Picking up scoring pace key for Yough girls to improve

By: Paul Schofield
Friday, November 28, 2025 | 6:01 AM

Yough was not a high-scoring team last season.

To be successful during the 2025-26 season, the Cougars must find more scoring.

Yough coach Brian Znavor, who is beginning his third season, hopes another year of experience will lead to more production.

The Cougars graduated three starters from a squad that finished 12-12 overall and 5-9 in Section 3-4A.

Yough qualified for the WPIAL playoffs, defeating Highlands (53-47) before falling to Blackhawk (60-12).

The trio who graduated were Hailey Bock, Kadence Roebuck and Brooke Wieland. Bock was the leading scorer, averaging eight points.

The returning starters are senior guard Carly Fitzgibbons and junior guard Brooke Kowalski. Both averaged five points.

“We will be better,” Znavor said. “We just need players to step up.”

Other letter winners returning who will be competing for starting jobs include sophomore forward Jaidyn Vay, junior guard Evelyn Gates, sophomore guard Bella Dolekary, sophomore guard Daisy Miller and sophomore forward Mya Broadwater.

“We return a lot of experience,” said Znavor, who previously coached the Yough boys and Elizabeth Forward boys.

“We worked hard to improve our skills. We put in a lot of hard work. We want to take that next step.”

Two other sophomores — guard Izzy Pieniadz and forward Abby Cosalter — should also compete for playing time.

“We have a very athletic and quick team,” Znavor said. “We will also have a deeper bench. We relied on freshmen last year. At least they will be more experienced.”

One area of concern is protecting the basketball. Another is the team’s lack of height.

Yough also is in a tough section that features strong programs like Elizabeth Forward, South Park, Laurel Highlands and Belle Vernon.

The Cougars tied for fifth place with Mt. Pleasant. Ringgold and Southmoreland tied for seventh.

Znavor, who graduated from Norwin in 1995, said the teams in the section will be a challenge.

“There is a lot of talent in our section,” Znavor said. “It will be great experience for our girls.

“We are moving in the right direction. We want to take the program to the next level. Mike Gerdich did a great job before I got here. We want to be a perennial playoff team.”

Znavor said the nonsection schedule will be competitive.

The Cougars will face Connellsville, East Allegheny, Shady Side Academy, Highlands, Greensburg Salem and Frazier.

“Those teams will help us prepare for the section,” Znavor said.

Yough girls at a glance

Coach: Brian Znavor

Last year’s record: 12-12 (5-9 Section 3-4A)

Returning starters: Carly Fitzgibbons (Sr., G) and Brooke Kowalski (Jr., G/F).

Others to watch: Evelyn Gates (Jr., G), Bella Dolekary (So., G), Mya Broadwater (So., F), Daisy Miller (So., G), Jaidyn Vay (So., F)

Top newcomers: Izzy Pieniadz (So., F), Abby Cosalter (So., G).

SCHEDULE

11.28, TBA^

11.29, TBA^

12.1, at East Allegheny, 6:30 p.m.

12.3, at South Allegheny, 6:30 p.m.

12.8, Highlands, 7:30 p.m.

12.11, at Mt. Pleasant*, 7 p.m.

12.12, Greensburg Salem, 7:30 p.m.

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

12.18, at Ringgold*, 7:30 p.m.

12.22, at Southmoreland*, 7:30 p.m.

1.5, South Park*, 7:30 p.m.

1.7, at Derry, 7:30 p.m.

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

1.12, Laurel Highlands*, 7:30 p.m.

1.15, Mt. Pleasant*, 7:30 p.m.

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

1.20, Frazier, 7:30 p.m.

1.22, Ringgold*, 7:30 p.m.

1.26, Southmoreland*, 7:30 p.m.

1.29, at South Park*, 7 p.m.

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

2.5, at Laurel Highlands*, 7:30 p.m.

*Section game

^Deer Lakes tournament

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: Yough