Southmoreland girls basketball welcomes scoring phenom Konek

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, December 3, 2017 | 6:42 PM

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Southmoreland knew it would need scoring punch with the graduation of standout athlete Olivia Porter, the program's second all-time leading scorer.

Then came a rather unexpected knock at the door.

Come on in, Cali Konek.

The scoring sensation who averaged 45.4 points as a freshman two years ago at Imani Christian transferred to Southmoreland after a year at Riverdale Baptist in Upper Marlboro, Md.

Konek, a 5-foot-7 point guard, is one of the top college prospects in the country.

Any team would be better with her deep-shooting talents and all-around skills. Southmoreland thinks it can be exceptional as Konek joins several experienced players, including 6-foot-2 junior forward Maggie Moore.

Southmoreland averaged 50 points last season.

“She is a proven scorer, and that is what this team was missing,” Southmoreland coach Brian Pritts said of Konek. “I think we have the other pieces to go with her, and we're looking forward to a fun season.”

Fun, as in playoffs?

The Scotties have not been to the WPIAL postseason since 2007-08. Last season came down to the final night, but the Scotties (13-9) blew a 17-point lead against visiting Mt. Pleasant and missed the playoffs with a 49-41 loss in overtime.

“Our girls need to be focused on the process, and good things can happen down the line,” said Pritts, the school's former football coach. “Today matters.”

Konek, Pritts hopes, draws the brunt of the defensive attention, which will allow other players to flourish.

“What Cali has done is taken pressure off the other kids,” Pritts said. “They know they don't have to do as much as they thought. We have the pieces in place. An outside shooter, a slasher, an inside presence with two 6-footers. We're going to be pretty good.”

In addition to Moore, who averaged 8.3 points and a team-best 7.5 rebounds as a sophomore, the Scotties return 6-foot sophomore Sarah Pisula. She played in 20 games last season and grabbed 4.3 rebounds a game.

Also back are senior guards Brooke Corley and Carissa Cyphert, who will look to expedite the chemistry-building and provide leadership in the backcourt.

“For the past two years, coach has always preached leadership,” Corley said. “He really gives us a chance to lead in drills and help the younger girls.”

Cyphert said the Scotties know they have the talent but must proceed with caution.

“We have to stay positive and play together,” she said. “We want to win the section and make playoffs. We haven't done that. We want to see what that is like.”

Three sophomores will help off the bench: Erika Sherbondy, Charity Henderson and Carlie Collins.

With no guarantees Konek and her new teammates will mesh, at least right away, Pritts is making sure fundamentals remain a priority.

“We talk about the three S's,” the coach said. “Spacing, sprinting and screening. The girls say, ‘What about scoring and shooting?' The first three lead to the other two.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Tags: Southmoreland