‘Dice takes down ‘House
Williams is playing now at point guard,” Blaufeld said. “We don’t back down to anyone and Coach V always schedules tough games. We think we can play with anyone.”
Allderdice’s only two losses are to Penn Hills, the No. 1 WPIAL 6A team, and Penn-Trafford.Allderdice also owns victories against Central Catholic, Bethel Park, Hampton and Vincentian, the No. 1 teamin WPIAL Class A.
“The greatest compliment is when people tell us we have a great program — and not just a great team,” said Valinsky, whose teams have won four consecutive City League titles. “It’s nice to start that history of winning. It’s like Aliquippa football. Aliquippa is never going to lose. Now, we’re not Aliquippa football, but we’re a winning program now.”
The wins have mounted this year, largely because of Allderdice’s shooting. The Dragons shot 60 percent from 3-point-range in the first half to grab a 36-19 halftime lead. Allderdice never let off the gas in thesecond half.
“We have a different approach this year with this team,” Valinsky said. “We knew we had good shooters, so our focus was on the perimeter, sort of like those old Chartiers Valley teams. We don’t really score inside, but this is by no accident. This shooting is from a lot of work. These kids live on a shooting machinein the summer.”
Against Westinghouse, Allderdice’s zone defense was key because it kept Ellis in check, although Westinghouse didn’t exactly get the big guy a bunch of touches. Ellis had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks, but the Bulldogs would go a few possessions withouthim touching the ball. Westinghouse had eight turnovers in the third quarter and therout was on.
“This type of game, he has to touch the ball 35-40 times,” Westinghouse coach Eugene Wilsonsaid. “Seriously.”
And Allderdice is seriously good. The Dragons have another mighty interesting gameMonday when they play host to Mars, the No. 1 WPIAL 5Ateam.
“They can really shoot,” Wilson said of Allderdice. “No, wait. It’s not about just shooting the ball. They make reallygood decisions ...”