Change of scenery
Chartiers Valley moves back to Class 5A
The landscape has changed significantly in girls basketball. Because of reclassification, teams have shuffled sections and players have traded teams.
“It’s different but no less competitive,” said Chartiers Valley head coach Mike Semplice.
Last winter, Semplice’s squad posted a 17-9 record and finished runner-up to Peters Township in section action. That was at the Class 6A level, however. This season, the Lady Colts, have dropped to 5A along with the Indians as well as Bethel Park and Baldwin.
Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson has gotten players back through transfers from Oakland Catholic and Shady Side Academy. The Jaguars again will compete in Class 5A, which is expected to be dominated by South Fayette. The Lady Lions have won three straight WPIAL 5A titles.
The Lady Colts have undergone changes to their lineup as well.
Point guard Lilah Turnbull transferred to Western Reserve in Ohio and Natalia Palumbo will miss the season as she mends from a back injury in preparation for the lacrosse season. The Lady Colts were WPIAL Class 2A runners-up in lacrosse last spring.
“From a recruiting standpoint, Lilah felt this was the right move and we support her and wish her the best,” Semplice said. “Point guard was a position we would have been secure at but we will figure it out. We feel we are deep enough to fill the spot. Since April, we have been working on it during open gyms.”
Regarding Palumbo, Semplice said, “Natalia was our best defender and she could shoot the three. She was a glue player. We will miss her but her future is in lacrosse.”
CV’s outlook is positive because the Colts return four starters: Rachel Boehm, Iyla Ozbey, Emma Reynolds and Ava Shazer. All are seniors.
A three-year starter, Reynolds averaged 11.3 points and 4.3 rebounds a game. She led the Colts in minutes played (701), 3-point field goal percentage (44%) and defensive rebounds with 73. She recorded 34 assists and collected 13 steals with six blocked shots and drew six charges.
“We have a deep senior class and we will lean heavily on their experience,” Semplice said. “They have a lot of games under their belt and have grown a lot. They understand what is expected.”
Ava Antonucci and Katie Johnson are expected to provide “major” varsity minutes this season while incoming freshmen Aburee Hoover and Alyssa Davis will give the starters a break from the bench.
The Lady Colts will also rely upon newcomers Jenna Sexton and Alex Horr to provide “meaningful” minutes.
CV expects production also from: juniors Jenna Sexton and Val Suter; sophomore Jasmine Lewis as well as freshmen Myla Grady, Danica Jameson and Gianna Pellegrini.
The Lady Colts will compete in Section 3 with South Fayette, Mars, Montour, Moon, West Allegheny and New Castle.
“We are looking forward to playing in our new section and moving back into 5A, but there are no easy opponents,” Semplice said. “We feel like South Fayette is the top program in the WPIAL. We are looking forward to competing against them again.”
Before South Fayette’ three-year run, the Lady Colts won four Class 5A championships in five years. To regain that lofty perch, Chartiers Valley must put in the effort.
“Our goals are always the same. To compete in our section and make a run in the WPIAL and state,” Semplice said. “To achieve those goals we have to practice hard and work together. We have to find ways to win and get it done.”
Despite their effort, the Lady Colts have not found success in their first two outings.
In the season opener on Dec. 2, CV succumbed to Canon-McMillan, 43-40. Reynolds and Boehm tallied 10 points each for the Lady Colts.
CV also lost to Thomas Jefferson, 62-42. In that loss, Boehm topped out with 17 points. Reynolds followed in double digits with 10 markers.