Senior trio has Plum girls in position to take step forward

By: Mark Nitowski
Thursday, November 23, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Plum is counting on the senior trio of Megan Marston, Pascale Olczak and Rayla Smith to set the tone for a successful girls basketball season.

“I’m most looking forward to their positive leadership,” coach Rich Mull said. “I think that’s really something they bring to the table that’s important for the younger girls. They’ve been playing for me going on three years and have a pretty good idea of how things are done and the expectations.”

Marston and Smith return at the guard position, and the 6-foot-1 Olczak is back in the frontcourt.

“Megan has been our leading scorer, averaging about 18 points per game last season,” Mull said. “Pascale will be our best post player and rebounder. Rayla’s best attributes are her quickness and defensive ability.”

Junior Serena Carnahan, a 5-foot-7 guard/forward, and sophomore Riley Stephans, a 5-9 guard/forward, are in line for starting positions.

“They both played valuable minutes for us last year,” Mull said. “Serena played well as a sophomore and we’re expecting more out of her this year. Riley did a nice job as a freshman. We’re hoping that she takes the next step forward.”

Pushing for playing time will be juniors Josie Sciulli and Tatum Olczak, sophomores Gia Tavella and Malayna Smith and senior Aiyana Adams. Sciulli plays guard, Tavella, Smith and Adams are forwards, and Olczak is a guard/forward.

“With the three seniors, we have a veteran team,” Mull said. “But we’re also going to have a sophomore and junior as starters. There should be some other younger players who contribute as the year goes on. I think it’s a nice mix.”

Last season, Plum turned in a 13-11 overall record, with a 6-6 mark in Section 1-5A. The Mustangs defeated Montour, 46-38, in the preliminary round of the WPIAL playoffs before falling to eventual champion South Fayette, 72-29.

“The girls weren’t satisfied, and they have some high expectations for this year,” Mull said. “We need be more consistent and execute better for four quarters. Sometimes we played really good basketball. It was an up-and-down season.”

The Mustangs will battle Franklin Regional, Gateway, Indiana, Kiski Area, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills in section play. Last season, Indiana took the section crown with an 11-1 record. Woodland Hills finished second at 8-4 with Plum, Kiski Area and Penn Hills tied for third at 6-6.

“Indiana lost some players, including a 6-5 girl,” Mull said. “Kiski, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills are going to be tough. I don’t think we get nights off in 5A basketball.”

Mull is in his second stint as the Plum girls coach. When he hasn’t coached the girls team, he’s served as a Plum boys varsity assistant.

“I’ve never really left coaching,” said Mull, who’s been a teacher and counselor in the school district for close to three decades.

Plum is scheduled to scrimmage Knoch and Pine-Richland before starting the season Friday, Dec. 1 at the Freeport Tournament. The Mustangs open section play Dec. 15 at Gateway.

“I think building a winning program starts with playing tough teams in and out of the section,” Mull said. “Practice is also very important. That’s when you focus on preparing to be the best you can be.”

Plum girls at a glance

Coach: Rich Mull (Third season)

Last year’s record: 13-11 (6-6 Section 1-5A)

Key returners: Megan Marston (Sr., G), Pascale Olczak (Sr., F/C), Rayla Smith (Sr., G)

Top newcomer: Riley Stephans (Soph., G/F)

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