Chartiers Valley players often sport shirts that say, “Tradition Never Graduates” on the back. And in last night’s 73-65 win against Moon on senior night, Coach Tim McConnell believes that statement proved true.
“That was the best win of the season,” he said. “My assistant looked at me and said ‘that’s the Char Valley basketball we’ve been looking for.’ We did all of the little things.”
And while tradition may never graduate, three Colts seniors will. Point guard Steve Burda, who scored a game-high 26 points against the Tigers, and reserve guard Evan Lorenzato were honored prior to the game for their contributions to the program over the last four years.
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The third senior, leading scorer Matt Noszka, was not present at the game. When asked afterwards about the forward’s absence, McConnell replied, “No comment.”
For many teams, senior night is a night for reflection. But for Chartiers Valley (16-4, 10-3) it’s just another game as the Colts have to play the section finale against rival Upper St. Clair today at 4:30 p.m. On the line for the team is a chance to clinch second place in Section 4-AAAA.
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“It’s definitely an important game for us since they beat us here at home,” Burda said. “It’s just a great rivalry.”
If the Colts have hopes of beating the Panthers, they will need another strong performance from junior Christian Kuntz. The underrated forward played perhaps his best game of the season against Moon, scoring 25 points and playing tough defense on Tigers forward Aaron Johnson.
“He was superman tonight,” McConnell said. “He was all over the place.”
Although the Colts players are hopeful that there is a lot of season left to play, both Burda and Lorenzato have had some good memories in their careers.
“It was good to come out with a win tonight,” Lorenzato said. “It was a good feeling to play here tonight. Our fans are great.”
Burda said the playoff runs over the last few seasons, as well as this team’s character, will be his fondest memories.
“Going to the WPIAL and state championships are my greatest memories,” he said. “This year our team was able to face all kinds of adversity, and we all stepped up. That’s a good thing.”