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Burrell softball team eyes 1st PIAA win in decade
Burrell’s Bella Stewart hits an RBI single against Montour in their WPIAL consolation game.
With its season on the line and a trip to the PIAA playoffs at stake, the Burrell softball team came up big Tuesday against Montour at Mars.
The Bucs scored early, and their defense, coupled with the pitching of junior ace Katie Armstrong, made it hold up in a 3-1 victory in the WPIAL Class 4A third-place consolation game.
Now, Burrell is preparing to open the state playoffs Monday against District 10 champion Villa Maria Academy. The Bucs will travel to Erie to take on the Victors at 3 p.m. at Penn State Behrend.
“We are cherishing this because we know it doesn’t happen very often,” junior center fielder Alanna Miller said concerning the state playoff berth.
“We know we need to work on a few things, but we’ve been through three really tough games (in the WPIAL playoffs), and I think we definitely will be ready for Monday.”
Burrell will play its first state tournament game since June 13, 2011, when it suffered a 5-0 loss to eventual champion Philipsburg-Osceola in the Class 2A semifinals.
The Bucs, the WPIAL winners that year, defeated District 9 champion Moniteau and District 6 runner-up Central Cambria to punch their ticket to the semifinals.
“This is very exciting,” senior Caroline Dynka said. “It’s been awhile since Burrell softball has been to states. It has the feel of a new season. Everyone has a clean slate. We’re also out of school, so we’re able to put all of our focus into going forward and hopefully making a run.”
Dynka singled on the first pitch of Tuesday’s game and came around to score the crucial first run.
A throwing error added two more runs to Burrell’s total in the first, and that was more than enough support for Armstrong as she struck out 16 and held off a late-inning Spartans rally attempt.
The defense behind Armstrong was flawless.
“It was pretty cool to get a jump like that in the first inning,” Dynka said. “It helped calm down any nerves we had. We carried that energy through the rest of the game. It gave us the drive to know that we had that game.”
Burrell, which improved to 13-2 overall, was there in practice Wednesday hoping to build off momentum from Tuesday’s win.
“We came back and kept working hard,” said Bucs freshman third baseman Bray Jones, who scored the third run in the first inning against Montour.
“We celebrated after Tuesday’s win, and then we were right back at it getting ready for states. We just wanted to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
Villa Maria Academy defeated Franklin Area, 5-3, on May 30 to capture the District 10 title.
It was the last district title for any Villa Maria team as the school will be consolidated with Cathedral Prep starting with the upcoming academic year.
The Victors, 17-3 overall, have won four in a row.
“Honestly, we hadn’t looked at them very much,” Burrell coach Rick Nealer said during practice Friday afternoon.
“We know they were scouting us at Tuesday’s game. Basically, we know what we need to work on, and that’s what we’ve been focusing on in practice. I think that if we play our game and we play defense like we have all year, we will be fine.”
Nealer knows Villa Maria will present a hitting challenge to Armstrong, who gave up only her second earned run all year in the win over Montour. She has 225 strikeouts against 13 walks in 106 innings over 15 games.
Villa Maria is led at the top by the 1-2 hitting punch of sophomores Annabella Cipalla and Madison Simmerman. Both are hitting over .500. Simmerman leads the way with 23 runs batted in and six home runs, and Cipalla owns 20 RBIs with a team-best 11 doubles and 17 total extra-base hits.
Junior Jenna Wagner is solid in the pitching circle. She owns a 1.28 ERA with 128 strikeouts and nine walks in 98 1/3 innings.
The winner between the Bucs and Victors will face the winner of WPIAL champion Beaver and District 3 third-place Fleetwood in the quarterfinals Thursday at a site and time to be determined.
“This is a great experience for the whole team because we are really putting ourselves out there,” freshman second baseman Pyper Ferres said.
“We are showing everyone what we are really all about. I think we are going to put on a really good game Monday. It will be a great experience for both teams.” | 2022-06-05T04:22:49Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Burrell softball team eyes 1st PIAA win in decade | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/burrell-softball-team-eyes-1st-piaa-win-in-decade/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/burrell-softball-team-eyes-1st-piaa-win-in-decade/ |
Penn-Trafford not shaken after WPIAL title-game loss, refocuses on PIAA playoffs
Penn-Trafford’s Cameron Ponko celebrates her double during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Armstrong on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Cal (Pa.).
Penn-Trafford’s Kylee Piconi celebrates her RBI bunt single during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Armstrong on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Cal (Pa.)
Penn-Trafford pitcher Mia Smith smiles after getting a strikeout during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Armstrong on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Cal (Pa.).
Penn-Trafford pitcher Mia Smith takes the mound for the bottom of the seventh inning of the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Armstrong on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Cal (Pa.).
A mixture of stunned numbness and grace-in-defeat omitting from their faces, Penn-Trafford players and coaches posed for their runner-up photo but didn’t have to force smiles.
There weren’t many tears shed. And there was even some giggling as people bunched up in rows and glared at cellphone cameras.
“We’re not upset,” senior pitcher Mia Smith said Friday night after the Lady Warriors were edged, 6-5, on a walk-off home run by Armstrong in the WPIAL Class 5A softball championship at Cal (Pa.). “Did we lose? Yeah. This is s setback. But hopefully, we can make a run at states. That is the positive side.”
Smith clutched the second-place trophy as she returned to the bus and headed home, a new goal in clear view.
While the dooming dinger by junior Jenna Clontz was a gut punch, it did not end the Warriors’ season. A new season begins Monday.
Penn-Trafford (18-3) will open the PIAA tournament at 4 p.m. at Twin Valley (17-8), the District 3 runner-up.
If this season is anything like 2019, Warriors fans should start thinking about making their reservations for State College.
That year, the Warriors lost in the WPIAL semifinals but rallied to win five straight to claim their first PIAA title.
They downed Lampeter-Strasburg, 5-3, in the state final at Penn State.
It was the school’s first state championship before football doubled down in the fall. “Harrison City of Champions” signage made its way to campus.
“We’re going to work triple-time and work as hard as possible to get ready,” Smith said. “I have full faith in my teammates.”
WPIAL No. 2 seed Penn-Trafford came back from 5-1 down to tie No. 1 Armstrong, 5-5, heading to the seventh.
Little worked some pinch-hit magic again in the sixth, sending three backups to the plate in a four at-bat stretch to scrape out the tying run. Junior Alexa Forsythe delivered for the third time off the bench in the playoffs with a one-out single to score courtesy runner Olivia Popovich, a freshman.
The biggest hit of the game, Clontz’s shot to right-center, awarded the River Hawks their biggest win in program history, but it came with the slimmest of margins.
“It was a great battle,” Little said. “They’re a good team, and they lived up to their name.”
Watching Armstrong celebrate at Lilley Field was tough, but certainly understandable Friday after a classic title game between the top two seeds in 5A.
“They earned it,” Little said. “They earned the right to party all night long. (Coach) Doug (Flanders) and his staff are very professional, and we appreciate that.”
Penn-Trafford’s four seniors were freshmen in ‘19.
That season, after a 10-4 loss to Connellsville in the WPIAL semis, the Warriors beat Franklin Regional in the WPIAL third-place game, 6-2.
Then, with a determined look in their eye and a repurposed resolve, they toppled Central Mountain, 13-6, at Penn State; defeated West Allegheny, 6-2, in McMurray; and edged Donegal, 5-4, at Mount Aloysius, before the championship win.
The team finished its finest season at 23-2.
“It can be done,” Little said. “We have a winning tradition. Our girls refuse to lose. They gave everything they had like they did all year. They will be ready. They are battle-tested. We lost a heartbreaker, but we have a chance to come back from it. We have great senior leadership.”
Twin Valley, located in Everson, Burks County, is about 250 miles east of Harrison City.
The quarterfinals will be Thursday, the semifinals June 13 and the 5A championship is set for 4 p.m. June 16 at Penn State’s Beard Field. | 2022-06-05T04:23:14Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Penn-Trafford not shaken after WPIAL title-game loss, refocuses on PIAA playoffs | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-trafford-not-shaken-after-wpial-title-game-loss-refocuses-on-piaa-playoffs/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-trafford-not-shaken-after-wpial-title-game-loss-refocuses-on-piaa-playoffs/ |
After quarterfinal loss, Riverview baseball looks forward to next season
Riverview catcher Taylor Zellefrow is one of two senior starters on the 2022 baseball team.
Riverview baseball players had winning playoff experiences under their belts as they began this year’s WPIAL Class A tournament with a first-round matchup against Bishop Canevin.
The Raiders, hoping for a second straight run to the WPIAL finals, checked in as the No. 10 seed, but coach Bill Gras knew his team, which went 6-10 overall in the regular season and was fourth in Section 3 at 4-6, had what it took to advance.
“It was sort of reminiscent of last year where we started to hit in the playoffs,” Gras said.
“We didn’t hit as well in the regular season this year as I had hoped, but we came out against Bishop Canevin with 11 hits. It made me think about what we could’ve done if we hit this well in the regular season.”
Those 11 hits helped Riverview produce a mild upset of the No. 7 Crusaders. The Raiders were in the quarterfinals with a 13-7 victory.
The quest to reach the title game, and the season as a whole, came to a sudden close, however, in the quarterfinals with a 5-1 loss to No. 2 Union. The Raiders, who also fell to the Scotties in last year’s title game, were limited to just one hit this time around.
Union went on to defeat Eden Christian, 4-1, to capture another WPIAL title.
But for at least one day in this year’s postseason, Riverview was sitting in the winner’s seat and feeling good.
Junior Luke Migely led the way against Bishop Canevin with three hits and two runs batted in, while juniors Enzo Lio and Daniel Roupas and freshman Johnny Bertucci tallied two hits apiece.
Bertucci, one of two freshmen for Riverview in this year’s playoffs — the other being Tyler Aftanas — collected four RBIs against Bishop Canevin.
“Experience is everything,” Gras said. “With that, I felt very confident that we wouldn’t be hurt by nervousness or anything like that. I could see their focus leading up to that game. I felt we could beat this team. We lost some really close games to Sewickley Academy and Leechburg. The pitching was there, and if we did a little bit of hitting, knowing how aggressive we had been on the bases, I knew we could compete with them.”
Against Union, Gras felt his hitters did a good job of putting the ball in play. Only one batter struck out throughout the seven innings.
“We battled tough against Union both times,” Gras said.
“We hit the ball hard. We did that in a number of games this year. We would hit the ball hard but it would be right at someone. If we moved that ball a couple of feet either way in several cases (against Union), it could’ve been a different game.”
Riverview’s four section wins this season came in sweeps of St. Joseph and Springdale. The two losses to Sewickley Academy and the pair of setbacks to Leechburg to close out section play were by a combined seven runs.
The Raiders also outlasted Class 2A playoff qualifier Apollo-Ridge, 12-9, in nonsection play.
“It was a little frustrating that we didn’t find a way to win those close section games,” Gras said. “We were right there in all four. For the season, we hit .260 as a team, and that needed to be better for what our goals were, but at the same time, we scored three more runs than we did last year.
“I felt the guys progressed and got better as the season went on. They started to understand what it took to be a hitter. They became more and more patient at the plate. They stopped thinking too much, and it became ‘see the ball, hit the ball.’”
Gras said it will be tough to say goodbye to the pair of senior starters in catcher Taylor Zellefrow and pitcher Vinnie Shook, who he said have given so much on and off the field to the successes the team achieved.
“They both were outstanding,” Gras said.
“We had Vince for four years and the three seasons, and Taylor transferred into the district and had two really great seasons for us. Taylor was so valuable for us behind the plate in how he handled the pitchers and his bat in the lineup. Vince, for four years, I loved the kid to death. He gave us everything he had, and was our bulldog last year and this year on the mound.”
Gras said both Zellefrow and Shook hope to continue to play locally at the next level.
With the loss of only the two senior starters, Gras likes the potential for the team heading into the 2023 season.
Many of the returning team members, Gras said, will join the seniors on travel baseball teams this summer as they continue playing and hope to keep their skills sharp. | 2022-06-05T18:03:31Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | After quarterfinal loss, Riverview baseball looks forward to next season | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/after-quarterfinal-loss-riverview-baseball-looks-forward-to-next-season/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/after-quarterfinal-loss-riverview-baseball-looks-forward-to-next-season/ |
Submitted by Damian Zuri
Penn Hills Arsenal won the 2022 Youth U.S. National Tournament at the Leominster DekHockey Center in Leominster, Mass.
Michael DiVittorio | Tribune-Review
The Penn Hills Arsenal dek hockey team goes up against Cranberry Screaming Eagles in a 2021 tournament at Riverside Park in Oakmont.
Hayden Ferra, Nate Morgan and Macin DeFazio were all on different dek ball hockey teams a year ago. When the three came together on the Penn Hills Arsenal Beaver Division team, there was little previous history tying the trio together.
“I don’t know if Hayden and Macin knew each other, but I didn’t know anyone,” said Morgan, who is a 12-year-old Monroeville resident. “I felt more comfortable starting the season. I thought our line was doing good from the start of the season.”
Chemistry developed quickly on their line. That harmony would course throughout the roster. Penn Hills Arsenal was able to win the Youth U.S. National Tournament last month at the Leominster DekHockey Center in Leominster, Mass.
Penn Hills Arsenal was able to go 10-0 between the Midwest Regional and Youth Nationals. Billy Sullivan, Director of Hockey Operations at Greater Pitt Dek Hockey, said Penn Hills Arsenal hadn’t won a youth national championship since 2002.
Brian Lehneke, who has 25 years of coaching experience between ice and ball hockey, said he was pleased with how the team jelled.
“Our chemistry was strong,” Lehneke said. “We have a big group of kids who have played together for a long time. We were able to add a few other kids and they fit well together.”
Ferra, who lives in Fox Chapel, moved over to Penn Hills Arsenal from Riverview Dek Hockey because he wanted to play with some friends. From early practices, Ferra, who is 13, believed this team could be one that may contend for titles.
“Our ball movement and the way we talk to each other,” Ferra said, describing what the team does well. “We are all able to move the ball well. … We thought we’d kill everyone.”
The championship game against the Jr. Americans was Penn Hills Arsenal’s stiffest challenge. For most of the game, Defazio felt Penn Hills got pushed around. With five minutes remaining, the Jr. Americans were clinging to a 2-1 lead.
“The fact we were able to come back into that game was mind-blowing,” said DeFazio, who is a 13-year-old Penn Hills resident. “We were getting outworked the entire second half of the game.”
Things turned in the late stages of the game. Liam Lehneke evened the score with four minutes remaining by scoring a power-play goal to force overtime.
All the nerves of sudden death didn’t linger with Penn Hills Arsenal. Morgan banged in a rebound in the first minute of overtime to give them the title.
“It was nerve-racking,” Ferra said. “When we got that power play (late in regulation), things got better. In overtime, it was as intense as it had been year. All those nerves went away when the ball went in the net.”
Penn Hills Arsenal was glad to be back on top. The program had waited a long time for another chance to win at nationals.
“It was very exciting,” DeFazio said. “Playing with that line was fun and the fact we were able to move the ball against good teams was awesome.”
Thanks to strong movement and synergy among teammates, Penn Hills Arsenal was able to win another championship. | 2022-06-05T18:04:02Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Penn Hills ball hockey team wins national tournament | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-hills-ball-hockey-team-wins-national-tournament/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-hills-ball-hockey-team-wins-national-tournament/ |
Youthful Bushy Run ready to make a run in District 31 American Legion baseball
Bushy Run Legion coaches Jay Miller (front) and Scott Peyman watch a game last season.
One thing that has been consistent in District 31 American Legion baseball over the past few seasons is Bushy Run has either won or been in contention for the league title.
Bushy Run tied for the top spot with Latrobe in 2021 with a 17-8 overall record, but things didn’t end as coach Scott Peyman hoped.
The team fell in the semifinals of the playoffs and then dropped a third-place game to Young Township. Bushy Run then was invited to play in the Region 6 tournament, but the team went 0-2 with a depleted roster as a couple of players felt the season was over after falling to Young Township.
Latrobe, Yough and Young Township represented District 31 in the Region 7 tournament, but because Region 6 didn’t have enough teams for their tournament, Bushy Run was invited.
Bushy Run got off to a good start to the 2022 season — 2-0 in league play and 4-0 overall.
Bushy Run defeated Unity and then had a walk-off 3-2 win against Young Township. Catcher Ian Temple’s two-out, bases-loaded single scored second baseman Eric Biroscak with the winner.
It was a statement win for the young Bushy Run squad, which returned eight players from the 2021 team.
“We’re good,” Peyman said. “We have a lot of young talent. The key is how they develop.
“They’re going to make some young mistakes, but I’m excited about the future. The next two seasons I expect us to be really good. We’ll be very competitive.”
Back are infielder Owen Rain, outfielder Anthony Monroe, first baseman/pitcher Gavin Good, pitcher Nolan Marasti, centerfielder Owen Sabol, catcher Drew Sherwin, outfielder Matt Lichota and outfielder Liam Hileman. Lichota’s availability will be spotty at best because of work.
“I feel we’ll be competitive with all the top teams in the league – Latrobe, Young Township, Yough and Unity,” Peyman said. “We have a lot of players who can play multiple positions. I’m excited to see these players grow.”
Some of the new faces that have impressed Peyman include third baseball Peyton Bigler, shortstop Brody Hoffman, Temple, outfielder Tyler Freas, first baseman/pitcher Chuck Fontana, pitcher Brandon Roher and Biroscak.
He also has three players double rostered with the Junior Legion team. They are power-hitting first baseman Ethan Septak, catcher Brandon Lang and pitcher Rob Andrews.
Bushy Run had a busy schedule between June 2-15 with eight games on the docket. They had a doubleheader June 4 against Homer City, a battle June 6 at Latrobe, a game at Yough on June 9 and a matchup with local rival Murrysville on June 15. | 2022-06-05T18:04:32Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Youthful Bushy Run ready to make a run in District 31 American Legion baseball | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/youthful-bushy-run-ready-to-make-a-run-in-district-31-american-legion-baseball/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/youthful-bushy-run-ready-to-make-a-run-in-district-31-american-legion-baseball/ |
Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay celebrates after driving in a run during the WPIAL Class 2A championship game against Frazier on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Cal (Pa.).
The 2022 PIAA softball playoffs start Monday with 19 WPIAL teams searching for state gold, including recently crowned district winners Seneca Valley, Armstrong, Beaver, Avonworth, Neshannock and Union on the hunt for more treasures.
The state playoffs are made up of four rounds with the championships to be played at Beard Field at Nittany Lion Softball Park on the campus of Penn State on June 16-17.
Here’s Monday’s first round softball schedule involving WPIAL teams:
Central Dauphin at Seneca Valley at 4 p.m.
North Allegheny at Mifflin County at 4 p.m.
Chartiers Valley at Armstrong at 3:30 p.m.
Penn-Trafford at Twin Valley at 4 p.m.
North Hills at Central Mountain at 3 p.m.
Fleetwood vs. Beaver at Neshannock at 4 p.m.
Elizabeth Forward at Hamburg at 4 p.m.
Burrell vs. Villa Maria Academy at Penn State Behrend at 3 p.m.
Westmont-Hilltop vs. Avonworth at Mars at 2 p.m.
Deer Lakes at Corry at 4 p.m.
Southmoreland vs. Bald Eagle Area at Milesburg Complex in Bellefonte at 4 p.m.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Neshannock at 2 p.m.
Frazier at Everett at 4:30 p.m.
Laurel vs. Reynolds at Allegheny College at 3 p.m.
Shade vs. Union at Neshannock at noon
West Greene at Conemaugh Valley at 4 p.m.
Greensburg Central Catholic vs. DuBois Central Catholic at Heindl Field in DuBois at 3 p.m.
Tags: Avonworth, Beaver, Burrell, Chartiers Valley, Deer Lakes, Elizabeth Forward, Frazier, Greensburg C.C., Laurel, North Allegheny, North Hills, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Penn-Trafford, Seneca Valley, Southmoreland, Union, West Greene | 2022-06-06T00:52:43Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | 19 WPIAL teams prepare for PIAA softball playoffs | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/19-wpial-teams-prepare-for-piaa-softball-playoffs/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/19-wpial-teams-prepare-for-piaa-softball-playoffs/ |
A-K Valley PIAA softball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, June 6, 2022
Burrell’s Caroline Dynka scores behind Montor catcher Payton Wiernik in the first inning during the WPIAL Class 4A consolation game at Mars Area High School.
7-3 Burrell (13-2) vs. 10-1 Villa Maria Academy (17-3)
3 p.m. Monday at Penn State-Behrend
Winner plays: Winner of 7-1 Beaver Area (19-0) vs. 3-3 Fleetwood (16-6) Thursday in quarterfinals (site and time TBD)
Players to Watch: Katie Armstrong, Burrell; Jenna Wagner, Villa Maria Academy
Extra bases: Burrell is in the PIAA playoffs for the first time since 2011 when it made it to the semifinals. The Bucs punched their ticket to states with a 3-1 win over Montour in the third-place game at Mars. Freshman catcher Bella Stewart knocked in a run, while two other runs scored on a throwing error. It was more than enough for junior ace Katie Armstrong who scattered four hits and walked one while striking out 16. She now has 225 strikeouts, 13 walks and just two earned runs allowed through 106 innings over 15 games. Burrell has given up just three runs in three playoff games and has outscored its opponents 54-12 overall … Villa Maria beat Franklin Area, 5-3, for the District 10 title May 30, avenging a loss to Franklin in the 2021 title game. It is the last district title for any Villa Maria team as the all-girls school will merge with the all-boys Erie Cathedral Prep in the fall. Wagner is a threat for Victors in the pitching circle and at the plate. She drove in a pair of runs in the title game and surrendered eight hits, a walk, and two earned runs while striking out five. Sophomores Madison Simmerman and AB Cipalla are hitting better than .500 to lead the Villa offense.
10-1 Corry (11-9) vs. 7-2 Deer Lakes (13-5)
4 p.m. Monday at Corry High School
Winner plays: Winner of 6-1 Bald Eagle Area (16-4) vs. 7-3 Southmoreland (14-4) Thursday in quarterfinals (site and time TBD)
Players to watch: Lexi Frisina/Haylee Dyne, Corry; Reese Hasley, Deer Lakes
Extra bases: Corry won its 13th District 10 softball title with its 2-0 win over Harbor Creek on May 30. However, it was the Beavers’ first title since 2009. It also was the last time Corry qualified for the PIAA playoffs. That year, it rolled past West Allegheny, 10-0, in five innings before falling to Trinity, 7-6, in the quarterfinals. The Beavers have two pitchers — Frisina and Dyne — who could get the call Monday. It most likely will be a game-time decision from first-year coach Allison Williams. Corry was under .500 (8-9) before catching fire in the District 10 playoffs. The Beavers have scored 33 runs over their past four games … Deer Lakes is 6-5 in five previous PIAA playoff appearances since 2012. The Lancers last qualified for states was in 2017, and they went 1-1, losing to District 6’s Philipsburg-Osceola, 6-2, in the quarterfinals. Deer Lakes hopes to bounce back from last Wednesday’s 8-1 loss to Avonworth in the WPIAL title game at Cal U (Pa.). The last time the Lancers played a team from District 10 was in the 2015 PIAA semifinals. They edged Cambridge Springs, 4-3, to advance to the state title game where they fell to District 2 champion Holy Redeemer at Penn State. | 2022-06-06T00:52:49Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | A-K Valley PIAA softball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, June 6, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-piaa-softball-playoff-capsules-games-for-monday-june-6-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-piaa-softball-playoff-capsules-games-for-monday-june-6-2022/ |
Deer Lakes softball faces tough road in PIAA tournament
Deer Lakes pitcher Maddie Kee delivers against South Allegheny during their WPIAL Class 3A semifinal on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at West Mifflin High School.
District champions, when they enter the PIAA playoffs, always are afforded the opportunity to play their first game in their home district.
Sometimes, the benefit extends to a home game in the opening round.
Deer Lakes, the WPIAL runner-up, must deal with that scenario when it travels to District 10 Class 3A champion Corry. The Lancers will make an approximately 2 hour, 15 minute trip for a 4 p.m. matchup Monday.
Despite the Beavers’ significant home-field advantage, the Deer Lakes players, including sophomore starting pitcher Maddie Kee, said the excitement, energy and focus for the program’s first PIAA contest since 2017 is the main thing on their minds.
“I think that gives us even a little bit more motivation than we already have, and we already have a lot,” Kee said.
“It makes you want to win even more and disappoint their fans on their home field. But no matter who we play or where we play, we are excited to be able to hopefully start a new run.”
Deer Lakes (13-5) wants to bounce back from last Wednesday’s 8-1 loss to Avonworth in the WPIAL Class 3A title game at Cal (Pa.).
The Lancers were hoping to win their first WPIAL title since 2015 and third overall.
Personally, Kee said she is ready to face off against the relatively unknown but potent Corry lineup.
“The main thing we have to do going into this game and also as we play this game is shake off the loss in the WPIAL title game,” Kee said.
“We can’t let that remain in our heads. This is a new opportunity. As long as we have full concentration on this game, we’ll be fine.”
The Deer Lakes softball program has gone where few have been over the past decade with six appearances in the PIAA playoffs.
The Lancers made four straight trips from 2012-15 and returned in 2017.
“Now is our time to bring it back and get back on track from the WPIAL title game,” senior shortstop Shayne Cerra said.
“We all appreciate the history of Deer Lakes in the state playoffs, and we’ve been going to games since we were in about third grade. I remember following them the last time they went, which was my older sister Maura’s freshman year (2017). It’s really cool to kind of be in her shoes and be able to experience what states is all about.”
Monday’s winner meets District 6 champion Bald Eagle Area (16-5) or Southmoreland (14-4) in the quarterfinals. If everything aligns like Deer Lakes hopes, a potential rematch with Avonworth would loom in the semifinals.
“We’re just moving day by day, whether it’s practice or a game,” Shayne Cerra said.
“We do recognize the possibilities. We’re pumped to see we could play Avonworth down the line, but there is no rematch if we both don’t take care of the business right in front of us. If we all pull together and play as one, we have a great shot.”
Corry has a two-headed monster in the pitching circle. It is common practice for first-year coach Allison Williams to not reveal her starter until warm-ups before a game. Either Lexi Frisina or Haylee Dyne could get the call.
Frisina pitched against Harbor Creek in the District 10 title game, and she threw a four-hit shutout in the Beavers’ 2-0 victory at Penn State-Behrend.
Corry (11-9) had an up-and-down regular season and entered the District 3 playoffs as the No. 6 seed.
But the Beavers beat No. 3 Fairview in the quarterfinals and No. 2 Jamestown in the semifinals before the shutout of No. 1 Harbor Creek (17-5) for the 13th district crown in program history.
“Having those two pitchers ready to go and having to decide which one will pitch is a good problem to have,” Deer Lakes coach Rick Cerra said.
“They have several really good players and good hitters. They are a young team who is hungry to win some more games, just like us. They are on a high and on a roll from winning their last game to get to where they’re at. They are on a hot streak at the right time, for them, and we have to be at our best.” | 2022-06-06T00:52:55Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Deer Lakes softball faces tough road in PIAA tournament | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-softball-faces-tough-road-in-piaa-tournament/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-softball-faces-tough-road-in-piaa-tournament/ |
Dual-powered approach working for Southmoreland softball team
Southmoreland’s Maddy Cyphert pitches against South Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A third-place game Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Using two pitchers wasn’t always in the cards for Southmoreland softball, especially come playoff time.
But when sophomore Maddie Brown began to experience tightness in her back, coach Todd Bunner turned to senior Maddy Cyphert.
Both girls saw time in the WPIAL Class 3A semifinal loss to Avonworth (3-0), then again Tuesday when the Scotties held off South Allegheny, 9-8, in the WPIAL third-place game to lock down a spot in the PIAA playoffs.
The plan could remain the same — or change to a more one-dimensional approach — when the Scotties (14-4) open the state bracket at 4 p.m. Monday against District 6 champion Bald Eagle Area (10-5) at Milesburg Little League Complex in Bellefonte.
“We knew (Cyphert) could come in if we needed her to,” said Brown, who did most of the pitching during the regular season. “I was a little surprised to see her go out and come back in (against South Allegheny), but it worked for us.”
Cyphert started, went four innings, and gave way to Brown before re-entering in the sixth Tuesday.
Cyphert pitched against Ellwood City in the WPIAL quarterfinals when Brown could not go. She was the winner as the Scotties rolled, 14-4.
She has logged 15 1/3 innings and Brown 10 2/3 in the playoffs.
While it wasn’t by design, the tandem can give opponents something to think about as they try to adjust to varying speeds and deliveries.
“We have different pitches,” Cyphert said. “I have a curve and some other pitches, and she throws fast. We can mix it up that way.”
Like any coach, Bunner likes to have backups ready to step in or get moved around in a pinch.
For instance, sophomore shortstop Amarah McCutcheon was ill for the third-place game and was scratched from the lineup. Sophomore Gwen Basssinger played shortstop in her place.
Just the same, Cyphert was ready to take the circle, even with playoff pressure mounting and a must-win game staring her down.
“We were ready to go with (Cyphert) if (Brown) didn’t feel like she could (pitch),” Bunner said. “But she felt good, and with the heat, we thought, let’s give her three or four innings. (Brown) throws hard. With (Cyphert), she has a screwball, and some offspeed pitches.”
Tags: Southmoreland | 2022-06-06T00:53:01Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Dual-powered approach working for Southmoreland softball team | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/dual-powered-approach-working-for-southmoreland-softball-team/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/dual-powered-approach-working-for-southmoreland-softball-team/ |
Westmoreland PIAA softball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, June 6, 2022
Penn-Trafford pitcher Mia Smith delivers against Armstrong during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Cal (Pa.).
Penn-Trafford (18-3) vs. Twin Valley (17-8)
4 p.m. Monday at Twin Valley
Winner plays: Winner of Southern Lehigh (15-4)/Shippensburg (19-5) on Thursday in quarterfinals (time, site TBD)
Extra bases: Penn-Trafford is the WPIAL runner-up after falling to Armstrong, 6-5, in the championship game. The Warriors rallied from 5-1 down to tie it heading to the seventh inning, but the River Hawks’ Jenna Clontz led off the home half of the inning with a walk-off, solo home run. Warriors pitcher Mia Smith (18-3) struck out eight and allowed seven hits. Senior Hannah Allen had two hits and two RBIs, and senior catcher Maddy Rapp doubled. Penn-Trafford won the PIAA title in 2019. … Twin Valley fell to Exeter, 4-3, in the District 3 championship at Millersville University. Shortstop Liv Litchner and Casey Levan doubled, and Natali Foster had an RBI. Twin Valley lost to Armstrong, 10-1, in the first round last year.
Southmoreland (14-4) vs. Bald Eagle Area (10-5)
4 p.m. Monday at Milesburg Little League Complex, Bellefonte
Winner plays: Winner of Deer Lakes (13-5)/Corry (11-9) on Thursday in quarterfinals (time, site TBD)
Extra bases: Southmoreland is back in the state postseason for the second time in four seasons. The Scotties defeated South Allegheny, 9-8, in the WPIAL third-place game without sophomore shortstop Amarah McCutcheon (illness), who is expected to return to the lineup. The Scotties have used two pitchers in the last two games: freshman Maddie Brown and senior Maddy Cyphert. The Scotties went two rounds deep in ‘18, defeating Central Martinsburg, 10-7, and Hickory, 7-0, before falling to Phillipsburg-Osceola, 15-4. … Bald Eagle Area won its eighth District 6 championship with a 10-4 victory over Westmont Hilltop at St. Francis (Pa.). The Eagles has 15 hits. Kailey Eckert went 4 for 4 with four RBIs, Madison Perry went 3 or 4 and freshman pitcher Sierra Albright had 10 strikeouts. She fanned 18 in a win over Central Martinsburg earlier in the season.
Greensburg Central Catholic (13-6) vs. DuBois Central Catholic (19-3)
3 p.m. Monday at Heindl Field, DuBois
Winner plays: Winner of Conemaugh Valley (18-3)/West Greene (14-4) on Thursday in quarterfinals (time, site TBD)
Extra bases: Greensburg Central Catholic has not been to the state postseason since 2012. That year, the Centurions lost to Fairview, 7-0, in the first round. GCC reached the Class AA state quarterfinals in 2011. This year, they held off Springdale, 9-6, in the WPIAL third-place game to get into the PIAA tournament. Junior pitcher Emma Henry is 7-6 with a 3.05 ERA and is hitting .559 with 25 RBIs. A win could get the Centurions a rematch with West Greene, the WPIAL runner-up who swept GCC in a pair of section games. … District 9 champion DuBois Central made the state semifinals last year and lost to West Greene, 12-1. The Cardinals were the state runners-up in 2019. Melia Mitskavich pitched a one-hitter in a 10-0, five-inning victory over Forest Area as DuBois won its third straight district title. Kali Franklin and Emma Suplizio had two RBIs each. Madison Hoyt leads the team with a .538 average, and Supilizio has 26 RBIs. Six players have 20 or more runs, including Franklin with 31. Morgan Tyler is 9-1 in the circle with 77 strikeouts and 19 walks.
Tags: Greensburg C.C., Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland | 2022-06-06T00:53:19Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland PIAA softball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, June 6, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-piaa-softball-playoff-capsules-games-for-monday-june-6-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-piaa-softball-playoff-capsules-games-for-monday-june-6-2022/ |
Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Week: Week ending June 5, 2022
South Park’s Drew Lafferty celebrates his solo homer against Mohawk during the WPIAL Class 3A championship game Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Wild Things Park.
Last spring, South Park knocked on the WPIAL Class 3A title door and settled for silver.
This season, the Eagles returned to Wild Things Park and kicked down the door.
A year after losing a heartbreaker to Hopewell, South Park beat Mohawk, 11-1, to capture the program’s second district baseball title and first in nine years.
“Absolutely, after falling short last year and getting back there again this year, it was a huge accomplishment,” South Park coach Brad Shamitko said. “For our team to show up the way they did and beat a very good Mohawk team made it even more special and showed their true commitment to achieving that goal.”
The circle of life was on display for Eagles starting pitcher Drew Lafferty. As a freshman in 2019, he was the winning pitcher in leading Seton LaSalle to a win over Serra Catholic, 11-2, in the 2A finals.
Lafferty returned to his home district of South Park before his junior season.
“I have never seen Drew nervous,” Shamitko said. “He is one of the most confident kids I have ever coached and for good reason. The work he puts in and the experience he has through high school and his travel teams gives him that confidence.”
The Kentucky recruit pitched a six-inning complete game, allowing five hits with eight strikeouts against a Warriors team that had scored 28 runs in three district playoff games.
“Every time he is on the mound, no matter the opponent, we have the opportunity to win,” Shamitko said. “The team feeds off his energy when he’s on the mound and want to do everything they can to support him.”
Lafferty has no problem helping his own cause at the plate.
He was part of a 12-hit attack with a home run to lead off the bottom of the sixth after Mohawk had cut the lead to 5-1.
“The inning before, the bat was taken out of his hands as a wild pitch took a perfect bounce, and the runner was caught trying to come home,” Shamitko said. “Honestly, I thought he was going to open it up even more there with either a home run or some other type of missile. So when he got to lead off the next inning against the new pitcher, I still had a good feeling.”
For the season, Lafferty is batting .486 with five home runs, 21 RBIs and 25 runs scored.
Shamitko knows he has a special player who is a big contributor to the program’s success on and off the field.
“On the mound, he just gives the team an overall confidence with his play. If we get in a jam, the team has all trust in him to help get us out of it. At the plate, you feel at any given moment he can put one out or at least get on base.
“On the field, the body of work is there for everyone to see. It’s what he does off the field that makes him so special and a true leader. He is always willing to help a teammate, especially the younger ones. During the offseason, he attended every workout we had from October through February, which was usually after he already did some type of a workout or training session for the day.”
Before Kentucky calls, Lafferty and the Eagles are preparing for a run at more gold in the PIAA playoffs. The WPIAL champs open the state tournament Monday against District 10 runner-up Franklin at Seneca Valley High School.
“Franklin is going to be as good as we have seen all year,” Shamitko said. “As a team, they run the bases, hit the ball well and got some power guys like seniors Carson Wible and Kyle Alexander. Also, Luke Guth (Vanderbilt) is as good as they get. His fastball sits around 90-92, has a nice changeup and a pretty nasty slider.”
2022 Trib HSSN Baseball Players of the Week
Week 8: Mason Sike, Montour
Week 7: J.C. Voss, Mohawk
Week 6: Angelo DeLeonardis, Knoch
Week 5: Dylan Grabowski, Penn-Trafford
Week 4: Cam Marshalwitz, Hampton
Week 3: Wes Parker, Peters Township
Week 2: Gavin Homer, Indiana
Week 1: Jake Kendro, Norwin
Tags: South Park | 2022-06-06T06:38:58Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Week: Week ending June 5, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-player-of-the-week-week-ending-june-5-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-player-of-the-week-week-ending-june-5-2022/ |
Trib HSSN Softball Team of the Week: Week ending June 5, 2022
Union celebrates with the trophy after beating West Greene in the WPIAL Class A softball championship Wednesday June 1, 2022, at Cal (Pa.).
The third time was the charm for the Union softball team.
The Scotties had reached the WPIAL Class A championship game in 2019 and 2021, only to lose to West Greene, 17-2 and 11-0.
That made the passing of the golden torch on Wednesday that much sweeter after the Scotties beat the Pioneers, 3-2, to end the five-season title run of West Greene.
“We started this year in the offseason with one goal of getting rings,” Union coach Doug Fisher said. “Last year drove us, for sure.”
The lengthy drive from Lawrence County to California (Pa.) came after another dominant season for the blue and white.
Union cruised to a perfect Section 1-A title, a 17-3 regular-season record and postseason wins over Jefferson-Morgan and Greensburg Central Catholic for a third straight trip in the finals.
Helping lead the way was a player not even old enough to drive.
Pitcher Mia Pruehs continued her fabulous freshman season with another strong performance Wednesday.
Sanders said there was no concern on how Pruehs would fare in her first championship game.
“I’ve been coaching her all year, and with that, I’ve come to know that she’s ice cold on the mound. Not a worry.”
Down a run early, Union tied the score in the third inning on a Tori May double that plated Ally Ross.
An inning later, Raquel Zarlingo delivered the big hit for the Scotties’ first lead, a single that drove in Addison Nogay.
“We hit top to bottom,” Sanders said. “So when we were seeing her well, I knew we could get a jump on them.”
After West Greene tied the score, the winning run came in the sixth inning when Bella Cameron’s RBI single scored Mallory Gorbacz.
“(Cameron) went in the box knowing she was going to hit, and she did,” Sanders said. “That was huge.”
Sanders was beaming at the outstanding team effort put together all season by Union, which was on full display in earning the school’s first softball championship.
“Every single player on the team contributed in one way or another. I’m so proud of them. I can’t single anyone out. They all played together as a complete team and all executed flawlessly.”
Now the celebration turns to another chase for a championship.
Union opens the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs on Monday at Neshannock High School against District 5 runner-up Shade.
“As always, I’m not familiar with my opponent,” Sanders said. “We play our game and don’t worry about theirs.”
2022 Trib HSSN Softball Teams of the Week:
• Trib HSSN Softball Player of the Week: Week ending June 5, 2022 | 2022-06-06T06:39:00Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Softball Team of the Week: Week ending June 5, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-team-of-the-week-for-june-5-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-team-of-the-week-for-june-5-2022/ |
What to watch for in the WPIAL: Monday, June 6, 2022
Elizabeth Forward’s Grace Smith talks with Burrell’s Katie Armstrong after their WPIAL Class 4A semifinal Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
And down the stretch they come.
Nineteen baseball and 19 softball teams from the WPIAL will be among the squads ready to travel on the Path to Penn State as the PIAA playoffs begin Monday.
A dozen of the 38 WPIAL teams are flashing freshly minted gold as they prepare for the state playoffs, hoping to find more treasures after four rounds and two weeks of the PIAA postseason.
But do the non-WPIAL champions have a better shot in the second-chance state playoffs?
In the last 10 seasons dating to 2011, there have been 12 WPIAL baseball teams that have won PIAA championships.
Of those dozen teams, seven were district champions: Riverside in 2011, Knoch and Neshannock in 2015, Latrobe in 2017, Vincentian and Canon-McMillan in 2018 and New Castle in 2021.
The WPIAL has produced 14 state softball champions since 2011.
Eight of those had earlier captured gold in the WPIAL playoffs: Canon-McMillan in 2013, Hempfield in 2016, ’17 and ’18, West Greene in 2017 and ’18, and Beaver and Mt. Pleasant in 2021.
It appears the WPIAL championship hangover talked about in other sports is not the golden rule on the baseball and softball diamonds.
State baseball begins
The PIAA baseball playoffs start with LaSalle College in 6A, Bethel Park in 5A, Schuylkill Haven in 3A and Halifax in A trying to repeat their title runs from 2021.
New Castle in 4A and Tyrone in 3A did not qualify.
WPIAL teams have won six PIAA baseball championships in the last four seasons since expansion to six classifications in 2017, those coming after winning eight state titles in the final 10 years of the four-classification format from 2007.
Monday’s first-round baseball schedule includes:
• Cumberland Valley vs. Mt. Lebanon at West Mifflin HS in 6A at 1:30 p.m.
• Upper St. Clair vs. Altoona at Mansion Park in Altoona in 6A at 4 p.m.
• Thomas Jefferson vs. West Allegheny at W&J Sports Complex in Washington in 5A at 2 p.m.
• Peters Township at Ephrata in 5A at 4 p.m.
• Bethel Park vs. Central Mountain at Lock Haven University in 5A at 4 p.m.
• Somerset at West Mifflin in 4A at 4 p.m.
• Montour vs. Bellefonte at Bald Eagle HS in 4A at 4 p.m.
• Laurel Highlands vs. Cathedral Prep at Mercyhurst University in 4A at 2 p.m.
• Franklin vs. South Park at Seneca Valley HS in 3A at 1 p.m.
• Mohawk at Martinsburg Central in 3A at 4 p.m.
• Hopewell vs. Fairview at Mercyhurst Prep University in 3A at 4:30 p.m.
• Redbank Valley vs. Serra Catholic at Norwin HS in 2A at 4 p.m.
• Neshannock vs. West Middlesex at Slippery Rock University in 2A at 4:30 p.m.
• Riverside at Mount Union at 4 p.m.
• Burgettstown vs. Johnsonburg at Berwind Park in St. Mary’s in 2A at 4 p.m.
• Clarion-Limestone vs. Union at Neshannock HS in A at 4 p.m.
• Eden Christian Academy vs. Saegertown at Slippery Rock University in A at 2 p.m.
• Rochester vs. DuBois Central Catholic at Showers Field in DuBois in A at 6:30 p.m.
State softball starters
The opening round of the softball playoffs begins with North Penn in 6A, Lampeter-Strasburg in 5A, Beaver in 4A and Tri-Valley in A ready to defend their crowns.
Mt. Pleasant in 3A and Line Mountain in 2A did not qualify.
WPIAL teams have won 10 PIAA softball titles in the last four seasons since expansion to six classifications in 2017, these after winning seven state championships in the final 10 years of the four-classification format going back to 2007.
Monday’s first-round softball schedule includes:
• Central Dauphin at Seneca Valley in 6A at 4 p.m.
• North Allegheny at Mifflin County in 6A at 4 p.m.
• Chartiers Valley at Armstrong in 5A at 3:30 p.m.
• Penn-Trafford at Twin Valey in 5A at 4 p.m.
• North Hills at Central Mountain in 5A at 3 p.m.
• Fleetwood vs. Beaver at Neshannock HS in 4A at 4 p.m.
• Elizabeth Forward at Hamburg in 4A at 4 p.m.
• Burrell vs. Villa Maria Academy at Penn State-Behrend in 4A at 3 p.m.
• Westmont-Hilltop vs. Avonworth at Mars HS in 3A at 2 p.m.
• Deer Lakes at Corry in 3A at 4 p.m.
• Southmoreland vs. Bald Eagles at Milesburg Complex in Bellefonte in 3A at 4 p.m.
• Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Neshannock in 2A at 2 p.m.
• Frazier at Everett in 2A at 4:30 p.m.
• Laurel vs. Reynolds at Allegheny College in 2A at 3 p.m.
• Shade vs. Union at Neshannock HS in A at 12 p.m.
• West Greene at Conemaugh Valley in A at 4 p.m.
• Greensburg Central Catholic vs. DuBois Central Catholic at Heindl Field in DuBois at 3 p.m. | 2022-06-06T06:39:00Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | What to watch for in the WPIAL: Monday, June 6, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-the-wpial-monday-june-6-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-the-wpial-monday-june-6-2022/ |
By: Liam Belan
Monday, June 6, 2022 | 9:23 PM
West Allegheny’s Brady Miller heads to third after the ball got away from Thomas Jefferson on a stolen base during a PIAA Class 5A first-round game Monday, June 6, 2022 at Washington & Jefferson.
West Allegheny knew that the environment would be different going from the WPIAL championship game to a PIAA first-round matchup with Thomas Jefferson in the middle of the afternoon on a Monday, yet the result remained the same as the Indians defeated the Jaguars, 7-0.
“This is always a trap game. You go from playing with 3,000 fans to 100,” West Allegheny coach Bryan Cornell said. “That was the focus all week.”
West Allegheny (20-4) was led by several standout performers, with Colin Marinpetro going 3 for 4 with two RBIs and Brady and Gavin Miller turning in strong showings at the plate. Angelo Volomino went 2 for 3 with a double to lead Thomas Jefferson (15-9).
It was older brother Gavin, the Auburn baseball commit, who started the scoring off early for the Indians. As the second batter of the game for West Allegheny, Miller drove an off-speed delivery from Brady Haberman just over the left field wall for a solo home run.
The contest was the first game that Gavin returned to defensive duties after battling several injuries over the past few months, and it was back to business as usual.
“It felt like it was back to normal, like how things should have been from about the middle point of the season, but it’s a blessing to be back in the field,” he said.
Later in the bottom of the first, Marinpetro and Brady Miller singled, but Haberman was able to escape the inning with a one-run deficit.
The score remained 1-0 through the second and third frames as both pitchers seemed to settle in. Haberman went 4⅔ innings and finished with six runs allowed on eight hits. Anthony Pass earned the win with three strikeouts and four hits allowed in five scoreless innings.
Things changed in the bottom of the fourth as the Indians managed to double their lead when Austin Buzza drove in Brady Miller with two outs. Buzza stole second but was eventually stranded.
West Allegheny solidified its victory with a four-run fifth inning.
After keeping the Jaguars scoreless in the top of the frame, Marinpetro, pinch hitter Devan Zirwas and both Millers were able to score.
Gavin Miller reached on an error and scored on a Marinpetro double, Brady Miller drove Marinpetro in with a single, and Zirwas singled to score Brady Miller from third after he stole second and reached third on an error, putting an end to Haberman’s day. McClain Flinn pitched the remainder of the game, and Anthony Raineri singled off of him to bring Zirwas home.
The spurt from West Allegheny made the score 6-0 heading into the top of the sixth. Volomino singled against a new pitcher in Buzza to lead the inning off for the Jaguars, but they were unable to generate runs all day as Volomino was caught trying to steal second and no one else reached base.
“We just couldn’t piece anything together,” Thomas Jefferson coach Tim Vickers said. “We got to this point by doing small-ball type things, but when you’re down big, you can’t go that route.”
The Indians added one more run in the bottom of the sixth as pinch hitter Parker Brown was walked and eventually scored on an RBI single from Marinpetro.
The Jaguars stranded three runners to end the game without a run as Buzza hit two batters and allowed a hit to Flinn.
Despite the result for Vickers’ squad, he was satisfied with the strides that his ballclub has made.
“This program had five wins last year, and now we’re sitting in the first round of the state playoffs, so you’ve got to give the kids a ton of credit,” Vickers said. “They worked their tails off over the course of the season, and as it got later in the year, things just didn’t go our way.”
Clearly, the turnaround for the Jaguars was dramatic despite the loss, and Vickers gives full credit to his squad.
“We got back to what we have done as a program,” Vickers said. “The kids got into the weight room last July and got right into offseason pitching and hitting, and that was pretty much it.”
West Allegheny will meet Bethel Park in Thursday’s quarterfinals.
Tags: Thomas Jefferson, West Allegheny | 2022-06-07T06:22:32Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | WPIAL champion West Allegheny avoids 1st-round trap, blanks Thomas Jefferson | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-champion-west-allegheny-avoids-1st-round-trap-blanks-thomas-jefferson/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-champion-west-allegheny-avoids-1st-round-trap-blanks-thomas-jefferson/ |
12 WPIAL softball teams advance to PIAA quarterfinals
Seneca Valley’s Mia Ryan tags out North Allegheny’s Megan McDonough in the WPIAL Class 6A softball championship Wednesday, June 1, 2002, at Cal (Pa.).
While opening day of the PIAA baseball playoffs was a mixed bag for district teams, the WPIAL softball qualifiers got a chance to strut their stuff in the first round.
The WPIAL was a strong 12-7 in opening round games Monday, with all six new district champions winning and moving on to the second round.
In fact, all six classifications were part of the first victory lap as at least two WPIAL softball teams advanced to Round 2.
Seneca Valley vs. Quakertown at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg at 2 p.m.
North Allegheny vs. Pennsbury at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg at noon
Central Mountain vs. Armstrong at St. Francis in Loretto 2 p.m.
Penn-Trafford vs. Southern Lehigh at Chambersburg at 3:30 p.m.
Burrell vs. Beaver at Mars at 3 p.m.
Karns City vs. Avonworth at Mars at 1 p.m.
Deer Lakes vs. Bald Eagle at St. Francis in Loretto at 4:30 p.m.
Neshannock vs. Johnsonburg at Heindl Field in DuBois at 3 p.m.
Laurel vs. Everett at Norwin at 4 p.m.
Saegertown vs. Union at Slippery Rock at 1 p.m.
DuBois Central Catholic vs. West Greene at Slippery Rock at 3 p.m.
Tags: Armstrong, Avonworth, Beaver, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Laurel, Neshannock, North Allegheny, Penn-Trafford, Seneca Valley, Union, West Greene | 2022-06-08T03:46:56Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | 12 WPIAL softball teams advance to PIAA quarterfinals | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/12-wpial-softball-teams-advance-to-piaa-quarterfinals/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/12-wpial-softball-teams-advance-to-piaa-quarterfinals/ |
Mars boys lacrosse earns 2nd straight trip to state championship game
Mars’ Jack Dunham (9) celebrates with Wes Scurci after scoring against Quaker Valey during the WPIAL Class 2A championship game May 26.
For the second straight season, Mars will get a chance to become the first WPIAL team to win a state championship in boys lacrosse.
Enzo Grieco and Austin Cote scored four goals apiece to lead the Fightin’ Planets to a 16-8 victory over Penncrest in the PIAA Class 2A semifinals Tuesday in Chambersburg.
Mars will meet District 1 champ Marple Newtown in the state finals at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Harold Zimmerman Stadium at West Chester East High School.
Wes Scurci, Jack Dunham and Josh Seipp scored two goals apiece for Mars. Scurci beat the buzzer at the end of the first half to give the Planets a 9-7 edge. Jacob Caringola and Kyle McEwen also scored.
Brennan Kaut led Penncrest, the District 1 runners-up, with three goals.
Mars advanced to the state finals last year before falling to District 11 champion Allentown Central Catholic. | 2022-06-08T03:47:08Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Mars boys lacrosse earns 2nd straight trip to state championship game | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/mars-boys-lacrosse-earns-2nd-straight-trip-to-state-championship-game/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/mars-boys-lacrosse-earns-2nd-straight-trip-to-state-championship-game/ |
Penn-Trafford lineman Joe Enick verbally commits to Central Michigan
Penn-Trafford’s Joe Enick
A steady stream of scholarship offers have followed Joe Enick since late March. More were likely to come this summer.
But the football lineman from Penn-Trafford decided it was time to highlight his favorite one.
Enick gave a verbal commitment to play at Central Michigan of the Mid-American Conference.
The mullet-wearing junior, who has one more season to play in Harrison City, was wowed by his visit to the campus of a Division I program that he feels fits him well.
“What made me choose Central Michigan was the people,” Enick said. “I felt welcomed and at home, to say the least. They have an outstanding coaching staff full of great people and experience. It is an outstanding program with the academics that I need to succeed past football in life. The atmosphere just walking through the doors and even meeting some of the alums at the hotel my first night, it’s like a great big family. It’s truly a great place.”
Thank you to the coaches for giving me an opportunity to play for their programs! Thank you to my family, coaches, & teammates for all of your support! After careful consideration, I am fully committed to Central Michigan University!! #FireUpChips @CMU_Football @ptwarriorfb pic.twitter.com/R5uJtqV6zw
— Joseph Enick (@JosephEnick3) June 6, 2022
Enick (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) was recruited by the Chippewas as an interior lineman but could end up at center. That is where he played for the Warriors last season during WPIAL and PIAA championship runs.
He said he committed before his senior season to clear the road. He is one of several Penn-Trafford players attracting college attention.
“I wanted to get the process over with so that I could focus on the team,” he said.
While he said Central Michigan was his “No. 1 the whole time,” Enick’s other offers came from St. Francis (Pa.), Fordham, Buffalo, Georgetown, Youngstown State, The Citadel, Bucknell, Eastern Michigan, Lehigh, Maine, Monmouth, Duquesne, Miami (Ohio) and Albany.
Enick also is a good wrestler for the Warriors. His football coach, John Ruane, thinks that sport has complemented football well.
“He is the best finisher we’ve had up front and is really competitive,” Ruane said. “A lot of that comes from his wrestling background.”
The recruiting process has been a team effort for Enick, who has relied on an inner circle of support to come to terms with his final choice.
“I appreciate everyone who got me to this point,” he said. “My parents, first of all, and my grandparents. And all my coaches and trainers who helped shape me into the ballplayer I am today.”
As for the mullet, one of his defining characteristics, Enick said get used to it.
“I just (formed) the mullet one day during covid and it became part of me,” he said. “It’s here to stay.”
• Former Highlands QB hired to coach Golden Rams football team
• Franklin Regional lineman Nesler takes up cause of disabled veterans | 2022-06-08T03:47:20Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Penn-Trafford lineman Joe Enick verbally commits to Central Michigan | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/p-t-lineman-joe-enick-verbally-commits-to-central-michigan/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/p-t-lineman-joe-enick-verbally-commits-to-central-michigan/ |
Sites announced for PIAA baseball quarterfinals
West Mifflin’s Jake Walker turns a double play over Somerset’s Spencer Marteeny during their PIAA Class 4A first round state playoff game on Monday, June 6, 2022, at West Mifflin High School.
It was a rough start to the PIAA baseball postseason for several WPIAL champions.
However, thanks to success from some of the other district teams, it turned out to be more of a split decision.
Now, nine teams are moving on to the second round on the Path to Penn State.
Four of the 10 district teams eliminated Monday in the state baseball playoffs were newly minted 2022 WPIAL champions. The Class 3A and A district reps were a combined 0-6.
Upper St. Clair vs. Warwick at Mt. Aloysius College in Cresson at noon
Bethel Park vs. West Allegheny at Washington & Jefferson Sports Complex in Washington at 2 p.m.
Laurel Highlands vs. West Mifflin at Latrobe at 4 p.m.
Montour vs. East Pennsboro at Mt. Aloysius College in Cresson at 3 p.m.
Neshannock vs. Riverside at Seneca Valley at 3:30 p.m.
Burgettstown vs. Redbank Valley at Slippery Rock University at 3:30 p.m.
Tags: Bethel Park, Burgettstown, Laurel Highlands, Montour, Neshannock, Riverside, Upper St. Clair, West Allegheny, West Mifflin | 2022-06-08T03:47:27Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Sites announced for PIAA baseball quarterfinals | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/sites-announced-for-piaa-baseball-quarterfinals/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/sites-announced-for-piaa-baseball-quarterfinals/ |
A-K Valley PIAA softball playoff capsules for June 9, 2022
Deer Lakes’ Shayne Cerra catches the final out against Waynesburg during the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals May 19.
Burrell (14-2) vs. Beaver (20-0)
3 p.m. at Mars
Winner plays: Winner of Hamburg (20-3) vs. Clearfield (19-3) in semifinals Monday (site and time TBD)
Players to watch: Caroline Dynka, Burrell; Payton List, Beaver
Extra bases: Burrell won its first state playoff game since 2011 with a 6-0 victory Monday over District 10 champion Villa Maria Academy at Penn State-Behrend. The Bucs, led by junior pitcher Katie Armstrong, have allowed just three runs in four postseason games. Burrell pounded out 10 hits, the most in a game since it erupted for 16 hits in a 9-0 victory against McKeesport in the fifth game of the regular season April 22. Dynka led the way with three hits and two runs scored, and Armstrong, Bella Stewart, Pyper Ferres and Bray Jones recorded RBIs. The Bucs committed no errors for the third time in the postseason, and Armstrong was dominant with one hit allowed, no walks and 17 strikeouts. It was Burrell’s 10th shutout in 16 games … Beaver was tested Monday by District 3 third-place team Fleetwood before pulling out a 3-2 victory. The Bobcats, the defending PIAA Class 4A champs, won for the 41st consecutive time. A team scored more than one run on Beaver for only the fourth time this season. Like Burrell, the Bobcats have allowed only three runs in four postseason contests. List, a Virginia Tech recruit, is the engine that powers the machine for Beaver. She is 18-0 with a 0.29 ERA, 243 strikeouts and 30 walks in 121 innings. List also leads the team with a .603 average, 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and 38 runs scored.
Deer Lakes (14-5) vs. Bald Eagle Area (17-4)
4:30 p.m. at St. Francis (Pa.)
Winner plays: Winner of Avonworth (18-5) vs. Karns City (15-3) in semifinals Monday (stite and time TBD)
Players to watch: Tia Germanich, Deer Lakes; Sierra Albright, Bald Eagle Area
Extra bases: Deer Lakes’ 5-1 road victory over District 10 champion Corry on Monday was its first PIAA victory since 2017 when it topped Karns City, 16-6, in the first round. The one run allowed was the fewest given up by the Lancers in a game since they topped section rival North Catholic, 11-1, on May 2. Deer Lakes was held off the scoreboard against Corry until erupting for five runs in the top of the sixth. The big hit of the inning was a three-run homer from sophomore catcher Tia Germanich. Junior third baseman Delanie Kaiser had an RBI double and finished with three of her team’s nine hits. Sophomore pitcher Maddie Kee bounced back from a loss to Avonworth in the WPIAL title game and finished with 10 strikeouts and five hits surrendered. Deer Lakes has qualified for the quarterfinals for the fifth time in its six PIAA appearances since 2012 … Bald Eagle Area, the eight-time District 6 champion, ended Southmoreland’s postseason run with a 4-1 victory Monday. It’s the Eagles’ third straight trip to the state tournament. BEA lost to Mt. Pleasant in the Class 3A first round last year but it made it all to the way to the PIAA finals in 2019. The Eagles return to St. Francis, the site of their 10-4 District 6 title victory over Westmont Hilltop. Albright, just a freshman, had 10 strikeouts in that game, and she came back to fan 11 while scattering four hits against the Scotties. Albright had 18 strikeouts in a game earlier this season. Sophomore Ava Stere was the hitting star for BEA against Southmoreland with a 3-for-3 game, including two doubles, and three RBIs. | 2022-06-09T00:42:01Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | A-K Valley PIAA softball playoff capsules for June 9, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-piaa-softball-playoff-capsules-for-june-9-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-piaa-softball-playoff-capsules-for-june-9-2022/ |
Deer Lakes wants to continue PIAA postseason journey
Deer Lakes’ Jenna Bisegna celebrates with catcher Tia Germanich during their WPIAL Class 3A semifinal against South Allegheny on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at West Mifflin High School.
A quartet from the Deer Lakes softball team — Jenna Bisegna, Reese Hasley, Keeghan Cook and Lydia Guthrie — took one of the biggest walks of their lives and graduated Wednesday evening.
As one journey comes to a close, the graduates hope another keeps rolling along.
They will join their Lancers teammates Thursday for a PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal contest against District 6 champion Bald Eagle Area at St. Francis (Pa.) in Loretto.
Deer Lakes punched its ticket to the quarterfinals with a 5-1 victory Monday over District 10 champion Corry on Corry’s home field.
“We found out that Bald Eagle had beaten Southmoreland right after our game with Corry ended,” said Bisegna, who plays first base and is the leadoff hitter.
“(Athletic director) Chuck Bellisario told us when we got on the bus. As soon as we found out, our attention immediately turned to Bald Eagle and what we need to do to get another win.”
The Lancers made Monday’s round trip of more than four hours count in a big way. It was the team’s first PIAA victory since 2017 when it defeated Karns City, 16-6, in the first round. Of the team’s six PIAA playoff appearances since 2012, including this year, it has made it to the quarterfinals five times.
“We were so excited to experience that win, and it was a really happy bus ride home,” Bisegna said. “It gave us the momentum going into Thursday that we know we have to bring our ‘A’ game. It also was a great team bonding experience, like the Myrtle Beach trip was earlier this season. We had time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and it also helped us grow even closer in our goal to get to the state title game.”
The Deer Lakes players, coach Rick Cerra said, plan to meet to do some hitting before the bus leaves for St. Francis at 1 p.m. The team practiced Tuesday, but it didn’t meet Wednesday.
“The last thing I wanted to do was to not have practice (Wednesday), but it’s graduation, and that is a really important thing, too,” he said. “But at this point, with all the games and practices we’ve already had, I don’t know what else we haven’t gone over a hundred-thousand times. I know these girls are ready to play.”
Deer Lakes was one of 12 WPIAL softball teams out of 18 in the six classifications to advance to the WPIAL quarterfinals.
“When we talked after practice (Tuesday), I wanted to make sure they understood just where they are as one of the final eight in the state in 3A,” Cerra said. “That is such a huge accomplishment and a tribute to the hard work they’ve put in throughout the season and in preparation before the season. They are reaping the benefits. But as far as we’re concerned, we’re not done yet. It’s nice to be one of the final eight, but they want to be one of the final four, and it is going to take a great effort (Thursday).”
While Southmoreland lost, WPIAL champion Avonworth advanced in the Class 3A bracket and is a potential semifinal opponent should the Lancers make it past Bald Eagle Area.
“That main drive to getting to the title game is meeting up with Avonworth again,” Bisegna said. “We’d like to get a little revenge from the loss in the WPIAL title game, but we don’t have to be reminded that we won’t get that chance if we don’t take care of business Thursday. The win against Corry was that first step, and now we go after that second step Thursday.”
The Lancers rallied past Corry with five runs in the sixth inning. The lineup collected nine hits, and sophomore Maddie Kee struck out 10 to post her 14th win of the season. Kee owns a 1.80 ERA with 137 strikeouts against 44 walks.
“Each player contributed to that win, whether it was in the field or at bat, just like we have done all season,” Bisegna said.
Bisegna said she hopes the offense can produce a little earlier Thursday.
“We have a tendency to fall a little short at the beginning of games, but we really want that mentality to be able to come out and get ahead of Bald Eagle and put some pressure on their pitcher,” she said.
BEA freshman Sierra Albright limited Southmoreland to four hits while striking out 11 in a 4-1 first-round win.
“She pitched incredible against Southmoreland,” Cerra said. “For a freshman to come in and perform well in these big games, we obviously took notice of that. We are fortunate to have a sophomore in Maddie perform the way she is, too. You have to give both a ton of credit to come in and do so well in these high-pressure playoff games.” | 2022-06-09T00:42:07Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Deer Lakes wants to continue PIAA postseason journey | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-wants-to-continue-piaa-postseason-journey/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-wants-to-continue-piaa-postseason-journey/ |
Penn-Trafford sophomore Mackenzie Keenan
Mackenzie Keenan has a number of nicknames.
The sophomore softball player at Penn-Trafford has been called “Chuck” and “Chunk” for reasons that can’t altogether be explained around the clubhouse.
“We always call her, ‘Line-drive Mack,’” Warriors coach Denny Little said. “Everything she hits is a frozen rope.”
Keenan, pronounced ka-nan, likes the monikers.
“It’s all right,” she said. “I really don’t like the name Mackenzie, to be honest.”
Another nickname has greater meaning to her than the others, though. Her grandmother called her “Mack,” perhaps the most common of her tags.
“She came to all of my games,” Keenan said. “She would always cheer for me.”
But her grandmother, Marilyn “Kay” Lynch, died last week, two days before Penn-Trafford played Armstrong in the WPIAL Class 5A championship game at Cal (Pa.). She was 70.
Her viewing was Friday, the day of the game, but Keenan decided after careful consideration that it would be best to play.
“That is what she would have wanted me to do,” Keenan said. “She’d want me to be there.”
Keenan attended the funeral Saturday and, after saying her final goodbye to a woman she was so close to, decided to play in her memory.
“We had some relatives here,” she said. “My grandpap and my mom’s cousin from Chicago came to see me play, so that was nice. I want to keep winning for her. She told me to have fun and cherish all the time with my team.”
Her father, Jason Keenan, an assistant coach for Penn-Trafford who did not attend the WPIAL final, wanted Mack to play.
“I had no reservations,” he said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wanted her to have one speed and keep going.”
Mack Keenan grew up as a catcher. It is her natural position. But she is playing behind senior Maddy Rapp, so she often is the designated player.
She went 3 for 4 Monday in a 3-1 win over Twin Valley in the PIAA first round.
Penn-Trafford (19-3) will meet District 11 champion Southern Lehigh (19-6) in Thursday’s quarterfinal at Norlo Park in Fayetteville near Chambersburg.
The winner moves on to Monday’s semifinals.
“We started off slow (Monday), but I think that had something to do with their pitcher,” Keenan said. “We adjusted better toward the end.”
With that being said, Keenan allows Little to use two catchers, a page out of longtime Hempfield coach Bob Kalp’s book of strategy.
“She will be our catcher next year,” Little said of Keenan. “I can put on her the lineup card to start, then make the switch to (Rapp) with two outs. That allows her to be the catcher of record so I can run for her.”
Got all of that?
Bottom line: Keenan is very valuable to the Warriors, who are chasing their second PIAA title in four years.
The No. 1-ranked student in Penn-Trafford’s Class of 2024 — she wants to major in biomedical engineering — Keenan also brings plenty of intelligence to the diamond, a complement to that heavy bat of hers.
Keenan is a tough out because she is so aggressive. To pitchers, it’s like arm-wrestling Popeye after he’s had his spinach. You lose your grip early in the count and she is going to club one to the gap.
“She reminds of Megan and Emma (Little),” coach Little said. “She goes after it. She is our most consistent hitter. She has 70 mph bat speed and 73 mph exit velocity.”
Keenan is in attack mode from the second she steps inside the box. The Warriors like to get big innings going with a “Mack Attack.”
She is hitting .468, second on the team, and is tied for the team lead with 29 hits to go with 13 RBIs.
She has batted seventh, fifth and now third in the lineup.
“We talk about having a two-strike approach,” Keenan said. “For me, the best approach is not to get two strikes. I go for the first pitch I like.
“If I strike out, it’s probably a really bad whiff.”
Keenan has a WPIAL title with the field hockey team, as do several teammates who also play that sport. Her sister, Madison, is a three-time WPIAL field hockey champion but does not play softball.
“I started playing softball when I was 8, for the P-T Power,” Keenan said. “It was something to do but it became super fun.”
That meant cheerleading went by the wayside. But her grandma was there to play that part. | 2022-06-09T00:42:25Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Sophomore slugger makes name for herself in middle of Penn-Trafford lineup | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/sophomore-slugger-makes-name-for-herself-in-middle-of-penn-trafford-lineup/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/sophomore-slugger-makes-name-for-herself-in-middle-of-penn-trafford-lineup/ |
Westmoreland County PIAA softball playoff capsule for June 9, 2022
Penn-Trafford’s Cameron Ponko celebrates her double during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Armstrong on June 3 at Cal (Pa.).
Penn-Trafford (19-3) vs. Southern Lehigh (19-6)
3:30 p.m. Thursday at Norlo Park Softball Complex, Fayetteville
Winner plays: Winner of Central Mountain (21-2)/Armstrong (21-4) on Monday in semifinals (time, site TBD)
Extra bases: Penn-Trafford didn’t hit like it can in the first round, sending 14 pop-ups into the air, but still managed a 3-1 victory over District 3 runner-up Twin Valley. The host team saw Alivia Lichtner hit a home run in the bottom of the first inning, but Penn-Trafford settled in from there. Sophomore Mackenzie Keenan had three hits, and senior Hannah Allen drove in two runs for the Warriors. Mia Smith picked up her 19th win of the season, allowing three hits. Penn-Trafford won the state title in 2019. A WPIAL final rematch against Armstrong could await the Warriors. … Mikaela Benner allowed four hits and struck out eight to lead Southern Lehigh to a 5-2 win over Shippensburg in the first round. It was the team’s first state playoff win in 15 years. Morghan Davies added a sacrifice fly and put a ball in play that led to two runs via an error. Lila Padden, a freshman, had an RBI triple, and second baseman Hannah Bausher pushed in a run with a squeeze bunt for the Spartans. Legendary coach Brian Neefe, in his 51st season, has seven District 11 titles and 835 career wins. The Spartans had 13 hits in the district title game, a 10-6 win over Pottsville, as Bausher doubled in a run and third baseman Kaley Hoffman homered. | 2022-06-09T00:42:37Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County PIAA softball playoff capsule for June 9, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-piaa-softball-playoff-capsule-for-june-9-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-piaa-softball-playoff-capsule-for-june-9-2022/ |
What to watch for in WPIAL sports on June 9, 2022: 21 baseball, softball teams alive in state title hunt
West Mifflin’s Zane Griffaton (15) celebrates with Mike Lydon and Derek Kleinhans after defeating Somerset in their PIAA Class 4A first-round game Monday.
Welcome to Quarterfinals Thursday in the PIAA baseball and softball playoffs.
WPIAL teams hit the midway point of the state diamond postseason with 12 softball and nine baseball teams still playing on the Path to Penn State.
In the opening round Monday, district softball teams were a combined 12-7 with all six WPIAL champions advancing to Round 2.
District baseball teams did not enjoy that kind of success, going a combined 9-10 with only two of the six WPIAL title winners moving on to the quarterfinals.
The baseball struggles buck a recent successful trend of WPIAL teams in the opening round of the PIAA postseason.
In 2018, WPIAL baseball teams were a combined 11-6 in the first round. In 2019, they were 11-8, and last season, district teams were a combined 12-7.
The softball success by district teams Monday should come as no surprise.
In the four previous PIAA softball first rounds, WPIAL teams are a combined 49-26, including an impressive 14-5 combined record in the 2018 opening round.
Traveling in pairs
WPIAL softball teams must have decided to pair up this spring and find a playoff pal to advance with.
Two district teams won and moved on in each of the six classifications.
However, the only head-to-head matchup of district schools Thursday will be in Class 4A when state reigning champion Beaver (20-0) takes on Burrell (14-2) at 3 p.m. at Mars.
These two section champions did not meet in the regular season or the WPIAL playoffs.
Both have dominant pitchers leading the way.
Payton List struck out 11 and had a pair of doubles in the Bobcats’ 3-2 first-round win over Fleetwood.
Katie Armstrong struck out 17 batters in the Buccaneers’ win over District 10 champion Villa Maria Academy in the opener on Monday.
Beaver has won 41 games in a row.
The other 10 games involving WPIAL teams are:
• Seneca Valley (14-6) vs. Quakertown (21-4) in 6A at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg at 2 p.m.
• North Allegheny (14-10) vs. Pennsbury (23-2) in 6A at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg at noon
• Central Mountain (21-2) vs. Armstrong (21-4) in 5A at St. Francis University in Loretto 2 p.m.
• Penn-Trafford (19-3) vs. Southern Lehigh (19-6) in 5A at Chambersburg HS at 3:30 p.m.
• Karns City (15-3) vs. Avonworth (18-5) in 3A at Mars HS at 1 p.m.
• Deer Lakes (14-5) vs. Bald Eagle (17-4) in 3A at St. Francis University in Loretto at 4:30 p.m.
• Neshannock (23-0) vs. Johnsonburg (11-6) in 2A at Heindl Field in DuBois at 3 p.m.
• Laurel (18-4) vs. Everett (22-0) in 2A at Norwin HS at 4 p.m.
• Saegertown (15-4) vs. Union (21-3) in Class A at Slippery Rock University at 1 p.m.
• DuBois Central Catholic (20-3) vs. West Greene (15-4) in Class A at Slippery Rock University at 3 p.m.
Only four quarters
With the combined 0-6 record of the WPIAL baseball teams in both Class 3A and A on Monday, district attention now focuses on the other four classifications.
Thursday features three head-to-head contests between WPIAL foes, including two between section rivals.
There was no WPIAL championship hangover for West Mifflin.
The first-time 4A champions began their pursuit of more gold Monday with some good old fashioned home cooking.
Playing on their home turf, sophomore Zane Griffaton was the head chef serving a tasty Titans treat.
He allowed one run on four hits as the winning pitcher and helped his own cause with a two-run homer in a 6-1 victory over Somerset.
Laurel Highlands’ trip north to Erie turned into a day at the beach for the Mustangs.
Frank Kula’s two-run single led Laurel Highlands to a stunning, 4-3 win over District 10 power Cathedral Prep.
The Mustangs celebrated their first PIAA baseball victory by watching the sunset over Lake Eire.
West Mifflin swept the season series from Laurel Highlands in late March, 7-4 and 5-1.
Their third meeting is at 4 p.m. at Latrobe.
Both the Riverside and Neshannock programs have enjoyed great success on the diamond thanks to the legendary efforts of coach Dan Oliastro at Riverside and longtime Neshannock skipper Mike Kirkwood.
Kirkwood has since passed the head coaching reigns of to John Quahliero, but the wins keep coming for both schools.
In the regular season, Riverside finished tied for first place with Shenango, one game ahead of Neshannock and Laurel in Section 2-2A.
The Panthers swept the two regular season meetings back in early April, 5-2 and 4-0. But it was the Lancers who went the farthest in the district playoffs, reaching the WPIAL 2A title game before falling to Serra Catholic.
With a state semifinals berth at stake, the two meet at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Seneca Valley.
The other battle of district teams is a rematch of a WPIAL Class 5A semifinal as reigning WPIAL champion West Allegheny battles defending PIAA champion Bethel Park.
When the two met in the district final four, Indians senior Anthony Pass scattered five hits and struck out seven in a 3-0 shutout of the Black Hawks.
Anthony Ranieri had two hits and an RBI for West A.
The game will be played at 2 p.m. at the Washington & Jefferson College Sports Complex in Washington.
The other three games involving WPIAL teams are:
• Upper St. Clair (13-10 vs. Warwick (20-2) in 6A at Mt. Aloysius College in Cresson at noon
• Montour (18-6) vs. East Pennsboro (18-4) in 4A at Mt. Aloysius College in Cresson at 3 p.m.
• Burgettstown (15-5) vs. Redbank Valley (14-6) in 2A at Slippery Rock University at 2:30 p.m. | 2022-06-09T11:01:57Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | What to watch for in WPIAL sports on June 9, 2022: 21 baseball, softball teams alive in state title hunt | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-june-9-2022-21-baseball-softball-teams-alive-in-state-title-hunt/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-june-9-2022-21-baseball-softball-teams-alive-in-state-title-hunt/ |
Deer Lakes entered Thursday’s PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal matchup with Bald Eagle hoping to punch its ticket to the state semifinals for the first time since 2015.
But the Eagles and freshman pitcher Sierra Albright had other ideas.
Albright limited Deer Lakes to five hits and struck out nine over seven innings, and BEA, the District 6 champion, scored twice in the second and once in the third en route to a 3-0 victory at St. Francis (Pa.).
The loss for the WPIAL runner-up Lancers capped their season at 14-6.
“It’s tough for the girls to see their season end, and they battled hard today,” Deer Lakes coach Rick Cerra said.
“(Sophomore) Maddie (Kee) pitched great, and our fielding was really good. A lot of the hits (BEA) got today they earned. We just didn’t get the hits that we needed.”
Bald Eagle, a Class 3A state finalist in 2019, improved to 18-4 and will face WPIAL champion Avonworth in the semifinals Monday at a site and time to be determined.
The Antelopes advanced with a 7-4 victory Thursday over District 9 champ Karns City at Mars.
“The girls are playing well together, and they’re having a lot of fun,” BEA coach Don Lucas said of his youthful lineup that features four freshmen.
BEA finished with eight hits off of Kee.
The Eagles loaded the bases in the top of the second as cleanup hitter Marina Shawley drew a leadoff walk, Madison Perry reached with an infield single and Kierra Serb was hit by a pitch.
With two outs, No. 9 hitter Taylor Habovick lifted a ball to the outfield in front of Lancers center fielder Reese Hasley.
Hasley sprinted in and made a diving attempt, but the ball deflected off her glove and a pair of runs scored for a 2-0 BEA lead.
“Reese plays all out every time,” Cerra said. “She gave a great effort on that ball and almost had it.”
The Eagles made it 3-0 in the third as Ava Stere led off with an infield single and came around to score on a Perry single.
BEA then loaded the bases with one out in the fourth, but Kee and the Deer Lakes defense worked out of the jam.
Kee retired 11 of the final 12 Eagles batters and finished the game with four strikeouts.
Deer Lakes’ best chances to score came in the second and the fourth.
Kee led off the second with a single that hit halfway up on the right-field fence. Hasley then drew a walk.
But Albright got Anna Bokulich to ground into a fielder’s choice in between strikeouts of Tia Germanich and Delanie Kaiser.
In the fourth, Kee reached on an infield single with one out, and Hasley followed with a walk.
But Albright again came up big with strikeouts of Germanich and Bokulich to quell the Lancers rally.
“Sierra just doesn’t get rattled,” Lucas said. “You don’t really find that too much in a ninth grader. She’s faced a lot of tough situations all season. She made some really good pitches and also had a lot of confidence in the girls behind her. She knows she doesn’t have to strike everyone out.”
Lydia Guthrie and Shayne Cerra recorded singles for the Lancers in fifth and sixth innings, respectively.
Pinch hitter Sophia Laurenza came on in the bottom of the seventh and reached safely with a two-out infield single.
Guthrie followed with a sharply hit ball to short, and she was called out on a close play at first to end the game.
“What a great season the girls had,” coach Cerra said. “I don’t know if many people expected us to be where we’re at, to be honest. But the girls work really hard all season and fought for the opportunity to play in these big games and get this far. The girls had confidence in each other. I am just so proud of each one of them. They should hold their heads up high for everything they accomplished this year.” | 2022-06-10T08:26:16Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Deer Lakes softball team bows out of state playoffs | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-softball-team-bows-out-of-state-playoffs/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-softball-team-bows-out-of-state-playoffs/ |
Penn-Trafford players and coaches line up after a 16-5 win against Southern Lehigh in the PIAA Class 5A quarterfinals on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Norlo Park near Chambersburg.
FAYETTEVILLE — Fundamentals, no matter what time of the season they are or are not executed, carry immense meaning for softball teams.
Simple ground balls. Pop-ups. Sacrifice bunts. They all can add up. And they are magnified in the state playoffs because they can make or break seasons.
Penn-Trafford used a number of bunts to set up runs, and Southern Lehigh struggled to make routine defensive plays in a PIAA Class 5A quarterfinal playoff game Thursday. The WPIAL runner-up Warriors stacked up unearned runs and took advantage of 11 errors by the District 11 champion Spartans to hang a 16-5 victory on the board at Norlo Park near Chambersburg.
Small ball led to a big score. While the score would suggest the mercy rule, the lopsided game lasted all seven innings as the Warriors were methodical, patient and opportunistic.
“I think we had 11 bunts,” Penn-Trafford coach Denny Little said. “The bunt got us going today. The girls laid it down. We don’t have the big hitting like we had in the past. Sometimes you have to find ways to score runs.”
The Warriors (20-3) earned a WPIAL title rematch with Armstrong (22-4) in Monday’s semifinal, which will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Mars.
“Our girls earned this rematch,” Little said.
Sophomore Mack Keenan had three hits, including a two-run homer, in the leadoff spot. Freshman Cam Ponko reached base five times and drove in five runs, and junior Kylee Piconi added three RBIs for the Warriors, who trailed 3-1.
Southern Lehigh (19-7) took a 3-1 lead on a three-run, opposite-field homer by sophomore Kaley Hoffman in the first.
But the Warriors responded, even after losing their starting pitcher briefly. Senior Mia Smith jammed her left middle finger while batting and left the game after giving up Hoffman’s home run.
Senior McKenzie Rapp filled in and, despite allowing the Spartans to tie it 5-5, did not let them regain the lead.
“Our girls responded well,” Smith said. “McKenzie is a strong pitcher. I know I couldn’t hit her the other day at practice. I knew we would be OK.”
Smith returned for the bottom of the third and retired eight straight hitters. The Warriors scored 11 unanswered runs as errors piled up for the Spartans. Smith stuck out eight, picked up her 20th win and topped 190 Ks for the season.
A four-run second that included three errors gave them a 5-3 lead. Ponko had a two-run single.
“We weren’t surprised we could score (16 runs),” Ponko said. “We know we have the ability to do that.”
Southern Lehigh senior Hannah Bausher, the backup pitcher who relieved senior starter Mikaela Benner, ripped an RBI single to tie it 5-5.
But Keenan’s two-run homer gave the Warriors an 8-5 lead in the third.
“We needed someone to step up and get us going,” Little said. “Mack did that today. We only had three runs (against Twin Valley). We needed to get more offense.”
Ponko ripped another two-run single to make it 13-5 in the fifth.
Three more runs crossed in the seventh, all products of errors as things went off the rails for the Spartans.
“We exploited their weaknesses,” Smith said of Southern Lehigh.
Penn-Trafford used 13 hitters as Little once again emptied his bench.
Freshman Kylie Anthony, who started in place of junior Caitlyn Schlegel (illness) in center, added two RBIs.
Southern Lehigh also had two catcher’s interference calls go against it, adding to a long day in the field. Penn-Trafford denied longtime Southern Lehigh coach Brian Neefe his 840th career win.
Neefe completed his 51st year leading the Spartans. | 2022-06-10T08:26:35Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Small ball, miscues propel Penn-Trafford into PIAA Class 5A semifinals | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/small-ball-propels-penn-trafford-past-southern-lehigh-into-piaa-class-5a-semifinals/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/small-ball-propels-penn-trafford-past-southern-lehigh-into-piaa-class-5a-semifinals/ |
West Mifflin second baseman Ryan Lang forces out Laurel Highlands senior Joe Chambers during the fourth inning of a PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal Thursday at Latrobe.
Laurel Highlands third baseman Alex McClain applies a late tag on West Mifflin’s Bert Kovalsky during a PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal Thursday at Latrobe.
West Mifflin’s Bert Kovalsky slides into third base and beats the tag from Laurel Highlands third baseman Alex McClain in the fourth inning in the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinals Thursday at Latrobe.
Laurel Highlands junior Tyler Sankovich (9) leaps onto home plate after hitting a two-run home run against West Mifflin in a PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal Thursday at Latrobe.
Laurel Highlands third baseman Alex McClain fields a bouncer in a PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal against West Mifflin on Thursday at Latrobe.
Laurel Highlands junior Tyler Sankovich lets out a yell after hitting a two-run home run in a PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal game against West Mifflin on Thursday at Latrobe.
If West Mifflin baseball coach Jeff Kuzma had his druthers, he’d rather win a game with a walk-off hit instead of a walk-off walk.
But he’s not complaining about how his team defeated Section 3 rival Laurel Highlands, 4-3, in the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinals Thursday at Latrobe.
Catcher Corey Kuszaj drew a four-pitch walk in the bottom of the seventh inning to score Bert Kovalsky to complete the rally and send the WPIAL champions, now 20-3, to the semifinals against Montour on Monday.
West Mifflin, which trailed 3-0, entered the seventh inning down 3-2.
The inning started with Eric Link getting hit with a pitch. Kovalsky reached on catcher’s interference, which forced Laurel Highlands coach Brad Yohman to switch pitchers, bringing in Braeden O’Brien for Alex McClain.
O’Brien walked Mike Lydon to load the bases, gave up an RBI hit by Ryan Lang and then walked Kuszaj to end the game.
“The game plan all season, specifically in this game, was try to get deep in the count and get deep into their pitching staff,” Kuzma said. “We were lucky enough to keep it close with them having the 3-0 lead. We gave ourselves a chance at the end. It paid dividends.”
Kuzma said the word to his team was “take” and force them to throw strikes.
“We put a lot of pressure on our guys to throw strikes and we put a lot of pressure on the opponent to do the same,” he said. “If they falter at that at all, we’ll take advantage of it. That was our game plan, and we executed later in the game from the fifth inning on.”
Laurel Highlands grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by McClain and extended the lead to 3-0 on a two-run home run over the center field fence by Tyler Sankovich.
C.J. Gesk and Sankovich each had two hits for the Mustangs, who ended the season at 17-8.
“I feel terrible for our players,” Yohman said. “We’ve had a heck of a year in general with a lot of transition and change. The team really battled and really worked through a lot of things. This is a heartbreaker. I feel for them.
“I’ll think about this with the coaching staff at some point. It was tough, a 3-0 lead and we’re in a pretty good spot and we knew they’d find a way to respond. It’s hard to keep them off the scoreboard with everything they do. They put pressure on us.”
After the Mustangs took a 3-0 lead, their pitchers struggled to find the strike zone. The Titans only had five hits, but they took advantage of 11 walks, two hit batters and a catcher’s interference.
West Mifflin picked up single tallies in the fifth and sixth innings. The first run came home on a bases-loaded walk and the second on a groundout by Devin Matey. Zane Griffaton had two hits including a double to highlight the sixth inning rally.
Laurel Highlands’ sophomore starter Devon Krivosky kept West Mifflin off the board into the fifth inning. Four-consecutive two-out walks in the fifth inning chased him from the mound.
It was the third time this season that West Mifflin defeated Laurel Highlands.
“Baseball is a funny game,” Kuzma said. “I told them down 3-0 to stay the course. We knew to beat that team three times in a row would be a feat.
“We had to come with a totally different level of baseball, and we were able to do that. Hats off to Section 3 baseball. You saw two teams battle it out for a chance to go to the state semifinals.”
Kuzma said his team must get ready for a rematch with Montour.
“This has been an amazing season,” Kuzma said. “I told my wife after the game, ‘I don’t know what’s going on here, but it’s something special.’”
Tags: Laurel Highlands, West Mifflin | 2022-06-10T08:26:41Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | West Mifflin walks into state semifinals with comeback win over Laurel Highlands | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/west-mifflin-walks-into-state-semifinals-with-comeback-win-over-laurel-highlands/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/west-mifflin-walks-into-state-semifinals-with-comeback-win-over-laurel-highlands/ |
Moon’s Mia Cochran earns state’s top honor from track and field coaches
Moon’s Mia Cochran flashes a three with her right hand after winning the PIAA Class 3A girls 800-meter run. She was the first to win the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 at the state track meet Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Moon senior Mia Cochran turned in quite a performance at the PIAA track and field championships the weekend of May 27-28.
She won three distance races — 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters — in Class 3A, and for that effort was named the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association’s Girls Athlete of the Year. The three wins also earned her first-team honors in each event.
Her coach, Kyle Burgess, was named Girls Track Coach of the Year. Butler coach Michael Seybert was named Boys Track Coach of the Year.
Three other WPIAL athletes — Shenango’s Emma Callahan (shot put), Hempfield’s Liz Tapper (discus) and Butler’s C.J. Singleton (3,200) — earned first-team honors.
Named to the second team were Brownsville’s Jolena Quarzo (1,600 and 3,200), New Castle’s Maria Owens (long jump), Obama Academy’s Leslie Manson (triple jump), Tapper (shot put), Singleton (1,600) and Ligonier Valley’s Mikes Higgins (javelin).
The third team stars consisted of North Allegheny’s Oliva Haas (800 and 1,600), Canon-McMillan’s Rose Kuchera (100 hurdles and triple jump), North Allegheny’s Kena Shannon (300 hurdles), the South Fayette girls 400-meter relay team, Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy (800), the Central Catholic boys 1,600 relay team, the Butler boys 3,200 relay team, Butler’s Tristan McGarragh (pole vault) and Shenango’s Will Patton (discus).
Honorable mention honors went to Pine-Richland’s Natalie McLean (3,200), Sharp (discus), North Allegheny’s Dwayne Taylor (triple jump) and the Moon boys 3,200 relay team.
Tags: Butler, Canon-McMillan, Central Catholic, Deer Lakes, Hempfield, Ligonier Valley, Moon, New Castle, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland, South Fayette
• North Allegheny boys volleyball draws PIAA championship rematch with Central Dauphin | 2022-06-10T19:00:56Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Moon’s Mia Cochran earns state’s top honor from track and field coaches | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/moons-mia-cochran-earns-states-top-honor-from-track-and-field-coaches/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/moons-mia-cochran-earns-states-top-honor-from-track-and-field-coaches/ |
North Allegheny boys volleyball draws PIAA championship rematch with Central Dauphin
Friday, June 10, 2022 | 6:00 AM
North Allegheny’s Cole Dorn finishes a kill shot past Seneca Valley’s Aidan Uher in the WPIAL Class 3A boys championship May 25.
Some things seem to never change.
Three-time defending PIAA champion North Allegheny is headed back to Penn State’s Rec Hall for the fifth season in a row, a remarkable run of state final appearances for the boys volleyball team. The opponent that will be waiting there for the Tigers is the same team they defeated last season.
North Allegheny (17-1) faces Central Dauphin (22-0) at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the PIAA Class 3A championship rematch. The District 3 champion from Harrisburg looks much the same as last season with a senior-heavy lineup that includes outside hitter Tyler McConnell, a Division I recruit headed to Mount Olive, an NCAA Top 25 program.
But not everything about this rematch is the same.
“We’re a much different team than we were last year,” North Allegheny coach Dan Schall said. “A lot of key figures graduated, so a lot of the guys on our side of the net are brand new. It was a huge turnover, and I think that speaks to the feat of these guys getting back there.”
The Tigers have only three players who started in last year’s state championship: setter Caleb Schall, defensive specialist Ryan Treser and outside hitter Cole Dorn. Treser, now the team’s libero, recently broke the program’s single-season digs record set by his brother Trevor in 2019.
Everybody else on the court is a first-year starter.
“A lot of teams would look to our graduating seniors and think, ‘Ooh, two new middles and a new outside and a new libero,’” Dan Schall said. “I think we regrouped pretty well, I’d say.”
This is the 19th time overall that North Allegheny has reached the state finals and the 11th appearance since Schall became coach in 2002. The Tigers won four titles in that span, including three in a row from 2018-21 (the 2020 season was canceled).
Yet, before considering another postseason run, NA had questions to answer.
“People knew that we were losing a lot of seniors last year, and we knew that a lot of younger guys would have to step up this year,” said senior Caleb Schall, a second-year starter. “We were fully confident that they would. I’m happy that we get to show the state we’re here again.”
Central Dauphin and North Allegheny are each ranked nationally in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. Central Dauphin is fifth and North Allegheny 18th.
The two teams already ran into one another twice in the regular season with mixed results. They played one game at the York tournament April 9 and Central Dauphin won, 25-23. They met again in pool play at the State College tournament April 30 and they split two games there.
A year ago in the state finals, Central Dauphin won the first set, 29-27, before North Allegheny won the next three, 25-15, 25-14 and 25-16. Central Dauphin has reached the state finals for the third time after winning the Class 3A title in 2009 over Penn Hills.
“We did expect to see them here,” Caleb Schall said. “They’re a very good team. We’ve seen them a couple of times this year in tournaments, but I think this is the first time we’re playing them with both of our teams fully healthy.”
North Allegheny lost a key player for an extended period when Dorn was sidelined early in the season with an ankle sprain. Without the St. Francis recruit, junior Jax Wilhite and senior Titus LaMay took on larger roles as outside hitters.
Among the other first-year starters, senior middle blocker Jack Birch was named first-team all-WPIAL and junior Nico Sfeir earned second-team honors. Each had six kills in a 3-0 state semifinal win over Pennridge.
Dorn returned in mid-May and reestablished himself as an offensive threat. He had a team-high 25 kills in the WPIAL finals to defeat Seneca Valley, 3-2, on May 25.
The Tigers haven’t lost a set since the WPIAL finals, defeating all three state tournament opponents in straight sets. In the state semifinals, they defeated Pennridge, 25-23, 25-17 and 25-17. Central Dauphin advanced to the finals with a 3-0 win over District 11 champion Northampton. The Rams won 25-12, 25-14 and 25-17.
“They’re maybe the most polished team we’ve played in terms of their skill level,” Dan Schall said. “They have two excellent outside hitters. We’re not going to stop their left-side attack, but our ability to defend it, get some blocking touches, get some digs on them, maybe serve them into some problems, will be the key.
• Moon’s Mia Cochran earns state’s top honor from track and field coaches | 2022-06-10T19:01:02Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | North Allegheny boys volleyball draws PIAA championship rematch with Central Dauphin | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/north-allegheny-boys-volleyball-draws-piaa-championship-rematch-with-central-dauphin/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/north-allegheny-boys-volleyball-draws-piaa-championship-rematch-with-central-dauphin/ |
Basketball tournament honoring Tre Cunningham’s memory continues to thrive in Jeannette
A road sign to remember the late Tre Cunningham will be posted at the site of the former Jeannette star athlete’s 2020 motorcycle accident.
Submitted by Steve Cunningham
Tre Cunningham
The Tre Cunningham Memorial Basketball Tournament championship chain.
Steve and Tracy Bone Cunningham again were showered with warm memories of their son as the three-day Tre Cunningham Memorial Basketball Tournament reached its midpoint Friday night at Jeannette High School.
The second annual event honors the memory of Tre Cunningham, a three-sport star at Jeannette who was killed in a motorcycle accident in July 2020 at age 20.
“I remember him saying in an article one time, ‘I want them to remember how good I was,’ ” Steve Cunningham said. “This helps to show people that.”
Eight teams played into the second day of pool play before they are place in a bracket Saturday as a build-up to the championship game.
Competing high school boys teams include Jeannette, Greensburg Central Catholic, Penn-Trafford, Monessen, Yough, Geibel, Latrobe and Steel Valley.
The winning team will get the gold chain trophy, and the MVP will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Games are being played at Jeannette’s high school and middle school gyms. The championship will be 5 p.m. Saturday at the high school.
“We are so grateful,” Tracy Cunningham said. “There were so many people at the funeral who came up to us and told us how good of a kid Tre was, people we didn’t even know.”
Some summer hoops at the 2nd annual Tre Cunningham Memorial Basketball Tournament at Jeannette.
Local teams honoring the memory of one of the Jayhawks' greats.@Jhawkathletics@JNTEDFOUNDATION @TribLiveHSSN pic.twitter.com/oure3MjPrA
— Bill Beckner (@BillBeckner) June 11, 2022
While Cunningham’s parents, both Jeannette alums, carry immense pride with them, they are not in total agreement that the memories bring them peace.
“They do,” Steve said. “Tracy doesn’t feel the same way — she is still very angry — but I think he gave us so much in his 20 years. He was a great kid, respectful, he got good grades and he was a talented athlete.”
Said Tracy, “Nothing will ever give us peace. It’s still so hard.”
School board member Tim Carney, of the Jeannette Education Foundation, said the event was started last year to recognize a student-athlete who set himself apart.
“He refereed our knee-hi (basketball) games,” Carney said. “Any time I would see him, he was always as polite and courteous as possible. We wanted to remember such a gifted athlete, one of the best to play here. There is a good buzz, a good feel here.”
The event raised $5,000 last year, and organizers believe it will challenge that amount again.
“It’s $5 to get in, and we’ve had people give us $20,” Carney said. “People have been very charitable, and we appreciate that.”
Cunningham was attending La Roche and playing on the baseball team there.
La Roche has a bench monument to honor Cunningham at its field and also a large banner on the outfield fence with a picture of “Our brother; Our Friend; Our Teammate.”
“We were floored to see that,” Tracy Cunningham said.
Key donations were made by Seton Hill, Hoffman Wealth Management and AHN Hempfield Neighborhood Hospital.
“It’s amazing to see what people think of Tre and the impact he had on them,” Steve Cunningham said. “He had a tattoo that said, ‘Humble.’ That was him.
“When he was around 8, he was playing against a team, and he said, ‘Dad, they called me the infamous Tre Cunningham. What does that mean?’ I said, ‘It means you’re a problem for them.’ ”
Tre Cunningham stood out in baseball, football and basketball. In baseball, he was a talented pitcher with a smooth curve ball. Football saw him catch passes on offense and intercept them on defense and kick and punt (his dad called him “Super Toe”). And in basketball, the lanky but quick 6-foot-3 guard could shoot or drive and also defended well.
His line-drive 3-pointers from the corner were tough to defend.
He won WPIAL championships in baseball and football and a PIAA title in football.
Cunningham was the Tribune-Review Westmoreland’s baseball and basketball player of the year and the publication’s athlete of the year in 2018.
“His smile was so infectious,” Jeannette basketball coach and athletic director Adrian Batts said. “He got better every year he played.”
Jeannette superintendent Matt Jones said he was honored to have known Cunningham.
“Every school should be blessed to have student-athletes like him,” Jones said. “He is missed.”
A road marker, carved up by the Jeannette shop class, will serve as a permanent memorial and be placed at the scene of Cunningham’s accident. It was perched in the gym lobby Friday.
Last month, as a result of last year’s inaugural event, the Jeannette Educational Foundation presented the Tre Cunningham Memorial Basketball Tournament Scholarships to a pair of Jayhawks senior athletes, Tyler Horn and Sydney Shifko. Each received $1,500.
Local teams honoring the memory of one of the Jayhawks' greats.
Penn-Trafford vs. Geibel.@Jhawkathletics@JNTEDFOUNDATION @TribLiveHSSN pic.twitter.com/GYgBPmRlim
Tags: Jeannette | 2022-06-11T03:46:26Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Basketball tournament honoring Tre Cunningham’s memory continues to thrive in Jeannette | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/basketball-tournament-honoring-cunninghams-memory-continues-to-thrive/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/basketball-tournament-honoring-cunninghams-memory-continues-to-thrive/ |
What to watch for in WPIAL sports for June 11, 2022: Mars, North Allegheny chasing PIAA titles
Mars’ Wesley Scurci celebrates after scoring against Quaker Valley during the WPIAL Class 2A championship game on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Robert Morris.
Welcome to Championship Saturday in three spring sports state postseasons.
The PIAA will host the 2022 boys volleyball championships at Penn State, as well as the boys and girls lacrosse finals at West Chester East High School.
The WPIAL has two teams playing for state crowns Saturday.
Kings of the court
The very first PIAA boys volleyball championship took place 86 years ago and was won by Westinghouse out of the City League.
The Bulldogs would go on to win the next three state crowns, becoming the first school to win four straight championships.
All these years later, North Allegheny attempts to pull off the same feat.
The Tigers try to add to their massive boys volleyball title collection when they face District 3 champion Central Dauphin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Listen to the match on Trib HSSN.
North Allegheny won the 2018, 2019 and 2021 state championships to go along with the school’s previous titles won in 2013, 1999, 1991, 1987 and 1979.
This is a rematch of last year’s state title match won by the Tigers, 3-1. NA lost the first set, 29-27, before winning out, 25-15, 25-14, 25-16.
The Rams are in search of their first PIAA boys volleyball crown since 2009.
The Class 2A championship match has District 3 champion Lower Dauphin facing District 10 champion Meadville at 11 a.m.
The Mars boys lacrosse program made history last spring when it became the first WPIAL boys or girls lacrosse program to win three PIAA postseason matches and play for a state championship.
The Fightin’ Planets are once again back in the Class 2A boys title match, but now look to re-write the history books with a golden finish.
Mars lost to Allentown Central Catholic a year ago, 14-5, to settle for silver.
On Saturday, the Fightin’ Planets face District 1 champion Marple Newtown. The Fightin’ Tigers beat Allentown Central Catholic in this year’s quarterfinals.
The good news for Mars is it will have the title match experience as Marple Newtown is playing in its first lacrosse state final.
The bad news is while the WPIAL has never won a PIAA lacrosse championship, District 1 has dominated, winning three of the four 2A finals and nine overall boys lacrosse crowns since the first postseason in 2009. | 2022-06-11T03:46:38Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | What to watch for in WPIAL sports for June 11, 2022: Mars, North Allegheny chasing PIAA titles | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-for-june-11-2022-mars-north-allegheny-chasing-piaa-titles/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-for-june-11-2022-mars-north-allegheny-chasing-piaa-titles/ |
George Guido: 1st Willie Thrower QB Camp set for July 16 at Valley
A statue of Willie Thrower can be seen entering the Valley Viking Stadium at Valley High School on Saturday Jan. 30, 2021.
A replica statute is given to the winner of the Willie Thrower Memorial Award, which sits in front of the real thing at Valley High School.
The first Willie Thrower Foundation Invitational Quarterback Camp is set for July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valley High Memorial Stadium.
Serra Catholic coach Jose Regus and members of the Black Coaches Association are organizing the event that will provide instructors such as star quarterbacks of the past and current WPIAL head coaches.
The New Kensington-Arnold School District gave the OK to hold the event at the stadium where Thrower played during his final three seasons with the Ken High Red Raiders. The camp will take place under the watchful eye of Thrower’s statue, erected near the stadium entrance.
The first set of invitees will be returning quarterbacks from WPIAL and City League teams such as last year’s Willie Thrower Award winner, Armstrong’s Cadin Olsen.
The Willie Thrower Award, named after the NFL’s first Black quarterback, has been presented following the past two football seasons to the top quarterback in Southwestern Pennsylvania as voted on by a panel of two coaches from each WPIAL conference and the City League, along with media members who regularly cover high school football.
Pine-Richland’s Cole Spencer was the first winner in 2020, followed by Olsen last year. Both athletes received a 29-pound replica of the Willie Thrower statue.
There were 30 quarterbacks who received votes last season, and those returnees will be among the first to be invited.
Among the coaches invited are Valley’s new coach, Dave Heavner, and returning Burrell coach Shawn Liotta.
New Kensington-Arnold School District Superintendent Christopher Sefcheck has asked organizers to stress that the event isn’t just about football or sports in general. Sefcheck asked that campers receive a strong message of the importance of athletics and academics combining as means for them to “further their education and enhance their futures.”
The 2022 Willie Thrower trophy also is scheduled to be on display that day.
Class 5A thrills
In a rematch of the exciting WPIAL Class 5A softball final, Armstrong will meet Penn-Trafford in a PIAA semifinal at 2 p.m. Monday at Mars Centennial Field.
One thing is certain: there will be a new state Class 5A champion. Last year’s champion, Lampeter-Strasburg, was eliminated Thursday under wild circumstances.
Pittston Area thought it had defeated Lampeter-Strasburg when Jiana Moore and Kallie Booth raced home from second and first base on a Sage Wendlich bunt and an errant throw.
As the celebration took place, the home plate umpire waved him arms and halted the celebration The ump ruled that Wendlich had stepped out of the batter’s box during her bunt, negating the play and Wendlich was ruled out.
The next batter, Tori Para, slammed a gap shot that scored both runs for a second time and set off a second Pittston celebration.
Pittston will now play Oxford — the high school, not the university — Monday and the winner there will face the winner between Armstrong and Penn-Trafford at 4 p.m. Friday at Penn State’s Beard Field.
Armstrong defeated Penn-Trafford, 6-5, on a June 3 walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh by Jenna Clontz. | 2022-06-11T22:01:51Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | George Guido: 1st Willie Thrower QB Camp set for July 16 at Valley | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/george-guido-1st-willie-thrower-qb-camp-set-for-july-16-at-valley/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/george-guido-1st-willie-thrower-qb-camp-set-for-july-16-at-valley/ |
Penn-Trafford softball uses fluid lineup to great playoff success
Kylee Piconi and her Penn-Trafford teammates play Armstrong in the PIAA semifinals Monday.
Unsatisfied by his team’s offensive output in the first round of the PIAA playoffs, Penn-Trafford softball coach Denny Little decided to tweak his batting order for the quarterfinals.
Not that it was anything new for Little, who has snapped the lineup in half, bent it this way and that and twisted it to his liking “probably about 16 times” this season.
“We shake it up for a reason,” he said.
The reason? Because he can.
The Warriors have hitters and speed, and Little doesn’t want any of it to go to waste.
While many teams that have made it this far in the state postseason tend to stick with a steady 1-through-9 blend as not to mess with chemistry, Little is like a mad scientist, more wide-eyed and ravenous as each game nears.
“We’re very fortunate here to have such a deep lineup,” Lady Warriors senior pitcher Mia Smith said. “We have younger girls who are getting into games now and gaining experience at the varsity level. We have the options to move girls around.”
The lineup was quite different Thursday when the Warriors (20-3) slammed District 11 champion Southern Lehigh, 16-5, in the Class 5A quarterfinals.
It could change again as a rematch against WPIAL champion Armstrong (22-4) awaits at 2 p.m. Monday at Mars in the semifinals.
Armstrong edged the Warriors, 6-5, on a walk-off homer by Jenna Clontz to win the WPIAL title.
Against Southern Lehigh, two of the tweaks saw sophomore Mackenzie Keenan bat leadoff and freshman Cam Ponko move up a spot to No. 3. While the Spartans made scoring runs a lot less stressful for the Warriors with an eye-popping 11 errors, Penn-Trafford still produced 11 hits, including three successful bunts that led to singles or errors.
Southern Lehigh had trouble fielding the grounders, as inconspicuous as they looked off the bat.
Keenan had three hits, including a two-run homer, and Ponko was 3 for 4 with five RBIs, including a pair of RBI singles.
“I called Mack (Wednesday night) and told her I was moving her to leadoff,” Little said. “She was a little surprised, but I thought it was a move we needed to make. We moved her up (from No. 2), and she did her job. I told her she only needed to lead off once.”
Playing the who’s hot, who’s not game with his hitters plays a role in Little’s decision making. But he is quick to go to his bench to wake up a stale lineup mid-game.
“We want to win,” Little said. “We put the girls in a position to win. This isn’t rec ball where everybody gets a turn. the girls get 20 at-bats (in a row) to produce. We look at what they do over a seven-game stretch. If you hit, you play.”
Senior outfielder Hannah Allen, a Washington & Jefferson commit, had bounced around the order like her teammates.
“I’ve been 3, 4, 5 and 6,” she said. “When I am in the 4 spot, I don’t get as many good pitches as when I am in the 6th.”
In every playoff game, Little and his staff have used multiple pinch-hitters, including junior Alexa Forsythe, freshman Lorynn Sepe and freshman Rilie Moors.
“Some of our girls are just as good as the others,” said Ponko, who has also batted second, third and fifth.
Even courtesy runner Olivia Popovich got an at-bat against Southern Lehigh.
Many of the lineup alterations are because of the designated player spot, ordinarily reserved for Keenan. But Keenan has been listed as the starting catcher of late and is replaced by senior Maddy Rapp with two outs the previous inning so Little can courtesy run for Keenan.
Sophomore first baseman Erin Drotos also got to bat. Another freshman, Kylie Anthony, got the start in center field for junior Caitlyn Schlegel, who was out sick. She produced two RBIs.
“We only scored three runs (against Tri-Valley in the first round), and we had 14 pop-ups,” Little said. “Moors put down a bunt and did her job.” | 2022-06-11T22:02:29Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Penn-Trafford softball uses fluid lineup to great playoff success | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-trafford-softball-uses-fluid-lineup-to-great-playoff-success/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-trafford-softball-uses-fluid-lineup-to-great-playoff-success/ |
Special honor for Norwin’s Rosado Guindin
Norwin pitcher Sebastian Rosado-Guindin delivers against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Norwin High School.
Norwin senior Sebastian Rosado Guindin knew he was in the running for a unique award, but he was a little taken aback when his name was called.
“Yes, I was a surprised when I won,” he said.
Rosado Guindin won the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sports Most Valuable Player and now is eligible for a scholarship. He was announced as the winner during the 3rd annual chamber’s celebrity basketball event in April at Penn State Greater Allegheny.
Rosado Guindin came to North Huntingdon from Puerto Rico in 2017 when Hurricane Maria chased him out of his home country.
Some of the celebrity players at the basketball event included Derek F. and Josh Martinez of CBS show “Big Brother,” Brandon Gomes and Garrett Miller of MTV’s “Siesta Keys,” Nate Walker from “American Idol” and Harlem Globetrotters Sarge and Skywalker.
Augustine wins scholarship
Yough senior softball pitcher Emma Augustine, who had her best prep season, was awarded the Allie V. Markle Scholarship, which will be given out annually to the top senior player at Yough.
The $1,000 scholarship is in the name of Markle, the late grandmother of Yough coach Art “Dutch” Harvey. She died in 2020 at age 101.
“She never missed a game since I came here to coach,” Harvey said. “She would always sit in my aunt Ruth Ann’s car up on the hill. My aunt still comes to the games to support the girls. She loves the game.”
Augustine, who went 13-3 and struck out 155 for the Cougars, a WPIAL 4A quarterfinalist, does not plan to play softball in college. She wants to get into cosmetology.
Westmoreland County was well-represented in the first PIHL girls hockey semifinals.
Team East beat Team West, 5-4, in triple-overtime Wednesday night at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry.
Get this: Sophomore goalkeeper Corinne Brunetto (Latrobe) made 76 saves for the East.
Several teammates contributed to the win, too. Freshman Kylie McKenzie (Penn-Trafford) assisted on the winning goal with 3 minutes, 36 seconds left in the third OT, and also scored a goal, while freshmen Kira Florek (Latrobe) and Ashlynn Rose LeBlanc (Latrobe) each had a goal, and senior Olivia Knoechel (Norwin) recorded an assist.
Hershberger selected
For the second year in a row, Penn-Trafford junior field hockey player Ava Hershberger will play in the Nexus Field Hockey Championships set for June 23-30 in Virginia Beach, Va.
She will be in the U-16 Rise Division.
Hershberger is expected to draw Division I college attention. Her sister, Gwendolyn, is headed to Ohio University. The older Hershberger was the Warriors’ goalkeeper last season.
New LV coach
Ligonier Valley hired Tyler Kocsis as its girls golf coach. A substitute teacher at the school, Kocsis is a 2017 Richland graduate, where he was a District 6 tennis champion and also played on the golf team.
Belle Vernon sophomore football standout Quinton Martin added another scholarship offer from the Big Ten Conference. Michigan State became the latest Power 5 program to offer Martin (6-foot-3, 185 pounds), who played running back and defensive back last season for the Leopards.
• Hempfield junior football player Jake Phillips received a Division II scholarship offer to play at Lake Erie College. Phillips is a 6-2, 195-pound quarterback. He also plays lacrosse for the Spartans.
• Penn-Trafford junior Daniel Tarabrella added a football offer from Notre Dame College, a Division II program in Ohio. A 6-3, 210-pound wide receiver and linebacker, he already had offers from St. Francis (Pa.) and Duquesne.
• Hempfield two-way lineman Willie Nelson (6-2, 250) picked up an offer from Division II Wheeling.
• Another Hempfield junior, linebacker/halfback/tight end Eli Binakonsky, was offered by a pair of PSAC schools in Gannon and Clarion. Binakonsky (6-1, 215), one of the team’s top tacklers last season, also wrestles for the Spartans.
• Clarion, another Division II PSAC school, offered Franklin Regional junior lineman Max Leven — all 6-8, 290 pounds of him.
• Amari Mack, a junior at Greensburg Central Catholic, also has a football offer from Clarion. A wide receiver and defensive back, Mack is being recruited as an athlete.
• Norwin soccer player Grace Ketler committed to play at Mercyhurst.
Tags: Belle Vernon, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Hempfield, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Yough
• Quaker Valley’s Adou Thiero commits to play basketball at Kentucky | 2022-06-11T22:02:41Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Special honor for Norwin’s Rosado Guindin | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/special-honor-for-norwins-rosado-guindin/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/special-honor-for-norwins-rosado-guindin/ |
By: Jack McCaffery
Mars Athletics
The Mars boys lacrosse team celebrates after beating Marple Newtown for the PIAA Class 2A championship Saturday, June 11, 2022 at West Chester East.
WEST GOSHEN — With a plaque to win and a burden to shed, the Mars boys lacrosse team this weekend accepted a 294-mile journey into history. By Saturday evening, the return ride was a pleasure trip.
Behind three goals from Austin Cote, two apiece from Enzo Grieco and Jack Durham, a score each from Kyle McEwen and Wes Scurci and a critical last-minute save from goalkeeper Jonathan Grieco, the Fightin’ Planets outlasted Marple Newtown, 9-6, for the PIAA Class 2A championship at West Chester East High School.
In improving to 23-1, Mars remained perfect against all Pennsylvania competition and became the first WPIAL team to win a lacrosse state championship. Marple Newtown, out of the eternally strong Central League, finished at 20-5 despite a determined fourth-quarter rally.
Cote, who is bound for Loyola (Md.) for lacrosse, was as direct with his shooting as he was in his postgame analysis, admitting that the Planets were representing not just Mars but the western half of the state.
“It’s in our head all the time,” the senior midfielder said. “That’s what kind of pushes us here, the chip on our shoulders. So we’ve just proven that the west is just as good as the east.”
The PIAA has been running state lacrosse tournaments since 2009, with the competition split into 2A and 3A brackets in 2017. Previously, state champions had been decided by other governing bodies or by the voting of coaches since 1965, with every winner being from Eastern Pennsylvania. But the Planets reached the 2A final last season before falling to Allentown Central Catholic, and returned this season determined to drag a championship plaque west.
“We were here last year, so we kind of had an idea what to expect,” said Planets coach Bob Marcoux. “We knew the west had never won a championship, and part of our motivation was to do it for the WPIAL, and good for us, it happened.”
After staring down the District 1 champion Tigers in a 2-2 first quarter, Mars took 16 of the 18 second-quarter shots. Of particular impact was Durham’s goal with 5.4 seconds left that opened a 6-2 Mars lead at halftime.
“A hallmark of ours this year was to get a couple late goals and then carry the momentum into the second half,” Morcoux said. “We were a little on our heels, but after that goal, our confidence really carried us.”
The Planets took a 7-2 lead on Cote’s third goal with 8:02 left in the third quarter, but Marple Newtown drew to within 7-5, then controlled most of the fourth-quarter play. A Durham goal with 6:51 left had a settling effect, but Marple Newtown’s Ryan Keating scored with 2:39 left to restore tension.
The Tigers maneuvered inside with a minute left, but Jonathan Grieco made a spectacular leaping save to deny Joey Yukenevitch and draw the sizable Mars cheering section into a championship celebration. Scurci’s goal with 29.3 seconds added to the history-making moment.
Mars outshot Marple Newtown, 28-25. The Planets’ only loss was to Ohio power Upper Arlington.
“Honestly, it was just like another game,” the Planets’ keeper said. “I was just one piece of the puzzle. We wanted to prove the west could hang against these Philly teams. It’s the greatest feeling ever. It’s amazing. It feels like a million bucks.” | 2022-06-12T07:04:27Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Mars becomes 1st WPIAL team to win PIAA lacrosse championship | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/mars-becomes-1st-wpial-team-to-win-piaa-lacrosse-championship/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/mars-becomes-1st-wpial-team-to-win-piaa-lacrosse-championship/ |
What to watch for in WPIAL sports on June 13, 2022: Breaking down the road to the state finals for 12 baseball, softball teams
West Mifflin’s Jake Walker scores during the 12th inning of the WPIAL Class 4A championship game against Montour on May 31 at Wild Things Park.
Get ready for Semifinals Monday in the PIAA softball and baseball postseasons.
The WPIAL has seven softball and five baseball teams one win from playing for a state championship later this week at Penn State.
So how do those numbers compare to District 7 teams reaching the final four since the expansion to six classifications in 2017?
This year is a notch down for softball. In three of the previous four seasons, the WPIAL had eight softball teams reach the PIAA semifinals.
The lone exception was in 2019 when only six district teams reached the third round.
District baseball has not been as consistent with some ups and downs.
In 2017, there were only four WPIAL teams in the final four. That doubled in 2018 with eight teams, and then dropped back to four in 2019. Last season, District 7 had seven baseball teams in the state semis.
With four head-to-head matchups Monday, the WPIAL is guaranteed to have a team playing in the state title game in 4A and 2A baseball, along with 5A and 2A softball.
Sensational softball seven
The only classification the WPIAL has been eliminated from in the PIAA softball playoff is Class A. Here are the five games involving the seven district teams.
Seneca Valley (15-6) vs. Pennsbury (24-2), 2:30 p.m. at Chambersburg
The winner plays either Spring-Ford or North Penn at 4 p.m. Friday at Penn State.
After dropping to 5-6 in late May, Seneca Valley has won 10 straight games. Along the way, the Raiders won a third WPIAL softball title with a victory over rival North Allegheny. In the PIAA playoffs, they powered past Central Dauphin, 8-2, behind the likes of Maddie and Bella Gross and Mia Ryan. Ryan produced the only RBI in the 1-0 quarterfinals victory over Quakertown. Freshman pitcher Lexie Hames has 20 strikeouts in the two wins. Pennsbury lost to North Penn in the District 1 championship game that ended a 15-game winning streak. The Falcons rolled past Manheim Township, 10-2, in the first round before eliminating North Allegheny in the quarterfinals by the same score.
Armstrong (22-4) vs. Penn-Trafford (20-3), 2 p.m. at Mars
The winner plays either Oxford or Pittston Area at 4 p.m. Thursday at Penn State.
This is a rematch of the WPIAL 5A softball championship game that was an instant classic. Armstrong scored three runs in the first inning and led 5-1 after two innings. But Penn-Trafford steadied the ship and scored three runs in the third to pull to within a run. Junior Alexa Forsythe tied the game with an RBI single in the sixth inning that set the stage for a dramatic finish. Junior Jenna Clontz homered in the bottom of the seventh to give the River Hawks their first WPIAL crown. Both teams have recent state final four experiences. Last year in the PIAA semifinals, Armstrong knocked off North Hills, 7-4, to advance to the title game. The River Hawks fell to Lampeter-Strasburg, 10-7. Penn-Trafford beat Donegal in the 2019 PIAA semifinals, leading to a state title after they knocked off Lampeter-Strasburg, 5-3.
Beaver (21-0) vs. Clearfield (20-3), 2 p.m. at St. Francis (Loretto)
The winner plays either Tunkhannock or Villa Joseph Marie at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Penn State.
Two-time WPIAL and defending PIAA 4A champion Beaver looks to continue its winning ways, having won all 21 games this season, The Bobcats are riding a 42-game winning streak into the state semifinals. You start to run out of superlatives to describe the play of senior Payton List. The Virginia Tech recruit had 11 strikeouts and added two hits in the Bobcats’ 3-2 first-round win over Fleetwood. In the quarterfinals, she threw a one-hitter and struck out 20 in a 3-0 victory over Burrell. List scored all three Beaver runs. District 9 champion Clearfield avenged one of its losses in the D-9 finals with a win over St. Mary’s. The Bison edged Franklin in the first round, 4-3, before senior Emma Hipps blanked Hamburg in the quarterfinals, 4-0.
Bald Eagle (18-4) vs. Avonworth (19-5), 4:30 p.m. at St. Francis (Loretto)
The winner plays either Palmerton or Lewisburg at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Penn State.
Avonworth has been as steady as they come, producing on offense, defense and pitching every game. There was no district championship hangover for the Antelopes in the first round as sophomore Leah Kuban smacked a two-run homer in a win over Westmont-Hilltop, 6-3. In the quarterfinals, two more sophomores stepped up. Rylee Gray had two hits with a home run and Layne Shinsky drove home three runs as the 13 runs in two games have been enough for yet another 10th grader, pitcher Alivia Lantzy, who struck out eight in the second-round win over Karns City, 7-4. District 6 champion Bald Eagle has wins over two WPIAL teams on the Path to Penn State — Southmoreland, 4-1, and Deer Lakes, 3-0. Sierra Albright was the winning pitcher for the Eagles, who last played in a state semifinals game in 2019 and beat Clearfield. Bald Eagle won state crowns in 2005 and 2009.
Laurel (19-4) vs. Neshannock (24-0), 2 p.m. at Westminster College
Watch this game on Trib HSSN on Monday.
The winner plays either Conwell-Egan or Claysburg-Kimmel at 11 a.m. Friday at Penn State.
These Lawrence County rivals just can’t get enough of each other as they prepare to meet for a fourth time this season. Neshannock has won all three games — 6-1 on April 13, 8-5 on May 4 and 1-0 in eight innings in the WPIAL semifinals. In that game, Lancers freshman Addy Frye allowed three hits, struck out 13 and hit the game-winning RBI double. Frye has back-to-back shutout wins in the state playoffs after the Lancers beat OLSH, 6-0, in the first round and cruised past District 9 champion Johnsonburg, 14-0, in the quarterfinals to remain undefeated. Laurel outslugged District 10 champion Reynolds in the state opener, 17-7, behind a huge game for junior Abbie Miles, who homered twice and drove in seven runs. Sophomore Autumn Boyd was dominant in a 3-0 quarterfinals victory over Burrell. She had 15 strikeouts and two hits, along with junior teammates Georgia Jellyman and Grace Zeppelin, who added a home run. Despite winning three straight WPIAL softball titles from 2018-2021, the Spartans did not get past the state quarterfinals until this season. The last PIAA final four appearance for Neshannock was eight years ago when it lost to Claysburg-Kimmel in the 2014 Class A semifinals, 5-4.
Fab five baseball
The WPIAL was wiped out in Class 3A and A in the first round and exited the 6A tournament with an extra-inning loss by Upper St. Clair in the quarterfinals. Here are the three games involving the five remaining district teams:
Bethel Park (19-3) vs. Donegal (18-8), 4:30 p.m. at Mt. Aloysius College (Cresson)
The winner plays either Archbishop Wood or Selinsgrove at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Penn State.
Just as they did a year ago, Bethel Park has regrouped after a tough district playoff loss to make a run for a second straight state championship. After losing to West Allegheny, 3-0, in the WPIAL semifinals, the Black Hawks won their consolation game and two state playoff contests by a combined score of 17-3. In the first round, senior Cody Geddes had two hits, two RBIs and scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the seventh inning of a 4-3 win over District 6 champion Central Mountain. Geddes was also the winning pitcher in relief. No relief was needed in the quarterfinals as BP starter junior Evan Holewinski was outstanding in pitching a four-hit shutout over WPIAL champion West Allegheny, 7-0. Freshman Ray Petras was a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate while juniors Ray Altmeyer and John Chalus each had two hits for the Black Hawks. Bethel Park is a perfect 5-0 all-time in PIAA semifinals, including last year’s 1-0 win over Central Mountain. Donegal finished fourth in the District 3 playoffs this season, losing to Ephrata in the district semifinals before falling to Susquehannock in the consolation game. The Indians have bounced back in the state playoffs with a win over Southern Lehigh, 11-7, in the opening round, followed by a revenge victory over Ephrata in the quarterfinals, 5-4. Donegal is 0-2 in state semifinals games all-time, last losing to Knoch in the 2015 AAA semifinals, 8-2.
West Mifflin (20-3) vs. Montour (19-6), 3:30 p.m. at North Allegheny
The winner plays either Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast or Holy Ghost Prep at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Penn State.
This is the rematch that a lot of district baseball fans are happy to see after their first battle of attrition tied for the longest title game this century. West Mifflin edged Montour, 5-4, in 12 innings to win the program’s first baseball championship. Titans senior Derek Kleinhans delivered an RBI single for an early lead. Spartans junior Cole Fleck tripled home two as Montour grabbed a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning. West Mifflin tied the game in the sixth inning on three hit batters and two walks. Then it became a game of who would blink first as both teams had players cramping up on the hot turf. West Mifflin senior Jake Walker tripled to spark a two-run 12th inning before the Titans held on for the epic win, 5-4. The Montour offense has been on fire in two state playoff wins. Juniors Tony Markulin and Brock Janeda went yard in the opening round win over District 6 champion Bellefonte, 13-9. Then senior Mason Sike and sophomore Jake Robinson combined to drive in seven runs as the Spartans dropped District 3 champion East Pennsboro in the quarterfinals, 12-3. West Mifflin suffered no district championship hangover in the first round with a tidy win over Somerset, 6-1. Winning pitcher sophomore Zane Griffaton allowed one run on four hits and helped his cause at the plate with a two-run bomb. In the quarterfinals, the Titans enjoyed a literal walk off win with a bases-loaded walk by sophomore Corey Kuszaj for a thrilling 4-3 victory over Laurel Highlands. The Titans trailed 3-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh but rallied thanks to an RBI single by senior Ryan Lang. Montour’s only other PIAA semifinals experience came last spring when it lost to New Castle, 3-1. This is only the second time West Mifflin has played in the state baseball playoffs and its first two wins came last week.
Neshannock (19-7) vs. Burgettstown (16-5) at 7 p.m. at North Allegheny
Watch or listen to this game on Trib HSSN on Monday.
The winner plays either Everett or Delone Catholic at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Penn State.
One program has carved its niche as one of the best in the WPIAL as it battles for a third state baseball championship. The other is bucking all the trends of a not-so-rich past as it continues to build its own history with each passing win. Welcome to Neshannock vs. Burgettstown. Neither team won its regular season section title this year, yet they are in the PIAA final four. Neshannock finished a game behind Shenango and Riverside in Section 1-2A while Burgettstown ended up in second place under Seton LaSalle in the Section 4-2A standings. The two ended up on the same side of the WPIAL 2A playoff bracket and after winning two games, met in the district semifinals. Like the Montour vs. West Mifflin game, this was one of the best postseason games of the year. Finally, after 12 innings in Shaler, the Lancers beat the Blue Devils, 5-3. Junior Luke Glies had two hits and two RBIs for the Lancers while freshman teammate Jake Rynd drove in two runs. Sophomore Brodie Kuzior had four hits for the Blue Devils. After losing to Serra Catholic in the WPIAL finals, Neshannock defeated District 10 champion West Middlesex in the first round, 4-3. Sophomore Giovanni Valentine had a two-run single to highlight a four-run sixth inning for the Lancers. In the quarterfinals against section foe Riverside, Neshannock trailed by three runs early and rallied to beat the Panthers in 11 innings, 5-4. The winning run was produced by a pair of freshman, as Dom Cubellis tripled and scored on a Jake Rynd single. Burgettstown earned a spot in the PIAA playoffs for the first time this season and are enjoying the Path to Penn State ride. The Blue Devils beat District 9 champion Johnsonburg in the first round, 6-5, thanks to Kuzior’s grand slam in the third inning and RBI single in the fifth. In the quarterfinals against Redbank Valley, Burgettstown fell behind 3-0 early but scored four runs in the third and two more in the fourth to win, 6-4. Junior Andrew Bredel had two hits and four RBIs while senior Nathan Klodkowski added three hits and two runs scored. He also was the winning pitcher. Neshannock is 3-0 all-time in PIAA semifinals games with wins in 1991, 2004 and in 2015 over Quaker Valley. | 2022-06-12T07:04:39Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | What to watch for in WPIAL sports on June 13, 2022: Breaking down the road to the state finals for 12 baseball, softball teams | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-june-13-2022-breaking-down-the-road-to-the-state-finals-for-12-baseball-softball-teams/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-june-13-2022-breaking-down-the-road-to-the-state-finals-for-12-baseball-softball-teams/ |
Gateway softball hopes to build from progress made this spring
Pete Griffith
Gateway senior Deanna Gratton earned second-team All-Section 2-5A honors at third base for the 2022 season.
When one looks just at the scores of a majority of the games for the Gateway softball team this spring, thoughts might develop of a team that went nowhere in developing on the field.
But first-year coach Donny Holl said that was far from the case in examining his youthful, and in some areas, inexperienced 2022 team which finished 1-11 overall and 0-10 in a strong Section 2-5A with the likes of WPIAL runner-up and current state quarterfinalist Penn-Trafford, as well as playoff qualifiers Thomas Jefferson, Latrobe and Connellsville.
“When the wins and losses aren’t where you want them to be, as a coach, you still want to see that growth, progress and other victories that might go unnoticed to people outside the program,” said Holl, the son of Gateway athletic director and football coach Don Holl.
“Taking Thomas Jefferson the full seven innings after they beat us in three innings the first time was a win for us. Doing better in the last few games was a win for us. We had girls who started out not catching the ball very well to now having a pretty trustworthy outfield and others who we know will make plays. The girls accomplished a lot, and they can be proud.”
Holl, who came on board as head coach earlier this year, said the seniors — Deanna Gratton, Tamara Martin, Jasmine Taylor and Nikkita Vojnik — led with a positive attitude every day.
“We knew we were going to struggle because we were young,” Holl said.
“They did an excellent job of leading by example and helping the younger girls get better. They did the little things that often times are forgotten with teams which are young and are struggling. They kept up the energy, and that propelled us to keep growing throughout the year.”
Gratton said she knew there might be some growing pains as a young team developed by gaining experience in practice and games. The Gators were shut out nine times in their 12 games and felt the sting of the 10- or 15-run mercy rule several times.
“Coming in, we had a young team with a number of freshman and some girls who had never played before,” Gratton said.
“Throughout the season, those younger players really grew, and we learned a lot from each other, especially with communication on the field. I think that was a successful part of the season beyond just the results of games.”
Gateway snapped a 23-game losing streak dating back to the WPIAL-playoff loss to Trinity in 2019 with a 19-4 nonsection rout of Woodland Hills on May 4.
“It was nice to finally be the big dog on the field,” Gratton said.
“It was awesome to see the freshmen and everyone else get a chance to celebrate together. It was a really good environment. It was just so much excitement. It was fun.”
Gratton was selected to the all-Section 2 second team for her play at third base.
“It is definitely a nice accomplishment, and it makes me feel really good about myself,” she said.
“Last year, I really didn’t play my position that much, so to get back there this year, it was a good feeling. I was pretty comfortable there.”
As a freshman in 2019, Gratton was selected to the first team as a designated player.
Gratton also entered the pitching circle at times this season to help out freshman starter Abby Griffith.
This summer, Gratton hopes to play a lot of games in travel tournaments with her Gamma Storm 18U travel team before her arrival on campus at Washington & Jefferson.
Gratton said she’s excited to continue her softball career with the Presidents in the Division III Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
“I reached out to the coach, and she was very welcoming to me,” said Gratton, who will have a family rivalry with sister Kayla, who will be a junior at rival Waynesburg.
“It is a different level of competition, and I know I will have to work hard for my spot. I can’t wait to play and prove myself.
“It will be exciting and definitely different to go up against Kayla when we play Waynesburg. We had been on the same team together our whole lives. I did think about playing with her, but carving my own path at W&J was the better option for me. W&J had more opportunities for me in what I was looking for academically.”
Fellow senior Nikkita Vojnik is headed to Lancaster Bible College to play both volleyball and softball, while Tamara Martin is expected to join the basketball team at CCAC-Boyce.
For the returning girls, Holl said there are a number of offseason opportunities, especially ones over the summer, to improve and get better for next season.
“These girls are excited to continue to build and develop,” he said.
“We saw some great pitchers this year and faced some really challenging lineups. Seeing that helped the girls understand what they need and want to do to get better and win games.” | 2022-06-12T14:37:37Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Gateway softball hopes to build from progress made this spring | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/gateway-softball-hopes-to-build-from-progress-made-this-spring/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/gateway-softball-hopes-to-build-from-progress-made-this-spring/ |
Pine-Richland notebook: Girls lacrosse team finishes 4th in WPIAL
Pine-Richland’s Connor Lenz, intercepting a tipped pass in front of Upper St. Clair’s Timothy Pollock in 2020, played in the 2022 PSFCA Big School East/West Game.
The Pine-Richland girls lacrosse team came within one goal of advancing to the PIAA playoffs, but ultimately, Upper St. Clair continued to be a thorn in its side.
The Rams lost 12-11 to the Panthers in the WPIAL Class 3A consolation game May 26 at Robert Morris’ Joe Walton Stadium.
Upper St. Clair has eliminated the Rams from the postseason in each of the last two seasons. The Panthers also beat them in the semifinals in 2019, but the Rams rebounded to win the consolation game and advance to the state tournament.
Pine-Richland trailed 6-4 at halftime in a game that was tight throughout.
Haley Newton netted five goals and Libby Eannarino scored four to help the Panthers eke out a victory.
The Rams had a good season under first-year coach Alex Hodowanec, finishing 12-7. They advanced to the WPIAL semifinals after losing in the quarterfinals in 2021.
Attackers Erica Hudock and Lillie Pataky, defender Fiona Kortyna and goalkeepers Emma Hoffman and Zoe Katres are graduating seniors.
The Rams return 22 players that were listed on the varsity roster.
Recruiting heats up for Cory
Ryan Cory still has two seasons of high school football remaining, but he’s already on the radar of major college football programs.
Cory, a rising junior offensive/defensive lineman, picked up his latest NCAA Division I offers May 25 from Kentucky and May 26 from Akron.
He also has offers from Kansas State, Oregon, Louisville, Cincinnati, Maryland, Connecticut, Miami (Ohio) and Duquesne. Oregon was the first Power Five school to offer Cory on March 1, and since then he’s received an offer from a school in each of the Power Five conferences.
Cory, who is listed at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, is rated as a three-star prospect by 247 Sports and the 15th-ranked prospect in Pennsylvania for 2024.
P-R trio plays in all-star game
Jacob Domer, Connor Lenz and Cole Boyd got one final opportunity to share the football field together prior to heading to college.
They participated in the 2022 PSFCA Big School East/West Game on May 29 as part of the Big 33 Classic weekend at Bishop McDevitt’s Rocco Ortenzio Stadium.
East defeated West, 37-0.
Domer, an offensive lineman, will play at Clarion. Boyd, a quarterback, is headed to Marist. Lenz, a defensive end, is going to Duquesne.
• Mars becomes 1st WPIAL team to win PIAA lacrosse championship | 2022-06-12T14:37:43Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Pine-Richland notebook: Girls lacrosse team finishes 4th in WPIAL | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/pine-richland-notebook-girls-lacrosse-team-finishes-4th-in-wpial/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/pine-richland-notebook-girls-lacrosse-team-finishes-4th-in-wpial/ |
Penn-Trafford softball notebook: Warriors have shot at redemption
Penn-Trafford pitcher Mia Smith takes the mound in the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Armstrong.
The beauty of the state softball playoffs for many WPIAL teams lies in the chance for redemption.
Lose to someone in the WPIAL championship; beat them in the PIAA tournament.
Erase the past and advance at the same time.
Penn-Trafford (20-3) gets another shot at Armstrong (22-4), the team that clipped it 6-5 in the WPIAL Class 5A final. The teams play at 2 p.m. Monday at Mars Centennial School field in the state semifinals.
The winner goes to the PIAA championship Thursday at Penn State.
“We need this comeback,” Penn-Trafford senior outfielder Hannah Allen said. “It’s great that we get an opportunity to do it.”
Junior Jenna Clontz broke the Warriors’ hearts with a walk-off solo home run in the WPIAL final, sending a 3-2 pitch over the fence at Cal (Pa.) to give the River Hawks the first WPIAL title in school history.
Penn-Trafford rallied from a 5-1 deficit to tie the River Hawks in the sixth inning. Junior Alexa Forsythe’s pinch-hit RBI single tied it 5-5.
Allen singled to open the sixth and start the late rally.
“We have to get the bats on the ball,” said Allen, who had two hits and two RBIs in the loss. “We have to hit better and score more runs.”
Penn-Trafford is seeking its second state title in three seasons after bringing home the trophy in 2019.
Armstrong made the state final last season and lost to Lampeter-Strasburg, the team Penn-Trafford beat in ’19, by a final of 10-7.
“We have to put the ball in play more,” Penn-Trafford coach Denny Little said. “We didn’t play our best game last time, but you don’t always have to play your best game to win.”
Senior pitcher Mia Smith injured her hand while batting Thursday and left the game briefly before returning.
“I was okay,” she said. “Ice and Advil. That helped, and I was ready to get back out there.”
Said Little: “She pitched with some anger. I think she will be poised for (Armstrong).”
Shorter trip
The state semifinal will save the charter bus driver at Penn-Trafford some gas money.
The Lady Warriors have given new meaning to travel softball, logging about 850 miles in the first two rounds of the PIAA tournament with road trips to Twin Valley in Elverson for the first round and Fayetteville in the quarterfinals.
They have seen enough “Drink Milk” billboards to make them hungry for cookies.
But the team will get to go the other way on the Turnpike on Monday when they travel about 40 miles to Mars to play Armstrong.
“The girls have been great about the traveling,” Little said. “They sing to music, and that keeps them loose. Last game we put on ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ and the old guys all watched. They weren’t interested.”
Fan bus
Penn-Trafford will offer a fan bus to Mars on Monday. The bus will leave the Warrior Center at the high school stadium at noon for the 2 p.m. game.
More information: lorjoenoah@msn.com.
Travel can wait
Penn-Trafford softball players Mia Smith, Maddy Rapp, McKenzie Rapp and Kylee Piconi play on the same travel team, the Nitro. The team opened the season over the weekend with a tournament at IUP.
The Warriors foursome had planned to play but only if their high school team ran out of gas in the PIAA quarterfinals. It didn’t happen.
“It can wait,” Smith said of travel season.
Rich and Boomer
Counting Little, Penn-Trafford has six regular coaches on the bench. But the staff can stretch to eight when two others join in as their schedules allow.
Volunteer assistants Rich Ginther and Ron “Boomer” Prady coach when they can. They have made a handful of games this season, including the WPIAL final.
Both were on staff for the PIAA title run in 2019.
Ginther is the former Penn-Trafford wrestling coach, and Prady helped the Warriors football team win WPIAL and PIAA championships last fall.
Prady since has been named the head football coach at Latrobe.
Keep up with the Joneses
Little has been keeping an eye on Avonworth in the state playoffs. The Antelopes will play Bald Eagle, the team that defeated Southmoreland in the first round, in Monday’s semifinal at St. Francis (Pa.).
Jayla Jones is a freshman outfielder for the Antelopes. She is the daughter of former Greensburg Salem wrestling standout Vertus Jones and Rachel (Stewart) Jones.
Rachel Jones is the daughter of former Greensburg Salem baseball coach Jim Stewart.
Little teaches elementary school physical education at Greensburg Salem. | 2022-06-12T20:54:02Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Penn-Trafford softball notebook: Warriors have shot at redemption | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-trafford-softball-notebook-warriors-have-shot-at-redemption/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-trafford-softball-notebook-warriors-have-shot-at-redemption/ |
PIAA Class 5A softball semifinals capsule: Penn-Trafford vs. Armstrong
Armstrong’s Emma Paul smiles after avoiding a tag attempt by Penn-Trafford’s Kylee Piconi during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game.
Penn-Trafford (20-3) vs. Armstrong (22-4)
2 p.m. at Mars Centennial School field, Mars
Winner plays: Winner of 2-1 Pittston Area (23-0) vs. 1-2 Oxford (10-5) in championship, 4 p.m. Thursday at Penn State
Players to watch: Cam Ponko, Fr., 3B, Penn-Trafford; Jenna Clontz, Jr., OF, Armstrong
Extra bases: This is a rematch of the WPIAL championship game that was won by Armstrong, 6-5, on a walk-off home run by Clontz. It was the first WPIAL title in any sport for the River Hawks. … Penn-Trafford is back in the state semifinals for the second time in three seasons after winning the state title in 2019. The Warriors blew past District 11 champion Southern Lehigh, 16-5, taking advantage of 11 errors and using some early bunts to set off the scoring. Sophomore Mackenzie Keenan and Ponko each had three hits, with Keenan hitting a two-run homer and Ponko delivering a pair of two-run singles. Keenan moved to the leadoff spot. Senior pitcher Mia Smith, a Pitt-Johnstown commit, picked up her 20th win and has 197 strikeouts for the season. … Armstrong also won a lopsided quarterfinal, defeating Central Mountain, 13-5. Sophomore Jesse Pugh hit a grand slam, and senior Mackenzie Egley and Clontz also homered. Junior leadoff hitter Emma Smerick had three hits and three RBIs, and junior Isabella Atherton drove in two runs for the River Hawks, who have hit 36 homers. They beat Chartiers Valley in the state first round 13-6, however, without a long ball. | 2022-06-12T20:54:08Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | PIAA Class 5A softball semifinals capsule: Penn-Trafford vs. Armstrong | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/piaa-class-5a-softball-semifinals-capsule-penn-trafford-vs-armstrong/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/piaa-class-5a-softball-semifinals-capsule-penn-trafford-vs-armstrong/ |
Deer Lakes softball reflects on impressive season
Deer Lakes’ Reese Hasley (11) is greeted by teammates at home plate after hitting a two-run homer against South Allegheny during their WPIAL Class 3A semifinal.
Deer Lakes softball coach Rick Cerra saw the pieces for a strong season and postseason run come together back in September, six months before preseason practices began.
“Things were really falling into place, and we were really looking forward to having this team on the field,” Cerra said.
His expectations became reality as the Lancers came together to win the Section 1-3A title, finished as a WPIAL runners up and made it to Thursday’s PIAA quarterfinal round before a tough 3-0 loss to District 6 champion Bald Eagle.
“Although I was disappointed for the girls that we didn’t ultimately get to where we wanted to be, they can hold their heads high. It was a really talented group, one through nine. It was a good year for Deer Lakes softball,” Cerra said.
Added junior shortstop Shayne Cerra: “We were all super proud with how far we made it this year. It didn’t just come to us. We earned it through hard work and playing together as a team.”
Bald Eagle scored twice in the second and once in the third to set the eventual 3-0 final of Thursday’s quarterfinal game at St. Francis (Pa.).
“I think the sad feeling we have is that the season is over, and we are losing some important members of our team,” Shayne Cerra said.
“We really bonded and grew so much together through all of the season experiences. It was so much fun.”
Deer Lakes collected five hits off of Eagles freshman phenom Sierra Albright but was not able to get a run on the board. Lancers sophomore Maddie Kee allowed eight hits, but she got stronger as the game went on.
She worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth and retired 11 of the final 12 batters to help keep her team in the game.
“I thought two of the three facets of the game we played really well,” Coach Cerra said.
“Maddie had four strikeouts, so the girls had to make 17 plays on the field. With no errors, they did a great job. Maddie pitched very well that whole game. We just weren’t able to string enough hits together when we needed them to have a chance to win against a good team like that.”
Kee finished the season with a 14-3 record, a 1.88 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP with 141 strikeouts over 112 innings.
“Maddie really took a big step this year, and she pitched with a lot of confidence,” Coach Cerra said.
Seven of the nine hitters in the lineup batted .300 or better. Senior Reese Hasley led the way with a .409 average, six doubles, and 17 runs batted in. Kee hit .371 with seven doubles and 24 RBIs, and sophomore catcher Tia Germanich fronted the lineup with five home runs and 26 RBIs.
“We showed many times throughout the season that everyone could hit the ball,” Cerra said. “There were no gaps in the lineup.”
The program bids farewell to Hasley as well as seniors Lydia Guthrie, Keeghan Cook and Jenna Bisegna.
Coach Cerra credits Bisegna, last year’s starting pitcher, for understanding the move to have her play first base and give way for Kee to make her mark in the circle.
There will be a new starter at first, and the entire outfield will be new, as Cook and Guthrie flanked Hasley.
The seniors combined to go 34-19 overall and 23-5 in section play with three playoff trips in three seasons. The 2020 season was wiped out in the onset of the covid pandemic.
“It’s not only talent-wise and drive-wise but also their leadership qualities they all had,” Coach Cerra said. “That is going to be tough to fill. Defensively, they were lights out. They were reliable at the plate. To lose them, girls are going to have to step up next year to be able to fill what will be a big void.”
Next year’s team will be built around Cerra, Kee, Germanich as well as infielders in juniors Anna Bokulich (second base) and Delanie Kaiser (third base).
“There are definitely opportunities for some younger players to make their mark,” Coach Cerra said. “That is what has made this program successful. Those who were bench players, and other younger players coming up, see that success and want to experience the same thing. It drives them to work hard and put themselves in position to maybe grab one of those spots.”
Deer Lakes qualified for the PIAA playoffs for the first time since 2017, when it also made it to the quarterfinals.
The Lancers have taken part in six state tournaments since 2012.
“The program speaks for itself with what it has been able to do,” Coach Cerra said. “To have this year’s team be a part of that and in the conversation with those other teams, that is something to be proud of.
“The current players grew up learning from role models on successful past teams. Hopefully, they have inspired younger players coming up to strive for the same success.” | 2022-06-13T02:15:10Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Deer Lakes softball reflects on impressive season | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-softball-reflects-on-impressive-season/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-softball-reflects-on-impressive-season/ |
Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Week: Week ending June 12, 2022
Bethel Park’s Cody Geddes celebrates after scoring against West Allegheny during their PIAA Class 5A quarterfinal.
The calendar has turned to June.
It’s time for the Black Hawks to stretch their wings and fly high across the state, gathering baseball victories in their travels.
A year after losing a heartbreaker in the WPIAL title game, only to regroup and go on to win a PIAA championship, the Bethel Park baseball team is at it again.
This season, they lost to West Allegheny in the Class 5A district semifinals but won the consolation game and have two state playoff wins under their belt.
“We were all very disappointed to lose in the WPIAL semifinal this year,” Bethel Park second-year coach Patrick Zehnder said. “The guys wanted a shot at winning the WPIAL title this year but ran into a great team in West Allegheny. In a testament to the players’ maturity, they were able to bounce back from that with some good practices and were ready to make another run in the state playoffs. We are very excited to have the opportunity to still play and interact with each other this late in the season and can’t wait to continue the climb.”
On a sled with plenty of young pups contributing to the Black Hawks’ success, senior Cody Geddes is one of the lead dogs.
In the opening round Monday, Gedes was 2-for-4 at the plate with a double and an RBI. He scored the tiebreaking run on a wild pitch in the top of the seventh inning as Bethel Park beat District 6 champion Central Mountain, 4-3.
“Cody is such a great athlete and does so many things for us,” Zehnder said. “He is one of the most competitive guys around and is able to elevate his already-great game in the biggest moments. He had an RBI single in the 1st inning, which helped us put a crooked number on the board right away. In the seventh, he crushed a ball to right field off of the wall with a hard wind blowing in for a double, and (he) scored the go-ahead run four batters later.”
Geddes came in to pitch in the top of the sixth inning with Wildcats runners at first and second base with one out. Central Mountain had tied the score the inning before and were threatening to take the lead. He got the first batter he faced to fly out on his first pitch and struck the next batter out to end the threat.
He pitched a 1-2-3 inning against Central Mountain’s 3-4-5 hitters to close out the game and pick up the win.
“He has such a knack for getting big outs,” Zehnder said. “He also did it in the state playoff run last year.”
In the rematch against West Allegheny in the quarterfinals Thursday, Geddes helped get the ball rolling for Bethel Park with an RBI single in the first inning. Evan Holewinski was lights out from there on the mound for the Black Hawks, limiting the WPIAL champion Indians to four hits in a 7-0 victory.
“It was fun to watch the guys show that kind of effort Thursday,” Zehnder said. “West Allegheny is a model baseball program, and I have so much respect for Bryan Cornell, his program and the great kids over there. They play the right way and got us in the WPIAL semis, so we were excited to get another chance to play them.
“It was a total team win, which is great to have, especially in the playoffs. Everyone in the lineup had good at-bats and found ways to either get a hit or productive at-bat when we needed it.”
Geddes plans to play baseball next spring at Penn State Greater Allegheny, working on all aspects of his game that have played a big part in the Bethel Park success the last two seasons.
“Cody is an extremely good defender and would be a middle infielder on many other teams,” Zehnder said. “He has a great sense of when to attack the ball, and his strong and accurate arm allows him to make plays that not many other players can make. At the plate, he has a violent swing but also a great approach that allows him to hit any pitch in any count. He is always ready to do damage and, again, seemingly raises his already-high level of play even more when we need him the most.”
Up next for Bethel Park is a trip to Mount Aloysius College on Monday to face Donegal out of District 3.
“They seem to be a well-coached team that takes advantage of opportunities to score runs, whether hitting with two outs or capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes,” Zehnder said. “They are aggressive on the basepaths and play great defense. If you are one of the final four teams still playing, you also have some serious studs on the mound and at the plate to be accounted for.”
2022 Trib HSSN Baseball Players of the Week:
Week 9 – Drew Lafferty, South Park
Week 8 – Mason Sike, Montour
Week 7 – J.C. Voss, Mohawk
Week 6 – Angelo DeLeonardis, Knoch
Week 5 – Dylan Grabowski, Penn-Trafford
Week 4 – Cam Marshalwitz, Hampton
Week 3 – Wes Parker, Peters Township
Week 2 – Gavin Homer, Indiana
Week 1 – Jake Kendro, Norwin | 2022-06-13T02:15:22Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Week: Week ending June 12, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-player-of-the-week-week-ending-june-12-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-player-of-the-week-week-ending-june-12-2022/ |
Every team in every sport sets goals at the start of the season.
Some of the top programs run dry on ink from checking them off as the season winds down.
For other, well, there’s wait until next year.
The Burgettstown baseball program has done a lot of waiting, now is its time to check off boxes.
PIAA semifinals berth? Check!
Following up on last season’s playoff team that finished 11-6, veteran Burgettstown coach Doug Tunno thought his team would be good but didn’t envision this kind of season back in March.
“No, I didn’t. But with our solid pitching staff, we thought we had a good chance to win the section.”
The Blue Devils finished second to Seton LaSalle in Section 4-2A in the regular season but have kicked it up several gears with their postseason play.
As the No. 6 seed, Burgettstown beat California and defending champion Shenango before losing a marathon battle against Neshannock, 5-3 in 12 innings, in the WPIAL Class 2A semifinals.
Burgettstown qualified for the PIAA playoffs for the first time and quickly has become fond of the cuisine on the Path to the Pete.
The Blue Devils opened up the state playoffs with a matchup against District 9 champion Johnsonburg.
Trailing 3-0 early, sophomore Brodie Kuzior put the Blue Devils on top with a grand slam home run in the third inning.
“Brodie Kuzior’s grand slam was huge. It took a lot out of Johnsonburg,” Tunno said. “Kuzior had a big game, and Andrew Bredel had a huge pitching performance.”
The junior Bredel pitched into the 6th inning and allowed three earned runs while striking out seven.
Kuzior not only delivered another RBI single at the plate, he came in for the Rams’ final four outs to pick up the save.
In the quarterfinals, Burgettstown again fell behind 3-0 and, once again, a big third inning helped swing the momentum.
The Blue Devils scored four runs in the third and added two more in the fourth to take control and defeat a Redbank Valley team that was coming off a first-round upset of WPIAL champion Serra Catholic.
Tunno gives a lot of credit in the big win to one of his seniors, St. Bonaventure recruit Nathan Klodowski, who allowed only three hits, one walk and struck out 12 in the win over the Bulldogs, 6-4.
“Solid pitching from Nathan, and our team hit well.”
Bredel had two hits and four RBIs for the Blue Devils, and Klodowski helped his own cause with three hits and two runs scored. Senior Jackson LaRocka had two hits, and freshman Sam Elich had three hits in the two victories.
The team has meshed well in winning 16 of 21 games this spring. The seniors have helped lead a talented group of underclassmen.
“We have five seniors starting,” Tunno said. “They are good leaders for our younger kids.”
These are uncharted waters for Burgettstown baseball, one win away from playing for a state championship. Tunno said the school and the community are dealing with a case of Blue Devils fever.
“It’s unreal. It’s great for the team, the coaches, the school and the town. We have a great group of kids on this team that love to compete. It’s a lot of fun when you’re still playing in June and one game away from the state finals. We have a lot of support from everyone in town.”
Standing in the Blue Devils’ way is the same team that ended their WPIAL championship hopes: Neshannock.
“They are a solid program,” Tunno said. “Great coaches, fundamentally solid, John (Quahliero) does a great job with the program. They don’t beat themselves. We are looking forward to this rematch. Last game went 12 innings, and it was a classic.”
Week 9 – West Mifflin Titans
Week 8 – Upper St. Clair Panthers
Week 7 – Thomas Jefferson Jaguars
Week 5 – Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils
Week 4 – Shenango Wildcats
Week 3 – Hopewell Vikings
Week 2 – Chartiers Valley Colts
Week 1 – Beaver Bobcats
Tags: Burgettstown | 2022-06-13T02:15:28Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Baseball Team of the Week: Week ending June 12, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-team-of-the-week-week-ending-june-12-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-team-of-the-week-week-ending-june-12-2022/ |
Laurel’s Autumn Boyd has 153 strikeouts this season.
The Laurel softball machine is used to playing in June.
You have to go back to 2017 to find the last time a Spartans season ended before the PIAA postseason.
However, in the last three seasons, Laurel entered the state playoffs as WPIAL champion. That run ended a few weeks back in a WPIAL semifinals loss to rival Neshannock.
Laurel has regrouped as the No. 3 seed out of the WPIAL with a pair of PIAA wins and has gone further in the state playoffs than those recent golden teams.
“The amount of talent in the WPIAL playoffs prepares us more than anything for the PIAA playoffs,” Laurel coach Frank Duddy said. “Steel sharpens steel. We played some of our best softball in the district playoffs against some very good teams. I feel like each game prepared us a little more for the next. I’d be lying if I said we didn’t want that 2A title, but that semifinal loss helped us refocus.”
Spring may be winding down, but Laurel loves enjoying autumn days at the field.
Leading the Spartans in the circle is standout sophomore Autumn Boyd.
In the PIAA 2A opener Monday against District 10 champion Reynolds, junior Abbie Miles led the offense with a two-homer, seven-RBI game, and Boyd contributed two hits and a long home run.
“The hitting was definitely contagious in that game,” Duddy said. “Everybody was smashing the ball. Autumn always hits the ball hard. She has plenty of power. She usually hits line drives to the outfield gaps, but she lifted one in that Reynolds game that cleared the fence by at least 30 feet.”
After Laurel’s 10-run victory in Round 1, they faced another champion in the quarterfinals Thursday. District 5 winner Everett had just eliminated Frazier in the first round, 3-2.
After struggling in the circle Monday, Boyd returned to her dominant ways against Everett.
She blanked Everett on four hits while registering 15 strikeouts. She also chipped in on offense with a pair of hits, including a triple, in the 5-0 win.
“She came out fresh and motivated,” Duddy said.
Boyd was part of a rotation Duddy used in the circle this season, so she might not have the big numbers compared to some of the top pitchers around the WPIAL.
“Autumn is one of three very good pitchers on our team. We use all of them during the regular season to try to keep them all fresh. But if you break Autumn’s numbers down by game, I would guess she is near the top in some categories. For example, she has started 13 games this season and has 153 strikeouts against some very decent teams. She pitched against Neshannock three times and once against Beaver, as well as all but three playoff innings. I’d say that’s pretty good.”
As she winds down the midway point of her scholastic career, there is so much about Boyd’s game that has Duddy and Laurel fans excited for the next two seasons.
“Autumn fields her position (shortstop) very well. She has great mobility and a strong arm. She has one error all season. At the plate, she has great discipline and very good patience. She’s always looking for a pitch to drive.
“I think the movement of her pitches has gotten better. She makes that ball dance. Her velocity is still really good, but I think she is moving it a lot more. She’s just a sophomore. She’s going to get better.”
The immediate future for Boyd and the Spartans includes a fourth battle with WPIAL 2A champion Neshannock in the PIAA semifinals Monday at Westminster College.
“We’ve got some confidence going right now,” Duddy said. “We trust in our abilities and believe in each other. I feel like we are as prepared as we’re going to be, and we’re anxious to get on the field. Neshannock is a very talented team, and they’re having a great season. It’s going to take a strong performance from Autumn, mistake free defense and we have got to put pressure on their defense. If it’s anything like the first three we played, it should be fun.”
2022 Trib HSSN Softball Players of the Week
Tags: Laurel | 2022-06-13T02:15:34Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Softball Player of the Week: Week ending June 12, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-player-of-the-week-week-ending-june-12-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-player-of-the-week-week-ending-june-12-2022/ |
Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Norwin’s Aaron Schmook
Norwin senior Aaron Schmook
Aaron Schmook ended his high school athletic career by earning a medal at the PIAA track and field championships.
He finished eighth in the javelin. He also played linebacker for the Knights, averaging 6.6 tackles.
Schmook recently announced he accepted a scholarship to Kent State.
While his season didn’t end with a gold medal, he did perform at a high level. His best throw was 198 feet, 3 inches when he won the Butler Invitational.
How do you rate your performance at the state meet?
I performed OK, not as good as I wanted, obviously. I got out there and had a couple decent throws. I was just happy to be there and happy to throw. I wanted that 180 or 190, but it wasn’t here Saturday.
When did you throw your personal best?
In the middle of the season at the Butler Invitational is when I threw my best. It felt effortless. I do think I’m better off on a grass runway because I’m used to it. I’ll get used to the track runway in college.
Why did you pick Kent State?
The overall great vibe I had there. The campus is beautiful. I love the coaching staff. That was good for me.
How big was it to get over the hurdle at Slippery Rock? It seemed to haunt you.
Slippery Rock is not my favorite place to throw. I saw that the past two years. Yes, it was good to get over that and qualify for states.
What does it mean to medal?
It means a lot. It wasn’t the place I want. I wanted to be at the top of the podium. It’s still nice to get the recognition of medaling and for all the accomplishments throughout the season.
How would you rate your high school career?
I’d say my consistency, I kept progressing through the years. I was a freshman throwing 128 feet to 70 feet further by my senior year. I’m happy to be here and happy to keep working on what I wanted.
Will we see a better Aaron Schmook in college?
Oh yes, you definitely will. You’ll see more than 200 feet this year and eventually 215 or 220, hopefully.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I hate losing. I’m very competitive. Everyone that knows me that I want to win.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like weight lifting. I love bench press and squat and everything in lifting. I like to hang out with my friends.
If your mom was to make a special dinner, what would it be?
She’d probably make me a steak or something, or maybe some ribs or chicken wings.
Do you do any rituals before you compete?
I usually do the same thing. I wear the same clothes, warm up the same way, nothing too much different.
Who is the biggest influence in your career?
Probably my mom and dad (John and Lynn), they are the biggest influencers. They haven’t missed a meet.
Did you play any other sport?
I played football, and I didn’t know what I wanted to play in college. I was a middle linebacker and H-back.
• A-K Valley senior spotlight: Burrell’s Isabella Leger | 2022-06-13T16:51:43Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Norwin’s Aaron Schmook | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-senior-spotlight-norwins-aaron-schmook/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-senior-spotlight-norwins-aaron-schmook/ |
Beaver pitcher Payton List cools off between innings Monday in a PIAA Class 4A semifinal game against Clearfield at St. Francis (Pa.).
Beaver Area sisters Chloe List (23) and Payton List (8) walk off the St. Francis (Pa.) softball field after a 2-1 loss to Clearfield in a PIAA Class 4A semifinal Monday.
Beaver pitcher Payton List delievers a pitch against Clearfield on Monday in a PIAA Class 4A semifinal at St. Francis (Pa.).
LORETTO – Beaver’s 42-game winning streak and hopes for a second consecutive PIAA Class 4A softball title ended shockingly Monday in a semifinal round game at St. Francis University.
District 9 champion Clearfield scored single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, both with two outs, and rallied to stun the WPIAL champions, 2-1.
The game-winner in the seventh was a bases-loaded infield single by Ruby Singleton to score Alexis Benton, who reached base with two outs on a questionable hit by pitch.
The controversial call allowed Clearfield to keep the inning going. Alexis Cole followed with a single to right field, which moved Benton to third.
After the first pitch to Emma Hipps was ruled a ball, Beaver coach Amy Haggerty decided to intentionally walk Hipps to load the bases.
The decision did not please one of the best softball players in the WPIAL — senior pitcher Payton List. She wanted the ball in her hands and a chance to get Hipps.
“I know she wasn’t pleased, but I wanted to get a force out at any base,” Haggerty said. “Hipps is one of their better hitters. We held her down, but you never know. One pitch is all she needed”
List got Singleton to hit a grounder up the middle, but second baseman Taylor Young didn’t handle it cleanly, which allowed the winning run to score.
“Payton is a competitor and I knew she was upset,” Haggerty said. “I’d probably be upset if I was her. But I stand by my decision.”
Beaver (21-1) had its problems solving Hipps, a four-year starter and Clarion commit. Hipps allowed four hits, struck out eight and walked two.
Beaver grabbed a 1-0 lead in the third inning when List was intentionally walked. She moved to second on an infield hit by Young and scored on a single to right-center by Sami Springman.
List kept Clearfield (21-3) off the scoreboard until there were two outs in the sixth inning when Lauren Rissler doubled and scored on a single to left by Oliva Bender to forge a 1-1 tie.
“Before the game, I told them to play hard from the first pitch to the last pitch and that’s what they did,” Clearfield coach Derrick Danver said. “I had nothing but confidence from our team. We’ve been in this position before, and they’ve come through.”
Clearfield is going for its first state title.
“We knew they were undefeated and had won 42 games in a row,” Hipps said. “But I told my teammates nothing is impossible. A team can have a bad day and we could have a very good day. I’m so proud of my teammates.
“We just had quality at-bats and got timely hits. Tying the game was huge.”
List, a Virginia Tech commit, struck out eight, walked four and allowed five hits, four in the final two innings.
“It’s hard to believe that we lost,” List said.
Tags: Beaver | 2022-06-14T02:16:31Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Clearfield softball stuns WPIAL champion Beaver, ending 42-game winning streak | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/clearfield-softball-stuns-wpial-champion-beaver-ending-42-game-winning-streak/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/clearfield-softball-stuns-wpial-champion-beaver-ending-42-game-winning-streak/ |
High school roundup for June 13, 2022: Long balls carry Avonworth into state title game
Avonworth’s Rylee Gray is greeted at home plate after hitting a three-run home run against Bald Eagle Area in a PIAA Class 3A semifinal Monday at St. Francis (Pa.).
Avonworth’s Rylee Gray launches a three-run home run in the sixth inning of a PIAA Class 3A semifinal Monday against Bald Eagle Area at St. Francis (Pa.).
Leah Kuban hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to give Avonworth the lead for good and Rylee Gray broke the game open with a three-run homer in the sixth, leading the Antelopes to a 9-2 victory over Bald Eagle Area on Monday and a spot in the Class 3A state championship game.
Alivia Lantzy gave up three hits and struck out eight in a complete-game victory for Avonworth (20-5), which will meet Lewisburg (19-3) in the state finals at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Penn State.
Meghan Fissore singled and doubled, Layne Shinsky doubled, Cassie Heinauer drove in a pair of runs for the ‘Lopes. Kuban reached base four times, adding three walks to her home run.
Marina Shawley hit a two-run home run in the sixth for Bald Eagle Area (18-5).
Neshannock 13, Laurel 6 – The Nogay sisters combined to hit for a cycle and drive in six runs, leading Neshannock (25-0) into the Class 2A state championship game.
Neleh Nogay went 3 for 5 with two singles, a double and four RBIs. Aaralyn Nogay went 2 for 5 with a triple, home run and two RBIs.
Down 5-2 after four innings, the Lancers took control with a six-run fifth inning that included Aaralyn Nogay’s inside-the-park homer and a two-run triple by Gabby Quinn.
Quinn and Hunter Newman also had two hits for the Lancers, who beat Laurel four times this season.
For the Spartans (19-5), Autumn Boyd singled, doubled and drove in a pair, Bekah Valenti singled and doubled and Eva Kuth tripled and drove in a run.
Neshannock will meet Conwell-Egan (16-5) at 11 a.m. Friday at Penn State for the PIAA championship.
Seneca Valley 9, Pennsbury 0 – Lexie Hames threw a one-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts as Seneca Valley (16-6) won its 11th straight game, cruising past District 1 runner-up Pennsbury (24-3) and into the Class 6A state championship game.
Seneca Valley took over with a five-run third inning that included a three-run home run by Bella Gross and an RBI double by Mia Ryan. The Raiders tacked on four more runs in the fourth, keyed by a two-run single by Ryan.
Maddie Gross had two hits and Lina Chardella doubled for Seneca Valley, which will meet District 1 champion North Penn or Spring-Ford in the state title game at 4 p.m. Friday at Penn State.
Bethel Park 8, Donegal 5 – Ray Altmeyer hit the go-ahead single in the top of the seventh inning to lead Bethel Park (20-3) past Donegal (18-9) in the PIAA Class 5A semifinals.
The Black Hawks took a 5-0 lead after the first three innings, Donegal rallied to tie the score 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth, and Bethel Park rallied for three in the seventh to earn a spot in the state finals against Selinsgrove at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Penn State.
David Kessler and winning pitcher Cody Geddes led off the seventh with singles before Altmeyer’s go-ahead single, which was misplayed in the outfield, allowing a second run to score. Altmeyer came in on a Ben Hudson single to make it 8-5.
John Chalus singled and doubled and Evan Holewinski doubled and drove in a pair of runs for Bethel Park.
Andrew Small homered, Landon Robertson singled and doubled, and Coy Allmen doubled and drove in two runs for Donegal.
Neshannock 2, Burgettstown 1 – Giovanni Valentine singled with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth to send Neshannock (20-7) to the Class 2A state championship game.
Grant Melder led off the ninth with a single, Dom Cubellis followed with a double and JR Prossen was intentionally walked to load the bases for Valentine.
The Lancers will meet Everett (20-2) in the state finals at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Penn State. Neshannock is one of two schools with both a baseball and softball team playing for a state championship. The other is DuBois Central Catholic.
Burgettstown took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Brodie Kuzior led off with a single and later scored on an RBI groundout by Maddox Gratchen
Neshannock tied the score in the bottom of the sixth with a two-out RBI double by Colten Shaffer.
Sebastian Coiro started and went seven innings for Neshannock, allowing one run on four hits with eight strikeouts. Melder didn’t allow a hit in two innings of relief to earn the win. Burgettstown starter Nathan Klodowski was also effective, giving up one run on four hits with six strikeouts in seven innings. | 2022-06-14T02:16:37Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | High school roundup for June 13, 2022: Long balls carry Avonworth into state title game | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/high-school-roundup-for-june-13-2022-long-balls-carry-avonworth-into-state-title-game/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/high-school-roundup-for-june-13-2022-long-balls-carry-avonworth-into-state-title-game/ |
Montour pitcher Dylan Mathiesen celebrates after defeating West Mifflin, 2-1, in their PIAA Class 4A state semifinal on Monday at North Allegheny.
Montour pitcher Dylan Mathiesen gets doused by Nick Walker and Maddox Tarquinio as he celebrates with head coach Bob Janeda after defeating West Mifflin, 2-1, in their PIAA Class 4A state semifinal on Monday at NA.
Montour pitcher Dylan Mathiesen throws against West Mifflin during their PIAA Class 4A state semifinal on Monday at North Allegheny.
Montour and West Mifflin didn’t need 12 innings this time to decide a baseball playoff game between the two schools.
Montour scored two runs in the top of the first inning Monday, and that was enough for senior Tyler Mathiesen as the Spartans defeated the Titans, 2-1, in a PIAA Class 4A state semifinal at North Allegheny.
Mathiesen gave up four hits and struck out 10, including three batters in the seventh to seal the victory.
Montour (20-6) will advance to its first state final at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Penn State’s Medlar Field against Holy Ghost Prep. West Mifflin (20-4), also bidding for its first trip to the PIAA finals, defeated Montour, 5-4, in 12 innings in the WPIAL championship game May 31 at Wild Things Park.
“That’s not ideal,” Spartans coach Bob Janeda of Monday’s just-adequate offensive output. “We put up two in the first. We’ve got to add on and we didn’t do it. Their pitcher settled down and he threw harder in the sixth and seventh. He settled down and threw a beautiful game and it was an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel.”
West Mifflin sophomore Zane Griffaton yielded a walk and a hit batsman with one out to start the game. Mason Sike singled home Brock Janeda with the first run. Then Cole Fleck hit a comebacker to Griffaton, who threw to second for a force play. But that was all the Titans would get as pinch runner Maddox Tarquinio scored the second run on the play.
After that, only three batters reached base as Griffaton retired the final 13 batters he faced.
In the West Mifflin fourth, Jake Walker, who will be Mathiesen’s teammate at Cal (Pa.) in the fall, tripled to deep center to start the inning. Mathiesen then uncorked a wild pitch that bounced back toward catcher Matt Luchovick as Walker raced home. Walker’s left arm just got under Mathiesen’s tag to cut the Titans’ deficit to 2-1.
“Another classic game. I wouldn’t have expected this game to go any other way,” West Mifflin coach Jeff Kuzma said. “I would have taken another 12-inning marathon at that point. Two great teams, and the WPIAL will be well-represented with Montour in the state championship.”
West Mifflin had some opportunities.
Mike Lydon walked to start the fifth and was wild-pitched to second with none out. Mathiesen then struck out Ryan Lang, induced a popup to short from Corey Kuszaj and struck out Griffaton with what he described as the fastest of his 100 pitches.
“I was definitely stronger later in the game,” Mathiesen said. “I was hitting the outside spot every single time. My catcher and I worked with a dummy yesterday that was leaning halfway over the plate and I just tried to hit the outside.”
Devin Matey singled with one out in the sixth, but pinch runner Tyler Schmidt was out trying to steal second. Luchovick’s throw was to the right side of second base, but shortstop Jacob Robinson tagged Schmidt’s leg just as he dove toward the base.
Bert Kovalsky singled with one out in the seventh and stole second, but Mathiesen fanned the final two batters to secure a trip to University Park on Thursday.
“We were aware of the bunting and the things they do, and we prepared in practice for all that,” coach Janeda said. “We took the out on their one sacrifice. We’re a veteran team, and we walked out of Wild Things Park thinking we were the better team. That fueled us a lot.”
“We’ll compete to the very last pitch and we did that in the seventh inning,” Kuzma said. ”A little lack of execution at times hurt us. All you can ask for in a 2-1 ballgame is to put yourself in a position to push a across another run.”
Tags: Montour, West Mifflin | 2022-06-14T02:16:43Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Montour gets past West Mifflin to avenge WPIAL championship game loss | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/montour-gets-past-west-mifflin-to-avenge-wpial-championship-game-loss/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/montour-gets-past-west-mifflin-to-avenge-wpial-championship-game-loss/ |
The roar of thunder Tuesday morning woke Oakmont’s Sean Knapp from his sleep.
So he decided to look at his phone and call up the weather radar, and he saw a blotch of red hanging over Johnstown.
Knapp screen-shot the radar and sent it to friend Nathan Smith with the words, “it wouldn’t be a Sunnehanna week without crazy weather.”
The 69th annual Sunnehanna Amateur begins Wednesday at Sunnehanna Country Club in Westmont, and Knapp and Smith, along with Palmer Jackson, Mark Goetz, Tanner Grzegorczyk and Gregor Meyer — all from the Pittsburgh and four members of Hannastown Golf Club — are in the prestigious field.
This is the 31st time Knapp has played in the tournament and 29th consecutive.
“This isn’t about me. It’s about this tournament,” Knapp said. “I believe it ranks sixth amateur tournament in the world. It’s got a great field.”
Knapp is hoping for hot and dry conditions, which he said will level the playing field some with the elite ability of some of the younger players.
“I’ve played golf with Palmer and Mark, and they are playing at an elite level,” Knapp said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if either won the tournament. I’m just privileged to be part of it.”
Knapp, Goetz, Jackson and Meyer are members of Hannastown Golf Club.
“That’s a neat thing about the tournament is that four members from the same club are playing,” Knapp said. “That’s truly exciting, and I’m looking forward to the competition. It’s one of my favorite tournaments.”
The field will play four rounds, with the final round Saturday.
Gee wins Aber Memorial
Oakmont pro Devin Gee won the Dr. John Aber Memorial Golf Classic on Tuesday, edging out Greensburg amateur Kevin Fajt by a shot.
Gee shot a 5-under-par 135, which included a 5-under 65, during Round 1. Fajt had two rounds of 68 to finish at 4-under 136.
Amateurs Justin Griffith, Darin Kowalski and Nate Platt tied for third at 3-under 137.
The event was held at Allegheny Country Club.
Trio claim Mailey Junior titles
The 55th annual Tom Mailey Junior Golf tournament was held Monday at the Latrobe Elks Golf Club, and three players were crowned champions in their age divisions.
The winners were Nick Thomas (ages 17-18), Michael Kingerski (15-16) and Rocco Harris (14-and-younger).
Thomas shot an 83. The runner-up was Gavin McMullen, who shot a 93 in the 17-18 age group.
Kingerski was the tournament’s medalist, shooting an 82 and edging Luke Lentz, who shot an 83 in the 15-16 group. Harris’ winning score was 123.
The event is held in honor of Tom Mailey, a 1958 graduate of Latrobe High School and a 1962 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Mailey was an outstanding scholar-athlete. He lost his life in an automobile accident in Columbus, Ohio. He was attending Ohio State graduate school, earning his master’s and doctorate in nuclear physics.
Jackson/Fajt win county event
Palmer Jackson and Kevin Fajt teamed up to win the Westmoreland County Better Ball by shooting a 9-under 61.
The winners put together a run of eight consecutive birdies (holes 8 thru 15) at Hannastown Golf Club.
Mark Goetz and Matt D’Amico finished second with a 65, and Michael Wareham and Nick Turowski finished third with a 67.
Scott, Salvitti win Tri-State Junior event
Paige Scott and Rocco Salvitti took top honors at the Tri-State Section PGA Junior Championship at Fox Run Golf Course.
Scott shot a 1-over, two-round score of 145. She edged out Lindsey Powanda, who shot a 2-over 146.
Placing third was Erin Drahnak with a 3-over 147, and Lihini Ranaweera, Adena Rugola and Marissa Malosh tied for fourth with a 4-over 148.
Salvitti shot a 5-under 139, which included a 6-under 66 during the first 18 holes.
Wes Lorish and Nolan Nicklas tied for second at 3-over, and Nick Turowski and David Fuhrer II tied for fourth at 2-under 142. Wes Warden was sixth with a 2-over 146, and Nolan Shilling and Luke Gronbeck tied for seventh with a 5-over 149.
Tags: Franklin Regional, Greensburg Salem | 2022-06-15T04:04:03Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Knapp ready for Sunnehanna Amateur | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/knapp-ready-for-sunnehanna-amateur/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/knapp-ready-for-sunnehanna-amateur/ |
Neshannock pitcher Sebastian Coiro celebrates a strikeout against Burgettstown during their PIAA Class 2A state semifinal Monday.
Neshannock (20-7) vs. Everett (20-2)
10:30 a.m. Thursday at Medlar Field, Lubrano Park at Penn State
On the air: Trib HSSN (audio)
Neshannock – The WPIAL runners-up defeated District 10 champion West Middlesex in the first round, 4-3, edged section foe Riverside, 5-4, in 11 innings in the quarterfinals and worked extras again in the semifinals, 2-1, in nine innings over Burgettstown.
Everett – The District 5 champions beat Portage from District 6 in the first round, 4-3, before beating District 4 champion South Williamsport, 8-4, in the quarterfinals and shutting out District 3 champion Delone Catholic in the semifinals, 1-0.
Neshannock – The Lancers have persevered this postseason, winning games in nine, 11 and 12 innings. They have shown opponents plenty of love thanks to the timely offense of junior Giovanni Valentine, who delivered a big two-run single in the first round and the game-winning single in the semifinals. Old and young have contributed to the Neshannock balanced attack such as seniors Colten Shaffer, Sebastian Coiro, juniors Grant Melder and Jack Glies and freshmen Dom Cubellis and Jake Rynd.
Everett – Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Warriors had to rally for two runs in the comeback win over Portage in the opening round of the PIAA playoffs. In the semifinals, Everett and Delone Catholic were scoreless through five innings when junior Sid Grove delivered an RBI single that scored senior Jacob Price with what turned out to be the game’s only run. Senior Trenton Mellott pitched six strong innings for the win, allowing only two hits, while senior Calvin Iseminger earned a rough save. Delone Catholic had runners at second and third with no outs in the seventh but could but could not score the game-tying run.
Neshannock – The Lancers are now 19-9 all-time in PIAA baseball playoff games as they make their fourth appearance in the state finals. Neshannock lost to Central Columbia, 3-1, in the 1991 Class AA finals; however, the Lancers have won their last two title games. Neshannock beat Muncy in the 2004 Class A finals and defeated Neumann-Goretti, 9-0, to win the 2015 AA crown.
Everett – The Warriors are 4-5 all-time in the PIAA playoffs and are making their first trip to a state championship game. The only other state postseason win prior to this spring for the program game in a 1983 first-round victory over California, 4-0. Only one other District 5 team has won a PIAA baseball championship. Meyersdale beat Clarion, 2-0, to win the 2017 Class A state title. | 2022-06-15T23:56:55Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | 2022 PIAA Class 2A baseball championship preview: Neshannock vs. Everett | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/2022-piaa-class-2a-baseball-championship-preview-neshannock-vs-everett/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/2022-piaa-class-2a-baseball-championship-preview-neshannock-vs-everett/ |
Neshannock’s Gabby Quinn celebrates her RBI double during the WPIAL Class 2A championship game against Frazier on June 3.
Neshannock – A case could be made that the best two Class 2A softball teams in the state are less than 10 miles apart in Lawrence County. Neshannock is 25-0 this season, outscoring opponents 302-29. The fewest runs the Lancers scored was in a 1-0 WPIAL semifinals victory over Laurel. The most runs they gave up was in a 13-6 win over Laurel in the state semifinals. Before beating the Spartansm, the Lancers blanked OLSH, 6-0, and Johnsonburg, 14-0, in their first two PIAA playoff games. | 2022-06-16T05:36:50Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | 2022 PIAA Class 2A softball championship preview: Neshannock vs. Conwell-Egan | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/2022-piaa-class-2a-softball-championship-preview-neshannock-vs-conwell-egan/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/2022-piaa-class-2a-softball-championship-preview-neshannock-vs-conwell-egan/ |
The Avonworth softball team celebrates with the state championship trophy after defeating Lewisburg in the PIAA Class 3A final on Thursday at Penn State.
UNIVERSITY PARK – Avonworth found itself in a two-run hole heading to the bottom of the fourth inning Thursday in the PIAA Class 3A Championship game at Penn State’s Beard Field.
But a small adjustment by the Avonworth batters at the plate helped the Antelopes rally for a 7-2 victory against Lewisburg, the District 4 champion.
It was Avonworth’s first state title in any sport in the school’s history.
Avonworth was held hitless through the first three innings, but in the fourth inning, the batters moved away from the plate and started finding grass.
Right fielder Leah Kuban got things going against Lewisburg ace Kimmy Shannon. She doubled off the center field fence and later scored on a single by Cat Barie to cut the lead to 2-1. Later in the inning, a single by Emma Obersteiner tied the score 2-2.
“I knew if we were going to get in the scoreboard, we had to make an adjustment at the plate,” Avonworth coach Jenna Muncie said. “So we moved back off the plate. Their pitcher was jamming us with a curveball. Once we did that, we started hitting her.”
Avonworth took control of the game by scoring four runs in the fifth inning. Meghan Fissore drove in Sydney Savatt. Kuban walked to load the bases and Shannon was replaced by Alexis Walter.
She was greeted by a bases-clearing double by Rylee Gray to make it 6-2.
“I wasn’t worried.” Muncie said. “I had extreme confidence with no outs that Rylee would come through. She’s amazing.”
The Antelopes tacked on another run in the sixth inning on a double by pitcher Alivia Lantzy and a single by Fissore.
“I was not worried,” Lantzy said. “We seem to get stronger throughout the game and get more hits. We always finish well.”
Gray added: “We have to get used to a pitcher. We knew she was tough and she spun it really well. Leah got the momentum going.”
Lewisburg (19-4) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single by Sydney Bolinsky and extended its lead to 2-0 when Walter homered off the scoreboard behind the left field fence.
After Avonworth took a 6-2 lead, Lantzy worked out of bases-loaded jam in the top of the sixth inning when she got Gracie Murphy to ground out to end the threat.
Lantzy allowed three hits while striking out nine and walking three.
Kuban, Gray and Lantzy had doubles for the Antelopes and Fissore had two hits and two RBIs.
“This is awesome being the first team to win a state title,” Gray said. “The school has a lot of runner-up trophies but no first places. It’s incredible to be the first champion.”
And with only four seniors on the roster, Avonworth hopes to be back again next season. | 2022-06-16T23:34:31Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Avonworth softball makes adjustment, rallies to win school’s 1st state title | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/avonworth-softball-makes-adjustment-rallies-to-win-schools-1st-state-title/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/avonworth-softball-makes-adjustment-rallies-to-win-schools-1st-state-title/ |
Armstrong softball coach Doug Flounders hands out runner-up medals after the PIAA Class 5A state championship game against Pittston on Thursday at Penn State.
UNIVERSITY PARK – Armstrong’s potent offense met its match Thursday in the PIAA Class 5A softball championship game at Penn State’s Beard Field.
Sophomore Gianna Adams spun a two-hit shutout, striking out 10 and walking three in leading Pittston to a 4-0 victory to cap a perfect 25-0 season.
It was the second consecutive season that Armstrong, the WPIAL champion, reached the state final, and first time in 38 games it was held without a run.
“I tip my cap to her. We just weren’t getting anything going against her,” Armstrong coach Doug Flounders said. “She hit her spots and kept us off balance. We missed a couple scoring opportunities, and we booted the ball a few times.”
Pittston took advantage of two Armstrong errors in the first inning to grab a 1-0 lead. It added another run in the third inning on Ava Callahan’s single.
“We watched a ton of film on Armstrong,” Pittston coach Frank Parente said. “We knew what they had, and Gianna did a great job. These girls wanted this perfect season and they got it.”
Pittston banged out 12 hits, all singles off Armstrong starter Cameryn Sprankle, who kept Pittston off balance with off-speed pitches.
”We were trying to throw off the plate a little bit,” Armstrong catcher Bella Atherton said. “We were throwing a bunch of junk, trying to keep them on their toes. I felt we did pretty well with that. A couple errors in the field cost us a couple runs. It was a hard game.”
Pittston tacked on its final two runs in the fourth inning on a two-run single by Bella Grandina.
Now Flounders hopes his players take something from a second consecutive state final appearance into next season.
Sprankle said she hopes so, but there are holes to fill.
“We’ll be a different team,” Sprankle said. “We’re losing two key seniors (Mackenzie Epley and Nichole Benvenuto). We have good underclassmen coming up, but it won’t be easy.”
Armstrong, which averaged more than 10 runs a game, had a leadoff batter on base twice against Adams, who has more than 300 strikeouts. But they failed to advance them.
Now they can hope a third time is the charm in 2023. | 2022-06-17T04:44:35Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Armstrong shut down by undefeated Pittston in Class 5A softball final | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/armstrong-shut-down-by-undefeated-pittston-in-class-5a-softball-final/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/armstrong-shut-down-by-undefeated-pittston-in-class-5a-softball-final/ |
No extra time needed: Latrobe soccer standout Bulava commits to Maryland
Latrobe’s Ella Bulava celebrates her goal against Norwin on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at Norwin High School.
The final pieces of her college decision came together rather quickly. Maybe quicker than a penalty kick.
A Maryland coach talked to Ella Bulava on Wednesday afternoon and, by early evening, she was a Maryland commit.
Small talk. Offer. Acceptance.
Good morning. Good afternoon. Good night.
Bulava, a rising junior at Latrobe, announced her verbal commitment to the Terrapins, a program that first put an eye on her during an Elite Clubs National League event in January in Florida.
They later offered a scholarship to the talented midfielder who helped Latrobe to its first section title in 29 years last fall.
She scored eight goals and dealt out 10 assists.
“I did not think it would happen so soon, but the opportunity to play for a Big Ten school with such fantastic coaches made my decision easy,” Bulava said. “When I was younger, I would’ve never thought I would be where I am today. That makes this opportunity even greater.”
I am so grateful and excited to announce that I have committed to continue my athletic and academic careers at the University of Maryland!!!! A huge thank you to my coaches, family, friends, and teammates for supporting me along this journey and helping me get where I am today.???? pic.twitter.com/o1LeXXBKJa
— Ella Bulava (@BulavaElla) June 16, 2022
Bulava plays travel soccer for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds ECNL 05G team.
While college awaits, she hopes to help push Latrobe over the finish line. The talented Wildcats have never won a playoff game.
“I am most excited about playing under a great coaching staff and playing with some of the best players in the world,” Bulava said of Maryland. “I love playing with the players I have grown up with, and I get to do that in (high school). This year, we want to clinch the section again, and our all-time goal would be to win the WPIAL championship.”
She joins another Division I commit on the Latrobe roster in senior goalkeeper Sophia DeCerb (James Madison).
Tags: Latrobe | 2022-06-17T04:44:47Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | No extra time needed: Latrobe soccer standout Bulava commits to Maryland | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-extra-rime-needed-latrobe-soccer-standout-bulava-commits-to-maryland/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-extra-rime-needed-latrobe-soccer-standout-bulava-commits-to-maryland/ |
Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay (left) and Aaralyn Nogay celebrate with their father, assistant coach Don Nogay, after defeating Conwell-Egan, 4-1, in the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Jadyn Malizia and Neleh Nogay hoist the state championship trophy after defeating Conwell-Egan, 4-1, in the PIAA Class 2A final on Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock pitcher Addy Frye is mobbed by teammates after defeating Conwell-Egan, 4-1, in the PIAA Class 2A state championship game on Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Hunter Newman celebrates her double against Conwell-Egan during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock pitcher Addyson Frye delivers against Conwell-Egan during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Gabby Quinn celebrates her two-run home run against Conwell-Egan during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay celebrates her double against Conwell-Egan during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Gabby Quinn (left) celebrates with Addyson Frye after defeating Conwell-Egan, 4-1, in the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Gabby Quinn rounds the bases past third base coach Don Nogay after hitting a two-run home run against Conwell-Egan during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock catcher Gabrielle Perod tags out Conwell-Egan’s Katey Brennan at home plate during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock pitcher Addyson Frye hugs head coach Jackie Lash after receiving her gold medal after defeating Conwell-Egan, 4-1, in the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay catches a fly ball in center field against Conwell-Egan during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Aaralyn Nogay celebrates her single against Conwell-Egan during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock’s Hunter Newman drives in a run during the first inning of the PIAA Class 2A state championship game against Conwell-Egan on Friday at Penn State.
UNIVERSITY PARK — At the beginning of the spring season, Neshannock softball was barely on anybody’s radar in the state. The Lancers were not in any state or district rankings and had not even made the state tournament in eight years.
Three months later, they’re undefeated state champions.
Neshannock defeated Conwell-Egan, 4-1, in the PIAA Class 2A championship game Friday at Penn State’s Beard Field to improve to 26-0 for the year.
It was the second state title for Neshannock softball and the third state championship for the school this year. The Lancers also took state gold in girls basketball and competitive spirit. The baseball team earned silver medals on Thursday.
“It’s been so much more than I could ever dream for,” said senior Neleh Nogay, who was also on the state championship basketball team. “Great ending, great senior year. It was perfect.”
It was also the second state gold for her sister Aaralyn, who was not surprised by the success of their hard-working teams this year.
“We’ve had great teams this whole season,” the junior said. “We’ve had teams that like to put in extra work and do the extra things. I think that really paid off.”
It was certainly a hard-working game for Neshannock against a Conwell-Egan (14-10) team that had won 10 straight District 12 championships. It was the first time a team from the Philadelphia Catholic League had made it to the PIAA championship game.
Conwell-Egan jumped early in the top of the first inning on freshman pitcher Addy Frye. Cassidy Blaskop drew a one-out walk, and after a fly out, Alana Sesar singled and Laurel Bretzel was hit by a pitch to load the bases. However, Frye was able to get Bella Palmer to ground out to end the inning and leave the bases full of Eagles.
“I think I was a little nervous in the beginning,” Frye said. “I was trying to guide the ball more than just driving off of the mound. By the end of the game, I was starting to throw my game again.”
The Lancers offense, which averages just shy of 10 runs per game, responded with a big inning of its own in the bottom of the first. Aaralyn Nogay drove a one-out double to the wall, and Frye reached on an error. Hunter Newman then drilled the first pitch she saw past the shortstop to reach on an error, scoring Nogay.
After a fielder’s choice, Gabby Perod drove in Frye with a two-out single to give Neshannock a 2-0 lead after one.
After both teams were retired in order in the second, Conwel-Egan’s top of the order delivered in the top of the third. Ang Bresnen, the only senior in the lineup for the Eagles, led off with an opposite-field double. After Blaskop sacrificed her to third, Katey Brennan singled to right to score Bresnen and cut the deficit to 2-1. Brennan, the PCL player of the year, advanced to third on the play when the ball got past Jadyn Malizia in left field.
Sesar then grounded to Aaralyn Nogay at shortstop, who looked Brennan back at third before firing across the diamond to get the out at first base. Brennan tried to score on the throw, but Newman fired the ball home and got Brennan out at the plate by two steps to get the double play.
“Our girls throw the ball quick and they throw the ball hard and on target,” Neshannock coach Jackie Lash said. “That double play was nothing surprising to me. We are constantly going first to home. All the hard work and everything we do, it pays off because situational things are going to come up, especially in a big game like this.
Neshannock had its own bases-loaded opportunity in the bottom of the third, but four consecutive fantastic plays at third base by Cecilia McBeth kept the Lancers off of the scoreboard.
After Newman grounded out to third, the Lancers had runners on first and third with one one. Gabby Quinn roped a ball that nearly took the glove off of McBeth. She couldn’t hold the ball, and Quinn reached on the infield single to load the bases.
Gabby Perod, in the next at-bat, hit an identical ball that McBeth was again able to knock down. Shortstop Molly Milewski corralled the deflected ball and fired home to retire Aaralyn Nogay. Ali Giordano then hit another hot shot to McBeth, who calmly stepped on the bag to end the inning.
The Lancers extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth. After Newman belted a one-out double off of the base of the fence, Quinn drove an 0-2 pitch deep over the left field fence for a two-run home run. Her sixth home run of the season provided some much-needed insurance for Neshannock.
“She was throwing strikes over and over again,” Quinn said of Sesar, the opposing pitcher. “I knew that I couldn’t let any go by and I had to be aggressive at the plate. My batting coach … said to just swing through the ball. The first three pitches, I had noticed myself trying to chop at it, and I said, ‘Just let loose,’ and I swung through it.”
Neshannock batters struggled against Sesar at times and were out in front of many of her pitches for weakly hit grounders.
“Waiting back on the ball (was the issue),” Quinn said. “It was hard going from Autumn Boyd to seeing somebody like this. (Sesar) is still a very good pitcher, but it’s hard to adjust the timing.”
Conwell-Egan again threatened in the sixth. Blaskop and Brennan both reached base to lead off the inning. Frye then struck out Sesar and Bretzel, her first two strikeouts of the game. Palmer then drove a ball that deflected off of Frye’s glove in the circle. She was able to recover and throw out the lead runner going to third base, apparently ending the inning.
After the teams left the field, however, the umpires met in the pitcher’s circle to discuss a potential obstruction call. After the deflection, shortstop Aaralyn Nogay ran forward to try to make a play on the ball. When she did, she collided with Blaskop running to third base. After a five-minute discussion, including guidance from the head of the umpires, they ruled obstruction and continued the inning.
“We could all understand it,” Lash said of the obstruction call. “We’re not going to argue it. You could look at it two ways. The ball hit off of Addy’s glove, so Aaralyn starts to charge forward because she could potentially make the play on the ball. Well, then Addy picks it up and makes the play. Aaralyn as she did move, there was a slight bump with the runner, so that’s where the obstruction call came in.
“I questioned it and just asked that our player was potentially making a play on a missed ball. And they said, ‘Well, she didn’t make the play.’ We’ll accept that.”
Frye came back out on the field and struck out McBeth to again leave the bases loaded.
“We just told the girls to go out there and make the last out,” Lash said. “I know they were fired up. If there’s something that fires Addy up, the girls always say that mad Addy is way better than regular Addy. And you know what, mad Addy showed it.”
“When they overruled the call, it just gave me a lot of urge to throw harder,” Frye said. “I just knew I had to relax and back up my team. They back me up when I’m hitting, so I have to back them up in the field.”
Frye retired the side in order in the bottom of the seventh to end the game and start the celebration. She allowed four hits, striking out three and walking one in the complete game performance for her 20th win of the season.
“Strikeouts were low today, but we were able to make the plays,” Lash said. “I always say that a team can ride their pitcher, but we’re also going to make the plays when we have to on defense.”
Frye and Quinn led the way again. The freshmen have helped jump-start an already talented and young Lancer team that has only one senior on the roster.
“I wish we could just take out the grade levels whenever we talk about these players,” Lash said. “Freshmen, yeah, sure, but those two girls have the softball IQ of some girls that are playing in college. They know what needs to be done. They go up there calm and ready to drive the ball.”
Neleh Nogay, a Fordham commit and the only senior on the Neshannock roster, said this championship was extra special being able to share it with Aaralyn and their father, Don, who is an assistant.
Aaralyn agreed that this championship meant a lot and especially enjoyed winning the last game with her older sister, but that does not mean there has not been thinking about next season and making a return trip to State College.
“I feel like there’s a good possibility (of being back),” Aaralyn Nogay said. “I think we’re going to be a really strong team next year, especially with the freshmen we have coming up. I’m excited to see what happens.” | 2022-06-18T03:08:52Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Neshannock softball caps undefeated season with state championship | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/neshannock-softball-caps-undefeated-season-with-state-championship/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/neshannock-softball-caps-undefeated-season-with-state-championship/ |
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Upper St. Clair’s Aidan Besselman
Saturday, June 18, 2022 | 12:01 AM
Upper St. Clair’s Aidan Besselman (top) has drawn offers from 20 college programs.
Aidan Besselman will have a hard time topping the 2021 football season.
The rising Upper St. Clair senior was one of the top wide receivers in the WPIAL, earning first-team Class 5A Allegheny 6 all-conference honors after making 30 catches for 412 yards and six touchdowns. He also was a threat to run out of the backfield and even threw a touchdown pass.
But at the top of the season highlight reel was a leaping touchdown catch against South Fayette that was featured on ESPN’s “You Got Mossed” segment.
@aidanbessy got ????#PantherPride???? pic.twitter.com/RnmxnG9mKZ
— Upper St. Clair Football (@UpperStClairFB) October 23, 2021
The momentum-changing TD helped the Panthers tie the score before later winning in overtime, helping spark USC to a 6-5 season that ended with a 13-10 loss to Fox Chapel in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs.
“It was super cool,” he said, citing countless texts and social media exchanges after it aired. “Even cooler was to be in the moment and share that with a lot of people you spend a lot of time working with in the offseason. It was awesome to get the recognition for the team and around the Pittsburgh area.”
Besselman has been getting plenty of recognition this offseason, mostly from Division I college coaches who are looking to bring his two-way talents to their campus.
Also a skilled defensive back, Besselman has drawn offers from 20 programs, including several in the Ivy League and MAC. He put his speed (4.47-second 40), talent and big-play ability on display last season, and coaches have certainly taken notice.
“Aidan has a very high football IQ,” USC coach Mike Junko said. “He is instinctual on defense and a fierce competitor on offense. He is physical on defense and has demonstrated tremendous ball skills on offense. He possesses elite speed and an unrelenting tenacity that complements his many talents on the football field.”
Besselman, who also is a two-time all-section lacrosse player and plays basketball at USC, plans to make a commitment before his senior season begins but will make a few more visits and take part in college camps and 7-on-7 competitions with his teammates before he pledges.
“It’s fun to get recruited,” he said. “At the same time, it’s also a process. Going out to visits and talking to coaches and proving yourself at camps, it’s been fun.
“Obviously, high academics is super important. And to see how the team interacts with each other and how the coaches interact with the team. We talk at Upper St. Clair about building a family. That’s important. You spend a lot of time with these guys. You want to find guys who bond well together.”
Aidan Besselman
Upper St. Clair
WR/DB
Division I offers: Albany, Army, Brown, Bucknell, Colgate, Columbia, Dartmouth, Fordham, Harvard, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Maine, Miami (Ohio), New Hampshire, Ohio, Penn, Princeton, Richmond, Robert Morris, Yale
2021 statistics: 30 catches for 412 yards, 6 TDs; 29 rushes for 141 yards; 2 for 2 passing for 57 yards, TD
Tags: Upper St. Clair
• Burrell coach Shawn Liotta, brother Jeremy key cogs of innovative Fan Controlled Football League | 2022-06-19T12:54:04Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | 2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Upper St. Clair’s Aidan Besselman | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/2022-trib-hssn-preseason-football-all-star-team-upper-st-clairs-aidan-besselman/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/2022-trib-hssn-preseason-football-all-star-team-upper-st-clairs-aidan-besselman/ |
The Fox Chapel boys basketball starters hoist the WPIAL Class 6A championship trophy after defeating North Hills on March 5 at Petersen Events Center.
The biennial WPIAL basketball realignment can bring about odd situations.
Take the one issued by the WPIAL Board of Directors to cover the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
Both finalists for the 2021 Class 6A boys title — Fox Chapel and North Hills — are now part of Class 5A.
Fox Chapel will be playing in Section 2 for the next two seasons against Armstrong, Penn Hills, Plum, Shaler and Woodland Hills.
“I was saying to someone to have the 6A defending champion and or the runner-up both gone is kind of interesting,” said Fox Chapel boys coach Zach Skrinjar. “I think the WPIAL did a good job in going with competitive balance, separating teams from different areas. The quality of play of the 24 teams in Class 5A should provide for some great playoff games.”
Fox Chapel will lose its biggest basketball rival — Central Catholic — under the new alignment.
Central will stay in Class 6A, the division for the largest schools. The Foxes and the Vikings played in three classic encounters this past season, including a WPIAL semifinal at Peters Township’s AHN Arena where Fox Chapel’s late surge produced a berth in the WPIAL title game against North Hills.
To summarize the process, the PIAA realigns classifications by enrollment every two years. The statewide body takes the number of schools around the Keystone State that sponsor a sport and divides that sum by the number of classes.
For instance, there are 702 basketball schools, meaning there are about 117 schools in each classification. The 117 largest schools play in Class 6A, the next 117 play in Class 5A and so on.
A school can choose to “play up” in a larger classification if it wishes. For example, Shady Side Academy could play boys and girls lacrosse in Class 2A by virtue of its enrollment but plays Class 3A to compete against the largest schools.
That strategy paid off as the Bulldogs recently won WPIAL titles in both boys and girls playoff tournaments.
But back to basketball, the Foxes won’t exactly be playing against strangers in their new section.
“We have had exhibition games against those schools over the last couple years,” Skrinjar said. “Some of them were in 6A when the class began.”
Fox Chapel defeated North Hills, 43-36, at Petersen Events Center on March 5 to win the Class 6A title.
Defending Class 3A champion Shady Side Academy will remain in that classification and play in Section 3 with Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Derry, Ligonier Valley and Valley. Steel Valley and South Allegheny have moved out of the section.
In girls basketball, Fox Chapel has also dropped to Class 5A and will play in Section 2 against Armstrong, Hampton, Mars, New Castle, North Hills and Shaler.
Shady Side Academy’s girls will play in Section 3 in Class 3A against Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Ligonier Valley and Mt. Pleasant.
Tags: Fox Chapel, Shady Side Academy | 2022-06-19T12:54:10Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Fox Chapel boys basketball drops to Class 5A in PIAA realignment | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fox-chapel-boys-basketball-drops-to-class-5a-in-piaa-realignment/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fox-chapel-boys-basketball-drops-to-class-5a-in-piaa-realignment/ |
Norwin senior Nickolas Harris was one of 32 winners at this year’s Western Pennsylvania Positive Athlete Awards presentation, done virtually via social media.
Harris won the award in boys lacrosse.
Athletes are honored for overcoming obstacles, giving back to their schools and communities or having positive attitudes that better those around them.
Other winners from Westmoreland County included Yough senior Tristan Waldier (football) and Mt. Pleasant senior Laney Hunker (girls swimming and diving).
Going camping
Norwin rising senior Xander Smith didn’t just attend Pitt’s specialist camp for kickers, punters and long snappers. Smith went in with a purpose and came away with a first prize.
He won the long-snapping competition of the event, garnering praise from Panthers’ coach Pat Narduzzi.
The Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 Football Tournament will return July 21 at Latrobe.
Norwin is the returning champion of the passing tournament, now in its 11th year. Franklin Regional was the runner-up.
Penn-Trafford has five titles and three second-place finishes.
Hoops realignment
Summer is just starting, but the WPIAL has its new basketball sections in place for the next winter season.
Class 6A will have two sections for both boys and girls. Boys Section 2 looks like this: Hempfield, Norwin, Baldwin, Canon-McMillan, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair.
Girls Section 1 will bring Hempfield and Norwin together but will also include Butler, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland and Seneca Valley.
Norwin soccer player Grace Ketler committed to play at Mercyhurst. | 2022-06-19T12:54:28Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Norwin notebook: Lacrosse player honored as positive athlete | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-notebook-lacrosse-player-honored-as-positive-athlete/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-notebook-lacrosse-player-honored-as-positive-athlete/ |
Bryce Lewis didn’t play his best round Saturday at the 69th annual Sunnehanna Amateur, but it was good enough to capture the title.
The University of Tennessee product shot a 5-over-par 75 during the final round at Sunnehanna Country Club in Westmont near Johnstown, and he barely held on for a one-shot victory finishing the 72-hole tournament with a 5-under 275.
He edged out Kelly Chinn and Maxwell Ford, who each shot a 4-under 276.
Greensburg native Mark Goetz, who is turning pro after the event, finished tied for fourth with four others at 3-under 277. Goetz shot a 1-under 69 during the final round.
Murrysville’s Palmer Jackson was 4-over on the final three holes and finished tied for 13th with a four-round total of 1-over 281.
Pittsburgh’s Nathan Smith tied for 51st at 7-over 287. Smith, the 2025 Curtis Cup captain, won the tournament in 2011.
Tags: Franklin Regional, Kiski School | 2022-06-19T12:54:40Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Tennessee product Bryce Lewis holds on to win Sunnehanna Amateur | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/tennessee-product-bryce-lewis-holds-on-to-win-sunnehanna-amateur/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/tennessee-product-bryce-lewis-holds-on-to-win-sunnehanna-amateur/ |
Chris Harlan | Tribune-Review
Members of the WPIAL hall of fame Class of 2022 were announced Jan. 19 at the Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in the Strip District. From left are Mars soccer coach Blair Gerlach, Oakland Catholic basketball player Brianne O’Rourke, Aliquippa basketball coach Donna Richey, game official Ron Tyburski and Courage Award winner Sydney Willig of Norwin.
It takes courage to do what Sydney Willig does every day.
To wear a vibrating vest each morning. To use multiple nebulizers before classes. To constantly ingest medication.
When you have cystic fibrosis, it takes courage to do what is necessary to stay alive.
Willig wears the illness’ symbolic purple with pride because she has learned to manage CF with organization and determination.
The WPIAL took notice of the Norwin graduate’s story and made her its 2021-22 recipient of its annual Courage Award.
She was honored during the WPIAL Hall of Fame induction ceremony last month in Green Tree.
“This award represents me showing that I won’t let a disease define what I can and can’t achieve,” Willig said. “It shows others that have a disease that even though there are statistics out there and others telling you can’t do it, there’s others out there lifting you up and pushing you telling you can do it and giving you the opportunity to prove that you can do it.”
Willig has been dealing with the disease that causes mucus to fill her lungs and passageways since she was just a couple of weeks old.
The Geneva freshman soccer player, who plans to give the school’s new rugby program a try, also deals with CF diabetes.
She has had two reconstructive surgeries on her nose to open her nasal passage and has gone to physical therapy to learn breathing exercises.
Spreading awareness and helping others through hardship is just as important to Willig as improving her own health.
“To me this award just shows that I was able to overcome everything that was in my way fighting Cystic Fibrosis and that I’m still pushing to overcome it.” she said. “But with my teammates, I was able to, and to have them there to help push me to become better and to have the courage to push myself is why I was able to win this award.”
Willig said she recently started a new medication to treat micro bacteria in her body. She said she is waiting for FDA approval for another medication.
As for the rugby venture, “I am hopeful to start playing next spring … That will be super fun.”
• No extra time needed: Latrobe soccer standout Bulava commits to Maryland
• Apollo-Ridge brings back familiar face to coach girls soccer | 2022-06-19T12:54:46Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | WPIAL recognizes Norwin grad Sydney Willig for courage in cystic fibrosis fight | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-recognizes-norwin-grad-sydney-willig-for-courage-in-cystic-fibrosis-fight/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-recognizes-norwin-grad-sydney-willig-for-courage-in-cystic-fibrosis-fight/ |
Penn-Trafford head coach Doug Kelly talks with Noah Wright during their game against Franklin Regional on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Murrysville.
Summer is just starting but the WPIAL has its new basketball sections in place for the next winter season.
The biggest movers in Westmoreland County are Penn-Trafford and Greensburg Salem who are dropping from Class 6A.
Penn-Trafford will now be in 5A in boys and girls hoops, while the Greensburg Salem boys are down two classes, and the Golden Lions girls one, to 4A.
Boys’ Section 3-5A will now be Franklin Regional, Gateway, Latrobe, Kiski Area, McKeesport and Penn-Trafford.
The Greensburg Salem boys voluntarily played in 6A to reduce travel. Their move now promotes it.
The Golden Lions are in Section 1-4A with Freeport, Hampton, Highlands, Knoch and Indiana.
Girls’ Section 3-5A has Penn-Trafford, Latrobe, Albert Gallatin, Connellsville, McKeesport, Oakland Catholic and Thomas Jefferson.
Greensburg Salem and Derry are now Section 1-4A neighbors, alongside Freeport, Highlands, Knoch, North Catholic and Valley.
Boys and girls programs from two other local schools are moving from 4A to 3A in Mt. Pleasant and Yough, while the Derry boys are going down a class to 3A, along with the Ligonier Valley girls.
The Monessen boys and Jeannette girls will go from 2A to A.
The Jeannette and Greensburg Central Catholic boys are in a new-look Section 3-2A that also houses Clairton, Leechburg, Serra Catholic, Riverview and Springdale.
Class 6A will now have two sections for both boys and girls. Boys’ Section 2 looks like this: Hempfield, Norwin, Baldwin, Canon-McMillan, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair.
Girls’ Section 1 will bring Hempfield and Norwin together, but will also include Butler, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland and Seneca Valley.
Two more for Martin
Belle Vernon rising junior football player Quinton Martin added two more Power 5 scholarship offers last week as Michigan State and Florida State reached out to him.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder played running back and defensive back last season for the WPIAL Class 4A runner-up Leopards.
His other offers include Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, Louisville, Maryland, Boston College, Texas and others.
D1 offers for Tapper
Hempfield rising senior Liz Tapper received her first two NCAA Division I scholarship offers, from Duke and Penn State.
She turned heads Saturday by winning the New Balance Nationals title in the discus with a throw of 163 feet, 2 inches at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.
Tapper won the PIAA Class 3A discus (153 feet) and shot put (46-4.25) championships in Shippensburg.
She holds Hempfield records in the discus and shot.
Michigan also is showing interest.
The Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 Football Tournament will return July 21, at Latrobe.
Norwin is the returning champion of the passing tournament, now in its 11th year.
Penn-Trafford has five titles and three runner-up finishes.
Wildcats win
Latrobe won the 2nd annual Tre Cunningham Memorial Boys Basketball Tournament at Jeannette, defeating Yough in the championship.
Rising senior guard Landon Butler was the MVP and received a $1,000 scholarship.
LV coach
Ligonier Valley hired Kelly Steffey as girls soccer coach.
She replaces Eric Vogelsang, who was not retained.
Steffey, who is from Williamsfield, Ohio, has been a substitute teacher at Ligonier Valley for five years.
She attended Pymatuning High School and Malone College, where she was an NCAA Track and Field Championships qualifier in the high jump.
She transferred to Western Kentucky.
Repeat for Lehigh
Katie Lehigh, who has family in Murrysville, won her second straight Colorado Class 5A state golf title.
She birdied four of the final six holes to repeat.
She joins her sister, Lauren, with two state titles.
Katie has committed to play at Fresno State and will play against her sister at another Mountain West Conference school. Lauren plays at New Mexico.
The Lehighs are cousins of former Franklin Regional basketball player Johnny O’Toole.
Penn-Trafford rising junior Olivia Pepple is carving a path to Division I basketball. The guard announced an offer from Farleigh Dickinson of the mid-major Northeast Conference.
The 5-foot-9 Pepple averaged 11.5 points and 4.1 rebounds last season.
• Mt. Pleasant senior wrestler Noah Gnibus committed to Pitt-Johnstown. A 189-pounder, Gnibus finished second in the WPIAL and second at regionals last season.
• Buffalo is showing strong interest in Norwin rising seniors Joey Castle (kicker/punter) and Xander Smith (long snapper). Both were offered opportunities to play for the Bulls, although financial terms are on hold.
• Carnegie Mellon extended an opportunity to Penn-Trafford incoming senior Josh Huffman, a halfback and inside linebacker for the Warriors. The Tartans are a Division III program.
• Rising senior soccer player Mauriana Dorsch of Franklin Regional committed to play at Division II Tiffin. A fullback and winger for the Panthers, Dorsch also was one of the top runners on the track team this season.
Tags: Belle Vernon, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford
• Pine-Richland notebook: Sections overhauled for Rams basketball teams | 2022-06-20T12:47:59Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Penn-Trafford, Greensburg Salem among biggest moves in basketball realignment | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-h-s-notebook-penn-trafford-greensburg-salem-among-biggest-moves-in-basketball-realignment/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-h-s-notebook-penn-trafford-greensburg-salem-among-biggest-moves-in-basketball-realignment/ |
Avonworth pitcher Alivia Lantzy celebrates with teammates after defeating Lewisburg in the PIAA Class 3A state championship game.
The deer may be home, home on the range, but the Antelopes are celebrating in that rare golden field, where only district and state champions go to play.
The Avonworth softball team added to its title collection this spring with a PIAA 3A crown after beating Lewisburg, 7-2, to capture the school’s first state championship in any sport.
All of this with a young team that received key contributions from several sophomores and freshmen.
“It is amazing to have such a young squad,” Avonworth coach Jenna Muncie said. “We had four seniors who started or contributed to this year’s team. We are going to miss them terribly, but it was great to have five sophomores and two freshmen start for this team. In addition to the starters, we have four additional sophomores and freshmen who were able to contribute and make a difference in every game. With no juniors on the team, I can say that this team has a bright future.”
One of those super sophomores is pitcher Alivia Lantzy.
“I expected that Alivia was going to take a step up from her freshman year,” Muncie said. “As a freshman, Alivia was great, but I knew she had just scratched the surface of how great she could be. She is an extremely calm and confident presence on our team, so I never doubted that she would have an amazing sophomore season.”
In the PIAA semifinals, Lantzy shut down District 6 champion Bald Eagle, 9-2. She scattered three hits and struck out eight.
“I loved her demeanor on the mound during this game with Bald Eagle,” Muncie said. “Bald Eagle is a very good and seasoned team. They have big hitters. I knew if we were going to win that game, Liv would have to be herself and throw the pitches that make her successful. She did just that, and when she was in a jam, she remained calm and collected, which allowed her to come out on top.”
It doesn’t hurt Lantzy that the Antelopes have been swinging hot bats since plating eight runs in the WPIAL championship game. Avonworth scored 22 runs in their first three PIAA playoffs wins over Westmont-Hilltop, Karns City and Bald Eagle.
“I think Alivia is really confident in our team,” Muncie said. “Often times, she mentioned that she knew we would come through for her. However, it was certainly amazing that we provided her with the support she needed to be able to work confidently on the mound. She loves good run support.”
Heading to Penn State to play for a state championship is something Muncie said did not unnerve or frazzle her young team one bit.
“This team was an extremely calm and confident group of young ladies all year. I think I was more nervous than they were. I was really impressed with Alivia’s ability to go out on the mound, as a sophomore, in the biggest game of her career, and really buckle down and limit a great hitting team. I am really impressed with how this team handled themselves this season.”
Lantzy struck out nine and yielded only three hits in beating District 4 champion Lewisburg, 7-2.
“The key to her success was staying ahead in the count,” Muncie said. “Anytime she was able to work ahead, she was able to stay in charge. That is huge in big games, especially against a great team like Lewisburg.”
In the PIAA finals, Lantzy showed she can help chip in on offense as well with a hit and a run scored.
“I think if anyone watched Alivia all season, they saw she was a force in all areas of the game,” Muncie said. “She works extremely hard all year long on all aspects of the game. Her hitting is something she takes great pride in. She enjoys having an opportunity to come up in big moments to help her team to victory. Something that people don’t really know about Alivia is that she does play other defensive positions very well. She can run a ball down in the outfield and pick a ground ball in the infield with the best of them.”
There is time to wonder about what’s next for this young Avonworth core, but for now, Muncie and the Antelopes are basking in their golden glory.
“Historical and epic, there is no better season. Section champions, WPIAL champions, state champions and 15 really successful young ladies on and off the field. I am speechless.”
Week 10 — Autumn Boyd, Laurel | 2022-06-21T05:14:37Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Softball Player of the Week: Week ending June 19, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-player-of-the-week-week-ending-june-19-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-player-of-the-week-week-ending-june-19-2022/ |
Trib HSSN Softball Team of the Week for the week ending June 20, 2022
Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay celebrates her double against Conwell-Egan during the PIAA Class 2A championship game on Friday, June 17, 2022, at Penn State.
Perfection is hard to achieve.
Yet, three high school teams from Pennsylvania had the talent, combined it with a strong work ethic and got some bounces here and there to win district and state championships with an undefeated record: Martinsburg Central baseball, Pittston Area softball and Neshannock softball.
The Lancers closed out their perfect season by winning the PIAA Class 2A championship at Penn State.
“To be very honest, this perfect season was not something I imagined was going to happen,” Neshannock coach Jackie Lash said. “This is a fairly young team. I knew we would be good, but I just didn’t realize exactly how good we would be. We got a very late start in getting our team together in March due to six of our players being on the PIAA (basketball) championship team, and we had some problems with our new field, so my stress level was high right from the start of the season simply because I felt that these few delays were causing us to have a tough start to our season. As we started to jam games into a few short weeks, I began to see that this is a very special group of athletes.”
After winning the program’s third WPIAL crown and beating OLSH and Johnsonburg in the first two rounds of the PIAA playoffs, Neshannock met a familiar foe in section rival Laurel in the state semifinals.
“Facing Laurel for a fourth time caused a bit of concern, but we knew we just needed to go into that game with full focus, give our best effort and play like we know how to play,” Lash said. “They are a strong team with an awesome pitcher who has a great supporting cast. In my opinion, I felt that there was only one team who could beat us in these state playoffs, and that team was Laurel. Coach Frank Duddy and his players are always going to give us a battle.”
The Spartans definitely battled, taking a 5-2 lead into the fifth inning before Neshannock rallied for six runs in the fifth and five more in the seventh.
“With two outs, we had a never-quit attitude by the entire lineup and had several consecutive base hits,” Lash said. “This big inning included everything that was needed to take the lead in this game, aggressive base running sparked the rally, timely hits by several batters and discipline at the plate which forced walks, and then baserunners who scored on passed balls. Once we gained the lead, our girls played in a more relaxed manner and continued to give their best effort.”
In the semifinals win, the Nogay sisters — senior Neleh and junior Aaralyn — combined to go 5 for 10 with six RBIs, including an inside-the-park home run by Aaralyn.
While both have produced on the field, Lash points to the sisters providing stability on a young team that continues to mature.
“Having players like Neleh and Aaralyn on the team is extremely valuable. The other players truly look up to them. Offensively, Neleh and Aaralyn set the tone for the rest of the team. Defensively, we know that if a ball is hit anywhere in the area of Aaralyn or Neleh, the play is going to be made. Teammates have so much trust in Neleh and Aaralyn, and the sisters have equal trust in their teammates.”
One more hurdle stood in the way of history for Neshannock, as they would face District 12 champion Conwell-Egan in the PIAA 2A final.
The Lancers took the early lead when Aaralyn Nogay scored on an error and sophomore Gabby Perod singled home freshman Addy Frye to go up, 2-0.
After the Eagles scored in the third inning to cut the lead in half, Neshannock freshman Gabby Quinn launched a two-run homer in the fifth inning to provide the game’s final runs and the Lancers their second state softball crown on the 10-year anniversary of their first PIAA title.
“Gabby’s two run homer in the fifth inning solidified our lead. With Hunter Newman on second after hitting a hard hit ball to right field, Gabby timed her swing perfectly and drove the ball deep over the left field wall,” Lash said. “Our offensive success in that inning seemed to fire up the girls and helped them finish that game in a more relaxed manner.”
In the semifinals and title game victories, Neleh Nogay had five hits and four RBIs, Quinn had four hits and four RBIs, Aaralyn Nogay had four hits and two RBIs and the junior Newman had four hits and an RBIs.
As she has all year, Frye was dominant in the circle, allowing four hits while striking out three to finish her freshman season with a record of 20-0.
Despite carrying an undefeated record into the postseason, Lash said the perfect record wasn’t discussed much.
“Our approach from the start of the season has been to just focus on one game at a time,” Lash said. “We never really focused on the fact that we had a perfect season happening. It wasn’t until the night before our PIAA championship game where we talked to the players about ending the season and being undefeated, and that conversation was more about knowing that we couldn’t take any team lightly and we couldn’t take anything for granted.”
Like so many of the successful softball programs around the WPIAL this season, Neshannock returns many talented underclassmen. But for now, Lash and the Lancers are going to enjoy the golden fruits of their labor.
“This was an incredible season. We are so proud of our players, and we are thrilled that all of our hard work paid off. It was exciting to see that this young team has the focus and work ethic of champions. Being able to work with a team like this has been a phenomenal experience for my coaching staff and for me. The support from the community was also amazing, and we truly appreciate that support.
“I will admit that this is also a bittersweet season because we lose one amazing senior and that’s Neleh Nogay. We know that she can never be replaced. We do gain some great freshman players next year who are anxious to join this amazing team. I foresee great things ahead for the Neshannock softball program.”
Week 10 – Seneca Valley Raiders | 2022-06-21T05:14:43Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Softball Team of the Week for the week ending June 20, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-team-of-the-week-for-the-week-ending-june-20-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-team-of-the-week-for-the-week-ending-june-20-2022/ |
Things have tightened up at the 119th Annual West Penn Open Championship after the second round Tuesday at The Club at Nevillewood.
Rob McClellan, director of golf at Slippery Rock Golf Club, shot a 4-under-par 68 to go to a two-round total of 6-under 138 and take a two-shot lead against the first-round leader, Oakmont pro Devin Gee, and Peters Township resident Alec Stopperich, both at 4-under 140.
Gee shot an even-par 72 during Round 2, and Stopperich shot a 1-under 71.
McClellan’s round included four birdies and an eagle on No. 15.
Pittsburgh amateur Neal Shipley was fourth at 3-under 141, and Pittsburgh’s Beau Titsworth, Hermitage’s Matt Gurska, Bethel Park amateur Darin Kowalski, Wexford’s Mike Van Sickle, Bethel Park amateur Brett Young and Mt. Lebanon’s Kevin Shields were tied for fifth at 2-under.
The field of 78 was trimmed to 35 for the final round Wednesday.
McClellan, Titsworth, Shields, Van Sickle and Gee are previous winners of the event. The past two champions — Gregor Meyer and Mark Goetz — did not enter the tournament.
McClellan was the low pro at the Tri-State Open. Young won the Tri-State Open in a playoff against Rick Stimmel, who withdrew from the tournament.
• Tennessee product Bryce Lewis holds on to win Sunnehanna Amateur | 2022-06-22T04:42:19Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Rob McClellan grabs lead at West Penn Open | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/rob-mcclellan-grabs-lead-at-west-penn-open/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/rob-mcclellan-grabs-lead-at-west-penn-open/ |
Burrell’s Jarrett relishes being part of 1st PIHL girls hockey season
Courtesy of Megan Jarrett
Burrell freshman Ellie Jarrett helped the East team captured the inagural PIHL girls hockey championship June 11, 2022, at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
The East team celebrates with the cup after beating Central in the PIHL girls championship June 11.
Ellie Jarrett was smiling ear to ear after the PIHL girls hockey championship game June 11 at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township.
The rising sophomore at Burrell proudly held the trophy after she helped Team East, with players also from Armstrong, Elizabeth Forward, Hempfield, Latrobe, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Windber, Westmont Hilltop and West Shamokin, top Team Central, 2-1, in overtime.
“It was awesome,” said Jarrett, who also represented Burrell on a boys middle school team this past season and was a member of the Pittsburgh Vipers co-ed U14 travel team.
“We came from close to the bottom. We beat the undefeated team (Team West) in far too many overtimes (three) to get to the championship game. We put in the work, pushed through and succeeded when we needed to the most.”
Jarrett said she was proud to have the opportunity to play on the title-winning team in the first year for a PIHL girls league that came to fruition after several years of planning from people in and out of the league.
“It was neat to be able to play with other girls from all over the area and learn a bunch of things from them,” Jarrett said.
Team East came together around the time of the USA hockey youth national championship tournaments in March.
“It went OK at the start,” said Jarrett, a defenseman who played forward as the season progressed.
“From past travel hockey seasons, I knew a couple of the girls from there and also from camps. We obviously had to adjust to playing with each other. Overall, it went smoothly as we all had experience playing.”
Team East played each of the other five teams twice in the regular season and got off to a 2-5 start. But the team won its final three games heading into the playoffs.
Jarrett said Team East showed its strength by sticking together in the pressure-packed playoffs, where it was single elimination. The team won all three of its playoff games by one goal, including the overtime triumphs in the semifinals and finals.
“It’s just fun to be out there skating, playing this game and representing my (travel) team and also my school,” Jarrett said.
Team East coach Jon Yackmack credited Jarrett’s determined play at both ends of the ice as a key piece to the team’s championship run.
“At the start, I didn’t know a lot of the girls, but Ellie was one that I did know,” he said.
“I’ve coached her before. She gives great effort every time she’s on the ice. There’s no doubt about that. She is resourceful because she understands the game. She came in probably looking to play more defense, but we ended up using her as a forward from about the midway point in the season. I thought she was more beneficial to the team as a forward as she forechecks really hard and kind of creates havoc out there. She just loves to compete. You know what you are getting out of her.”
Jarrett will join the Burrell JV team this upcoming season. She also is on the hunt for a girls travel team as the one she was going to be on folded because of a lack of players.
The PIHL title was an early birthday present of sorts for Jarrett, who will turn 15 on July 2. This year marks a decade in organized hockey since her start with the Little Pens organization at age 5.
Megan Jarrett, Ellie’s mother, said Ellie has excelled and enjoyed hockey while not letting the challenges of autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder and general anxiety disorder keep her from making strides forward.
“When she was 6, we were told she would never be able to skate or ride a bike due to her impaired vestibular system, which causes balance problems,” Megan Jarrett said.
“But Ellie already had been doing both for over a year. Also, in the beginning of her playing hockey, it took about 90 minutes to get her gear on because of the sensory issues. Thankfully, we’ve moved past that. She is such a determined person who loves to do so many things and just loves to get on the ice and play. We’re so proud of all that she has accomplished. She has so much more she wants to do.”
As Jarrett looks to her hockey future, she said she sometimes looks back to her hockey past and some of the positive experiences along the way.
She said she was grateful for the opportunity to meet some top female players, including Amanda Kessel, sister of former Penguins star Phil Kessel, when the National Women’s Hockey League came to Pittsburgh in January 2018.
“It was exciting to see them,” Jarrett said.
“They are some of the best players in the world. I had my Vipers jersey on, and one of the Connecticut (Whale) players said that my jersey (logo) was pretty fierce while they had this cute, happy, smiling little Whale. I thought that was pretty funny.”
• ‘Hockey is awesome:’ Inaugural PIHL girls season gets rave reviews
• Penn-Trafford sophomore makes history with OT winner in 1st PIHL girls championship game | 2022-06-25T00:15:44Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Burrell’s Jarrett relishes being part of 1st PIHL girls hockey season | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/burrells-jarrett-relishes-being-part-of-1st-pihl-girls-hockey-season/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/burrells-jarrett-relishes-being-part-of-1st-pihl-girls-hockey-season/ |
Penn-Trafford’s Conlan Greene commits to Temple
Penn-Trafford’s Cade Yacamelli celebrates his first touchdown with Conlan Greene during their PIAA Class 5A state semifinal against Exeter on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Bald Eagle High School.
Penn-Trafford’s Conlan Greene
Penn-Trafford’s Daniel Tarabrella (left) celebrates with Conlan Greene after Greene recovered a fumble during their PIAA Class 5A state semifinal against Exeter on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Bald Eagle High School.
Football prospects are often enthused by college visits and feel an instant connection to certain schools.
Conlan Greene had that feeling when he visited Temple over the weekend but it was more than that for the Penn-Trafford rising senior. Having the opportunity to secure a spot on the Owls’ defense was a bonus.
The gritty pass rusher and run-stopper, who seems to make the biggest plays at the most ideal times, likes to hit people.
Greene announced a verbal commitment to Temple, which recruited him to play on the defensive line.
“The family atmosphere is what really sealed the deal for me,” Greene said. “I definitely wanted to play defensive line at the next level. I just enjoy the physicality it takes to be a defensive lineman.”
Excited to be an owl #TempleTUFF #nexTUp23 @ptwarriorfb @Temple_FB pic.twitter.com/khh7pim5i7
— Conlan (@ConlanGreene) June 24, 2022
Greene is a 6-foot-4, 250-pounder who has been a model of versatility for the Warriors, who won WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A championships last season.
He played tight end and defensive end, but threw a touchdown pass in the PIAA title game before recording the game-sealing sack. He had 15 sacks for the season.
He may get a chance to play quarterback this season for the Warriors.
“He’s mature, focused and a fantastic competitor,” Penn-Trafford coach John Ruane said. “He seizes the big moments and consistently delivers. He has really worked hard to earn his scholarship.”
Ruane would not have been surprised to see Greene play on the offensive side of the ball in college, but is thrilled to see him get a defensive position.
“I’m happy he’s a scholarship player,” Ruane said, “no matter where he plays.”
Greene had several college choices, with offers on the table from Duquesne, Maine, St. Francis (Pa.) and Central Michigan.
“I wouldn’t say I had a top-5 list, I just researched every school separately and Temple came out on top,” he said. “(During the visit), I got to socialize with coaches and players a lot, and learn some of the finer details of the program.
“I think I’m going to try to gain some weight and play an interior line (position).”
Penn-Trafford will have two Division I linemen to roll out next season. Senior Joe Enick (6-3, 280) is headed to Central Michigan to play interior offensive lineman or center. | 2022-06-25T00:15:50Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Penn-Trafford’s Conlan Greene commits to Temple | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-traffords-conlan-greene-commits-to-temple/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-traffords-conlan-greene-commits-to-temple/ |
Burrell’s Katie Armstrong earns 2022 Valley News Dispatch Softball Player of the Year honors
Burrell’s Katie Armstrong
Deer Lakes’ Maddie Kee
Valley’s Morgan Dunkel
Deer Lakes’ Reese Hasley
Kiski Area’s Ashlee Bair
Freeport’s Natalie King
Plum’s Makenzie Lang
Highlands’ Jess Cekada
Springdale’s Brianna Thompson
Leechburg’s Karli Mazak
Submitted by Rick Nealer
Burrell freshman second baseman Pyper Ferres
Jeff Helsel | Mon Valley Independent
Burrell’s Katie Armstrong prepares to pitch against Elizabeth Forward in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
Highlands pitcher Jaycee Haidze celebrates a strikeout with teammates during a game against Shaler on April 1, 2022, at Highlands High School.
2022 Valley News Dispatch Softball All-Stars
Katie Armstrong
Burrell, Jr., P
If the regular season didn’t already show it, then a WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinal game against Belle Vernon proved just how dominant Burrell junior pitcher Katie Armstrong was throughout the spring.
Armstrong held a potent Leopards lineup to just five hits through 11 innings. She walked none and struck out 21 as No. 3 Burrell prevailed 1-0 to advance to the semifinals.
“I knew going in that it wasn’t going to be an easy game to win, but I didn’t think it would take 11 innings to get it,” Armstrong said.
Eleven innings or seven innings, Armstrong was always in the zone, and it created hard times for Burrell’s opponents.
Her season numbers tell the story as she helped lead the Bucs to the WPIAL final four and the PIAA tournament.
She pitched every inning over Burrell’s 17 games, faced 437 batters, surrendered 44 hits and 17 walks and struck out 257.
Of the 15 runs scored against her, only three were earned: one in the season opener against Mt. Pleasant, one in the WPIAL consolation win over Montour, and one against Beaver in the 3-0 PIAA quarterfinal loss.
She finished with a 0.18 ERA and an 0.58 WHIP.
Ten of her 14 victories came by shutout, including a 6-0 triumph of District 10 champion Villa Maria Academy in the first round of states. It was the first PIAA game for Burrell since 2011.
“Going in, we had that mentality that the game was big, and we had to represent our school the best we could,” Armstrong said. “We were playing for each other, which was really nice.”
For all that she accomplished throughout the season, Armstrong has been selected the Valley News Dispatch Softball Player of the Year.
Armstrong said it was a great ride with her Burrell teammates from the early practices all the way to the state quarterfinal game against Beaver. She noted the number of intense Section 1 games and how they prepared the team for the playoffs.
“Looking back to the first day of mandatory practices and seeing only 10 girls on the field, we still stuck together and grew,” Armstrong said.
“We battled through adversity, and it was a great feeling to still be playing in June. Every single girl on that team worked so hard. With the mix of young and older players, we still had the confidence that we could have a great season. We wanted to prove people wrong who said we couldn’t have a good season with the low numbers and a number of young players. We worked hard for each other, and great things happened because of it.”
Armstrong said she’s looking forward to next season and its potential. This year’s Bucs featured just one senior — Caroline Dynka — and had five freshmen earn starting experience.
“We have three or four incoming freshmen who play travel ball, and with just losing one, the numbers are going to be better,” Armstrong said. “We’ll have that experience, and we’re excited to, hopefully, be able to do it all over again and maybe go even further.”
First-team all-stars
Ashlee Bair
Kiski Area, Sr., INF
The Cavaliers finished tied for second place in Section 1-5A with Franklin Regional behind only PIAA runner-up Armstrong, and the senior veteran was a key presence in the lineup throughout the season. Bair batted .375 (18 of 48) with five multi-hit games and a team-best 17 runs batted in. She tied for the team lead with 21 runs scored. For her efforts, she was voted a Section 1 all-star.
Morgan Dunkel
Valley, Jr., P
A heart-and-soul player for the Vikings softball team, Dunkel helped Valley finish 6-2 in Section 1-3A and qualify for the playoffs for the second year in a row after a seven-year hiatus. In the pitching circle, Dunkel struck out 90 while walking 18 in more than 100 innings. At the plate, she batted a team-best .413 (19 of 46) with seven doubles, four home runs and 27 runs batted in.
Pyper Ferres
Burrell, Fr., 2B
Ferres was one of a number of young Bucs players who helped the team finish third in WPIAL Class 4A and earn a spot in the PIAA playoffs for the first time in 11 years. She paced Burrell with a .321 batting average (17 of 53) and tied for the team lead in RBIs with 11 while scoring a team-best 15 runs. Her 17 hits included 11 for extra bases – eight doubles, one triple and two home runs.
Jaycee Haidze
Highlands, Sr., 1B/P
Last year’s VND Player of the Year had another strong season at the plate to help the Golden Rams qualify for the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs. The IUP softball commit led the Highlands offense with a .519 average (27 of 52) and scored a team-best 21 runs. Haidze also produced 13 extra base hits — six doubles, three triples and four home runs. She also went 3-3 with 84 strikeouts in 49 innings in the pitching circle.
Reese Hasley
Deer Lakes, Sr., OF
The anchor of the Lancers outfield, Hasley produced in the field and at the plate as Deer Lakes finished as WPIAL Class 3A runner-up and earned a spot in the PIAA playoffs for the sixth time in 10 seasons. Hasley, a Grove City basketball commit, led the Lancers in batting at .409 (27 of 66) with 17 RBIs. She collected six doubles, and her two-run homer in the WPIAL semifinals against No. 2 South Allegheny helped propel Deer Lakes to the championship game.
Maddie Kee
Deer Lakes, So., P
Kee had a breakout season in the pitching circle and also was strong at the plate for a Lancers team which captured the Section 1-3A title and won 14 games. She finished 14-3 and fashioned a 1.88 earned-run average with 141 strikeouts in 112 innings. She scattered five hits and struck out 11 in Deer Lakes’ 5-1 PIAA first-round win over District 10 champ Corry. At the plate, Kee batted .371 with a team-best seven doubles and 24 RBIs.
Freeport, Sr., C
The defensive field general behind the plate for the Yellowjackets also was a force at the plate in helping her team reach the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs. King paced the Freeport offense throughout the season and finished with a .458 average (27 of 59) with team highs of 18 RBIs and 20 runs scored. She also belted a team-best three home runs.
Makenzie Lang
Plum, Jr., P/1B
A VND first-team selection for the second year in a row, Lang took over pitching duties this season in addition to her duties at first base. At the plate, Lang hit a team-best .442 (19 of 43) and knocked in 14 runs while scoring 19. She again showed her prowess for power with a team-leading six home runs. Lang struck out eight, walked none and scattered four hits in a 6-0 victory over Penn Hills on May 10 which clinched Plum’s trip to the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
Karli Mazak
Leechburg, Jr., CF
The Blue Devils, in their run to the WPIAL Class A playoffs for a record 35th season in a row, featured a team batting average of close to .400. Mazak was a major contributor to the offensive success in addition to her abilities as the team’s outfield anchor. Mazak, hitting leadoff, batted .540 with 16 RBIs and a team-best 22 runs scored to go along with two doubles and three triples.
Bri Thompson
Springdale, Sr., C
A Geneva commit for softball, Thompson was a veteran dual-threat presence for the Section 3-A champion Dynamos. She formed a formidable battery with pitching standout and classmate Alexis Hrivnak. Thompson also shined with the bat, hitting a team-best .343 with 34 RBIs and 31 runs scored. Of her total hits, 15 went for extra base hits as she belted eight doubles, five triples and a pair of home runs.
Second-team all-stars
Anna Bokulich, Deer Lakes, Jr., 2B
Jess Cekada, Highlands, Sr., SS
Mackenzie Favero, Kiski Area, Jr., SS
Alexis Hrivnak, Springdale, Sr., P
Dani Pici, Plum, Fr., C/P
Sydney Selker, Freeport, So., P/CF/UT
Hannah Simpson, Kiski Area, Jr., P
Leah Taliani, Valley, Jr., SS
Bella Vozar, Leechburg, Sr., C
Bailey Zidek, Apollo-Ridge, Sr., SS
Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Freeport, Highlands, Kiski Area, Leechburg, Plum, Springdale, Valley | 2022-06-26T07:38:38Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Burrell’s Katie Armstrong earns 2022 Valley News Dispatch Softball Player of the Year honors | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/burrells-katie-armstrong-earns-2022-valley-news-dispatch-softball-player-of-the-year-honors/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/burrells-katie-armstrong-earns-2022-valley-news-dispatch-softball-player-of-the-year-honors/ |
Fromer Deer Lakes coach Terence Parham talks with an official after a technical foul was called in the 2019 PIAA playoffs.
With the recent bombshell resignations of successful, local high school coaches, it’s apparent that outside responsibilities are derailing careers on the sidelines.
Deer Lakes boys basketball coach Terence Parham, winner of 86 games in just seven seasons, resigned last week because of his expanded duties with Amazon.
Several weeks earlier, Dom Girardi of Highlands stepped down as head football coach, due to his family communications business expanding.
Both coaches were excellent people to work with, and here’s hoping they find their way back into the coaching ranks at a later date.
Before 1979, a coach had to be a faculty member at that particular school and rarely had business responsibilities outside the educational system.
Coaches today rightfully say coaching their sport is a year-round responsibility. Years ago, one person would do just about everything at a school, year-round.
At one time, Don Earley was the football coach, basketball coach and athletic director at Washington Township High School.
When Burrell High School opened its doors in 1964, athletic director Bob Haser was also the interim coach for football, basketball and every other sport until permanent coaches could be found.
Baker dies
The person who scored, arguably, the biggest touchdown in Arnold High School football history died recently.
Bill Baker, who scored against Springdale on Nov. 13, 1964, to vault the Lions into their only WPIAL championship game, was the victim of a motorcycle accident in Indiana County.
Arnold (then 9-0) needed a victory in the regular-season finale against the Dynamos to earn a slot in the WPIAL final. A loss or tie would have ended the season for Arnold under the Gardner Point System.
The buildup to the game was unbelievable. Springdale didn’t want to give up a home game at Veterans Memorial Field where only 3,000 seats were available.
The Allegheny Valley School District resisted overtures to move the game to a bigger facility such as Ken High Memorial Stadium. Arnold offered to host the game at Leslie Memorial Stadium, but that would have given the Lions seven home games.
Arnold fans really were incensed Springdale provided just 140 reserved-seat tickets — 40 comps and 84 for parents of the 42 players — leaving just 16 tickets for the fan base.
Fans stood in line more than two hours before kickoff. The game was so big that Cheswick Westinghouse, now known as Curtiss-Wright, let its workers out early so they could make it.
On the third play of the game, Chuck Johnson stood up the Springdale ball carrier and Baker, speedy for a defensive lineman, grabbed the ball and raced 36 yards for a touchdown. Tony Silvestrin kicked the extra point, and Arnold held on for an eventual 7-6 victory.
Montour won the title game a week later 19-7.
Arrangements were handled by the Ross Walker Funeral Home, New Kensington.
• Baldwin’s Cherico gains perspective, makes plans in 1st year as AD
• Belle Vernon’s Viva Kreis playing high-level international handball with U.S. national team | 2022-06-26T07:38:50Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | George Guido: Times have changed for high school coaches | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/george-guido-times-have-changed-for-high-school-coaches/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/george-guido-times-have-changed-for-high-school-coaches/ |
Penn-Trafford’s Mia Smith takes 2022 Tribune-Review Westmoreland Softball Player of the Year honors
Penn-Trafford pitcher Mia Smith smiles after getting a strikeout during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Armstrong on Friday, June 3, 2022, at California University.
Ligonier Valley softball pitcher Maddie Griffin
Mt. Pleasant’s Katie Hutter is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Franklin Regional freshman Toryn Fulton
Southmoreland sophomore softball player Amarah McCutcheon
Hempfield freshmen softball players Alli Cervola (left) and Riley Miller.
Norwin sophomore Bailey Snowberger
Latrobe’s Jenna Tallman will play her college softball at Pitt-Johnstown.
Belle Vernon softball player Maren Metikosh
Yough softball player Emma Augustine
Greensburg Central Catholic softball player Emma Henry
The evolution of Mia Smith’s high school softball career began in 2019 when she was a freshman.
A closer two seasons ago when Penn-Trafford won a PIAA championship, Smith took over the lead role in the circle this season and shined.
She led the Warriors (20-4) to a runner-up finish in the WPIAL and the PIAA semifinals in Class 5A.
For her efforts, Smith is the Tribune-Review Westmoreland Softball Player of the Year.
Ligonier Valley senior pitcher Maddie Griffin, Yough senior pitcher Emma Augustine and Mt. Pleasant senior shortstop Katie Hutter also were considered.
“She was my answer,” Warriors coach Denny Little said. “I wanted to get her confident and get her involved (in 2019). I knew she was something special.”
In ’19, Smith formed a one-two punch with another former standout, Morgan Hilty, who has gone on to become a first-team All-PSAC pitcher at Mercyhurst.
The pair helped lead Penn-Trafford to the school’s first PIAA championship.
“She missed her sophomore year (covid), but she knew she was going to be our top pitcher,” Little said. “She realized she is going to give up some big hits, but she can shake it off. She has been so poised all year.”
Talk about Harrison City Heat — the youth summer program started by Little — Smith is one of the fastest-throwing pitchers the program has seen. She often pops Maddy Rapp’s glove at 60-plus mph.
“It’s all part of the plan,” Little said. “We knew she’d be a difference-maker.”
Smith finished 20-4 this season with a 1.38 ERA, 203 strikeouts and 45 walks in 132 innings.
All of her losses were by one run.
For her career, the Pitt-Johnstown recruit was 42-8 with a 1.97 ERA, 400 strikeouts, and 92 walks in 2741⁄3 innings.
“I was incredibly blessed to have played as a freshman and win states all in the same year, but with that being said, I kept working harder in the weight room, field, cages and even the classroom to the best of my ability,” Smith said.
“And to be honest, I don’t think I’m even there yet. The best is yet to come for me and college, and I know that I’m going to work 200% to out-pitch my competition in the PSAC.”
Smith said her legacy lies in her being a complete teammate, not just a standout player.
“I want to be remembered as the teammate who could pick anyone up when they were down, the person she could go to for advice or even the teammate that could make anyone laugh.
“Yes, I have made an impact on Penn-Trafford Warrior softball, but I hope that I have made a bigger impact on the girls that look up to me as a player, teammate or even friend.”
Emma Augustine
Sr., P, Yough
Went 13-3 with 1.83 ERA and 155 strikeouts and hit five home runs and drove in 19 runs for Class 4A quarterfinalist.
Toryn Fulton
Fr., OF, Franklin Regional
Budding hitter had .414 average with seven homers, 30 RBIs and 25 runs scored for Class 5A playoff team.
Sr., P, Ligonier Valley
Stunted by late-season hand injury, Youngstown State commit went 8-2 with 0.23 ERA and 134 strikeouts in 62.1 innings and also hit .471 with 23 runs.
Jr., P, Greensburg Central Catholic
Led GCC to WPIAL semifinals and PIAA playoffs in Class A with seven wins and 3.16 ERA while batting .548 with 10 doubles, four triples, 26 RBIs and 22 runs.
Katie Hutter
Sr., SS, Mt. Pleasant
Division I prospect hit .597 with 43 hits, 11 doubles, six triples, six home runs, 22 RBIs and 41 runs scored. Also stole 13 bases.
Amarah McCutcheon
So., SS, Southmoreland
Helped Scotties reach WPIAL 3A semifinals and PIAA postseason with a .339 average, four home runs, 16 RBIs and 18 runs scored. Had 1.214 OPS and .607 slugging percentage.
Maren Metikosh
Jr., OF, Belle Vernon
Leopards’ offensive leader hit .557 with 14 doubles, five homers, 25 runs and 32 RBIs, while also slugging .824 and striking out three times in 70 at-bats.
Riley Miller
Fr., P, Hempfield
Despite foot injury in playoffs, ninth-grader finished with an 11-3 record, 126 strikeouts and 24 walks and had a 2.91 ERA and 1.12 WHIP.
Bailey Snowberger
So., SS, Norwin
Had breakthrough season for the Knights, a 6A playoff team, on offense and defense as she hit .448 with 26 hits, 18 runs scored and 12 stolen bases.
Jenna Tallman
Sr., 3B, Latrobe
Pitt-Johnstown commit led 5A playoff quarterfinalist with .568 average, 25 hits, nine doubles, three homers, 17 RBIs and 15 runs scored.
Ciara Camacho
Izzy DePalma
Jr., C, Derry
Sophia Doherty
Fr., 3B, Derry
Maggie Howard
So., OF, Hempfield
Tyson Martin
Sr., 3B, Southmoreland
Madison Nguyen
Jr., 1B, Franklin Regional
Angelina Pepe
Sr., P, Norwin
Cheyenne Piper
So., P, Ligonier Valley
Cam Ponko
Fr., 3B, Penn-Trafford
McKenzie Pritts
Jr., OF, Yough
Sophia Smithnosky
Jr., OF, Mt. Pleasant
Kayla Williams
So., P, Latrobe
Tags: Greensburg C.C., Hempfield, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Yough | 2022-06-26T07:39:02Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Penn-Trafford’s Mia Smith takes 2022 Tribune-Review Westmoreland Softball Player of the Year honors | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-traffords-mia-smith-takes-2022-tribune-review-westmoreland-softball-player-of-the-year-honors/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-traffords-mia-smith-takes-2022-tribune-review-westmoreland-softball-player-of-the-year-honors/ |
Justin Walther brings competitive fire to Plum boys basketball program
Justin Walther was hired to coach the Plum boys basketball team after he led Serra Catholic and Winchester Thurston in past seasons.
The Plum Mustangs made the WPIAL boys basketball playoffs seven times in the nine-year span from 2008-16 — but only once since.
Plum would like to get back to that scenario as quickly as possible.
The school board earlier this week hired Justin Walther, coach at Winchester Thurston the past two seasons and Serra Catholic four previous seasons.
Walther replaces Mark Marino, who went 23-25, 14-22 in section play, in his three seasons as Mustangs coach. Marino did lead Plum to a playoff victory over West Allegheny on Feb. 27, 2021.
“We’re looking to add stability; we’ve had some turnover,” Walther said of his immediate goals. “We’re looking to get back to respectability and get the program back to the plateau it reached under (coach) Ron Richards.”
At Winchester-Thurston, the Bears posted a 20-14 record under Walther, making the WPIAL playoffs both seasons. His Serra team made the WPIAL finals in 2019 while compiling a 21-5 overall record.
Walther’s expertise is putting the ball in the hoop. His Winchester-Thurston teams averaged 66.5 points per game the last two seasons, second-best in Class 2A behind record-setting Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
As a player, he graduated from Central Catholic in 1995 as the school’s second-leading all-time scorer. At Pitt-Johnstown, he set that school’s career scoring mark with 2,073 points.
“I’ll coach by adapting to the personnel we have,” Walther said. “At Winchester, we had three guards and went up and down the court as one of the top-scoring teams. If we have some ‘bigs,’ we have to see what we have to work with.”
Walther is anxious to meet with the team members and their parents next week.
“I don’t see a rebuild, and I think we’ll have the energy level we need,” Walther said.
Walther played for two of the most successful coaches in Western Pennsylvania, Chuck Crummie at Central Catholic and Riverview graduate Bob Rukavina at Pitt-Johnstown.
Crummie and Rukavina have combined for almost 1,200 career victories — Crummie with 653 and Rukavina with 528.
“He’s one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever coached,” Rukavina said. “Even in practice he was so competitive when we’d do something like play to 10. He had tremendous skill on the court.”
Said Walther: “At Central, coach Crummie was always tough and someone I’ve looked up to. He and I still talk a lot. We’re still close and I learned a lot from Coach. Coach Rukavina was at our state playoff game and we talk quite often. It’s crazy the amount of years he has at UPJ and how he keeps going.”
Rukavina is not surprised by Walther’s coaching success.
“He knows that game of basketball and it seems to have served him well as a coach,” Rukavina said. “If he can transfer his competitiveness to his players, that would be a big help. I’m happy for him getting the job at Plum.”
Plum will remain in Class 5A for the next two seasons, and the Mustangs will play Section 2 opponents Armstrong, Fox Chapel, Penn Hills, Shaler and Woodland Hills.
Walther also likes the idea of home games at Plum’s modern gymnasium.
“I was there for a playoff game when I was an assistant at West Mifflin,” Walther recalled. “It’s got to be one of the top five facilities in the WPIAL.”
• Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Penn-Trafford, Greensburg Salem among biggest moves in basketball realignment
• Pine-Richland notebook: Sections overhauled for Rams basketball teams | 2022-07-02T01:50:00Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Justin Walther brings competitive fire to Plum boys basketball program | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/justin-walther-brings-competitive-fire-to-plum-boys-basketball-program/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/justin-walther-brings-competitive-fire-to-plum-boys-basketball-program/ |
Murrysville shortstop Jeffrey Downs flips ball to second base for a force out June 8 against Bushy Run in a District 31 American Legion game.
Murrysville first baseman Luke Dolan throws a ball to second base during warm ups before a District 31 American game June 8 against Bushy Run.
Murrysville third baseman Joshua Hudak gets ready to uncork a thrown during practice June 8 before a District 31 American Legion game against Bushy Run.
Murrysville coach Patrick McKay conducts practice before a game June 8 against Bushy Run in District 31 action.
American Legion Baseball starts to get a little more intense beginning this week.
That’s when league playoffs are scheduled in Region 6 (Allegheny, Beaver and Fayette County leagues) and in Region 7 (District 31 for Westmoreland and Indiana county teams, Central Penn and Cambria leagues).
The region tournaments are scheduled to start July 15.
While things have proceeded as normally as possible in Region 7, Region 6 has seen a lack of participation since covid-19 wiped out the 2020 season.
Allegheny County is down to four teams (North Allegheny, Bethel Park, Baldwin and Thomas Jefferson), Beaver has six (Baden, Beaver, Blackhawk, Center/Monaca, Hopewell and New Brighton), and Fayette has shrunk to five teams (Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Connellsville, Smithfield/Masontown and Uniontown).
Bethel Park got off to a late start because of the success of the high school team, which won consecutive PIAA titles, and is struggling to play the mandatory amount of games (12) to qualify for the region playoffs.
“It’s a shame,” Uniontown coach Brad Yohman and Fayette League vice-president said.
“I think Bethel Park is having a hard time playing games because of the extended high school season.
“When I played for Uniontown, there were 10 teams in the Fayette League and I think Allegheny had as many as 18.”
The numbers in Allegheny County have dwindled over the years.
Region 6 Director Ron Popovich said getting North Allegheny back in the league may encourage other teams to return.
Allegheny also added Thomas Jefferson this season but lost Elizabeth Forward, South Allegheny and Highlands.
“We’re hurt some by travel ball, but covid hurt us again this season,” Popovich said.
Yohman said adding Junior Legion teams in Connellsville and Uniontown has helped their programs.
Yohman and Region 7 Director and Latrobe coach Jason Bush said they hope more high school coaches would encourage players to stay home instead of joining travel teams.
“Travel teams tell kids that college coaches are coming to see them at tournaments,” Yohman said. “I tell the players when they go, ask to see the roster of college coaches that are there. They’ll find out there are few or none in attendance. College coaches are using social media to recruit.
“What are they playing for in travel ball? Maybe a trophy? At least in American Legion, you’re playing for a chance to playing the state tournament and possibly advancing to a regional tournament and the World Series.”
Yohman’s Uniontown squad made it to the final day of the state tournament in 2021 after winning the Region 6 tournament.
Hempfield East from Region 7 and District 31 was state runner-up in 2019 and advanced to the Midwest Regional.
While there was not an official American Legion season in 2020 because of covid, Region 7 did have a season and played a Region 7 tournament.
Bush said having that season helped keep the interest alive in the region. He also said having veteran coaches over the years has helped.
“I know it’s been a struggle all around,” Bush said.
“But our league seems to be getting stronger. We’re able to get good people in position as coaches. We’re hoping to increase the amount of teams in Region 7 next season.” | 2022-07-03T00:11:22Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | As playoffs start, American Legion baseball thriving in some parts of Western Pa., struggling in others | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/as-playoffs-start-american-legion-baseball-thriving-in-some-parts-of-western-pa-struggling-in-others/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/as-playoffs-start-american-legion-baseball-thriving-in-some-parts-of-western-pa-struggling-in-others/ |
Deer Lakes track champion Carson McCoy selected Valley News Dispatch Boys Athlete of the Year
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy runs with Schuylkll Valley’s Luke Seymour after the first lap of the PIAA Class 2A boys 800 meters Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy wins the boys PIAA Class 2A 1,600-meter run Friday, May 27, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy runs away from Schuylkll Valley’s Luke Seymour to win the PIAA Class 2A boys 800 meters Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy wins the boys Class 2A 800 meters during the WPIAL track and field championships Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Slippery Rock University.
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy wins the boys Class 2A 1,600 meters during the WPIAL track and field championships Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Slippery Rock University.
Carson McCoy worked his way into becoming a Division I runner. Thanks to countless hours of running and training, he has earned a spot on Eastern Michigan’s track and field team.
He spent his four years of high school building that resume at Deer Lakes, where he recently graduated after capturing a slew of medals.
That haul included a pair of WPIAL and PIAA individual gold medals this spring. He also caps his career as the Valley News Dispatch Boys Athlete of the Year.
“When you’re training throughout the season, you try to focus on each individual day and making sure that every day is counting towards your goals,” McCoy said. “Mine was obviously states, so it’s so fulfilling to have that rewarding experience after putting in the work pretty much every day for two years.”
As a freshman, McCoy finished fifth in the 800-meter run at the WPIAL Class 2A championships (2 minutes, 2.21 seconds) to qualify for states, where he was 10th (2:05.57). This was just the beginning for him.
The 2020 season was canceled because of the pandemic, but fast forward to his junior season, and McCoy finished second in the WPIAL in the 1,600 meters (4:18.96) and claimed first at the PIAA championship meet (4:16.48).
As he began his senior season, he had his sights set on repeating in the 1,600. McCoy placed first in the 800 at the Baldwin Invitational (1:53.20) and in the 1,600 at the Butler Invitational (4:13.19).
Securing his spot among the best in the district, McCoy took first in the 1,600 (4:23.18) and 800 (1:56.34), as well as in the 1,600 relay with teammates Nathan Buechel, Aidan Herman and Fletcher Hammond (3:28.08) at the WPIAL championships.
McCoy then completed another career performance at the PIAA meet, claiming gold in the 800 (1:51.02) and 1,600 (4:13.14) with a pair of personal-record runs to stand atop the medals podium.
“I felt like I timed my peak properly this season,” McCoy said. “After WPIALs, I didn’t really aim to peak for WPIALs. After racing well at WPIALs with still a little bit of a higher volume, I knew once I cut it down for another week, I’d be ready to go.”
Before the exercise science major runs off to Eastern Michigan, he took time for a Q&A:
How much have you grown as a runner throughout high school?
A lot. I ran just track. Then sophomore year, I played soccer. And then I ran indoor track, and the season got canceled for outdoor. Once covid hit really is when I really started growing. Going into my junior year and that fall in my junior year is really where I bought into running for real. My training ramped up and everything got going, and then it’s kind of just carried on since then for sure.
What’s a normal day of training like for you?
Right now, it’s mostly just mileage. I’m working my way up to 60 miles a week this summer. I’m at like 45 right now. It’s more just easy, longer runs and then in the next few weeks, I’ll start getting some more workouts going into July and August.
Have you ramped up your preparation this summer before going to EMU?
I’m just following the training plan my college coach gave me so just sticking to whatever he gave me with all the strength and running stuff.
Who has pushed you the hardest?
Probably just my friends I’ve met through running. Obviously, my dad too. My dad is more just making sure I’m always working hard and staying consistent with it, but just being able to run with a group of friends and train and work out with someone over the summer and fall. Without that I would not be where I am right now.
What is it like racing with your teammates in the 4×4 and other relays?
It’s fun. It’s way easier to run when you’re running for a team rather than just yourself. Taking that 4×4 to states was so fun. That’s probably one of my best high school track memories.
How much has your family meant to you throughout your high school and track career?
They’ve meant a lot. Just traveling with me, taking me to meets and always supporting me. Buying me running shoes. There are countless things they’ve done for me that without them I would not be here.
You had a PR at states at the 1,600. What went into it?
I was just kind of just sticking with the pack. I wasn’t really worried about my time or anything. I was just trying to get the win and then the week after states, I ended up running. I ran a 4:11, so I was in much better shape, but the race just got out kind of slow, so it was hard to run a fast time.
What does Deer Lakes mean to you?
It’s meant a lot, specifically just the athletes on the team. Just the support from them and with the practice and having fun with my friends and being able to work with some other kids to get them running and helping out some new kids coming up, that’s definitely the best part of the experience.
What’s next for you at EMU?
Hopefully in the next couple of years, maybe a MAC individual title in track and sub-4 minute mile at some point in my college career.
Tags: Deer Lakes | 2022-07-03T00:11:34Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Deer Lakes track champion Carson McCoy selected Valley News Dispatch Boys Athlete of the Year | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-track-champion-carson-mccoy-selected-valley-news-dispatch-boys-athlete-of-the-year/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-track-champion-carson-mccoy-selected-valley-news-dispatch-boys-athlete-of-the-year/ |
Hempfield’s Elizabeth Tapper wins the girls shot put during the Wildcat Invitational on April 8.
Hempfield pole vault coach Melissa White and junior Liz Tapper talk during practice April 4.
Hempfield Area junior Liz Tapper prepares to make a jump in the pole vault at practice April 4.
Liz Tapper’s unbelievable junior track and field season at Hempfield is turning into a great summer.
That’s because Tapper has been on the road visiting colleges. She’s made a unofficial visits to Duke, Penn State, Michigan and Maryland and plans to make a couple of officials visits later in the summer. One possible visit is UCLA.
“I plan on picking a school during the early signing period in the fall,” Tapper said. “It’s an exciting process.”
Tapper recently capped her junior season by becoming a high school national champion in the discus at New Balance Nationals at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on June 17 with a throw of 163 feet, 2 inches.
The effort came a few weeks after Tapper won WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A discus and shot put titles. Her winning throw was 153 feet at the PIAA meet at Shippensburg and 147-7 at the WPIAL meet at Slippery Rock.
Her personal best throw is 163-9.
She also was a first-team all-section volleyball player as an outside hitter, and she placed second in the state during the indoor shot put season.
She carries a 4.0 GPA.
For her efforts, Tapper is the Tribune-Review Westmoreland Girls Athlete of the Year. She edged out Mt. Pleasant freshman swimmer Lily King, Southmoreland junior Olivia Cernuto and Greensburg Central Catholic senior Corinn Brewer.
“First of all, Liz is a great person,” Hempfield throwing coach Dave Murray said. “She works extremely hard and never misses practice. We had a throwing session recently, and she made it back to work out after visiting Maryland.
“She’s also become a team leader. She pushes other throwers to work hard. She’ll do anything to help the team.”
Not only is Tapper an outstanding thrower, she’s also one of the top pole vaulters in the state. She placed second in the WPIAL with a jump of 11-6. Her personal record is 12-2.
“I had a good season in volleyball,” Tapper said. “The team made some strides, and I’m excited about my senior season.”
But it was in track and field is where she shined the brightest.
Tapper started her athletic ventures in gymnastics. It was pole vault coach Melissa White who got her involved in track.
“I had her in sixth grade, and I knew she was in gymnastics,” White said. “I like to get gymnasts to pole vault, and she told me she was quitting gymnastics because she was getting too tall.
“She started vaulting when she was in sixth grade, and she’d come to the indoor meets to watch and help out. She was like a sponge. She watched everything.”
Tapper competed in the sprint relay, high jump and pole vault in middle school. When she got to ninth grade, she had foot issues because of running. So White suggested she see Murray about becoming a thrower.
“We like our athletes to compete in multiple events,” White said. “There is no challenge too big for her. You have to be disciplined to be able to go from event to event.”
“Coach White thought I should give pole vault a shot,” Tapper said. “But coach Murray saw something in me I didn’t know I could do. I can’t thank them enough for making me who I am.”
Tapper’s goals in the throwing events were met early in the season. She hoped to throw 150 feet in the discus, and she easily surpassed the mark.
Now her goal in the discus is to reach the 170-180 range. Murray said she already is working toward those goals, having surpassed 170 in practice.
“Reaching my goals early gave me a lot of confidence,” Tapper said. “One thing I need to do is get stronger. My technique is good.”
Tapper hopes to surpass 50 feet in the shot put and feels she can clear 13 feet in the pole vault. | 2022-07-03T00:11:46Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Hempfield state champ Liz Tapper named Tribune-Review Westmoreland Girls Athlete of the Year | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfield-state-champ-liz-tapper-named-tribune-review-westmoreland-girls-athlete-of-the-year/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfield-state-champ-liz-tapper-named-tribune-review-westmoreland-girls-athlete-of-the-year/ |
Trib HSSN top storylines from the 2021-22 school year
OLSH’s Jake DiMichele scores past Constitution’s Jamal Carr during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday, March 25, 2022, at Giant Center in Hershey.
Dayton Pitzer of Mt.Pleasant works at pinning Bryce Rafferty of Brookville in the 215-pound Class 2A final at the PIAA championships on Friday March 11, 2022, at Giant Center in Hershey.
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher shoots a free throw in final second of double overtime in the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against New Castle on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Petersen Events Center.
Bethel Park’s David Kessler celebrates his double against Selinsgrove during the PIAA Class 5A championship game on Friday, June 17, 2022, at Penn State.
Top stories for 2021-22
WPIAL soccer teams jump-started the school year by winning five of the eight state championships.
The Heinz Field experience was twice as nice for the WPIAL football finals. The league championship games were held there over two days with five contests played at the stadium.
Dec. 10-11, 2021
The WPIAL made history as the first PIAA district to send five football teams to the state finals in a single year. The weekend turned into a big celebration when Mt. Lebanon, Penn-Trafford, Aliquippa and Central Valley won.
The PIAA revealed plans to move the state football and soccer finals out of Hershey, the host site since 1998. They instead will be played at Cumberland Valley.
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher made two free throws with less than a second left in double overtime to win the WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball title over New Castle, 60-58. The matchup of No. 1 vs. No. 2 lived up to the hype.
Mt. Pleasant wrestler Dayton Pitzer went 45-0 this winter as a 215-pound senior and won his third state title.
The OLSH boys finished off their second consecutive undefeated basketball season by winning the PIAA Class 2A title. In doing so, the Chargers tied the state’s longest winning streak (68 games) and became the first boys team in nearly 60 years to win back-to-back undefeated titles.
WPIAL executive director Amy Scheuneman announced her resignation after two years as the league’s top administrator. The WPIAL board later hired Chartiers Valley assistant superintendent Scott Seltzer as her replacement.
Time ran out for those hoping the PIAA would add a shot clock to high school basketball next winter. The PIAA basketball committee voted down that option in May, ending months of debate.
Moon distance runner Mia Cochran finished her decorated high school career with an unprecedented feat by winning the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter titles at the PIAA Class 3A track championship. In the fall, the Arkansas recruit became a three-time state cross country champion.
The Mars boys celebrated as the first WPIAL lacrosse team to win a PIAA title by defeating Marple Newtown, 9-6, in the Class 2A final.
Bethel Park became only the fourth WPIAL baseball team to win consecutive PIAA titles when junior Evan Holewinski pitched a three-hit shutout in the Class 5A final. | 2022-07-03T00:12:04Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN top storylines from the 2021-22 school year | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-top-storylines-from-the-2021-22-school-year/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-top-storylines-from-the-2021-22-school-year/ |
Westmoreland notebook: Belle Vernon slugger Maren Metikosh class of 4A softball
Belle Vernon’s Maren Metikosh rounds third after hitting a home run against Yough on Monday, May 9, 2022.
Maren Metikosh has a name that rolls off the tongue. It is pure alliteration for broadcasters and announcers at Belle Vernon softball games.
Her swing is even smoother.
The rising senior had a memorable season for the Leopards as she launched home runs off the Dairy Queen sign in left field at her home park, ripped doubles to the gaps and helped keep the offensive gas pedal down for young but talented Belle Vernon.
Media and opposing coaches saw fit to recognize the standout outfielder with a prestigious honor: The Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association Class 4A Player of the Year.
Yes, she was declared the best player in all of Quad-A — much to her surprise.
”I had high expectations for myself going into the season, but receiving player of the year was not one of them,” Metikosh said. “This award means the world to me. I am extremely honored and humbled to be recognized along with so many other great players that I have met or spent time with making great memories. This award not only brought success, but it also brought competition for myself.
“Next season I will have to fill my own shoes.”
Her junior season included a .557 batting average, 14 doubles, five homers, 32 RBIs and 25 runs scored.
Her slugging percentage was just north of .800, and she struck out three times in 70 at-bats.
Metikosh also made the Class 4A first team.
“The countless hours that I’ve worked out, or hit in the cages, did affect how I performed,” Metikosh said. “Hopefully, this mindset and message will inspire some younger players to believe in themselves and go after whatever it is they desire.”
Several other local players made the all-state teams.
Penn-Trafford pitcher Mia Smith and Latrobe third baseman Jenna Tallman were first-team picks in Class 5A, while Brynn Charnesky of Southmoreland (2B) and Katie Hutter of Mt. Pleasant (SS) made the 3A first team. Pitcher Maddie Griffin was a 2A first-teamer. Second-team selections from Westmoreland County teams included Penn-Trafford third baseman Cam Ponko, pitcher Katie Armstrong of Burrell (4A) and third baseman Tyson Martin of Southmoreland (3A).
LV joins Unified league
Ligonier Valley gained acceptance into the Special Olympics Unified Bocce program for 2022-23.
The Rams join area schools Franklin Regional and Norwin as members of the co-ed league.
Pitt-Greensburg has welcomed a number of local players to its women’s soccer program.
Among its 2022 recruiting class are stealth goal scorers in Kylie Smith of Greensburg Salem and Taylor Klingensmith of Southmoreland.
Ashleigh Van Horn, a Hempfield alum, also has joined the team as a transfer from Pitt-Johnstown.
• Norwin senior Faith Steen will play college soccer at Saint Vincent.
• Hempfield senior football player Ian Tuffs picked up a Division II offer from West Virginia Wesleyan. He is a wide receiver and defensive back.
• Jaydin Canady, a senior football player at Greensburg Central Catholic, was offered by Notre Dame College (Ohio).
Tags: Belle Vernon, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland | 2022-07-03T00:12:10Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland notebook: Belle Vernon slugger Maren Metikosh class of 4A softball | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-notebook-belle-vernon-slugger-maren-metikosh-class-of-4a-softball/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-notebook-belle-vernon-slugger-maren-metikosh-class-of-4a-softball/ |
Norwin notebook: Former volleyball coach honored for remarkable record
Former Norwin volleyball coach Sheron Watson won 15 WPIAL championships.
Last spring, MaxPreps scoured the country looking for the best female high school coaches of all time in every state.
The online prep sports outlet recognized one of the most successful girls volleyball coaches in the WPIAL, naming legendary Norwin leader Sheron Watson as its top coach in Pennsylvania.
Watson’s remarkable run saw her compile a record of 642-21 with 12 consecutive WPIAL championships — 15 overall — and 12 PIAA titles, including seven straight.
She took over the program in 1973 and guided the Knights for 21 seasons.
MaxPreps found that Watson’s winning percentage of .968 was the second best of all-time in a team sport that does not play dual matches or meets.
Watson, a Hempfield graduate, is 76 now but she still coaches the middle school team at her alma mater.
She was a physical education and health teacher at Norwin for decades. She resigned from WPIAL coaching in 1993.
Norwin approved the addition of two new athletic programs for the middle school level.
Swimming and boys volleyball will now be school-sanctioned sports, with both set to begin this year and serve as feeder programs for varsity teams.
Norwin advertised in June for coaches.
Matijevic goes yard … again
When the baseball finally landed in the second deck high above the field at historic Yankee Stadium, JJ Matijevic had his second big-league hit.
Two hits. Two home runs.
Matijevic, who started at first base, hit another solo homer as the Houston Astros no-hit the New York Yankees, 3-0, on June 25 in the Bronx.
The Norwin alum tacked on one of his signature bat flips for effect after his blast to right field.
The Houston Astros are having some fun with their rookie call-up, labeling him “Mashijevic.”
In the majors for the second time this season from Triple-A Sugar Land, perhaps this time to stay as he continues to produce, Matijevic took former Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole deep with two outs in the top of the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie.
The early offense gave the Astros’ pitching staff some room to work on the first no-hitter against the Yankees since 2003 — when six Astros pitchers combined on the no-no. Starter Cristian Javier set the tone. He pitched seven innings and struck out 13, and Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly worked one inning apiece to shut down the Yankees.
Matijevic, 26, was recalled to Houston on June 15 to replace Jeremy Pena, who went on the 10-day injured list, also homered in a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Father’s Day. He was 2 for 14 in his first seven major league games.
Smith in Top 10
Norwin rising senior football long snapper Xander Smith recorded a top-10 finish at the HKA Top 40 showcase in Orlando, Fla.
Smith was 10th in his bracket, competing against 49 other high school long snappers.
He charted with a score of 177.37, falling head-to-head to David Bird of Sandra O’Connor High School on Phoeniz, Ariz. in the Elite 8.
Legion showcase
The District 31 American Legion baseball player showcase will be 5 p.m. July 14 at Legion Keener Park in Latrobe.
Players will be tested in a number of drills, including sprinting, throwing and hitting.
College scouts will evaluate the players. Programs already signed up to attend include Seton Hill, Mt. Aloysius, Allegheny and La Roche. | 2022-07-03T20:21:59Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Norwin notebook: Former volleyball coach honored for remarkable record | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-notebook-former-volleyball-coach-honored-for-remarkable-record/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-notebook-former-volleyball-coach-honored-for-remarkable-record/ |
North Allegheny again finishes atop Class 6A Trib Cup standings
Monday, July 4, 2022 | 9:55 AM
North Allegheny seniors celebrate with the trophy after beating Seneca Valley in the WPIAL Class 3A boys volleyball championship Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at UPMC Sports Performance Complex.
JJ LaBella | North Allegheny athletics
The North Allegheny boys volleyball team won the 2022 PIAA Class 3A championship June 11, 2022, at Penn State.
The North Allegheny girls team won the WPIAL Class 3A swimming championships March 4, 2022, at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
North Allegheny celebrates after beating Shaler in the WPIAL 4-A Volleyball Championship on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at Robert Morris UPMC Center.
North Allegheny winning the Trib HSSN Cup comes as no surprise. The fact that it was closer than usual did make things interesting in the 6A chase.
A strong athletic season at Mt. Lebanon kept it close, but in the end, NA still won comfortably to keep intact its two decade streak of winning the Trib Cup in the WPIAL’s highest classification.
The Trib HSSN Cup is a yearlong competition to determine the top WPIAL sports program in each classification. It awards points for section or conference championships, district and state playoff berths and district and state championships and runners-up.
Since the contest began, North Allegheny has won every Cup, sometimes lapping the competition and finishing with double the points as the second place school.
“Winning the Trib Cup is very important to our students, staff and Tiger Nation,” North Allegheny athletic director Bob Bozzuto said. “This is one of our goals each year. We appreciate the Trib and HSSN for their dedication to high school athletics.”
The Tigers sports programs earned points in an amazing 23 of the 24 sports in the competition. In comparison, runner-up Mt. Lebanon registered points in 18 sports.
North Allegheny teams won six WPIAL championships in this school year, claiming gold in girls volleyball, boys cross country, girls cross country, girls swimming, boys volleyball and girls track.
However what makes NA so dominant is the success the Tigers have had in the PIAA playoffs.
The Tigers won state championships in boys and girls volleyball and boys and girls cross country.
“The WPIAL championship is very important because that is your district,” Bozzuto said. “But the big prize is at the PIAA level, and that is where the focus is.”
Buoyed by a WPIAL and PIAA championship in football and district crowns in girls basketball and baseball, Mt. Lebanon finished with a comfortable spot in second place.
Rounding out the Top 5 were Fox Chapel, Seneca Valley and Peters Township.
1. North Allegheny – 1,010
2. Mt. Lebanon – 705
3. Fox Chapel – 600
4. Seneca Valley – 595
5. Peters Township – 460
6. Upper St. Clair – 345
7. Norwin – 290
8. Butler – 285
9. Pine-Richland – 260
10. Central Catholic/Oakland Catholic – 260
11. Bethel Park – 240
12. Hempfield – 175
13. Canon-McMillan – 150
14. Baldwin – 40
Tags: Baldwin, Bethel Park, Butler, Canon-McMillan, Central Catholic, Fox Chapel, Hempfield, Mt. lebanon, North Allegheny, Norwin, Oakland Catholic, Peters Township, Pine-Richland, Seneca Valley, Upper St. Clair | 2022-07-04T15:27:50Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | North Allegheny again finishes atop Class 6A Trib Cup standings | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/north-allegheny-again-finishes-atop-class-6a-trib-cup-standings/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/north-allegheny-again-finishes-atop-class-6a-trib-cup-standings/ |
Championship teams guide Hampton to top of Class 5A Trib Cup standings
The Hampton boys soccer team celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating West Allegheny, 1-0, in the Class 3A final on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Highmark Stadium.
The Hampton boys team was the winner of the WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships March 4, 2022, at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Hampton’s Jacob Bonnar (2155) and Nathan Garrett (2159) keep pace with the other runners in the Class 2A boys race during the WPIAL cross country championships Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at Cal (Pa.).
Hampton captured three district championships and one state title this past school year, with three of those four coming during the fall sports season.
Consistent success throughout all three seasons, however, was a big part of the Talbots showing plenty of bark in winning the Trib HSSN Cup for Class 5A.
“The Hampton Talbots had the most successful sports year in school history,” Hampton athletic director Bill Cardone said. “The teams excelled in winning WPIAL, PIAA and section championships as well as competing in the playoffs.”
The Hampton boys soccer team finished 23-1 and won the WPIAL Class 3A title over West Allegheny and the state championship over Archbishop Wood, both by scores of 1-0. The team allowed only one goal in seven postseason victories.
Also in the fall, the Talbots captured WPIAL gold in boys cross country, and the girls volleyball team was the WPIAL and PIAA runner-up.
The other district championship won by Hampton came in the winter when the boys swimming team won Class 2A gold.
Hampton was able to win one of the closest Trib Cup chases ever by adding a steady stream from 10 other sports throughout the school year.
“We would like the thank all involved in this great run, particularly out student-athletes and coaches,” Cardone said.
The Talbots edged last year’s champion Mars by only 15 points. The Fightin’ Planets won WPIAL and PIAA championships in both girls soccer and boys lacrosse. Mars made history when it became the first WPIAL school to win a PIAA lacrosse title.
Two other schools that were part of the close cup chase were Moon and Penn-Trafford. The Tigers were led by the girls soccer team, which won WPIAL and PIAA championships, while the Warriors enjoyed a district and state title run with the football team.
Franklin Regional rounded out the top five.
1. Hampton – 445
2. Mars – 430
3. Moon – 410
4. Penn-Trafford – 400
5. Franklin Regional – 305
6. South Fayette – 280
7. Latrobe – 255
8. Thomas Jefferson – 250
9. Chartiers Valley – 240
10. West Allegheny – 215
11. Armstrong – 175
12. Laurel Highlands – 170
13. Plum – 165
14. North Hills – 145
15. Shaler – 135
16. Kiski Area – 120
17. Connellsville – 105
18. Trinity – 100
19. Gateway – 85
20. Penn Hills – 75
21. McKeesport – 70
22. Ringgold – 65
23. Albert Gallatin – 30
23. Woodland Hills – 30
Tags: Albert Gallatin, Armstrong, Chartiers Valley, Connellsville, Franklin Regional, Gateway, Hampton, Kiski Area, Latrobe, Laurel Highlands, Mars, McKeesport, Moon, North Hills, Penn Hills, Penn-Trafford, Plum, Ringgold, Shaler, South Fayette, Thomas Jefferson, Trinity, West Allegheny, Woodland Hills | 2022-07-06T06:02:08Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Championship teams guide Hampton to top of Class 5A Trib Cup standings | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/championship-teams-guide-hampton-to-top-of-class-5a-trib-cup-standings/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/championship-teams-guide-hampton-to-top-of-class-5a-trib-cup-standings/ |
North Catholic’s Alayna Rocco celebrates with Dacia Lewandowski after defeating Freedom in the WPIAL Class 3A championship game on Thursday, March. 3, 2022, at Petersen Events Center.
North Catholic celebrates beating Avonworth in the WPIAL Class 2A volleyball championship Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Robert Morris’ UPMC Events Center.
Courtesy of Amy Drevna
North Catholic girls basketball players pose with the school’s victory bell after winning the WPIAL Class 3A title for the fifth time in six seasons.
The North Catholic victory tradition continued to ring loud and clear this past school year.
Steady contributions across all three seasons, along with a couple of championship runs, helped the Trojans win a third straight Trib HSSN Cup for Class 3A in 2021-22.
“North Catholic has a long standing tradition of our seniors ringing a victory bell after winning a WPIAL or PIAA championship,” North Catholic President Joe Wilson said. “It was great to hear the bell ring so many times last year. Winning the three titles in golf, girls volleyball and girls basketball is a tribute to the hard work of our dedicated students and, in particular, our fantastic coaches.”
North Catholic came out flying in the fall season, scoring points in eight of the 10 sports in the competition.
The highlight was the Trojans’ girls volleyball team, which won both a WPIAL and PIAA championship.
The North Catholic boys golf team celebrated its first WPIAL title while four other fall sports teams — football, boys and girls soccer and boys cross country — all were district runners-up.
The Trojans’ girls basketball team captured a fifth WPIAL crown in the last six years and added to their district record with a 21st championship in the winter.
The spring teams at North Catholic earned points in six of eight sports, led by a WPIAL runner-up finish for the boys tennis team.
“North Catholic strives to produce authentic student-athletes,” Wilson said. “Part of our mission is to graduate well-rounded students of integrity. It is a great honor to win the 2021-2022 HSSN Trib Cup for 3A and see our students excel.”
North Catholic won the championship by 215 points, beating out Shady Side Academy. The Bulldogs hoisted WPIAL gold in four sports this past school year.
Avonworth enjoyed a strong athletic season as well, winning a WPIAL title in girls soccer, WPIAL and PIAA gold in softball and finishing as district runner-up in girls volleyball and boys basketball.
Rounding out the Top 5 in Class 3A was South Park in fourth place while Mt. Pleasant and Waynesburg Central tied for fifth.
1. North Catholic – 695
2. Shady Side Academy – 480
3. Avonworth – 415
4. South Park – 250
5t. Mt. Pleasant – 220
5t. Waynesburg Central – 220
7. Riverside – 190
8. Southmoreland – 175
9. Mohawk – 145
11. Freedom – 130
12. Steel Valley – 115
13. Keystone Oaks – 110
14. South Allegheny -100
15. Derry – 90
16. Ellwood City – 80
17. Valley – 60
18. Beaver Falls – 55
19. McGuffey – 50
20. Charleroi – 45
21t. Brownsville – 40
21t. East Allegheny – 40
23t. Beth-Center – 30
23t. New Brighton – 30
Tags: Avonworth, Beaver Falls, Charleroi, Derry Area, Ellwood City, Freedom, Freeport, Keystone Oaks, McGuffey, Mohawk, Mt. Pleasant, North Catholic, Riverside, Shady Side Academy, South Allegheny, South Park, Southmoreland, Steel Valley, Valley, Waynesburg | 2022-07-08T03:04:04Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Behind 3 WPIAL champions, North Catholic lifts 3rd straight Trib Cup in Class 3A | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/behind-3-wpial-champions-north-catholic-lifts-3rd-straight-trib-cup-in-class-3a/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/behind-3-wpial-champions-north-catholic-lifts-3rd-straight-trib-cup-in-class-3a/ |
Friday, July 8, 2022 | 9:01 AM
The Neshannock girls basketball team celebrates after defeating Southern Columbia in the PIAA Class 2A championship game March 25 at Giant Center in Hershey.
After finishing second in the HSSN Trib Cup standings a year ago, Neshannock used a perfect season to claim the top spot.
It was another strong school year athletically for the seven Lawrence County schools inside the WPIAL, but none compared to the overall resume put forth by Neshannock in winning its first Trib Cup Class 2A championship.
The HSSN Trib Cup is a yearlong competition to determine the top WPIAL sports program in each classification.
Schools earn points for playoff berths, section championships, PIAA playoff berths and for winning WPIAL or PIAA championships or for a district or state runner-up finishes.
“Outside of the great families in our district, our administration and board of education have made a commitment to give the athletes in our school the best possible facilities,” Neshannock co-athletic director Bob Burkes said. “They made that commitment, knowing that winning programs bring a spirit and pride to a district that is hard to duplicate.”
Burkes works with Ed Frye to oversee athletic at Neshannock, which won three district championships and two state crowns.
The Neshannock girls basketball team finished 29-2 with a second straight WPIAL championship and a PIAA title.
The Lancers softball team also swept district and state gold, but made history with a perfect 26-0 record.
“Both teams had great players and coaches that gave them a chance to win every day,” Burkes said. “I believe the difference in winning both golds was the camaraderie that both teams displayed on and off the field and court.”
The third banner raised was by the hockey team, a co-op squad that won the PIHL Varsity II title.
The traditionally strong Lancers baseball team reached both the WPIAL and PIAA title games, finishing as runner-up in both.
Rounding out the top 5 in Class 2A was Serra Catholic in second place, Aliquippa in third, last year’s winner, Shenango in fourth and Riverview in fifth place.
1. Neshannock – 460
2. Serra Catholic – 295
3. Aliquippa – 205
4. Shenango – 180
5. Riverview – 170
6. Seton LaSalle – 155
7. Burgettstown – 125
7. Laurel – 125
9. Carlynton – 90
9. Carmichaels – 90
9. Chartiers-Houston – 90
9 Fort Cherry –90
8. South Side – 90
14. Frazier – 85
15. Ligonier Valley – 60
15. Northgate – 60
15. Washington – 60
18. Apollo-Ridge – 50
18. Bentworth – 50
18. Sto-Rox – 50
21. Brentwood – 40
22. Jeannette – 20
23. Propel Schools – 0
Tags: Aliquippa, Apollo-Ridge, Bentworth, Brentwood, Burgettstown, Carlynton, Carmichaels, Chartiers-Houston, Fort Cherry, Frazier, Jeannette, Laurel, Ligonier Valley, Neshannock, Northgate, Propel Braddock Hills, Riverview, Serra Catholic, Seton La Salle, Shenango, South Side, Sto-Rox, Washington | 2022-07-08T15:13:42Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | State champion girls basketball, softball teams lift Neshannock to Trib Cup in Class 2A | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/state-champion-girls-basketball-softball-teams-lift-neshannock-to-trib-cup-in-class-2a/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/state-champion-girls-basketball-softball-teams-lift-neshannock-to-trib-cup-in-class-2a/ |
Western Pa. golf notebook: Nick Turowski places 2nd in state Junior event
Penn-Trafford’s Nick Turowski, shown last October, finished second at the Pennsylvania Golf Association’s Junior tournament.
Penn-Trafford rising junior Nick Turowski was disappointed with his performance in the Westmoreland County Golf Association’s Junior Tournament when he failed to defend his title.
But Turowski learned from that experience and rebounded with a second-place finish in the Pennsylvania Golf Association’s Junior Tournament on June 27-28 at Hershey Country Club.
Turowski was leading after the first round, shooting a 4-under-par 67. He finished the two-day event at 3-under 139, tied with Nick Ciocca of Aronimink Golf Club.
Logan Paczewski of Huntsville Golf Club won the event with a 7-under 135. The Rutgers freshman had a 68 during Day One and a 67 in the second round.
The second-place finish also qualified Turowski for the American Junior Golf Association’s tournaments.
“It was a good experience,” Turowski said. “I played really well the first day. The only difference between the rounds was putting. I had 29 during the first day and 34 the second day.
“I don’t have many AJGA stars, but top five in states gets full exempt and I get to play in any tournament I want. That was really big for me and my goal. After the first day I wanted to win, but I also wanted to secure a top five.”
Turowski is also exempt for the West Penn Amateur, West Penn Open and Pennsylvania Amateur.
The two AJGA events he’s planning to enter are Penn State and Southpointe. He also is headed to the High School Nationals in Pinehurst, N.C., starting July 11, 12 and 13.
Pants, no shorts
During the Frank B. Fuhrer Jr. Invitational last month, the one thing Greensburg native Mark Goetz had to get used to wearing pants during the event.
Because Goetz turned pro and hopes to play in future PGA events, he will be required to wear pants.
Goetz played well enough in his first pro event to earn a $7,000 check.
“It was a good learning experience,” Goetz said. “It’s something I can build from.”
Goetz said he’s unsure what the rest of the summer will bring as he tries to figure out what path he will take to continue his pro career.
Young collects win
Amateur Brett Young won the Tri-State Section PGA Links Brewing Company Stableford Championship at South Hills Country Club on Tuesday.
Young garnered 14 points over the two rounds. Kevin Shields finished second with seven points, and amateur Erik Bertrand placed third with three points.
Bertrand scored 11 points during the first round but stumbled in the second round.
Pros Rob McClellan and Brett Carmen tied for fourth with two points.
Jackson performs well
Murrysville native Palmer Jackson competed for the United States in the Palmer Cup in Switzerland.
While the United States came up short against the International team, Jackson competed well in his four matches going 2-1-1.
He and Brooke Seay went 1-0-1 in mixed four-ball and mixed foursome competition. He and Michael Brennan won a foursome event.
Jackson fell 2 and 1 to Josele Ballester in singles action. Ballester used two eagles to fend off Jackson, who finished with seven birdies and three bogeys.
Here is a list of golfers who recorded holes-in-one recently:
• Bill Hunter of Pittsburgh, Shannopin Country Club, No. 14, 148 yards, 8-iron.
• Gene Giuliani of Ben Avon, Shannopin Country Club, No. 14, 142 yards, 8-iron.
• James Kerestes of Wexford, Shannopin Country Club, No. 7, 114 yards, 9-iron.
• Ryan Brown, of Ben Avon, Shannopin Country Club, No. 7, 135 yards, 9-iron.
• Mel Scarpaci of Greensburg, Pleasant Valley Golf Club, Connellsville, No. 4, 155 yards, 9-iron. | 2022-07-09T01:21:10Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Western Pa. golf notebook: Nick Turowski places 2nd in state Junior event | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/local-golf-notebook-turowski-places-2nd-in-state-junior-event/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/local-golf-notebook-turowski-places-2nd-in-state-junior-event/ |
Quaker Valley athletics celebrates banner year of championship success
Quaker Valley celebrates beating Burrell in the WPIAL Class 2A Team Wrestling Championship on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at Chartiers Houston High School.
Antonio Rossetti | Tribune-Review
Quaker Valley defeated North Catholic in the WPIAL Class 2A team tennis finals Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
The Quaker Valley girls track and field team celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after the Class 2A team finals on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Peters Twp.
Quaker Valley athletics is synonymous with success.
Over the years, the Quakers have established a championship caliber reputation around the WPIAL with many elite performances.
But there hasn’t been a better school year for title-winning teams and individuals, perhaps, than 2021-22.
“QV athletics over the last 10 years has won a number of all-sports awards for best overall sports program in their classification, but in that period we never attained five WPIAL championships in the same school year,” said Mike Mastroianni, QV’s athletic director and boys basketball coach. “Our senior athletes across the board were strong leaders and very dedicated to their teams.
“The carryover from one sport to the next generated positive momentum and a high level of school spirit and our student-athletes supported other teams at a very high level.”
Quaker Valley’s boys soccer team started things off with a state championship in the fall. Nora Johns capped the school year with a state title at the PIAA track and field finals.
Also in the fall season, QV junior Eva Bulger became just the third player in WPIAL girls golf history to win three straight individual championships.
“It’s been a fun year to be around Quaker Valley athletics with five WPIAL team championships, a host of individual WPIAL champions, some PIAA teams and individual championships across different sports,” said Ken Johns, Nora’s dad and the girls basketball coach at QV. “Mike Mastroianni will say on occasion, ‘It’s a good day to be a Quaker.’ Well, it’s been a good year to be a Quaker.”
Quaker Valley’s boys soccer team entered the postseason as the Section 4-2A champion, outscoring the opposition 99-0 in its 12 section games. The Quakers, who finished 23-2 overall, allowed only three goals in four WPIAL playoff games, then most impressively recorded four shutouts in the PIAA tournament.
QV outscored the opposition 123-8 in the regular season, 27-3 in the WPIAL playoffs, 18-0 in PIAA action and 168-11 overall. The Quakers posted 19 shutouts in 25 games, including nine in a row at one stretch.
“I was incredibly pleased with our performance last fall,” QV’s second-year coach J.J. Veshio said, “and I am so proud of every player on the team for their contributions to the success of the season and to the history of Quaker Valley soccer. We pride ourselves on continuing the legacy of our program through diligent training and playing at the highest level we can. I think our team last fall did just that and the results showed with a second WPIAL and PIAA championship.
“There is always chatter amongst alumni about which QV team could beat which QV team, and while there have been some absolutely outstanding teams to come through here, I would venture to say the 2021 team is right up there with the best of them. Those older gentlemen won’t agree — I’m joking, of course — but it was a very special season and just a continuation of what we offer at Quaker Valley. I expect 2022 to be no different.”
Quaker Valley captured its 10th WPIAL title and third in six years, as Veshio, a former QV soccer standout, was named WPIAL 2A Coach of the Year. The Quakers also have won nine PIAA crowns in boys soccer in school history.
And as Mastroianni noted, they were one of five QV teams that won in WPIAL titles in 2021-22.
The boys basketball and wrestling teams spent the winter months focused on nailing down WPIAL championships.
QV raced through the WPIAL boys basketball season undefeated at 23-0, and ended the year as a state runner-up with a 27-1 record. After winning section and WPIAL crowns, QV finished as the PIAA Class 4A runner-up.
“It’s always difficult to call one team the best ever (at QV),” Mastroianni said, “but it is safe to say in terms of on-court accomplishments in one season that the 2022 Quaker Valley boys basketball team would have to be at the top. An undefeated WPIAL champion and state runner-up team with the all-time school-best record has never before been accomplished.”
QV senior guard Adou Thiero was named 2022 TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball Player of the Year. A Kentucky recruit, Thiero averaged 23.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. His 1,624 career points rank third in team history.
Thiero and QV senior forward Marcus Frank were selected to the TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball Terrific 10 all-star team.
Frank led the Quakers in scoring with 28.1 ppg average. His 45-point effort in the WPIAL quarterfinals is a single-game school record. He finished with 1,462 career points, fifth-most in QV history.
QV’s wrestling squad reeled in a victory in early January that was noticed around the Western Pennsylvania, as well as the state.
The Quakers, seeded third in Class 2A, edged 15-time defending champion Burrell, 30-28, to earn their first WPIAL team championship in school history.
QV’s three WPIAL finalists — Patrick Cutchember (189), Justin Richey (152) and Mason Diemert (172) — sparked the Quakers to the WPIAL title.
Cutchember earned first place at 189 pounds at the WPIAL Class 2A individual finals, as did Richey at 152.
Some might argue that Cutchember was the best grappler in school history, although the wrestling program is still in relative infancy at five years of existence.
In his career, Cutchember won back-to-back WPIAL crowns, ended up second twice, captured three section titles and one second-place finish and was a state medalist as a sophomore.
He was a three-sport standout at QV, excelling in wrestling, football and lacrosse, and is a Clarion wrestling recruit.
Richey, a Gettysburg recruit, was a WPIAL runner-up in 2020-21, won three section titles while placing second once and logged at least 20 wins in all four of his varsity seasons.
Quaker Valley wrapped up the best wrestling season in school history with four individual medalists at the PIAA finals.
“We qualified five kids to compete in arguably the toughest wrestling tournament in the country,” QV coach Mike Heinl said. “We won four state medals. I believe we had more medalists than any other team from the Southwest region. I was very happy with our performance. It is fair to say that this was our most productive season yet.”
Turning to the spring months, two QV teams landed WPIAL titles on the same date — May 11 — and did so in impressive fashion.
The girls track and field squad won its first WPIAL title since 2007, defeating Greensburg Central Catholic, Riverside and Shenango in the Class 2A championship meet.
The boys tennis team, seeded No. 1 and led by twin brothers Mike and Will Sirianni, repeated as Class 2A champion with a 3-2 win against North Catholic at the WPIAL finals. The Sirianni twins were top singles players for QV since their freshman season.
“It was a great day for Quaker Valley athletics to capture two WPIAL titles in the same few hours,” said Mastroianni, who also serves as director of student activities. “A big congrats to our student-athletes on both the girls track and boys tennis teams, and to both of our coaching staffs.”
Nora Johns, also a QV basketball and soccer athlete, won WPIAL and PIAA titles in the girls 300-meter hurdles while teammate Ellie Cain earned a WPIAL championship in the 800.
Cain, Cecilia Montagnese, Kate Hines and Anna Cohen also teamed up to win a WPIAL championship in the 3,200 relay race.
“Adding individual WPIAL and state champions in track would have to make the 2021-22 sports year (at QV) one of the best in school history,” Mastroianni said.
One other note, QV’s Jackson Bould was the PIAA and WPIAL runner-up in Class 2A in boys golf. He finished in a tie for second place at the state finals. | 2022-07-09T16:39:55Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Quaker Valley athletics celebrates banner year of championship success | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/quaker-valley-athletics-celebrates-banner-year-of-championship-success/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/quaker-valley-athletics-celebrates-banner-year-of-championship-success/ |
Al Carson
Los Angeles Rams’ star Aaron Donald (left) and Norwin senior Noah Vogel
Noah Vogel went to Pitt for what initially looked like an unremarkable football workout. Another day in the blazing summer heat.
But his day ended up becoming quite remarkable.
Vogel, a senior tight end and defensive end at Norwin, received one-on-one instruction from Pitt great and Super Bowl champion Aaron Donald on June 28.
Already a fan of Donald’s game, Vogel is now a fan of his technique and work ethic, too.
“His attention to detail is like nothing I’ve ever witnessed in person,” Vogel said. “Within minutes of working out, I could see he is a perfectionist in every move he does. Everything is based on feeling, if something feels good or off.”
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Vogel has trained with Al “Poodie” Carson of Israeli Krav Maga Western Pennsylvania for about two years. Carson has worked with Donald and was able to set up the hour-plus workout for Vogel with the star Los Angeles Rams defensive end.
“He works with amazing players like NFL free agent Niles Scott and (Kent State’s) Antoine Cook. He teaches (Donald) different hand techniques,” Vogel said. “After training with Pitt defensive linemen for a couple weeks, he called me and asked if I wanted to go to Pitt and work out with Niles and AD.”
Vogel had to make sure he was doing drills correctly and through to a finish and not getting captivated by Donald, a former Penn Hills star.
“I was able to listen and watch him do certain techniques like his famous cross-chop move, which I was using a week later with some of the Pitt guys,” Vogel said.
Norwin opponents might see Vogel swipe away an arm or two as he pursues ball carriers this season. Donald is known for his quickness and swift swipes.
The workout with Donald wasn’t all technique for Vogel, though. He was enthralled by Donald’s pursuit of perfection.
“He definitely showed to lead by example is often louder then words will ever be,” Vogel said. “He also really demonstrated that being coachable will make you an even better player than your talent.
“As great of a player he is, he was still learning and being coached on an arm drag move by coach Poodie.”
Another offer for Gribble
Greensburg Central Catholic rising freshman basketball player Erica Gribble now has two Division I scholarship offers.
Gribble, who was offered by Saint Joseph’s last fall, picked up an offer last week from Buffalo.
Gribble, who is from North Huntingdon, is a 5-foot-8 point guard who can shoot 3-pointers and handle the basketball.
Her oldest sister, Alayna, played at Pitt and Saint Joseph’s, and Olivia, the middle sister in the family, plays at Marietta.
1-2 punch
The recruiting website PrepRedzone.com lists a pair of Westmoreland County players as its top two athletes for the 2024 football class in Pennsylvania.
Junior Quinton Martin, a running back/defensive back at Belle Vernon, is No. 1 in the state, while Norwin junior Jackson Pons, a wide receiver and defensive back, checks in at No. 2.
Overall, Omillio Agard of St. Joseph’s Prep is No. 1, Martin is No. 2, Tyseer Denmark of Roman Catholic No. 3, Peter Jones of Malvern Prep No. 4 and Cooper Cousins No. 5 in Pennsylvania for ‘24. Pons is No. 22 overall.
Rosensteel Classic
The inaugural Moe Rosensteel Memorial Kickoff Classic soccer event is set for Sept. 3 at Norwin.
The classic, named for the late Katelyn “Moe” Rosensteel, a standout player at Ringgold who was killed in June 2020 by a lightning strike at Mammoth Park, will feature three girls games. Matchups are Ringgold vs. Hermitage at noon, Thomas Jefferson vs. Franklin Regional at 1:30 p.m. and Norwin vs. Latrobe at 3 p.m.
Money raised from the event will go toward the Rosensteel Scholarship, given annually to a standout senior player.
Hempfield rising senior Liz Tapper, a WPIAL, PIAA and national champion in the discus and a district and state champion in the shot put, now has three Division I offers after getting an official invite to Wake Forest. The other offers are from Penn State and Duke.
Tapper plans to make official visits to Duke, Michigan and Penn State before the summer ends and hopes to announce her decision in the fall.
Tags: Greensburg C.C., Hempfield, Latrobe, Norwin, Ringgold, Thomas Jefferson | 2022-07-09T16:40:02Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County high school notebook: Norwin senior wowed by Donald at workout | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-high-school-notebook-norwin-senior-wowed-by-donald-at-workout/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-high-school-notebook-norwin-senior-wowed-by-donald-at-workout/ |
Sunday, July 10, 2022 | 10:13 PM
Ryan Sikora watches his shot on No. 16 during the final round of the Westmoreland County Amateur.
Kevin Fajt watches his ball on No. 16 during the final round of the Westmoreland County Amateur.
Ryan Sikora watches his chip on No. 16 go in from the fairway for an eagle during the final round of the Westmoreland County Amateur.
Ron DeNunzio blasts out of a greenside bunker on No. 16 during the final round of the Westmoreland County Amateur.
Kevin Fajt eyes up his shot on No. 16 during the final round of the Westmoreland County Amateur.
Kevin Fajt reacts to his ball rolling right on No. 16 during the final round of the Westmoreland County Amateur.
Kevin Fajt has played golf long enough to know you’re never out of a match even if things look bleak.
Through 27 holes of the Westmoreland County Amateur on Sunday at Greensburg Country Club, Fajt was down four shots to first-round leader Ron DeNunzio.
But when DeNunzio bogeyed No. 11 and Fajt had consecutive birdies on Nos. 12 and 13, the race tightened up quickly.
And when DeNunzio bogeyed No. 16 and Fajt made par, things were tied.
They finished tied at 1-under-par 139 and headed for a sudden-death playoff.
DeNunzio sank a 15-foot birdie putt on No. 1, which forced Fajt to make a 4-footer.
“I was nervous, for sure,” Fajt said.
But he made the putt, and the pair headed for No. 2, a par-5 downhill to an elevated green.
Both attempted to reach the green in two. DeNunzio landed a little short on the steep bank. Fajt hit it over.
Both golfers reached the green in three.
Fajt had a birdie from 8 feet lip out. He settled for par.
But DeNunzio three-putted from 20 feet to give Fajt the win, his fifth county title and second in a row.
“It was a battle,” Fajt said. “It always fun to battle Ron and David (Ron’s twin brother).
“It’s always fun to win the county because there are so many good golfers. It was a lot of fun.”
Sean Knapp finished third with 143 after shooting even-par 70 during the final round. Brian Fajt finished fourth at 144. He shot 1-under 69 in the final round.
Michael Robb and Cade Patterson tied for fifth at 146, Brady Pevarnik was seventh at 148, and Arnold Cutrell, David DeNunzio and Ryan Sikora tied for eighth at 149.
There were 35 golfers in the field.
“The competition in this county is unbelievable,” Kevin Fajt said. “It all depends who is hot that weekend.” | 2022-07-11T04:16:22Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Kevin Fajt wins Westmoreland County Amateur in playoff | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/kevin-fajt-wins-westmoreland-county-amateur-in-playoff/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/kevin-fajt-wins-westmoreland-county-amateur-in-playoff/ |
No more ‘Highway to Heinz,’ but WPIAL plans to hold 4 football finals at Acrisure Stadium
Central Valley coach Mark Lyons celebrates with his team while receiving the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating North C atholic in Class 3A final on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at Heinz Field.
The WPIAL football playoffs can no longer be called the “Highway to Heinz,” but the league plans to use the newly named North Shore stadium again this fall for some of its high school football championships.
The WPIAL intends to hold four games at Acrisure Stadium, formerly Heinz Field, on Nov. 25 or 26, WPIAL administrator Vince Sortino said Monday. The tentative plan needs WPIAL board approval later this summer.
However, it’s already known that the two big-school classifications — Class 6A and 5A — can’t play their championships there that weekend because of recent changes to the state playoff brackets. Those two WPIAL finals must be played a week earlier at an alternate site, likely a high school stadium.
“We’re still looking at all of our options,” Sortino said of finding a site for 6A and 5A. “I’ve had conversations with different schools about what would be best for our league. Hopefully, a decision will be made soon, but we’re still exploring all options.”
Pitt and the Steelers both have road games Thanksgiving weekend, leaving Acrisure Stadium free to host the WPIAL Class A, 2A, 3A and 4A finals. Pitt visits Miami on Nov. 26, and the Indianapolis Colts host the Steelers in a Monday night game Nov. 28.
Sortino, the WPIAL chief operating officer, said his recommendation will be to play the championships on Friday, Nov. 25.
Last fall for the first time, the WPIAL rented Heinz Field for two days and held five championship games there. But this year, after the PIAA revised its playoff brackets, only four of the six WPIAL finals fall on Thanksgiving weekend. As a result, the WPIAL will return to a traditional one-day schedule at the stadium, Sortino said.
The PIAA revises its brackets every two years.
The state football brackets for 2022 and 2023 have the WPIAL champions in both 6A and 5A joining the state playoffs in the quarterfinal round (Nov. 25-26). The four other WPIAL champions don’t join until a week later in the state semifinals (Dec. 2-3).
Last season, only the WPIAL Class 6A champion entered states a week early. The WPIAL chose Norwin as the host site for last year’s Class 6A final, which matched Mt. Lebanon and Central Catholic.
Heinz Field has hosted WPIAL football finals every year since the stadium opened in 2001 with one exception. In 2020, the games were moved to high school venues because of pandemic-related restrictions. The WPIAL split the six games between North Allegheny’s Newman Stadium and North Hills’ Martorelli Stadium.
The WPIAL practice of using the Steelers’ stadium predates Heinz Field. In 1986, then-WPIAL executive director Charles “Ace” Heberling took all four championships to Three Rivers Stadium, starting a tradition that has endured for more than three decades.
The Steelers announced Monday that Acrisure, a Michigan-based financial tech insurance company, will replace Kraft Heinz as the naming rights holder for the stadium. | 2022-07-12T03:37:09Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | No more ‘Highway to Heinz,’ but WPIAL plans to hold 4 football finals at Acrisure Stadium | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-more-highway-to-heinz-but-wpial-plans-to-hold-4-football-finals-at-acrisure-stadium/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-more-highway-to-heinz-but-wpial-plans-to-hold-4-football-finals-at-acrisure-stadium/ |
Michael Keaton lands Emmy nod for ‘Dopesick’; ‘Succession,’ ‘Squid Game’ score big
Hulu via AP
This image released by Hulu shows Michael Keaton in a scene from “Dopesick,” an eight-part miniseries about America’s opioid crisis.
ABC via AP
This image released by ABC shows Quinta Brunson in a scene from “Abbott Elementary.”
This image released by Amazon Prime Video shows Rachel Brosnahan in a scene from “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
This image released by HBO shows Jeremy Strong in a scene from “Succession.”
The 2022 Emmy Award nominations, honoring the best in linear TV, cable and streaming, recognized the work for Pittsburgh native Michael Keaton, who is up for outstanding lead actor in a limited series for his role in Hulu’s “Dopesick,” which also received a best limited/anthology series nomination.
While ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” received a rare broadcast network nomination for best comedy series, CBS’s “Ghosts,” co-created by Altoona native Joe Port, was snubbed in the lead category. The final season of NBC’s partially Pittsburgh-set “This Is Us” was also snubbed for an outstanding drama series nomination.
Locally, 2006 Carnegie Mellon University grad Anthony Carrigan received his second Emmy nomination for supporting comedy actor in HBO’s “Barry.”
Mt. Lebanon native Mark Cuban is nominated, alongside his fellow sharks, for best reality competition host for ABC’s “Shark Tank.”
The nominees for best lead actor in a limited series or movie are: Colin Firth (“The Staircase”); Andrew Garfield (“Under the Banner of Heaven”); Oscar Isaac (“Scenes From a Marriage”); Michael Keaton (“Dopesick”); Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven”); and Sebastian Stan (“Pam and Tommy”).
The nominees for best lead actress in a limited series or movie are: Toni Collette (“The Staircase”); Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”); Lily James (“Pam and Tommy”); Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment: American Crime Story”); Margaret Qualley (“Maid”); and Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”).
Behind the scenes, multiple Emmy winner Don Roy King, who grew up in Pitcairn and Monroeville, received another nomination for directing the Billie Eilish-hosted December 2021 episode of “Saturday Night Live.”
• Breaking down the 2022-23, 2023-24 WPIAL rifle alignment | 2022-07-13T00:43:11Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Michael Keaton lands Emmy nod for ‘Dopesick’; ‘Succession,’ ‘Squid Game’ score big | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/michael-keaton-lands-emmy-nod-for-dopesick-succession-squid-game-score-big/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/michael-keaton-lands-emmy-nod-for-dopesick-succession-squid-game-score-big/ |
PIAA reveals initial policy governing Name, Image, Likeness deals for high school athletes
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 | 12:01 AM
Local TV commercials might feature high school football players or a popular basketball star could sell ads on social media.
Those ideas are now closer to reality for Pennsylvania high school athletes once they’re allowed to profit from selling their name, image and likeness under a tentative policy the PIAA revealed Wednesday. The new NIL guidelines would let athletes receive compensation for commercial endorsements, promotional activities and social media presence, among other options.
The PIAA board approved the plan on a first reading at Wednesday’s meeting in State College. The policy still must pass two more readings at future meetings before being enacted, but this was a major step in a new direction.
“The board said we need to get something down (on paper) to let our schools know this is what we’re thinking of, so they can kick the tires, look at it and see if this is the direction we want to go,” PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi said. “Nobody wants to catch a senior and their family or community making a mistake.”
If enacted, Pennsylvania will join a growing list of states with similar policies already in place.
The PIAA counted nine states that now have NIL policies for high school athletes with many more in the works. Lombardi said the PIAA looked closely at NIL guidelines from New York, New Jersey and California, as well as proposed legislation in Maryland.
“It’s right in the middle of the road,” Lombardi said of the PIAA plan. “It follows a lot of the lessons they’ve learned.”
The PIAA board meets again in September and October, so the policy could be in place here before winter.
One major concern the policy tries to avoid is letting NIL deals become recruiting tools among high schools. Lombardi said the PIAA staff has talked with instate universities who describe the NCAA version of NIL as “the wild, wild west.”
Under the PIAA guidelines, school employees and anyone affiliated with a member school would be barred from soliciting or negotiating an NIL deal for a student. They also cannot pay an athlete for use of their name, image and likeness. That includes coaches, alumni, booster clubs and administrators.
“The student can get benefit for themselves,” Lombardi said. “It’s not to be enticed.”
The PIAA guidelines say what athletes can do, but they also list what they can’t. Among the restrictions, athletes cannot reference the PIAA, their high school or high school nickname in any NIL-related product. Athletes also would be barred from wearing school uniforms or “school-identifying apparel.”
Certain categories of products and services are off limits. They include adult entertainment products and services, alcohol, controlled substances, gambling and weapons, firearms and ammunition.
Along with borrowing ideas from other states, the PIAA staff also gathered information while attending the summer meeting for the National Federation of State High School Associations.
“Our folks liked a little bit of a blend,” Lombardi said. “We accepted some. We didn’t accept others. I think it’s a good start to get out to our membership and ask: Is this what you want to have for guidelines, because (NIL) is not going away.”
• Tim Bukowski soldiers on in friend’s stead as Southmoreland football coach
• Breaking down changes to the 2022-23 WPIAL football alignment
• No more ‘Highway to Heinz,’ but WPIAL plans to hold 4 football finals at Acrisure Stadium | 2022-07-14T06:47:50Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | PIAA reveals initial policy governing Name, Image, Likeness deals for high school athletes | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/piaa-reveals-initial-policy-governing-name-image-likeness-deals-for-high-school-athletes/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/piaa-reveals-initial-policy-governing-name-image-likeness-deals-for-high-school-athletes/ |
Thursday, July 14, 2022 | 12:58 PM
New Yough football coach Ben Hoffer
Working at Lucky Lottery in Trafford has given Ben Hoffer a greater appreciation for the game of chance. There, anyone can scratch off a winner or prosper with a random combination of numbers.
The new Yough football coach has his team in line to play the Powerball. Why not? The long-struggling Cougars are ready to take another spin at the wheel as they try to finally turn a corner.
A young, enthusiastic coach is passing out confidence like it’s a stack of physical forms.
“It’s about changing their mindset,” said Hoffer, a former Yough standout running back and the program’s second-leading rusher. “They know losing and that has become common here. I want them to know what winning feels like.”
Yough hasn’t won more than three games in a season since 2016.
Hoffer, a former Washington & Jefferson player who went on to serve as an assistant coach at East Allegheny for nine years, had 35 players show up to mini-camp, and he hopes for that many or more when training camp opens Aug. 8.
“We keep pushing that positivity,” Hoffer said. “Our kids aren’t that different from the kids at EA. We don’t have weak kids. We should be able to compete. Let’s show what our athletes can do.”
Marrying those beliefs with the fact that Yough will drop from Class 3A to 2A could unlock success in a program that went 1-9 last season and has not made the WPIAL playoffs since 1991.
“I’m sure we’ll have some stragglers when camp starts,” said Hoffer, who replaced Chris Chunko, the Cougars’ coach who resigned after two seasons. “I hope to see the same numbers when workouts become mandatory. I want them to stick with it.”
An all-Yough alumni staff will assist Hoffer, 31. The offensive coordinator will be Joe Korpar, 66, who coached at Yough when Gary Dongilli was in charge. His son, Joey, who played with Hoffer, will be the strength and conditioning coach.
“Joe knows we can win,” Hoffer said of the older coach.
Larry Hixson (offensive line), Jim Schaffer (WR/DBs), Dan Palm (LB/RBs) and principal Brian Sutherland (OL/DL), a nose tackle when he played at Cal (Pa.), make up the rest of the staff.
“We’ll be a multiple (offense) team,” Hoffer said. “I will bring some new terminology that the kids might not be used to. I know I am going to want to gun-sling it around, so Joe might have to calm me down. We should be able to run the ball. We have multiple guys who can run it.”
Yough will send players to the first Willie Thrower Quarterback Camp on Saturday at Valley and will compete in the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Larry Sellitto Memorial 7 on 7 Championship next Thursday at Latrobe.
Tags: Yough | 2022-07-14T18:13:09Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | New Yough football coach set on bringing winning mentality to program | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/new-yough-football-coach-set-on-bringing-winning-mentality-to-program/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/new-yough-football-coach-set-on-bringing-winning-mentality-to-program/ |
Latrobe’s Emma Blair pulls down a rebound over Hampton’s Sophia Kelly during the girls WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal round playoff game on Friday, March 8, 2021 at Hampton High School.
Andrew Nesler is on the move.
The incoming senior football player is leaving Franklin Regional for The Hill School, a prep academy in Pottstown, about 70 miles east of Hershey.
Nesler, a 6-foot-2, 285 pound lineman, said the transfer is motivated by personal and family reasons.
He was a key player on defense last season and rotated in on offense.
The move is bittersweet, but one he feels could be life-changing.
“I wish I wasn’t leaving,” he said. “I’ve been playing with those same dudes for my whole life. It is just some personal reasons. I’m not resentful towards FR football in any way, shape or form. Transferring gives me the ability to reclassify if my 2023 season ends fruitless.”
Nesler, known as “Rew” among his friends and teammates, hopes the prep-school route can lead him to a college program.
He said his parents are considering a move out of state.
“Prep school ensures I’m not leaving mid-school year,” he said. “It’s the right move for me. I need to put myself in an environment where I’m fully able to commit to football without any distractions. I only get one shot at this and if I don’t give it my all, I will never forgive myself.
“It’s sad to leave behind my whole life, everything I’ve known has been within the confines of the Murrysville bubble. I feel in a way I’m betraying my community, my friends and the people I love. I feel guilty for it, but this move is what’s best for me and my future, with new competition and new connections I hope to market myself to bigger and better things.
“I hope that Murrysville will still accept me for who I am and support me through this decision.”
Nesler made headlines in May for his “DefenseForDefense” fundraiser for disabled military veterans.
Thrower camp
Norwin, Yough, Burrell and Valley are among the local schools sending athletes to the inaugural Willie Thrower Foundation Invitational Quarterback Camp Saturday at Valley Memorial Stadium in New Kensington.
The event, organized by Serra Catholic coach Jose Regus and the Black Coaches Association, begins at 10 a.m.
Past WPIAL quarterbacks and current coaches will work the one-day camp.
Big-game Blair
Latrobe rising senior basketball standout Emma Blair, the reining Tribune-Review Westmoreland player of the year, is having a big AAU summer with the Western PA Bruins 2022 U17 team.
Blair, who has a Division I offer from USC Upstate, recently displayed her double-double propensity. She scored 27 points and grabbed 24 rebounds — in front of a number of D-I coaches — as the Bruins took on West Coast Elite (Calif.).
Her teammate, both at Latrobe and with the Bruins, Camille Domenick, also is garnering college attention for her defense and unselfish play. Pitt-Johnstown offered her a scholarship this week.
Jeannette alumni game
Jeannette deemed its first soccer alumni/parent game a success after more than 30 former players took part in the event Sunday at McKee Stadium.
The Blue (Deyton) Team held off Red (Steele), 5-4, in the well-attended game made possible by the booster club.
Current players received their varsity letters at halftime.
A pair of incoming Norwin senior football players have Division III college interest.
Westminster offered a roster spot to wide receiver/defensive back Anthony Pirillo, while his teammate, running back/linebacker Christian Beck, has an opportunity to play at Misericordia (Dallas, Pa.).
• Mt. Pleasant senior Jeremiah Kitz signed to play baseball at Penn State Fayette.
• Hempfield incoming senior quarterback Jake Phillips has an opportunity to play at Saint Vincent.
• Nate Dlugos, a 2023 receiver and defensive back at Greensburg Central Catholic, was offered by Oberlin College.
• Waynesburg offered football roster spots to Greensburg Central Catholic’s Ryan Kimmel and Hempfield’s Ian Tuffs, Anthony Vallano and Eli Binakonsky. All are seniors.
Tags: Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Hempfield, Jeannette, Latrobe, Norwin | 2022-07-15T20:54:45Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland high school notebook: Transfer to prep school a tough decision for Franklin Regional lineman | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-high-school-notebook-transfer-to-prep-school-a-tough-decision-for-franklin-regional-lineman/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-high-school-notebook-transfer-to-prep-school-a-tough-decision-for-franklin-regional-lineman/ |
TribLive HSSN Preseason Football All-Stars gather, excited for fresh faces
The Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team poses for a photo on Friday, July 15, 2022 at Kennywood.
Penn-Trafford’s Joseph Enick poses in front of the cameras during the TribLive HSSN All-Star Football Team event on Friday, July 15, 2022 at Kennywood.
Quinton Martin with Belle Vernon is interviewed during the Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team event Friday, July 15, 2022 at Kennywood.
Braylan Lovelace with Leechburg is interviewed during the Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team event Friday, July 15, 2022 at Kennywood.
Braylan Lovelace heads to the stage during the Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team event on Friday, July 15, 2022 at Kennywood.
Mt. Lebanon’s Kade Capristo poses for a photo during the Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team event Friday, July 15, 2022 at Kennywood.
Armstrong quarterback Cadin Olsen is a three-year starter, but like many football players across the WPIAL, the senior has a little sense of unfamiliarity heading into the fall.
That’s because this is a realignment year, meaning new conferences, new schedules and some new opponents. That leads to more scouting, more film study and maybe more excitement.
“It’s definitely more work,” said Olsen, a recent Penn recruit. “For us this year, six of our 10 teams have brand new coaches. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. We’ll take it week by week and see how it plays out.”
North Catholic and Kiski Area joined Armstrong in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference, but the River Hawks also drew nonconference games with Aliquippa and New Castle, teams not on last year’s schedule.
“I think having these new teams does create a little more excitement,” Olsen said, “especially playing against new teams that you haven’t played. You’re playing against new kids as well. It will be cool to see.”
Olsen was among the Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Stars who took a break from summer workouts to be recognized Friday at Kennywood Park. The 25-person team included North Allegheny’s Tyree Alualu, Upper St. Clair’s Aidan Besselman, Gateway’s Brad Birch, McKeesport’s Bobbie Boyd, Beaver Falls’ Jaren Brickner, Steel Valley’s Cruce Brookins, Mt. Lebanon’s Kade Capristo, Penn Hills’ Julian Dugger, Penn-Trafford’s Joe Enick, Avonworth’s Peyton Faulkner, Washington’s Davoun Fuse, Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher, Central Catholic’s Pete Gonzalez and Anthony Speca, Aliquippa’s Tiqwai Hayes and Cameron Lindsey, Seneca Valley’s Luke Lawson, Leechburg’s Braylan Lovelace, Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin, Thomas Jefferson’s Jordan Mayer, Sto-Rox’s Dre Miller-Ross, Chartiers Valley’s Lamont Payne, Brashear’s Ta’Mere Robinson and Central Valley’s Jayvin Thompson.
Heat acclimation week begins Aug. 8, so the unofficial start of camp is less than a month away. The first practices are Aug. 15, with scrimmages Aug. 20. So, as the summer stretches into July, there’s a growing sense of anticipation.
“At the start of the summer, everyone’s ready to start but not fully in football mode,” said Lovelace, a Leechburg senior and Pitt commit. “Now that we’re getting there, everybody is dialed in at practice every day. We’re really getting ready to go.”
Teams have had about six months to study their opponents. The WPIAL released updated conferences in January after a short delay to decide Aliquippa’s classification, a pause that tested some teams’ patience.
The WPIAL revises conferences every two years.
“We were waiting for it forever,” said Faulkner, an Avonworth senior. “With Quip possibly coming down to our conference, with it getting put on hold, we were definitely looking forward to it.”
The Antelopes didn’t get Aliquippa, but they will share a conference with West Mifflin, a newcomer to Class 3A.
But not everyone was waiting eagerly for the new alignment. Enick, a Penn-Trafford offensive lineman, said his Warriors would’ve played anyone. They’re the defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A champions.
“It doesn’t matter who we play against,” said Enick, a Central Michigan commit. “Playing ball is what we care about.”
But Enick was pleased to see Hempfield and Norwin join the conference. In recent years, Penn-Trafford was matched against those Westmoreland County teams in nonconference matchups.
Now, they’re conference games.
“It’s good to see those games matter now,” Enick said. “When they’re nonconference, it’s not that big of a deal. Now they’re conference games, so it will be different. ”
Not everyone ended up in an unfamiliar place. In Beaver County, two state champions with a strong rivalry share the same conference. Aliquippa and Central Valley have played often, most recently as nonconference foes.
Now, they’re in the same conference.
“I feel like it’s always meant something because they’re our rivals,” said Lindsey, an Aliquippa junior. “But now that we’re in the same conference, it means a lot more.”
• Brashear linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson chooses Penn State
• Pittsburgh street named after W.Va., Brashear football standout Major Harris
• PIAA may strengthen competitive-balance rule by adding all team sports, removing transfers | 2022-07-16T04:42:21Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | TribLive HSSN Preseason Football All-Stars gather, excited for fresh faces | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/triblive-hssn-preseason-football-all-stars-gather-excited-for-fresh-faces/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/triblive-hssn-preseason-football-all-stars-gather-excited-for-fresh-faces/ |
‘Fired up’ Hampton freshmen win summer basketball title
Submitted | John Giammarco
Hampton won the Pittsburgh Basketball Club summer league freshman championship.
Summer basketball leagues are built around staying in shape and building team chemistry.
But bringing home a championship doesn’t hurt.
Hampton used a late basket by Andrew Butler to defeat North Catholic, 38-37, on June 30 at Montour to win Pittsburgh Basketball Club summer league freshman championship.
“Even though it’s a summer game, everyone was all fired up the whole game,” Hampton point guard Gavin Guinn said. “We didn’t take it lightly.”
The Talbots, comprised of players who will be freshmen in the fall, clinched a playoff spot in the six-team league with a victory over North Hills in the regular-season finale. They advanced to the title game with a dominating 38-5 semifinal victory over Moon, avenging a loss in the summer opener.
“That first game, we hadn’t played organized basketball in a couple of months, so we were getting back into the hang of things,” Guinn said. “By the playoffs, we had finally found our rhythm.”
Said freshman coach Scott Breen: “They are all really focused kids. Their future is really good. They played really well, especially as we went along during the summer. Their defensive play got a whole lot better.”
It was Hampton’s third PBC freshman league title under Breen, including the 2011 team that Breen said won 10 straight summer league games and then didn’t lose a game in the high school season, going 30-0 overall.
The top players this summer were wing Zach Danner, Guinn and Butler. They were part of a Hampton team that went 19-3 last season as eighth-graders.
“I think they are an athletic, talented group,” Hampton eighth-grade coach Joe Lagnese said. “But the big thing is that a lot of them are really committed to basketball. They love it, and they work at it, and they want to be good players. That obviously goes a long way.”
Other members of the PBC-winning team this summer were Drew Bosetti, Jonas Cupps, James Derence, Tony Imbarlina, Drew Interthal, Hunter Richardson, Luca Romero-Lauro, Mikey Solomon and Zach Virbitsky.
With summer vacations and jobs, attendance at summer league games can be inconsistent. But Hampton’s freshmen gave Breen and assistant Chris Anastas a steady group to work with.
“These kids were pretty good, I have to admit,” Breen said. “A lot of them showed up all the time. In past summers, I’ve had five kids show up. Or maybe four, and I’d grab some other kid that I know to come and play. These kids were pretty consistent. I had at least eight guys every game. I was really pleased with the fact that they all showed up.”
In the title game, North Catholic, which had beaten Hampton earlier in the summer, took a 37-36 lead with about 11 seconds to play. But Butler drove for the go-ahead basket with under four seconds to play, and Hampton denied North Catholic’s next possession.
The Hampton varsity team also had a solid summer in the PBC League, reaching the playoffs before losing to eventual champion Central Catholic in the first round.
Talbots coach Joe Lafko, inducted this summer into the Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame, is encouraged by the work of his young players.
“They are a committed group,” Lafko said. “They commit to get better individually, and I think it showed also collectively. Those are two key aspects of successful teams, when you dedicate yourself to improve both as an individual and as a team.”
Hampton’s eighth-grade and freshman teams last season went a combined 39-7. Now the rising freshman own a summer league title on top of it. How they fare at the high school level remains to be seen.
“Of course, it’s an early indicator,” Lafko said. “But a lot of improvement needs to happen from the time they are freshmen until they are seniors. The groups that continue to develop and get better are the ones that will also (win) championships when they are varsity players.” | 2022-07-16T18:51:40Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | ‘Fired up’ Hampton freshmen win summer basketball title | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fired-up-hampton-freshmen-win-summer-basketball-title/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fired-up-hampton-freshmen-win-summer-basketball-title/ |
Coach Mark Zahorchak, during basketball practice at Greensburg Salem High School, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019.
Greensburg Salem will fall into line with similar-sized schools in boys basketball again next winter but the team will play in Class 4A without Mark Zahorchak.
The Golden Lions’ head coach resigned after four seasons, the last two when Greensburg Salem played up in Class 6A to reduce travel and play more local teams.
“I just have some circumstances that need my full attention,” Zahorchak said. “I wouldn’t ever want to do the job halfway. I’ll always be these kids’ biggest fan.”
Zahorchak finished with a 17-62 record and coached one playoff game, in 2020 when the WPIAL had an open tournament.
The Golden Lions, who went 3-19 last season (0-10 in Section 3-6A), struggled to adapt to 6A, but Zahorchak stands behind the move.
Highlights of his short tenure include beating Hempfield in his first game, he said, and defeating Laurel Highlands a few weeks before the Mustangs won the WPIAL Class 5A title in 2019-20.
“But more than any specific games, just coaching a bunch of great kids who played and practiced hard no matter the situation,” Zahorchak said.
Tags: Greensburg Salem | 2022-07-16T18:51:52Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Greensburg Salem’s Zahorchak resigns as boys basketball coach | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/greensburg-salems-zahorchak-resigns-as-boys-basketball-coach/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/greensburg-salems-zahorchak-resigns-as-boys-basketball-coach/ |
Westmoreland notebook: WCCA 7-on-7 tournament returns
Norwin receiver Jackson Pons reaches for a tipped pass in front of Franklin Regional defenders during the WCCA 7-on-7 championship game on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Greater Latrobe High School.
Penn-Trafford catcher Jakob Haynes takes a throw in front of Norwin’s Nick Fleming during their game on April 9, 2021, at Penn-Trafford High School.
The “skill” guys — the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and defensive backs — will be on display Thursday at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 Football Championship, a sure sign high school football is fast approaching.
The pitch-and-catch event begins at 9 a.m. at Latrobe’s Rossi and Graham-Sobota fields, with pool play games all day until the championship at 2 p.m.
Norwin is the two-time defending champion, but Penn-Trafford returns having won five titles and finishing second three times.
The Warriors, of course, won WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A championships last fall.
Norwin and Penn-Trafford, however, both have to replace starting quarterbacks — as do a number of teams in the field. One player in the mix for Penn-Trafford is 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior Conlan Greene, who committed to Temple as a defensive lineman.
Hempfield has strong-armed senior Jake Phillips under center, and Greensburg Salem brings back WPIAL receiving leader Cody Rubrecht.
Greensburg Central Catholic has been giving 7-on-7 QB reps to junior Tyree Turner and freshman Samir Crosby, a Jeannette transfer, while senior Nate Dlugos has moved to receiver.
This will be the 11th year for the WCCA event. It was cancelled in 2020.
Latrobe will field two teams in the 16-team field. Franklin Regional is not competing this year.
Bracket A has Greensburg Salem, Valley, Ligonier Valley, Greensburg Central Catholic, Latrobe (A), Norwin, Burrell and Southmoreland.
Bracket B consists of Hempfield, Latrobe (B), Yough, Jeannette, Kiski Area, Mt. Pleasant, Derry, and Penn-Trafford.
Latrobe (Ron Prady), Southmoreland (Tim Bukowski), Jeannette (Tom Paulone), Yough (Ben Hoffer), Derry (Mike Arone), and Valley (Dave Heavner) all have new head coaches.
Teams get six points for a touchdown, one for a conversion from the 3-yard line and two from the 10, one for a defensive stop on downs and three for an interception, which cannot be returned.
Games are 25 minutes long and played on 40-yard fields. Reaching the 20-yard line is a first down.
Penalties are assessed for pass interference, holding, delay of game, and for offside, motion and false starts.
Bilinsky, a standout for Mason Elite AAU — owned by former Highlands and Duquesne star Micah Mason — averaged 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks per game last season for the Knights.
Griffins land a pair
The national renowned Seton Hill baseball team likes to recruit from its backyard, and the Griffins pulled in verbal commitments from a pair of local players.
Both are power hitters in Penn-Trafford rising senior Jakob Haynes and Norwin senior Chris Slatt.
Haynes, a catcher, was slowed by a broken leg and missed most of the spring high school season.
But he has returned to form this summer playing for the Pittsburgh Spikes. Slatt, who played first base for Norwin, is a member of Hardcore Elite Baseball.
Norwin’s rising senior special teams pair of kicker Joey Castle and longsnapper Xander Smith, both of whom has attended national showcases in recent months, received invites to play at Akron, with a chance to earn a scholarship later.
They have a similar offer from Buffalo.
Tags: Latrobe, Norwin, Penn-Trafford | 2022-07-16T22:06:47Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland notebook: WCCA 7-on-7 tournament returns | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-notebook-wcca-7-on-7-tournament-returns/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-notebook-wcca-7-on-7-tournament-returns/ |
Submitted | Shawn Davis
Plum rising freshman Saphia Davis competes at the Break the Chains tournament June 12 in Cheswick.
When it became official last month that Plum will sanction a girls wrestling program, Saphia Davis was excited, but she was not 100% sure of the validity of the news.
“When my dad told me the news, I was like, ‘Are you joking with me?’ But he was being serious, and it was such a good feeling to hear that,” said Davis, a rising freshman at Plum.
“We’ve really wanted this. This will level the playing field for girls who want to wrestle. There’s been a great response.”
Davis, along with club state champion Alaina Claasen and Madison Killmeyer, also rising freshmen, wrestled for the Plum junior high team this past winter and made strides in their own personal development as well as brought more attention to the possibility of a full-fledged girls program.
Plum boys wrestling coach Mike Supak pushed the original request for a girls wrestling program through to then-athletic director Josh Shoop. Current AD Brian Miller, Supak added, continued to work with the Plum wrestling contingent.
A proposal was presented, with the help of superintendent Dr. Bendan Hyland, to the school board, which voted in the affirmative to get the ball rolling on the program.
Supak said there has been a lot of energy and excitement in these first few weeks since the program’s approval, and the next steps include hiring a head coach soon and finding out what a possible schedule for dual matches and tournaments could look like.
“The guys in charge at Sanction PA were very helpful in making sure our presentation was as complete as possible with statistics that showed there is an opportunity there,” Supak said.
“They gave us information about Title IX, and there were just a lot of other facts that we were able to use that helped us show it was a good thing to do. We have a strong core of girls who will be instrumental in getting the program off the ground, and the board recognized that.”
Plum is one of seven WPIAL schools to sanction girls wrestling within its athletic department.
District 3’s JP McCaskey was the first school in the state to sanction girls wrestling in March 2020. North Allegheny got things started for the WPIAL two months later.
Canon-McMillan followed as the second WPIAL school in October 2021, and the Big Macs and Tigers participated in the first WPIAL girls wrestling match just two months later.
Connellsville (November 2021), Kiski Area (December 2021) and Southmoreland (January 2022) also sanctioned programs, and Plum was the 47th Pennsylvania school overall to do so.
Fort Cherry is the most recent WPIAL school to join the list. It was the 50th school overall, marking the halfway point to the 100-school goal for the PIAA to sanction girls wrestling as an official varsity sport with a state championship.
District 10’s Saegertown approved a girls wrestling program Monday, becoming school No. 54.
In February, girls wrestling was granted emerging sport status by the PIAA. Sanction PA said the move “gave (girls wrestling) a clear plan and path for being a sanctioned sport by the PIAA.”
Supak said the schools in the WPIAL and throughout the state have seized upon the interest that has also seen individual girls competing on boys varsity teams for several years. Those numbers included Shelby Novak, who wrestled for Plum as a senior and graduated in 2011.
“I know a lot of younger girls who are wrestling, and could possibly wrestle for Plum,” Novak told the Tribune-Review at the time. “I feel there should be more female wrestlers.”
Novak’s hopes for Plum are now becoming a reality.
Several Plum girls wrestlers, including Davis, attended a recent girls camp at Gannon University. Davis said the experience only created a bigger buzz and generated more energy for girls wrestling in Pennsylvania.
“We were able to make a lot of new friends from so many different places,” said Davis, who placed fourth in her 112-pound weight class at the Break the Chains tournament June 12 in Cheswick.
“It was nice to see everyone else’s game plan and talk about what our schools are doing to build up our programs. There were a number of girls at the camp who hadn’t wrestled for a few years and are coming back. That’s the kind of thing we have at Plum.”
The Plum girls wrestlers who are rising freshmen, Mustangs junior high coach Brian Walker said, will have the option of competing for the high school team or remaining at the junior high level for one more season.
“It is pretty cool to see this taking off at Plum,” Walker said. “The interest is there, and there is a nice foundation of good wrestlers. I am excited to see this develop over the next couple of weeks and months.” | 2022-07-17T22:15:34Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Excitement builds as Plum joins growing girls wrestling movement | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/excitement-builds-as-plum-joins-growing-girls-wrestling-movement/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/excitement-builds-as-plum-joins-growing-girls-wrestling-movement/ |
The Hempfield girls basketball team won the Greensburg YMCA Summer League. Team members are (from left): Sophrona Biondi, Madalyn Pevarnik, Gabby Coccia, Katarina DeVito, Ayiana Martin, Jordyn Corona, Jayme Flock, Brooke McCoy, Sarah Podkul, Ashley Hosni, Ava Shipman, and Mia Shipman.
Success in the summer months doesn’t quite compare to success during the winter high school basketball season, but Hempfield can attest there still is plenty of value to it.
And the trophies are just as shiny.
Winning as a cohesive unit in July can be a building block for the high school season in November.
The Lady Spartans won the Greensburg YMCA Girls Basketball Summer League, holding back a number of local teams and some talented players.
“It’s been a really good summer thus far for our team,” Hempfield coach Tom Brush said. “We have a really strong core coming back. … We also have a very strong incoming freshman class. They really stepped up during the summer league.”
Hempfield defeated Franklin Regional, which returns everyone from last season, in the championship, 45-28, at Seton Hill.
“The championship was the first time we were at pretty much full strength all summer league,” Brush said.
Rising senior Brooke McCoy, Brush said, shot “lights out” in the second half of the championship as Hempfield finished 9-2.
The Spartans topped Greensburg Salem in the semifinals.
Other teams included Southmoreland, Greensburg Central Catholic, Mt. Pleasant and Connellsville.
Most of the teams were at full strength. Greensburg Central Catholic had standout guards Mya Morgan and Erica Gribble, Kaitlyn Mankins played for Greensburg Salem, and Tiffany Zelmore, one of the top returning scorers in the county, played for Mt. Pleasant.
“I think this year our team had a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm that transitioned into our games,” said McCoy, the team’s top scorer last season. “We have a lot of young ones coming up that are all excited to play, and it’s been great to see them help the team be successful. I thought we had a pretty good chance of doing well in this summer league. I thought GCC and Franklin Regional were going to be our biggest competition and cause us trouble, but we pulled through and I’m super excited for the upcoming season.”
Hempfield also got key contributions from juniors Sarah Podkul and Ashley Hosni, sophomore Mia Shipman and freshman Ava Shipman.
Podkul and Hosni also play for Brush’s AAU team in the spring.
“Podkul and Hosni had really strong all-around games,” Brush said. “Mia and Ava Shipman played fantastic defense.”
McCoy hopes the momentum will stick around.
“I learned that everyone is willing to step up to the challenge, and everyone has each other’s back,” she said. “There’s a lot of good energy on our team this year that excites me.”
Tags: Hempfield | 2022-07-17T22:15:47Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Hempfield girls basketball heats up during summer months | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfield-girls-basketball-heats-up-during-summer-months/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfield-girls-basketball-heats-up-during-summer-months/ |
Loaded with seniors, Sewickley Academy boys soccer roster looking forward to season
Sewickley Academy’s Michael Disantis moves the ball upfield next to Beaver County Christian’s Jaiden McDade last season.
Sewickley Academy’s Michael DiSantis has modest individual goals for the boys soccer season.
“My personal goals are to score more than I did last year and stay healthy throughout the season,” DiSantis said.
DiSantis and Hudson Colletti paced the Panthers in scoring last year and were complemented offensively by Adin Zorn, who led the team in assists. Zorn, like DiSantis, is a senior striker. Colletti is a midfielder.
It’s when DiSantis mentions team goals that he gets pumped up and really excited.
“Our expectation this year is to push for the WPIAL title with most of our key players being seniors,” he said. “We are all super excited and the season is going to be a great one for us.”
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound DiSantis, a fourth-year starter, is anxious to get things started for the 2022 season.
“Everyone has been getting some training in,” he said, “but for the guys heading into their senior year, this summer is super busy. We are all excited to start preseason soon.”
DiSantis, who accounted for 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) as a sophomore, also excels in the classroom with a GPA that hovers around the 4.0 mark.
Last season, DiSantis registered the equivalent of four hat tricks against Southmoreland and Neshannock, as he exploded for 12 goals in the two-game span.
“It felt great being able to rack up a bunch of goals especially at home versus Neshannock,” DiSantis said. “I was not a natural goal scorer, but coach Ale has really helped me learn to be confident in myself. I also think our team has strong chemistry and teamwork, which proves beneficial on the field.”
Coach Ale is Alessandro Moreira, who is in his second year as the Panthers’ field boss.
Moreira, a Brazilian native, said DiSantis excels in all facets of soccer.
“He is very good player with a lot of talent,” Moreira said. “Michael’s strengths are his dribbling, passing and shooting. He is very good with and without the ball, creating space for my middle field players to score.”
DiSantis has competed in the offseason for Beadling Elite South and participated in the boys lacrosse program last year at SA.
Over the years, Sewickley Academy has been a significant force in boys soccer.
The Panthers have not had a losing season since 2010, have won two PIAA and two WPIAL titles, were PIAA finalists five times and finished first or second in section play all 11 years with seven section crowns.
SA eked out a section championship by the narrowest of margins last season, finishing 9-0-1 as Our Lady of the Sacred Heart ended up second at 8-1-1.
The Panthers advanced to the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals, were 12-2-1 overall and outscored the opposition 81-15 on the year as 11 opponents were held to one goal or less, including four via shutouts.
Along with DiSantis, Zorn and Colletti, other returning starters in what appears to be a stacked SA lineup include senior striker Daniel Torres, senior midfielder Lucas Mendonca and, on defense, seniors Garrett Smith, Thomas Varghese, junior Jayden Garcha and sophomore Andrew Colletti. Cooper Wentz, a junior, is the starting goalkeeper once again.
The Colletti brothers, who also play baseball, transferred from Quaker Valley. Both sat out SA’s playoff games last season, Hudson because of a WPIAL transfer rule and Andrew with a broken wrist.
“I am expecting another section title this year as well as a deep run in WPIAL and state playoffs,” Hudson Colletti said. “I was unable to play in the (2021) postseason due to a transfer rule when I came to Sewickley. I’m aiming to score 25 goals this year.
“In preparation for the season, my main focus has been in the gym. Along with our high school practices, I practice on my own and with a few teammates whenever we find free time.”
The elder Colletti brother, who has a 4.05 GPA, founded Free the Music PGH, which placed the public piano within the gazebo in downtown Sewickley. | 2022-07-17T22:15:53Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Loaded with seniors, Sewickley Academy boys soccer roster looking forward to season | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/loaded-with-seniors-sewickley-academy-boys-soccer-roster-looking-forward-to-season/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/loaded-with-seniors-sewickley-academy-boys-soccer-roster-looking-forward-to-season/ |
Latrobe’s Emma Blair, the reigning Tribune-Review Westmoreland Player of the Year, is receiving Division I interest.
Latrobe’s Emma Blair makes old-school post players proud every time she touches the basketball.
And, despite the ever-changing nature of basketball, where more traditional “bigs” are being asked to do more away from the rim than under it, college coaches are taking notice.
Size and back-to-the-basket ability still mean something.
Blair, a 6-foot-1 forward/center who will be a senior, is attracting college attention while playing for the Western PA Bruins 17U National Team this summer on the AAU circuit.
Her game has been on display during the NCAA’s “live period,” and her arrow is pointing up with one high school season remaining.
While Blair wants to develop a mid-range game, her ability to score inside and rebound carries plenty of value.
“Multiple college coaches have told me that Emma is the best rebound outlet forward they have seen in a while.” Bruins coach Brian Murray said. “She has expanded her (shooting) range to 17 feet. She is very fast getting 84 feet from block to block. She has worked with multiple skills coaches including coach (Cornelious) Nesbit from Shaler on her old-time post moves.”
South Carolina Upstate, a Division I program in Valley Falls, S.C., offered a scholarship to Blair, the reigning Tribune-Review Westmoreland Player of the Year.
She recently had a game in AAU where she scored 27 points and grabbed 24 rebounds. She had a 20-20 game last high school season.
Blair also has developed a knack for delivering crisp passes to shooting guards. That was commonplace for her last season at Latrobe. She kept possessions alive with a low-turnover rate and was tenacious on the defensive glass.
Even is AAU, where 3-pointers and fast breaks sell tickets, Blair grinds on the low block like Patrick Ewing at Georgetown.
“The Bruins value the post,” Murray said. “Our director, John Tate, who played forward for John Calipari at UMass, instills a philosophy to his coaches to play tough and utilize the post, and not just pick-and-roll but a true post-up player.
“Emma’s ability to pass to a relocating shooter after entry makes her valuable.”
Blair said she has been busy with Bruins’ practices and tournaments, while also playing in an outdoor league and attending college camps.
“I have been practicing a lot to continue to develop my game,” she said. “My Bruins coaches have helped me a lot with this process. I love being a post and my role on the floor, so I will definitely continue to focus on my old-school post game.”
Coaches in the Division II PSAC also covet Blair’s game. She has an offer from Seton Hill.
Other Division I schools also are interested.
Blair averaged 13.6 points and 12.5 rebounds for Latrobe last winter, and shot 56% from the field.
“She continues work on her jump hook, but she worked hard on her free-throw shooting,” Murray said. “Everyone wants Shaq until they have to go to the line. Emma is over 85% this spring from the line. Her best quality is she is a good teammate. Since she shares the ball, her teammates get it into to her more than most teams. Plus, we run many designed sets for shooters and to get clean looks for Emma in the paint. She has embraced this role.” | 2022-07-18T21:38:00Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Old-school game taking Latrobe’s Emma Blair places | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/old-school-game-taking-latrobes-blair-places/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/old-school-game-taking-latrobes-blair-places/ |
Leroy Grafton Photography
Kaleb Tkacs (back row, second from right) poses with the family of late Southmoreland football coach Ron Frederick. Back row, from left: Renee Negri, Elizabeth Frederick, and Ron Frederick Sr. Front row: Dominic Negri, Sophia Frederick and Colin Frederick.
Kaleb Tkacs was 5-foot-10 and weighed 160 pounds when he joined the Southmoreland football team as a freshman.
Not small, but not exactly the roster specs of an aspiring lineman, either.
Tkacs was not judged on his height and weight, though.
Then-line coach Ron Frederick saw a player he could coach. A player he could form. But he never could have imagined he’d work with a player he could inspire as much as he did Tkacs.
“He personally helped mold me not only as a great football player but as an even greater person,” said Tkacs, who will be a senior lineman this season for the Scotties. “He was especially impactful to me … He never held my size against me and always chose to believe in me.”
And Tkacs also believed in Frederick, who died suddenly in February from a heart-related event, one day after finding out he was promoted to head coach at his alma mater.
Tkacs took it upon himself to honor his former coach. He put together a youth football camp, with all of the proceeds going to Frederick’s family — his wife, Liz, and three children, Sophia, Colin, and Dylan.
“He did it all on his own,” Southmoreland first-year head coach Tim Bukowski said of Tkacs. “I mean, we were there as coaches helping out, but it was his camp, his show. He has great leadership qualities.”
Tkacs said 74 kids attended the camp last month at Russ Grimm Field. They came from nearby neighborhoods in the district, but Tkacs also had sign-ups from Mt. Pleasant, Somerset and Brownsville.
There were 36 coaches in attendance, as well, ranging from youth and high school level men, to Scotties alumni.
“We had players go through 10-minute stations,” Tkacs said.”They did firing-off stances, conditioning drills, footwork drills, strength drills, and defensive and offensive moves and forms.”
Local donations came in the form of concession stand food and drinks, which helped give the event an official feel.
Tkacs, though, already had given it a special touch.
“I had been thinking about doing some sort of camp for the midget kids/linemen for quite a while beforehand,” Tkacs said. “I had always looked up to the high school players that came to help out during my years playing in the midget league. I had helped here and there my freshman year but really dedicated myself to help coach our D1 team last year. I would head straight up to the hill, where our midget teams practice, after my practices to assist in coaching the offensive and defensive line throughout the summer and into the season, sometimes helping out the younger D2/3 and flag teams. It was particularly funny that I would be helping coach Fred coach his son, just as he was coaching me only a short time beforehand.”
Tkacs said he formed a bond with the players at practices and at Sunday morning games. His players, wide-eyed and full of wonder, attended the high school games to root for Tkacs.
“They always grouped together at the 50-yard line in the bleachers, and would be looking down, watching, trying to get a wave or some sort of acknowledgment by saying, ‘Coach Tkacs,’ ” he said. “It really warmed my heart and reminded me of when I looked up to the high school players just as much as they did.
“There’s something special about being motivated and having almost a sort of role model you can see every Friday night. It’s also equally as special to know you have someone watching you play on the field, learning from your actions — it motivates you even more. Even acts of signing footballs after games and giving high-fives gave a smile and sense of fulfillment after games, and seeing them there even after losses gave me inspiration.”
The event served as Tkacs’ senior project. His English teacher, Jenna Hixson, helped him come up with the camp idea.
Tkacs helped raise $400 and scored a signed Cam Heyward photo as a giveaway prize.
“Coach Fred’s family and the whole community were extremely supportive of the camp,” Tkacs said. “It was not about the money raised; We only raised $400 for the family after the cost of the camp T-shirts and resources for the kids. The important thing in my mind is that the kids learned something from the camp that they can take with them into this upcoming season. I plan to continue running this camp, as a resource and tool for our midget and surrounding midget programs and most importantly as an asset to continue coach Fred’s memory and instill the values he taught of teamwork, leadership and commitment.”
Clearly, Frederick also was one of the men who inspired Tkacs to matriculate to coaching. The art of honing the skills of young blockers and tacklers just looked right when Frederick did it.
“Definitely, I have a sort of passion for it and an overall enjoyment in developing the players and watching them progress throughout the season,” Tkacs said. “I’m not sure exactly what level would suit me best, but I feel like I have a lot of experience, knowledge and an overall love for the game. But for right now I enjoy where I am, helping out with the youth.” | 2022-07-19T23:11:53Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Southmoreland senior honors coach’s memory with youth camp | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/southmoreland-senior-honors-coachs-memory-with-youth-camp/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/southmoreland-senior-honors-coachs-memory-with-youth-camp/ |
Norwin grad jumps feet first into GCC girls soccer coaching job
Submitted by Kara Batey
New Greensburg Central Catholic girls soccer coach Kara Batey.
Taking over a perennial power three weeks before official practice begins might seem daunting to most first-year soccer coaches.
Not to Kara Batey.
She was hired to coach the Greensburg Central Catholic girls rather late in the game, but she was eager to meet her players for the first time Thursday and begin to implement her system.
“A love a challenge,” the 25-year-old Norwin and IUP graduate said. “I am all about growth and learning. If I have down time, I don’t know what to do with myself. I am going to give this team my full effort.”
Batey replaces Olivia Kruger, who moved back to the eastern side of the state after her husband, Zak, was not retained as women’s soccer coach at Seton Hill. She was 34-3 in two seasons with one WPIAL title, a WPIAL runner-up and two PIAA runner-up finishes.
An exercise enthusiast who will make strength and conditioning a top priority for the Centurions, Batey was an assistant with the Penn-Trafford girls for three years (2019-21) while she was going to grad school.
It was at that time when she felt the magnetic pull to coach her own team.
“I was out of the sport a little bit after playing one year at IUP,” Batey said. “I was around so many great people who supported me and let me coach and valued my opinion. That’s where it sort of took off for me.”
Batey also coached with the Barbarian Futsal Club. One of her players, Alexia Graham, an incoming player at Greensburg Central Catholic who transferred from Penn-Trafford and played under Batey, told her about the coaching opening.
“I met a few of the girls,” Batey said. “(Graham) said (GCC) needed a coach. It was such a humbling thing for the girls to want me to coach them. I applied for the job and it worked out.”
When she played at Norwin, Batey said she loved the small details about practice and preparation, perhaps telltale signs coaching was in her future.
“We’re fired up about what she will bring to the program,” GCC athletic director Dan Mahoney said. “She was a great candidate.”
Batey, a kinesiologist who currently works as a cardiac technician in Oakmont, said she “found her voice” coaching at Penn-Trafford and with the club program and believes it will “transition well” into her new gig.
“I had so many opportunities playing and coaching with Barbarian club,” she said. “I wanted to give back. GCC has such a strong presence in the WPIAL and PIAA. I want to focus on training and recovery to make sure we stay there. There is a fine line between over-training and recovering. I don’t want these girls to leave the program hindered by nagging injuries.”
Tags: Greensburg C.C. | 2022-07-20T21:06:29Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Norwin grad jumps feet first into GCC girls soccer coaching job | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-grad-jumps-feet-first-into-gcc-girls-soccer-coaching-job/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-grad-jumps-feet-first-into-gcc-girls-soccer-coaching-job/ |
First-year Springdale boys soccer head coach Paul Palo instructs senior Chris Mitchell during a workout July 20, 2022, on the soccer field near Springdale High School.
Paul Palo didn’t need to have the Springdale boys soccer players fill out name-tag stickers when he took over as the Dynamos coach earlier this year.
The Springdale graduate served eight seasons as an assistant and the JV coach under veteran Dynamos coach Cesareo Sanchez.
When Sanchez decided to step down for personal reasons after last season’s 11-win, WPIAL playoff-qualifying run, Palo put his name in the hat.
“I felt it was the most natural step forward,” Palo said. “I wasn’t counting my chickens before they hatched, but working with the guys for so long, it would be weird coaching somewhere else. It was really tough to see Cesareo step down, and I am sure he will be at a bunch of the games. But I am grateful the school district gave me this opportunity.”
Working with the team members during indoor futsal and spring opportunities with the Harmar Soccer Club, Palo said, was only the beginning of his excitement to see what the 2022 Dynamos can accomplish.
“We’ve been able to keep a nice level of consistency over the past several months,” Palo said. “It was business as usual with futsal until I was hired. It was tough for the guys, too, to have a coach they’ve had and also heard about for so many years before they were up here not be with the team anymore. But the guys were pumped up when it was announced that I was hired, and they’ve worked hard.”
Palo said the energy has extended to the summer months, when workouts on the pitch have been well-attended.
“The guys understand what kind of season they can have with a lot of starters back,” Palo said. “They’ve put in the time. We’ve had 16 to 18 at these non-mandatories, and they are looking good.”
Palo graduated from Springdale in 2009, and the Dynamos won a section title and went 16-3 his senior year.
He went on to play club soccer at Slippery Rock and made his way back to his alma mater on Sanchez’s staff for the 2014 season.
“Cesareo and I share the same kind of philosophy,” Palo said. “We like to play a possession game, and I am really stressing that this year. Tactically and formation-wise, might change a little bit. I want to try some guys out in different spots, and we’re working on some of that.
“Also, right now, it’s hot out, and we’re running pretty good, so I know they will be in good shape come time for preseason practices. That’s what we need in what should be a pretty strong section.”
Springdale finished last year 11-5-1 overall and 7-4-1 (third place) in Section 3-A behind Winchester Thurston and Eden Christian. The Dynamos earned the No. 8 seed for the playoffs and beat No. 9 Seton LaSalle, 1-0, in the first round before falling to No. 1 seed and eventual WPIAL runner-up Greensburg Central Catholic, 4-0, in the quarterfinals.
Winchester Thurston is the defending WPIAL Class A champ, and the Dynamos again will have to deal with the Bears in Section 3. Eden Christian moved to Section 1 with the latest WPIAL realignment.
“It’s great to have a coach who knows us so well and that we know really well, too,” said senior midfielder Chris Mitchell, an all-section and All-WPIAL selection who also garnered Valley News Dispatch all-star status last year. “We already had a lot in place with the system, and he’s brought a few new ideas. We definitely didn’t restart from the beginning.
“We also have eight starters coming back, so that will be huge for us. We’ve had great turnout at workouts, and we’re really excited for the season.”
Also back this season is junior forward William Lawrence, a second-team VND all-star last year who also garnered all-section and All-WPIAL accolades.
Springdale went 142-71-8 overall and 93-34-7 with nine playoff appearances, five section titles, a WPIAL runner-up finish (2017), four trips to the WPIAL semifinals and two PIAA berths in 12 seasons under Sanchez’s watch.
With veteran coach Dave Fortun and 2015 Springdale graduate Brennan Rodden in the fold as assistant coaches, Palo said he hopes he can help continue the winning tradition of Springdale boys soccer.
“These guys are ready to go for the actual season,” Palo said. “It’s tough out here when it’s this hot, but they are establishing goals, and the bottom line for them is they want to win.”
• Norwin grad jumps feet first into GCC girls soccer coaching job | 2022-07-21T03:46:58Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Springdale boys soccer team has smooth transition to new coach Palo | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/springdale-boys-soccer-team-has-smooth-transition-to-new-coach-palo/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/springdale-boys-soccer-team-has-smooth-transition-to-new-coach-palo/ |
Latrobe football team earns long-awaited 7-on-7 win on its home field
Latrobe quarterback John Wetzel throws against Penn-Trafford’s during the Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 passing tournament final Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Greater Latrobe High School.
Burrell’s Cooper Hornack pulls in a catch against Latrobe during the Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 passing tournament Thursday.
Latrobe celebrates beating Penn-Trafford in the Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 passing tournament final Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Greater Latrobe High School.
Latrobe’s Ja-Tawn Williams breaks up a pass intended for Penn-Trafford’s Jake Otto.
As Penn-Trafford’s final deep pass attempt sailed out of the end zone and fell incomplete, players from Latrobe jumped into each other’s arms and bounced around in a sudden swell of excitement.
For once, the Wildcats got to celebrate on their home field, which hosted the county 7-on-7 passing tournament for a fifth straight time.
And first-year coach Ron Prady could not have scripted it any better.
The former Penn-Trafford assistant, who won WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A championships with the Warriors last season, matched skill players and routes with opposing coach John Ruane in the final before the Wildcats settled on a 15-9 victory Thursday to claim the 11th Westmoreland County Coaches Association Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 Championship.
As bittersweet as it felt, Prady was thrilled to see his team have some success, especially against a team that makes the finals as often as Penn-Trafford. Maybe not as thrilled, though, as longtime equipment manager Jim Feather, who shared in the post-game celebration and didn’t stop smiling until he finally left Rossi Field, but a sign of improvement nonetheless.
There are positive vibes these days inside the Arnold Palmer Field House.
“I want to win for (Feather) as much as anybody here,” said Prady, a math teacher at Latrobe. “This program wants to win again. We’ve never won a playoff game here.”
The Wildcats, who will drop to Class 4A this season, were tired of watching other teams win on their turf in the annual passing tournament.
“You don’t put a ton of stock in 7-on-7s, but it’s great to see our kids compete,” Prady said. “The competition is great for them. They have been putting in the work since March. This is far from the ultimate goal, but it builds our kids’ confidence. They competed their butts off.”
Prady, nicknamed “Boomer,” saw rising junior JaTawn Williams make two key pass break-ups in the “Boomer Bowl,” the second on a long second-down toss from 6-foot-3, 250-pound Warriors quarterback Conlan Greene, a Temple recruit as a defensive lineman who looked comfortable under center.
Penn-Trafford senior Tommy Kalkstein had just intercepted a pass to give the Warriors the ball back with under five minutes to play. The turnover cut the deficit to 15-9.
After Williams’ break-up, Greene tried a couple of heaves on third and fourth down but could not connect.
“We came here to compete,” Williams said. “It feels good to win it all. We all had good communication today and played well as a team.”
Senior Kollin Stevens, Williams and senior tight end Corey Boerio had touchdown catches from sophomore quarterback John Wetzel, and several defensive players were in the right spots for the Wildcats.
But who was the MVP for Latrobe, which finished 6-0 en route to its first county title?
“All of us were,” Williams said.
The final was a rematch of the 2014 final when Penn-Trafford beat Latrobe, 21-7.
Penn-Trafford, which finished 5-1, has made the county finals nine times in the event’s 11 years.
“There is some nostalgia to this win,” Prady said. “I respect the hell out of that program (at Penn-Trafford). This win is nothing to sneeze at. They’re the model program in the county. Those guys just won a state championship.”
The Warriors have five titles, the last coming in 2018.
“They made more plays than we did,” Ruane said of Latrobe. “They did a nice job taking away our windows. They are well-coached. Boomer is going to do some good things here.”
Wetzel, the son of Latrobe boys basketball coach Brad Wetzel, threw scoring passes in the final to junior Ben Stratton and Boerio — on a shovel pass. Stratton and sophomore Jack Drnevich caught conversion passes, the latter to make it 14-6.
Kalkstein pulled in a 40-yard bomb from Greene to cut it to 7-6.
Williams batted away a pass intended for senior Jake Otto after the Wildcats went up by eight. The defensive stop was worth a point.
Latrobe won Pool A with five wins, including 15-14 over two-time defending champion Norwin, which finished 4-1 and tied with Greensburg Central Catholic for second in Pool A.
Norwin and Hempfield (2-3) also are changing classifications with both dropping to Class 5A.
The first win of the day for the Wildcats spurred on early confidence.
Sophomore Alex Tatsch had a key interception in the victory.
Latrobe also squeezed past Valley, 18-17, and defeated Ligonier Valley (21-6), Burrell (28-1), and
Southmoreland (19-4).
“That was a great start for us,” Prady said of the Norwin game. “It was a back-and-forth game.”
Penn-Trafford defeated Kiski Area, 27-13, to hand the Cavaliers their first loss and advance to the final.
“It’s nice to come out here and see the kids get some reps,” Kiski Area coach Sam Albert said. “You like to see some competition. It all changes when the pads go in, but this is a nice event.”
The Warriors also scored convicing wins over Yough (23-6), Mt. Pleasant (32-14), Derry (25-6) and Jeannette (19-1).
Greensburg Salem and Mt. Pleasant went 3-2 on the day.
Penn-Trafford, which played three quarterbacks — Greene, Kalkstein and sophomore Jonny Lovre — has a number of key players back as it prepares to make a run at a repeat.
“We got in some work,” Ruane said. “Now we’re ready for real football.”
Tags: Burrell, Derry Area, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Kiski Area, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Valley | 2022-07-22T08:22:32Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Latrobe football team earns long-awaited 7-on-7 win on its home field | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/latrobe-football-team-earns-long-awaited-7-on-7-win-on-its-home-field/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/latrobe-football-team-earns-long-awaited-7-on-7-win-on-its-home-field/ |
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