Undefeated North Allegheny girls rout Peters Township to defend WPIAL crown

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 3, 2018 | 8:24 PM

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Returning five players with a lot of experience from a WPIAL champion and PIAA runner-up didn't leave the North Allegheny girls basketball team much wiggle room in their lineup.

Identifying freshman guard Lizzy Groetsch as one of those players who didn't have championship experience was difficult to discern Saturday at Petersen Events Center.

“I just want to play as hard as I can,” Groetsch said. “Whatever happens, happens.”

What happened was the freshman looked as polished as a senior.

Groetsch made her first seven shots and tied for a team-high 18 points, helping the top-seeded Tigers repeat as WPIAL Class 6A champions with a 79-48 win over Peters Township.

Groetsch also handed out six assists and grabbed six rebounds for North Allegheny.

Everyone had to carve out different roles following the loss of Haley Zeise from last season. How Groetsch played demonstrated what coach Spencer Stefko was after.

“Everyone one of them did a little piece to chip in for it,” Stefko said. “We had to find a new guy to be in the middle on press offense and inbound the ball and to our kid to come and release pressure. You put that together with the familiarity of playing for a couple years, and it gave us an advantage coming into the year that they maintained.”

Rebounding was a major reason the Tigers were able to cruise by the Indians. North Allegheny held a 33-16 edge.

“They doubled us on rebounds,” Indians coach Burt Kendall said. “For whatever reason, we weren't able to get our hands on the loose balls and we weren't able to box out.”

North Allegheny (25-0) took the lead for good, 5-2, on Courtney Roman's 3-pointer less than two minutes into the game. The Tigers offensive attack was relentless, building a 36-23 lead by halftime.

Peters Township (21-4) struggled to keep up, shooting 1 of 6 from beyond the arc in the first half. The Indians struggled to get to the free-throw line as well, attempting one in the first half and 12 for the game.

“I think they were a little more aggressive,” said Peter Township's Makenna Marisa, who led the Indians with 25 points. “I think it was effort. I hate to say it. We need to put more effort into it next game to bounce back.”

North Allegheny's effort was evident. In addition to Groetsch, Piper Morningstar (18 points), Rachel Martindale (13) and Roman (13) hit double figures.

“Our competitive attitude in practice makes that the best thing,” Morningstar said.

Martindale's point total gave her 1,005 for her career. She left the game in the fourth quarter with 7:42 remaining due to an injury and didn't return. Stefko said they aren't sure what the ailment is.

The Tigers wanted to prove they didn't lose their edge. Everyone found new roles, and they are still hungry for more.

They even made a newcomer feel comfortable on the big stage.

“I think my teammates mainly, they are really great,” Groetsch said. “The whole season, I let the game come to you. My teammates are great. I love them. They help me.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Allegheny, Peters Township