Behind veteran lineup, Leechburg boys focus on playing team basketball

By: Greg Macafee
Monday, November 24, 2025 | 4:21 PM

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Coach Andrew McDermott and the Leechburg boys basketball team are tasked with replacing their leading scorer and rebounder this season, a challenge that is difficult for any high school program.

However, an influx of young talent and a team-first approach have motivated the Blue Devils to turn things around in McDermott’s third year at the helm.

“We’ve been stressing the attention to detail, the mental focus and playing as a team are by far the three biggest things,” McDermott said. “When you have a team that is a mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen, trying to get them to jell together is important.”

Since being named coach at his alma mater two seasons ago, McDermott has led the Blue Devils to a record of 5-38. The Blue Devils averaged 39.3 points a year ago and allowed 64.1. They also had three losing streaks of five games or more.

There were plenty of things to fix this offseason. But throughout their summer league schedule, McDermott said he and his coaching staff have stressed taking care of the ball.

During some of Leechburg’s big losses last season, there were plenty of times the Blue Devils were keeping their opponents close. However, things would unravel late in games as turnovers and mental mistakes mounted.

“As a team, we averaged over 20 turnovers a game last year,” McDermott said. “That’s a combination of the mental focus, a lack of detail, everything there. We had games where we were able to put together a good quarter or two, but then the wheels fell off, and it started snowballing. So, by far, it’s offense and just taking care of the basketball.”

Seniors Brady Rollinger, Jake Cummings and Chase Henry played big roles for the Blue Devils last year as the team’s leading scorer, rebounder, and best defender, respectively. But McDermott has plenty of experience returning with seniors Rocco Vigna, Mason Scitticatt and Timmy Skeel, along with junior forward Mason Bertino. All four saw time in the starting lineup at some point last season.

Senior forward Gabe Santiago, who missed last season with a knee injury, is also returning this season after seeing time in the starting lineup during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Freshman guard Dylan Kapalka and sophomore guard Connor Szymanski have impressed throughout the offseason and are competing for a spot as the primary ball handler. McDermott said both players had tallied 18 points during at least one summer league game and didn’t miss any of the team’s open gyms.

“Both are in the mix to be the primary ball handler, which obviously — one is a freshman and one is a sophomore — is a pretty big test at the varsity level,” McDermott said. “But, they get to the hoop well, they can shoot well, they are intense on the offensive end and they are pretty long. So, we’ve been able to play them as they have a lot of versatility in their positions.”

No matter who takes the court for the Blue Devils, McDermott is looking for a complete team approach with a balanced scoring effort. He anticipates his team will play fast-paced with plenty of substitutions.

McDermott said he believes he can go 10-12 deep on the bench with that approach and plans for his team’s defense to lead to the offense.

“It’s harder to defend a team that has five guys who can even out the scoring, rather than having one or two that you know are going to get the looks and the other team can focus on them with their best defenders,” McDermott said. “I really want them to play team basketball.”

The Blue Devils look to start their season on the right note when they host Apollo-Ridge on Friday in the Leechburg tip-off tournament.

Leechburg boys at a glance

Coach: Andrew McDermott

Last year’s record: 3-18 (2-10 Section 2-2A)

Returning starters: Rocco Vigna (Sr., G), Mason Scitticatt (Sr., G), Timmy Skeel (Sr., F), Mason Bertino (Jr., F)

Others to watch: Gabe Santiago (Sr., F)

Top newcomers: Dylan Kapalka (Fr., G), Connor Szymanski (So., G)

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

11.28, Apollo-Ridge^, 3 p.m.

11.29, TBD^, TBD

12.2, at St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m.

12.3, Aquinas Academy, 7:30 p.m.

12.5, Serra Catholic, 7:30 p.m.

12.10, Burrell, 7:30 p.m.

12.12, Propel Braddock Hills*, 7:30 p.m.

12.13, at Mt. Pleasant*, noon

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

12.23, Eden Christian*, 7:30 p.m.

12.29, at Apollo-Ridge+, noon

12.30, at Apollo-Ridge+, TBD

1.6, at Brentwood*, 7:30 p.m.

1.9, Winchester Thurston*, 7:30 p.m.

1.13, at Sewickley Academy*, 7 p.m.

1.16, at Propel Braddock Hills*, 7 p.m.

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

1.27, at Eden Christian*, 7 p.m.

1.28, at Ligonier Valley, 7:30 p.m.

1.30, Brentwood*, 7:30 p.m.

2.3, at Winchester Thurston*, 7:30 p.m.

2.6, Sewickley Academy*, 7:30 p.m.

*Section game

^At Leechburg tip-off tournament

+Apollo-Ridge holiday tournament

Greg Macafee is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Greg by email at gmacafee@triblive.com or via Twitter .

Tags: Leechburg