Gateway boys aim to learn from close losses, compete for section title

By: Andrew John
Sunday, January 5, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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In the early going of the season, the Gateway boys basketball program has found itself on the wrong side of some close games. However, the Gators hope the experience prepares them for section play and a deep playoff run.

Four losses for Gateway (4-4, 2-1) have come by a total of 16 points. The Gators’ season tipped off with a six-point loss to Woodland Hills at the Play 4 Mae Tournament at Woodland Hills on Nov. 30 and a one-point loss to Belle Vernon on Dec. 3.

After beating Obama Academy, 57-45, the Gators lost by four to Latrobe on Dec. 13. Gateway won three straight games with victories against Section 1-5A foes Laurel Highlands and Franklin Regional and Central Valley before losing to Johnstown, 44-39, at the Central Valley Roundball Classic at Geneva College on Dec. 28.

“We found ourselves doing well, then all of the sudden for whatever reason, we hit a lull in the game and we had a lot of unforced turnovers. It puts us behind the eight ball and we play catch up again,” Gateway coach Alvis Rogers said.

“But the guys are working hard. We just have to teach them how to win and get the ball to the right guys at the right time.”

With the graduation of several key starters and contributors from last year’s team, junior guard Mykel Bruce-McCrommon has taken a step forward and led the Gators. Bruce-McCrommon has a team-high 20.5 points per game this season.

Bruce-McCrommon had a season-high 33 points in the loss against Latrobe, which surpassed his previous season-high of 30 points in the loss to Belle Vernon.

“He’s our guy. He has stepped up, but we need him to step up even more. Not only in scoring but being a leader and being vocal. Everyone wants to look at the points and his rebounds,” Rogers said.

“He does a lot for us but we would like him to be more assertive considering last year he was a sophomore and he didn’t play a lot of minutes. He’s capable of taking over a game at any point in time, and that’s what we need him to do to be that leader.”

Bruce-McCrommon, who has reached double-figures in all eight games except for the loss against Johnstown, contributes his step forward to the confidence his coaches and teammates have in him.

“My teammates give me the confidence by believing in me. If they can believe in me, I can believe in myself,” Bruce-McCrommon said.

Rogers has been pleased with the contributions senior center Paul Nnacho provides in the paint for the Gators. At 6-foot-5, Nnacho has been a difference maker with his ability to rebound and block shots even in his third year of playing basketball competitively.

Gateway, which is averaging 51 points per game and holding opponents to 48 this season, faced a challenging schedule at the beginning of January with matchups against Albert Gallatin and Uniontown.

However, Rogers believes the Gators’ defensive ability will be the difference maker as they navigate the remainder of their Section 1-5A schedule.

“I think with our size and our athletic ability and speed and quickness from a defensive standpoint, I think we can really get after teams by using our quickness. I think that’s going to be helpful for us and cause problems for other teams,” Rogers said.

“Section play is always tough. We have a really good chance of being very good and winning the section. Most people don’t think we do because of what we had coming back and what we lost, but I think everyone in the locker room thinks we can win the section.”

Bruce-McCrommon echoed the importance of sticking to the team identity if Gateway wants to return to the WPIAL playoffs.

“I think our main focus is going to be defense. If we have a defensive mentality, we’re going to be tough to beat,” Bruce-McCrommon said.

“We need to continue to work together, improving our skills and staying focused in practice, and it’s going to translate to the game. If we have confidence, everything will play out.”

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