Blackhawk knocks off undefeated Wyomissing to make return trip to PIAA finals

By: Matt Michelone
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 9:21 PM

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ALTOONA – Blackhawk sophomore forward Aubree Hupp and Wyomissing junior post player Amaya Stewart had to carry much of the load offensively while both sides struggled to make shots during their PIAA Class 4A girls basketball semifinal Tuesday at the Altoona High School Fieldhouse.

The good news for the Cougars, though, is they got Hupp enough scoring help as they went on to hand the Spartans their first loss of the season and punch their ticket for a return to Hershey with a 46-31 triumph.

Blackhawk coach Greg Huston, who is in his first year coaching his alma mater, couldn’t be happier to be going back for the first time since he was part of two title-game appearances in 1999-2000.

“The girls asked me on the bench, ‘Is this your first time?’” he said. “I said, ‘Well, it’s my first time as coach. It’s my third time being on a team.’ It’s super exciting to do it, but all the credit goes to these guys. I’m happy to be along for the ride.”

Blackhawk’s chance at redemption after a finals loss to Lansdale Catholic last year will come against District 2 champion Scranton Prep, which beat Universal Audenried from District 12 on Tuesday. Tip off is noon Saturday at Hershey’s Giant Center.

Both sides played largely to a stalemate in the first as Hupp knocked down a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws as she scored seven of her team-high 22 points – going 11-for-11 from the charity stripe.

Stewart answered with five points of her own, including a turnaround jumper and a late foul shot to give the Spartans a 10-9 lead. She finished with a team-high 18 points.

“I knew it was going to be tough for Aubree because (Stewart) has a little bit of size on her,” Huston said. “You can never count out Aubree. That was a great effort on both ends. We’ve seen her do it so many times, we’ve come to expect it.”

Hupp was eager to answer Stewart’s challenge.

“Going against her was definitely difficult,” she said. “We knew coming in that she was a great player, that I was going to have to play the best defense I’ve played all season.”

Both sides’ offensive woes continued into the second, but the Cougars’ fortunes started show signs of changing before the half as Mia Sheesley at the buzzer buried a 3-ball for a 21-18 lead at the break.

“I just knew that I had to step up and knock it down and have confidence in my shot,” Sheesley said.

Blackhawk also got an inbound pass and quick jumper from Hupp at the buzzer at the end of the third quarter for a 29-23 cushion.

Moving ahead to the fourth, Blackhawk blew the game open for good with senior guard Alena Fusetti draining a pair of 3-pointers to help stretch the lead to 35-27 with just over 3 ½ minutes to play. She finished with 11 points.

“Honestly, I don’t know what happened when I shot those 3s,” Fusetti said. “Charley horses are brutal. I just knew it was a close game. You’ve got to take the shots. I was confident with it. Coach was like, ‘Keep shooting. I believe in you.’”

Fusetti and the Cougars are now ready to finish the job.

“It’s amazing being there, but that’s not enough,” Fussetti said. “Last year was hard, but this year we’re back. I think we’re better, we’re more prepared, we’re experienced. I’m ready to go.”

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