Kennedy boys win big

The Shenango Valley high school pulverized its competition 87-45 to win its fourth straight state championship.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
HERSHEY, Pa. -- Coach Joe Votino found an area on the basketball court where he could be seen by a mass of Kennedy Christian fans wearing maroon and gold.
Then, he gestured toward the crowd -- showing four fingers on each of his raised hands.
The Golden Eagles had found a place in history, and there was no stopping the celebration.
Kennedy Christian of Hermitage captured its fourth straight state title Friday with an 87-45 victory over Fairfield in the PIAA Class A championship game at Hersheypark Arena.
The only other team to win four straight Pennsylvania titles is Carlisle in the 1985-88 seasons.
"They're all the same, although this one might be more special because it's four in a row," said Votino, wearing a net around his neck. "It's a feeling I can't describe, and I want to do it again."
Easy win: Kennedy Christian won with ease, grabbing an early lead and extending it throughout the game against Fairfield, a team making its first appearance in the state title game.
"We had a great practice [Thursday night] and we had a great practice [before the game]," Votino said. "They were so relaxed and poised during those practices that I knew we were going to come out and play well."
Junior Nolan Reimold, who scored 10 points, said, "We know we're a part of history now, but it's going to take a while to sink in."
Kennedy Christian got an outstanding performance from seniors Keenan Christiansen and Gary Satterwhite.
Christiansen hurt Fairfield with his outside shooting, scoring a game-high 27 points, and the 6-foot-5 Satterwhite commanded the inside for 17 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks.
"This is my last year, and I wanted to win another state championship," said Christiansen, a varsity player since his freshman year. "I can't get enough of it. But now, I guess, it's finally over, and I'm just ecstatic."
"I have three in a row; I'm not like Keenan with four," said Satterwhite, who transferred to Kennedy for his sophomore year.
"Nothing beats winning, especially going out as a senior, as the No. 1 team in the state."
Kennedy Christian's string of titles came against Reading Holy Name in 1998 and Bishop Hannan in '99 and '00.
"What are we going to do? Try to win another one," Votino said. "You saw some pretty good young kids in there. We're going to work our tails off and try to do it again."
Kennedy Christian isn't finished. The girls team faces Pottsville Nativity BVM for the Class A title today at 1 p.m.