The Herald, Sharon, PA



GIRLS BASKETBALL
SEASON PREVIEW: KENNEDY CATHOLIC

2002-03 SCHEDULE
Nov. 29 -- at Conneaut, Ohio
Dec. 5 -- at Reynolds
Dec. 9 -- Poland, Ohio
Dec. 12 -- Hickory
Dec. 14 -- Clairton
Dec. 16 -- at Wilmington
Dec. 19 -- Mercer
Dec. 23 -- at McDowell
Dec. 27-28 -- at Cambridge Springs Christmas tourney
Jan. 6 -- Reynolds
Jan. 9 -- Commodore Perry*
Jan. 11 -- at Franklin
Jan. 13 -- Grove City
Jan. 16 -- Sharpsville
Jan. 23 -- at West Middlesex*
Jan. 27 -- at Mercer
Jan. 30 -- at Commodore Perry*
Feb. 1 -- Warren-John F. Kennedy
Feb. 6 -- at Sharpsville
Feb. 8 -- Ursuline
Feb. 10 -- Sharon
Feb. 13 -- West Middlesex*
Feb. 18 -- at Oil City
   #=MCAC-A contest
By The Herald Sports Staff

The Kennedy Catholic High girls' basketball program has ruled the roost in the Mercer County Athletic Class A Conference over the past several years, and this year's squad should carry on the proud Lady Golden Eagles' tradition under second-year head coach Pat Mastrian.

Kennedy Catholic captured the 2001-02 District 10 title and MCAC crown after ending with a 24-5 overall ledger. KC advanced to the PIAA western semifinals, losing to Monessen.

Three players, who were on the 2000-01 state championship team are expected to lead r Kennedy Catholic, including 5-foot-11 senior Becca Gasiewicz, 5-10 senior Lauren Friedrich and Leah Mastrian, a 5-11 junior. According to coach Mastrian, "Becca will play at forward and center, and the other two are forwards. They all started quite a bit in the playoffs last year. They are very similar out on the court: They are tall, they move well together, and all will provide leadership for our team. I'm hoping that they pick each other up throughout the season. If one isn't doing so well, I hope that one of the others steps it up and leads us."

Mastrian is looking for the trio to replace the scoring the team lost when Leanne Madden, Carla Mastrian and Tina George graduated. Mastrian said, "I hope Becca, Lauren and Leah can really pick up on what we lost. Madden averaged 16 points a game and she was a great leader. Becca averaged 11 points a game last season and Leah and Lauren averaged nine a game, so they definitely have scoring ability."

Some of the other girls on the team Mastrian believes will make an impact include 5-11 junior post Elysa Farrell, 5-2 sophomore point guard Hallie Arena, 5-8 sophomore swingman Alexis George; a trio of sophomores in 5-6 Teresa Picciotto, 5-5 Cristina Lombardi, and 5-3 Marissa Vasconi, and two freshmen, Kendra Radkowski, 5-11, and Jenna Schwarz, 5-5.

"Farrell will play center, Arena will be at point guard and George and Picciotto are forwards," according to Mastrian. "They all have different abilities. A few of them are smaller forward-type players."

This year's team is versatile and can play a run-and-gun type game or can handle a more physical game, according to Mastrian. "We are a big team and the style we play will depend on what team we are playing. We'll try to push the ball up the court, but we'll have to keep it under control. I also feel comfortable if we have to pound the ball inside."

The Lady Golden Eagles have quite a few strengths, but Mastrian also noted several possible weaknesses.

"We are young. I have a little concern over that. We are still working on having the girls settle into positions. They are very flexible and can play at different positions and that is good, but it can hurt us sometimes. At times it looks like they are a little out of sync, but I'm hoping they grow in that area during the year."

On the positive side Mastrian discussed his team's athleticism and other assets.

"All the girls are athletic. They run the floor very well. Becca, Lauren and Leah have lots of experience and that will help. The flexibility is good. Some of the girls can play whatever position we need them to play. I feel confident. In practice, we are playing good defense and shooting fairly well, so I'm pretty pleased lately."

Mastrian is excited about his team and their chances for a successful 2002-03 season.

"I'm looking forward to it. We have a strong schedule going up against Quad-A Erie McDowell a lot of triple-A teams, and (Youngstown)-Ursuline and Poland from Ohio. Plus the local teams will be strong. Reynolds will be good and Sharpsville has a lot of girls coming back from last year. We just need to grow as a team every game, and our schedule will provide it (growth). Everytime we'll be on the court this season it will be a good learning experience."

Mastrian will be assisted by Megan Ondo and Dave Fill. -- By Rob Malsom, Herald writer



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