Basketball

First round of PIAA basketball playoffs continues Saturday

March 6, 2020

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.

Serra Catholic girls bow out of PIAA postseason

After suffering losses in the district playoffs, both Serra Catholic and Penns Manor returned to the floor in search of a bounce back effort in the PIAA Class 2A playoffs Friday evening.

Bethel Park coach Jonna Burke instructs her team during a game against Governor Mifflin on March 6, 2020, at Peters Township.

Slow start for Bethel Park, but strong finish lifts Black Hawks to PIAA 2nd round

While Peters Township was not exactly the most neutral site for a PIAA Class 6A girls basketball first-round game between Bethel Park and Governor Mifflin, the rims more than neutralized both offenses in the first half.

New Castle defenders compete against Hickory on March 6, 2020, at Slippery Rock.

Hickory ousts New Castle from PIAA playoffs

One word kept sounding over a standing room only crowd at Slippery Rock University’s Morrow Field House on Friday night.

The Highlands bench celebrates after a basket and foul against Harbor Creek during a PIAA Class 4A first-round game March 6, 2020, at Kiski High.

Crise leads Highlands past Harbor Creek in 1st round of PIAA Class 4A playoffs

Harbor Creek’s strategy is to keep the score low and pull out a close decision.

Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock (right) drives against Clearfield’s Karson Hudson in the PIAA Class 4A first round Friday, March 6, 2020.

Belle Vernon earns long-awaited PIAA tournament victory

For the first time since 1981, the Belle Vernon boys basketball team will play in a PIAA second-round game.

Riverview’s Annie Betler, left, and Mikaela Collins hold on to a rebound during the first quarter against Everett, Friday, March 6, 2020, at Pitt-Johnstown.

Everett takes down Riverview girls in PIAA 1st round

JOHNSTOWN — The difference in Friday night’s PIAA Class 2A first-round game between Riverview and Everett was in the shooting.

Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher scored 32 points in a PIAA first-round loss Friday night.

WPIAL champion Laurel Highlands bounced from PIAA tournament in 1st round

Laurel Highlands had grown accustomed to winning close games, almost to the point of expecting them to happen.

Mars head coach Rob Carmody talks with an official after an intentional foul was called on Michael Carmody during the fourth quarter of the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Laurel Highlands Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Petersen Events Center.

Playing without star center Michael Carmody, Mars falls short in PIAA 1st-round game

After his team lost in overtime, battling without standout senior Michael Carmody, who was serving a one-game suspension, Mars boys basketball coach Rob Carmody told his players he was obviously disappointed, but he was glad they lost on a play made by a “winning player.”

Obama Academy’s Sean Snead celebrates a three-pointer in front of the Eagles bench during a PIAA Class 5A first round playoff game against Penn Hills Friday, Mar. 6, 2020, at Brashear High School.

Sean Snead’s 3-pointers lead Obama past Penn Hills in PIAA 1st round

A first-half shot can’t be called a game-winner, especially one that only ties the score, but the energy from Sean Snead’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer was felt long after halftime.

Southmoreland’s Charity Henderson steals the ball during the first quarter of the WPIAL Class 4A championship game against North Catholic Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Petersen Events Center.

Westmoreland PIAA basketball preview capsules for March 7, 2020

Today’s games

Ligonier Valley’s George Golden (background) and teammate Michael Marinchak (left center) talk to teammates Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in a huddle before playing against Penns Valley at Hollidaysburg Senior High School during the District 6 semifinals.

Ligonier Valley, Carlynton hit reset buttons for PIAA playoffs matchup

Mike Kozy inferred District 6 Class 3A runner-up Ligonier Valley, which next season becomes a member of the WPIAL, is perceived to be out in the hinterlands though the Carlynton boys basketball coach is a bit familiar with the area.

Gateway girls basketball coach Curtis Williams guided his team to the WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinals.

Gateway girls basketball sees potential for growth

The Gateway girls basketball players ended the season waiting and hoping.

Greensburg Salem’s Shamar McCoy keeps the ball from Gateway defense including William Kromka (23) and Bonzi Parks on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 during WPIAL boys’ basketball at Greensburg Salem High Schooll.

Gateway boys basketball eager to build off WPIAL playoff appearance

Progress is defined by movement toward a destination, and despite an early exit from the WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball playoffs, Gateway’s season can be defined by growth.

Sophomore Lorenzo Jenkins (right), shown driving against Norwin’s Jayden Walker, is one of a handful of talented Fox Chapel boys basketball players returning next season.

Fox Chapel boys basketball fell short of states but has bright future

For a week in late February, the Central Catholic boys basketball team picked up a new legion of fans. It consisted of the players, coaches and fans of the Fox Chapel boys basketball team.