Kathy Healey does not have an immediate answer for who will replace the scoring Pittston Area lost with the graduation of record-setting, 3-point shooter Alexa Noone and the transfer of all-star post player Leah Hodick.
That combination accounted for nearly 80 percent of the scoring last season when the Lady Patriots tied for second out of six teams in Division 1 of the Wyoming Valley Conference and completed a 14-10 season with an appearance in the District 2 Class 5A semifinals.
“I don’t know if I have the answer right now,” Healey said. “I think as the season goes on, we’ll establish that.”
What Healey does think she has a handle on is how the Lady Patriots will compensate for being without nearly 90 percent of their offense overall from a year ago.
Healey said one of the reasons she is not ready to identify who the offensive leader or leaders will be is that the team has been concentrating on its defensive effort.
“We’re really focusing on defense right now,” she said. “ … It’s been working for us. Nobody really stands out scoring, but everybody is heads up on defense.
“They pride themselves on defense.”
A win in which Pittston Area held state qualifier Berwick to 19 points through three quarters last season shows what the team can accomplish defensively.
Healey should have a deep group of seniors and juniors with which to work.
Although Pittston Area is lacking in returning starters and players who have been called on offensively, the team does return several players with at least some varsity experience.
Senior forward/center Emily O’Brien is the team’s most experienced player, including several starts.
“What’s good about Emily is she can play inside; she can step out and shoot 3s,” Healey said. “She’s a very versatile player.”
Junior guard Nicole Zambetti has gotten playing time over her first two seasons and has been a spot starter. Junior forward Emma Coles showed her capabilities with a 16-point effort off the bench against Wyoming Valley West last season.
The Lady Patriots also get back Krista Maurizi, who got some varsity playing time as a sophomore, but missed all of last year while rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.
Seniors Brooklyn Pedana and Kayleigh Walker and junior Jada Sharp could be part of the “point guard by committee” that Healey is considering. All saw some varsity playing time.
Senior guard/forward Megan Mihalka is an effective shooter.
Hannah Getz, a junior who is the team’s tallest player at 6-foot, is a candidate for the center position.
Lily Savoy is another junior guard who returns.
Samantha Christian is a junior guard ready to move up from junior varsity play.
Sophomore guards Bernadette Lieback and Kendall Tigue could be the best of the younger group.
Pittston Area opens the schedule at home Dec.7 against GAR. The Lady Patriots have added Valley View to the non-league schedule with a Dec. 15 afternoon home game.
WVC play begins Dec. 19 at Berwick.
