Girls & Boys W.P.I.A.L. Basketball Action Highlights
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THE CHOPS
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Girls & Boys W.P.I.A.L. Basketball Action Highlights
Saturday's W.P.I.A.L. Basketball Highlights................
2/24/2007 -
It was not the best of days to be a top-seed team. Two #1 teams in their respective tournaments saw their dreams of a W.P.I.A.L. title in "2007" come to an end in the second round of the W.P.I.A.L. basketball playoffs. Here is a brief recap from most of the action on Saturday afternoon in the 'Battle to the Bluff' heard on the MSA Sports Network.
Thanks to Brian Mroziak, Ed Troup, Jonathan Whaley, Jim Frederick, T.J. DiStefano, Matt Vandriak, Bob Gregg and John Lee for helping to make these recaps possible.
W.P.I.A.L. BOYS:
Class (AAAA):
ALBERT GALLATIN 80 - MOON 73
The Four-Peat will not happen for Moon. The Three-Time Defending WPIAL Champions and Number 1 Seed Tigers were knocked out of the McDonalds WPIAL Playoffs by the Albert Gallatin Colonials 80-73 Saturday Afternoon in a Boys Quad
"A" Quarterfinal Round Game at Canon-McMillan High School. The game featured a tight first half, as each team put up 17 points in the opening two quarters for a 34-34 tie at the break. The Colonials opened the Second Half on an
11-2 run to take a 45-36 lead, before the Tigers bounced back with a 9-0 run of their own to tie the game at 45-45. The Colonials scored the final 3 points of the frame to lead 48-45 after 3. The Colonials dominated the fourth
period, as Jawaan Alston scored 12 of his 24 points in the final quarter. AG also fought off foul trouble and a furious rally lead by Moon's Brian Walsh who scored 13 of his game high 29 points in the 4th to hold on for the 7 point victory. The loss snapped Moon's 13 game WPIAL Playoff Winning Streak and dropped the Tigers to 22-4 on the season. Moon now must hope Albert Gallatin advances to the WPIAL Finals for the Tigers to qualify for the State Playoffs. Albert Gallatin improves to 20-6 and advances to the WPIAL Semi-Finals to take on Pine Richland on Wednesday.
BETHEL PARK 68 - MOUNT LEBANON 48
The Black Hawks used a great start to the game to jump out to a 14 point first quarter lead, then after the Blue Devils pulled to within 5 points a halftime, another big start to the second half to pull away to a 20-point victory over the defending WPIAL Quad A champions and a second straight trip to the WPIAL Class AAAA Semifinals. Tim Picard led Bethel Park with 17 points, while Andrew Vukela added 14 points and Jeff Stewart off the bench had 10 points. The big story for the Hawks was their ability to keep the ball out of the hands of Mount Lebanon lead ing scorer Andrew Devlin, who was held to 4 points, all from the free throw line. Shane Phillips led the Mount Lebanon with 12 points, all coming in the second half. Bethel Park will battle Fox Chapel on Wednesday at Chartiers Valley High School.
FOX CHAPEL 54 - PITTSBURGH CENTRAL CATHOLIC 51
In the third battle of the season between Fox Chapel and Pittsburgh Central Catholic, the third time would not be the charm for the Vikings. Fox Chapel moved on in the 2007 McDOnald's WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs on Saturday afternoon from North Allegheny High School defeating Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 54-51. Fox Chapel defeated the Vikings by a combined four points in the two regular season games and
not much changed in the quarterfinal matchup. Pittsburgh Central Catholic was led by Joe Berenato with a game-high 15 points. Berenato hit three three-point shots for the game. Chris Saltzman finished with 13 points in a losing effort. Fox Chapel was led by John Hastings and Christopher Harner, both had 14 points for the Foxes. Ahmed Abu-Elmagd chipped in 13 points as Fox Chapel shot 12 of 22 from the foul line for the game while the Vikings shot only three of six from the charity stripe.
PINE-RICHLAND 40 - NORWIN 36
In a AAAA quarterfinal matchup featuring the 4th seeded Norwin Knights against the 5th seeded Pine-Richland Rams, the Rams edged the Knights, 40-36 at Plum High School. The game showcased two of the top juniors in the WPIAL in Pine-Richland's Brett Matson and Norwin's Mike Shanahan. The Rams Matson was coming off a career-high 35 points in Pine-Richland's first round win over McKeesport and he was sterling once again in leading his team with a game-high 26 points today, including 5 free throws in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. Norwin's Mike Shanahan led his team with 17 points but he only scored 1 point in the fourth quarter compared to the Rams Brett Matson who recorded 8 fourth quarter points. The Pine-Richland Rams record improves to 18-7 and they move on to the semi-finals
where they will face Albert Gallatin, an 80-73 winner over Moon this afternoon.
===============================================
Westmont: Pay attention to this....
CLASS (AA):
ALIQUIPPA 95 - MONESSEN 64
Aliquippa's game plan against Monessen in the Class (AA) Semi-Final at Woodland Hills High School was simple and effective, get the ball inside against the smaller
Greyhounds and press from start to finish. Both goals were accomplished with tremendous results. 24-2 Aliquipppa won its 18th straight game, outrebounding Monessen 38-10 and forcing 25 turnovers in a 95-64 victory. Both teams played to a virtual draw in the first period with the Quips enjoying a 16-14 scoring edge but that is when the Aliquippa size with 6-9 Herb Pope, 6-6 Jonathan Baldwin and 6-3 Antonio Reddic took over the game on the glass. Pope, for instance, had 4 offensive rebounds and put-backs to score 17 in the first half as Aliquippa took a 45-32 edge at the half. Monessen's tallest starter was the WPIAL's top scorer in 6-3 Josh Arnold but he was stymied by the defense of Reddic and a constant double-team whenever he touched the ball which effectively took him out of the game. Arnold managed 16 points, half of his 32 point per game average. Meanwhile, Reddic led the way with a 10 of 15 shooting performance and game-high 27 points. Pope had a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds and Baldwin scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half when Aliquippa outgunned Monessen 50-32. Other noteworthy events included the 7-assist performance of guard Patrick Pettis plus a 54 per cent shooting performance by the winners. Also, Aliquippa Coach Marvin Emerson recorded his 100th coaching victory at the school. He is 100-17 for
his career. Aliquippa continues its pursuit of its 10th WPIAL championship in the Class AA semi-finals Wednesday night against Northgate at Ambridge High School.
NORTHGATE 47 - NORTH CATHOLIC 27
To say the Flames defense was on fire Saturday afternoon at Chartiers Valley High School would be an understatement. North Catholic was held to only nine first half points and never got untracked as Northgate broke open a low scoring game with 21 fourth quarter points en route to 20 point victory for a third win this season over the section rival Trojans. Jon Valeriano led the way for the Flames on offense with 17 points while Brian Carney added 11 points for Northgate, which now advances to the Semifinals against Aliquippa on Wednesday night at Ambridge High School.
JEANNETTE 81 - SHENANGO 62
In the big games, big players come up with big performances. That was the case Saturday afternoon at North Hills High School as Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor registered a triple-double in leading the Jayhawks in the WPIAL Semifinals with a convincing win over Shenango. Pryor scored 23 points, had 10 rebounds and added 10 assists in leading the 'Hawks to their 20th victory in 23 games this season. Jeannette led by five points after the first quarter, but outscored the Wildcats 44-26 in the next two quarters to take control of the game. The Jayhawks advance to the Semifinals where they will play Beaver Falls on Wednesday at North Allegheny High School.
BEAVER FALLS 81 - CARLYNTON 72
Beaver Falls used balance socring with four players reaching double-digits as they jumped up early on Carlynton then held on of the victory Saturday afternoon at Ambridge High School. David Phillips led the Tigers with 26 points, while Todd Thomas had 19 points, Kenny Cottman added 15 points and Brnadon Rue chipped in 12 points for Beaver Falls, which led 23-15 after the opening quarter and never relinquished the lead. The Cougars Martin Pletz had a game high 29 points as Carlynton fell to 21-4.
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W.P.I.A.L. GIRLS:
Class (AAAA):
BETHEL PARK 62 - LATROBE 46
It was all Bethel Park Saturday afternoon at Canon-McMillian High School as they cruised to a 62-46 win over the Greater Latrobe Lady Wildcats. Bethel Park was more
aggressive and the Lady Wildcats had no answers throughout the game. The Wildcats shot poorly from behind the arc only making one- three point shot in the 1st quarter. Bethel Park outshot Latrobe from behind the arc 6 to 1. Bethel Park led 34-25 at the half, the scoring was tied at 12 apiece in the 3rd and Bethel Park outscored Latrobe 16-9 in the final frame. Bethel Park was led by Katie Kendell with 18 points and three-3 pointers. Samantha Loadman added 14 and Danielle McNabb scored 10. For the Wildcats Courtney Sherwin led the scoring with 14 points, Lindsey Muchnock had 10 and Emily Fenton added 9. Latrobe is now 18-7 on the season and Bethel Park improves to 23-2 and will move on to face Oakland Catholic in the semifinals.
OAKLAND CATHOLIC 71 - NORWIN 56
While the TV show "The OC" is coming to an end, another OC is still going strong. That OC being the Oakland Catholic Eagles, who moved into the WPIAL Quad-A Semi-Finals by defeating Norwin 71-56. The Eagles wasted little time jumping on the Lady Knights, as Oakland Catholic started the game shooting 3-pointers early and never looked back.
The Eagles as made six 1st quarter three's, 5 of those from Colleen Kiss who scored 19 points in the opening frame. While the Eagles soared early, Norwin came out nervous and turned the ball over multiple times, helping Oakland Catholic to a 24-8 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. The Lady Knights played a much better 2nd quarter, as they started to use their size advantage and mixed a solid inside game with better rebounding, and were outscored 14-12 in the quarter. However Norwin had no answer for Kiss, who made seven 3-pointers and scored 30 points in the half. As a team the Eagles made nine 1st half three's and took a 38-24 lead to the locker room. The 3rd quarter also belonged to Oakland Catholic, as the solid offense continued and the Eagles also rebounded well at both ends of the court. Erica Prosser scored 11 points in the quarter and Oakland Catholic led 51-34 after three. Oakland Catholic kept hitting the three's in the 4th quarter, and made 14 as a team for the game. The Lady Knights played a strong quarter, outscoring the Eagles 22-20 in the final frame, but it was too late. Kayla Hilko led Norwin with 17 points. Oakland Catholic will now move on to play Bethel Park in the Semi-Finals round Wednesday at Chartiers Valley High School.
UPPER ST. CLAIR 58 - PINE-RICHLAND 55
In a closely contested game throughout, the Upper Saint Clair Panthers slipped past the Pine-Richland Rams, 58-55. The Panthers leading scorer, Alex Gensler, remained true to form as she led her team with a game-high 25 points. She also was clutch at the free throw line converting 6 charity tosses late in the fourth stanza. Andrea Pion and Meghan McLean chipped in 11 points each to the win. Pine-Richland Senior, Tricia Adamczyk, went down fighting for the Rams as she scored 15 points, including 4 second half 3-pointers to pace the Pine-Richland offense. Katherine Wise and Emma Richert added 11 points each to the Rams cause. Upper Saint Clair improved their record to 22-4 and advances to the semi-finals next Wednesday where they will meet top seeded New Castle, an 72-55 winner against Shaler this afternoon.
NEW CASTLE 72 - SHALER 55
Jaleesa Sams continued her dominant postseason run with another big game to lead the top-seed Red Hurricanes into the WPIAL Semifinals. Sams scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead New Castle past Shaler for a third time this season. The 'Canes led by 8 after the first quarter and built that advantage up to 37-23 by halftime. Jackie Sauer added 12 points for New Castle, while Shaler was led by Melissa McQuade's 23 points. The Red HUrricanes imrpove to 25-1 and will square off against Upper St. Clair in the Semifinals on Wednesday at Ambridge High School.
Class (AA):
BISHOP CANEVIN 64 - SETON-LaSALLE 33
The surprise wasn't that the 8th seed Crusaders beat the top-seed Rebels in this Class AA Quarterfinals meeting at Chartiers Valley High School, the shock was how eay they made it look in knocking out Seton-LaSalle. The Rebels had beat the Crusaders twice during the regular season and had not lost to a WPIAL team in bring an impressive 15-game winning streak and 23-2 record into the contest. However none of that mattered when Bishop Canevin turned a five point halftime lead into a 20 point bulge less than four minutes into the third quarter. Bishop Canevin never let up as they cruised to a 31 point rout of Seton-LaSalle and a berth into the WPIAL Semifinals on Wednesday against Ford City at North Allegheny High School. The Crusaders were led by Megan Reffert's 21 points while sophomore sensation Destiny Ambrose chipped in 17 points.
BEAVER 56 - WASHINGTON 29
Carly Vendemia scored 20 points to lead third-seeded Beaver to a 56-29 romp over Washington. The Bobcats defense held the Little Prexies to just three field goals through the first three quarters, none in the third period, to key the victory. Beaver scored the game's first 11 points, holding Washington off the board for 6 1/2 minutes, keeping the sixth seed to just a foul shot and two three-point field goals through the halfway point of the second quarter. Kendra Pilarski scored 11 points to help the cause.
GREENSBURG CENTRAL CATHOLIC 59 - SHADY SIDE ACADEMY 42
The Centurions put this one away early, racing out to a 15-3 lead after they first quarter as they cruised to a 17-point victory over the Indians Saturday afternoon at Woodland Hills High School. University of Pittsburgh recruit Ashley Henderson once again led Greensburg Central Catholic with 20 points while Erica Keto had 14 points and Kayla Marghella added 10 points. Shady Side Academy had three players in double-digit scoring led by Raediah Lyles 12 points. The Centurions improve to 19-6 and will face Beaver on Wednesday in a Class AA Semifinals matchup at Canon-McMillan High School.
FORD CITY 43 - OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART 38
The Sabers fell behind early but used a big third quarter to comeback and knock off the Chargers by five points in a Class AA Quarterfinals game Saturday afternoon at North Allegheny High School. Ford City trailed 15-4 after the first quarter and 22-16 at the half, but outscored OLSH 12-2 in the third to take control. Marisa Wolfe had a game-high 20 points for the 24-2 Sabers.
THE CHOPS......
2/24/2007 -
It was not the best of days to be a top-seed team. Two #1 teams in their respective tournaments saw their dreams of a W.P.I.A.L. title in "2007" come to an end in the second round of the W.P.I.A.L. basketball playoffs. Here is a brief recap from most of the action on Saturday afternoon in the 'Battle to the Bluff' heard on the MSA Sports Network.
Thanks to Brian Mroziak, Ed Troup, Jonathan Whaley, Jim Frederick, T.J. DiStefano, Matt Vandriak, Bob Gregg and John Lee for helping to make these recaps possible.
W.P.I.A.L. BOYS:
Class (AAAA):
ALBERT GALLATIN 80 - MOON 73
The Four-Peat will not happen for Moon. The Three-Time Defending WPIAL Champions and Number 1 Seed Tigers were knocked out of the McDonalds WPIAL Playoffs by the Albert Gallatin Colonials 80-73 Saturday Afternoon in a Boys Quad
"A" Quarterfinal Round Game at Canon-McMillan High School. The game featured a tight first half, as each team put up 17 points in the opening two quarters for a 34-34 tie at the break. The Colonials opened the Second Half on an
11-2 run to take a 45-36 lead, before the Tigers bounced back with a 9-0 run of their own to tie the game at 45-45. The Colonials scored the final 3 points of the frame to lead 48-45 after 3. The Colonials dominated the fourth
period, as Jawaan Alston scored 12 of his 24 points in the final quarter. AG also fought off foul trouble and a furious rally lead by Moon's Brian Walsh who scored 13 of his game high 29 points in the 4th to hold on for the 7 point victory. The loss snapped Moon's 13 game WPIAL Playoff Winning Streak and dropped the Tigers to 22-4 on the season. Moon now must hope Albert Gallatin advances to the WPIAL Finals for the Tigers to qualify for the State Playoffs. Albert Gallatin improves to 20-6 and advances to the WPIAL Semi-Finals to take on Pine Richland on Wednesday.
BETHEL PARK 68 - MOUNT LEBANON 48
The Black Hawks used a great start to the game to jump out to a 14 point first quarter lead, then after the Blue Devils pulled to within 5 points a halftime, another big start to the second half to pull away to a 20-point victory over the defending WPIAL Quad A champions and a second straight trip to the WPIAL Class AAAA Semifinals. Tim Picard led Bethel Park with 17 points, while Andrew Vukela added 14 points and Jeff Stewart off the bench had 10 points. The big story for the Hawks was their ability to keep the ball out of the hands of Mount Lebanon lead ing scorer Andrew Devlin, who was held to 4 points, all from the free throw line. Shane Phillips led the Mount Lebanon with 12 points, all coming in the second half. Bethel Park will battle Fox Chapel on Wednesday at Chartiers Valley High School.
FOX CHAPEL 54 - PITTSBURGH CENTRAL CATHOLIC 51
In the third battle of the season between Fox Chapel and Pittsburgh Central Catholic, the third time would not be the charm for the Vikings. Fox Chapel moved on in the 2007 McDOnald's WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs on Saturday afternoon from North Allegheny High School defeating Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 54-51. Fox Chapel defeated the Vikings by a combined four points in the two regular season games and
not much changed in the quarterfinal matchup. Pittsburgh Central Catholic was led by Joe Berenato with a game-high 15 points. Berenato hit three three-point shots for the game. Chris Saltzman finished with 13 points in a losing effort. Fox Chapel was led by John Hastings and Christopher Harner, both had 14 points for the Foxes. Ahmed Abu-Elmagd chipped in 13 points as Fox Chapel shot 12 of 22 from the foul line for the game while the Vikings shot only three of six from the charity stripe.
PINE-RICHLAND 40 - NORWIN 36
In a AAAA quarterfinal matchup featuring the 4th seeded Norwin Knights against the 5th seeded Pine-Richland Rams, the Rams edged the Knights, 40-36 at Plum High School. The game showcased two of the top juniors in the WPIAL in Pine-Richland's Brett Matson and Norwin's Mike Shanahan. The Rams Matson was coming off a career-high 35 points in Pine-Richland's first round win over McKeesport and he was sterling once again in leading his team with a game-high 26 points today, including 5 free throws in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. Norwin's Mike Shanahan led his team with 17 points but he only scored 1 point in the fourth quarter compared to the Rams Brett Matson who recorded 8 fourth quarter points. The Pine-Richland Rams record improves to 18-7 and they move on to the semi-finals
where they will face Albert Gallatin, an 80-73 winner over Moon this afternoon.
===============================================
Westmont: Pay attention to this....
CLASS (AA):
ALIQUIPPA 95 - MONESSEN 64
Aliquippa's game plan against Monessen in the Class (AA) Semi-Final at Woodland Hills High School was simple and effective, get the ball inside against the smaller
Greyhounds and press from start to finish. Both goals were accomplished with tremendous results. 24-2 Aliquipppa won its 18th straight game, outrebounding Monessen 38-10 and forcing 25 turnovers in a 95-64 victory. Both teams played to a virtual draw in the first period with the Quips enjoying a 16-14 scoring edge but that is when the Aliquippa size with 6-9 Herb Pope, 6-6 Jonathan Baldwin and 6-3 Antonio Reddic took over the game on the glass. Pope, for instance, had 4 offensive rebounds and put-backs to score 17 in the first half as Aliquippa took a 45-32 edge at the half. Monessen's tallest starter was the WPIAL's top scorer in 6-3 Josh Arnold but he was stymied by the defense of Reddic and a constant double-team whenever he touched the ball which effectively took him out of the game. Arnold managed 16 points, half of his 32 point per game average. Meanwhile, Reddic led the way with a 10 of 15 shooting performance and game-high 27 points. Pope had a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds and Baldwin scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half when Aliquippa outgunned Monessen 50-32. Other noteworthy events included the 7-assist performance of guard Patrick Pettis plus a 54 per cent shooting performance by the winners. Also, Aliquippa Coach Marvin Emerson recorded his 100th coaching victory at the school. He is 100-17 for
his career. Aliquippa continues its pursuit of its 10th WPIAL championship in the Class AA semi-finals Wednesday night against Northgate at Ambridge High School.
NORTHGATE 47 - NORTH CATHOLIC 27
To say the Flames defense was on fire Saturday afternoon at Chartiers Valley High School would be an understatement. North Catholic was held to only nine first half points and never got untracked as Northgate broke open a low scoring game with 21 fourth quarter points en route to 20 point victory for a third win this season over the section rival Trojans. Jon Valeriano led the way for the Flames on offense with 17 points while Brian Carney added 11 points for Northgate, which now advances to the Semifinals against Aliquippa on Wednesday night at Ambridge High School.
JEANNETTE 81 - SHENANGO 62
In the big games, big players come up with big performances. That was the case Saturday afternoon at North Hills High School as Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor registered a triple-double in leading the Jayhawks in the WPIAL Semifinals with a convincing win over Shenango. Pryor scored 23 points, had 10 rebounds and added 10 assists in leading the 'Hawks to their 20th victory in 23 games this season. Jeannette led by five points after the first quarter, but outscored the Wildcats 44-26 in the next two quarters to take control of the game. The Jayhawks advance to the Semifinals where they will play Beaver Falls on Wednesday at North Allegheny High School.
BEAVER FALLS 81 - CARLYNTON 72
Beaver Falls used balance socring with four players reaching double-digits as they jumped up early on Carlynton then held on of the victory Saturday afternoon at Ambridge High School. David Phillips led the Tigers with 26 points, while Todd Thomas had 19 points, Kenny Cottman added 15 points and Brnadon Rue chipped in 12 points for Beaver Falls, which led 23-15 after the opening quarter and never relinquished the lead. The Cougars Martin Pletz had a game high 29 points as Carlynton fell to 21-4.
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W.P.I.A.L. GIRLS:
Class (AAAA):
BETHEL PARK 62 - LATROBE 46
It was all Bethel Park Saturday afternoon at Canon-McMillian High School as they cruised to a 62-46 win over the Greater Latrobe Lady Wildcats. Bethel Park was more
aggressive and the Lady Wildcats had no answers throughout the game. The Wildcats shot poorly from behind the arc only making one- three point shot in the 1st quarter. Bethel Park outshot Latrobe from behind the arc 6 to 1. Bethel Park led 34-25 at the half, the scoring was tied at 12 apiece in the 3rd and Bethel Park outscored Latrobe 16-9 in the final frame. Bethel Park was led by Katie Kendell with 18 points and three-3 pointers. Samantha Loadman added 14 and Danielle McNabb scored 10. For the Wildcats Courtney Sherwin led the scoring with 14 points, Lindsey Muchnock had 10 and Emily Fenton added 9. Latrobe is now 18-7 on the season and Bethel Park improves to 23-2 and will move on to face Oakland Catholic in the semifinals.
OAKLAND CATHOLIC 71 - NORWIN 56
While the TV show "The OC" is coming to an end, another OC is still going strong. That OC being the Oakland Catholic Eagles, who moved into the WPIAL Quad-A Semi-Finals by defeating Norwin 71-56. The Eagles wasted little time jumping on the Lady Knights, as Oakland Catholic started the game shooting 3-pointers early and never looked back.
The Eagles as made six 1st quarter three's, 5 of those from Colleen Kiss who scored 19 points in the opening frame. While the Eagles soared early, Norwin came out nervous and turned the ball over multiple times, helping Oakland Catholic to a 24-8 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. The Lady Knights played a much better 2nd quarter, as they started to use their size advantage and mixed a solid inside game with better rebounding, and were outscored 14-12 in the quarter. However Norwin had no answer for Kiss, who made seven 3-pointers and scored 30 points in the half. As a team the Eagles made nine 1st half three's and took a 38-24 lead to the locker room. The 3rd quarter also belonged to Oakland Catholic, as the solid offense continued and the Eagles also rebounded well at both ends of the court. Erica Prosser scored 11 points in the quarter and Oakland Catholic led 51-34 after three. Oakland Catholic kept hitting the three's in the 4th quarter, and made 14 as a team for the game. The Lady Knights played a strong quarter, outscoring the Eagles 22-20 in the final frame, but it was too late. Kayla Hilko led Norwin with 17 points. Oakland Catholic will now move on to play Bethel Park in the Semi-Finals round Wednesday at Chartiers Valley High School.
UPPER ST. CLAIR 58 - PINE-RICHLAND 55
In a closely contested game throughout, the Upper Saint Clair Panthers slipped past the Pine-Richland Rams, 58-55. The Panthers leading scorer, Alex Gensler, remained true to form as she led her team with a game-high 25 points. She also was clutch at the free throw line converting 6 charity tosses late in the fourth stanza. Andrea Pion and Meghan McLean chipped in 11 points each to the win. Pine-Richland Senior, Tricia Adamczyk, went down fighting for the Rams as she scored 15 points, including 4 second half 3-pointers to pace the Pine-Richland offense. Katherine Wise and Emma Richert added 11 points each to the Rams cause. Upper Saint Clair improved their record to 22-4 and advances to the semi-finals next Wednesday where they will meet top seeded New Castle, an 72-55 winner against Shaler this afternoon.
NEW CASTLE 72 - SHALER 55
Jaleesa Sams continued her dominant postseason run with another big game to lead the top-seed Red Hurricanes into the WPIAL Semifinals. Sams scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead New Castle past Shaler for a third time this season. The 'Canes led by 8 after the first quarter and built that advantage up to 37-23 by halftime. Jackie Sauer added 12 points for New Castle, while Shaler was led by Melissa McQuade's 23 points. The Red HUrricanes imrpove to 25-1 and will square off against Upper St. Clair in the Semifinals on Wednesday at Ambridge High School.
Class (AA):
BISHOP CANEVIN 64 - SETON-LaSALLE 33
The surprise wasn't that the 8th seed Crusaders beat the top-seed Rebels in this Class AA Quarterfinals meeting at Chartiers Valley High School, the shock was how eay they made it look in knocking out Seton-LaSalle. The Rebels had beat the Crusaders twice during the regular season and had not lost to a WPIAL team in bring an impressive 15-game winning streak and 23-2 record into the contest. However none of that mattered when Bishop Canevin turned a five point halftime lead into a 20 point bulge less than four minutes into the third quarter. Bishop Canevin never let up as they cruised to a 31 point rout of Seton-LaSalle and a berth into the WPIAL Semifinals on Wednesday against Ford City at North Allegheny High School. The Crusaders were led by Megan Reffert's 21 points while sophomore sensation Destiny Ambrose chipped in 17 points.
BEAVER 56 - WASHINGTON 29
Carly Vendemia scored 20 points to lead third-seeded Beaver to a 56-29 romp over Washington. The Bobcats defense held the Little Prexies to just three field goals through the first three quarters, none in the third period, to key the victory. Beaver scored the game's first 11 points, holding Washington off the board for 6 1/2 minutes, keeping the sixth seed to just a foul shot and two three-point field goals through the halfway point of the second quarter. Kendra Pilarski scored 11 points to help the cause.
GREENSBURG CENTRAL CATHOLIC 59 - SHADY SIDE ACADEMY 42
The Centurions put this one away early, racing out to a 15-3 lead after they first quarter as they cruised to a 17-point victory over the Indians Saturday afternoon at Woodland Hills High School. University of Pittsburgh recruit Ashley Henderson once again led Greensburg Central Catholic with 20 points while Erica Keto had 14 points and Kayla Marghella added 10 points. Shady Side Academy had three players in double-digit scoring led by Raediah Lyles 12 points. The Centurions improve to 19-6 and will face Beaver on Wednesday in a Class AA Semifinals matchup at Canon-McMillan High School.
FORD CITY 43 - OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART 38
The Sabers fell behind early but used a big third quarter to comeback and knock off the Chargers by five points in a Class AA Quarterfinals game Saturday afternoon at North Allegheny High School. Ford City trailed 15-4 after the first quarter and 22-16 at the half, but outscored OLSH 12-2 in the third to take control. Marisa Wolfe had a game-high 20 points for the 24-2 Sabers.
THE CHOPS......