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GIRLS BASKETBALL: Career Contribution From Lauren Tretter Helps Archbishop Wood Reach Yet Another State Final

By John Knebels Photos/ Donna Eckert, 03/24/23, 5:30PM EDT

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BY JOHN KNEBELS

(Photos by Donna Eckert)

 

BENSALEMArchbishop Wood doesn’t have a superstar on the roster.

And that’s what makes them so dangerous.

In the Vikings’ latest triumph – a 52-35 victory over West Chester Rustin that secured an invitation to the PIAA Class 5A state championship against District 7 champion South Fayette 6 PM Saturday at the GIANT Center in Hershey – a bewildering stretch of fouls necessitated Wood coach Mike McDonald substituting way earlier than usual.

His bench troops – particularly senior Lauren Tretter – didn’t disappoint.

While starters Ava Renninger (17 points, six rebounds, three steals, steady point-guard floor game), Emily Knouse (13 points, four rebounds, two mega-quick three pointers to open the scoring and establish early momentum), Delaney Finnegan (four points, two boards, lights-out defense against WCR’s top scorers), Kara Meredith (six points, five rebounds, amazing rebound/follow basket at third quarter buzzer to punctuate a 10-0 blitz that gave the Vikings a commanding 39-28 lead), and Deja Evans (six points, five rebounds, five blocks) joined forces to put their program in position to capture a third straight state crown, it was Tretter who provided a little bit of everything to assuage the anxiety courtesy of a whistle-happy officiating crew. 

“Huge,” said McDonald. “We talked about it in the locker room. I told her and (senior) Campbell McCloskey. We don’t win the game without them being out there. We were in foul trouble. We preach about (being ready) all season. It really hasn’t come into play that significantly, and today, on the biggest stage, if we didn’t get the baskets that Lauren Tretter had or Campbell McCloskey’s huge rebound at the end of the third quarter that led to another basket to close out that quarter on a run . . . just huge.”

As soon as she entered midway through the first quarter, Tretter’s energy appeared contagious. Her two free throws helped deter Rustin, which had been in the middle of a 6-2 run to close to within 12-9.

In the second quarter, a drive by Tretter increased Wood’s lead to 20-12. Following a three-point play that pulled Rustin closer at 20-15, again it was Tretter who stemmed the tide with a bucket from underneath.


Wood senior Lauren Tretter in PIAA 5A semifinal game. (Photo/ Donna Eckert for PSD)

“As a coach, it can’t be more rewarding than getting that effort,” said McDonald, who has amassed four of Wood’s seven state titles. “That’s the kind of kids that they are, Lauren Tretter especially. She’s a team-first kid. Just like her sister Lindsay (Wood alum now playing at Holy Family University), a team-first kid just willing to do whatever it takes for the team.

“Happy to be here and ready on the biggest stage . . . just phenomenal. I can’t say enough about Lauren’s character.”

Archbishop Wood vs. West Chester Rustin. (video by Kathy Leister & Donna Eckert for PSD)

Throughout Wood’s four-game winning streak during states, Tretter was painfully aware that her career was one loss away from being over.

When she got the call in the first quarter, Tretter could not have been more ready. 

“It was really important,” said Tretter. “All week we’ve been working on our matchups, and the whole season we need people from the bench to step up. I didn’t want this game to be my last, so I just went out and played with everything I’ve got because I wanted to go to Hershey. This is really important to me, so I just did what I had to do.”

Like several other Wood contributors – probably all of them, actually – Tretter could have experienced more personal accolades had she chosen to attend a different school.

Wood senior Lauren Tretter talks about her energy during this game and wanting that final trip to hershey. (video/ John Knebels for PSD)

Admitting she has certainly thought about that scenario occasionally, Tretter has zero regrets for how her high school career evolved.

“Playing for JV for three years, I’ve learned to be a leader,” said Tretter. “I knew what was expected of me. Just coming to practice and working hard each day, ’cause you never know when it’s going to be your turn to play in these big games. 

Archbishop Wood head coach Mike McDonald was extremely pleased with the play of senior Lauren Tretter - PSD Video by John Knebels

ARCHBISHOP WOOD HEAD COACH MIKE MCDONALD GREETED WITH IMMENSE CHEERS FROM TEAM after the win. (VIDEO/ DONNA ECKERT FOR PSD)

“I’ve watched a lot of people in front of me go out and play hard, so I want to do that; I want to play hard. I just wanted to go out and play my best. It’s definitely hard, but I just have to stay positive through it all and cheer on my teammates. I know they have my back, too. Whenever I do something good, they’re all good at picking me up. The support system we have for each other is good, and that helps.

“I really like the way Wood plays. I like the competition we play against. I feel like that’s really important. I just know that I am happy where I am. I feel like if I went anywhere else, it wouldn’t be as special.”

Speaking of special, a third straight trip to Hershey is calling Tretter’s name. She was asked if she planned to eat a lot of chocolate.

“Oh yeah,” she laughed. “Definitely.”

Stupid question answered with humor and class.

That’s just how Lauren Tretter operates.

 

(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)