JOHN KOVACH Area girls to vie in national meet

HUBBARD -- Justin Magestro, coach of the Mahoning Valley Eagles' AAU 17-18-year old girls basketball team, said playing AAU-sanctioned basketball in the off-season develops better players.
Based on the achievements of Magestro's 13 players, who all played for area high school girls basketball teams last season, he is right on the mark.
His Eagles, one of three 17-18 girls teams in the Mahoning Valley Eagles AAU basketball program based in Hubbard, will be playing for a national championship beginning later this month.
The team won the Basketball Congressional International State Championship Tournament held May 18 in Canton at the Varsity Athletic Club with a 5-1 record, to qualify for the BCI National Championship Tournament from July 27-Aug. 1 at Lubbock (Texas) Christian University.
For girls to improve
"This [AAU basketball] is a valuable resource for a girl who is serious about basketball," said Magestro of Sharon, who also doubles as the Reynolds High girls basketball coach. "The girls that are serious about the game, they can continue to hone their skills longer than the regular season.
"Also, it gives them an opportunity to play against stronger and different competition at times," including during practices.
"Personally, I think it develops a player more because basketball is a game of reaction, and when you are playing against players you don't know, you have to really be able to react because you never played them before."
Good record
The Eagles, who also won the Pa. Hoop Stars Tournament June 15 in Pittsburgh, will carry a 19-4 record into the national meet.
The squad, which began play in April and has competed against some of the best high school girls talent from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Erie, Canton, Toronto and Ontario, is represented by seven high schools.
The team will send two of its players to the collegiate ranks this year. Becca Gasiewicz (Kennedy Catholic High) and Nicole Valentino (Sharon), recent graduates, will continue their basketball careers at Allegheny College and Slippery Rock State University, respectively.
The rest of the team members resume their high school careers next season, including seniors Lynle Cornell (Hubbard), Leah Mastrian (Kennedy Catholic) and Natalie Kennell and Jessica Saul (both from Reynolds).
The others are: juniors Lindsey Johnson (Springfield), Amanda Nero (Lowellville), Chere Marshall (Hickory) and Ashley Pendleton (Farrell); and sophomores Leanne Magestro, Justin's niece (Kennedy Catholic), and Lynn Renwick and Shaina Smith (both of Reynolds).
This is their first time in the national meet.
Started by Konczal
The area AAU program was organized six years ago by Dave Konczal, the Hubbard High girls coach, who now serves as president.
The program, funded by players, parents and sponsors, serves about 150 girls on 11 teams from grades 5-12.
Magestro is in his first year coaching the team. His assistants are Dion Magestro, Justin's brother, from Masury; and Jesse Coon, Reynolds' assistant coach. Justin's wife, Vicki, is the team's unofficial secretary and behind-the-scenes contributor.
Justin said the AAU program is a good training ground for high school and college basketball.
"I would imagine at this tournament that there will be a lot of college scouts," said Magestro, also noting his players are good students.
"In addition to being great athletes, this group of student-athletes gets the job done in the classroom, as well. The team's grade-point average ranges from a 3.5 to a 4.2," he said.
Dedicated group
Magestro credits the success of the team to each player's personal motivation and dedication.
"From a coach's perspective, I have a very focused group of young ladies, and every time we have a practice they are there because they want to be there and work hard," Magestro said. "The environment is almost like a small college coaching environment. They are putting in the time to get to the next level."
The Eagles will leave for Lubbock on July 26, and until then will practice at Hubbard High and F.H. Buhl Club (Sharon) gyms.
The team is accepting donations to fund its trip. Contributions may be made to the M.V. Eagles, c/o 1956 Custer Orangeville Road N.E., Masury, Ohio 44438.
kovach@vindy.com