Pretty much every coach or assistant or referee has mentioned it. Parents have mentioned it, too.”
Aquinas Academy (8-8, 5-3 in 1A Section 3) has hopes of playing in the postseason. The Crusaders have at least one more home game — and performance — against Propel Andrew Street at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3.
Riverview
Francesca Lio became the Raiders’ all-time leader in rebounds against Jeannette during a 13point, nine-rebound performance Jan. 23. Through Sunday, Lio, a 5-9 senior guard/forward, had pulled down 614 rebounds during her career.
West Greene
After winning 18 of their first 19 games and ending up in the WPIAL 1A championship game last season, it’s hard to believe the Pioneers could get off to an even better start this year. Despite losing key players to graduation, West Greene is off to an even better start. With their 74-45 rout of BethCenter Jan. 24, the Pioneers extended their unbeaten record to 18-0, which set a new standard for the best start in school history.