After winning the WPIAL championship and finishing as runners-up in the PIAA state championship in 2022, Mt. Lebanon girls’ basketball is hungry for another trip to “the Pete.” Four years later, the team believes this could be the season they return, thanks to extensive offseason work and a tight-knit roster.

Senior captain Reese Hall said her final season means everything to her. Hall has Division III offers from Allegheny College, Dickinson and Washington & Jefferson.

“I have worked so hard to get to where I am today, even through the challenges I faced along the way,” Hall said. “Being a senior means I am one of the people the underclassmen look up to, and I want to be someone they can rely on and count on as a leader.”

After a 46–45 win against Chartiers Valley on Dec. 4, Hall said her personal goal — and the team’s — is clear: make it back to the Pete and compete for another WPIAL title.

“I think we have the ability to do so because we have so many talented players on our team, and we mix so well together,” she said. “I want to continue to work hard every day and strive to be the best player I can be while enjoying and cherishing my last year playing for Lebo basketball.”

Returning junior starter Elizabeth Twyman said last season’s semifinal loss to Upper St. Clair has fueled their motivation.

She has also felt the shift in responsibility that comes with becoming an upperclassman.

“I notice how I am more involved in bigger decisions regarding the team dynamic,” Twyman said. “Even during practice, most of the younger players are asking questions and wanting feedback that the upperclassmen are required to know. Being a junior also means I need to bring energy to the team environment so that we can all create chemistry on and off the court.”

Both players emphasized the strength of the team’s chemistry this season. Twyman noted that the team holds a Secret Santa exchange to bond outside of basketball, while Hall said the team is exceptionally supportive of one another, leading to strong communication and energy during practices and games.

For Hall, the bond between upper- and underclassmen is especially meaningful this year because her sister, Rylee, is a freshman. It’s the first time they’ve shared a team since they were children.

“My sister and I have been playing basketball together ever since we were younger,” Hall said. “We were both always so competitive, especially when we would play against each other. My sister means so much to me, and getting to play on the same court as her means the world.”

Twyman credited past seniors for shaping the program’s culture.

“Since my freshman year, I have looked up to the seniors on and off the court,” Twyman said. “One important lesson they’ve taught me is to move on from a hard loss or bad game. Holding on to things from the past only hurts your abilities as a player and can crush the overall team dynamic.”

Both players said shooting is one of the team’s strengths. Twyman said the roster features skilled guards and several forwards capable of hitting 3-pointers in practice. She added that rebounding — on both ends of the floor — is a major point of emphasis this season.

Beyond chasing another WPIAL championship, Hall said she is motivated by her family, teammates and her love for the game.

“My family has always been so supportive of me in everything I do, and I appreciate all the time they’ve put into watching me play,” Hall said. “My teammates motivate me to work harder every day, and I want to play for them and accomplish our goals this season. I’ve loved basketball since I was little, so for my final season, I want to make the most of everything and keep doing what makes me happy.”

Twyman said the coaching staff plays a major role in her drive to improve.

“I know how much faith my coaches have in me, which makes me want to get better every day,” she said. “The entire coaching staff sees my full potential even in times when I play bad, which makes me show up every day and allows me to work hard and set a good example for the younger girls.”

She said confidence is a message she stresses to them often.

“Getting on the court nervous is normal, but having confidence is a game-changer,” Twyman said. “This allows you to stay dialed in during games, and ultimately is what makes good players great.”

Hall echoed that message and encouraged younger players to appreciate every moment.

“Never give up on yourself and work to get better every single day, even when you’re faced with challenges and obstacles,” Hall said. “Make the most out of every practice, game and team dinner. It really does go by so fast, so always cherish the moments you have on and off the court with your teammates.”