Monessen girls basketball team sets sail under Schmidt

By: Dave Mackall
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 6:57 PM

Jason Schmidt is following a legend. Jason F. Schmidt, that is.

Schmidt — don’t call him a Junior — takes over as coach of the Monessen girls basketball team, succeeding Janine Vertacnik, who has retired after combining for 365 victories in a career that, in addition to her six seasons with the Greyhounds, included time at Yough, Greensburg Salem and Jeannette high schools, as well as NCAA Division III Pitt-Greensburg.

“She’s been really helpful with transitioning me into this role,” said Schmidt, 24. “We’ve gotten caught up with some of the girls I have, and it’s been great. Whenever I’ve had a question, she’s been there for me.”

No matter what name he goes by, Jason F. Schmidt has a tough act to follow. But with the help of two assistants, E’Dazjia Solomon-Green and Schmidt’s dad, Jason J. Schmidt — don’t call him a Senior — Monessen will press on.

“It’s been a dream of ours to coach a high school team together,” the elder Schmidt said of their endeavor. “I’ve been coaching for almost 20 years, and Jason has been helping me since he was 16. We can definitely do this because Jason has always had a passion for coaching, and he’s wanted to pursue a job at the varsity level for some time now.”

Two starters — junior forward NaJazia Carter and junior guard Madison Johnson — return to Monessen, which raced through an undefeated season in Section 2-A and closed Vertacnik’s final year of coaching with a 20-7 overall mark following an uncharacteristically lopsided loss to District 9 Elk County Catholic in a PIAA first-round playoff game.

Indeed, a tough act to follow.

“It’s a tall order, but we’re up for it,” Jason F. Schmidt said.

The Greyhounds five times under Vertacnik’s leadership qualified for the WPIAL playoffs, winning two consecutive WPIAL section championships with the current senior class.

Jason F. Schmidt, of course, is hoping to lead the program to continued success sooner than later. He’ll go about it having had coaching experience mainly at the youth level in basketball and football.

And mainly at his dad’s side.

Monessen will rely on Carter and Johnson for leadership, Schmidt said, but there are others he’s been hoping will step up.

“We’re very young,” he said.

Joining the two juniors, Carter and Johnson, as candidates for starting jobs are sophomore guard Rayniya Lyons, sophomore forwards Jaidyn Rankin and Erriol Washington and freshman guard Amirra Brewer.

“I’ve been telling the girls that everyone loves to win, but you’ve got to hate to lose,” Jason F. Schmidt said. “If you lose, your practices should be better. That’s the mentality.”

Jason F. Schmidt also worked for one season as an offensive assistant high school football coach at Elizabeth Forward and hoped that experience would help him adjust to the high school level.

“I’m happy to support him,” Jason J. Schmidt said of his son.

Jason F. Schmidt, a former football player at McKeesport and an interior lineman for two seasons each at Division III Thiel and Division II Edinboro, said he’s planning to use his experience as a youth engagement support specialist for Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Pressley Ridge as a tool.

He mainly interacts with students in the McKeesport School District.

“I’m from McKeesport, and I’ve always lived in McKeesport,” he said. “There are striking similarities (to Monessen). My background, where I’m from and who I am can only help these girls improve.

“I believe I have the right temperament, and since I’ve been given this opportunity, I’m leading with love. It’s kind of what we are heavy on, because when you go about it that way, with the best intentions, the kids feel you care.”

Monessen girls at a glance

Coach: Jason F. Schmidt

Last year’s record: 20-7 (10-0 Section 2-A)

Returning starters: NaJazia Carter (Jr., F), Madison Johnson (Jr., G)

Top newcomers: Rayniya Lyons (Soph., G), Jaidyn Rankin (Soph., F), Erriol Washington (Soph., F), Amirra Brewer (Fr., G)

Tags: Monessen