Font ResizeExcuse Southern Fulton girls basketball coach Mark Mellott if he is having a case of deja vü.
That's because last season in the first round of the PIAA Tournament, Southern Fulton traveled 160 miles to face District 9's second-place team (in 2009, Coudersport) and came away with the program's first state playoff win in 30 years.
Facing a similar trip this season, Southern Fulton and Mellott are hoping the results are similar.
The Indians will play at 5 p.m. on Saturday in a PIAA Class A first-round game against the West Forest Indians at Clarion University's Tippin Gymnasium.
"It is very similar. It's a shame we have to travel 160 miles and they are right in their backyard," Mellott said. "But there are only 32 teams left and we're one of them. We'll go wherever they want us to go."
At one point in the season, Southern Fulton was 5-5 and looked like it might struggle with its youth -- no seniors on the roster -- and the loss of junior guard Lacey Beatty to injury for five games.
But in a way, Mellott said, the loss of Beatty may have been a blessing in disguise.
"When Lacey got hurt, it kind of helped us," Mellott said. "We counted on her for so much and I think the girls figured out that they can do it, too. It really pulled the team together and I think if you can point to anything (about the turnaround), that was one of the biggest things in a positive way."
Make no mistake, Southern Fulton needs Beatty on the court.
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Junior guard Chelsie Eader (12.5 ppg) has been a pleasant surprise in the back court. Junior forward Amy Bard (9.7) gives Southern Fulton a viable third scoring option.
All this coming from a team that wasn't supposed to do its damage until next season.
"This is a nice accomplishment," Mellott said. "The girls have worked hard and done a really good job. Like I told them, why wait until next year when you can get it this year? (The postseason experience) is something we can build on for next year."
West Forest, honorable mention in the state rankings, is built around 5-7 senior guard Geena Sneeringer, who is averaging 19.5 points per game and is seven points shy of 2,000 for her career.
Sneeringer ranks fourth on the District 9 all-time girls scoring list.
"She's a lot like Jess Beegle of Everett. She likes to drive and scores most of her points going to the basket," Mellott said of Sneeringer.
Senior center Amanda Carll averages just under nine points per game for West Forest, led by Bob Wachob in his 32nd season (482-232), which also reached the second round of the PIAA Tournament in 2009.
West Forest has lost to just one Class A team all season.
Mellott said, "They are scrappy and quick and the Sneeringer girl and Carll girl are nice players. We match up well size-wise with them, but I think they may be a little quicker. They are definitely a legitimate team -- they are not gravy. If we go up there and play ball, I'll be anxious to see how we do."
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Joel Rineer may be reached at 262-4819 or jrineer@publicopinionnews.com.
So.Fulton-West Forest at a glance
Game data: (5-3) Southern Fulton Indians vs. (9-2) West Forest Indians ... Saturday, 5 p.m. at Clarion University's Tippin Gymnasium ... PIAA Class A first-round game.
Teams: Southern Fulton is 17-8 and beat Berlin 52-44 in a District 5 third-place game ... West Forest is 22-4 and dropped a 38-34 decision to Elk County Catholic in the District 9 title game.
Starting lineups: Southern Fulton -- Lacey Beatty (jr., G, 14.1 points per game); Chelsie Eader (jr., G, 12.5 ppg); Amy Bard (jr., F, 9.7 ppg); Jenna Hollenshead (so., F, 5.4 ppg); Morgan Mills (jr., C, 2.2 ppg).
West Forest -- Geena Sneeringer (sr., G, 5-7, 19.5 ppg); Amanda Carll (sr., C, 5-8, 8.9 ppg); Grace Wallace (sr., G, 5-4, 8.3 ppg); Alyssa Dreihaup (sr., F, 5-7, 7.4 ppg); Rachel Greathouse (jr., F, 5-8, 4.5 ppg).
P.O. pick: West Forest by 7.
