Lady Warriors motivated for return to playoffs
The Elizabeth Forward girls missed the WPIAL basketball playoffs a year ago, and sixth-year head coach Krystal Gibbs did not hesitate to point out the fact that this year’s team is motivated to get back to the postseason.
“Although we are in a new section, I expect us to compete and to make the playoffs,” said Gibbs. “We will have the chance if we play as a team, and buy into our roles and places on the team.”
Elizabeth Forward is in Section 3-AAAA with Belle Vernon, Ligonier Valley, Mount Pleasant, West Mifflin and Yough.
A key to the Lady Warriors getting back to the “second season” is the experience of four returning starters.
Junior forward Bailey Brinson enters her third year as a starter, while senior wing Anna Resnick, junior guard Brooke Markland and sophomore guard Jocelyn Dawson each enter their second.
“Anna is the team leader on and off the floor,” Gibbs said. “She is a good person, focused and a good kid.”
The fifth starter will be junior guard Haven Briggs, with junior forward Taymar Herchelroath in the mix.
Depth will be at a surplus for Gibbs this year as a talented freshman class will push for playing time, including 6-1 forward Amanda Bedzik, 5-9 wing Alyssa Terza and 5-9 forward Abby Beinlich.
A motivational factor for the team is that long-time assistant coach Mike Vuono will not be coaching.
“He has been coaching here for 35 years, but he isn’t this year as he has elderly parents and doesn’t want to chance anything with the pandemic,” Gibbs said. “He would tell the girls to go out there and work, and that is what they are going to do for him.”
Elizabeth Forward was scheduled to open in the Allegheny Health Network Tipoff, but, because it was canceled, the Lady Warriors will now host Chartiers Valley on Dec. 11.