TribHSSN boys basketball team of the week: Seton LaSalle

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, January 21, 2019 | 8:45 PM

For years, TribLive has honored a player of the week in boys’ basketball, and that tradition continues this winter.

However, it is a team sport. So this winter, we are saluting a team of the week in WPIAL boys basketball.

Our team of the week is Seton LaSalle, the first-place team in Section 2-3A.

Seton LaSalle ended the first half and started the second half of section play last week playing two teams that, if the Class 3A playoffs began today, would be part of the postseason.

On Tuesday, the Rebels got a big scare from their cross-street rival Keystone Oaks before prevailing in overtime 80-75 with Jacob Verner scoring 24 points to lead the way.

“That was a very good game,” eighth-year coach Mark Walsh said. “KO versus Seton has always been a big rivalry, so when we play them, we know it will be a hard-fought battle. It’s always fortunate to come out on top, and we are proud of our team. Experience playing in tight games is very valuable.”

There was no letdown for the Rebels on Friday as they jumped out to a 32-13 halftime lead and cruised to a 17-point victory at Avonworth. Seton LaSalle had four players score in double figures against the Antelopes led by 14 points from Dylan Preston, 12 from Michael Bigley and 10 each from Jim Weldon and Luke Banbury.

“We were very pleased with the performance at Avonworth,” Walsh said. “We put a lot of emphasis on defense, and our defense was on target. We have been learning more and more each week.”

Seton LaSalle, at 12-1, is tied with Lincoln Park for the best overall record in Class 3A.

“We challenge these kids in our practices every day, and they are a group that comes to practice every day working hard,” Walsh said. “We are very pleased with our start, but we know we must work hard every day.”

With those two big section wins, the Rebels are a game-and-a-half up on North Catholic for the top spot in the section, with a showdown looming Friday at North Catholic.

Walsh hopes playing in a competitive section, along with tough games out of section against the likes of McKeesport, West Allegheny, New Castle, OLSH and Greensburg Central Catholic, will help his team in the postseason.

“Our section is a good one, good coaches and good teams. Our nonsection is very challenging to prepare us for the playoffs,” Walsh said. “We are really enjoying the group and love coming to practice every day.”

Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TheDonRebel.