Supporting cast comes up big for Highlands girls in win over Greensburg Salem

By: Jerin Steele
Thursday, January 11, 2024 | 10:01 PM

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The majority of Highlands girls basketball’s opponents have focused their attention defensively on Kate Myers.

That’s understandable because Myers is a 1,000-point scorer. In fact, there was a ceremony to commemorate her achievement before Thursday’s game with Greensburg Salem.

What the Golden Rams have proven lately is they have plenty of girls who can put the ball in the hoop. And that’s making them even more dangerous.

Kalleigh Nerone scored 19 points, and Shelby Wojcik had 18 as the Golden Rams took down Greensburg Salem, 54-47, in a battle for second place in Section 1-4A.

“That’s the nice thing about our team,” Golden Rams coach Shawn Bennis said. “Any given night, if they are taking Kate away or she’s not scoring, other people step up. Tonight it was Kalleigh and Shelby. Last time, Jocelyn (Bielak) had 15, and Tyarah Woody was in double digits, too.

“If you’re taking Kate away, but everyone else gets more consistent with their scoring, then teams are going to have to pick their poison.”

Nerone got the Golden Rams going in the second quarter by scoring 10 of her 19. She hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the frame, helping Highlands take a 26-21 lead into halftime.

“Almost every team has been face-guarding Kate in section play,” Nerone said. “Obviously, she’s a great shooter. Personally, I’d say she’s one of the best in the WPIAL. That’s something we have to overcome. Other people have to score, and tonight we did that.”

In the third quarter it was Wojcik’s turn. She hit a trio of 3-pointers and scored 11 in the third, helping Highlands extend the lead to double digits.

Midway through the third, Greensburg Salem cut the lead to five, but Wojcik connected on a 3 on the next possession. Then Nerone scored off a steal to get the lead back to 10.

“We had really good scouts on them, and we thought we did a really good job in the first half on their sets,” Greensburg Salem coach Rick Klimchock said. “In the second half they spread the floor out and found Wojcik a lot, and I thought she was a big difference-maker for them. They all played well, but I’m sure they are happy with the game they got out of Wojcik.”

Klimchock was looking for his 400th win but will have to wait. The Golden Lions play Freeport on Monday.

When Myers got some space, she made the most of it. She hit three 3-pointers, the only shots she attempted.

Blessing Gant led the Golden Lions with 15 points. Gia Rosensteel had 12 points on four 3-pointers. and Kaitlyn Mankins scored 11.

“I thought Blessing came through with a good game. Gia Rosensteel hit four 3-pointers, which kind of kept us in it,” Klimchock said. “I was happy with our effort, but Highlands played well and they are a really good team. We look forward to when they come to our place for the second game. It will be a great game again.”

The rematch is scheduled for Feb. 5 at Greensburg Salem (11-3, 3-2).

With the win, Highlands (9-3, 4-1) kept itself in the conversation for its first section crown since 1975. The Rams get their rematch with first-place North Catholic next Thursday.

“That’s our goal for sure,” Nerone said. “We want to get that section.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Greensburg Salem, Highlands