Jeannette Jayhawks Boys Basketball

Head Coach: Adrian Batts – 16th season

Conference: Class 2A Section 1

Last Season: 18-10, lost to Northgate in the WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinals; lost to Fort Cherry in PIAA quarterfinals

Key Losses: Isaiah Mallich

Key Returners: Kymon’e Brown, Jayce Powell, Noah Sunder, Xavier Odorisio-Farrow, Markus McGowan

Promising Newcomers: Eli Jones, Stone Markham, McAllister Steele, Noah Clary, Lonnie Greene

While Jeannette enjoyed a strong regular season in 2023-24, the Jayhawks could not solve their rivals, Greensburg Central Catholic. In two matchups in section play, GCC prevailed in both, winning by margins of 27 and 22 points.

The teams squared off for a third time in the state playoffs, however, and Jeannette pulled off a stunning upset, advancing to the PIAA quarterfinals in one of the biggest wins in the program’s recent history.

With the vast majority of that team back this year, Jeannette looks destined for a special season.

Although Isaiah Mallich graduated, Jeannette returns an experienced group that includes juniors Kymon’e Brown, Noah Sunder, and Xavier Odorisio-Farrow, as well as sophomores Jayce Powell and Markus McGowan. Brown, the point guard, produced 16.3 points per game last season, while Powell and McGowan contributed 12.2 and 10.5 points, respectively.

“Very excited about the group with five starters returning and experience coming off the bench,” detailed head coach Adrian Batts. “I'm looking forward to the season, and hopefully we can stay healthy and get better each day working towards our goals.”

The group off the bench will likely include seniors Stone Markham and Lonnie Greene, junior Eli Jones, and sophomores McAllister Steele and Noah Clary. Greene returns to the mix after missing last season.

While Jeannette remains in Class 2A, the Jayhawks shifted from Section 3 to Section 1. However, the opposition will be similar, as previous section foes Greensburg Central Catholic, Clairton, Riverview, and Springdale also made the move. While Serra Catholic and Leechburg moved out, Bentworth, California Area, and Frazier will provide new challenges.

Last season, the Centurions reached the WPIAL championship game, while the Bears and Commodores also qualified for the postseason in Class 2A, and the Trojans made the playoffs in Class 1A.

Despite notching 18 wins last campaign, including four in the postseason, the Jayhawks have even bigger aspirations this season, as they eye a section crown and WPIAL gold.

Jeannette opened this season with a lopsided 63-36 win against Brashear. The Jayhawks host the Jeannette Tournament this weekend, and they open the section ledger at home against California on Dec. 13.

Jeannette Jayhawks Girls Basketball

Head Coach: Jenna Lusby – 1st season

Conference: Class 2A Section 4

Last Season: 8-10 overall, lost to West Greene in WPIAL Class 1A first round

Key Losses: Venicia Vignoli, Makenna Craft

Key Returners: Mary Jones, Navarah Smith, Karmen Kistner

Promising Newcomers: Coco Matsuzaka, Abby Shaw, Miracle Nibbs, Jayden Goodson, Lariah Morgan, Brooklyn Shultz, Leah Defelice, Aubriella Milliron.

The 2023-24 season was one of resilience for Jeannette, as the Jayhawks played most of the season with just five players. Despite the roster limitations, the Jayhawks still won eight games, qualifying for the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs.

Jeannette graduated a pair of players from that squad, Venicia Vignoli and Makenna Craft. Moreover, head coach Anna Leonard left to take the reins at McKeesport Area.

However, three players are back in the fold, while eight newcomers have joined the team. Additionally, Jenna Lusby, a standout player at Norwin High School and La Roche University, has been tasked with moving the program forward.

“We are really looking to rebuild this season,” said Lusby. “We are looking to build a successful program that helps these girls become successful, not just on, but off the court, as well. All of my girls are very coachable and buy in every day. I am very confident that this is a very special and successful group of girls.”

Senior Mary Jones, junior Navarah Smith, and sophomore Karmen Kistner are the returnees for the Jayhawks.

That trio is joined by a greatly-expanded roster that includes senior Coco Matsuzaka, juniors Abby Shaw and Miracle Nibbs, and freshmen Jayden Goodson, Lariah Morgan, Brooklyn Shultz, Leah Defelice, and Aubriella Milliron.

“We have so many girls eager to learn and come every day and work hard. I see everyone making a major impact to this team,” said Lusby.

“We want to work hard and have fun while we do it. I want the girls to know that this is bigger than basketball, and that this sport teaches you so much,” she continued. “The girls and I sat down and discussed team expectations at the beginning of the season. We want to play fast. We have a lot of speed and a lot of true athletes on our roster. We are looking to get out and score easy baskets in transition and off of turnovers.”

After winning three games in Class 1A Section 3 last campaign, the Jayhawks have moved up to Class 2A Section 4. The other teams in the section are Apollo-Ridge, Ellis School, Frazier, Riverview, and Winchester Thurston. From that group, the Vikings made the playoffs in Class 3A, the Bears qualified in 2A, and the Raiders made the cut in Class 1A.

Jeannette opened its season with a 38-34 win at Leechburg. The Jayhawks begin the section slate at Riverview on Dec. 19.