Coming off of a section record of 8-4, the Southmoreland Boys varsity basketball team clinched a playoff spot last week.
“I’m excited to see how we match up with good teams from other sections,” said sophomore Brandon Stone.
The boys first match up in round one of the playoffs is Laurel Highlands. The Scotties fell short to LH in the regular season. Southmoreland had an 18-point lead but then unraveled due to turnovers and lack of defense in the second and third quarters.
“We blew a big lead against them earlier in the season,” said junior Zak Leighty, “but our defense has gotten better and turnovers have decreased.”
The Scotties prepare for playoffs just like any other game and feel confident with what they have.
“Our strength is our inside game,” said Coach Frank Muccino. “With Zak playing really well lately, that gives us an inside/outside game.”
The boys feel that they are well prepared for playoffs and playing Laurel Highlands Feb. 12.
“It makes it easier going into playoffs knowing what they bring to the table,” said senior Spencer Montgomery.
Southmoreland has not beaten Laurel Highlands since 1977, and a playoff win for the boys would be a big accomplishment, especially over Laurel Highlands.
“We need to handle pressure better,” said Muccino. “Treat it like it’s just another game.”
The playoff atmosphere is much different than that of a typical varsity basketball game.
“There’s more pressure and less room for mistakes,” said Stone.
The boys main goal for playoffs is to go deeper than last year and to take it one game at a time. In order for that to happen they need to secure the win against LH.
“We need to get revenge on them for letting them beat us on our own court,” said Leighty, “I feel that we will play even harder this time around.”