If opening Section 2-6A play against two-time reigning WPIAL champion Upper St. Clair on the road was a measuring stick for how improved Norwin is this season, the results were mixed.
The Knights were not overwhelmed, but they were unable to stick with the Panthers over four quarters as USC prevailed Tuesday night, 66-51.
“I’m really proud of our team. I thought we played a really good basketball game,” Upper St. Clair coach Danny Holzer said. “In our first three games, there were periods where we struggled, but we put it together (Tuesday).
“Our kids really respect Norwin because they know they’re a good basketball team. We played really well against a team that is going to be a factor.”
Norwin was not in awe of the champs, playing their game and driving the ball to the hoop despite the paint presence of Upper St. Clair 6-foot-7 junior Ryan Robbins.
The first quarter was evenly played with the difference being a pair of 3-pointers late in the quarter by the Panthers’ lone returning starter from a year ago, senior Jake Foster.
The Knights could get no closer than four points thanks to the dominating second quarter by the Panthers big man, who proved the low blocks were Mr. Robbins’ neighborhood.
Robbins scored 11 of his 16 points in the second quarter. His three-point play late in the quarter gave USC its first double-digit lead at 28-18.
“We were working on situations where we are getting the ball inside for him to score, but if a double team comes, having him pass out,” Holzer said of Robbins. “He did a great job with his passing out of the post.”
Once the lead got into double digits, the Knights were just trying to match basket for basket with the Panthers, whose vaunted defense never allowed Norwin to make a serious run to get back in the game.
“Our team has tons of work to do,” Norwin coach Cam Auld said. “We had a great weekend and just got a reality check. There is no hitting the panic button.”
Foster led USC with 19 points and Robbins added 16. However, the secondary scoring Holzer has emphasized early this season was on display with senior Luke Marchinsky adding 15 points and junior Jude Ausi posting 10.
“For us to take that next step as the season progresses, we need guys to step up and be that third or fourth scorer,” Holzer said. “Luke Marchinsky, Jude Ausi and Finn Beggy are all capable. We need two of those three for sure to score points.”
Upper St. Clair improved to 4-0 with a visit to Oakland ahead Friday to battle Central Catholic.
Senior Nate Kuch led Norwin off the bench with 16 points while senior Alex Ganey added 11.
“Nate normally starts, but he hurt his ankle in practice so we weren’t sure he’d be able to go,” Auld said. “He gave us some really good stuff. He is our hardest worker, so I am never surprised by a strong showing by him.“
The loss ends a three-game winning streak for Norwin, which falls to 3-2 overall and will host Connellsville on Friday.