Despite losses to graduation, injury, Mars girls finding early-season success

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, January 2, 2019 | 6:33 PM

Heading into the season, Mars coach Dana Petruska was tasked with replacing two valuable graduates and a standout sophomore lost to injury in August.

Just eight games into the season, the Planets (7-1 overall, 3-0 Section 2), the Tribune Review’s No. 2 ranked team in Class 5A, have been up to par.

Graduating seniors Lauren Wasylson and Nichole Sommers played prominent roles last season in leading Mars to the PIAA title, and sophomore point guard Alek Johnson underwent knee surgery in the summer. The trio’s absence on the court is a void Petruska said she is still trying to fill.

“We’re still trying to feel our way,” Petruska said. “Losing Lauren Wasylson and Nichole Sommers from our senior class last year was something I knew would be difficult, but we’re doing a good job just trying to find those replacements.”

Johnson’s injury has forced others to step in to help the Planets battle for a section championship.

Petruska has turned to Alek’s sister, Tai, as well as Bella Pelaia and Elli Coffield. The trio, while leading in different styles, have not disappointed in their roles.

Tai Johnson is averaging a team best 21.4 points, while Pelaia (15 ppg) and Coffield (11 ppg) have also chipped in on the offensive end.

“Tai is one of those girls that when we’re struggling, she puts everybody on her back. … She takes the bull by the horns and says ‘OK, let’s go,’ ” Petruska said. “Bella and Ellie go out there and get it done on the court and lead by example.”

Freshman Kaitlyn Pelaia is filling in at point guard for Alek Johnson. Petruska said her youth and inexperience has put her at an advantage this season in that she hasn’t shied away from the moment.

“She’s a freshman who has not gotten caught up in the ‘oh, my gosh’ she’s a freshman and she’s starting for this Mars team,” Petruska said. “I think she loves the game and is very skilled.”

Another freshman, Ava Black, has stepped in and proven she’s capable of competing at the varsity level.

The Planets’ most recent game was a 79-43 loss to Peters Township in the Hempfield tournament. Petruska said the players took a lot from the loss, specifically playing a more free brand of basketball.

“I personally, as their coach knowing the youth of our team, it was a good loss for us,” she said. “The longer you go without losing, the more pressure gets put on the kids.

“I don’t like how bad we got beat, but I think in the big scheme of things, this takes a lot of pressure off of our kids knowing that they aren’t undefeated any longer. … They can just go out and play.”

With the return of Alek Johnson expected any day, Petruska said she expects the team to continue to grow each game and seek a section title.

“We know what our flaws are, and they know that we need to work that extra hard to overcome those,” Petruska said. “We’re going to play every game obviously to the best of our ability.

“We’ll learn from it, win or lose, and depending on what happens in that particular game, in the next game it’s a new experience.”

Brian Graham is a freelance writer.

Tags: Mars