Baskteball preseason polls released

Sarah Francowic, Sports Editor

The Pitt-Johnstown men’s basketball team were picked to finish third in the conference’s Western Division preseason polls that were released Thursday.

Senior forward A.J. Leahey and junior guard Dale Clancy were also selected in the 2016-17 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference men’s basketball West preseason All-Conference Team.

Leahey is a two-time first-team all-conference selection after pacing the league with a 40.6 three-point percentage and 76.3 free-throw percentage.

Clancy averaged 10.6 points, 3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game last season.

Eight lettermen return from last year’s squad that advanced to the conference quarterfinals and finished with an 18-11 overall record and a 13-9 mark in conference play.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania earned the top pick in the west following a 21-8 overall record last season.

Senior guard Jake Laravie said the team is happy with the poll but is still working towards finishing on top.

“We have a lot of returning players, which gives us good communication on the court; I’m looking forward to the season starting and seeing how things pan out,” Laravie said.

The Pitt-Johnstown women’s basketball team were picked to finish ninth in the Western Divison preseason polls.

The Lady Cats are coming off of an 8-20 overall record and a 5-17 in conference play from last season.

Returning starters include senior forward Jamie Tabon, junior center Olivia McCabe and sophomore point guard Laurel O’Barto.

Pitt-Johnstown also added seven freshman to this year’s roster.

California University of Pennsylvania was selected to win the Western Divison following its sixth conference title.

Freshman guard Madison Kollar said she’s excited for the season to start but hopes to prove the poll wrong.

“We have a good team; everyone works together really well, so I know we’ll continue that throughout the season,” Kollar said.