Replacing Tiffany Zelmore won’t be easy, but cupboard’s not bare for Mt. Pleasant girls

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, November 23, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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It’s not every season a coach has to replace an all-time talent, but Mt. Pleasant girls basketball’s Scott Giacobbi has that challenge in front of him this winter.

Tiffany Zelmore, the second-leading scorer in program history, graduated last season after piling up 1,629 points over her four-year career.

“You’re not going to replace 30 points a game,” 19th-year coach Giacobbi said. “Tiff not only could get to the basket for us, but she drew a lot of fouls. We’re looking for more options now and trying different things.”

Zelmore moved on to Seton Hill, where she was planning to be a thrower for the track and field team. It’s time for someone else to do the heavy lifting on the hardwood.

Mt. Pleasant, a playoff team in Class 3A, brings back four girls who started in senior Riley Gesinski, juniors Kayla Rumbaugh and Nina Province and sophomore Morgan Gesinski.

They will join a promising sophomore forward in 5-foot-11 Grace Arrigo.

“Grace goes right to the head of the class,” Giacobbi said. “Grace, Morgan and Carmella bring good energy to the floor. Nina and Kayla are stalwarts for us, and Riley is a leader at point guard.”

With some talented soccer players in the lineup, Mt. Pleasant could outwork some teams with end-to-end stamina. The Gesinskis often assisted each other’s goals. Now, they might be assisting on baskets.

“We’re looking for balanced scoring, and this is a group that can play really good defense,” Giacobbi said. “This group has good, creative energy. There is a lot of opportunity there. We want to continue to accentuate our transition game and work to see what kind of team we can be.”

Giacobbi also expects contributions from sophomore swing guard Carmella Spallone.

Sophomores Lexie Baker and Laurel Rummel, the soccer goalkeeper, also could provide minutes in the rotation.

Look for three freshmen to get their feet wet in Ryleigh Drzal, Danica Trainer and Kendra Brunson.

A scrimmage against Blackhawk showed the Vikings are ready to test their skill early. They are set to open against Blackhawk at the Greensburg Salem tournament.

Mt. Pleasant girls at a glance

Last year’s record: 14-9, 5-5 Section 3-3A

Returning starters: Morgan Gesinski (So., G), Riley Gesinski (Sr., G), Nina Province (Jr., G/F), Kayla Rumbaugh (Jr., G)

Top newcomers: Grace Arrigo (So., F), Carmella Spallone (So., G/F)

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant