Norwin girls crank up offense to roll past previously unbeaten McKeesport
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Thursday, December 21, 2023 | 10:17 PM
Norwin’s Lauren Palangio blocks a shot by McKeesport’s Brooke Evans during their game on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Lauren Palangio scores between McKeesport defenders during their game on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Kendall Berger shoots a three-pointer against McKeesport on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Lauren Palangio battles McKeesport’s Rachael Manfredo for a rebound during their game on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Lauren Palangio celebrates after scoring against McKeesport on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Kendall Berger (right) celebrates with Bailey Snowberger after scoring against McKeesport during their game on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Bailey Snowberger drives upcourt against McKeesport on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Ava Kobus drives past McKeesport’s Kaylee Charles during their game on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
McKeesport’s Rachael Manfredo celebrates after scoring her 1,000th career point on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Lauren Palangio battles McKeesport’s Kaylee Charles for a loose ball next to Bailey Snowberger during their game on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Lauren Palangio drives to the basket past McKeesport’s Madison Hertzler during their game on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Lauren Palangio celebrates with Bella Furno after scoring against McKeesport on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Bailey Snowberger drives upcourt against McKeesport on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin’s Averi Brozeski celebrates after scoring against McKeesport on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Norwin.
Norwin senior point guard Bailey Snowberger said her team has not played its best basketball game yet.
A runaway nonsection win over the No. 1-ranked team in Class 5A surely will have to rank up there, though.
Norwin, ranked No. 2 in Class 6A, scratched out an unsteady first quarter with three near-perfect ones to coast by visiting and previously undefeated McKeesport, 75-44, on Thursday night.
Norwin had seven points in the first quarter before pouring in 68 (25, 21, 22) the rest of the way to hit a season high.
“It was amazing, probably the most complete game we have played in terms of our defense and rebounding,” Snowberger said.
And shooting. Don’t forget shooting. It was like Norwin couldn’t miss from deep: corner, wing or top of the key.
Norwin (7-1) made 13 3-pointers — four each from junior Kendall Berger and Snowberger — to turn an early seven-point deficit into a rout.
Seven players made at least one 3 in the Lady Knights’ fifth straight win.
With the defense protecting the paint and limiting what the Tigers’ guards could do, Norwin’s offense found a rhythm with ball movement, backdoor cuts and kick-outs.
McKeesport, a WPIAL semifinalist last year, did not have an answer against Norwin, which made the WPIAL and PIAA semifinals. Both teams won more than 20 games.
“Our motto is, don’t be overworked,” said Snowberger, who had 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists. “Be humble and hungry. … Don’t let (the opponent) take it from us. We came out slow, but our shooting gave us confidence.”
McKeesport (5-1) had a 12-7 lead after the first quarter but saw its final lead midway through the second after Berger scored on a break.
She finished with 20 points, with half of them coming in the second quarter.
An 11-0 run that featured senior Ava Kobus and Snowberger delivering pinpoint passes and Kobus making a 3 led to a 17-2 spurt that included back-to-back 3s from Berger.
Once the 3s started falling, the Lady Knights won going away.
“I’m a defensive guy, but we needed a shooting night,” Norwin coach Brian Brozeski said. “We talk about being confident with our shooting. Shoot with confidence. We moved the ball very well.”
Senior forward Lauren Palangio had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Lady Knights, who led 32-20 at the half and 53-35 after three quarters.
“We knew we were capable of this,” Palangio said. “We weren’t rebounding well early, and that lit a fire. Our guards played well. They get the ball to me, and I get it right back to them.”
Junior Bella Furno, junior Averi Brozeski (2) and sophomore Alexa Kobus and also hit 3s.
Snowberger swished in a pair of 3s early in the fourth as Norwin upped the advantage to 20.
“Bailey leads by example in everything she does,” Brozeski said.
Tigers’ senior Rachael Manfredo scored her 1,000th career point at the 6-minute, 58-second mark of the fourth, but it was a 56-38 game at that time.
The game was stopped, and Brozeski made sure Manfedo was awarded the game ball.
“It was about letting her have her moment,” Brozeski said. “That’s the beauty of high school sports.”
Manfredo finished with 18 points, and senior forward Kaylee Charles led McKeesport with 20, 12 of which came before halftime.
“McKeesport has some good guards, and you can’t over-guard one side,” Brozeski said. “They make you play the whole court.”
Norwin outscored the Tigers in the fourth, 22-9, to slam the door.
Alexa Kobus and sophomore Ava Christopher scored eight each.
“One good game can’t be your best game,” Brozeski said. “We’ll try to mimic this from here and learn from our mistakes.”
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
Tags: McKeesport, Norwin
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