On a night filled with emotion and celebration, the Greater Latrobe Wildcats delivered a thrilling performance, securing a 71-43 victory over McKeesport in front of a packed home crowd for Senior Night on Tuesday evening.
Latrobe’s four seniors, Max Butler, Brady Prohovic, Kyle McNeil, and John Wetzel played in their final regular-season home game of their high school career. “There’s a chance that this would be the last time these seniors ever play on this court in a game if the playoffs do not line up for a home game. So, we wanted to make sure their send-off was something special,” said head coach Brad Wetzel.
The Wildcats gained control to start the first half and kept Mckeesport at 0 for the first 4 minutes of the first quarter. Latrobe kept that lead to end the first quarter with a score of 21-15 with three three-pointers from Max Butler, and one from John Wetzel. “The ball was moving, the speed of the game was where we needed it to be, and I thought that the guys out there were playing with confidence,” said Coach Wetzel.
Going into the second quarter the Wildcats continued their lead, but McKeesport inched closer on the scoreboard as the clock went on. The team’s then remained tight throughout the second quarter and the Wildcats went into halftime only up by two with a score of 32-30.
After the half, Latrobe came out resilient and took control of the last two-quarters of play. “How we came out of the locker room after the half with the right mindset and momentum was really a key moment towards this game,” said Wetzel.
John Wetzel led the charge scoring 12 points after the half while Kyle McNeil followed with seven and Max Butler had two three-pointers for the Wildcats. Andy Tastch, Brady Prohovic, and Ian DeCerb also contributed to the dominant lead.
With 3:17 to go in the game and a 69-40 lead for the Wildcats, the seniors walked off their home court together, hopefully not for the last time. “We are hopeful for a home playoff game especially if we go up to Albert Gallatin and do our job on Friday, I think it would be tough for the committee to not give us one,” said Coach Wetzel.
Senior night was not just about the game but also about honoring the hard work and dedication of four players who have given their all to the program. “I have coached these seniors since third grade, and it just felt like yesterday so it was a special night,” said Wetzel.
“Watching these seniors go on the floor together to start the game and come off at the end together, was a terrific thing,” said Coach Wetzel.
As the regular season nears its end, the Wildcats will look to carry this momentum into the playoffs. “I love coaching them, and I just love this team so I really just want us to do our best so we can stay together for as long as we can,” said Coach Wetzel.
Latrobe improves their record to 18-4 overall as they prepare for their last regular season game, heading to Albert Gallatin, on February 7 at 7:30 pm.
