WPIAL Quarterfinals Friday Spotlight Game: Vincentian 88 – Clairton 51

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, February 21, 2014 | 11:22 PM

In a rematch of last year’s WPIAL Class A Championship Game, the result was the same but in a much more dominant fashion, as No. 2 Vincentian (22-2) continued on their path to repeat as the Class A Champions, taking down No. 10 Clairton 88-51. The Royals forced 20 turnovers in the first half, 38 in all for the game to pull away for the victory at West Allegheny High School.

Vincentian Academy started cold from the floor, missing their first five shots and were just 5 of 19 in the opening quarter from the field. But the full court defensive pressure was there, as Clairton (10-7) turned the ball over 13 times in the opening frame and could only muster four field goals on 13 attempts.

The Royals began to pull away in the second quarter, using a pair of 8-0 runs as Clairton dug a deeper hole with 15 personal fouls committed. Vincentian Academy capitalized,  going 19-of-23 from the charity stripe in the first half. Jamison Nee paced the Royals in the quarter, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the frame.

Jay Cortese took up the scoring touch for the Royals after the break, pumping in 12 of his game-high 21 points. Vincentian Academy head coach George Yokitis said Cortese has been his best player down the stretch and that the junior is playing with such confidence on the floor.

The Royals average 91 points per game and finished just three points off of their season average, Yokitis said his team averages 22 steals a contest as well. Vincentian Academy did not shoot well according to the coach and the numbers backed him up, as Vincentian finished 27-of-74 from the field, but the Royals got the job done at the line, finishing 28-38 from the stripe.

Ryan Wolf scored just 18 points, seven below his average and Jim Kenna scored 11 points for Vincentian. The Royals are now 22-2 on the season, with their losses coming to Obama Academy and Summit Academy in the last game of the regular season. The Royals hit the boards as well, winning that battle 43 to 41. With the win, Vincentian Academy advances to the semifinals on Tuesday and also qualifies for the PIAA Class A Playoffs.

Clairton was led by Jaquan Ford, who finished with 20 points, Rashead Pacley added 10. The Bears were 16-of-51 from the floor and 12-of-17 from the line. 

Tags: Clairton, Vincentian Academy