Kennedy's drive for five still on course

The Golden Eagleswill try to be thefirst team to win five straight state Pa. titles.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
PITTSBURGH -- Through a shower of Hershey's Kisses, the Kennedy Catholic High basketball team jumped together joyously on the floor. The Golden Eagles know exactly how to celebrate.
For the fifth straight season, Kennedy Catholic is headed to Hershey after winning the western region title. It will play for the PIAA Class A state championship Friday against Scotland at Hersheypark Arena.
"I didn't expect to be anywhere else," said Kennedy Catholic's first-year coach, Tim Loomis, whose team defeated Monessen 69-64 Tuesday at the Palumbo Center.
"This was another game on the road to Hershey," he said. "Unlike most teams, we talk about this from day one. This is a nice win, but the big game is Friday. It has been all year."
Eye milestone: The Golden Eagles (27-4) will attempt to become the first Pennsylvania team ever to win five straight state titles. In their way is Scotland (31-3), which advanced by defeating Lebanon Catholic 61-56 in the eastern region final.
"I just remember the great feeling after that buzzer sounds, after we win," said Kennedy Catholic senior Nolan Reimold, reminiscing on his past state championship experiences. "Hopefully we get to do that again."
When this season started, Kennedy Catholic's "drive for five" had been clouded. Coach Joe Votino, who led the Golden Eagles to their four straight titles and six overall, was fired in May after being convicted on charges of corrupting the morals of a minor.
"We had to overcome a lot of adversity at the beginning of the year, and we had a rough start to the season," Kennedy Catholic senior guard Dan McElhinny said. "But we came together as a team, and now we're back."
Experienced: In came Loomis, a seasoned coach who brought with him a wealth of college experience and confidence. He held positions at California (Pa.), Penn State and Florida Atlantic.
"Going to the NCAA and NIT is a lot tougher than getting to Hershey," Loomis said. "There's a lot less pressure doing this, and it's fun."
With Loomis, the Golden Eagles didn't flinch, putting the controversy behind them and focusing on another season.
"It was a lot different," McElhinny said of the change. "Coach Votino was there for so long, and everyone was used to his program.
"But Coach Loomis came in and taught us his thing, we listened to him and now we're back at Hershey."
Prevailed: It culminated Tuesday when Kennedy Catholic held off Monessen (25-6), which showed no fear in attempting to dethrone the champion. The Golden Eagles trailed 53-52 at the outset of the fourth quarter before pulling away.
"I think we wore them down in the fourth period," Loomis said. "We're in great condition; we're used to going on bigger floors, with our scheduling."
Directing Kennedy Catholic into the title game was Reimold, the 6-foot-4 senior guard, who scored 11 of his game-high 30 points in the third quarter.
"That was a typical game for him," Loomis said.
Reimold, who also grabbed seven rebounds, looked strong, even after twisting his ankle in the first quarter.
"This means a lot," Reimold said of the return to Hershey, "especially since I'm a senior this year. My role on the team is bigger."
Reimold was supported by junior Ramone Truxon (14 points, 10 rebounds, one blocked shot), McElhinny (11 points) and senior Phil Doyle (10 points).
richesson@vindy.com