Mohawk’s Natale credits
recent success to team

By JOHN D’ABRUZZO
jd’abruzzo@ncnewsonline.com

It’s all about confidence.

That’s exactly what Alyssa Natale attributes to the recent success of the Mohawk High girls basketball team.

The Lady Warriors (3-6 section, 8-12 overall) entered this week with four wins in their last five games. They remained in WPIAL playoff contention after a key 49-31 Section 2-AA victory over Laurel on Jan. 17.

“It was the turning point of our season,” Natale said. “That right there was what we needed for our confidence to go to the next level. If we would have lost, we’d have no confidence.

“We know we can win and we can go to the playoffs. We’re not just saying those things; we believe it.”

Natale, a 5-foot-6 sophomore guard, turned in a season-high 18-point effort against the Lady Spartans. She also scored 14 points in a nonsection win over Aliquippa on Jan. 15.

“All I want to do is contribute,” Natale said. “I don’t need all those crazy stats. I just need enough to see this team win.”

For her performance, Natale is Lawrence County’s Athlete of the Week, as selected by The New Castle News sports staff. The award is sponsored by Washington Centre Physical Therapy.

“Early in the season she was pressing and trying to make things happen,” Mohawk coach Mike O’Lare said. “Lately, she’s been letting the game come to her more. In that aspect, she really has been contributing more.

“She brings a tremendous work ethic. For the two years I have been a part of this program, I don’t think there’s a day she has missed, whether it’s been a practice, a summer league game, an open gym or lifting. She’s committed to everything we’ve done and she’s getting results.”

Natale is averaging 10.3 points through 20 games.

“Sometimes I forget she’s a sophomore,” O’Lare said. “But I expect big things from her and I know she expects big things from herself. Basketball-wise, she’s not a sophomore. She plays well in big games.

“She’s a tremendous student (4.0 GPA) and that goes along with her work ethic. She’s also a very coachable player.”

As a freshman, Natale started all 22 games and averaged 7.3 points.

“I kind of let her go last year and let her feel her way through,” O’Lare said. “This year, I’ve been getting on her more about contributing.

“She’s only scratching the surface to what she’s to be in the future.”

Natale hopes Mohawk will do a little more than scratch its way into the playoffs. She also knows she won’t be alone in the process.

“Our goal is to be running toward that playoffs and that’s where we are,” Natale said. “We need to keep meshing. It’s all about the team.

“We all need to be together because there’s not one person to carry us. This is a team effort.”