After emotional run to WPIAL title, Belle Vernon boys out to write a new story

By: Brennan Valladares
Monday, November 24, 2025 | 1:25 PM

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The Belle Vernon boys basketball team had a dream season in 2025.

After winning the Section 3-4A title with an 11-1 record (22-5 overall), the Leopards received news that changed their outlook for the postseason: Their head coach, Joe Salvino, announced he would retire at the end of the season.

Salvino, the second-winningest coach in WPIAL boys basketball history, was closing the book on a 41-year career. For the past seven years, he had led Belle Vernon. After coming up short in the 2020 title game, Salvino’s squad had the chance to give him the sendoff he deserved — and they did.

Forty-seven years after its last WPIAL title, Belle Vernon defeated No. 2 North Catholic, 54-49, for the program’s second championship and the seventh of Salvino’s decorated career.

Nine months later, however, only a few faces — and plenty of life-long memories — remain from the 2025 championship team.

One of those familiar faces is Salvino’s long-time assistant, Ricky Tyburski, who was named Belle Vernon’s new head coach in May. With the echoes of the championship still resonating within the program, Tyburski’s focus and effort is on this season and this group, hoping to help them write their own story.

“Again, there is some pressure with obviously defending a championship …” Tyburski said. “But again, this is a new team that hopefully can build their own story with this year. Again, we can’t reflect on the success of last year too much because, again, I don’t want them to have too much pressure on their backs going into this new season, especially with me being a new coach and them, you know, representing our school again.

“We have to focus on what we’re going to do.”

One of the players Tyburski will rely on to help turn the page on a new season is the lone returning starter from that championship team, senior guard Curtis Wade.

“(Wade) is definitely going to be looked at for more as a leader,” Tyburski said. “Obviously, his hustle, his determination, his defensive presence was a lot last year to the success of our team.”

Tyburski also mentioned seniors Dane Daugherty and Jude Minniti as potential contributors this year. Daugherty played sparingly last year on varsity, and Minniti played with the junior varsity team.

Three juniors are also expected to take on larger roles this year, led by forward Cam Jenko.

“(Jenko) got some good minutes and some good games last year,” Tyburski said. “Definitely going to be looked at as a key contributor this year with his strength, his agility. He’s a good athlete to be out there.”

Juniors Luca Ghilani and Vincenzo Francia are also expected to make an impact this year. Ghilani has the potential to be a scorer for the Leopards, whereas Francia will bring physicality and hustle.

Sophomore Elijah Majors is expected to contribute some ballhandling to the team, with hopes of being able to run the offense when needed.

It may be hard for Belle Vernon to avoid the temptation of looking back at last year’s championship run, but with a mostly new roster and a new coach, the 2025-26 Leopards are ready to write their own story.

“Last year’s team was a great success,” Tyburski said. “And last year’s team built a lot of memories for these kids that got to witness that and be a part of that last year. But again, now it’s up to this year, this current group, and how we can possibly build a story, build history, for ourselves going forward.”

Belle Vernon boys at a glance

Coach: Ricky Tyburski

Last year’s record: 22-5 (11-1 Section 3-4A)

Returning starters: Curtis Wade (Sr., G)

Others to watch: Dane Daugherty (Sr., F), Cam Jenko (Jr., F)

Top newcomers: Jude Minniti (Sr. F), Luca Ghilani (Jr., G), Vincenzo Francia (Jr., G), Elijah Majors (So., G)

SCHEDULE

11.28, Ringgold^, 6 p.m.

11.29, Bishop Canevin^, 3 p.m.

12.2, Gateway, 7 p.m.

12.5, Upper St. Clair+, 7 p.m.

12.6, TBD+

12.9, at McKeesport, 7 p.m.

12.12, West Mifflin*, 7 p.m.

12.13, Greensburg Central Catholic#, noon

12.15, Uniontown, 7 p.m.

12.16, at Yough*, 7:30 p.m.

12.19, Derry*, 7 p.m.

12.23, at Elizabeth Forward*, 7:30 p.m.

12.29, at Peters Township%, 6 p.m.

12.30, Norwin%, 1:30 p.m.

1.6, East Allegheny*, 7 p.m.

1.9, Greensburg Salem*, 7 p.m.

1.16, at West Mifflin*, 7:30 p.m.

1.20, Yough*, 7:30 p.m.

1.23, at Derry*, 7:30 p.m.

1.27, Elizabeth Forward*, 7 p.m.

1.30, at East Allegheny*, 7:30 p.m.

2.3, at Greensburg Salem*, 7:30 p.m.

*Section game

^MVI Shootout

+Upper St. Clair tournament

#WCCA Showcase

%Peters Township tournament

Tags: Belle Vernon