Fox Chapel girls basketball coach Marty Matvey went to great lengths to make sure he didn’t miss out on any potential post players for his roster. For one year, Matvey coached seventh grade girls volleyball in the district.

The Foxes coach came away with two conclusions: First, he accumulated a 7-7 record, and second, he was satisfied he hadn’t missed out on any players who were 5-foot-10 or taller. Despite Fox Chapel’s lack of height, the Foxes have strung together three straight section wins to move into third place in Section 1-5A.

“I knew we were going to have one of the smallest lineups in the WPIAL this year,” Matvey said. “I even coached volleyball to make sure no one got by me.

“I’ve been inspired by watching Golden State and seeing how Steve Kerr had a small lineup.”

Fox Chapel doesn’t have a player on the roster listed above 5-9.

The Foxes (11-5, 6-2) have settled into their roles and have found ways to be successful. Emily McKee, who is 5-3, has developed into a good rebounder. McKee averages four rebounds per game and has become a regular in the starting tuneup.

“A lot of the rebounds that she’s gotten have been timely,” Matvey said. “Her biggest asset is her mental ability. She doesn’t get too high or too low. She allows us to pressure on defense.”

Natalia Schaffer leads Fox Chapel in scoring with 15 points per game

The Foxes’ defense has been consistent all season. Fox Chapel has been limiting opponents to 39.8 points per game. While the Foxes have been unsuccessful in attempting to beat the section’s top two teams, Franklin Regional and Shaler, Fox Chapel is still in the race to improve its position down the stretch.

“I think if you told me at the beginning of the season that we would still have an outside shot to win the section at this point, I’d be pretty pleased,” Matvey said. “Our game against Franklin Regional at their place was a back-and-forth game. We’ve shown we can compete with them. They have an incredible size advantage.”

The Foxes have been able to build continuity because they have had good health this season. Matvey said having consistent lineups has been a big boost. During the past few seasons, Fox Chapel struggled with injuries.

“It allows us to dig in,” Matvey said. “This is the most coachable group I’ve had. We want to continue to improve and try to shake things up.”