Mount's Women’s Basketball Kicks Off

Samuel Barber
MSMU Class of 2022

(12/2020) Fans of college basketball on both the men’s and women’s side of the game are hoping for a better outcome to the upcoming season than that ways in which the previous season one culminated. Due to rising COVID-19 cases across the country, that hope is quickly becoming an increased level of uncertainty. The thought of canceling practices and games as well as pausing basketball activities altogether is sitting heavy with coaches across the country. Despite the growing uncertainty, head coach Maria Marchesano and the Mount women’s basketball team remain steadfastly optimistic.

Marchesano, who is in her fourth season at the helm of the Mountaineers, is set to coach one of the most talented teams in program history. Coming off their first 20-win season in decades, the Mount returns the core of their scoring, which is something that excites the head coach. Preseason all-Northeast Conference (NEC) selection Michaela Harrison highlights this season’s offensive prowess. Harrison, who returns for her junior season, will look to build upon her double-figure showing from a season ago where she averaged 12.6 points per game (PPG).

Although Harrison’s game has taken off during the preseason, there are plenty of players that have been working on their game, according to Marchesano, "There is a core four. Kendall Breese was all-conference last year, so she’s a key returner. Rebecca Lee has been top-three in field goal percentage the last two years. Kayla Agentowicz is one of our most complete players, and maybe our most talented basketball player," she said. Depth is certainly something this team does not lack, which is a feature that makes the Mount multi-faceted on both ends of the court.

Lee’s size could spell trouble for other teams around the league, as her presence on the glass and in the paint will allow her to fill the scorecard. Harrison’s one-on-one this season with St. Francis BRK guard Nevena Dimitrijevic will be one of the most exciting in the mid-major ranks.

One of the biggest challenges facing schools this season has undoubtedly been scheduling. Due to travel restrictions, games have become more regional based. However, that does not mean the Mount will have to compromise the level of competition. The team will travel to national powerhouses James Madison and Maryland, both of which have run the table in their respective conferences; with the latter averaging nearly 30 wins over the past five seasons. These two matchups, along with a host of fellow mid-majors will make for an enticing tune-up before NEC play begins.

Conference play has taken an entirely different meaning this year in a multitude of ways. The obvious change has been to the format. Instead of the traditional January start, the NEC slate will begin on Dec. 8. In addition to the later start, the scheduling is taking on a different meaning. Teams will play opponents on back-to-back days; this is in order to limit travel due to the ongoing pandemic. Playing teams on back-to-back days will allow for the conference race to always be an enticing one, as well as making each game carry weight. An interesting feature of this new playstyle is that there are makeup dates for games that are postponed due to the pandemic.

With the annual conference media days taking place last week, via Zoom, there was a clear absence, Robert Morris. The Colonials departed from the NEC to the Horizon League in July. The exit of RMU will vastly affect the road to winning the championship, as the team was a frequent heavyweight and a rival with the Mountaineers. The Mount was subsequently picked as the unanimous preseason favorites, an accolade they have not received in more than two decades.

Although a significant piece of history in women’s basketball has come to an end; it allows for a new era to be ushered in. This is an era that could see a slew of titles come to the Emmitsburg area, while also giving the Mountaineers a host of teams that could try and challenge. The Sacred Heart Pioneers appear to be the biggest threat to a conference crown. The Mount’s potent offense will surely be battle-tested as they face Adrianne Hagood and SHU twice this season.

Not only will this team experience various obstacles during their non-conference and conference slate, but the path to securing an NCAA Tournament berth will also be the biggest obstacle of all. The Mount has not played in the annual 64-team postseason tournament since 1995. Ongoing complications that stem from COVID-19 could make the wait even longer. The NCAA has already announced the possibility of playing the men's tournament in a single location; the same course of action could be taken in the women's tournament. Playing the entirety of March Madness in one location may be the only way Mount St. Mary's will their name on Selection Monday.

Building the depth of your program is essential for sustaining long-term success, and that is exactly what Marchesano has done with the Class of 2020 signees. The four-person class brings in a plethora of size and talent.

Isabella Hunt, the Johnstown, PA native, will bring a lethal scoring option to the team. Through 10 games of the 2019-20 season, Hunt averaged a double-double with 14.5 PPG and 10.7 RBG. Match her ability to score, her presence on the glass and size, and an elite playmaker is in the making. The freshman forward guided her team to the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Athletic Association (PIAA) quarterfinals during her senior season.

Jessica Tomasetti, an alumna of Our Lady of Good Counsel, will be keeping her talent in the state of Maryland. The 5-5 guard has proven that size does not dictate success, as she has been a versatile player for much of her career. A ball-sharing player, Tomasetti averaged four assists per game (APG). This versatility will make her a tough outing in any one-on-one that faces her this season. Tomasetti is the lone signee that is not from the state of Pennsylvania.

Jada Lee is a player that stuffed the stat sheet during her high school career and should continue to do so during her collegiate career. A native of Pittsburgh, Lee tallied 11 triple-doubles while surpassing the 1,000-point mark, which is a feat not many players accomplish in their careers. Like Tomasetti, Lee will be a multi-dimensional player at the Mount. Expect the 5-5 guard to be an immediate impact player for Marchesano and Co.

Likely the highest-rated newcomer, Isabella Pelaia delivers it all. A standout at Mars Area High School, Pelaia poured in over 1,200 points during her long-standing career while averaging a double-double. The forward brings championship-level experience to her new team. During her sophomore year, Pelaia led her team to a PIAA 5A state title while leading in nearly all categories. There is no doubt that she will acclimate perfectly into the fast-paced offense and stingy defense of the Mountaineers.

Expectations are high for this team, but they will go as far as the returnees and incoming freshman can take them.