Burrell boys hope to build on strong finish to 2017-18 season

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 | 9:12 PM

For the second straight season, Burrell got hot toward the end of the section schedule and made the WPIAL playoffs after enduring a brutal December nonleague schedule.

The Bucs secured a section title and a playoff spot with a thrilling, 45-44 overtime victory at Apollo-Ridge on the final night of the section season.

Burrell started 2-7 in its nonleague card. Seven of those nine schools made the playoffs.

“We attempt to do our best to get games later in the season, but we schedule them when we can,” said sixth-year coach Shawn Bennis. “We have Quaker Valley this year. We tell our guys a loss isn’t a failure unless you blame others or start to make excuses.”

One of the problems at Burrell and many similar-sized schools is players involved in multiple sports.

“We have players just rounding into basketball shape now while other schools are already running their sets,” Bennis said. “Ever since we’ve been here, one of the things we’ve done is continue to get better in every practice, every game. That’s something we’re striving for again this year.”

One of Burrell’s key returnees, senior Logan Bitar, is recovering from knee surgery after missing football season.

“He’s still trying to get into basketball shape,” Bennis said of Bitar. “He’s still cautious about cutting and things of that nature. Hopefully, in a couple weeks, he’ll be rarin’ to go.”

Bitar received clearance to start the season when the Bucs play powerhouse Mars on Dec. 7 at the Freeport Tip-off Tourney.

“I’m feeling good and excited to get started,” Bitar said. “I’m looking toward another section championship. We played top competition the last two years in December, and that helped us in section competition.”

Another player thrust into a leadership role will be gritty senior guard Luke Kastelic, whom Bennis is counting on to lead by example.

Jack Henderson is a junior who has experience, and Bennis said Alex Kotecki worked all summer to be in the mix of seven. Seth Fischbach and Logan Phillips also will have larger roles.

Tajean Degore is a freshman best known for his soccer prowess. He is slated to start the season on junior varsity but is expected to push for varsity minutes as the time goes on.

Burrell will have more local flavor in Section 3-3A this season with Valley and Deer Lakes moving in as Apollo-Ridge moves out.

East Allegheny, Shady Side Academy, South Allegheny and Steel Valley remain.

“You’re getting two quality teams coming in, and I think that only strengthens our section,” Bennis said. “Top to bottom, our section’s going to be real competitive. We’ll have to do everything in our power to win our home games and maybe squeak a couple out on the road.”

Burrell will begin section play Dec. 13 at Shady Side Academy.

George Guido is a freelance writer.

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