Norwin girls basketball receives Shining Stars designation

The Knights defeated North Allegheny to win their third WPIAL title in March

Mon Jun 10, 2024 - 9:02AM

Westmoreland Sports Network Westmoreland Sports Network
Pictured From L-R: Coach Brian Brozeski, Ava Kobus, Kendall Williams, Bailey Snowberger, Lauren Palangio, Jeff Mikell (Smail Kia)Pictured From L-R: Coach Brian Brozeski, Ava Kobus, Kendall Williams, Bailey Snowberger, Lauren Palangio, Jeff Mikell (Smail Kia)

Last Updated: Mon Jun 10, 2024 - 1:12PM

While the Norwin girls basketball team has often been a title contender over the past decade, this year’s version of the Knights appeared destined to do something special. Returning the vast majority of the squad that made the state semifinals the previous year, Norwin devised a schedule that would have the Knights battle tested for a postseason run. That plan paid dividends, as Norwin captured the WPIAL Class 6A Championship in convincing fashion, the first district title since 2016.

The opening month of the season for Norwin was filled with nonsection challenges, as the Knights sought the best competition from around the region. While they suffered narrow setbacks to Spring-Ford and Kennedy Catholic (and Wheeling Park later in the season), the Knights also notched impressive wins against Penn-Trafford, Greater Latrobe, South Fayette, Upper St. Clair, and McKeesport Area.

Norwin opened 2024 with a statement victory on the road against rival North Allegheny, the defending WPIAL champs. From there, Norwin cruised to an unblemished mark of 10-0 in Class 6A Section 1, including a 20-point home win in the rematch against the Tigers.

As a result, Norwin garnered the top seed in the Class 6A playoff bracket. From there, the Knights overmatched Seneca Valley and ousted Chartiers Valley, setting up another showdown with NA in the title game. With gold on the line, Norwin left no doubt, notching a 56-41 victory to claim the WPIAL Class 6A Championship at the Petersen Events Center on March 1.

In the victory, Lauren Palangio, a Holy Family commit, scored a dozen points, snagged 15 rebounds, dished out three assists, added two steals, and amassed five blocks. She was one of three Norwin players who scored in double figures, as Ava Christopher netted a game-high 16 points, and Kendall Berger posted 10 points.

Palangio’s contributions were desperately needed for Norwin in the first quarter, as the Knights fell into a 6-0 deficit in the first three minutes. She scored five points for Norwin, which rallied to deadlock the score at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Norwin shifted the game in its favor, outscoring NA 16-6. Christopher, a sophomore, and Bella Furno were catalysts during that surge, combining to score 10 points in the stanza. Meanwhile, the Knights displayed their trademark defense on the other end of the floor, limiting the Tigers to just 3-of-11 shooting in the quarter, including 0-for-5 from behind the arc.

While Palangio continued to dominate the glass and protect the rim into the third, Berger got untracked offensively, scoring six points in the quarter, which pushed the Norwin advantage to 13 heading into the final frame.

Norwin didn’t relinquish its lead the rest of the way, as the Knights were nearly perfect at the foul line, hitting 16-of-18 attempts.

In the PIAA playoffs, the Knights knocked off York William Penn and Chartiers Valley, rallying from a sizable deficit against the Colts. Norwin’s season came to an end in the state quarterfinals, however, with a loss to Spring-Ford.

Norwin, led by veteran head coach Brian Brozeski, concluded its season with a record of 23-4.

In recognition of their historic season, Norwin girls basketball will be granted the Shining Stars recognition, entailing a $500 contribution courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster programs.