By Brad Morris
SportingPumpkin.com
WILLIAMSPORT — Much of the preseason for the Westfall Mustangs has been about learning a new system on offense and defense from first-year coach Joseph Patete.
“We play extremely hard, and we never give up,” Patete said. “We are still working learning a new offense and defensive system.
“We are early in the preseason, and we are getting to experience success. “Most importantly, we are working hard on changing the culture of the program and mindsets of each player.”
Westfall will have to replace the production of district special mention guard Gabby Patete (11.1 points and 6.7 rebounds) who graduated at the end of last school year.
The Mustangs (4-19, 2-12 in 2021-22) have a young high school roster with two juniors, five sophomores and a freshman.
Junior point guard Alyssa Wyman (3.8 points, 2.3 steals, 1.8 assists per game) is a returning starter and junior forward Reese Moehl played some minutes off the bench a season ago.
“Alyssa plays hard, she’s very quick off of the dribble and a strong defender,” Patete praised. “Reese plays hard and always is in the right place on offense and defense, including being a good rebounder.”
Forward Paige Weiss (7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds) had a nice debut season a year ago and helps to lead a large sophomore class.
Weiss is also coming off a successful fall sports season, where she was the top golfer in the lineup for the girls golf team that won a district championship and finished seventh at the state tournament.
“Paige plays hard and she has a high basketball IQ,” Patete said. “She’s a good shooter, rebounder and a great leader.”
The Mustangs will also look to utilize Aubrey Clark, Marianna Packer, Izzy Picklesimer and Isabella Patete.
“Aubrey plays hard, she’s a good rebounder and never stops working,” Patete said. “She’s a good leader.
“Marianna and Izzy both play hard, they are strong defenders and are also good shooters. Isabella plays hard, she can attack the basket and is also a good defender.”
Packer is also coming off a successful fall as a member of the girls golf team.
Freshman Adrian Moehl brings the benefit of being able to play all five positions, according to Patete, and the Mustangs will look to rely on her for some of their rebounding.
The Mustangs open the season on Nov. 18 at Pickaway County rival Logan Elm for a 6 p.m. tip.
