Tide turns for Upper St. Clair boys’ basketball
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Kyle Meinert drives to the basket for a layup during section action against rival Bethel Park.
By Eleanor Bailey/Almanac Sports Editor/ebailey@thealmanac.net
Gensler
Should Upper St. Clair survive Section 2 action and qualify for the WPIAL Class 6-A playoffs in boys’ basketball, the Panthers will point to their trip to Texas over the holidays and their victory on Jan. 5 against Baldwin as turning points.
Both events inspired progress as the Panthers have moved into the thick of the playoff race. Heading into the Jan. 16 clash at Mt. Lebanon, the Panthers were 3-2 in the league and 8-6 overall after tough battles with Trinity and Obama Academy.
Since the beginning of the New Year, the Panthers have exhibited “spirit and energy” in their performances. Head coach Dan Holzer attributes that to Dallas and the natural rivals, like Baldwin, that USC faces on a nightly basis.
Though USC split decisions with North Crowley, a 92-62 defeat, and Abilene, a 66-54 win, their December trip to Texas provided a psychological boost.
During the excursion, the Panthers had lunch with Sean Lee. The USC graduate helped the Panthers win a WPIAL championship before he excelled in football at Penn State and became the top linebacker for the Cowboys. Lee provided the current USC players a tour of the Cowboys’ state-of-the art facilities, including AT&T Stadium. The players also dined in the owner Jerry Jones’ private restaurant. Additionally, they toured the Texas Christian University campus and conversed with men’s basketball coach Jamie Dixon, the former Pitt floor boss.
“The trip was a great experience,” said Holzer. “It was powerful to listen to Sean talk to the players about how much he enjoyed playing at USC and how he had the same coaches and teachers they had and how the experienced helped prepare him for where he is now.”
Holzer also noted it was fascinating to hear how head coach Jason Garrett and others in the organization praised Lee.
“They couldn’t say enough good things about him. They knew his background, how he won a WPIAL title and what an impact he had on his teams and how that followed him to the pro level. It was amazing to see and hear them say how Sean is “our lifeline” on defense.”
Lee offered his own lifeline to the USC contingent, which included every player, both JV and varsity members, from the organization. Lee advised the players “to compete every second” because games and seasons go so fast and “all of a sudden” it’s over.
“Sean told them to give it their all, every second. Have no regrets,” Holzer said. “It was a great experience for all the kids and regardless of what happens the visit was positive and will help them grow as young men.”
After growing pains of back-to-back losses against Washington, 46-45, and Bethel Park, 66-60, the win against Baldwin invigorated the Panthers.
“We really needed to win that game, ” Holzer explained of the triumph against the Highlanders. “We played with a lot of energy and shot the ball well. We also needed our seniors to step up and collectively they did. I was happy with their effort and togetherness.”
With Lee’s words echoing in their ears, the seniors knew there are only eight more regular season games left in their careers. Their objective in 2018, however, is to extend that number.
“We want to improve each game and make the playoffs. We dug ourselves a hole regarding winning the section but we’ll see what will happen and if that can be made up. We’ve worked hard before and done it and the seniors are what’s leading the way. We need them to continue doing that,” Holzer said.
Significant seven
Seven seniors grace the USC roster.
Kyle Meinert is the veteran of the group, having started since his sophomore season. He averages 16 points per game. After firing in 21 markers against the Highlanders, Meinert chipped in 13 tallies in a 62-43 win against Peters Township. He pitched in 12 in an exhibition loss to Trinity, 75-63, and 20 in the rout over Obama Academy, 107-77.
“Kyle’s a strong kid. He can shoot the three or get to the rim,” Holzer said.
Brett Moore does a little of both. In his first year as a starter, the 6-foot-3 senior averages nine points per game but supplied 13 tallies against Peters Township. He led with 23 points against Obama Academy. Moore ranks No. 2 on the team in rebounding.
“He can play inside or outside and each year, Brett has developed and grown. He works hard,” Holzer said.
Mike Hess, Jack Hansberry, Matt Kissinger, Quentin Nelson and Nate Liptak have worked hard, too. They have contributed significantly through their leadership.
Overcoming injuries, Hess has returned to the form that makes him an outside shooting threat beyond the arc for the Panthers.
Hansberry, who has regained his “basketball legs” after quarterbacking USC to a conference championship, had 12 points against Baldwin.
“Jack has natural leadership ability among a group of leaders that collectively police each other but he’s really stepped up recently and showed why he’s a valuable veteran,” Holzer said.
A senior, who has seen his share of starts, Kissinger also played on the winning football club as has Nelson, who pumped in 17 points against Baldwin.
“They bring us more energy,” Holzer noted of the pair. “Matt rebounds well and scores scrappy-type baskets around the rim. Quentin just does a good job inside for us but he can also shoot on the perimeter.”
Liptak gives the Panthers a “lift” off the bench, adds Holzer. “He comes in and gives us a lot of energy and rebounds.”
Though a junior, Chris Pantelis provides the power at the point. A two-year starter, he averages six points a game and leads the Panthers in assists. He provided 13 points against Peters Township.
The Gensler brothers, Tanner, a junior who had 17 points in the loss to Bethel, and Luke, a freshman, along with sophomores Andrew Casey and Josh Russell, juniors Luke Geisler and Ben Sandusky, and freshman David Pantelis provided options for the Panthers as do Colin McLinden and Jesse Fera, once they recover from their injuries.
Noting the 17 players listed on the varsity roster, Holzer says they don’t dress just to fill slots.
“They contribute,” Holzer said. “It’s exciting from the standpoint that we have a lot of kids that can play as opposed to saying ‘oh man, we have some weak spots.’ They are all hard-working, good players.”
Now all USC needs is consistency.
“We’ve had our ups and downs,” Holzer admitted. “If we can get effort and execution together we’ll be okay. We have to be consistent night in and night out.”