Ellwood City opens up its WPIAL title defense Monday night against Summit Academy at Lincoln High School at 7:00 p.m. in the opening round of the 2022 WPIAL Class 3A Playoffs.
Head coach Steve Antuono is preparing his #1 seeded team for its first round opponent.
“The seeding was expected after our body of work, however Summit Academy is very athletic,” said Antuono. “Their record doesn’t indicate how good they are and what type of athleticism and size we are up against. It will NOT be an easy task.”
Summit Academy finished its regular season 7-8 overall (4-6 in Section 2-3A) after starting its season 1-5. Their section features #2 seed Aliquippa and #4 seed Seton-LaSalle.
The Wolverines, winners of 17 consecutive games on their way to their first section championship this season, will look to continue their great, unselfish play according to Antuono.
“We have been trying to focus our attention on staying unselfish and trusting one another. We keep stressing to run our sets, and pass up good shots for great shots.”
Ellwood City features nine seniors on its 2021-22 roster
The senior-laden squad features high scoring guards Alexander Roth (18.1 ppg) and Steve Antuono (14.9 ppg) along with point guard Milo Sesti.
“Antuono, Sesti, and Alexander have been steady all season,” says Antuono. “They are leaders, and they have led by example. When one doesn’t play well, they always seem to pick one another up. I’ve come to expect that from them.”
Ellwood City will also lean on a forward rotation of seniors Anthony Spadafore, Petyon O’Brien, and Caden Crizer.
Antuono will look to rotate the forwards depending on the opponent.
“I have subbed and have rotated Spadafore, O’Brien and Crizer depending on who we play. It’s more of a match up thing and that is all determined after watching film.”
Sophomore big man Joseph Roth (17.6 ppg) rounds out an experienced Ellwood City line-up that knows playoff basketball.
The Wolverines won five playoff games last year en route to its first ever WPIAL Championship, but this year is a different route as a top overall seed in the 3A bracket, and Antuono is poised to keep the team focused.
“Honestly, it’s one game at a time for us right now,” says Antuono.
“Looking ahead at this moment won’t happen if we can’t take care of Monday night’s task. We will prepare, watch film, and gather enough from film to make our game plan. One thing I have learned after last season is that anything can happen. We will go one game at a time and hope to advance.”
With a victory Monday evening, the Wovlerines (20-2 Overall, 10-0 Section 1-3A) will advance to play the winner of the Avonworth-Ligonier Valley. A quarterfinal matchup is scheduled for Thursday at a time and site to be determined.
There are eight opening round games Monday in boys Class-3A playoffs including Neshannonk (versus #10 Brownsville) and Beaver Falls (versus #6 Washington).
Be the first to comment on "Wolverines Open Up Playoffs Against Summit Academy"