Bishop Canevin girls reflect on 3rd straight WPIAL title

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 10, 2018 | 12:18 AM

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The Bishop Canevin girls basketball team is on a run for the history books.

With a 56-52 win over East Allegheny in the Class 3A title game, the Crusaders became only the 13th team to win three or more WPIAL championships in a row since the start of girls basketball play in 1972.

Bishop Canevin is only the second team since 2003 to accomplish the feat — Vincentian won five straight titles in Class A between 2011 and 2016.

“We have been fortunate to be there four years in a row,” Bishop Canevin coach Scott Dibble said. “It is a blessing. The kids have established a tradition. The next group doesn't want to be the group who doesn't win one. They have set the bar high and want to meet it.”

The most recent title wasn't easy to obtain. The Crusaders trailed for most of the game and didn't take the lead until Kasey Kaczorowski hit a 3-pointer with 4 minutes, 18 seconds to play. Bri Allen then took control as she was the only player to score for Bishop Canevin in the final four minutes.

“Basketball is a game of runs,” Dibble said. “If you always keep things in arm's reach, things can go your way. We had some kids knock down threes, and we started to rebound better.

“Our kids are warriors and never quit.”

The Crusaders have won 13 of their past 14 games headed into the state tournament. Dibble credits some of the team's success to the overall chemistry of the group.

The nucleus of the team has been a major part of the Crusaders' success for several seasons. With a senior class of Allen, Kaczorow­ski and Lauren Gamble paired with battle-tested juniors and sophomores like Shamyjha Price, Gillian Gustine and Diajah Allen, the team is a well-oiled machine.

“They have great chemistry,” Dibble said. “Our kids love each other on and off the floor. That's key. You can have the best talent and coaching. But without chemistry and sharing the ball, that doesn't matter.”

The Crusaders were prepared for the postseason thanks in part to a challenging nonsection slate. In addition to games against WPIAL playoff qualifiers Vincentian Academy, Chartiers Valley and South Fayette, Bishop Canevin traveled out of state for tournaments in Washington, D.C., and Florida.

“I don't get caught up in the undefeated stuff,” Dibble said. “That doesn't make you better. Playing games like we did exposes our weakness so we can work on it and get better.

“We are not looking to play our best basketball at the beginning of the year but at the end.”

After playing some of the best, Bishop Canevin is now focused on being the best. The team entered the PIAA Class 3A tournament with high expectations. But Dibble doesn't want his squad to look too far ahead. As long as the Crusaders stay focused and do what they do best, he likes his team's chances.

“All the teams left are good teams,” Dibble said. “All the riffraff is gone. We just need to defend and execute, and we will be fine. I think we will have a good long run, get back to Hershey and hopefully win it this time.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: Bishop Canevin