Franklin Regional girls retooling with new-look lineup

By: Paul Schofield
Monday, November 24, 2025 | 1:25 PM

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Franklin Regional girls basketball coach Bernie Pucka has a job in front of him.

The Panthers, who shared the Section 1-5A section title with Shaler last season, return only one starter, his daughter Chloe, a junior forward who averaged six points.

She along with reserve sophomore forward Alyssa Bridges, sophomore forward Katherine Yaniga and senior forward Gemma Sadoski will be counted on to lead the way.

“We are going to be a different team from last year,” Coach Pucka said. “The expectations have not changed. We will be trying to find our own identity.”

While the team is light on experience, the fifth-year coach still expects the team to contend for the section title.

Others vying for playing time, including starting spots, are senior guard Madelyn Catello, senior guard Rachel Marcej, freshman guard Megan Kavo and freshman forward Lucy Helbig.

Coach Pucka must replace starters Madison DeRiggi, Sierra Downs, Addison Musto, Toryn Fulton and Anna Novelli. DeRiggi averaged 12 points and Fulton 9.6.

Pucka said there will be a battle for starting jobs and playing time. Competition makes a player better.

The Panthers were 15-7 overall and 11-1 in the section but lost to Bethel Park, 46-45, in the opening round of the WPIAL 5A playoffs. It was a disappointing end to a good season.

“We are physical and athletic,” Pucka said. “This is a tougher group. We just must find more consistent scoring.”

Pucka said he expects the section will be strong again. He said Shaler will be very good, Penn Hills will be better and Fox Chapel lost a few star players. Gateway, Armstrong and Plum will be improved.

“We are going to be inexperienced,” Pucka said. “The players are defining their roles, and the team is forming their own identity.

“We have done well in the fall league. Alyssa scored 24 points in one of the games.”

Pucka said the nonsection schedule will be challenging.

The Panthers will face Canon- McMillan twice, Mars, Hampton, McKeesport, Indiana, Greensburg Salem and Penn-Trafford.

“We have a grueling schedule,” Pucka said. “But it is going to make us a better team.”

Franklin Regional girls at a glance

Coach: Bernie Pucka

Last year’s record: 15-7 (1-5A Section 11-1)

Returning starters: Chloe Pucka (Jr. G).

Other lettermen: Alyssa Bridges (So., F), Katherine Yaniga (So., G), Gemma Sadoski (Sr., F).

Top newcomers: Madelyn Catello (Sr., G), Rachel Marcej (Sr., G), Megan Kavo (Fr., G), Lucy Helbig (Fr., F).

SCHEDULE

12.1, Mars, 7:30 p.m.

12.5, Hopewell^, 6 p.m.

12.6, Canon-McMillan^, 5 p.m.

12.11, Plum*, 7:30 p.m.

12.15, at Penn Hills*, 7:30 p.m.

12.18, Gateway*, 7:30 p.m.

12.20, at Indiana, 3:30 p.m.

12.23, at Fox Chapel*, 7 p.m.

12.28, TBA+

12.29, TBA+

1.5, Greensburg Salem, 7:30 p.m.

1.8, Armstrong*, 7:30 p.m.

1.13, at Shaler*, 7 p.m.

1.15, at Plum*, 7:30 p.m.

1.19, Penn Hills*, 7:30 p.m.

1.21, at Penn-Trafford, 7:30 p.m.

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

1.26, Fox Chapel*, 7:30 p.m.

1.29, at Hampton, 7:30 p.m.

2.1, McKeesport#, 4:30 p.m.

2.3, at Armstrong*, 7:30 p.m.

2.5, Shaler*, 7:30 p.m.

*Section game

^Moon tournament

+Cal (Pa.) tournament

#Saint Vincent Shootout

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional