Lady Hawks look forward to Senior Night

LETS+GO%21+Senior+Lauren+Mullen+makes+her+way+through+the+tunnel+before+the+Lady+Hawks+game+vs.+USC+on+Jan.+20.

Evan Manion

LET’S GO! Senior Lauren Mullen makes her way through the tunnel before the Lady Hawks’ game vs. USC on Jan. 20.

The Lady Hawks (12-1, 18-1) host Baldwin (7-6, 12-8) Thursday night, and the contest is more than a very important section game for both teams, it is also Senior Night.

The Hawks will honor seniors Maddie Dziezgowski, Lauren Mullen, Juliana Carbone, and Mallory Locke.

Star senior guard/forward Maddie Dziezgowski has had a remarkable career in the black and orange. She recently scored her 1,000th career point, has signed to play at D1 St. Bonaventure, and is an All-WPIAL selection; but, she says her favorite basketball memory was when she donned the purple and white at St. Thomas More.

“In 8th grade (at St. Thomas More), I had a steal and a buzzer-beater layup in 4 OT to get us to the diocesan championship.”

Her team went onto beat St. Gabe’s in the championship.

I’m sad that it’s the last time that we’ll play on our home court, but I’m excited for the playoffs

— Maddie Dziezgowski

“Diz” stressed how much her teammates and coaches mean to her.

“I’m sad that it’s the last time that we’ll play on our home court, but I’m excited for the playoffs!”

Evan Manion
SWISH! Senior Maddie Dziezgowski makes a foul shot in the Lady Hawks’ game vs. USC on Jan. 20.

 

On the other hand, Lauren Mullen and Juliana Carbone’s favorite basketball memory is something the girls often did off the court.

“[We] loved all the dance parties we had with each other.”

Evan Manion
Senior Lauren Mullen dribbles the ball past half court in the Lady Hawks’ game vs. Connellsville on Jan. 30.

 

Evan Manion
LOOK OUT! Senior Julianna Carbone eyes the court during the Lady Hawks’ game vs. Connellsville on Jan. 30.

 

Last time the Lady Hawks squared off against the Highlanders, Lauren Mullen had a steal and layup to win the game.

Fellow Senior Mallory Locke said, “Her game-winner was epic. She really pulled through when we needed her and she got the job done for us.”

 

Evan Manion
Senior Mallory Locke looks to make a pass during the Lady Hawks’ game vs. Connellsville on Jan. 30.

 

Our chemistry together allowed us to be so successful in those four years and us playing together for so long. We learned how to play the game so well together and that is what helps us be so successful our senior year

— Mallory Locke

While the girls high school careers are coming to an end, they said they will always remember the memories they made playing youth basketball for Coaches Westphal, Morgan, and Pollice. They won four straight championships and are hoping that success carries over to the postseason.

“Our chemistry together allowed us to be so successful in those four years and us playing together for so long. We learned how to play the game so well together and that is what helps us be so successful our senior year,” said Mallory Locke.

The girls are excited for the postseason to start but also will be sad to see the regular season come to an end, especially for their last home game.

Mullen said, “It’s sad and it came a lot faster than I expected, but I’m excited to play on our floor one last time with my best friends.”

Senior Lauren Mullen poses with her teammate and friend junior Olivia Westphal before the Lady Hawks’ game vs. USC on Jan. 20.

It’s sad and it came a lot faster than I expected, but I’m excited to play on our floor one last time with my best friends

— Lauren Mullen

The Lady Hawks sit on top of Section 2’s standings tied with Mount Lebanon. The Baldwin Highlanders have clinched a playoff spot with a recent win over Hempfield, so the game Thursday night is supposed to be a good one!

Come out and support the senior girls and all the memories they have made over the years as section play comes to an end! Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. at the Palace.