Lady Saints Basketball

I apologize for the delay in getting this acknowledgement posted.  In the hectic preparations for the state tournament and then the many hours since working on the season ending video and a few other surprises for the players yet to come, I was remiss in not getting this done.

As I looked over the final list as prepared by some of the parents (and thanks to all who helped get the “Thank You” acknowledgements sent out), I was again humbled and amazed by the outpouring of support our team enjoyed from so many wonderful people.

We’re sincerely grateful for your contributions and how they helped to make the states experience a truly wonderful one for the girls.  Whether you donated financially, materially, or through use of your facilities, your kindness will not be forgotten.  May God’s blessings be returned to you ten fold.

Kevin Cicak

If your business isn’t shown above, it’s because I couldn’t find a suitable jpg on the internet.  If you have one you can provide via e-mail attachment, I’d be glad to add it.

Ladies, here’s your Easter gift from the coaching staff.  We hope you like it.

2011 – 2012 A Band of Sisters

In the final round of the state tournament, St. Theresa prevailed over Our Mother of Sorrow (Altoona-Johnstown Dio winner) 31 – 28.  All 13 Lady Saints saw action in the final game of the season and can take pride knowing they contributed to another great year for the Lady Saints.

Jenna Mueller had 10 of her team-high 11 points in the second half.  The Saints were 9 of 12 from the foul line in the game, a key factor in the close win.

And so the 2011 – 2012 season comes to an end with 28 wins and 8 losses.  Few people would have predicted back in October that this team would challenge for the Dio, much less make States.  But the players and the coaches kept their eye on the prize, worked through the multiple losses to St. Catherine and Holy Name, and in the end found the will and the way to down both those teams enroute to the Diocesan championship and earn their way to States.

It was a great trip, from the excitement of the pep rally to the tired goodbyes when we returned to St. T’s, and everything in between.  Along the way we met lots of nice people, ate like kings and queens, and played some pretty darn good basketball.

We extend our congratulations to St. Alphonsus, the newly crowned state champion, and our thanks to the fine folks of the Greensburg Diocese for being such gracious hosts for the tournament. 

On behalf of the coaches and the players we’d like to thank our parents and family members who made the trip to Greensburg to support us, the STPAA for the generous financial support and the many businesses and individuals who contributed funds to help us pay for our trip.

It’s been a GREAT year; one the coaches will remember always.  To Bri, Erin, Kiley, Bella, Jenna, Becca, Rileigh, and Hannah, we bid “so long for now” as you prepare for bigger and better things to come.  And to Catherine, Kendall, Erin, Alex, and Becca, we pass the torch and the challenge to continue the legacy that is St. Theresa Lady Saints basketball.  

Down by 13 at the end of the third quarter, down after a quarter where the St. Theresa fans watched the wheels come off the bus as St. Matthew ran off 20 points to take a 43 – 30 lead, the coaches tried to settle the troops down. A “D” stop at a time; a possession at a time; change the press to a face deny instead of the zone, and start playing a high post offense. Simple changes. But executed just as we’ve practiced a million times, the Lady Saints put the plan in operation as they battled back.

St. Theresa outscored St. Matt’s 15 – 1 during the period but when Abby Schoffstall hit a runner with 17 seconds to go, the Saints found themselves down 1. Pushing the ball up the floor, Bella Ricci was tied up for a jump ball. Inbounding under the basket with 5.6 seconds to go, Riley Devine delivered a pass to Jenna Mueller who swung the ball to a wide open Bella Ricci. Bella’s shot went up and in and that as they say, was THAT!

But why try and describe it when you can see it for yourself:

Game Winner!

Bella Ricci led the Saints with 14 points.  Jenna Mueller added 10 and Hannah Deppen had 8.  Kiley Stevens had 6 points in the critical opening quarter as the Lady Saints built a 17 – 11 lead.  Rileigh Devine went 3 for 4 in the 4th quarter when we were battling back.  Becca Reilly came up big on the boards and Catherine Gregoire added some solid defense.  It was a great come-from-behind victory for St. Theresa.

A talented and well coached St. Alphonsus team showed their 34-2 record was legit as they downed St. Theresa in the opening round 38 – 25. The Saints never got into any offensive rhythm as the Gator defense thwarted the O at every turn. Down 31 – 18 the Saints made a run and cut the lead to 6 but would come no closer. Caitlyn Cunningham led St. Alphonsus with 12. Reilly Devine was high scorer for the Saints with 11.

St. Theresa meets St. Matthew of the Allentown Diocese today at 9:00.

The Lady Saints depart today for the state championship tournament!  We’ll feature updates here on the web site throughout our trip.  We hope you’ll join us in Greensburg for all the excitement of States, but if you can’t, we’ll make sure you’re up to date.

The St. Theresa Lady Saints Rising Stars squad, made up of players from the Varsity, Intermediate, and JV teams, jumped off to a great start in the tournament with a win over OMPH 27 – 19.  Using a 5 in/5 out player rotation, the Saints showed solid depth through all 13 players.  Rebecca Mott led a balanced attack with 8 points and Morgan Wagner added 6.  St. Theresa used full court pressure to set the pace and to disrupt OMPH’s offense.  The Saints used a mix of zone and man-to-man defenses and got some nice looks in transition.  With size and good guard play, this RS squad makes it clear that St. Theresa will be in the thick of things again next season.

The Rising Stars play again on Thursday, March 22nd, 8:00 p.m., vs Resurrection. 

Not to be lost in the excitement surrounding our preparations for States, our Rising Stars are working hard to prepare for this Sunday’s opener.  Come out and cheer on the NEXT generation of champions at St. Theresa!