HERSHEY, Pa. – Back in Hershey, the Kennedy Catholic Golden Eagles seek the second state title in program history when they battle Homer-Center in the PIAA Class 2A title game on Thursday (12 p.m.).
Since a 2-4 start to the season, the Golden Eagles (25-4) haven’t lost, rattling off 23-straight wins in getting back to Hershey.
This time, they hope to finish the job, squaring off against Homer-Center at 12 p.m. on Tuesday at the GIANT Center for the Class 2A title.
They breezed through the District 10 playoffs en route to a 13th straight D10 title, and own wins in the PIAA tournament over Brentwood (77-20), Burgettstown (56-39), Bishop McCort (60-48), and 56-44 triumph over Greensburg Central Catholic in the semifinals to get to the title game.
“We wanted to play the best and beat some of the best,” said Kennedy Catholic coach Justin Magestro about his team’s 2-4 start to the season, which included losses to North Catholic and Norwin, as well as West Virginia powers Morgan and Univeristy. “We felt like we had a good opportunity to be one of the best, but our work’s not done.”
That 23-game win streak has included some pretty impressive wins as well, including Indiana, Mercyhurst Prep, Blackhawk (which is in the 4A state title game), and McDowell.
Their opponent in Hershey, the Homer-Center Wildcats (24-7), have gotten defensive to get to the GIANT Center.
The Wildcats own PIAA wins over Chartiers Houston (43-20), Millersburg (59-29), Sacred Heart (51-15), and Montrose in the semifinals (47-13).
On the season, they are allowing just 35 points per game. Kennedy Catholic’s defense has been even stingier, however, allowing just 29.7 ppg.
Among the Wildcats seven losses are two to PIAA 3A finalist River Valley, as well as District 9 foes Redbank Valley and Punxsutawney.
Sophomore Layke Fields and freshman Bella Magestro have had monster games in the state playoffs, but coach Magestro also acknowledged the strength of his senior class, which includes Hayden Keith, Izzy Bianco, and Cassie Dancack – all starters.
“We’ve got three seniors that are leading unbelievably well,” coach Magestro said. “And then we’ve got sophomores and freshmen acting like perfect students and listening to their teachers. When you have the ingredients of great teachers and great students, that makes for a great classroom.”
Fields is averaging 19.2 ppg. and 10.9 rebounds per game while shooting an astounding 66 percent from the floor. Magestro checks in at 12.2 ppg., while Bianco is at 9.5, Vincent 8.8, Keith 7.1, and Dancak 6.2.
As a team, Kennedy is averaging 64 points per game and shooting 48 percent from the field.
“There are no selfish kids on this team,” coach Magestro said. “Everybody’s in it for the other girl and I don’t think I’ve coached a team like this in such a long time. A young lady like Layke Fields, we’re blessed to have her on our team. And we’re blessed to have great guards that put her in a position to score easily.”
Homer-Center also has a talented forward in senior Molly Kosmack, who averages 13.7 ppg. It all starts with senior Macy Sardone, however, who averages 18.0 ppg., while 5-11 junior Alaina Fabin is at 8.2 ppg.
As a team, the Wildcats average 49.9 ppg.
The two teams’ most recent common opponent is Bishop McCort, who Homer-Center beat 58-50 in the District 6 title game.
“These kids, they’ve got great basketball IQ and they really love each other,” Magestro said. “The last seven games, there’s been a different kid that’s gotten the job done. It’s not been the same kid. And when you’ve got six kids like that can score that can defend it can do all that. I like our chances as opposed to one or two kids if you shut them down.”
