Scotties rekindle playoff memories

Imagine walking into a packed gym and the varsity team has not even started to warm up yet. The stands are already full by halftime of the junior varsity game; there are always hundreds of students in the student section alone. People are packed in the doorway just trying to watch the Scotties play at home.
And why not, considering the team hasn’t lost a home game for four years.
History teacher Dave Keefer, a student at the time, described the atmosphere as “a pandemonium. The whole place was electric.”
The Scotties started a winning streak on Feb. 3, 1984 with a 59-56 win over Jeannette that would reach 43 games. “The Streak,” as it came to be called, stretched through four straight winters and ended with a 77-61 win over Thomas Jefferson.
The Scotties, ranked fifth, were head-to-head with the number one ranked team in the WPIAL, Thomas Jefferson, and they knew it was going to be a battle. It was probable that they were going to end their already 42-game winning streak that night. But according to former coach Dennis Zieger, “everything fell into place, and fortunately we were in the right place at the right time.”
The winning streak began when the Scotties defeated Jeannette and ended after Southmoreland defeated Thomas Jefferson Dec. 16, 1986 to complete their 43-game home winning streak.
“It felt like we were invincible to have that long of a streak,” said Zieger. “But what’s most important is that we don’t live in the past and focus on the success the Scotties are having right now in the present.”
The Southmoreland boys’ basketball team was victorious with a 52-35 win at Mount Pleasant Area High School on Jan. 27. This victory opened the door to the playoffs for the Scotties for the first time in three years.
After a couple of unsuccessful seasons, there was “always hope” for the Scotties in the future. But it appears that the future is now.
“The past seasons were to focus on building for the success we have now,” coach Frank Muccino said.
Coach Muccino explained that, in the past, the team was dominated by just one graduating class. He believes that is why they did not have the success they have now.
“This mixture of players is the perfect balance of sophomores, juniors, and seniors,” said Muccino. “Success comes from having all three.”
Coach Muccino is a “fundamentalist.” The fundamentals are what he believes is most important when it comes to the game. This focus is what creates his, sometimes, “firey” personality that keeps his team disciplined and working hard.
“I believe these boys are playing for each other, that’s why we’re winning games,” said Muccino. “They play together and push each other to reach the common goal…to win.”
Now the Scotties are focusing on their successes in the present while they remember the prosperous tradition that is set in the past.

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