WPIAL Class 2A boys final preview: Rubber match between Sewickley Academy, OLSH to decide district champion

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | 7:54 PM

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Sewickley Academy and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart have established an intense basketball rivalry on the court.

The two programs, which are close off the floor and in geography, have jockeyed all season atop the WPIAL Class 2A rankings. The next meeting — at 5 p.m. Friday at the Petersen Events Center — is for district bragging rights in the WPIAL title game.

“It seems like we know them pretty well. We're definitely looking forward to playing them again,” Sewickley Academy's David Groetsch said. “There's some familiarity there. I think we are going into the game with somewhat of an idea of what to expect. We just need to play together.”

Last year, the Panthers swept the Chargers in Section 3 play and for the WPIAL title. This year, the two squads split their section games.

“There are no secrets. We know each other really well. The kids know each other really well. Some of the kids play AAU together; they are friends off the court. The coaches are friends; it's a great story,” Sewickley Academy coach Win Palmer said. “But, during those 32 minutes on the same court, it's a fierce rivalry.”

Added OLSH's Austin Wigley: “I am really excited. A lot of people on their team are my good friends, so I am looking forward to playing against my friends.”

Top-seeded Sewickley Academy (20-4), also the defending PIAA champ, avenged a 70-68 setback at OLSH on Jan. 16 with a 66-61 home win on Feb. 9. The victory sparked a four-game winning streak for the team.

“We've reached the title game three years in a row, and I told these guys not to take it for granted. It's a special thing, and it's really hard because there are so many obstacles to go through in the regular season and playoffs,” Palmer said. “Our guys have really improved in this last month and a half. They've made some real leaps. In a game like this, I think foul trouble can be an issue. It's inevitable someone will get in foul trouble for both teams. We've had two seniors (Will Nocito and Jared Washington) off the bench who have come on strong the last six weeks.

“The first time we played OLSH, our bench wasn't as polished as it is now. OLSH's bench has improved, too. I think both teams are deep and can run.”

The second-seeded Chargers (22-2) will have to rely on their depth. Sophomore leading scorer Donovan Johnson is nursing two sore knees and top reserve Tyler Bradley rolled an ankle in the team's 72-64 semifinal win over Jeannette.

“Johnson is doing the best he can. He's fighting through each game and producing the best he can. He's a warrior. Tyler is a big part of what we do. We'll see if he can play,” OLSH coach Mike Rodriguez said. “We're excited about the opportunity. I am proud of what the guys have accomplished. I am just hoping we can get somewhat healthy to give them a game. We're going to try to rise to the challenge.”

Behind Johnson, OLSH has plenty of explosive scorers. Freshman Dante Spadafora finished with 23 points in the semifinal win, while Wigley had 22 and Daren DiMichele added 12. The Chargers have the WPIAL's top offense at 77.5 points per game.

“I think this is the best offensive OLSH team I have seen. They are really well-rounded. They have slashers, shooters and inside players,” Palmer said. “I think our defense is tremendous, but it will be really challenged against them. We're going to try to somehow hold them down, but we know we can't stop them. They are too talented. I think rebounding is a key. We have to make sure we rebound well against them.”

Likewise, the Panthers spread their scoring around the lineup and average 73.7 ppg. They got a boost with the return of 6-6 junior forward Nate Ridgeway to the lineup in a 65-33 semifinal win over Chartiers-Houston.

“Sewickley is a well-rounded team. They shoot it well and drive to the basket. They have good size in Ridgeway,” Rodriguez said. “They play tough defense. We have to keep doing what we're doing and reverse the ball to see if we can get them off their rotation.”

The Chargers hope to contain Sewickley Academy's Isiah Warfield. He tallied 27 points in both meetings against OLSH this season.

“Isiah Warfield is the key. Stopping him is huge,” Wigley said. “He is the catalyst to their offense. If we slow him down we should win.”

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

Class 2A boys

Sewickley Academy vs. OLSH

5 p.m. Friday, Petersen Events Center

On the air: <a href='http://Tribhssn.triblive.comTribhssn.triblive.com<span class=”bold”>

No. 1 Sewickley Academy (20-4)

Coach: Win Palmer

No. Player, Pos., Ht., Yr.

2 Dave Groetsch, G, 6-1, Sr.

3 Isiah Warfield, G/F, 6-3, Soph.

5 Isaiah Smith, G, 6-0, Soph.

11 Jett Roesing, G, 6-1, Soph.

23 Nate Ridgeway, F, 6-6, Jr.

No. 2 OLSH (22-2)

Coach: Mike Rodriguez

No. Player, Pos., Ht., Yr.

1 Ricco Tate, F, 6-3, Jr.

5 Donovan Johnson, F, 6-6, Soph.

13 Daren DiMichele, G, 6-1, Jr.

21 Dante Spadafora, G, 5-11, Fr.

24 Austin Wigley, G, 6-1, Jr.

Title-game history: Sewickley Academy beat OLSH for last year's title. Sewickley Academy has four WPIAL titles (2004,'09, '10, '17). OLSH is seeking its first championship.

Stat leaders: SA: Roesing, 16.6 ppg; O: Johnson, 18.8 ppg

Notable: This is the third WPIAL championship game appearance in as many years for Sewickley Academy. The team fell to Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, 50-36, in the 2016 Class A game and beat OLSH, 71-60, in last year's Class 2A title game. … Groetsch, Warfield, Smith, Roesing and Ridgeway all have led Sewickley Academy in scoring throughout the year. Warfield, Roesing and Ridgeway reached the 30-point mark in games, as well. …. Spadafora helped key OLSH to the win over Sewickley Academy with 19 points. Warfield had 27 to lead Sewickley Academy in the rematch. … OLSH leads the WPIAL in offense at 77.5 ppg. Sewickley Academy (73.7) is third.

Predicted winner: Sewickley Academy

Tags: Sewickley Academy