Knoch boys bring back 5 starters, look to keep building process rolling

By: Jerin Steele
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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At times last season, a young Knoch boys basketball team showed how dangerous it could be.

The Knights also went through some of the growing pains that come with being sophomore-heavy.

In the end, they missed out on making the PIAA playoffs by one game, losing to Montour in the Class 4A seventh-place game.

It was a major step forward, going from eight wins in 2022-23 to 15 last year, and with the core group returning, the goal is to put together consistent performances and build on what they have learned.

“We experienced a lot of success, but we had to grow up, and what was so beneficial for this group was learning how to handle adversity in the second half of the year,” coach Alan Bauman said. “We had to figure some things out, and we’re hoping that we’re stronger for that.”

All five starters return, but Kaden Spencer will be out to start the season because of an injury sustained while playing football.

The other four are juniors: Jackson Bauman, Teegan Finucan, Derek Lang and Zane Pacek.

Bauman is the point guard, and Finucan joins him in the backcourt. Lang is a 6-foot-7 forward, and Pacek is a 7-foot center.

Bauman led the team in scoring with 16 points per game, Finucan averaged 14 points and Lang scored 11.

It’ll be their third year starting on the varsity team together.

“We’re optimistic about the process,” coach Bauman said. “We’ve spent a lot of time talking about playing fearlessly and coming to work every day to get better. If we bring passion, energy and excitement every day, I think we have a chance to be OK, but we have to do that every day before anything else happens.”

Junior Vinnie Defelice and sophomore Liam Avon will look to fill the fifth starting spot while Spencer is on the mend. The coaching staff also is excited about three other sophomores: Brody Bauman, Roman Defelice and Jack McCool.

The Knights are in Section 1-4A again, but the section will have a much different look with a local flavor.

Two-time defending WPIAL Class 3A champion Deer Lakes, Burrell and Valley have moved in. North Catholic has come over into the section. Freeport and Highlands are the only holdovers from the last two-year cycle.

“What I like about it is we’re getting back to the old rivalries,” coach Bauman said. “When I was growing up, Knoch-Burrell, Knoch-Valley, Knoch-Freeport, Deer Lakes, North Catholic and Highlands … those are all great rivalries with great histories within the schools. We’re looking forward to some awesome environments playing each other again.”

Knoch boys at a glance

Coach: Alan Bauman

Last year’s record: 15-11 (7-3 Section 1-4A)

Returning starters: Jackson Bauman (Jr., G), Teegan Finucan (Jr., G), Derek Lang (Jr, F), Kaden Spencer (Sr., G), Zane Pacek (Jr., F)

Top newcomers: Vinnie Defelice (Jr., G), Liam Avon (So., F), Brody Bauman (So., G), Roman Defelice (So., G), Jack McCool (So. G)

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Knoch