Andy Close
ERIE, Pa. – Warren ended the game on a 14-0 run as coach Lisa LaVan picked up her 250th career win in a 40-34 win over Erie on Saturday.
In her 16th season as head coach, LaVan has a record that includes four District 10 championships.
“It’s never been about the wins, it’s always been about having fun and enjoying the ride,” LaVan said. “It’s been John (White) and I for all 16 years. He’s my best friend and I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
Lavan has coached all three of her daughters – Emma, Gracie, and Sammie Ruhlman. Sammie, the youngest of the three and now a senior and starting point guard was a big part of Saturday’s win.
Ruhlman and Meea Irwin scored four points each for Warren during the game-ending surge.
Ruhlman led Warren with 11 points, while Irwin had nine and Emily Davidson eight as the Lady Dragons bounced back from a 41-34 loss to DuBois Central Catholic on Thursday.
“It’s all about the girls,” Lavan said. “I know a lot of coaches say that, but I really mean it. I wouldn’t have got to this point without my players and assistants.”
Those current players surprised her with a ball commemorating her milestone win after the game.
“That was really sweet of them,” LaVan said.
Aubrey Nevins led Erie with 13 points, 11 of which came in the second quarter, while, Deeja Williams had 11 points.
Warren returns to action on Friday, hosting St. Marys. After the game, LaVan will welcome back a number of her players for an alumni get-together.
“I never set out thinking I was going to do it for 16 seasons,” LaVan said. “I honestly didn’t know (that it was win 250). It’s not about me, it’s about them.”
