Springdale girls look to keep building program after showing signs of progress

By: Andrew John
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 11:01 AM

The Springdale girls basketball program looks to continue to build a new culture in its second year under coach Mike Dudjak.

Last year, the Dynamos finished 7-15 overall with a 3-9 record in Section 3-2A. The seven wins were the most wins for the program in the past 11 years.

The Dynamos made positive strides with a team that had three freshmen in the starting lineup for most of the season and four freshmen in the starting lineup for a handful of games.

This year, those freshmen are a year older and look to build on the experience gained last year.

“We are a year older. We are a year better from where we were at this point last year,” Dudjak said. “We are still a pretty young team that is just getting better. We are learning how to win and how to compete. We are still in the process of changing the culture.”

Springdale returns senior point guard Ashlyn Ferderbar, their leading scorer a season ago. Sophomore guard Cara Leahy and sophomore guard/forward Talia Brunck also return to the lineup.

The Dynamos graduated two seniors: guard Kai Williams and forward Jocelyn Walters-Vrabel.

Sophomore forwards Jocelyn Dexter and Isabella George look to get an expanded role this season, and senior forward Clare Schneider will provide the leadership on the front line.

Even though he wants to see continued growth in all his players, Dudjak hopes Leahy, in particular, builds on a strong offseason.

“Cara Leahy started every game for us last year. I kind of threw her into the fire a little bit, and she responded. She’s our hardest worker and had a fantastic offseason,” Dudjak said.

Last season, Springdale averaged 28.5 points per game while allowing 50.1. The Dynamos won both section games against Steel Valley and split with Ellis School.

“We are still in the process of changing the culture here. Outside looking in, you get this stigma that Springdale is not very good, kind of like the Pirates,” Dudjak said. “We are trying to change the culture, get better each day and compete, work hard and go out and do the best that we can do.

“If they give effort and show commitment, at the end of the day, I’m a happy coach. I’ve seen it a little bit in practice so far, and I hope for it to translate into the games.”

Springdale will drop to Class A and be part of eight-team Section 1-A. The Dynamos will compete against the top three finishers in the WPIAL Class A tournament last season: Union, St. Joseph and Aquinas Academy. Eden Christian made the playoffs last season, and Leechburg and Western Beaver will be part of the section. Sewickley Academy is coming down from Class 2A as well.

“We have our work cut out for us. I don’t think it’s any easier. I think it’s just as hard,” Dudjak said. “I hope our girls are up to the challenge. I’m hoping for us to be able to compete more consistently and compete at a high level.”

Springdale tips off its season against Yough in the Deer Lakes Tip-Off Tournament on Nov. 29.

Springdale girls at a glance

Coach: Mike Dudjak

Last year’s record: 7-15 (3-9 Section 3-2A)

Returning starters: Ashlyn Ferderbar (Sr., G), Cara Leahy (So., G), Talia Brunck (So., G/F)

Top newcomers: Jocelyn Dexter (So., F), Isabella George (So., F), Clare Schneider (Sr., F)

Tags: Springdale