Author: Dean Dellamalva Jr.
Big plays help Woodland Hills overcome bout with flu, Franklin Regional
November 4, 2022
Woodland Hills football players battled the flu all week in preparation for their first-round playoff matchup with Franklin Regional. Judging by the result, it did not affect them.
Gold medal performance ‘complete surprise’ for Deer Lakes’ Elizabeth Orosz
March 8, 2022
Elizabeth Orosz had a performance to remember at the WPIAL gymnastics championships Feb. 12.
Expectations high for Mt. Pleasant swimmers entering WPIAL championships
March 2, 2022
It has been a strong season for the boys and girls swim teams at Mt. Pleasant, as both squads captured Section 4-2A championships with 8-0 records.
Knoch wrestlers look to rebound in individual tournament
February 21, 2022
The Knoch wrestling team has experienced the ups and downs of the WPIAL season.
Strong start has Hempfield bowlers looking forward to postseason
February 1, 2022
It has been quite a year thus far for the bowlers of Hempfield.
Mt. Pleasant dominant at WCCA swim/dive meet
January 29, 2022
It was quite the day for the Mt. Pleasant swim team and freshman Lily King.
Hempfield competitive spirit team has high expectations for PIAA championships
January 28, 2022
For the fourth time in five years, the Hempfield competitive spirit team is headed to the PIAA championships.
Fast times expected at Westmoreland County swim meet
January 27, 2022
The county’s top swimmers will converge at Derry this weekend for the Westmoreland County Coaches Association swimming and diving championships.
Fast start fuels Latrobe wrestling to Section 2-3A championship
January 26, 2022
It took all of 22 seconds for the Latrobe wrestling team to seize momentum Wednesday in its WPIAL Section 2-3A tournament championship match against Connellsville.
Valley bowlers show improvement under 1st-year coach
January 10, 2022
First-year Valley bowling coach Walt Livingston has a young team with only one senior. But that does not mean the group lacks the enthusiasm and commitment to the sport.
Burrell bowling teams off to strong start
December 28, 2021
While most of the attention in winter sports is pointed at the basketball court and wrestling circles, there is another sport ramping up involving hundreds athletes competing on the hardwood.
Experienced backcourt gives Penn-Trafford postseason hope
December 4, 2021
Since the inception of the six PIAA classifications, the Penn-Trafford boys basketball team has followed a steady uptrend. The Warriors had just five wins during the 2016-17 season, but finished with double-digit wins the past three seasons and advanced to the WPIAL Class 6A quarterfinals a year ago.
Penn-Trafford girls basketball looking to take next step after reaching playoffs last season
The Penn Trafford girls basketball team made a return to the WPIAL playoffs last winter.
Expectations rising for veteran Plum wrestling team
Expectations are on the rise for the Plum wrestling team this winter. The Mustangs return several contributors from last year who had winning records and will be looking to make some noise in Class 3A.
After football season, Belle Vernon boys basketball team has title aspirations too
November 22, 2021
There is not much Belle Vernon boys basketball coach Joe Salvino has not dealt with on the hardwood in his 38 seasons in coaching.
Belle Vernon girls basketball looks to build on playoff season
The first year of the Kaitlyn Slagus era at Belle Vernon has to be viewed as a success. She inherited a young team, got the Leopards into the WPIAL playoffs and nearly advanced to the second round.
Mars tops Plum for WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer championship
November 6, 2021
For the third consecutive season, the two teams in the WPIAL Class 3A final were Mars and Plum, and for the third time it was the Planets claiming the district crown with a 2-1 victory Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
Familiar postseason foes Mars, Plum meet again for WPIAL Class 3A soccer title
November 4, 2021
For the third consecutive season, the Mars and Plum girls soccer teams will meet in the WPIAL Class 3A championship, with the latest installment taking place at 1:15 p.m. Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
Govern sparks comeback as Southmoreland beats South Park to finish 2nd in Interstate
October 29, 2021
Going into the fourth quarter, Southmoreland was watching its playoff hopes slip away as the Scotties trailed South Park, 14-7.
Touchdown in final seconds lifts Penn Hills past North Hills in back-and-forth thriller
October 9, 2021
North Hills took its first lead of the game with less than a minute to go against Penn Hills. Apparently, they left too much time on the clock.
Big plays help unbeaten Ligonier Valley past Elizabeth Forward
September 3, 2021
Ligonier Valley made several big plays and turned the momentum to its favor early in taking down Elizabeth Forward 26-14 in nonconference play Friday night.
Cold shooting dooms Monessen girls in loss to Union
March 4, 2021
The same problems that plagued the No. 6 Monessen girls basketball team all season came out in full force in its WPIAL Class A playoff game against 11th-seeded Union. As a result, the Greyhounds’ season ended with a 39-24 loss.
Fireworks aplenty as Sto-Rox gets past Serra Catholic and into Class 2A finals
November 6, 2020
The WPIAL Class 2A semifinal game between Sto-Rox and Serra Catholic had all the makings of a shootout as two prolific offenses with play-making athletes took the field Friday night.
Avonworth surges late to defeat Yough in WPIAL semifinals
November 4, 2020
For nearly 38 minutes, Yough was on its heels but holding its own at Avonworth. However, two late first-half goals propelled the No. 5 Antelopes into the WPIAL Class 2A girls soccer finals with a 3-0 victory Wednesday night at Lenzner Field.
Thomas Jefferson bounces back from loss, routs Mars in Class 4A
October 30, 2020
If there was any thought Thomas Jefferson was in trouble in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs after dropping its regular season finale to McKeesport, the Jaguars quickly squashed that notion Friday night.
Unbeaten Elizabeth Forward hangs on, beats South Allegheny in double OT
October 9, 2020
Over the course of a season, there are games that test a team like no other. Injuries, a tough opponent and a star running back can give that kind of challenge to any team with championship aspirations.
No letdown for McGuffey after big win; Highlanders rout Charleroi
September 18, 2020
McGuffey coach Ed Dalton had to wonder how his team would respond after defeating Washington — one of their biggest wins in recent history — 7-6 last week. Early in a Century Conference game against Charleroi, Dalton probably was worried.
Avella uses fake punt, interception return to rock Monessen
September 11, 2020
The game could not have started any better for Shane Swope and his debut with the Monessen Greyhounds. However, things turned in the second quarter and left Swope looking for answers.
Serra Catholic girls bow out of PIAA postseason
March 6, 2020
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.
Rochester handles Clairton, earns chance to defend Class A girls title
February 25, 2020
Rochester and Clairton met Tuesday night for a chance to play for the Class A title game. The Rams are the reigning champions while the Bears were trying to make it back to the Petersen Events Center for the first time since 2005.
East Allegheny girls cruise past Charleroi
February 19, 2020
The Charleroi Cougars girls basketball team has excelled this season in competitive, close games. East Allegheny made sure Wednesday night’s Class 3A first-round WPIAL matchup wouldn’t be one of those.
Indiana girls clean glass, knock off shorthanded McKeesport
February 17, 2020
All season long, the McKeesport girls basketball team wreaked havoc on the glass thanks to the play of Jhayla Bray.
Jeannette stops Serra Catholic, takes section title
February 7, 2020
Jeannette won the battle on the glass and made its free throws down the stretch Friday night, holding on for a 56-53 victory over Serra Catholic to become the outright champion of Section 2-2A.
Uniontown batters Belle Vernon, looks like team to beat in section
January 3, 2020
The Belle Vernon boys basketball team has made long strides in the second year of head coach Joe Salvino’s tenure on the bench. However, Friday night at Uniontown, the Leopards found out they still have some growing to do in order to contend with the defending section champs.
Led by Kenlein Ogletree, Clairton knocks OLSH off Class A throne
November 1, 2019
There will be a new WPIAL Class A champion in 2019.
Gateway defense has all the answers in rout of McKeesport
October 25, 2019
McKeesport had little trouble scoring in its previous five victories, averaging more than 40 points per game. None of those opponents, however, had defenses as stingy as Gateway’s on Friday night. The Gators had only given up 35 points in Class 5A’s Big East Conference all year.
Dynamic Beltram leads Monessen past Tri-County South foe Mapletown
October 11, 2019
There was little Mapletown could do to slow down Monessen’s dynamic quarterback Friday night at Memorial Stadium. Too many penalties didn’t hurt the Greyhounds much, either.
Fumble return turns tide as Ben Jackson, West Greene run past Monessen
September 20, 2019
Typically one play can be the difference in a high school football game. From there, momentum changes and affects everything.
Clairton survives 4th quarter Greensburg Central Catholic rally
September 7, 2019
Greensburg Central Catholic rallied with two fourth quarter touchdowns but couldn’t convert two fourth-and-goal opportunities in the game’s waning moments, giving Clairton a 21-14 victory in a key Eastern Conference matchup Friday night.
Beaver baseball rallies in 7th inning to defeat No. 2 Yough
May 22, 2019
The Yough baseball team was three outs away from earning its first trip to the WPIAL finals Wednesday afternoon.
Big plays help Woodland Hills overcome bout with flu, Franklin Regional
November 4, 2022
Woodland Hills football players battled the flu all week in preparation for their first-round playoff matchup with Franklin Regional. Judging by the result, it did not affect them.
Gold medal performance ‘complete surprise’ for Deer Lakes’ Elizabeth Orosz
March 8, 2022
Elizabeth Orosz had a performance to remember at the WPIAL gymnastics championships Feb. 12.
Expectations high for Mt. Pleasant swimmers entering WPIAL championships
March 2, 2022
It has been a strong season for the boys and girls swim teams at Mt. Pleasant, as both squads captured Section 4-2A championships with 8-0 records.
Knoch wrestlers look to rebound in individual tournament
February 21, 2022
The Knoch wrestling team has experienced the ups and downs of the WPIAL season.
Strong start has Hempfield bowlers looking forward to postseason
February 1, 2022
It has been quite a year thus far for the bowlers of Hempfield.
Mt. Pleasant dominant at WCCA swim/dive meet
January 29, 2022
It was quite the day for the Mt. Pleasant swim team and freshman Lily King.
Hempfield competitive spirit team has high expectations for PIAA championships
January 28, 2022
For the fourth time in five years, the Hempfield competitive spirit team is headed to the PIAA championships.
Fast times expected at Westmoreland County swim meet
January 27, 2022
The county’s top swimmers will converge at Derry this weekend for the Westmoreland County Coaches Association swimming and diving championships.
Fast start fuels Latrobe wrestling to Section 2-3A championship
January 26, 2022
It took all of 22 seconds for the Latrobe wrestling team to seize momentum Wednesday in its WPIAL Section 2-3A tournament championship match against Connellsville.
Valley bowlers show improvement under 1st-year coach
January 10, 2022
First-year Valley bowling coach Walt Livingston has a young team with only one senior. But that does not mean the group lacks the enthusiasm and commitment to the sport.
Burrell bowling teams off to strong start
December 28, 2021
While most of the attention in winter sports is pointed at the basketball court and wrestling circles, there is another sport ramping up involving hundreds athletes competing on the hardwood.
Experienced backcourt gives Penn-Trafford postseason hope
December 4, 2021
Since the inception of the six PIAA classifications, the Penn-Trafford boys basketball team has followed a steady uptrend. The Warriors had just five wins during the 2016-17 season, but finished with double-digit wins the past three seasons and advanced to the WPIAL Class 6A quarterfinals a year ago.
Penn-Trafford girls basketball looking to take next step after reaching playoffs last season
The Penn Trafford girls basketball team made a return to the WPIAL playoffs last winter.
Expectations rising for veteran Plum wrestling team
Expectations are on the rise for the Plum wrestling team this winter. The Mustangs return several contributors from last year who had winning records and will be looking to make some noise in Class 3A.
After football season, Belle Vernon boys basketball team has title aspirations too
November 22, 2021
There is not much Belle Vernon boys basketball coach Joe Salvino has not dealt with on the hardwood in his 38 seasons in coaching.
Belle Vernon girls basketball looks to build on playoff season
The first year of the Kaitlyn Slagus era at Belle Vernon has to be viewed as a success. She inherited a young team, got the Leopards into the WPIAL playoffs and nearly advanced to the second round.
Mars tops Plum for WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer championship
November 6, 2021
For the third consecutive season, the two teams in the WPIAL Class 3A final were Mars and Plum, and for the third time it was the Planets claiming the district crown with a 2-1 victory Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
Familiar postseason foes Mars, Plum meet again for WPIAL Class 3A soccer title
November 4, 2021
For the third consecutive season, the Mars and Plum girls soccer teams will meet in the WPIAL Class 3A championship, with the latest installment taking place at 1:15 p.m. Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
Govern sparks comeback as Southmoreland beats South Park to finish 2nd in Interstate
October 29, 2021
Going into the fourth quarter, Southmoreland was watching its playoff hopes slip away as the Scotties trailed South Park, 14-7.
Touchdown in final seconds lifts Penn Hills past North Hills in back-and-forth thriller
October 9, 2021
North Hills took its first lead of the game with less than a minute to go against Penn Hills. Apparently, they left too much time on the clock.
Big plays help unbeaten Ligonier Valley past Elizabeth Forward
September 3, 2021
Ligonier Valley made several big plays and turned the momentum to its favor early in taking down Elizabeth Forward 26-14 in nonconference play Friday night.
Cold shooting dooms Monessen girls in loss to Union
March 4, 2021
The same problems that plagued the No. 6 Monessen girls basketball team all season came out in full force in its WPIAL Class A playoff game against 11th-seeded Union. As a result, the Greyhounds’ season ended with a 39-24 loss.
Fireworks aplenty as Sto-Rox gets past Serra Catholic and into Class 2A finals
November 6, 2020
The WPIAL Class 2A semifinal game between Sto-Rox and Serra Catholic had all the makings of a shootout as two prolific offenses with play-making athletes took the field Friday night.
Avonworth surges late to defeat Yough in WPIAL semifinals
November 4, 2020
For nearly 38 minutes, Yough was on its heels but holding its own at Avonworth. However, two late first-half goals propelled the No. 5 Antelopes into the WPIAL Class 2A girls soccer finals with a 3-0 victory Wednesday night at Lenzner Field.
Thomas Jefferson bounces back from loss, routs Mars in Class 4A
October 30, 2020
If there was any thought Thomas Jefferson was in trouble in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs after dropping its regular season finale to McKeesport, the Jaguars quickly squashed that notion Friday night.
Unbeaten Elizabeth Forward hangs on, beats South Allegheny in double OT
October 9, 2020
Over the course of a season, there are games that test a team like no other. Injuries, a tough opponent and a star running back can give that kind of challenge to any team with championship aspirations.
No letdown for McGuffey after big win; Highlanders rout Charleroi
September 18, 2020
McGuffey coach Ed Dalton had to wonder how his team would respond after defeating Washington — one of their biggest wins in recent history — 7-6 last week. Early in a Century Conference game against Charleroi, Dalton probably was worried.
Avella uses fake punt, interception return to rock Monessen
September 11, 2020
The game could not have started any better for Shane Swope and his debut with the Monessen Greyhounds. However, things turned in the second quarter and left Swope looking for answers.
Serra Catholic girls bow out of PIAA postseason
March 6, 2020
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.
Rochester handles Clairton, earns chance to defend Class A girls title
February 25, 2020
Rochester and Clairton met Tuesday night for a chance to play for the Class A title game. The Rams are the reigning champions while the Bears were trying to make it back to the Petersen Events Center for the first time since 2005.
East Allegheny girls cruise past Charleroi
February 19, 2020
The Charleroi Cougars girls basketball team has excelled this season in competitive, close games. East Allegheny made sure Wednesday night’s Class 3A first-round WPIAL matchup wouldn’t be one of those.
Indiana girls clean glass, knock off shorthanded McKeesport
February 17, 2020
All season long, the McKeesport girls basketball team wreaked havoc on the glass thanks to the play of Jhayla Bray.
Jeannette stops Serra Catholic, takes section title
February 7, 2020
Jeannette won the battle on the glass and made its free throws down the stretch Friday night, holding on for a 56-53 victory over Serra Catholic to become the outright champion of Section 2-2A.
Uniontown batters Belle Vernon, looks like team to beat in section
January 3, 2020
The Belle Vernon boys basketball team has made long strides in the second year of head coach Joe Salvino’s tenure on the bench. However, Friday night at Uniontown, the Leopards found out they still have some growing to do in order to contend with the defending section champs.
Led by Kenlein Ogletree, Clairton knocks OLSH off Class A throne
November 1, 2019
There will be a new WPIAL Class A champion in 2019.
Gateway defense has all the answers in rout of McKeesport
October 25, 2019
McKeesport had little trouble scoring in its previous five victories, averaging more than 40 points per game. None of those opponents, however, had defenses as stingy as Gateway’s on Friday night. The Gators had only given up 35 points in Class 5A’s Big East Conference all year.
Dynamic Beltram leads Monessen past Tri-County South foe Mapletown
October 11, 2019
There was little Mapletown could do to slow down Monessen’s dynamic quarterback Friday night at Memorial Stadium. Too many penalties didn’t hurt the Greyhounds much, either.
Fumble return turns tide as Ben Jackson, West Greene run past Monessen
September 20, 2019
Typically one play can be the difference in a high school football game. From there, momentum changes and affects everything.
Clairton survives 4th quarter Greensburg Central Catholic rally
September 7, 2019
Greensburg Central Catholic rallied with two fourth quarter touchdowns but couldn’t convert two fourth-and-goal opportunities in the game’s waning moments, giving Clairton a 21-14 victory in a key Eastern Conference matchup Friday night.
Beaver baseball rallies in 7th inning to defeat No. 2 Yough
May 22, 2019
The Yough baseball team was three outs away from earning its first trip to the WPIAL finals Wednesday afternoon.
