Greensburg Central Catholic won't get to defend its WPIAL 2A girls basketball championship.
In view of the fact it was bumped up in classification, it will be ring-chasing in Class 3A.
The Centurions were subject to the PIAA's competitive balance formula -- based on two consecutive PIAA semifinal appearances and a transfer -- and were elevated to Triple-A.
"Moving up is a challenge," coach Chris Skatell said. "There are a bunch of teams we haven't seen before. A lot are all new. There's a little anxiety with that, but it's fun too. Everyone is going to give us their best shot.
"I think we're going to be far better at the end of the season than the start."
Don't expect GCC to break character in its new surroundings. There is some concern, but the team still has one of the WPIAL's most talented point guards in Erica Gribble, a Division I prospect who will look to lead the Centurions to the WPIAL playoffs for the 25th straight time.
"There isn't a whole lot that fazes her," Skatell said of Gribble, who averaged 19.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists as a sophomore and has over 1,000 career points. "There will be nights where she carries us. And other nights when Jayla (Peterson) carries us. Other kids will be playing well around them if we win."
Gribble has 19 Division I scholarship offers, including Cornell, Lehigh, Bowling Green, Kent State, George Washington, Richmond, Robert Morris, Harvard, Villanova and more.
Peterson, a junior guard, and junior forward Abby Dlugos are other returning starters who have played big minutes in big games.
They were valuable pieces of a team that won the program's sixth WPIAL title.
"Jayla is a really competitive kid," Skatell said. "She rebounds, defends and can run the point or the two. Abby Dlugos has played a lot of basketball."
Only one senior is on the roster in forward Erica Rodriguez, a multi-sport athlete who is recovering from a softball injury.
"She is one of those players who will do things other won't do," Skatell said.
A crop of freshmen also could play a part for GCC.
"We have 12 on the roster and four are freshmen," Skatell said.
GCC lost in the state semifinals the last two years to Kennedy Catholic of District 9. Kennedy Catholic remained in 2A.
GCC has the same number of section wins in a row as section games it will play this season: 14.
Section 2-3A has eight teams, including defending WPIAL 3A champion Shady Side Academy, Avonworth, Deer Lakes, East Allegheny, Ligonier Valley, South Allegheny and Steel Valley.
GCC's nonsection schedule includes Berlin Brothersvalley, Oakland Catholic, Peters Township, North Catholic and South Fayette.
Returning starters: Abby Dlugos (Jr., F), Erica Gribble (Jr., PG), Jayla Peterson (Jr., G)
Top newcomers: Nolan Althof (So., F), Sophia Detweiler (So., G), Avery Jones (So., F), Morgan Skoloda (So., G)
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at [email protected].