Southmoreland boys return to Class 3A, expect to compete for section title

By: Dave Mackall
Sunday, November 24, 2024 | 5:23 PM

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Southmoreland returns to Class 3A in boys basketball after four seasons in 4A, where the Scotties at times struggled.

“Our section was brutal,” coach Frank Muccino said.

While going 3-2 against section opponents last season in games decided by single digits, Southmoreland failed to build momentum after a 10-0 start in nonsection play.

Led by then-senior Ty Keffer (21.0 ppg), the Scotties wound up 5-5 in Section 3-4A, their best section mark since being reclassified and going 0-11 in 2020-21.

It followed a four-year record of 28-20 during the previous four seasons in Class 3A beginning in 2016-17, when the WPIAL expanded to six classifications from four.

With the Scotties back in 3A after the latest enrollment review, Muccino is delighted.

“We’re back where we should be,” he said. “We were a very small 4A team, and I thought we got the potential out of them that we had. We definitely should be able to compete in our section.”

The remaining Section 4-3A teams are Brownsville, Charleroi, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant and Waynesburg Central.

Southmoreland moves on without the high-scoring Keffer, who is playing at Division III Pitt-Greensburg, but Muccino said Keffer’s all-around play was what made a profound impression on the remaining players.

“What Ty gave us was way more than the points,” Muccino said. “It was just so impressive how he got others involved. Yes, he scored (more than) 1,500 points, but what I appreciated about him most was his knowledge of the game. He saw the floor and made other kids better. That’s the meaning of a true basketball player. Are you willing, are you able to do the little things — play defense, rebound, get other guys in position to score?”

Will Muccino see more of the same from his current group?

“We’re really young, but we have two experienced kids back who started for us last year,” he said, referring to Elliot Premus, a 6-foot-4 forward and the team’s lone senior, and junior guard Noah Felentzer. “I like the makeup of our team. The kids are very coachable, and they’re working hard.

“We really expect Elliot and Noah to lead a young group into the season.”

Stanley Chapman, a 6-3 junior forward, is among those bidding for a starting spot, Muccino said, while 6-2 junior guard Brady Sherbondy and 6-2 freshman forward Brock Pritts provide added size.

Junior guard Ty Whoric and sophomore forward Brandon Geho should see plenty of time, as well, according to Muccino.

For now, though, Premus and Felentzer appear to be the team’s leaders.

“Elliot is an extremely good defender and rebounder. He brings toughness and smarts to the game,” Muccino said. “Noah is our next lead guard, so to speak. He’s a slasher. I would categorize him more as a scoring guard.

“As the other guys get their feet wet, they’ll come along.”

Southmoreland boys at a glance

Coach: Frank Muccino

Last year’s record: 16-7 (5-5 Section 3-4A)

Returning starters: Noah Felentzer (Jr., G), Elliot Premus (Sr., F)

Top newcomers: Stanley Chapman (Jr., F), Brandon Geho (Soph., F), Brock Pritts (Fr., F), Brady Sherbondy (Jr., G), Ty Whoric (Jr., G)

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