Click here to subscribe today or Login.
If you listen to Holy Redeemer coach Rich Nemetz, the Royals resemble a M.A.S.H. unit.
Star player Monica Wignot is still on the mend from an ankle injury that kept her sidelined for more than a month, and senior guard Laura Casey and Christina Flaherty are also questionable for Friday’s game against Wyoming Area in the first-round of the District 2, Class 3A playoffs.
However, Nemetz is optimistic that No. 2 seed Holy Redeemer has another chance to make a run in the state playoffs.
“We have excellent balance,” said Nemetz, who coached the Royals to a 25-2 record last year that ended with a loss to Allentown Central Catholic in the second round of states. “Everybody has done a good job of picking up the slack when Monica got hurt.”
Wignot, a 6-foot-2 senior center, is a two-time Player of the Year in the WVC. She returned briefly for the Royals game on senior night, but wasn’t much of a factor, according to Nemetz.
However, Nemetz won’t rule out the possibility of her returning to the starting lineup against Wyoming Area.
“Monica is day-by-day with her ankle. We’ll have to see if she gets stronger,” he said.
Chances are, Wignot will see significant playing time time vs. the Warriors.
Casey is nursing a bruise on her shooting hand, while Flaherty has a turf toe injury. But there’s a good chance they also will play in the district opener.
Wignot’s absence resulted in more playing time for Amanda Platko, Allison Capaci, Nicole Maximowicz and Ann Marie Wempa.
“They have given us balance,” Nemetz said. “If you look at our scoring, it’s rare when anyone scores more than eight points.”
The Royals (15-4) have gotten several strong efforts from junior guard Olivia Francisco – one of the premier outside shooters in the WVC.
“Francisco has stepped up,” Nemetz said. “She’s doing a great job every day. She’s gotten more comfortable at point guard.”
Here’s a look at the district tournament:
CLASS 4A
Outlook: Top seeded Wyoming Valley West (21-3) and No. 3 seed Hazleton Area appear headed for another showdown in the district finals. The teams went 2-2 against each other in regular season play, including the Spartans’ 36-33 victory in the conference championship playoff game.
Wyoming Valley West arguably has the best starting lineup in the district tourney, including 6-1 senior center Sami Himlin. Seniors Nina Liguori and Amy Aguilar are both capable of scoring 20 points, while sophomore forward Tara Zdancewicz is also a scorer.
The Cougars are led by 5-5 senior guard Brianna Dudeck, the only returning starter from last year’s team that went to the state quarterfinals. Hazleton Area’s success may wind up on the shoulders of 6-foot senior center Nicole Lisnock, who matches up well with Himlin.
No. 5 seed Pittston Area (14-8) features a dynamic duo in senior guard Lauren Smicherko and freshman phenom Mia Hopkins. The Patriots should be able to dispose of No.4 see Scranton (12-10) in the first roiund.
Dark horse: Pittston Area. With explosive players like Smicherko and Hopkins, the Patriots could be a handful if their role players step up and if they are able to convert free throws.
Upset Special: No. 7 seed Delaware Valley (7-15) to beat No. 2 seed Williamsport (13-9). The Millionaires No. 2 seed is a joke.
Best first-round matchup: Pittston Area vs. Scranton.
Prediction: Hazleton Area to defeat Wyoming Valley West in the championship game.
CLASS 3A
Outlook: Holy Redeemer (15-4) is seeded No. 2 behind No. 1 seed Abington Heights (14-0 Lackawanna League). Despite the seeding, the Royals appear to be the team to beat, They posted an impressive double-digit win over the Comets in exhibition play last December.
The other teams aren’t particularly impressive, No. 3 seed West Scranton (12-2 Lackawanna League) and No. 4 Nanticoke (12-9) don’t appear in the same class as the top pair.
Dark horse: Nanticoke is one of the most improved teams in the WVC and has a special player in senior guard Jenn Harnischfeger. The Trojanettes running attack could carry them into the finals if Teresa Kalinay and Katie Wolfe are hitting their shots. Freshman guard Kayley Schinski may prove to be a secret weapon.
Upset Special: No. 11 Crestwood (9-8) to beat Scranton Prep (9-5) Lackawanna League. Senior guard Carissa Gegaris is closing in on 1,000 career points, and junior swing player Chelsea Cornelius is on an offensive tear.
Best first-round matchup: Crestwood vs. Scranton Prep.
Prediction: Holy Redeemer to defend its district title by beating Abington Heights in the title game.
CLASS 2A
Outlook: Top-seeded Dunmore (14-0) Lackawanna League and No. 2 seed Montrose (13-1) Lackawanna League are evenly matched teams that deserve their seedings.
No. 3 seed Lake-Lehman (15-4) is the WVC Division 3 champion, while No. 4 seed Wyoming Seminary (7-11) is the WVC Division 4 champion.
Dark horse: The mere presence of junior forward Selena Adamshick gives Lake-Lehman a possible shot of winning the tourney. The 6-foot Adamshick led the WVC in scoring with a 22-point average, and is a potential game-breaker. The Black Knights need for senior Gaby Olshemski to get hot from three-point range to free up Adamshick in the paint.
Upset Special: No. 11 Hanover Area over No. 6 Riverside. The Hawkeyes are dangerous if Raisha Piper has a big game.
Best first-round matchup: No. 8 Mountain View (7-7) Lackawanna League vs. No. 9 Holy Cross.(7-7) Lackawanna League.
Prediction: Montrose to beat Dunmore for the championship.