Monessen flying high
Characterizing Joe Salvino as competitive would be a vast understatement. Simply put, the guy doesn’t like to lose. He doesn’t really know how to.
Monessen’s boys basketball program has made the playoffs in each of his 31 years as head coach, he’s only six wins away for 600 in his career, and the Greyhounds entered this season as the favorite to repeat as WPIAL Class A champions.
So, why would the ultra-competitive coach who likes to play perennial powers each season, start this season with four Class AAAA opponents, including the defending Class AAAA champions?
The risk of a loss far outweighed relying on Monessen’s Section 3-A schedule to prepare his players for not only repeating, but a possible trip to Hershey. It also helped he had four starters returning who are prolific scorers.
The Greyhounds, who have one of the most dynamic starting lineups in the WPIAL, made their coach’s bet look brilliant. Not only did they compete against opponents such as Upper St. Clair, they filled Salvino’s prediction Monessen had the skill and experience to win against the area’s best.
Monessen (5-0, 10-3) defeated two Class AAA opponents, including defending champion Chartiers Valley, and lost to three others in overtime. It also beat North Catholic and rival Clairton in non-section games, and South Park, an AAA opponent, by 42 points.
“The beginning of the season was playoff season from the start and I’m pleased that we’re doing well,” Salvino said. “I think our experience made the difference. The experience of the players knowing what I expect of them and the experience of playing those teams before; wanting to prove we can compete against them.”
The next test comes tonight against rival California (5-0, 8-3).
The Greyhounds are doing more than competing. They’re the highest-scoring team in the WPIAL at 91.7 points per game and they have four players averaging at least 17.8 points. Senior Dwight Moore is averaging 23, senior Lavalle Rush 18.7, junior Jaden Altomore 18.5 and junior Justice Rice 17.8.
Each has scored 30 points in a game at least once and whenever one has an off night, another is there to fill the void. It’s a rare, selfless approach that has Monessen on track for another deep playoff run.
“It’s all about who’s scoring that game,” Rice said. “If one of us is off, we aren’t afraid to give the ball to whichever player is scoring or playing the best that night. It’s all about chemistry. We’re not just making one pass up the court. We’re swinging the ball better and we’re getting rhythm.”
What’s shocked some opponents is how the points are being scored. Traditionally, Salvino’s teams create opportunities by forcing turnovers. This season, however, the Greyhounds have added the three-point shot to their repertoire.
In a win over South Park, Monessen made 10 three-pointers. They had seven in wins over Chartiers Valley and Clairton.
After a season in which Monessen was dominant on its way to the WPIAL title and the state quarterfinals, the Greyhounds weren’t complacent. Instead, they’ve improved their game in every facet Salvino thought needed polished.
“The expectations are very high for our team,” Salvino said. “As the season goes on and it gets closer to playoff time, the pressure keeps on rising because I know my players’ expectation of trying to win another WPIAL championship is definitely there.
“But, again, that comes with pressure, and hopefully we can handle that.”
Monessen, which has not lost to a WPIAL Class A opponent since the 2014 title game against Lincoln Park – a team that had two Division I players – has not buckled under the pressure of being the target of every opponent regardless of classification.
The Greyhounds have won 27 consecutive section games with the last loss Feb. 9, 2013, against Clairton. Their average margin of victory over Section 3-A opponents this season is 74.6 points.
Not counting California, the rest of the Greyhounds’ section entered Monday with a combined record of 14-46.
“Our team goal is to get to where we went last year and hopefully beyond,” Salvino said. “We talk about the schedule a lot too because once you play some of these teams once, how up are we going to be? I talk about not getting into bad habits and don’t get lazy with the basketball.
“Our end result wants to be something greater.”