After super start, Franklin Regional girls realize more work lies ahead
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 3:46 PM
A perfect 6 for 6 through the first half of its Section 1-5A schedule, the Franklin Regional girls basketball team breathed a little easier but remained guarded as it collectively glanced at the standings.
There still was plenty of work to be done. First place is a precious place to be, but it has trap doors.
“I appreciate where we are right now,” Panthers coach Bernie Pucka said. “But the truth is that there is a lot of basketball left. Class 5A Section 1 is extremely competitive, and the section title remains up for grabs.”
Franklin Regional (10-5, 7-0) has been somewhat of a surprise in 5A, although the makeup of the team would stand to refute that thought.
It has senior leadership and experience, a coaching staff that is another year along, and some rising underclassmen.
That mix could end up producing the team’s first section title since 1979.
“I believe it’s safe to say that our seniors, Toryn Fulton, Addison Musto and Sierra Downs, are our leaders, with captains Madi DeRiggi and Anna Novelli leading the charge,” Pucka said. “With the support of key underclassmen in Chloe Pucka, Alyssa Bridges and KC Yaniga, we have developed a very solid, competitive, varsity rotation.”
After a 66-45 loss to 6A No. 1 Upper St. Clair, Franklin Regional found a rhythm, defeating Fox Chapel (40-36), Greensburg Salem (62-39), Armstrong (63-36) and Shaler (54-48) to cap the first leg of section play.
Having players who trust each other can go a long way, and Pucka believes his team has that quality.
Pucka is known for bringing a positive vibe to the bench. His enthusiasm and expectations have not been as high since he has coached the Panthers.
“This group is as close as they come,” he said. “The friendships they have developed off the court have proven to strengthen the bond and chemistry on the court. We lift up and don’t put down. As one player struggles, another steps up and replaces. That’s what teamwork is all about, and I’m surrounded by great people.”
DeRiggi, Pucka said, has been an inspiration to the team with her untiring approach.
“Her overall toughness, both mentally and physically, inspires all of us, myself included,” the coach said. “Her creativity and skill sets make her so fun to watch.”
Musto also brings skill to the backcourt, while Novelli is the behind-the-scenes “grinder” who does things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.
Chloe Pucka has been a key on defense, often going one on one with the other team’s top scorer.
Then there is Fulton, the 6-foot forward who puts softball down long enough to provide valuable minutes in the post. One minute, she is a power-hitting home-run threat and South Florida commit. The next, she looks like one of the top forwards in 5A.
“Toryn Fulton is starting to groove,” coach Pucka said. “Coming back after an intense softball season, she has shaken the basketball rust and found herself again on the court.”
Fulton said she knew a section title could be in the cards.
“We have been working really well together and correcting our mistakes during practice to better prepare us for the next game,” Fulton said. “I never doubted our abilities of winning section this season, but other people (not on the team) definitely have due to our past records. We’re not done yet though, and we still have the next half of section ahead of us.”
Bridges was unproven at the start of the season, but the freshman has shown flashes of what she can bring to the program.
“To no surprise, (Bridges) has stepped up big time for us,” Pucka said. “Alyssa has the presence of a seasoned veteran player.”
KC Yaniga and Downs, Pucka said, have provided a spark on numerous occasions.
While the Panthers have consistently put up 50 or more points, it is the defense that has shown more improvement, especially in crucial moments in games where holding leads used to be a weakness.
The team’s 40.3-point defensive average was second in the section to Shaler’s 37.5.
“We put a lot of time at practice focusing on our defensive details, and our players sell out,” Pucka said. “The key to putting us over the top will be our offensive progression. There is no doubt that offense takes time, but as the season is progressing, our players are becoming more and more comfortable with our sets and quick-hitters.”
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
Tags: Franklin Regional
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