Norwin basketball fans have been captivated by the Knights' run through the WPIAL Quad A playoffs.

That's not the only reason followers of the team should be feeling good about the program.

This season's success could continue for years to come. If the performance of Norwin's freshman team is any indication, the future is bright.

Norwin's freshmen recently completed an undefeated season, wrapping up an 18-0 campaign with a victory over Kiski Area on Feb. 6.

"I knew after the first three or four games this team could be something special," coach Eric Odorcich said. "You could tell they've been playing together a long time. They were confident in their abilities."

Odorcich has had some experience with being part of an undefeated freshman team. He played on one at McKeesport in the early 1990s.

"With this team, the talent was there from the word go," he said. "I showed them an offense and a defense, and they had no problem adjusting to what I wanted."

The Knights employed a motion offense with plenty of back door screening, but defense was the real key to the team's dominance. Norwin's trapping 1-3-1 defense gave opponents fits.

"I stressed defense all year," Odorcich said. "Our defense created a lot of turnovers and easy baskets. Most of the time we'd have early leads because we would get three or four steals at the beginning of the game."

Odorcich said his club played well as a team, and every player contributed to the unbeaten season.

"They were real unselfish, always making the extra pass" he said. "They all got a lot of playing time. I used all 12 players."

Norwin's starters were forwards Elliot Laratonda and Anthony Tyke and guards Matt Ross, Matt Palo and Andy Carter.

Coming off the bench were forwards Chris Marghella and Brandon Marshall and guards Jon Best, Nick Kelly, John Jessup, Adam Shaffer and Dave Kozak.

Palo and Carter were the team's top scorers, and Tyke and Palo led the Knights in rebounding. The assist leaders were Ross and Best.

The Knights' only scare came against Latrobe. The game went into overtime before Norwin pulled out a six-point victory.

"I've had a lot of fun coaching these kids," Odorcich said. "I honestly think in three or four years they can win WPIALs."