Climbing upward
JEFFERSON TWP — Chris Andreassi had a quick answer when asked about the key to his Knoch girls basketball team winning the program’s first section title in 50 years.
“Good players,” the coach said, grinning. “That’s a good start.“
The Knights’ achievements on the court run much deeper than that, of course.
Knoch entered Thursday night’s regular season finale against Freeport undefeated in section play for the second successive season. The Knights’ 18-2 overall record is bettered only by undefeated Blackhawk in WPIAL Class 4A. The team allows a paltry 28.7 points per game, lowest in 4A. Its 54.7 points per contest is topped only by Blackhawk, Elizabeth-Forward and Highlands in 4A.
“This is a cohesive group that’s getting better all the time,” Andreassi said. “They never stop working. It’s a good mix.”
Only one senior — 5-foot-11 forward Madilyn Boyer — is in the starting lineup. Lily Hawk and MacKenzie McGraw are the only other seniors on the roster.
Nina Shaw, a junior, is the point guard and shoots 85 percent from the foul line. Hattie McGraw — affectionately nicknamed Hattie Buckets — is an effective 3-point shooter. Naturelle Ewing is a sophomore guard, Karlee Buterbaugh a freshman center. All five starters average at least six points per game.
CeCe Kosecki, a sophomore, comes off the bench and provides a sparks offensively and defensively.
Boyer, a four-year starter, is averaging 14.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game.
“Our three seniors have been playing basketball since they were little girls,” Andreassi said. “They are true leaders. I can’t say enough about Maddy ... all-section, great player, great leader, great teammate. I’m very proud of her.”
Boyer started for a Knoch team that finished 9-14 her freshman season, 7-7 in section play. Over the past three years, Knoch has won 45 of 56 games overall, including a stellar 29-3 section record.
The Knights were unbeaten in section play last season, but was unable to finish the section schedule due to game cancellations from COVID-19. Two seasons ago, the team picked up its first playoff win in 11 years.
“I feel like we would have done this last year,” Boyer said of ending the program's lengthy wait for a section crown. “I’ve been wanting this since my freshman year. We’ve been building toward this.
“I know I’ll be leaving, but this program is set up to be successful for the next few years.”
Shaw averages 13.4 points and 3.2 steals per game — and agrees with her teammate.
“We’re fueled by defense,” Shaw said. “It’s drilled into us every day. That’s a phase of the game that’s always there.
“We practice closing out games all the time. We’re not nervous during close games down the stretch. We know what to do. There’s a lot of young talent in this program learning how to play the same way.”
Buterbaugh is averaging 7.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Ewing averages 6.9 ppg., McGraw 6.0.
“We score a lot in transition,” McGraw said. “We like to play fast.”
As for her 3-point shooting, McGraw added that “I take my shot when it’s open. As an outside shooter, you have to have an erasable mind. Forget about the misses.”
Knoch’s section-clinching victory over Highlands last weekend was its 18th consecutive section win and 24th out of its last 25. It was also played in front of the team’s largest home crowd of the season.
“Probably the biggest crowd they’ve ever played in front of here,” Andreassi said. “They’ve been in playoff games before in front of large crowds, but to get this kind of support at a home game meant a lot.
“This group bought into our defensive concept. They work hard at it and enjoy playing that way. It was disappointing, the way last year ended. It was a tough year, but we’re playing better and better. I’m excited about what these girls can do.”
