Chartiers Valley boys ramp up for postseason

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, February 7, 2019 | 8:00 PM

Previous Next

Previous Next

The Chartiers Valley boys basketball team is playing some of its best basketball at the right time.

The Colts went 7-1 over an eight-game stretch from Jan. 15 through Feb. 1. The run included a 69-66 double-overtime win over previously undefeated Moon on Feb. 1.

Chartiers Valley feels it is beginning to peak on the verge of the WPIAL playoffs.

“Our defense has gotten better every game of the year,” Chartiers Valley coach Brandon Sensor said. “I think the big difference offensively is we have been a lot more patient and sharing the ball better.”

The team’s offense has been strong throughout the season. The Colts are averaging 67.3 points, up from last year’s average of 53.5. Chartiers Valley has the highest scoring average in Section 2-5A and the sixth-highest average in Class 5A.

Senior guard Joe Pipilo averages more than 18 points.

“He is one of the best leaders I have ever coached, and I have coached for 10 years,” Sensor said. “The kids responded to the positive energy he brings every day.

“He was known for his shooting last year. We challenged him to get to the post more. He is a great passer and a very good rebounder.”

The team has received a boost from the play of Jared Goldstorm. The junior guard is second on the team in scoring at more than 15 points per game but has been strong across the court for Chartiers Valley.

“He is a good defender and is very athletic,” Sensor said. “If you leave him alone, he will knock it down. We had three games in a row where he knocked down six (3-pointers).”

Brayden Reynolds received praise from Sensor for his play and basketball IQ. While he is a sophomore, Reynolds has stepped up as the team’s point guard.

“It is like he is inside my head,” Sensor said. “He knows when to push it and slow it down. He is still learning. But he knows when we need to speed it up and the plays I want to call. That is a sophomore doing that.”

In addition to the team’s other starters in senior guard Tyler Shaw and junior forward Sean Banas, the Colts have had a deep bench to work with.

“We can bring fresh legs off the bench if we need to,” Pipilo said. “We don’t need to worry too much about getting into foul trouble. We know those guys will back us up and be there for us.”

The defense also is seeing a boost. In the first 11 games of the year, the Colts allowed 57.6 points per game. Over the team’s successful eight-game stretch, the average was down to 52.7 points.

“We are getting better at rotating and helping each other out,” Sensor said. “It is fun to watch. They bring a lot of energy to defense.”

Chartiers Valley is preparing to turn its attention to the postseason. After missing the playoffs last season, the Colts are ready to make the most of the opportunity.

“We can’t wait,” Pipilo said. “We want to go as deep as possible. We want to make a trip to the Pete this year.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: Chartiers Valley