Led by Ian DeCerb, Latrobe leaps past Monessen at WCCA Showcase

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 2:30 PM

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Ian DeCerb is still developing as a basketball player. But the junior from Latrobe, despite his obvious athleticism and leaping ability, still has room to grow.

That is a scary proposition for opponents.

“He’s the best athlete I have ever coached,” Wildcats coach Brad Wetzel said. “There isn’t a better jumper. He has an unlimited ceiling.”

After a slow start, DeCerb and the Wildcats jumped over Monessen, cruising to an 80-55 victory on Saturday afternoon at the sixth Westmoreland County Coaches Association Showcase at Jeannette.

DeCerb scored a career-high 25 points and senior teammate Max Butler added 24 as Latrobe (7-1) cruised to two wins in two days.

DeCerb used to be a striker in soccer, but now he strikes from the low block, finishing at the rim and rebounding with purpose.

“I see myself as a basketball player,” DeCerb said. “I am constantly working on my game, lifting and trying to be better. We played last night, but I woke up with a lot of energy and was ready to go.”

The Wildcats, who are averaging nearly 70 points, beat Laurel Highlands, 61-47, on Friday night.

Monessen (3-3) had an 18-17 lead after the first quarter, but Latrobe ran off 15 straight points to start the second and steadily pulled away.

“We started out flat,” DeCerb said. “When the (first) quarter ended, we looked at each other and said, let’s buckle down. We had nine turnovers in the first quarter but cut it to two in the second.”

Senior Kyle McNeil added 12 points for the Wildcats, who took a 41-26 advantage into halftime.

Latrobe had 24 points in the second quarter and 22 in the fourth.

DeCerb and Butler combined for 16 points in the second quarter.

“We had some self-inflicted things in the first quarter,” Wetzel said. “Too many turnovers. It was nice to come into today, after a win last night, and play well. We did a better job of taking care of the ball and we showed good character.”

Sophomore Dennis Hawkins led the Greyhounds with 19 points and junior Rodney Johnson added 13.

Latrobe’s lead didn’t dip below 13 in the third, and ballooned to 28 in the fourth.

Monessen dropped a 72-46 decision to Neighborhood Academy in its Section 2-A opener Friday.

Latrobe will be off for a few days to enjoy Christmas before heading to the state of Indiana for a holiday tournament beginning Thursday.

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

Tags: Latrobe, Monessen