Dec 27, 2015 5 min read

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Notice: Trying to get property 'term_id' of non-object in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Monessen’s strong start to the season, which has included three blowout wins in section play, has not ignited any outrage. In fact, the perception of the Greyhounds has been nothing but positive.

How couldn’t it be?

They’re a small Class A program that is having an exciting run. Few programs in the WPIAL have been this dominant so far. Take a look at the numbers.

In three section games, the Greyhounds (3-0, 6-2) are averagting more than 101 points per game. That’s in just 32 minutes of basketball per game without a shot clock, so opponents have the opportunity to take each offensive possession slowly.

The problem for those teams is Monessen’s speed and pressure throws opponents out of rhthym, allowing for easy points in transition.

Oh, and the average margin of victory in those three section games? 77 points. In its 105-29 win over Geibel, the Greyhounds led 40-0 at the end of the first quarter and 70-11 at halftime.

Unlike last season, when a 101-11 victory over Avella made eyes roll and frustrated opposing coaches, there hasn’t been much of a reaction. Maybe it’s just a lack of surprise? If you took a look at Monessen’s returning players this season, this roll was expected.

Lavalle Rush, Jaden Altomore and Justice Rice are as good a core you will find in the WPIAL. Throw in the improvement Dwight Moore has made and this is a team that looks like it won’t lose a game against a Class A opponent.

The latest win led to one email from a reader who posed an interesting question: will Monessen shutout a section opponent this season? Holding an opponent scoreless for 32 minutes is extremely unlikely, especially with officials emphasizing handcheck fouls. Additionally, head coach Joe Salvino does not keep his starters in the entire game, especially after last year’s win over Avella.

If he did keep his starters out there for 32 minutes and pressed nonstop, it’s a real possibility. The section is actually a little deeper this year with Avella and West Greene looking improved, but that first-quarter score against Geibel is pretty telling.

Still skeptical about Monessen? Well, it has four players averaging more than 16 points per game: Rush (21.4), Altomore (18.9), Moore (22.3) and Rice (16.4).

You’ll start to hear people criticizing the competition in Class A, but Monessen would also be one of the top teams in Class AA. You don’t think the Greyhounds could play with Aliquippa, Lincoln Park, Bishop Canevin, Brownsville, Washington or Charleroi?

Well, the Greyhounds defeated Chartiers Valley and Norwin – two Quad-A opponents – and their two losses came in overtime against Upper St. Clair and Franklin Regional.

It’s still early, but keep your eye on Monessen. This could be another special year for the Mon Valley.

Biggest surprise of the week: Peters Township’s loss to Moon was a bit of a surprise. Sure, the Tigers are a strong program and every team in Section 4-AAAA is competitive, but the Indians had just defeated Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon and North Allegheny. They also beat Pine-Richland.

The loss dropped Peters Township to fourth in the standings and its next section game is at Chartiers Valley. A win over Moon would have been a big momentum boost heading into the holiday tournaments. Now, I’m curious to see how PT responds.

Game of the week:How about Monessen at North Allegheny? The Tigers are led by Curtis Aiken Jr., a sophomore point guard with offers from Tennessee and Pitt. Can the Greyhounds’ press work against NA’s athleticism? The two teams played last season and NA won 102-63. I’d also like to see Pine-Richland and Peters Township play again, which could happen Tuesday at the PT Holiday Tournament.

Team to watch: Wash High boys. The Prexies (3-1, 3-4) lost to Bishop Canevin by just six points and defeated Brentwood. I want to see how they fare against Pine-Richland at the Peters Township Tournament and Chartiers-Houston is the first game back after the holiday break. Don’t overlook Wash High’s game against Laurel (7-1) at the Chuckie Mahoney Classic. I’d like to see Wash High look more consistent shooting from the perimeter and its bench players need to progress. The next few weeks will be very telling. There’s plenty to like though. Matt Popeck and Nate Swart are really starting to play well, plus Isaiah Robinson is carving out a role.

Top performer of the week: Peters Township senior guard Madison Kerr had 17 points in wins over Moon and West Mifflin. The IUP recruit helped the Indians improve to 7-1 and don’t be surprised if PT moves up in the state basketball rankings. Also, Chartiers-Houston sophomore forward Alexa Williamson had 23 points in the close loss to Bishop Canevin and 16 in a win over Frazier.