New coach looks to carry on Mt. Pleasant girls basketball tradition of toughness

By: Ted Sarneso
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | 6:51 PM

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Meet the new boss, same first name as the old boss.

After 19 seasons at the helm of the Mt. Pleasant girls basketball team, Scott Giacobbi retired in June after compiling a 246-192 record and 13 WPIAL playoff appearances.

Scott Hillen now takes over after spending the last 10 years coaching women’s basketball at Penn State Fayette and wants to continue the success the program has had.

“They’re a program that’s always had good coaching and were known for their toughness with Coach Giacobbi,” said Hillen. “I want to keep going with what Coach Giacobbi instituted while adding my own little bit of excitement.”

To start out, there will be anxious feelings, as there always are when a new coach comes in, but Hillen knows those feelings are there and will do his best to make it as smooth a transition as possible.

“They’re used to the way Coach Giacobbi was and they felt comfortable with the way things were,” said Hillen. “The unknowns put people on edge. Things like, ‘What’s this coach looking for? Am I going to get as much playing time as I did last year? And am I going to be expected to do this or that?’

“I know it’s going to take some time for us to learn about each other and buy into what it is we want to do,” Hillen continued. “I’m sure there are going to be some rough patches, some growing pains, some early mistakes as we get to learn about each other. It’s going to take some time to work these things out.”

Hillen, immediately upon his hiring, started watching game film from last season to get himself familiar with the team he’s inherited.

“They play hard, go after it and don’t back down,” Hillen said. “They’re feisty, tough and scrappy, all the things you want to see as a coach.”

Returning seniors Kayla Rumbaugh, Nina Province and Kaytlyn Younkin all have experience and will be looked upon for their leadership.

Supporting them is a strong junior class, with some of those players, including Grace Arrigo and Morgan Gesinski, who will also be looked on as leaders.

“Grace has shown leadership qualities, got some good playing time last year and has been working extremely hard this offseason,” said Hillen. “Morgan is a playmaker, an all-around athlete that sparks the team and has the respect of her teammates.”

Other players in the mix are juniors Lexi Baker, Carmella Spallone, Laurel Rummell and Carly Surma, who will vie for a spot in the rotation at guard.

Sophomores Danica Trainer, Kendra Brunson and Ryleigh Drzal will play big roles in the varsity rotation.

The Vikings went 16-5 overall last season and were third out of six teams in Section 3-3A with a record of 6-4, making the playoffs where they were knocked out in the first round.

Hillen wants to see the team compete as they always have night in and night out, even when individuals may have off nights and the team may be struggling.

“I want to see that competitive drive, that no-quit attitude, hustling after loose balls,” Hillen said. “I want them to buy into that whole team philosophy. We’re not counting on one or two players. We’re counting on every single one of our players, playing as one.”

This year, the Vikings will jump up to Class 4A and reside in Section 3 with some of the toughest teams in the class: Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward, Laurel Highlands, Ringgold, South Park, Southmoreland and Yough.

In his time at Penn State Fayette, Hillen paid attention to the area when it came time for recruiting, so he has some familiarity with the teams in Mt. Pleasant’s section and is aware of the changes those teams have gone through.

“Elizabeth Forward had a great season last year and lost maybe one or two players, so they’re bringing back a ton of experience, good coaching,” Hillen assessed. “Laurel Highlands has a lot of their starters and good players back who had a great season last year. Burrell and Belle Vernon are always competitive. It’s going to be a fight every night and hopefully we’re going to be up for it.”

Mt. Pleasant girls at a glance

Coach: Scott Hillen

Last year’s record: 14-8 (6-4 in Section 3-3A)

Returning starters: Morgan Gesinski (Jr., G); Grace Arrigo (Jr., F); Kayla Rumbaugh (Sr., G); Nina Province (Sr., G/F)

Top newcomers: Kaytlyn Younkin (Sr., G); Lexi Baker (Jr., G); Carmella Spallone (Jr., G); Laurel Rummell (Jr., G); Carly Surma (Jr., G); Danica Trainer (So., G/F); Kendra Brunson (So., F); Ryleigh Drzal (So., G)

Tags: Mt. Pleasant