Belle Vernon girls look to continue special season

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, February 15, 2018 | 4:33 PM

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It's been a historic season for the Belle Vernon girls basketball team.

Thanks to a 55-43 section win Feb. 8 against rival Elizabeth Forward, the Leopards enjoyed their winningest season since the start of the new millennium. And their 12-2 record in section play also was the best in recent memory.

Belle Vernon finished with a 17-5 regular-season record — the best mark since 1998-99 when the Leopards went 17-8 — and enters the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs as the Section 3 runner-up.

The No. 6-seeded Leopards play No. 11 Knoch (11-11) at 3 p.m. Saturday at Baldwin in the first round. The winner gets No. 3 Beaver on Feb. 22.

“I knew coming into this season I had a great group of returning players whose dream was to make this season one to remember,” coach Lisa Fairman said. “Our expectation was to battle hard in our section, grow as a team, and give ourselves the best opportunity going into the playoffs.

“I feel this team has gotten better every game, and we are very focused and determined heading into the playoffs. I'm very proud of how hard this team has worked this season. We have grown to become a family, and I like where we are right now.”

Fairman, who is in her seventh season at Belle Vernon, is on the cusp of a career milestone. Her next victory will be No. 100 in her career.

“When I think about that, I think of the teams and players, along with my assistants — Tom Rodriguez and Ed Manfredi — that have made that happen over the years,” Fairman said. “When I think back over my seven years at Belle Vernon, I am very thankful for the players I have had the opportunity to coach, the friendships that have been made, and the support from everyone in the district.

“For me, it's more than just the wins. Instead, it's been about creating a positive familylike culture along with teaching life lessons for these girls to succeed in the future.”

Belle Vernon sat out last year's postseason for the first time in Fairman's tenure, ending up 12-10 and missing the playoffs by one game. But a majority of the team returned intact, looking to make a stronger showing and a playoff push.

And that's exactly what the Leopards have done.

Belle Vernon features one of the stingiest defensive teams in Class 4A with a 43.2 ppg average, and held nine opponents under 40 points.

The Leopards' only section losses were to Keystone Oaks in early January and early February. In between, the Belle Vernon girls went on an eight-game winning tear.

There is a strong senior presence, keyed by 5-foot-8 senior guard Kelsey Green, a three-year starter and the top returning scorer from last year's squad.

Green is the Leopards' leading rebounder with 141 and shot blocker with 38. She also leads the team in assists (82) and steals (77).

“I feel as a team we have played really well this season,” Green said. “We have always been underrated, so It was time to show who we are and how hard we have worked.

“Our expectations for the playoffs are very high. I know we have the ability to go all the way, and I believe we will. I'm really excited to go on a run and shock everyone. We have a special bond that sets us apart. This is our last shot, and we are going to give it everything we have.”

Green is joined in the starting lineup by senior guards Caitlyn Trombley, Keira Boff and Taylor Kovatch and senior forward Rylie Campbell. Lindsay Steeber, a junior guard, also has seen starting time.

The five seniors have been a part of the starting rotation since their sophomore season.

Boff, a 79 percent free-throw shooter, and Trombley lead the team offensively, averaging 11.2 and 10.2 ppg.

Trombley and Campbell complement Green on the boards.

The Leopards' top reserves include freshman forward Grace Henderson, sophomore guard Rachael Wobrak and freshman guard Taylor Rodriguez.

“Our expectation in the playoffs is to simply prepare for our opponent and go out and give it everything we have,” Fairman said. “My girls know that for many of them, these will be the last games playing together, and we aren't ready to be done yet.

“There are moments in life these girls will remember, and we want this playoff season to be one of those great moments. I trust in my team and believe if we play our game, great things will happen.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Belle Vernon