Depth, relentless defense carry Penn-Trafford girls past Greensburg Salem for 7-0 start
December 12, 2024
With a rotation that serves up more reinforcements than the Christmas help at the mall, Penn-Trafford and its long bench are becoming more of a challenge for teams every time they take the court.
Franklin Regional grad writes name in Washington & Jefferson record book
As Washington &Jefferson football players filed into the locker room at halftime, Justin Johns knew he had broken the other team’s spirit, but was unaware he’d broken a team record.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Penn-Trafford happy to have defensive spark plug back
December 4, 2024
Penn-Trafford learned how to play without Torrie DeStefano last season after the then-sophomore guard suffered a season-ending knee injury just six games into the schedule.
49 players chosen for girls soccer coaches association all-star games
November 27, 2024
Forty-nine senior girls from the WPIAL will converge on the AHN Sports Complex at Cool Springs in Bethel Park Saturday for the Western Pennsylvania High School Girls Soccer Coaches Association all-star games.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Pair picked for all-state soccer squad
November 24, 2024
Latrobe senior Robin Reilly and Mt. Pleasant junior Morgan Gesinski were finalists for the Moe Rosensteel girls soccer award, but the local pair have something else in common.
Norwin notebook: Soccer standout headlines all-section list
November 16, 2024
Norwin boys soccer standout Daniel Maddock was named the player of the year in Section 1-4A by the Big 5/6 Conference, an online entity that covers the largest classifications in the WPIAL.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Moe Rosensteel Award winner to be revealed Monday
The winner of the sixth Moe Rosensteel Most Outstanding Player of the Year for the top girls soccer player in the WPIAL will be announced at 5 p.m. Monday via social media.
Finalists announced for 6th annual Bill Fralic Memorial Award for WPIAL’s top 2-way lineman
November 15, 2024
The six finalists for the sixth annual Bill Fralic Memorial Award are competing to be named the best two-way senior football lineman in the WPIAL, and they still have work to do.
With deep roster, Greensburg Central Catholic boys have WPIAL title hopes
With the most seniors he’s had and what could be his deepest rotation, Greensburg Central Catholic boys basketball coach Christian Hyland expects his team to make another postseason run.
Coaches from variety of backgrounds come together to lead Jeannette on playoff run
Jeannette first-year assistant football coach Dustin Shoaf is a school teacher at Yough, his alma mater and a place where he is the all-time leader in rushing yards.
Strong returning cast sparks optimism in Franklin Regional girls program
November 13, 2024
The thought of hanging a section banner on the wall brings a smile to Bernie Pucka’s face. It almost makes him giddy. He hunts pheasant and deer, but he would love to bag a section.
Upset-minded Jeannette to face toughest task yet in top-seeded Fort Cherry
If Jeannette can turn back Fort Cherry early like it has its past several opponents, the Jayhawks could have a shot at dethroning the top-seeded and defending WPIAL football champion Rangers.
Rosters are set for the 3rd Westmoreland County Coaches Association All-Star Girls Volleyball Match, which will be played at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Ligonier Valley High School. The game features the top senior players in Westmoreland County.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Big 5/6 recognizes area soccer, volleyball players and coaches
November 10, 2024
The Big 5/6 Conference, a web-based outlet that recognizes the achievements of the WPIAL’s largest classifications, announced its all-section teams for boys and girls soccer and girls volleyball.
Jeannette pulls another upset, knocks off Greensburg CC in Class A quarterfinals
November 8, 2024
Kymon’e Brown had not beaten Greensburg Central Catholic during his high school football career, but now Jeannette’s dual-threat quarterback can check the accomplishment off his bucket list.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Jeannette coach wins Steelers honor
Jeannette’s Tommy Paulone was selected as the Steelers High School Coach of the Week after his team’s 23-7 upset of Neshannock in the first round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
Jeannette, Greensburg Central Catholic add playoff stakes to spirited rivalry
November 6, 2024
Fresh off a head-turning upset of fourth-seeded Neshannock in the first round of the WPIAL football playoffs, Jeannette went back to work this week for its next challenge, and it is a dandy.
High school notes: Mt. Pleasant’s Gesinski, Latrobe’s Reilly in contention for WPIAL soccer award
November 3, 2024
A local pair are among four finalists for the 6th Moe Rosensteel Most Outstanding Player of the Year, presented to the top girls soccer player in the WPIAL.
Westmoreland high school football notebook: Penn-Trafford peaks at right time
Penn-Trafford is playing winning football at the right time, and coach John Ruane credits preparation and an unheralded contribution from his backups for the consistency.
With his son, Brandon, set to begin his college soccer career, Al Yeschenko would have been torn between coaching Belle Vernon’s boys and following Pitt-Greensburg.
Veteran goalkeeper gives Franklin Regional a puncher’s chance in WPIAL finals vs. Moon
Having already appeared in eight playoff games in his career, including a few as a defender, Franklin Regional goalkeeper Noah Walker brings experience to his first WPIAL soccer championship game.
WPIAL and PIAA champions have not been crowned yet in girls soccer, but some of the talented players who will lead teams to titles were recognized by coaches in the district.
When Xavier Jackson took a tumble after getting fouled during the first overtime, he considered not going back into the game because he felt pain in his hip.
Frazier calls off Friday night football game vs. Greensburg Central Catholic
Friday night’s Greensburg Central Catholic at Frazier Class A Eastern Conference football game has been postponed due to a shortage of players on the Frazier team.
Defending 4A boys champ Norwin expecting similar draw in WPIAL soccer playoffs
October 15, 2024
Scott Schuchert expects his team to get a similar to draw to last season’s playoffs when Norwin ran the table as a No. 8 seed and won its first WPIAL championship in boys soccer.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Puck drops for area’s PIHL teams
October 13, 2024
Hockey season has a way of sneaking up on people because it pops up late in the fall season. But the PIHL is back, and local teams already have played a few games.
Greensburg Salem to wear helmet decals to honor late assistant coach Rich Bowen
Greensburg Salem football players will wear special helmet decals on their helmets Friday night at Derry to honor assistant coach Rich Bowen, who died earlier this week after a battle with rectal cancer.
Gesinski scores 6 goals, Mt. Pleasant girls cruise past Yough
October 9, 2024
A third straight section crown secured, title contender Mt. Pleasant displayed the offensive muscle and goaltending prowess it will throw at teams in the upcoming WPIAL girls soccer playoffs.
Former Hempfield, Serra Catholic football coach Rich Bowen dies at age 60
Rich Bowen was never a fan of attention. Not as a star football player or a championship coach. Not as a good-natured husband and father, handyman or athletic director.
Norwin boys in position to make late-season magic again
Norwin was banged up and flirting with missing the WPIAL boys soccer playoffs last year when everything began to click at just about this same point in the season.
Norwin notebook: Adalena Robb tees it up at WPIAL tournament
For the third time in her golf career, Norwin junior Adalena Robb advanced through sectional qualifying then moved on to the final round of the WPIAL championship.
‘Best friends’ collide when Jeannette, Greensburg Central Catholic QBs meet
When Kymon’e Brown and Samir Crosby played on the same youth football team with the Jeannette Midgets, they accounted for more than 50 touchdowns in one season.
Latrobe boys soccer shuts out section foe Belle Vernon
October 1, 2024
If Latrobe is going to live up to the potential and expectations it has set for itself, the team knows it has to handle its business, like winning games it is “supposed” to win.
Franklin Regional boys soccer pushes past Penn-Trafford with 2nd-half surge
September 26, 2024
Concerned but not flustered after letting up a goal just before halftime, Franklin Regional rallied for three second-half goals and ripped past Penn-Trafford, 3-1, in Section 3-3A boys soccer Thursday night at Panther Stadium.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Southmoreland freshman hits ground running
Anthony Smith’s progression has been fast, his development swift, as the freshman quarterback leads the Southmoreland football team in his first season.
No. 2 Riverview survives test from shorthanded Greensburg Central Catholic
September 23, 2024
Greensburg Central Catholic only had 11 players for most of the night, but that didn’t stop the Centurions from pushing No. 2-ranked Riverview to the limit in their latest Section 4-A girls soccer matchup.
Westmoreland high school football notebook: Latrobe focused on minimizing gaffes on offense
Latrobe’s offense was hitting on all cylinders in the first three games as the Wildcats put up 41, 32 and 42 points in wins over Connellsville, Plum and Norwin.
Latrobe finally ends scoreless skid, shuts out Armstrong in Big East win
September 20, 2024
Scoreless for nearly 7 1/2 quarters, Latrobe finally found the end zone. It was a good thing: The Wildcats were growing tired of these three-and-out defensive struggles.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Top teams looking to shake off losses
A number of Westmoreland County teams are looking for a bounce-back week after losses last Friday, some of whom suffered their first setback of the season.
Westmoreland County girls soccer notebook: Norwin making steady progress
September 17, 2024
Norwin sent dangerous shot after dangerous shot at Latrobe goalkeeper Gianna Trunzo, but the first-year netminder either made a terrific save or the ball whizzed by the skin of the post.
Franklin Regional notebook: Devola brothers team up for Panthers
Franklin Regional senior lineman Andrew Devola experienced a special moment with his two brothers in the second game of the football season at Hempfield.
Greensburg Central Catholic-Clairton football game to be played Friday at Clairton
The Greensburg Central Catholic-Clairton football game will be played at 7 p.m. Friday at Clairton’s Neil C. Brown Stadium instead of noon Saturday at Thomas Jefferson Stadium as previously scheduled.
Westmoreland high school football notebook: Tatsch a force in Latrobe’s ground game
September 7, 2024
Alex Tatsch might be heading to Penn State to play linebacker, but the Latrobe senior made it clear this summer he had plenty to give the Wildcats as a running back.
Franklin Regional notebook: Boys soccer team opens section schedule with win
A matchup of first-year coaches in Section 3-3A boys soccer went to Franklin Regional’s Nick White, whose Panthers rang up three second-half goals to pull past Ryan Hankey’s Penn-Trafford team, 3-1, in the section opener Aug. 29.
Agostoni gets hat trick, Latrobe keeps rolling vs. Belle Vernon
September 5, 2024
On a night when shots were plentiful and goals piled up, Latrobe was more impressed by its defensive play and limiting Belle Vernon’s potent offense in its latest soccer victory.
Westmoreland girls soccer notebook: Yough lighting up scoreboards
Yough has struggled with low roster numbers in recent seasons, and with standout Youngstown Stat commit Kendalyn Umbel choosing not to play prep soccer this year and in 2023, the Cougars appeared headed for an uphill climb.
Franklin Regional boys soccer team tops Penn-Trafford in early season section showdown
August 29, 2024
A matchup of first-year coaches in Section 3-3A boys soccer went to Franklin Regional’s Nick White, whose Panthers rang up three second-half goals to pull past Ryan Hankey’s Penn-Trafford team, 3-1, in the section opener Thursday night in Harrison City.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Top kickers give their teams a leg up
Kickers rarely get much limelight. Their extra points are often taken for granted, and casual fans don’t give kickoffs that sail out of the end zone a second thought.
Former Franklin Regional standout Hudock recovering nicely after scary motorcycle accident
August 25, 2024
He doesn’t remember much from the night he almost died, but Ayden Hudock uses words such as “lucky” and “blessed” a lot more since he wrecked his motorcycle.
Westmoreland County football notebook: GCC’s Samir Crosby accounts for 6 TDs
Samir Crosby had an impressive performance in a wild opener for Greensburg Central Catholic at Shady Side Academy. The Centurions rallied to win 46-40 as the junior quarterback accounted for six touchdowns.
Late TD pass lifts Jeannette past Mt. Pleasant in comeback victory
August 23, 2024
Mt. Pleasant appeared to have Jeannette right where it wanted it. A seven-point lead with three minutes and change remaining and a fresh turnover in their hands.
Southmoreland’s Tim Bukowski to coach opener with late father in mind
August 19, 2024
Third-year Southmoreland football coach Tim Bukowski will lead the Scotties in their season opener Friday night with a heavy heart after the death of his father.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Southmoreland QB situation settled
Caden Matthews, a junior who was competing with freshman Anthony Smith for the starting quarterback spot at Southmoreland, left the team during the first week of full-padded training camp.
Playmakers abound as Southmoreland continues hunt for elusive playoff win
Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Aug. 23. Due to a conflict in publishing schedules, the Elizabeth Forward preview will appear next week.
Crack of pads, warmth of turf signal start of high school football around Westmoreland County
As a two-time defending WPIAL and PIAA champion, Belle Vernon football must have opened full-contact training camp Monday morning with a sense of entitlement, right?
7-on-7 competition goes well for Franklin Regional
Franklin Regional coach Lance Getsy isn’t making any preseason predictions based on his team’s performance in 7-on-7 passing competitions, but he sees progress in the repetitions and value in the effort.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: With pads on, ‘it’s the start of a new year’
After a week of “heat” practices and noncontact drills, WPIAL football teams can begin hitting in full pads Monday with the official start of practice.
Hempfield QB Dom Detruf hoping to be cleared after checkup by cardiologist
Hempfield senior quarterback Dom Detruf will see a cardiologist Tuesday for further evaluation of his acute myocarditis, an inflamed heart condition that could limit his participation in training camp and beyond.
New coach DeVito eager to build up Norwin girls soccer team
August 8, 2024
While she grasps for similarities between the girls soccer programs at Penn Hills and Norwin, Ashley DeVito continually finds herself recognizing the differences.
Norwin boys soccer team gets to work in defense of WPIAL championship
August 6, 2024
Veteran boys soccer coach Scott Schuchert had a message for his Norwin players when they lined up to run sprints during a conditioning workout this week at the Turner Valley Soccer Complex.
Year 2 appears to have greeted Nick Keefer with more structure and the feeling of a greater sense of eagerness among his lot of 80-plus football players.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Football season begins with ‘heat week’
August 3, 2024
A PIAA custom since its inception in 2013, “heat week” is the unofficial start to high school football training camp, and it opens Monday around the state.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls basketball ready for new class
July 26, 2024
Greensburg Central Catholic was a class above the competition in WPIAL Class 2A last girls basketball season when it captured its sixth district championship.
Penn-Trafford wins WCCA 7-on-7 football tournament
July 18, 2024
The championship plaque and the balance of power at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 football passing tournament are back in the hands of Penn-Trafford.
Franklin Regional designated hitter emerges as all-state performer
July 14, 2024
Surprised wasn’t the right word, but Darren DeRiggi did not fully expect to have all-state honors arrive on his doorstep at the conclusion of high school baseball season.
Championship softball coach Chris Brunson leaving Mt. Pleasant for Waynesburg University
June 28, 2024
Championship softball coach Chris Brunson is making the jump to the college level as he leaves the Mt. Pleasant high school team to head to Waynesburg University.
Fierce QB competition brewing at Southmoreland between Caden Matthews, Anthony Smith
June 27, 2024
There is a good old-fashioned quarterback competition brewing in Alverton, and the top preseason storyline for Southmoreland football already has people chewing the fat at gas stations and mini-marts.
GoFundMe posted for former Norwin football player Josiah Pastories, who was killed in auto accident
June 14, 2024
A GoFundMe page is set up for the family of Josiah Pastories, a Norwin graduate and former football player and wrestler who was killed in a one-vehicle accident Thursday morning in northern Butler County.
Palmer Jackson wraps up decorated career at Notre Dame
When Palmer Jackson tapped in for par on the ninth hole at Omni La Costa North Course in Carlsbad, Calif., at the end of May, he brought an end to a shining college golf career at Notre Dame.
Penn-Trafford softball team hopes to follow in footsteps of 2019 state champs
Penn-Trafford senior catcher Mack Keenan remembers watching the team bus follow a fire truck escort back to Harrison City in 2019 after the Lady Warriors softball team won the PIAA championship.
Return to state playoffs a learning experience for Latrobe softball
There were a lot of empty seats on the Latrobe softball team bus Tuesday after the Wildcats lost to Penn-Trafford in the WPIAL Class 5A third-place game at Gateway.
Battery mates Cheyenne Piper, Sydnee Foust to lead Ligonier Valley into PIAA 3A playoffs
May 31, 2024
Softball pitchers get all of the credit when they throw no-hitters, while their catchers humbly remove their masks and pads and wander off into obscurity.
Seneca Valley fights off Norwin upset bid to win 4th WPIAL softball championship
CALIFORNIA — Caught in the throes of a surprising three-run deficit against the underdog of these playoffs, Seneca Valley sprang to life late and reprised its role as the top dog in WPIAL 6A softball.
Penn-Trafford regroups, defeats rival Latrobe in Class 5A 3rd-place game
May 28, 2024
While the pressure was far from what Penn-Trafford felt in the WPIAL Class 5A semifinals, the desire to play well in the third-place game and build momentum for a state playoff run was high on the Warriors’ priority list.
Norwin not backing down against Lexie Hames, Seneca Valley in WPIAL 6A softball finals
Norwin did not fear Hempfield in the WPIAL Class 6A softball semifinals, and the Knights claim they will not back down from star pitcher Lexie Hames in the championship, either.
Norwin notebook: Football standout earns ‘surprise’ track gold
Norwin senior Luke Denny was a threat in the Knights’ football offense not only because he could catch passes, but also for what he could do after he caught them.
Steelers QB Russell Wilson to speak at Rising Stars underclassmen basketball practice
May 17, 2024
New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson will be a guest speaker for a large group of boys underclassmen basketball players Tuesday at RIZE Sports in Leetsdale.
Ligonier Valley’s Cheyenne Piper throws 3rd straight no-hitter in quarterfinals vs. Ellwood City
May 16, 2024
She had just thrown her third straight no-hitter — the second in a row in the WPIAL playoffs — and Ligonier Valley senior Cheyenne Piper was just as dumbfounded as her opponents.
Clutch pitching key for Franklin Regional in 1st-round win over Connellsville
Connellsville had runners at first and second with one out in the top of the seventh inning, and Franklin Regional pitcher Blake Bertucci quickly fell behind in the count to Matt Firestone. Three balls and no strikes.
Roundball Classic’s Rising Stars game to feature some of area’s top juniors, sophomores
May 10, 2024
For the first time officially, the annual Roundball Classic all-star basketball event will feature multiple underclassmen games for juniors and sophomores.
Mt. Pleasant baseball roars into playoffs on 9-game winning streak
As a winning streak began to stretch out like salt water taffy from a preseason trip to Myrtle Beach, Mt. Pleasant baseball coach Chris Firmstone became less surprised.
After 41 years in coaching, Jim Nesser steps down at Yough
Though he has won section, WPIAL and PIAA boys basketball championships, Jim Nesser is quick to point out he also has guided teams through rough patches, covering both ends of the spectrum in a coaching career that spans four decades.
Hempfield wins sloppy game vs. Norwin with walk-off single
May 2, 2024
A cloud of dust settling around him after an exciting finish on his home baseball diamond, Adam Hess was preparing to rake the pitcher’s mound when he was called over for an interview.
Norwin baseball team rides up-and-down regular season into playoffs
A three-game losing streak — the product of a Section 2-6A sweep by Mt. Lebanon — stung in the short term, but it did not deter Norwin baseball from its long-range goals.
Frazier outlasts Jeannette in extra innings in battle of softball section unbeatens
April 29, 2024
Emilia Bednar wasn’t sure what to expect when she stepped to the plate in the top of the eighth inning Monday in a battle of unbeaten softball teams at Jeannette.
Norwin completes much-needed sweep of Central Catholic
April 25, 2024
In an 8-4 victory over Central Catholic that gave Norwin its first three-game Section 2-6A sweep of the WPIAL baseball season, Nate Silberman may have epitomized the Knights’ push for a playoff spot, maybe even their identity, with one swing of the bat and a mad dash around the bases.
Everything clicking for Penn-Trafford baseball on 9-game winning streak
When Lou Cortazzo decided he wanted the interim tag removed from his name and officially became the coach of the Penn-Trafford baseball team, everything started to click.
Bats heat up for Greensburg Central Catholic in win over Jeannette
April 19, 2024
For a team that struck out 19 times against Brentwood earlier this week, Greensburg Central Catholic looked pretty confident at the plate when it finally got to play rival Jeannette after multiple postponements.
Draft prospect David Shields shows stuff to MLB scouts in win over Norwin
April 18, 2024
More than a dozen pro scouts crammed together above the brick backstop at Norwin and raised their radar guns in tandem each time Mt. Lebanon’s David Shields kicked up his leg to throw a pitch.
New Mt. Pleasant athletic director saw something special in district
April 14, 2024
Coaching college football the last decade has taken James “J.J.” Eckels up and down the recruiting trail. Over rivers and through woods just to get that nibble on the line from a potential commit.
Stacked lineup has confidence soaring for Greensburg Central Catholic baseball
April 11, 2024
Practice ends on a pleasant afternoon, and Greensburg Central Catholic sophomores Ian Shipley, Anthony Grippo and Tyler Samide begin to play with an unwound baseball, its spider web-like strings flowing in the breeze while seeming to stretch from home plate to the fence.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: With new coach, Greensburg Central Catholic itching to get 1st game in
First-year coach Chelsey Frock will tell you what it’s like to lead the Greensburg Central Catholic softball team on the field, just as soon as the Centurions play a game.
Franklin Regional hockey coach disappointed after being ousted
John Winebrenner holds no ill will toward the Franklin Regional Hockey Club board, but that doesn’t mean he agrees with its decision to open his position.
In 1st meet of season, Derry junior fires off state’s best javelin throw
After winning a WPIAL Class 2A championship and finishing second in the state last year in the javelin, Derry junior Sophia Mazzoni brought high expectations into this track and field season.
Hempfield softball starts fast with season-opening shutout of North Allegheny
March 25, 2024
Like a bear just out of hibernation, the Hempfield softball team took a big yawn, stretched out its limbs and delivered a shutout in its season opener.
Led by senior shortstop, scrappy Norwin softball team ready for season
When she is finished dealing assists and taking charges on the basketball court — fully healed nose or not — Bailey Snowberger will rejoin the Norwin softball team.
Norwin baseball in good position despite having ‘big shoes to fill’
Second-year Norwin baseball coach Craig Spisak admits there are still new things that he is learning while coaching a much larger program at the Class 6A level.
Franklin Regional coach Reed comes full circle with state title game vs. Imhotep Charter
March 19, 2024
Franklin Regional ripped off the band-aid from its WPIAL boys basketball championship loss to Moon and promptly avenged the defeat with a 60-43 win over the Tigers in Monday’s PIAA Class 5A semifinals.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls get long-awaited rematch with Kennedy Catholic
March 17, 2024
A red light turned to green when the buzzer sounded Friday night at Forest Hills. It finally was all right for Greensburg Central Catholic to talk about Kennedy Catholic.
Fort Cherry takes care of business vs. Jeannette, reaches PIAA semis
Emotions ran high during some tense moments Saturday in a PIAA Class 2A boys basketball quarterfinal, but Fort Cherry didn’t get caught up in the commotion.
Westmoreland County high school basketball notebook: Some Roundball Classic games to be televised
High school basketball suddenly will be a part of Memorial Day weekend. And fans will be able to post up on the couch to watch the top players in the district play on TV.
Westmoreland County high school basketball notebook: Norwin facing somewhat familiar foe
March 14, 2024
Familiarity is only going to take Norwin so far Friday night in the PIAA Class 6A girls basketball quarterfinals. At least that is Lady Knights coach Brian Brozeski’s take on his team’s next matchup.
Norwin takes punch from Chartiers Valley, rallies to reach PIAA 6A quarterfinals
March 12, 2024
Trailing by double figures for the first time all season could have sent Norwin into a downward spiral and shut down its hopes of winning a state championship.
Westmoreland County baskeball notebook: Rivals Jeannette, GCC ready for another rematch
After Jeannette played at Greensburg Central Catholic late in the boys basketball regular season, Jayhawks coach Adrian Batts leaned in to the handshake line for a respectful exchange with GCC senior forward Franco Alvarez.
Westmoreland notebook: Mid Mon Valley hall of fame selects newest class
March 10, 2024
Longtime Belle Vernon softball coach Tom Rodriguez, former Monessen football standout Joe Como and late Belle Vernon administrator Steve Russell are part of the 29th Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame class.
Norwin notebook: Girls wrestling team crowns 2 regional champs
The Norwin girls wrestling team had two champions at the PIAA Western Regional championship at Canon-McMillan and advanced four to the PIAA championships set for March 7-9 at Giant Center in Hershey.
Unsung heroes dot coaching staffs of Westmoreland County state playoff teams
March 7, 2024
It’s the first practice after a relaxing weekend, and Norwin girls basketball coach Brian Brozeski is lowering the hoops around the gymnasium at “The Castle.”
WPIAL title worth the wait for Greensburg Central Catholic girls
WPIAL champion Greensburg Central Catholic had concerns it might not be sharp for the district final after sitting idle for four days following a semifinal win.
After semifinal celebration for the ages, Greensburg Central Catholic eyes program’s 1st WPIAL title
Water splashed around the locker room and puddled on the floor at Gateway on Tuesday night as Christian Hyland walked into a dousing after a semifinal victory over Northgate.
For WPIAL finals-bound Franklin Regional, it’s always basketball season
Franklin Regional specializes in basketball. Maybe that best explains why the Panthers will play for their first WPIAL boys basketball championship Friday night at Petersen Events Center.
Ellwood City boys punch ticket to PIAA playoffs by eliminating Yough
February 28, 2024
In addition to being a 2,000-point scorer in his basketball career, Ellwood City senior Joe Roth is a high-level swimmer who competes for WPIAL and PIAA titles.
Norwin coach Brozeski brings big-picture perspective to title game
After he left the court to visit with his parents and family on the concourse at Peters Township’s AHN Arena on Monday night, Norwin coach Brian Brozeski was asked a question.
Westmoreland County high school basketball notebook: The Pete to be packed with county teams
Five Westmoreland County teams are headed to Petersen Events Center this weekend to compete for WPIAL basketball championships. That is a county record for finalists in one year.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Hempfield punter makes all-star roster
Players from Westmoreland County have been selected to the East-West football all-star games before. Quarterbacks, running backs and linebackers are not uncommon picks.
Yough’s Terek Crosby scores 2,000th point in playoff loss to Shady Side
Standout senior guard Terek Crosby of Yough scored his 2,000th career point Saturday in a 61-47 loss to Shady Side Academy in a WPIAL Class 3A consolation game at Fox Chapel.
Greensburg Central Catholic rides hot shooting to WPIAL semis
February 23, 2024
With seniors Tyree Turner and Franco Alvarez seeing multiple double teams when they had the basketball in the lane, Liam Gallagher saw an opportunity to bail out his teammates and help keep a promising championship run intact.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls use defense to beat Rochester, move into 2A semifinals
February 21, 2024
Rochester players tried repeatedly to drive the lane against Greensburg Central Catholic, but the Rams were met with constant resistance. A block here, a deflection and steal there.
With senior guard back from injury, Greensburg Central Catholic girls rout Northgate
February 16, 2024
While she was cleared to return and was going to need ice treatment after the game, Cara Dupilka wasn’t sure how much she could give Greensburg Central Catholic in the first round of the playoffs after missing three games with a bone bruise in her left foot.
PIHL scoring leader Ryan Saginaw among January players of month
February 15, 2024
League scoring leader Ryan Saginaw of undefeated Bishop Canevin was among the four senior forwards selected as the PIHL’s players of the month for January.
Elite Westmoreland County basketball teams to open playoffs with legit title hopes
It is not hyperbole to say a special postseason could be in store for Westmoreland County basketball teams — a lengthy, compelling postseason that generates county-wide interest.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Former East Allegheny football coach joins Penn-Trafford staff
Dom Pecora, who served as the head football coach at East Allegheny for the past 11 seasons, is joining Penn-Trafford’s staff as a volunteer assistant.
Gateway boys edge Latrobe as Wildcats fall short of playoffs
February 9, 2024
With the outcome of another game that had a direct effect on theirs already decided, the Latrobe boys basketball team took the court and played for pride.
Norwin girls pass test against Seneca Valley to finish unbeaten in section
February 8, 2024
When the fourth quarter came around, upset-hungry Seneca Valley stopped attacking. Norwin, in turn, went into full attack mode and never took its eye off the prize.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Teams keeping playoff hopes alive
Three Westmoreland County girls basketball teams — Franklin Regional, Latrobe and Yough — are on the playoff bubble heading into the final night of section play.
Yough scoring sensation Terek Crosby’s grand plan includes 2k run
The thought of scoring 2,000 career points brings a smile to Terek Crosby’s face. It makes him daydream and drift off course for a minute before he quickly snaps back to the present.
Norwin notebook: Alex Thomas shines at PIHL all-star game
Alex Thomas delivered two goals and two assists as the Blue team tied the Gold team, 6-6, in the PIHL Class 2A all-star game on Jan. 28 at the Robert Morris Island Sports Center.
Murrysville Star notebook: Ex-Franklin Regional lineman getting Division I offers
Lineman Max Leven left Franklin Regional last year and decided to play football at Bridgton Academy (Maine) to sharpen his skills and better prepare to play at a higher level.
Mt. Pleasant’s Jackson Hutter makes college decision
An opportunity to play Division I college football has driven Jackson Hutter since he first realized he had the ability to invade opposing backfields and keep teams behind the sticks.
Star tight end among Class of ’24 in Ligonier Valley Athletics Hall of Fame
Former Connecticut tight end Alec Bloom, who went to training camp with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, is among eight individuals and a team highlighting the 2024 Ligonier Valley Athletics Hall of Fame class.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Greensburg Central Catholic savors signature win
Greensburg Central Catholic made a splash at the Shootout at Seton Hill last weekend, posting one of the most impressive regular-season wins in coach Christian Hyland’s five-year tenure.
Greensburg CC girls adjust, top Serra Catholic to clinch share of section title
January 29, 2024
The first four or five minutes of the second half “dictate how it goes,” Greensburg Central Catholic girls basketball coach Chris Skatell tells his players.
Belle Vernon runs past Southmoreland in stat-filled ‘track meet’
January 26, 2024
Given room to run, Belle Vernon feasted on transition points and loaded up the stat sheet Friday night, ringing up a season high for points in an 85-73 victory at Southmoreland in Section 3-4A boys basketball.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Norwin, North Allegheny ready for another high-stakes showdown
Two of the top teams and rivals in WPIAL Class 6A girls basketball will meet for the second time this season Thursday night when North Allegheny visits Norwin in Section 1.
1st-year Latrobe girls coach stresses defense as key to earning playoff spot
It is a point of pride for the first-year coach at Latrobe, and it makes her eyes light up when it shows itself in key moments, when it is executed properly.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Mt. Pleasant’s Lily King highlights WCCA swim meet
The Westmoreland County Coaches Association will host its final event of the winter with the swimming and diving championships Friday and Saturday at Derry.
Franklin Regional boys win 2OT thriller over Shaler
January 19, 2024
Uncle Kevin would have been proud. Of a thrilling Franklin Regional win. Of a runaway second overtime by the Panthers in a playoff-like atmosphere. And most of all, of his nephew’s big shot.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Greensburg Salem to honor Rick Klimchock’s milestone
A blend of basketball knowledge and open-mindedness in an always-changing game, along with dependable people around him and sustained longevity, carried Rick Klimchock to a milestone victory.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Franklin Regional honors teammate with leukemia
During a brief pregame observance, senior players Cam Rowell and Cooper Rankin held a corner of the No. 44 Franklin Regional basketball jersey Tuesday night at midcourt as public address announcer Dean Berardinelli briefed fans about Caden Brush.
With an electric atmosphere to usher in a new era, the Norwin girls wrestling team won its inaugural dual match as WPIAL program by toppling visiting Southmoreland, 45-18, on Jan. 3.
Transfer reunites Bilinsky brothers at Pitt-Johnstown
It wasn’t exactly a brotherly shove, but Adam Bilinsky admits having a chance to play basketball with his older sibling again played a key role in his decision on where to transfer.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls right ship vs. Clairton
January 11, 2024
Down one of their best players and facing the top scorer in the WPIAL, Greensburg Central Catholic was sure not to ignore the signs when Clairton came to town in a 1 vs. 2 girls basketball matchup.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Jeannette legends up for national football hall of fame honors
Three Jeannette football legends are among 60 nominees for the National High School Football Hall of Class of 2024. Former coach Joe Mucci and star players Dick Hoak and Terrelle Pryor are on the ballot for the second hall class.
North Catholic wins top-5 showdown with Greensburg Salem
January 4, 2024
“North is North,” Greensburg Salem girls basketball coach Rick Klimchock said in a back hallway at North Catholic after his team fell behind early and dropped a 62-35 decision to the host Trojanettes in a matchup of Class 4A top-five girls basketball teams Thursday night on Barth & Graham Court.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Penn-Trafford plays at coach’s alma mater
Doug Kelly was feeling nostalgic and sentimental as he was time-warped back to his high school days at Elkins (W.Va.) during a recent visit to his old stomping grounds.
Hard-working Hempfield girls buy in on defense, get off to promising start
Girls basketball practice is over — so says the clock — but parents sit idle in their vehicles outside of the Hempfield Spartan Field House, waiting to fill their backseats with tired daughters.
Hempfield girls score signature win by avenging earlier loss to Indiana
December 29, 2023
Up nine and then down six in a game where no lead was safe, budding Hempfield relied on its defense and late-game aptitude to score arguably its best win of the season.
GCC girls beat another Class 6A team, defeating Upper St. Clair
December 28, 2023
The basketball went to the near corner. Sophomore point guard Erica Gribble drew a crowd of defenders and alertly fired a pass across the baseline to the far corner.
Role players making a difference in Greensburg Central Catholic’s hot start
If Greensburg Central Catholic is going to live up to its expectations and make another run in the WPIAL and PIAA Class 2A boys basketball playoffs, the steady contributions of role players could be what makes the difference.
Greensburg Central Catholic boys key on Terek Crosby, shut down Yough
December 27, 2023
As Greensburg Central Catholic went through the handshake line opposite Yough, Centurions coach Christian Hyland told Cougars guard Terek Crosby how much he appreciates his game.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Schedule doesn’t let up for Greensburg Central Catholic
Before the season began, Greensburg Central Catholic girls basketball coach Chris Skatell talked almost proudly about his team’s schedule, confident that the Centurions had the talent to handle it.
Dylan McCullough sank a career-high five 3-pointers for a personal-best 19 points as the Norwin boys basketball team evened its record at 2-2 with a 63-58 win over Latrobe at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Showcase on Dec. 9 at Jeannette.
Mt. Pleasant basketball games to benefit Dom Giallonardo scholarships
Mt. Pleasant is hosting a basketball tripleheader Friday night to raise money for a scholarship in the name of late Vikings’ baseball and basketball player Dom Giallonardo.
Franklin Regional’s boys basketball coaches like to take a game film and pick it apart. They dissect it into dozens of short clips for instructional purposes.
Checking in on past winners of the Bill Fralic Memorial Award
The Bill Fralic Memorial Award for the top interior lineman in the WPIAL will be presented to this year’s recipient during a pancake breakfast Saturday morning at Longue Vue Club in Verona.
Norwin notebook: Knights coach picked for all-star game
Norwin boys soccer coach Scott Schuchert led a banner season for the Knights as they won their first WPIAL championship and advanced to the PIAA Class 4A semifinals.
North Allegheny’s Abigail Stager, Avonworth’s Fiona Mahan earn All-America honors
November 25, 2023
Abigail Stager and Fiona Mahan led their girls soccer teams on lengthy playoff runs this season, but their accomplishments stretched beyond the scope of the WPIAL and PIAA.
Replacing Tiffany Zelmore won’t be easy, but cupboard’s not bare for Mt. Pleasant girls
November 23, 2023
It’s not every season a coach has to replace an all-time talent, but Mt. Pleasant girls basketball’s Scott Giacobbi has that challenge in front of him this winter.
In WPIAL championship rematch, Avonworth poses threat to Belle Vernon repeat bid
November 22, 2023
Avonworth and Belle Vernon were having spells of déjà vu, even a little total recall, as they prepared to meet for the second year in a row for the WPIAL Class 3A football championship.
Riverview’s Lola Abraham wins Moe Rosensteel Award as top WPIAL girls soccer player
November 20, 2023
One of the most prolific goal scorers in the state, Lola Abraham of Riverview, was named the recipient of the fifth Moe Rosensteel Award, given to the WPIAL’s best girls soccer player.
Belle Vernon football turns attention toward WPIAL repeat
Friday was the first official practice date for WPIAL basketball season, but Quinton Martin and some of his teammates are not ready to take the court yet — if at all.
6 WPIAL linemen named finalists for 5th annual Bill Fralic Award
November 16, 2023
A scratched Atlanta Falcons helmet. A Pitt helmet dotted with reward stickers. A shiny national player of the year trophy. A Penn Hills No. 79 jersey that casts a shadow like the man who wore it.
With loaded roster, long playoff run could await Greensburg Central Catholic girls
When Greensburg Central Catholic’s girls run their continuation sets on the basketball court, the offense is constantly resetting, coach Chris Skatell said.
With top scorers back, Greensburg Central Catholic boys in position to contend again
With its top two scorers back and four more players who spot-started at times last season joining them, Greensburg Central Catholic is a contender again in WPIAL Class 2A boys basketball.
For Norwin boys, wild, dramatic playoff ride came to a halt one stop short
CHAMBERSBURG — Unable to produce the tying goal like they had done so many times before, and unable to push for overtime and penalty kicks to fit their calling card, Norwin fell to Central Bucks South on Tuesday night, 1-0, in the PIAA Class 4A semifinals to bring a historic run to an end.
Central Bucks South ends improbably playoff run for Norwin boys soccer team
November 14, 2023
CHAMBERSBURG — Both soccer teams brought their white uniforms Tuesday night, so Central Bucks South wore fluorescent green mesh pinnies over their jerseys.
Franklin Regional boys soccer will enter next season with new coach, plenty of talent
Franklin Regional has a coaching vacancy with the sudden departure of two-year coach Lukas Petersen, who is moving to Maryland because his wife has a new job there.
Ligonier Valley to host 2nd annual WCCA girls volleyball match
The inaugural Westmoreland County Coaches Association girls volleyball match was a rousing success last fall, so it was a no-brainer for organizers to bring the event back.
Greensburg C.C. prepares for South Side’s vaunted rushing attack
November 8, 2023
In a way, Greensburg Central Catholic can’t entertain the thought of pulling an upset until it can prevent South Side’s football team from pulling its guards.
Clutch goal, tight defense send Norwin boys to 1st state playoff win in 34 years
November 7, 2023
One heightened moment in an otherwise twitchy soccer game gave a Norwin senior the thrill of his prep career and sent the better part of 1,200 screaming fans into a fever pitch.
Preparation, passion lead Norwin to title-game victory
Late Saturday night at Highmark Stadium, with the twinkle of the Pittsburgh skyline reflecting off the Monongahela River, Rick Zappone wasn’t sure if going to penalty kicks favored his Norwin team or North Allegheny more.
Big plays help Greensburg Central Catholic top West Greene, end playoff drought
November 3, 2023
Establishing a running game, hitting some long scoring plays and sending a message early on defense, Greensburg Central Catholic erased a nuisance of a playoff drought.
Moon keeper Serayah Leech picked for All-American Game
Moon senior goalkeeper Serayah Leech was selected to play in the 11th annual Girls’ Soccer High School All-American Game, set for Dec. 9 at Wando High School in Charleston, S.C.
Norwin boys will vie for spot in soccer title match without suspended coach
Norwin will make its first WPIAL boys soccer semifinal appearance since 2020 on Tuesday night, but the Knights will be without coach Scott Schuchert, who has to sit out after receiving two yellow cards — the equivalent of a red card — in the quarterfinal upset of No. 1 seed Seneca Valley.
Tristyn Tavares making impact running Norwin spread offense
Asked if he expected to find his name among the top passers in the WPIAL, Tristyn Tavares didn’t hesitate, like how he doesn’t hesitate when he runs the Norwin offense.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Jeannette returns to big stage for matchup with Clairton
Players ran the hill next to the bleachers at McKee Stadium to end a practice earlier this week, and coach Tom Paulone joined them on the steep and somewhat muddy ascent.
Plasko scores all 4 goals to lead South Fayette past Latrobe in boys soccer playoffs
October 21, 2023
Senior Michael Plasko is one of South Fayette’s best basketball players. A fiery guard who can shoot 3-pointers, he averaged 17 points per game last winter.
Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: Tournament honors late Mt. Pleasant grad
The late Seth Menart was a three-time all-section player at Mt. Pleasant and went on to win a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tile at Cal (Pa.) as a walk-on.
Siblings abound on Westmoreland County playoff soccer teams
October 17, 2023
When Mason and Brandon Yeschenko were younger, they would put on large, red boxing gloves and settle disputes by going a couple of rounds in the basement.
Franklin Regional surges past Hempfield for 4th straight victory
October 13, 2023
The more progressions he goes through and the more repetitions he gets, the more Chase Lemke looks the part of Franklin Regional’s starting quarterback.
Latrobe boys get past Franklin Regional in OT in chippy match
A soccer game with as many cards as goals wasn’t settled in regulation, so Franklin Regional and Latrobe played overtime in their touchy Section 4-3A rematch.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Latrobe senior making impact
There has been plenty of buzz in Latrobe about a promising junior class that includes players such as running back/linebacker Alex Tatsch and quarterback/safety John Wetzel.
Lola Abraham’s 4 goals lift Riverview past GCC in Section 1-A showdown
October 11, 2023
Greensburg Central Catholic tried everything against Lola Abraham, marking her with multiple girls in 10-minute intervals as it tried to slow her down.
Trevor Kovatch’s PK goal lifts Belle Vernon to key win over Mt. Pleasant
October 10, 2023
Mt. Pleasant’s pep band played at halftime Tuesday night at Viking Stadium, a rare occurrence for a high school soccer game, but an addition that was befitting to the ambiance of such a big first-place showdown.
Latrobe girls soccer picks up pace, ends Franklin Regional win streak
With its offense moving efficiently and fluidly, Latrobe sped up the pace and created frequent scoring opportunities on the way to a 2-0 victory over Franklin Regional on Monday night in a Section 3-3A girls soccer game in Murrysville.
Norwin runner finds perfect pace, shows plenty of potential
While she used to come out sprinting at the start of a cross country race, Annie Czajkowski is more methodical now, pacing herself before a late push to pass.