Reigning District 6 champs Ligonier Valley boys aiming higher

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, December 3, 2018 | 7:51 PM

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If you find yourself randomly observing a police chief, you might expect to find someone at attention and ready to serve.

Picture that scenario as John Berger, the police chief of Ligonier, stands before an assembly of basketball players at his alma mater.

“Ah-ten-shun! About face! Forward … march!”

Well, it’s not quite like that, said Berger, a former Ligonier Valley player, who begins his second tour as coach of the Rams this season. From 2011-13, Berger led Ligonier Valley to a 30-16 record.

But, he said, there will be no nonsense as the team navigates toward an anticipated season of high hopes.

Ligonier Valley, the defending District 6 Class 3A champion, opens its schedule Friday and Saturday at the Derry Tip-Off Tournament. The Rams will face Berlin Brothersvalley, a Class A team from District 5, on the first night and WPIAL Class 5A Kiski Area on the second night.

“I reminded them they were the District 6 champion last year, but that season has ended and it was a great ride,” Berger said. “I told them the bull’s-eye is on our back now. People will want to beat us. We have to show up every day.

“We have an opportunity to be better than last year if we play as a team.”

The Rams return the core of a talented team that posted a 21-5 record and raced through the Heritage Conference to an unbeaten 14-0 mark, capped by a 78-65 victory over Purchase line in the championship game at IUP.

A run through the District 6 Class 3A playoffs culminated with a 58-54 victory over Richland in the title game at Mt. Aloysius.

Then, at Johnstown High School, the Rams’ season came to a thumping halt in the first round of the PIAA playoffs, when they wasted a 10-point first-half lead and dropped a 65-60 decision to Lancaster Mennonite.

“After I was hired,” Berger said, “I started preaching to them about following the rules and being accountable. Told them of the importance of being good teammates.”

All standard ingredients found in a recipe for success.

“I think they know I’m not messing around,” Berger said.

So, what’s all the fuss about laying down the law to a high school basketball team? Berger, who was tabbed as coach in June following the resignation of former coach Todd Hepner, wants to keep distractions to a minimum in a follow-up season to one that saw the Rams assemble one of their finest showings.

Hepner, despite a successful five-year run, reportedly left to spend more time with his family after compiling a record of 73-45.

Four returning starters have Ligonier Valley fans buzzing about the potential for another run to the PIAA playoffs.

The team’s leading scorers, 6-foot-8 senior center Marrek Paola (26 ppg) and junior point guard Michael Marinchak (19 ppg) are joined by senior guard Aaron Tutino and junior forward Jaxon Ludwig.

Tutino, a wide receiver on the Ligonier Valley football team, recently set the PIAA record for career touchdown receptions

“They’re a dynamic duo,” Berger said, referring to Paola and Marinchak. “I’ve never had two athletes so strong together. The way they compliment each another is amazing. But we’re going to need contributions from everybody.”

Other players expected to round out the Rams’ regular rotation are senior guard Pedro Herrera, juniors forwards Cooper Mills and Sam Sheeder, sophomore guard Isaac Neidbalson and freshman guard Matthew Marinchak, Michael’s brother.

“We’re taking a look at more freshmen than we have in the past,” Berger said. “We have 21 players right now, so we’ve got a lot of options. This season will be a letdown if we don’t meet our goals of repeating as the Heritage Conference and District 6 champions.”

Dave Mackall is a freelance writer.

Tags: Ligonier Valley