Greensburg Salem boys look to take steps toward long-term goal

By: Paul Schofield
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Greensburg Salem boys basketball coach Paul Sapotichne sees a bright future for the program, but it may not be this season.

The veteran coach is beginning his second season of his second stint at Greensburg Salem. He is eager to rebuild the program.

He first coached the Golden Lions for 29 years before resigning in 2012 with 399 victories. He now is 404-323.

He also coached three years at Wilmington in Lawrence County and Riverview until 2021. He has 469 career wins.

His 2009 team played in the PIAA championship game.

“Our sixth, seventh and eighth grade teams have some talent,” Sapotichne said. “It will get better.

“I have been working with a group that have been working in the offseason and shown improvement in the summer and fall leagues. We are developing some depth.”

Sapotichne said he must replace graduates Tyler Martin, Braedon Leatherman, John Douty, Dom Rosensteel and senior Luke Rullo, who is missing the season with an injury.

He will rely on senior guards Ty Harkcom and Brody Burkholder and sophomore point guard Solomon Cain to lead the way.

Sophomore forward Jackson Stevey is another player who should be in the mix to start.

A trio of seniors — forward Noah Dudek, guard Justice Payne and guard Lucas Collins — are competing for playing time.

“Our goal is to be better than last year,” Sapotichne said. “We have decent quickness; we will play hard and our defense will be pretty good.

“I like what Solomon brings to the court as a point guard. The concern is our lack of depth and size.”

The Golden Lions are in a tough section. Elizabeth Forward, coached by Greensburg Salem grad Nolan Larry, is going to be good again, Sapotichne said.

Derry and Belle Vernon will be solid, East Allegheny has talented young players, and West Mifflin will be better.

The Golden Lions’ nonsection schedule includes Indiana, Laurel Highlands, Valley, Hempfield, Ligonier Valley, Connellsville, Greensburg Central Catholic, Geibel, Plum and Mt. Pleasant.

Greensburg Salem boys at a glance

Coach: Paul Sapotichne

Last year’s record: 5-17 ( 3-9 Section 3-4A)

Returning starters: Solomon Cain (So., PG), Ty Harkcom (Sr., G), Brody Burkholder (Sr., G).

Others to watch: Jackson Stevey (So., F).

Top newcomers: Noah Dudek (Sr., F), Justice Payne (Sr., G), Lucas Collins (Sr., G).

SCHEDULE

11.28, at Laurel Highlands, 7:30 p.m.

12.2, Valley, 7:30 p.m.

12.5, TBD^, 4:45 p.m.

12.6, TBD^, 1:30 p.m.

12.12, Yough*, 7:30 p.m.

12.16, at Derry*, 7:15 p.m.

12.19, Elizabeth Forward*, 7:30 p.m.

12.20, Ligonier Valley#, 1:30 p.m.

12.23, at East Allegheny*, 7:30 p.m.

12.29, TBD+

12.30, TBD+

1.9, at Belle Vernon*, 7 p.m.

1.13, at West Mifflin*, 7:30 p.m.

1.16, at Yough*, 7:30 p.m.

1.17, Geibel Catholic, 1:30 p.m.

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

1.23, at Elizabeth Forward*, 7:30 p.m.

1.27, East Allegheny*, 7:30 p.m.

1.31, Plum%, 3 p.m.

2.3, Belle Vernon*, 7:30 p.m.

2.6, West Mifflin*, 7:30 p.m.

2.9, Indiana, 7:30 p.m.

*Section game

^Hempfield tournament

#WCCA Showcase

+Greensburg Salem 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: Greensburg Salem