With loaded roster, long playoff run could await Greensburg Central Catholic girls

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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When Greensburg Central Catholic’s girls run their continuation sets on the basketball court, the offense is constantly resetting, coach Chris Skatell said.

There is passing and cutting, rotating to new spots and a constant refresh to create shots.

This season will be one big reset for the Centurions, who could be playing deep into the winter if they reach their expectations.

“Last year has nothing to do with what we do this year,” Skatell said. “We’re looking to see growth in all of our kids. You strive for the opportunity. Just because you have certain goals doesn’t mean you get a free pass.”

GCC finished 24-6 and reached the WPIAL quarterfinals and PIAA semifinals in Class 2A.

With a dynamic backcourt in place that includes big-game seniors Mya Morgan and Avery Davis and super sophomore Erica Gribble, GCC should be a handful for defenses with its overall skill.

“People put a target on our backs,” Morgan said. “I feel like we have the ability to conquer anything.”

The 5-foot-9 Morgan, who averaged 16.8 points and made 55 3-pointers as a junior, has 935 career points.

She recently announced a college commitment to Cal (Pa.).

Gribble (5-8), who has multiple Division I offers, averaged 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 steals and made 47 3s. She scored 506 points as a freshman.

Davis also was a consistent double-figure scorer and a release valve for GCC when teams doubled up on Morgan and Gribble. Davis is a Wheeling commit.

“The 3-ball can be devastating, no doubt,” Skatell said. “We have shooters. But ideally, you want more than one attempt (on a possession). Weak-side boards are very important.”

A fourth starter also returns in senior guard Cara Dupilka, a Saint Vincent commit who adds another layer of leadership to the sparkling backcourt.

While the offense will be there, the Centurions want to sharpen up on the defensive end.

“We need to put a lot of pressure on teams,” Morgan said. “Last year we played a lot more zone than we wanted to. We’re working on our defense so we can play more (man-to-man) if we need to.”

Said Skatell: “When we won big games, we played great defense. It’s all about their will.”

GCC was active in the offseason, playing more than 60 games in summer and fall leagues.

“It’s the same concept,” Skatell said. “If you want to get better, you gotta play, play, play. Our girls want to play, and they want to win.”

GCC ran into a familiar opponent at a shootout at Seneca Valley. Kennedy Catholic, the team it lost to in the PIAA semifinals (56-44), was a surprise entry.

A number of girls will look to contribute to the rotation. They include sophomores Alayna Stawovy and Abby Dlugos and junior Erica Rodriguez. Sophomore guard Jayla Peterson, a transfer from Indiana, also is expected to fit into the mix.

Skatell said a group of six freshmen shows promise.

“We need our seniors to be there to lead us in game management,” Skatell said. “If we’re up four late in the fourth quarter, we need to take care of the ball. We don’t need a shot.”

With 14 girls, GCC will be able to play a more consistent junior varsity schedule.

The nonsection schedule doesn’t skimp on talent, either. GCC will play Altoona, McKeesport, Oakland Catholic, North Catholic and Upper St. Clair.

It also will play in the She Got Game Classic in Washington, D.C.

“We want to see what their will to compete looks like,” Skatell said. “We wanted to keep them in a heated environment.”

The season opens Dec. 1 for GCC at the North Allegheny tip-off tournament.

Greensburg Central Catholic girls at a glance

Coach: Chris Skatell

Last year’s record: 24-6 (11-1 Section 3-2A)

Returning starters: Avery Davis (Sr., G), Cara Dupilka (Sr., G), Erica Gribble (So., G), Maya Morgan (Sr., G)

Top newcomers: Abby Dlugos (So., F), Jayla Peterson (So., G), Erica Rodriguez (Jr., F), Alayna Stawovy (So., G)

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg C.C.