Despite inexperience, Mt. Lebanon expects to continue winning ways
Despite returning one starter, Mt. Lebanon maintains lofty expectations for the boys’ basketball season.
And why not? History seems to repeat itself at Lebo.
For example, the Blue Devils have reached the WPIAL semifinals five years in a row. They have also captured six section banners in a row.
“The goals are to continue that,” said Lebo floor boss Joe David. He added, “WPIAL and state championship” as well.
David also noted that it won’t be easy as arch rival Upper St. Clair is also a tough opponent. Baldwin is expected to contend in Section 2 along with Norwin. The Knights boasts Adam Bilinsky. A 6-foot-3 guard, he has committed to Mercyhurst.
“He may be the best player in the section,” David said.
The revamped division also includes Canon-McMillan and Hempfield.
Regional rivals such as Bethel Park and Peters Township, however, have dropped to Class 5A and will compete in Section 1 along with Connellsville, Ringgold, Thomas Jeffersona and Trinity.
Lebo has one of the best 3-point shooters in Lucas Garofoli. The lone returning starter averaged 7.5 points per game. In addition, the senior picked up two steals to go along with two assists an outing.
Seniors Tanner Donati, a standout on the WPIAL baseball championship squad, Michael Pfeuffer and JP Walters are expected to lend leadership along with quality varsity minutes.
Juniors Nate Girod, Brody Barber, Riley Farabaugh, Nolan Smith along with sophomore Sam Diebert and freshmen Carter Gould and Liam Sheeley are also expected to be contributors for the Blue Devils.
Five additional sophomores: Mikey Tetlow, Zach Melanak, Noah Schaerli, Alex Joseph and Brett Hamel as well as freshmen Jackson Kraemer, Patrick Smith, Dane Barber, Joe Malone and Whitaker Patriquin round out the varsity roster.