California girls preview: Greco, Lady Trojans ready to get season going
Melanie Greco is now in her third year as head coach of the California Area girls basketball team, and she is ready to get the new season going.
“We continue to strive to make the playoffs and position ourselves to win and advance,” said Greco. “Our girls have done a lot of work in regard to the physicality aspect, most notably with strength and speed.
“We have also emphasized the reduction of live ball turnovers resulting in easy points for our opponents.”
Some of the players put in a lot of time during the summer, and Greco pointed out that senior Rakiyah Porter and freshman Hayley Gibson played in summer leagues, as well on the AAU circuit.
Porter, an All-Section point guard who is nearing 1,000 points, and senior guard Gabby Pendo, are returning starters.
“Both are taking on more leadership responsibilities with our younger players,” Greco said.
The Lady Trojans have two girls, sophomore center Madelyn Petrucci and freshman Emily Vig, returning from surgeries.
“They both put a ton of work into being ready to play this season,” said Greco. “I expect both to significantly contribute to a lot of what our team is wanting to do.”
Guard/forward Mady Morton joins Petrucci as a sophomore who brings back experience.
“Both really anchor a lot of what our team does defensively,” Greco said. “Both girls have shown significant growth and an increase in confidence that will hopefully translate to an elevated offensive impact.”
There will be several freshmen who will get the chance to contribute.
Vig, a guard, wing Hayley Gibson, and guards Leah and Lauren Hartley will see time, while Tatiana Mathianas, Allison Piktal, and Ella Fike will look to help as well.
California is in Section 4-AA, along with Bentworth, Beth-Center, Carmichaels, Chartiers-Houston, Frazier and Washington.
Greco noted what the Lady Trojans need to accomplish for a successful season.
“Everyone has to stay healthy, and our seniors will have to provide leadership,” said Greco. “Our sophomores have to continue to develop, and our freshmen must adapt to high school play before we get into section play.”