Kiski Area boys execute game plan to perfection, smother Plum in Class 5A battle

By: Josh Rizzo
Friday, January 10, 2025 | 11:03 PM

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Kiski Area boys basketball coach Corey Smith used the 48 hours before the Cavaliers’ game with Plum to craft the perfect game plan. If Kiski could do what its coach asked, the Cavaliers would set up a first-place battle with Penn Hills at home next Tuesday.

The Cavaliers delivered with a patient, smothering performance in a 57-30 Section 2-5A road win Friday night. Kiski Area (6-6, 4-1) pounded the glass and made the Mustangs’ life miserable on offense.

Plum scored only 11 points in the first half.

“We came up with a game plan in two days,” Smith said. “It was to pressure the ball, to confuse them on defense. We wanted to change it up on the run. I’m proud of my guys for executing the game plan down to a ‘tee’ tonight.”

Jacob Musselman, who scored a game-high 16 points, said Kiski Area’s game plan was built around sustained pressure. The Cavaliers never wanted to allow Plum room to breathe.

“We want to put an emphasis on dominance,” Musselman said. “That’s really what we strive for in every game. Even with two minutes left, we were going hard and trapping. It’s how we roll.”

Plum took its last lead of the game at 6-5 in the middle of the first quarter on a driving layup by Mekhi Samuels. Musselman was fouled on a drive to the rim for Kiski Area and split a pair of free throws to even the score.

It was the start of a 7-0 run for the Cavaliers. Caron Heinle contributed a pair of layups, including a go-ahead basket after grabbing an offensive rebound, and Colin Keller made a 3-pointer during the run.

Keller finished with 14 points for the Cavaliers. Kiski Area also had an 11-0 run to open the second quarter and held the Mustangs scoreless for nearly 4¹⁄₂ minutes during that stretch.

Plum coach Dave Pucka said his team is still looking for answers. Mustangs guard William Beckner having to sit in the first half hurt their flow.

“When Will got in foul trouble, we have a couple of young guys who are looking for the answer,” he said. “I think when you have a situation like that, people have to step up and take charge. We are still waiting for that to happen.”

Musselman said Kiski wanted to fluster Plum’s offense. The Mustangs (6-6, 2-3) didn’t get many clean looks and were 0 for 5 from the perimeter in the opening quarter.

“We put a big emphasis on getting to the ball once it was swung, not after,” Musselman said. “We were extremely aggressive.”

Kiski Area pulled in six offensive rebounds during the first quarter. The Cavaliers were 4 of 12 shooting in the quarter but were able to earn trips to the free-throw line with some of their second-chance opportunities..

“We got outworked on the boards,” Pucka said. “All five guys have to rebound. Sometimes we have two guys rebounding. Sometimes we have three guys rebounding. You can’t give Kiski second or third opportunities.”

Max Grice and Samuels led Plum with 10 points apiece.

Kiski led 24-11 at halftime and delivered what its coach asked for.

The Cavaliers will have the opportunity to play for first place next week.

“I’m so excited for my guys,” Smith said. “I can’t wait for Tuesday to come.”

Tags: Kiski Area, Plum