High school basketball practice across the state officially began Nov. 14.
For something different, the Mt. Pleasant girls basketball team decided to start when the clock struck midnight for their first official practice.
It was a little “Midnight Madness” and team bonding for a squad looking to improve on a 6-16 record from the 2024-25 season.
“The girls wanted to bring it back,” Mt. Pleasant coach Scott Hillen said. “So, we (practiced) for a couple of hours, (did) a couple team bonding things and (got) them to bed at the school.
“They (got) up and (attended) classes. They just wanted to be the first team to practice.”
This is Hillen’s second season as Mt. Pleasant’s coach.
The Vikings made the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs but lost to North Catholic. They graduated one starter, Kayla Rumbaugh.
Hillen will be relying on four returning starters — senior Morgan Gesinski, senior Grace Arrigo, junior Ryleigh Drzal and junior Danica Trainer — to lead the way.
“I have high expectations,” Hillen said. “After a slow start, we started to develop chemistry. Hopefully, it will carry over.
“We had more kids attend open gym. They are a good group of kids.”
Other letterwinners looking for either starting jobs or playing time include sophomore guard Addison Cole, senior guard Lexis Baker, sophomore guard/forward Victoria Tepper, senior guard Laurel Rummel and junior forward Kendra Brunson.
Freshman Sophia Coppula is also in the mix.
“This group will play hard,” Hillen said. “We will be strong defensively. They bring their defense every game.
“We need to score more, and we must find some players who can. We did show that in the summer and fall leagues.”
The Vikings are in a section with powerhouses Elizabeth Forward, South Park and Laurel Highlands. They were the top teams in 2024-25.
“Those three teams along with Belle Vernon make the section,” Hillen said.
“We would like to join them. The section is very competitive, and every game will be a battle.”
The other teams looking to make a jump include Ringgold, Southmoreland and Yough.
Mt. Pleasant’s nonsection schedule includes games against Burrell, McGuffey, Connellsville, West Mifflin, Greensburg Salem, Ligonier Valley and Steel Valley.
“We will be tested in the preseason,” Hillen said. “We have a challenging schedule. We should be an improved team.”
Hillen coached previously at Penn State Fayette and Westmoreland County Community College.
Mt. Pleasant girls at a glance
Coach: Scott Hillen
Last year’s record: 6-16 (5-9 Section 3-4A)
Returning starters: Morgan Gesinski (Sr., G), Grace Arrigo (Sr., F), Ryleigh Drzal (Jr., G), Danica Trainer (Jr., F)
Others to watch: Addison Cole (So., G), Lexis Baker (Sr., G), Victoria Tepper (So., G/F), Laurel Rummel (Sr., G), Kendra Brunson (Jr., F)
Top newcomers: Sophia Coppula (Fr., G)
SCHEDULE
12.2, McGuffey, 7 p.m.
12.5, Hempfield^, 6 p.m.
12.6, Ringgold^, 11:30 a.m.
12.8, at Burrell, 7:30 p.m.
12.11, Yough*, 7 p.m.
12.15, at South Park*, 7 p.m.
12.18, at Elizabeth Forward*, 7:30 p.m.
12.22, at Laurel Highlands*, 7:30 p.m.
12.29, West Mifflin , 6 p.m.
12.30, TBA
1.5, Southmoreland*, 7 p.m.
1.8, Belle Vernon*, 7 p.m.
1.12, at Ringgold*, 7 p.m.
1.15, at Yough*, 7:30 p.m.
1.19, South Park*, 7 p.m.
1.22, Elizabeth Forward*, 7 p.m.
1.26, Laurel Highlands*, 7 p.m.
1.29, at Southmoreland*, 7:30 p.m.
2.2, at Belle Vernon*, 7 p.m.
2.5, Ringgold*, 7 p.m.
2.9, Steel Valley, 7 p.m.
*Section game
^Greensburg Salem tournament
Mt. Pleasant tournament