Peters Township committed to success
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Brendan McCullough is the top returner starter for Peters Township. The senior averaged nine points, three assists and two steals a game for the Indians last winter.
Joe Urmann
For Peters Township, the 2022-23 boys basketball season holds promise. Because of a renewed commitment, not to mention a fresh start in a new division, there is assurance of better days ahead for a team that finished 8-14 last winter.
The Indians have moved from Class 6A down to 5A. They will compete in Section 1 but Bethel Park is the only familiar face. Connellsville, Ringgold, Thomas Jefferson and Trinity are new league opponents.
“We don’t know as much about these teams but we are prepared and ready to enjoy the journey,” said PT coach Joe Urmann.
Urmann though knows his own players well. Because of their work ethic and past experiences, he expects them to be competitive and resilient for the battles ahead.
“We learned a lot about ourselves in the offseason,” he said. “This sounds simple but this group really cares. They care enough about winning — to be willing to do the little things that go into that.”
During the offseason, the Indians were dedicated to the weight room. Thanks to assistant coach Kevin Lawrence, the Indians made significant gains regarding strength. Additionally, turnouts were excellent for open gyms, summer leagues and camps. Plus, the Indians have made mental strides.
“We have stronger resolve, both individually and collectively, about how to respond when things don’t go well for us,” Urmann said.
Thanks to three seasoned veterans, expectations are high at Peters Township.
Brendan McCullough is a returning starter. The senior averaged nine points, three assists and two steals a game.
Jack Dunbar and Jake Ziegler saw plenty of playing time and even started some games last season. A 6-2 junior, Dunbar averaged seven points and three rebounds while Ziegler, a 6-4 senior, provided four points and two rebounds a game.
Plenty of newcomers are vying for playing time. They include juniors Nate Miller, Cam Mills and Thomas Aspinall, freshman Dylan Donovan as well as sophomores Nick McCullough and Sean Thelk.
“They are all itching to make an impact on the varsity stage,” Urmann said.
Several other players are expected to contribute. Among them are junior Anthony DiLeo, sophomores Mickey Vaccarello, Cole Moran, Liam Connolly, Luke Thomas, Bennett Ziegler and Evan McCullough as well as freshman Jaden Greco and Lucas Rost.
“I think we might have some good depth but we need to improve our rebounding and pace,” Urmann said.
“I expect to play hard, smart and together every night. If we do that, I think we have a chance to be pretty good.”