Fresh off a 78-73 victory over Hempfield that gave it split possession of the Section 1-AAAA crown for the first time since 2009, the Latrobe boys basketball team (16-4, 11-1) is riding high and readying for the WPIAL playoffs, which, according to coach Brad Wetzel, couldn't be coming at a better time.
“Heading into playoffs, it's different every year and every team has a different perspective. This year, for us, I think is one in which we're playing our best basketball at the right time,” Wetzel said. “We just have to continue to ride that wave, and hopefully we'll continue playing our best because in Class AAAA this year, I don't think there is an absolute favorite like there might've been in the past couple of years.”
The Wildcats snuck into the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs and claimed the final playoff spot from Section 1 in each of the past two seasons. Each time, Latrobe drew eventual champion New Castle in the first round.
This time around, with no clear-cut favorite in Class AAAA, Wetzel's team is entering the playoffs on a roll and with elevated expectations.
“Playing that New Castle team was such a daunting challenge. We liked our chances going into those games, but we just ran out of gas,” the Latrobe coach said. “Now with Class AAAA so wideopen, no matter who we play it'll be a good team. But, if we play the way that we're capable of, then we have a good chance to beat anybody.”
With the way that Latrobe's up-tempo offense has played this season, Wetzel has good reason to feel confident in his team. The Wildcats average 72 points per game, which ranks fifth in Class AAAA.
In large part, the team's offensive attack has been fueled by the quality play of sophomore Austin Butler (22 ppg), junior Sean Graytok (17.1), senior Matt Dragan (13.1 ppg) and sophomore Jake Biss (11.9 ppg).
“Our senior leadership has shown up, and that's been important,” Wetzel said. “But I do believe that our younger players have progressed well and taken on roles and leadership assignments that are really beyond their years. I think that's maybe why we were able to put up more points and win a few more games in our section then people might've expected.”
Although putting its starters in a position to find their groove is a priority for Latrobe, Wetzel said the key to a deep playoff run will be the play of his team's bench, led by seniors Seth Holler and Lane Loughner and junior Ryan Soisson.
“When it comes to our depth, I think that's something that we need to show up in the playoffs,” Wetzel said. “I think a lot of teams have a great starting five, but can their bench perform? I think we have a bench that hasn't cracked its potential yet. It's been getting stronger every game and has been for a few weeks now.”
Kevin Lohman is a freelance writer.
