Belle Vernon girls preview: Slagus, Lady Leopards deal with major lineup turnover
The Belle Vernon girls were a senior-laden basketball squad last season.
This season will be the complete opposite for head coach Kaitlyn Slagus because the Lady Leopards will have numerous underclassmen seeing vital playing time.
Despite losing five key rotation pieces from last year’s team, Slagus is ready to go.
“It will be an exciting year,” said Slagus. “We are younger, and it will be different than it was in the past.
“We are slowly getting there, and I am excited to see how we grow throughout the season.”
The lone returning player with previous starting experience is senior guard/forward Kenzie Seliga.
Two other seniors, guard Nina Francia and forward Caroline Lee, will be looked on to contribute, as well.
“We will need the seniors to lead us,” Slagus said.
A trio of sophomore guards, Mia Roebuck, Arden Minniti, and Emerson LaCarte, will be joined by a pair of freshmen, forward Saylor Lee and guard Abby Russell, with the quintet being looked at to learn on the proverbial fly and contribute.
The Leopards are in Section 3-AAAA with Elizabeth Forward, Laurel Highlands, Ringgold, Southmoreland, Uniontown, and West Mifflin.
Slagus didn’t hesitate when she said who was the team to beat.
“EF won the section last year, only lost one senior and returns everyone,” said Slagus. “They will be at the top and are one of the top teams in 4A.
“LH was big last year and will continue to get better.”
Slagus is upbeat with the chances of her young team.
“I think making the playoffs is a goal this year,” Slagus said. “Getting better as we go long into the season as well.”