Author: Michael Love
Volleyball coaches association releases weekly rankings, players of the week
September 28, 2020
With two weeks of section and nonsection matches in the books, WPIAL girls volleyball teams in all four classifications prepare to turn their attention to the stretch run in October that leads to the scheduled start of the WPIAL playoffs the week of Oct. 26.
With weapons galore, Gateway QB Carsen Engleka making strong return from broken arm
September 27, 2020
Carsen Engleka was making his case for playing time last year at quarterback in the Gateway offense when a bad break ended his sophomore season.
Gateway tennis building winning culture with more experienced lineup
With a mix of experienced and younger players this fall, the Gateway girls tennis team hopes to continue its overall development with matches that will help it both now and in the future.
Alle-Kiski Valley football notebook: Bye week at bad time for Apollo-Ridge
September 26, 2020
Apollo-Ridge will have a rare, midseason bye week coming up because Summit Academy opted out of the season.
Riverview girls volleyball learning from early season setbacks
Lauren Dugan isn’t taking any of her volleyball practices or matches for granted this fall.
Plum volleyball turns to extensive experience for rebound
The Plum girls volleyball team made the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs in 2017, going 7-5 in section play.
Plum keeps rolling, upends No. 2 Mars
September 25, 2020
Plum averaged 42 points in Greater Allegheny Conference victories over Greensburg Salem and Indiana.
Knoch’s Laura Greb claims 4th WPIAL singles title
Laura Greb is all alone in the history books of WPIAL girls tennis.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 3
Class 5A northeast
Plum girls soccer ready to stare down challengers
September 23, 2020
Plum girls soccer coach Jamie Stewart said his players understand they have bigger targets on their backs this season after making a run last year that produced a trip to the WPIAL Class AAA championship game at Highmark Stadium and the program’s first berth in the PIAA tournament.
WPISL teams gearing up for stretch run
September 22, 2020
With four weeks of action left in the regular season, the varsity teams in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League are preparing for the stretch run to the playoffs.
Freeport starts fast, tops rival Deer Lakes in girls soccer section clash
September 21, 2020
The Freeport girls soccer team came up empty in a 4-0 loss to defending Section 2-AA champion Burrell in its season opener last Thursday.
Top-ranked girls volleyball teams keep positions in coaches rankings
WPIAL girls volleyball competition turns to Week 2, and section races are heating up in the four classifications.
Alle-Kiski Valley flush with volleyball prowess
September 20, 2020
When Plum girls volleyball coach Kelsey Bonk observed her team’s senior night ceremony Thursday before a match with McKeesport, she was reminded of the potential for the season with a rather experienced squad.
Gateway runners stay dedicated to lowering times throughout season
While the PIAA and WPIAL wrangled with the decision to maintain the fall sports seasons or postpone them to 2021, the Gateway boys and girls cross country teams kept churning out miles to be ready to go when called upon.
Gateway volleyball adjusts to move to Class 4A
Gateway girls volleyball coach Phil Randolph said last season ended with a framework established that can lead to a turnaround in the program’s fortunes.
Fox Chapel girls soccer enters new section with deep, talented roster
September 19, 2020
With 11 seniors and seven returning starters leading the way for the 2020 season, the Fox Chapel girls soccer team has its sights set on big things in Section 3-AAAA and beyond.
Low numbers force Riverview soccer teams to cancel seasons
The Riverview boys and girls varsity soccer teams were unable to overcome a numbers game that halted plans for the 2020 season, but boys coach Mickey Namey and girls coach Sean Abraham, along with athletic director Mario Rometo, are hopeful the teams and their players can return to competition in 2021.
Plum girls soccer ready to stare down challengers
Plum girls soccer coach Jamie Stewart said his players understand they have bigger targets on their backs this season after making a run last year that produced a trip to the WPIAL Class AAA championship game at Highmark Stadium and the program’s first-ever berth in the PIAA tournament.
Apollo-Ridge stifles Freeport in nonconference victory
September 18, 2020
On its first play from scrimmage in Friday’s nonconference matchup with Apollo-Ridge, the Freeport offense went to the air.
Indiana’s Beckwith, Kiski Area’s Miller claim titles at unique Kiski Cavalier Invitational
Cool and breezy morning weather gave way to comfortable afternoon temperatures as some of the WPIAL’s top runners kicked off their fall seasons Friday at the Gingerbread Man Kiski Cavalier Invitational at Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 2
Class 5A nonconference
Bethel Park, Plum, North Allegheny earn WPISL Week 2 sweeps
September 14, 2020
Bethel Park, Plum and North Allegheny each recorded doubleheader sweeps during Week 2 of the 2020 Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball season.
Volleyball coaches association reveals WPIAL Week 1 rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association on Monday released its first rankings for the 2020 season.
A-K Valley H.S. football notebook: Leechburg’s prize? A matchup with Clairton
September 12, 2020
It was an explosive debut to the season for the Leechburg football team and a successful debut for coach Randy Walters.
With support of teammates, Freeport QB Garrett King ready to overcome cancer diagnosis
Garrett King was at the top of his game and eager to take over the quarterback reins for the Freeport football team.
Freeport beats Deer Lakes for 10th consecutive time
September 11, 2020
Freeport’s recent dominance over Deer Lakes continues.
Gateway girls soccer aims to peak early in season
September 10, 2020
The Gateway girls soccer team came within penalty kicks of ousting No. 2 Plum in the first round of last year’s WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.
Gateway boys soccer to rely on deep senior class in quest for playoff berth
The Gateway boys soccer team is focused on a return to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time four seasons.
Riverview runners chasing WPIAL, PIAA gold
When Mason Ochs broke the tape at the finish line at last year’s WPIAL Class A cross country championships at Cal (Pa.), he realized his dream of becoming a WPIAL champion.
A-K Valley don’t-miss high school football matchups for Week 1
Here’s a look at some don’t-miss matchups in the A-K Valley for Week 1:
A-K Valley high school football players to watch for Week 1
Dylan Cook
Alle-Kiski Valley girls soccer preview: Burrell back for more
September 9, 2020
The Burrell girls soccer team made program history last year with an undefeated regular season and its first section title since 2005.
Young Freeport hopes to make impression in revamped conference
September 8, 2020
Youth will be served on the Freeport football team as underclassmen will be featured at several key positions.
WPISL opens season with varsity games, JV tournament
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League kicked off its season over the weekend, and in varsity league play Sunday and Monday, Baldwin, Ellwood City, Seneca Valley and Montour picked up doubleheader sweeps.
Coach optimistic Fox Chapel can make strides in Class 5A
September 7, 2020
Tom Loughran has a keen appreciation for the competition in WPIAL Class 5A.
Noel Roach, Penn Hills eye return to championship game
Noel Roach remembers fondly the run to WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A championship in 2018.
WPIAL Class 4A football breakdown: Road to title goes through Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson began its 2019 season with a dominant victory over Canon-McMillan and ended it in Hershey with a 46-7 rout of Dallas for the PIAA Class 4A title.
New Riverview coach hopes to turn around program’s fortunes
September 5, 2020
A new era has begun for Riverview football.
Springdale hopes to start strong against rival
The last shall be first as Springdale prepares for what it expects to be a season unlike any other.
Cross country coaches make tweaks to run meets, generate ‘enthusiasm, optimism’
With the hope of having a fall high school season and understanding meets most likely would take a form unlike any before, cross country coaches throughout the WPIAL collaborated with each other and others from across the country to develop ideas as well as generate enthusiasm and optimism.
Depth, experience to fuel Apollo-Ridge in quest for postseason
September 4, 2020
No matter where Apollo-Ridge coach John Skiba turns on the practice field, he sees a returning starter.
Increased numbers, returning talent fuel Serra Catholic in quest for success
Serra Catholic battled No. 4 Neshannock in last year’s WPIAL Class 2A first round before falling, 31-17.
With numbers up, Shady Side Academy grateful for chance to play this season
Shady Side Academy’s football team made headlines last year when low roster numbers and injuries conspired to cause the forfeit of a Week 5 conference game at Apollo-Ridge.
Gateway keeps focus on championship opportunities
September 3, 2020
Gateway captured a WPIAL championship last year, its second district football title in three years and seventh in the storied history of the program.
Armstrong hopes to improve depth throughout lineup
September 2, 2020
Armstrong went to battle with a rather young and inexperienced team last year, and coach Frank Fabian said that, compounded with a rash of injuries to key players, led to a record he and his returning players hope to improve on this fall.
Move to Class 4A feels like perfect fit for Hampton
Dawson Dietz says it’s a perfect fit.
Realignment lets Knoch reunite with familiar foes
The Knoch football team has a clear goal in mind this season.
Plum hopes to make a splash in move to new classification
After several years of play in WPIAL Class 5A, Plum turns its attention to a new venture this season.
Bethel Park’s Psotka taking Division I volleyball talents to the beach
August 31, 2020
Alexa Psotka is looking forward to putting her feet in the sand on the Atlantic Coast in South Carolina.
Killinger, Plum girls soccer ready for repeat performance
August 30, 2020
Kaitlyn Killinger probably couldn’t have imagined a better start to her high school soccer career.
WPIAL girls tennis preview: Knoch’s Laura Greb has shot at making history
August 28, 2020
Laura Greb wants to make WPIAL tennis history.
No rest for hungry Avonworth after historic run
August 26, 2020
It was a season to remember for the Avonworth football team.
Hockey players, parents urge Pa. to change indoor sports regulations
Hockey parents and players gathered at Center Ice Arena in Delmont on Wednesday evening to call for changes to the state government mandate limiting indoor athletic events.
PIHL plans to delay varsity season unless indoor restrictions are changed
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League on Wednesday sent information to officials from each league member detailing the status of its varsity, junior varsity and middle school seasons based on the state-government mandate of a 25-person limit for indoor gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite graduation losses, Thomas Jefferson retains title aspirations
August 23, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the first installment of Trib HSSN’s high school football preview series. One WPIAL conference will be previewed each day through Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Fox Chapel’s Zoe Skirboll excited about decision to swim at Virginia
August 19, 2020
Zoe Skirboll was not cavalier when she made the announcement Tuesday of her verbal commitment to swim for the Virginia Cavaliers.
Burrell stadium renovation project moves ahead
August 18, 2020
The renovation of Buccaneers Stadium at Burrell High School continues forward, and the project now is expected to be completed in about a month, athletic director Drake D’Angelo said Tuesday.
Slow-pitch softball league planning ‘full bore’ for upcoming season
August 16, 2020
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League’s 15th fall season is scheduled to begin Labor Day weekend.
Bethel Park’s Emily Carter commits to run at Oklahoma State
August 14, 2020
Emily Carter is heading west to continue her cross country and track and field pursuits.
Allderdice girls soccer workouts suspended amid positive covid-19 test
The Allderdice girls soccer team will not hold conditioning workouts for two weeks after one of its players tested positive for covid-19.
PIHL in a holding pattern, hoping to start season on time
The PIHL hopes to begin its 2020-21 season in early October, but league officials and teams are waiting for clarity on certain issues before going full speed ahead.
Plum’s Max Matolcsy verbally commits to Penn
August 8, 2020
Max Matolcsy wanted to wait until his birthday to announce his college decision.
Frank Morea, pillar of Kiski Area football program, dies at age 90
August 7, 2020
Richard “Dick” Dilts and Frank Morea were opponents on the football field in high school in the mid 1940s.
AD job at Eden Christian leads Latrobe grad back to Western Pennsylvania
August 4, 2020
Mark Ackerman’s journey both in and out of sports the past three decades has brought him home to western Pennsylvania.
Belle Vernon edges Summer Rams in WPSBL quarterfinals
August 3, 2020
The Summer Rams (Highlands) baseball team saw its run in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoffs come to an end in the quarterfinals Monday evening.
Plum’s Matolcsy to reveal his college choice Saturday
The college football recruiting process for Max Matolcsy is close to coming to an end.
Summer Rams rally past Thomas Jefferson for berth in WPSBL quarterfinals
July 31, 2020
The Summer Rams (Highlands) baseball team stayed alive in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoffs Thursday evening with a come-from-behind 8-6 victory over Thomas Jefferson in a second-round game halted after six innings because of darkness.
Irwin Area wins 2, advances to WPSBL semifinals
The Irwin Area summer baseball team doubled its pleasure Thursday evening at Gateway High School, and it now is just two wins away from a Western Pennsylvania Baseball League tournament title.
Summer Rams open WPSBL playoff tournament with victory
July 30, 2020
Playing their first game in more than two weeks, the Summer Rams (Highlands) topped Bethel Park, 9-5, on Wednesday at Gateway High School in a first-round contest in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoff tournament.
New coach Sakolsky brings experience, enthusiasm to Shaler hockey program
July 29, 2020
After two seasons away from coaching high school hockey, Cory Sakolsky is back.
WPIAL swimmers earn NISCA All-American laurels
July 21, 2020
Several WPIAL swimming standouts recently were honored as All-Americans by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association for times recorded during the 2019-20 season.
Minus international players, FIBI forges ahead with full schedule of baseball
July 20, 2020
For nearly four months, Freeport International Baseball Invitational officials closely monitored updates on the coronavirus pandemic.
New Riverview football coach Trevor George hopes to build momentum through summer workouts
July 16, 2020
When Trevor George was hired as the head coach of the Riverview football team, he hit the ground running with workout and conditioning sessions that helped him get to know better the players with whom he would be working.
WPIAL grads come to grips with PSAC’s decision to suspend sports for fall semester
July 15, 2020
Michael Marisco walked the golf course as often as possible over the past couple of months.
Carlynton’s Nathan Milsom honored by Athletic Administrator’s Association
July 8, 2020
Nathan Milsom loves to challenge himself.
Gateway players glad to compete in thriving summer baseball league
July 7, 2020
Born out of the cancellation of the spring high school season and the summer American Legion schedule, the Monroeville Gators, a group of players from Gateway and one from South Fayette, have mixed the fun of playing summer baseball with a focus on winning games in the Western Pennsylvania Baseball League.
Shady Side Academy discontinues use of Indians mascot
July 1, 2020
The Shady Side Academy Indian mascot, in use since 1936, will be discontinued effective immediately, the school announced Wednesday.
Plum bats stay dangerous in WPBL victory
June 29, 2020
A six-run fifth inning turned out to be the difference for Plum in an 11-7 victory over the Independent Players in Western Pennsylvania Baseball League action Monday at Valley High School.
Getting chance to play is great, but Plum’s WPBL team gunning for a title, too
Denny Ayres is getting ready to attend West Virginia with a mechanical and aerospace engineering course of study.
Valley News Dispatch girls athlete of the year: Shemanski leaves lasting legacy at Freeport
June 28, 2020
From the time she stepped on the soccer field at Freeport in fall of 2016 to when she put on her Yellowjackets girls basketball uniform for the final time this season, Sidney Shemanski was a difference maker.
Leechburg’s Andre Carter takes over athletic director post at challenging time
June 26, 2020
When Andre Carter came to Leechburg in August 2018 to coach the girls basketball team, he noted player development as one of his strengths.
Western Pa. Baseball League gives Summer Rams seniors last chance to take field together
Highlands baseball coach Jeff Campbell was heartbroken knowing his players were not going to have their high school season when schools were shut down in late March in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tanner Nulph, Summer Rams prevail in WPBL opener
June 24, 2020
Tanner Nulph first helped the Summer Rams at the plate in Wednesday evening’s Western Pennsylvania Baseball League game at Valley High School.
Plum comes out swinging, rolls past Jeannette in Western Pa. Baseball League opener
June 23, 2020
Plum and Jeannette didn’t let the threat of rain spoil their Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League opener Tuesday evening at Buster Clarkson Field in Jeannette.
Kiski Area’s Miller finds swim home after being victim of budget cuts
June 13, 2020
On May 21, East Carolina’s athletic department announced it would reduce the number of athletic programs because of budget restructuring efforts in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.
New Western Pa. high school QB award honors trailblazer Willie Thrower
June 8, 2020
Starting this fall, the top quarterback among schools in the WPIAL and City League will receive an award named in honor of the NFL’s first African-American signal-caller.
Renovations underway on Buccaneers Stadium in Burrell
June 7, 2020
As soon as the Burrell School Board voted unanimously in March to renovate Buccaneers Stadium with artificial turf and replace the surrounding track, anticipation began.
Cheswick Christian Academy pastor and ex-basketball coach ‘doing well’ after heart transplant
June 5, 2020
Clinton Blazevich returned to Allegheny General Hospital on Thursday for a test to see how everything is progressing with his new heart. His numbers, he said, continue to move in the right direction.
Senior Spotlight: Final tennis season wiped out, but South Park senior’s golf game in full swing
June 3, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Avonworth football standout enjoyed one-year run with OLSH volleyball
June 2, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Norwin outside hitter follows 5 siblings into college volleyball
May 30, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Ambridge libero gets jump-start into workforce
May 27, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Tennis phenom hoped to make impact in lone season at Greensburg Salem
May 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: All-state honors were a highlight for Shaler volleyball teammates
May 21, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Valley seniors planning for careers in service of others
May 19, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the 17th in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
New South Park girls soccer coach excited for opportunity at alma mater
May 18, 2020
For T.J. O’Brien, there’s no place like home.
In the midst of challenges, Don Holl settling in as Gateway’s athletic director
May 17, 2020
Don Holl’s first official day as Gateway’s new athletic director was March 13.
PIHL cancels remaining playoff games from 2019-20 season
In a move it hoped to avoid, the PIHL on Sunday afternoon canceled the remainder of the unplayed playoff games from the 2019-20 season.
Norwin’s Crosby, Phipps finished high school athletic careers in style
May 16, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the 14th in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Tennis success has led to teaching opportunities for City League singles champ
May 15, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Veshio tabbed to lead perennially powerful Quaker Valley boys soccer program
May 14, 2020
As a member of the boys soccer team at Quaker Valley from 1999-2002, J.J. Veshio was a part of successful squads that won PIAA and WPIAL championships and added a state runner-up finish under the direction of revered coach Gene Klein.
Senior Spotlight: Beaver County Christian volleyball standout hoped to repay leadership debt
May 12, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Plum’s Montue excited about joining Oakland University women’s basketball program
May 11, 2020
Kennedie Montue established a quick connection with Oakland University during her college recruiting journey.
Senior Spotlight: Allderdice tennis standout turns attention toward career at Lehigh
May 10, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Franklin Regional seniors Huczko, Hudson in contention for excellence awards
May 6, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the fourth in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Hempfield outside hitter turns focus to Penn State career
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Shady Side Academy earns national athletic trainers award
May 4, 2020
The National Athletic Trainers Association has recognized Shady Side Academy with its Safe Sports School 2nd Team Award for its athletic training program under the direction of head trainer Chris Rose and assistant Brynn Mahoney.
Burrell’s Feroce, Malits reflect on stellar careers
Editor’s note: This is the second in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Bedi hoped to lead Sewickley Academy tennis on one final title run
May 3, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Bethel Park’s Boff sought to expand on-court versatility
May 2, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Knoch senior upbeat despite disappointing ending to long rehab road
May 1, 2020
James Johnston was ready.
Senior Spotlight: WPIAL singles champion hoped to build on success
April 28, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Artistry expands beyond the volleyball court for Ambridge’s Liam Buck
April 26, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Big 26 Baseball Classic canceled
April 23, 2020
The Big 26 Baseball Classic, the annual summer all-star competition between rising high school juniors and seniors from Pennsylvania and Maryland, will not take place this year in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Valley tennis standout Odrey knocking off the rust
April 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Penn Hills’ Collins preparing for a 2-sport college career
April 21, 2020
AJ Collins is seeing with double vision as he will join both the men’s soccer and baseball teams at Penn State New Kensington.
St. Joseph baseball looks to build off breakout 2019 season
March 19, 2020
The St. Joseph baseball team is coming off a breakout season as it qualified for the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2000 and scored an upset victory in the opening round.
St. Joseph softball brings back plenty of experience
The St. Joseph softball program enjoyed a two-year run to the WPIAL playoffs in 2017 and ‘18, the first two such seasons in its history.
PIAA finalizes Class AAA swimming and diving team standings, second-day champions and medalists
March 14, 2020
The PIAA has finalized the Class AAA swimming and diving team standings reflecting the results from Thursday’s second-day swims.
Class AA swimmers in limbo as coronavirus concerns put state finals on hiatus
Braden Zukowski and his Knoch swimming and diving teammates were eating breakfast about 10 minutes away from Bucknell on Thursday when they got the news the PIAA had postponed Friday and Saturday’s Class AA championship for two weeks because of the ongoing safety response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gateway’s Livingston caps decorated career with pair of PIAA medals
March 13, 2020
It is often said all good things must come to an end.
PA State Bowling Championships postponed because of coronavirus
In a joint statement, Pennsylvania regional and state bowling tournament directors Dana W. Brown and Shawn Pilyih have announced the PA State Bowling Championships, set for Friday and Saturday at North Versailles Bowl, have been postponed indefinitely as part of the safety response to the coronavirus outbreak.
North Allegheny duo earns medals at PIAA Class AAA girls diving championships
March 12, 2020
North Allegheny junior Maya Ennis placed 19th two years ago in her first trip to the PIAA Class AAA diving championship at Bucknell.
WPIAL swimmers leave shortened PIAA Class AAA championships with mixed emotions
A range of emotions, from sadness to frustration, enveloped the faces of Class AAA swimmers and coaches, as well as family members and other spectators, when the PIAA announced Thursday that consolation and championship finals would not take place due to coronavirus concerns.
Swimmers from North Allegheny, Fox Chapel claim Class AAA state gold
March 11, 2020
A trio of WPIAL swimmers took home PIAA Class AAA championships Wednesday on the first day of competition at Bucknell.
Fast, focused Fox Chapel freshman swims to PIAA gold
Sophie Shao said she was calm, cool and collected in the minutes before her PIAA championship finals swim in the girls Class AAA 100-yard butterfly Wednesday evening at Bucknell.
Norwin’s Tulenko picks up pair of medals at PIAA swim meet
Ethan Tulenko turned a double play Wednesday at the PIAA Class AAA swimming and diving championships at Bucknell.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison looks to add PIAA gold to medal collection
Deer Lakes senior Adam Morrison owns two WPIAL gold medals in the Class AA boys 500-yard freestyle. He won his second straight title Feb. 28 at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Fox Chapel’s Manelis earns bronze at PIAA Class AAA boys diving championships
Fox Chapel junior David Manelis led the WPIAL contingent with a third-place finish in the Class AAA boys diving championship Thursday at Bucknell University.
Gateway’s Livingston among WPIAL swimmers advancing to finals of PIAA swimming Day 1
Olivia Livingston is set to compete for her fourth PIAA championship in the Class AAA girls 50-yard freestyle.
Fox Chapel freshman in position to claim state swimming gold
March 9, 2020
Sophie Shao was the No. 1 seed in the 100-yard butterfly at the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool, and the Fox Chapel freshman turned away all challengers for her first taste of championship gold.
Father’s recovery from injuries motivates Kiski Area swimmer Levi Hansen
March 7, 2020
Levi Hansen had one of the swims of his life Feb. 28 at the WPIAL Class AAA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Plum’s Decheck earns shot to compete with best in state
March 6, 2020
Joey Decheck swims this week at the PIAA Class AAA championships at Bucknell.
Riverview, Freeport girls basketball ready to knock off rust
March 5, 2020
The Riverview and Freeport girls basketball teams saw their stay in the WPIAL playoffs end with quarterfinal losses Feb. 20.
Plum senior Cocca raring to go for regional bowling championships
March 4, 2020
Vincent Cocca knows all about bowling at the state championships.
Fox Chapel, Knoch girls basketball see state playoff dreams fall short
March 2, 2020
The Knoch and Fox Chapel girls basketball teams gained rooting interests in their respective WPIAL playoff tournaments after both lost in the quarterfinal round Feb. 20 and 21, respectively.
Several A-K Valley swimmers earn spots in PIAA meet
March 1, 2020
The PIAA released its preliminary psych sheets Sunday morning for the state swimming and diving championships March 11-14 at Bucknell, and the Alle-Kiski Valley is well represented.
PIAA releases preliminary psych sheets for state swimming and diving championships
After two days of championship swims and other top performances at Pitt’s Trees Pool, WPIAL individuals and relays now are preparing for the PIAA Class AAA and AA meets March 11-14 at Bucknell.
Belle Vernon’s Shahan edges 100 freestyle rival to highlight WPIAL Class AA meet
February 28, 2020
Both Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan and Neshannock’s Conner McBeth surpassed Shahan’s 100-yard freestyle WPIAL record from last year when the rivals swam neck-and-neck through Friday’s race at the WPIAL Class AA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison stays atop 500 freestyle mountain at WPIAL meet
Adam Morrison was the hunted in the Class AA boys 500-yard freestyle at the WPIAL swimming championships Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Fox Chapel girls place 3rd at WPIAL Class AAA swim championships
The Fox Chapel girls 200-yard medley relay kicked off the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships Thursday with a school record and a third-place medal.
Deer Lakes swimmers take second, third in hotly contested 200 free at WPIAL meet
February 27, 2020
There weren’t any floats or marching bands at Thursday’s WPIAL Class AA swimming championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool, but there was a sizable parade of Alle-Kiski Valley individuals and relay teams to the medal podium in the session’s six events.
Fox Chapel freshman brings home WPIAL swimming gold
Sophie Shao was full of energy and smiling from ear to ear when she came off the podium after receiving her gold medal in the WPIAL Class AAA girls 100-yard butterfly Thursday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Buerger’s triumph helps North Allegheny girls to Day 1 lead at WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships
Butler’s Laura Goettler was going after a four-peat in the Class AAA girls 200-yard individual medley on the first day of the WPIAL swimming championships Thursday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
East Allegheny, Seton LaSalle girls clinch spots in PIAA Class 3A tournament
February 26, 2020
A pair of Class 3A girls basketball teams clinched spots in the PIAA playoffs Wednesday based on results of WPIAL semifinal matchups at West Allegheny.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison leads talented A-K Valley contingent into WPIAL Class AA swim meet
Deer Lakes senior Adam Morrison has two main individual goals when he arrives at the WPIAL Class AA swimming championships Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Six more WPIAL basketball teams clinch berths to states, two others stay alive
February 25, 2020
Eight WPIAL basketball teams from boys Class 5A and 2A and girls Class 6A and A punched tickets to this weekend’s championship games at the Petersen Events Center with semifinal victories Tuesday evening.
Next wave of Fox Chapel freshmen set for WPIAL swimming championships
Zoe Skirboll burst onto the high school swimming scene last year as a freshman for Fox Chapel, capturing gold medals and setting records at the WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA championships.
Baldwin, Moon claim team titles at PA Classic gymnastic championships
February 24, 2020
Baldwin and Moon brought home team titles at the PA Classic gymnastics state championship meet Saturday at Moon High School.
Monday’s WPIAL semifinal results clinch PIAA berths for 8 teams
With their WPIAL quarterfinal victories, 24 boys and 24 girls basketball teams kept championship dreams alive.
Quartet of Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball teams hopeful for PIAA playoff spot
February 23, 2020
Despite losses in the WPIAL quarterfinals, Fox Chapel, Riverview, Freeport and Knoch remain alive for the PIAA girls basketball playoffs that begin March 6.
Bethel Park girls pull away from Fox Chapel in Class 6A quarterfinals
February 21, 2020
Bethel Park and Fox Chapel were locked in a low-scoring struggle through three quarters of Friday’s WPIAL 6A first-round game at North Hills.
Plum girls learn from playoff loss to Penn Hills
With 2 minutes, 4 seconds left in the third quarter of its WPIAL Class 5A first-round game against Penn Hills at Fox Chapel, the Plum girls basketball team held a four-point lead and hoped to expand it toward the program’s first playoff victory since 2002.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Maeve Kelley, Winchester Thurston
Maeve Kelley has made the most of her freshman swim season representing Winchester Thurston as an independent.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Henry Miller, Southmoreland
For most of this winter high school sports season, Henry Miller pulled double duty, representing Southmoreland both as an independent swimmer and as a member of the wrestling team.
Bishop Canevin girls put stop to Riverview’s run
February 20, 2020
After coming from behind to pull off a mild upset of No. 7 Burgettstown in the first round of the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs last week, the Riverview girls basketball team hoped to keep its winning ways intact Thursday against No. 2 Bishop Canevin at Hampton.
Alle-Kiski Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 21, 2020
Boys
Seton LaSalle girls get revenge on Deer Lakes
February 19, 2020
For the second year in a row, the Deer Lakes and Seton LaSalle girls basketball teams met in the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.
Alle-Kiski Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 20, 2020
Today’s games
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Scrimmages keep Fox Chapel sharp
When the Fox Chapel girls basketball team plays No. 1 Bethel Park on Friday in the WPIAL 6A quarterfinals at North Hills, 11 days will have passed since its regular-season finale, a 49-31 victory over Armstrong on Feb. 10.
Penn Hills girls pull away from Plum late to advance in Class 5A playoffs
February 18, 2020
The Penn Hills and Plum girls basketball teams, longstanding section rivals in the old Class AAAA, hadn’t played in more than four years until the WPIAL brought them together Tuesday for a Class 5A first-round game at Fox Chapel.
A-K Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 19, 2020
Girls
Top bowlers to compete for WPIBL individual titles
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League crowned its team champions last week as the Central Catholic boys and Greensburg Salem girls took home top honors.
Knoch girls use defense, free-throw shooting to hold down New Castle
February 17, 2020
It wasn’t easy for the Knoch girls basketball team in its WPIAL Class 4A first-round game against New Castle on Monday at Fox Chapel.
A-K Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games for Feb. 18, 2020
Tuesday’s games
A-K Valley girls basketball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, Feb. 17, 2020
February 16, 2020
Monday’s games
Riverview girls rally past Burgettstown, end playoff losing streak
February 14, 2020
Despite a 10-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, the Riverview girls basketball team would not be denied its first WPIAL playoff victory since 2016.
Plum swimmers ‘can’t wait’ for WPIAL championships
With the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool fast approaching, Plum coach Shawn Haupt has double vision.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Brooke Welling, Freeport
Brooke Welling ranks among the top swimmers in the girls 100-yard freestyle in WPIAL Class AA.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: John Guilinger, Central Catholic
John Guilinger began his final varsity swim season at Central Catholic with both peace of mind and added energy after finalizing his decision to attend Penn State during the signing period in November.
A-K Valley basketball playoff capsules: Friday, Feb. 14, 2020
February 13, 2020
Friday’s games
Central Catholic tops Hempfield to win WPIBL boys team title
February 12, 2020
Central Catholic outdueled Hempfield in the championship match to capture the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League boys team title Wednesday evening at Nesbit’s Lanes in Plum.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Plum faces old foe Penn Hills
The last time the Plum and Penn Hills girls basketball teams met was Jan. 29, 2016, when the Indians stymied the Mustangs, 45-23, in Section 2-AAAA.
Young Deer Lakes girls basketball team hopes to continue growth in playoffs
Playoff expectations were high when the Deer Lakes girls basketball team opened camp.
Knoch draws highest seed among A-K Valley girls basketball playoff teams
February 11, 2020
Last year at this time, Knoch girls basketball coach Chris Andreassi and the Knights faithful were still exhaling from a WPIAL Section 1-4A playoff chase that went down to the final day of the regular season.
Freeport girls honor seniors, tune up for playoffs with win over Deer Lakes
February 10, 2020
Former and most likely future section foes met Monday in a nonsection tuneup for the WPIAL girls basketball playoffs.
Fox Chapel diver hopes to take next step at WPIALs, reach states
Two years ago, five members of the Fox Chapel boys diving team earned qualifying marks for the WPIAL Class AAA championships at North Allegheny.
Bowling teams turn attention to WPIBL championship tournaments
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League regular season has concluded, and the top individual bowlers and teams are shifting their focus to championship opportunities at the local, regional and state levels.
Shegog’s buzzer-beating layup lifts Gateway over Plum for Section 2-5A title
February 7, 2020
The winner-take-all game Friday between Gateway and Plum for the girls Section 2-5A championship wasn’t the prettiest, but the Gators gladly accepted the outcome.
Quartet of Knoch divers hope to make ripple at WPIALs
Aryanna Napora set a goal at the beginning of her high school career to qualify for the PIAA Class AA diving championships all four years.
Trib HSSN Boys Swimmer of the Week: Northgate’s Cooper Groll
In his first swim of his first WPIAL Class AA championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool two years ago, Cooper Groll landed in the record books.
Trib HSSN Girls Swimmer of the Week: North Allegheny’s Olivia Kisow
In her four events at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool, Olivia Kisow stood on the medals podium after each one.
Plum girls basketball has chance to add to school’s growing trophy collection
February 5, 2020
Last spring, the Plum softball team claimed a section championship, sharing the Section 2-5A title with Hampton.
Harvest Baptist’s Sidwell reaches 1,000-point milestone
Jared Sidwell is the leading scorer for the Harvest Baptist Academy boys basketball team.
A-K Valley girls basketball notes: Knoch girls count on Lauren Cihonski at crunch time
Lauren Cihonski knew the feeling of producing clutch points to clinch a victory for the Knoch girls basketball team.
Holloway hits 1,000 points as Freeport tops Fox Chapel in battle of playoff-bound teams
February 4, 2020
Both the Fox Chapel and Freeport girls basketball teams suffered close section losses Monday, and opportunity presented itself Tuesday for one of them to quickly get back in the win column as the teams went head to head in nonsection play at Fox Chapel.
Riverview wraps up playoff spot with dominant senior-night win over Brentwood
February 3, 2020
The Riverview girls basketball team honored its six seniors — Francesca Lio, Sydney McDonough, Annie Betler, Alivia Schultheis, Alyssa Cappa and Mikaela Collins — before Monday’s tip off with Section 2-2A rival Brentwood.
Riverview pair gearing up for WPIAL swim meet
As a freshman, Beth Shoop declared her independence as the only high school varsity swimmer from Riverview.
Burrell wrestling rolls to 14th consecutive WPIAL team championship
February 1, 2020
The Burrell wrestling team began the WPIAL Class AA tournament Wednesday with a dominant quarterfinal victory over Beth-Center.
Trib HSSN Boys Swimmer of the Week: North Hills’ Joshua Bogniard
January 31, 2020
Joshua Bogniard continues to make his move up the swim ranks in WPIAL Class AAA.
Trib HSSN Girls Swimmer of the Week: Laurel Highlands’ Elizabeth Thomas
At last year’s WPIAL Class AA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool, Elizabeth Thomas was one of two freshmen to medal in the girls 100-yard backstroke.
Burrell wrestling locked in on pursuit of 14th straight WPIAL team title
Over the past 14 years, teams have come and teams have gone from the WPIAL Class AA team wrestling final four.
Burrell wrestling dominates Beth-Center, advances to WPIAL team semifinals
January 29, 2020
The Burrell wrestling team left no doubt it was ready to defend its WPIAL Class AA team championship as it kicked off this year’s tournament in dominant fashion on its home mat Wednesday.
Freeport girls basketball making postseason push with healthy Shemanski
Sidney Shemanski appreciates the ability to be on the court with her Freeport teammates.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Deer Lakes solidifies playoff spot
Deer Lakes took a seven-point lead at halftime of Monday’s Section 3-3A matchup with Steel Valley, but a 20-1 third quarter in favor of the Lancers left no doubt in the 49-32 result.
WPIBL regular season winding down to final two weeks
January 28, 2020
With two weeks left in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League’s regular season, teams and individuals are jockeying for championship-tournament positioning with some still fighting to qualify for the postseason.
Fox Chapel tops Shaler for key victory in WPIAL playoff chase
January 27, 2020
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team took one step closer to what it hopes is a trip to the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs with a 44-32 home victory over Shaler on Monday.
Fox Chapel swimmers ready to take run at section title
The Fox Chapel girls swimming and diving team went undefeated in 2016-17 and captured a section championship.
Hannah Potter makes surprise comeback for Kiski Area girls basketball
January 26, 2020
When Hannah Potter suffered a broken wrist in Kiski Area girls basketball’s opener, she and others thought her season would be lost because of the nature of the injury and the recovery time needed.
Kiski Area’s Potter returns to lineup after recovery from wrist injury
January 25, 2020
Hannah Potter is back.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Upper St. Clair’s Taylor Connors
January 24, 2020
Longtime followers of swimming at Upper St. Clair and throughout the WPIAL will remember the exploits of freestyler Merel Hommen.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Montour’s Alex May
Alex May was on a mission Monday as he set out to break the Montour school record in the boys 100-yard breaststroke.
Plum’s Kvortek looks forward to WPIAL gymnastics championships
Sarah Kvortek fell in love with gymnastics after being introduced to the sport during a friend’s birthday party at Gymkhana in Plum while in first grade.
Freeport girls run win streak to seven, top Burrell to clinch playoff spot
January 23, 2020
The Freeport girls basketball team hasn’t lost since a Jan. 2 setback at North Catholic.
Kiski Area freshmen to square off at WCCA swim meet
Freshmen Parker Sterlitz and Levi Hansen are no strangers to head-to-head competition as the Kiski Area teammates grew up battling each other at various club meets.
Freshmen making impact all over A-K Valley girls basketball scene
January 22, 2020
From the first game of this season, Nina Shaw was a focal point of the gameplan for the Knoch girls basketball team.
A-K Valley basketball notebook: Plum’s Kennedie Montue eclipses 1,000 points
Kennedie Montue has shown a keen scoring touch the past three seasons for the Plum girls basketball team.
Knoch rallies from early deficit to take down Indiana in section action
January 20, 2020
With just three minutes gone in Monday’s Section 1-4A matchup at Knoch, the Indiana girls basketball team held a 10-2 lead and hoped to take control.
Cheswick Christian girls playing inspired basketball
Veteran experience, team balance and ongoing inspiration from its former coach are just a few things, first-year Cheswick Christian Academy girls basketball coach Jacque Willis said, that have contributed to the team’s strong performance.
Penn State names former Purdue standout Stubblefield new wide receivers coach
January 19, 2020
Taylor Stubblefield set Big Ten and national records as a wide receiver at Purdue, and he now hopes to lift Penn State’s receiving corps to similar lofty heights.
Gateway girls refocus for 2nd half of section play
January 18, 2020
After a 14-point loss to Section 2-5A rival Plum on Jan. 13 at Furrie Sports Complex, Gateway girls basketball team members held a players-only meeting to share their thoughts about the game and the overall state of the season heading into the second half of section play.
Apollo-Ridge rolls past Burrell for fourth straight victory
January 16, 2020
The Apollo-Ridge girls basketball team is about to embark on a crucial stretch of Section 1-4A games with matchups against North Catholic, Indiana, Knoch and Freeport.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Moon’s Nicholas Settembrine
Nicholas Settembrine collected four medals — two individual and two in relays — at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Thomas Jefferson’s Hallie Findlan
Thomas Jefferson junior Hallie Findlan owns the top time in the Class AA girls 50-yard freestyle, according to the qualifying lists recently posted at WPIAL.org.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Big game with Butler up next for Fox Chapel
January 15, 2020
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team opens the second half of Section 1-6A play Thursday at Butler in a game head coach Marty Matvey called crucial for its chances at a WPIAL playoff spot.
Improving Riverview girls excited to tackle second half of section schedule
With a collection of experienced varsity players returning for this season, Riverview girls basketball coach Keith Stitt voiced an optimistic tone throughout preseason practices and scrimmages.
Plum limits section rival Gateway to win battle for first place
January 14, 2020
The Plum girls basketball team got defensive Monday against rival Gateway in a battle for first place in Section 2-5A.
Knoch swimmer Braden Zukowski takes nothing for granted in WPIAL title quest
January 13, 2020
Knoch’s Braden Zukowski finished third overall in the boys 100-yard breaststroke at last year’s WPIAL Class AA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
A-K Valley high school bowlers score big
January 10, 2020
Kristin Womeldorf capped 2019 with one of the highest girls averages in all of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League.
McKeesport’s Swin Cash named finalist for Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Former McKeesport basketball standout Swin Cash-Canal, who went on to star in college at Connecticut, in the WNBA and for Team USA in the Olympics, is one of 12 finalists for induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Kiski Area tops Burrell in annual mat battle between neighboring rivals
Kiski Area senior Jared Curcio understands the rivalry.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: South Fayette’s Abbie Duncan
January 9, 2020
Abbie Duncan sees the potential for a memorable final season with the South Fayette swim team.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Indiana’s Isaac Griffith
Isaac Griffith finished all alone at the top in the boys 100-yard butterfly at the West Allegheny Invitational on Dec. 28.
Players selected for PIHL all-star games
The players selected for the PIHL all-star games Jan. 26 at the Robert Morris University’s Island Sports Center have been released.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Knoch, Freeport set for key section game
January 8, 2020
The Knoch and Freeport girls basketball teams took care of business in their respective Section 1-4A games Monday evening.
Prolific Plum playmaker Kennedie Montue growing her game
Kennedie Montue has not slowed down in the new year.
Deer Lakes rolls to section win over East Allegheny
January 6, 2020
The Deer Lakes girls basketball team plays three Section 3-3A games this week, and the Lancers got off to a good start Monday with a 62-41 victory over East Allegheny.
Freeport swimmer Lexi Schrecongost on track for impressive second act
Lexi Schrecongost is hoping for an encore and more after a freshman swimming season that saw her earn four WPIAL medals, including an individual bronze in the girls Class AA 100-yard breaststroke.
WPIAL athletes shine at 1st Tri-State Coaches indoor meet
January 5, 2020
Temperatures outside were cold Saturday, but inside at the Edinboro’s Sports and Recreation Center, competition quickly heated up as some of the top track and field athletes in the region gathered for the season’s first Tri-State Track Coaches Association meet.
Gateway’s Whiteside ready to earn trip to state tournament
January 4, 2020
Evan Whiteside has designs on competing at the PIAA wrestling championships in March.
Trib HSSN’s girls swimmer of the week: Mt. Lebanon’s Maddie Dorish
January 3, 2020
Maddie Dorish has picked up where she left off last March for the Mt. Lebanon girls swim team.
Trib HSSN’s boys swimmer of the week: North Allegheny’s Josh Galecki
Josh Galecki knows the feeling of winning gold in relay events at both the WPIAL and PIAA swimming championships.
North Catholic tops Freeport in matchup of section leaders
January 2, 2020
Despite facing a 21-point deficit after three quarters of Thursday’s Section 1-4A contest at North Catholic, the Freeport girls basketball team didn’t wave the white flag.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Deer Lakes leaning on defense
January 1, 2020
The defense is not resting for the Deer Lakes girls basketball team.
Knoch girls basketball team refuses to get complacent
The Knoch girls basketball team found itself in a dogfight last season for a spot in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs.
Top 10 A-K Valley sports moments of 2019
December 30, 2019
As the sun sets on another year in local sports, it’s time to look back on the best stories of 2019 in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
Deer Lakes boys basketball tournament to begin Saturday after postponement
December 28, 2019
The Deer Lakes boys basketball tournament will begin Saturday evening after Friday’s first-day doubleheader was postponed because of water leakage in the high school gymnasium.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Heather Gardner
Heather Gardner put pen to paper last month on the first day of the National Letter of Intent signing period for swimming and finalized her commitment to Division I Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan
Ian Shahan entered the 2019-20 high school swimming season as the hunted.
Fox Chapel girls pull away to beat Knoch in Shady Side tournament
December 27, 2019
A jumper from Knoch senior forward Lauren Cihonski 40 seconds into Friday’s matchup with Fox Chapel at the Shady Side Academy Tournament gave the Knights a two-point lead.
Fox Chapel girls showing glimpses of potential
In the latter stages of the third quarter of a at WPIAL power North Allegheny on Dec. 20, the Fox Chapel girls basketball team led the Class 6A No. 2 Tigers, 31-25, and had designs on finishing off a key early-season Section 1 victory.
Fox Chapel girls showing glimpses of potential
December 25, 2019
In the latter stages of the third quarter of Friday’s game at WPIAL power North Allegheny, the Fox Chapel girls basketball team led the Class 6A No. 2 Tigers, 31-25, and had designs on finishing off a key early-season Section 1 victory.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Springdale sheds long losing streak
Two years ago Friday, the Springdale girls basketball team defeated Yough, 47-28, in the consolation game of the Valley Tournament. The team then experienced a losing streak that extended through the first six games of this season.
Highlands swimmer Rachel Blackburn in position to battle it out with WPIAL’s best
December 23, 2019
A youthful group led the Class AA girls 100-yard breaststroke at last year’s WPIAL swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week for Dec. 19, 2019: Seneca Valley’s Kendall Craig
December 19, 2019
Kendall Craig set a new Seneca Valley pool record Tuesday in the girls 200-yard individual medley.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week for Dec. 19, 2019: Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny
No record is safe when Josh Matheny is going after it.
Freeport girls navigating rocky road during season’s opening weeks
December 18, 2019
The Freeport girls basketball team is 2-0 in Section 1-4A and the Yellowjackets hope to remain unblemished Thursday when they face rival Burrell.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Kiski Area loses Hannah Potter to broken wrist
Hannah Potter hoped to have a standout senior season for the Kiski Area girls basketball team and build off of a strong junior campaign which saw her lead a young Cavaliers squad with an average of 14.9 points a game.
Freeport girls step up on defense, surge past Highlands
December 16, 2019
Late in the first quarter of Monday’s Section 1-4A girls basketball matchup between Freeport and Highlands, the Yellowjackets and Golden Rams were tied at eight.
Confidence, repertoire grow for Fox Chapel diver David Manelis
David Manelis was in contention for gold at last year’s PIAA Class AAA boys diving championships at Bucknell.
Plum, Kiski Area hockey to raise money for Brian Shaw Memorial Fund
December 15, 2019
The Plum and Kiski Area hockey teams do not play each other during the PIHL regular season as the Mustangs and Cavaliers are in different classifications.
Gateway to honor hockey alumni
The tradition that is ice hockey at Gateway High School again will be celebrated as three former players will be inducted into the Gateway Hockey Alumni Honor Roll during the annual alumni winter event Dec. 26 at Center Ice Arena in Delmont.
Plum takes aim with revamped rifle roster
The Plum rifle team was an experienced group last season with seven seniors helping to form the squad’s core.
Valley News Dispatch Defensive Player of the Year: Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon
December 14, 2019
Logan Harmon is in the early stages of his second varsity wrestling season.
From a 298 game to a 660 series, Freeport bowlers put up big numbers to start season
December 13, 2019
Mark Livingston came close to perfection in his first game of the high school bowling season.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Freeport looks to repeat fast start
December 11, 2019
Last season, the Freeport girls basketball team went 1-1 at the season-opening Southmoreland tournament before winning six straight to head into the new year 7-1 en route to an 18-4 regular season and a runner-up finish in Section 1-4A.
Deer Lakes’ Makayla Blair makes successful return from hoops hiatus
Makayla Blair scored a game-best 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds Monday in the Deer Lakes’ girls basketball team’s 57-41 victory over Burrell.
Deer Lakes girls break into win column with double-digit triumph
December 9, 2019
Something had to give Monday between the Deer Lakes and Burrell girls basketball teams after both had suffered a pair of losses in tip-off tournaments over the weekend.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison leads strong cast of returning A-K Valley swimmers, divers
December 8, 2019
Adam Morrison is the hunted.
Highlands boys basketball storms past Gateway
December 7, 2019
For the second time in as many nights, the Highlands boys basketball team defended its home court in dominating fashion.
Starting 5: A guide to the A-K Valley girls high school basketball season
December 5, 2019
STORYLINES
Burrell’s Allie Vescio named Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
November 30, 2019
Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Playoff near-misses motivate Riverview girls
November 29, 2019
The Riverview girls basketball team suffered heartbreak two seasons ago with a buzzer-beating, one-point loss to Serra Catholic in the first round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
With struggles behind them, Riverview boys again thinking playoffs
The Riverview boys basketball team last earned a trip to the WPIAL playoffs in 2015.
Schlegel leads Plum hockey team back to playoff contention
November 21, 2019
The Plum hockey team edged Hampton in a PIHL Class AA contest Nov. 11 for its fourth win in its opening six games.
Opportunity knocks for underclassmen on Deer Lakes girls roster
Reese Hasley is confident and focused forward.
After a season to remember, Deer Lakes boys trying to plan an encore
The Deer Lakes boys basketball team made history last year during its school-record run to and through the postseason.
With new coach, veteran roster, Apollo-Ridge girls eye return trip to playoffs
November 18, 2019
Mike Monstrola served as a coach for the Apollo-Ridge junior high boys basketball program last year, but he often made it a point to take in games involving the Vikings boys and girls varsity teams.
Apollo-Ridge boys basketball looks to take one more step forward
The Apollo-Ridge boys basketball team made a leap back to prominence last year, improving by seven wins, both overall and in section play, from the year before.
Freeport, Knoch volleyball teams reflect on PIAA runs
November 16, 2019
Only 16 high school girls volleyball teams were left standing last Tuesday as the four classifications moved to the semifinal round of the PIAA playoffs.
PIAA Class AA volleyball finals primer: North Catholic vs. North Penn-Liberty
November 15, 2019
North Penn-Liberty (22-0) vs. North Catholic (22-1)
PIAA Class AAAA volleyball finals primer: North Allegheny vs. Bishop Shanahan
Bishop Shanahan (23-0) vs. North Allegheny (22-1)
Fox Chapel’s Fitch, Sisson named A-K Valley cross country runners of year
November 14, 2019
Fox Chapel seniors Christian Fitch and Grace Sisson were selected as the Alle-Kiski cross country runners of the year as a part of the 2019 All-Star teams.
Kiski Area wrestlers, other A-K Valley athletes sign letters of intent
November 13, 2019
Last year at this time, Nick Delp saw Kiski Area graduates Cam Connor and Darren Miller sign Division I National Letters of Intent to wrestle at Penn and Bucknell, respectively.
North Allegheny keeps hopes of PIAA volleyball 3-peat alive
November 12, 2019
The North Allegheny girls volleyball team captured PIAA gold the past two seasons, and the Tigers will go after their third consecutive crown and sixth in program history after defeating Landisville Hempfield 3-1 in a Class AAAA semifinal match Tuesday at Altoona High School.
Palmyra ends Knoch’s volleyball season in state semifinals
Things started well for the Knoch girls volleyball team in Tuesday’s PIAA Class AAA semifinal against Palmyra at Altoona High School.
Freeport volleyball set for high-stakes rematch with North Catholic
November 11, 2019
As the Freeport girls volleyball team was taking care of Beaver on Saturday in a PIAA Class AA quarterfinal at Shaler, North Catholic and defending PIAA champion Bald Eagle Area squared off for another spot in the state semifinals.
Standout Freeport pitcher Jarrett Heilman gives verbal commitment to Mercyhurst
Jarrett Heilman is busy preparing for his final high school baseball season with a Freeport, which returns numerous starters and key contributors from last spring’s run to a Section 1-3A title and the PIAA playoffs.
Knoch volleyball sweeps Franklin Regional to move into state semifinals
November 9, 2019
The Knoch girls volleyball team swept Franklin Regional when the teams met in the WPIAL Class AAA semifinals last week.
Freeport volleyball sweeps Beaver, moves into PIAA semifinals
The Freeport girls volleyball team is returning to a familiar place.
Knoch block party frustrates volleyball foes
November 8, 2019
In last week’s WPIAL Class AAA semifinal victory over Franklin Regional, Knoch girls volleyball players recorded more than two dozen blocks, with four players leading the way with six apiece.
Freeport refocuses, gets set for PIAA volleyball quarterfinals
After two emotional and physically draining five-set matches to cap the WPIAL playoffs, senior outside hitter Lauren Lampus and the other Freeport girls volleyball team members were happy to take care of business in straightforward fashion Tuesday in the first round of the PIAA tournament.
WPIAL releases field hockey all-star lists
November 7, 2019
The WPIAL wrapped up the 2019 field hockey season Thursday with the release of its Division I and II all-star lists.
Plum pleased with progress after historic girls soccer season
November 6, 2019
When Plum girls soccer team members gathered for summer workouts and then came together for official preseason practices in August, a buzz surrounded the talented but youthful group.
Plum’s Jackson gives verbal commitment to Pitt volleyball
November 5, 2019
For Plum’s Makayla Jackson, Pitt is it.
WPIAL volleyball champs Freeport, Knoch eager to begin PIAA title quests
November 4, 2019
Shaler Area will be a volleyball hotspot Tuesday as WPIAL champions Freeport and Knoch open the PIAA playoffs with back-to-back matchups.
First PIAA-playoff appearance is ‘great opportunity’ for Plum girls soccer
The Plum girls soccer team fell short Saturday in its quest for a WPIAL Class AAA championship in its first title-game appearance.
Future bright for Riverview boys cross country team
November 3, 2019
Riverview junior Mason Ochs finished eighth in the Class A boys race at Saturday’s PIAA cross country championships after taking second at WPIALs.
Knoch, Freeport volleyball teams seek repeat of 2017 PIAA titles
In 2017, the Knoch and Freeport volleyball teams played the final three matches of their PIAA championship runs in the same location.
A-K Valley football teams fall short in 1st round of WPIAL playoffs
November 2, 2019
When sophomore Cody Dykes connected on a 33-yard field goal early in the second quarter of Friday’s WPIAL Class 5A first-round game at Bethel Park, the Kiski Area football team held a 10-point lead.
Bethel Park scores 28 unanswered in playoff defeat of Kiski Area
November 1, 2019
With 10 minutes left until halftime of Friday’s WPIAL Class 5A first-round matchup at Bethel Park, Kiski Area led the Black Hawks by 10 points and appeared ready to take full control.
Plum’s Justin Mascilli misses spot at state cross country meet by narrowest of margins
Plum senior Justin Mascilli placed 27th in the boys Class AAA race at the WPIAL cross country championships Oct. 24 at Cal (Pa.).
Freeport hungry for WPIAL girls volleyball title
The Freeport girls volleyball team celebrated Thursday’s come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Avonworth in the WPIAL Class AA semifinals at North Allegheny with a trip to Chick-fil-A.
Mars is last obstacle in way of Plum girls soccer’s first WPIAL title
Earlier this season, the Plum girls soccer team ventured to Highmark Stadium for a matchup with section rival Oakland Catholic.
Knoch, Thomas Jefferson to collide in WPIAL girls volleyball title match
Knoch and Thomas Jefferson were the top two ranked girls volleyball teams in WPIAL Class AAA throughout the season, and they were rewarded with the top two seeds in the playoff bracket.
Freeport rallies to knock off Avonworth in WPIAL volleyball playoffs
October 31, 2019
The Freeport girls volleyball team hadn’t faced adversity this season like it did Thursday in a WPIAL Class AA semifinal match against Avonworth at North Allegheny.
Fox Chapel and Knoch tennis players set their sights on PIAA titles
After helping Fox Chapel win its first PIAA Class AAA team tennis title since 2004, No. 1 singles player Charlotte James will turn her attention to the state singles tournament in Hershey this weekend. After winning doubles titles as a freshman and a sophomore with teammate Amanda Nord, the 2019 WPIAL singles champion has experience as well.
A-K Valley runners on quest for medals at PIAA cross country meet
A contingent of Alle-Kiski Valley cross country teams and individuals hope to build on performances from WPIALs as they run against the state’s best Saturday at the PIAA championships in Hershey.
Knoch girls volleyball tops Franklin Regional, reaches WPIAL finals
October 30, 2019
The Knoch girls volleyball team will play for a third straight WPIAL Class AAA championship.
Knee injury behind her, Freeport senior ready for ‘high-pressure situations’ in WPIAL volleyball playoffs
Tori Radvan ended her sophomore volleyball season on the court at Johnstown’s Richland High School celebrating a state championship with her Freeport teammates.
A-K Valley football players to watch in the first week of WPIAL playoffs
Ryan Creehan
Knoch girls volleyball digs deep, overcomes injuries to advance in WPIAL playoffs
Having two all-state volleyball players missing from a rotation might derail any number of teams, but the Knoch girls squad has used its depth and veteran leadership to stay in the WPIAL playoff mix.
Freeport sweeps past Hopewell to earn spot in WPIAL semifinals
The Freeport girls volleyball team keeps on rolling.
Freshman McKenzie Pritts scores twice, Yough blanks Freeport to reach WPIAL title game
October 28, 2019
The Yough girls soccer team recorded only two shots on goal over the first 43 minutes of its WPIAL Class AA semifinal against Freeport on Monday at Mars.
Surprising Freeport girls ‘want it all’ entering WPIAL soccer semifinals
October 27, 2019
Akina Boynton scored 11 goals during the regular season to help the Freeport girls soccer team to a 14-4 overall record, a runner-up finish in Section 2-AA and the No. 8 seed for the WPIAL playoffs.
A-K Valley girls soccer preview capsules: Games of Monday, Oct. 28, 2019
Monday’s games
A-K Valley football notebook: Late-season surge gets Kiski Area in playoffs
October 26, 2019
A series of playoff scenarios were on the table in the Class 5A Northern Conference entering Friday’s Week 9 games.
Leechburg holds off Springdale in ’emotional’ victory
Last year, Leechburg defeated Springdale to cap its first non-losing season since 1991.
PIAA girls tennis roundup: Fox Chapel, Knoch, Sewickley Academy advance to semifinals
October 25, 2019
The Fox Chapel girls tennis team remained alive for a PIAA championship Friday with a 3-2 victory over District 1 champion Unionville at Hershey Racquet Club.
Mt. Lebanon’s Patrick Anderson betters own course record, captures first WPIAL title
October 24, 2019
Patrick Anderson started this season by setting a course record at the Marty Uher Invitational on the Roadman Park course at Cal (Pa.).
Knoch girls cross country team makes leap forward at WPIAL meet
Sammy Jo Barnes qualified for the PIAA cross country championships individually the past two seasons.
A-K Valley don’t-miss football matchups for Week 9
Class 5A Northern
A-K Valley WPIAL girls soccer capsules: Games of Oct. 24, 2019
Girls soccer
Riverview ready to take a run at WPIAL cross country favorites
October 22, 2019
The Riverview boys cross country team finished runner-up to Winchester Thurston in Class A at WPIALs each of the past three seasons.
Burrell girls soccer continues dominance with easy win over Mt. Pleasant
October 21, 2019
The Burrell girls soccer team’s dominance in the regular season extended to Monday’s WPIAL Class AA first-round game against Mt. Pleasant at Kiski Area.
WPIAL unveils girls volleyball playoff brackets
North Allegheny, Knoch, North Catholic and Bishop Canevin earned top seeds in their respective classifications as the WPIAL released girls volleyball playoff brackets Monday.
Plum tops Montour to claim fall baseball league title
Plum shut out Montour, 5-0, Sunday afternoon at Norwin to capture the Western Pennsylvania Fall Baseball League’s varsity title.
Coaches association releases final WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The WPIAL girls volleyball regular season has concluded, and the playoff pairings will be released early Monday afternoon.
Unbeaten Burrell ready for obstacles in WPIAL Class AA girls soccer playoffs
October 20, 2019
Burrell capped its regular season last Tuesday with a 5-1 victory over playoff-bound Highlands.
A-K Valley girls soccer playoff capsules: Games for Monday, Oct. 21, 2019
Monday’s games
Alle-Kiski Valley football notebook: No place like home for Apollo-Ridge
October 19, 2019
Apollo-Ridge could have clinched a home first-round playoff game last week against Steel Valley, but the Vikings were upset by the Ironmen.
Highlands logs senior-night overtime win vs. New Castle
When New Castle traveled to Highlands’ Golden Rams Stadium two years ago, the Red Hurricanes escaped with a 48-47 victory in two overtimes.
Plum’s Mascilli, Valotta seek big jump at WPIAL championship meet
October 18, 2019
Justin Mascilli finished 51st in the boys Class AAA race at last year’s WPIAL cross country championships on the Roadman Park course at Cal (Pa.).
A-K Valley don’t-miss football matchups for Week 8
Class 5A Northern
Eight teams from A-K Valley join girls soccer championship chase
October 15, 2019
Highlands was the final girls soccer team from the Alle-Kiski Valley invited to the WPIAL playoff party as the Golden Rams clinched a spot out of Section 2-AA with Monday night’s 2-1 overtime victory over Apollo-Ridge.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Oct. 14, 2019
Here’s a look at this week’s girls soccer rankings:
Highlands tops Apollo-Ridge in overtime, clinches playoff spot
The Highlands girls soccer team came within two points of a WPIAL playoff spot last year.
Confidence high for Plum girls cross country team
October 14, 2019
The Plum girls cross country team already was having a productive season when it arrived at the Division I, Section 4 championship meet Oct. 2 at Northmoreland Park.
Coaches association releases Week 7 WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
As the WPIAL girls volleyball regular season enters its final week, additional section champions will be crowned, and the final tickets to the WPIAL playoffs will be punched.
Valley girls tennis ready for challenge in WPIAL team tournament
October 13, 2019
The WPIAL Class AA team tournament is new for all seven members of the Valley girls tennis team, as the last time the Vikings advanced to the playoffs was 2015.
Springdale looks to keep slim playoff hopes alive
October 12, 2019
The mission is simple for the Springdale football team in its approach to staying alive in the chase for the playoffs in WPIAL Class A.
Springdale dominates Eastern Conference rival Riverview
October 11, 2019
The Riverview football team turned on the lights Friday at Riverside Park for its annual night game.
Freeport girls volleyball dominance on display
The Freeport girls volleyball team wrapped up its 15th consecutive section championship Thursday with a convincing three-game sweep of Section 5-AA foe Burrell.
Athletic greats celebrated with induction to Gateway Sports Hall of Fame
Katrina Streiner made her mark in swimming over four years of competition at Gateway.
Burrell girls soccer races past rival Freeport, moves to cusp of section title
October 9, 2019
Burrell junior Jordyn Kowalkowski said she expected another close game with Freeport on Wednesday as the first Section 2-AA matchup between the rivals Sept. 18 went down to the wire.
Fox Chapel boys, girls golf teams set for WPIAL team championship
The Fox Chapel boys and girls golf teams will play for WPIAL championships Thursday at Cedarbrook Golf Course in Rostraver.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 7
Klay Fitzroy
A-K Valley don’t-miss football matchups for Week 7
Class 5A Big East
Fox Chapel ready for anything as girls soccer playoffs approach
October 8, 2019
The Fox Chapel girls soccer team was less than two minutes away from going to overtime Monday with Class AAAA No. 1 North Allegheny in a Section 1 contest.
Fox Chapel girls hunting WPIAL team tennis title
The Fox Chapel girls tennis team lost just once in 12 regular-season matches.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Oct. 7
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL girls soccer rankings:
Knoch, Valley tennis teams set for WPIAL team tournament
October 7, 2019
After several weeks of dual matches and individual players and doubles teams going for WPIAL gold, the Knoch and Valley girls tennis teams turn their attention Tuesday to the WPIAL Class AA team tournament.
Coaches association releases Week 6 WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The plots thicken for the girls volleyball teams in the WPIAL as two weeks remain in the regular season and section races from Class A to Class AAAA.
A-K Valley girls soccer teams jockeying for playoff position
October 6, 2019
Seven seconds.
Fox Chapel girls golf carries unbeaten record into playoffs
The Fox Chapel girls golf team produced a 15-0 record in the regular season and defended its Section 4-AAA championship.
Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon has night to remember
October 5, 2019
Not too many WPIAL running backs have had the type of game Apollo-Ridge junior Logan Harmon did Friday at conference rival Valley.
Apollo-Ridge dodges Valley upset bid, clinches playoff spot
October 4, 2019
It was a night of highs and lows for Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon during Friday’s Allegheny Conference game at Valley.
Alle-Kiski Valley campus clippings: Grubbs sets up pair of wins for Thiel volleyball
October 3, 2019
With two wins in its past three matches, the Thiel women’s volleyball team hopes to recover from a 1-14 start.
Alle-Kiski Valley notebook: ‘Competitive’ start for Highlands volleyball reboot
When the Highlands girls volleyball program returned last month after a three-year hiatus, 68 players came to tryouts.
Burrell blanks Deer Lakes, maintains hold on section lead
October 2, 2019
The Burrell girls soccer team broke through 12 minutes into the first half of Wednesday’s Section 2-AA clash with rival Deer Lakes.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 6
Josh Boak
A-K Valley don’t-miss high school football matchups for Week 6
Class 4A Northwest 8
Title implications heighten Burrell-Deer Lakes girls soccer clash
October 1, 2019
It’s been three weeks and two days since the first meeting between the Burrell and Deer Lakes girls soccer teams.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Sept. 30, 2019
Class AAAA
Section 4 cross country teams to face off at Northmoreland Park
Cross country titles will be on the line Wednesday afternoon when the Division I, Section 4 teams gather at Northmoreland Park.
Fox Chapel duo among girls golfers set for WPIAL Class AAA championships
September 30, 2019
Fox Chapel’s Nina Busch and Erin Drahnak cut their teeth as freshmen in a deep field at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA girls individual golf championship at Diamond Run Golf Club.
Doubles teams gear up for WPIAL tournament
During the Knoch girls tennis team’s quest for a Section 3-AA championship this fall, senior Libby Conlon and freshman Ally Bauer find themselves on different courts for matches.
Leaders hold on to top spots in volleyball coaches association WPIAL rankings
For the fourth consecutive week, North Allegheny (Class AAAA), Knoch (Class AAA), North Catholic (Class AA) and Bishop Canevin (Class A) own the top spots in their respective Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association rankings.
Plum girls soccer prepares for showdown with Oakland Catholic
September 29, 2019
The Plum girls soccer team last captured a section championship in 2016 when it tied Fox Chapel for the top spot of Section 3-AAAA.
Alle-Kiski Valley football notebook: Kiski Area ‘excited’ about milestone win
September 28, 2019
With wins over Allderdice in Week Zero and Fox Chapel on Sept. 13, the Kiski Area football team put itself in position for the 300th win in program history.
Montour knocks off previously unbeaten Knoch in OT
September 27, 2019
Knoch hoped to add a victory to Friday night’s homecoming festivities at Knights Stadium, but Gannon Kadlecik and his Montour teammates had other ideas.
Plum slow-pitch softball searching for 3rd straight league championship
The Plum varsity girls slow-pitch softball team saw its 36-game winning streak snapped Sept. 5 with a 16-2 loss at North Hills.
Penn State’s Beaver Stadium to host high school game
September 25, 2019
The Penn State football team will play at Michigan State on Oct. 26, but Beaver Stadium, the home of the Nittany Lions, will not lie dormant that day.
A-K Valley don’t-miss football games for Week 5
Class 5A Big East
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 5
Kenny Blake
Big goal boosts Deer Lakes in section title quest
September 24, 2019
Overtime loomed for the Deer Lakes and Freeport girls soccer teams Monday as their key Section 2-AA matchup wound down to the final minute of regulation tied 1-1.
5 from Alle-Kiski Valley to tee it up at WPIAL finals
At last year’s WPIAL Class AA boys individual golf championship at Sewickley’s Allegheny Country Club, Marcus Pinchok finished among a group one shot away from advancing to the PIAA Western Regional.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Sept. 23, 2019
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL girls soccer rankings:
Alle-Kiski Valley notebook: Section 5-AA volleyball serves up big games
September 23, 2019
The WPIAL girls volleyball schedule contains several key matchups Tuesday, and one resides in Section 5-AA, where Deer Lakes will host Freeport at 7:30 p.m.
Coaches association releases latest WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Top 10 girls’ rankings for each of the four WPIAL classifications Monday, and the top teams in each poll maintain their positions as the fourth week of section play begins.
Knoch cross country teams hope to unseat Riverview atop section
September 22, 2019
The Knoch boys and girls cross country teams have a lot on their plates with long- and short-term goals in mind.
Apollo-Ridge football team looks at positives after 1st defeat
September 21, 2019
While not happy with the way things turned out in Friday’s battle of the unbeatens between his Apollo-Ridge football team and Allegheny Conference foe Avonworth, Vikings coach John Skiba also talked in positive terms about the opportunities his team has coming out of the 42-14 loss.
Apollo-Ridge can’t slow down Avonworth as Antelopes remain undefeated
September 20, 2019
Something had to give Friday night as Avonworth and Apollo-Ridge met in a battle of Allegheny Conference unbeatens at Avonworth’s Lenzner Field.
Gateway girls soccer bounces back from 0-3 start
In its Section 1-AAA debut against Mars on Sept. 4, the Gateway girls soccer team gave the Planets, last year’s WPIAL runner-up and PIAA quarterfinalist, all they could handle before losing 2-1.
Invitational brings competitive golf, emotional remembrance to Fox Chapel
Sunny skies and comfortable temperatures greeted golfers from Fox Chapel, North Allegheny and Latrobe on Thursday at the Pittsburgh Field Club for the annual Fox Chapel Richard Cullinan Invitational.
Burrell edges rival Freeport in battle of unbeatens
September 18, 2019
Allie Vescio made sure the Burrell girls soccer team didn’t have to go into overtime with rival Freeport on Wednesday at Freeport High School.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 4
Dylan Cook
A-K Valley football don’t-miss matchups for Week 4
Class 5A Big East
Freeport girls soccer looks for leg up in tight section race
September 17, 2019
The Freeport girls soccer team began its season with cautious optimism as youth was served in several areas on the field and paired up with veteran talent.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Sept. 16, 2019
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Monday’s games:
Burrell’s Liotta selected as assistant coach for U.S. national team
Burrell football coach Shawn Liotta has been named the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for the U18 U.S. national team that will take part in USA Football’s International Bowl on Jan. 14 and 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Fox Chapel senior Charlotte James back for WPIAL tennis run
September 16, 2019
Charlotte James stepped away from high school tennis in 2018 to concentrate on USTA junior tournaments.
Coaches association releases Week 3 WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The WPIAL girls volleyball section slate enters Week 3 as teams in all four classifications jockey for position in the standings.
A-K Valley football notebook: Valley breaks through with 1st victory
September 14, 2019
After an 0-3 start in which it was outscored by 80 points and shut out twice, the Valley football team broke through Friday with a 22-6 home victory over Imani Christian.
Playing more than one sport can benefit high school athletes, coaches say
John Gaillot, in his 11th season as football coach at Freeport High School, said he has had a good track record of his players also being involved in wrestling, basketball and baseball.
Kiski Area runs away from Fox Chapel in Northern Conference clash
September 13, 2019
Kiski Area came into Friday’s Northern Conference clash with Fox Chapel averaging 177 yards rushing a game.
GCC’s Brewer, Indiana’s Branan claim titles at Kiski Area Invitational
Sunny skies, reduced humidity and a slight breeze welcomed runners to Friday’s third annual Kiski Area Cross Country Invitational at spacious Northmoreland Park in northern Westmoreland County.
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week 3
Class 5A Big East
Springdale’s Ausk likely done for season after collarbone injury
The Springdale football team, in the midst of last Friday’s 28-7 nonconference victory over Monessen, was dealt a blow when sophomore starting quarterback Legend Ausk suffered a broken collarbone on a tackle early in the third quarter.
Kiski Area girls soccer team faces stiff section test
September 10, 2019
Reagan Frederick didn’t expect to finish last season as the top goal scorer for the Kiski Area girls soccer team in its charge to the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Sept. 9, 2019
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Monday’s games:
Alle-Kiski Valley notebook: West Virginia right fit for Kiski Area’s Blumer
September 9, 2019
Kiski Area wrestling standout Jack Blumer did his due diligence in seeking out a school to continue his athletic and academic careers once his time with the Cavaliers concludes.
WPIAL boys soccer rankings through Sept. 8, 2019
WPIAL boys soccer rankings
Volleyball coaches association releases WPIAL Week 2 rankings
-The WPIAL girls volleyball regular season is in full gear with two sets of weekend tournaments and a week of section and nonsection matches in the books.
Riverview cross country runner Ochs continues upward trend
September 8, 2019
As a freshman, Mason Ochs was the ninth runner on the Riverview boys cross country team and didn’t compete at WPIALs.
A-K Valley football notebook: Defense fueling undefeated Apollo-Ridge
September 7, 2019
It is said defense wins championships.
Burrell can’t hold halftime lead as Elizabeth Forward rallies for victory
September 6, 2019
For the second week in a row, the Elizabeth Forward football team trailed at halftime.
Young Plum volleyball team showing fight
The Plum girls volleyball team lost the first two sets of its Section 3-AAAA opener against Norwin on Sept. 3.
Highlands’ Hiester, Kiski Area’s Crosby continue female kicking tradition
During her freshman year at Highlands, Hailey Hiester watched her soccer teammate, senior Taylor Gunn, kick as a starter for the Golden Rams football team.
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week 2
September 4, 2019
Class 5A Big East
A-K Valley football players to watch for Week 2
Lorenzo Jenkins
Burrell girls soccer hitting stride after tournament win
September 3, 2019
The Burrell girls soccer team had high hopes over the summer and in preseason workouts that it could replicate past success and take the next step in Section 2-2A and beyond.
Coaches association releases latest WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The opening weekend of the WPIAL girls volleyball season has come and gone, and section matchups in all four classifications begin Tuesday evening.
Alle-Kiski high school notebook: Knoch, Freeport volleyball maintain spots in poll
September 2, 2019
Knoch and Freeport maintain their positions in the latest Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association’s top-10 poll released Monday.
Freeport football team reflects on fortitude after rally comes up short
August 31, 2019
Freeport football coach John Gaillot was emotional Friday night when asked to evaluate his team’s performance in a 35-27 loss to Big East Conference rival Derry.
Huss tops 200 yards in Derry’s Big East win against Freeport
August 30, 2019
Justin Huss was a workhorse for Derry on Friday in the team’s Big East opener against Freeport.
Alle-Kiski cross country teams, individuals ready to make their mark
Christian Fitch began last season with a win at the Gateway Invitational.
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week 1
Class 5A Big East
Knoch volleyball poised for WPIAL 3-peat, other A-K Valley teams ready to contend
August 27, 2019
When the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its preseason top-10 rankings Monday, two-time defending WPIAL Class AAA champion Knoch topped the list.
Volleyball coaches association releases WPIAL preseason rankings
August 26, 2019
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its preseason top-10 rankings Monday, and all four classifications were rated.
Plum boys soccer team eyes next step in playoffs
August 25, 2019
Expectations are high for the Plum boys soccer team.
Plum girls soccer hopes for return to playoffs under new coach
Last season was one of change for the Plum girls soccer team as it moved from Class AAAA to Class AAA under the WPIAL’s biennial realignment process.
Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny earns silver at world junior swimming championships
Josh Matheny capped competition at the FINA World Junior (18 and under) Swimming Championship on Sunday with a silver medal as a part of the Team USA 400-meter medley relay.
Alle-Kiski Valley high school football notebook: Springdale enjoys ‘crazy, fun night’
August 24, 2019
Springdale and Deer Lakes didn’t play Week Zero games last year, so the teams decided to match up for the first time since 1993.
Apollo-Ridge defeats rival Leechburg in Week Zero matchup
August 23, 2019
The Apollo-Ridge football team had payback on its mind after Leechburg won last year’s meeting to snap the Vikings’ eight-game winning streak in the rivalry series.
Plum’s Matolcsy hopes to build on solid sophomore season as 2-way player
Max Matolcsy led the Plum football team last year in receiving yards and touchdowns, total tackles and interceptions.
Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny captures 200 breaststroke gold at world championships
Josh Matheny is a world champion.
Highlands boys soccer set to contend for postseason berth under 1st-year coach
August 22, 2019
The Highlands boys soccer team qualified for the WPIAL playoffs four straight seasons from 2001-04.
Highlands girls soccer hungry after last year’s playoff near-miss
Two points.
Burrell grad Fantuzzo returns to coach basketball at alma mater
August 21, 2019
Mike Fantuzzo enjoyed a great deal of success as a member of the Burrell boys basketball team more than a decade ago.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week Zero
Jake Blumer
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week Zero
Nonconference
Lessons learned should guide Fox Chapel girls soccer this season
August 20, 2019
Last season was a learning experience for the Fox Chapel girls soccer team.
Fox Chapel boys soccer expects to be battle-tested come playoff time
There is a buzz surrounding the Fox Chapel boys soccer team.
Hanlon’s versatility provides unique advantage for Riverview
Zach Hanlon possesses two Riverview football jerseys: No. 36 and No. 78.
Riverview will rely on versatility in hopes of successful season
As his team went through summer workouts, Riverview coach Todd Massack said he made sure to remind his players they need to learn and be comfortable at multiple positions.
Plum’s Matolcsy hopes to build on solid sophomore season as 2-way player
August 19, 2019
Max Matolcsy led the Plum football team last year in receiving yards and touchdowns, total tackles and interceptions.
Veteran players hope to lead Apollo-Ridge back to playoffs
The Apollo-Ridge football team, youthful over the past couple of seasons, returns experience at several key positions this fall, and coach John Skiba said the Vikings are pointing in the right direction for a return to the WPIAL playoffs.
Freeport hopes to reload for another playoff run
August 18, 2019
Last year, the Freeport football team came close to putting its stamp on a Class 3A Big East Conference championship.
Plum hopes experience translates to success
August 16, 2019
The Plum football team last made the WPIAL playoffs in 2015 when it upset Penn Hills in a Quad-A first-round matchup.
Gateway seeks return to championship form
The Gateway football team won a combined 26 of 29 games the past two seasons.
Gateway to celebrate 50th anniversary of 1st WPIAL football championship
As the United States was putting a man on the moon in the summer of 1969, the Gateway football program was preparing to hopefully put a Gator on the turf at Pitt Stadium in Oakland.
Fox Chapel’s offseason effort lays groundwork for improvement
Shane Susnak is confident.
WPIAL and City League girls basketball players ranked on state Class of 2020 list
August 14, 2019
PAGirlsHoopsReport.com recently released its list of the top 100 players from the Class of 2020, and a sizeable group from the WPIAL and City League made the cut.
Freeport linemen ready to benefit from experience together
Elijah Freeman recalled a welcome-to-varsity-football moment early last season as the now-sophomore right guard got comfortable in his spot along the Freeport offensive line.
WPIAL Class 4A football breakdown: Thomas Jefferson motivated after title-game defeat
The Blackhawk football team engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in the WPIAL last year, going from 2-7 in 2017 to 10-2 last year and making the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals.
Fox Chapel’s Brown on mission to return team to WPIAL playoffs
August 13, 2019
Sam Brown is on a mission.
A-K Valley football teams take it up a notch with start of preseason camps
August 12, 2019
Brandon Mowry has experienced numerous opening days of preseason camp with the Knoch football team, but Monday morning’s start, he said, had a different feel.
Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon eager for camp after injury-shortened 2018 season
August 10, 2019
When turning his attention to Monday morning — the start of official preseason practices for high school football teams throughout the WPIAL — a big smile came across Logan Harmon’s face.
Gateway goalie Neundorfer survives rigorous tryout for showcase
August 2, 2019
Maddy Neundorfer traveled to Germany in April as part of a U.S. Olympic Development Program team.
WPIAL duo helps Pennsylvania sweep Maryland in Big 26 Baseball Classic
July 30, 2019
Pennsylvania swept past Maryland in a three-game series over the weekend at the Big 26 Baseball Classic in Maryland, and WPIAL products Jarrett Heilman and Ryan McGuire contributed to the triumphs.
Freeport’s Jarrett Heilman ready to test himself in Big 26 Classic
July 24, 2019
Jarrett Heilman will be among select company at this weekend’s Big 26 Baseball Classic in Harrisburg.
Kiski Area’s Delp commits to wrestle at Bucknell
Nick Delp now knows where he will wrestle when his time in high school concludes.
7 from WPIAL selected to Class AA boys volleyball all-state team
July 23, 2019
The Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Class AA all-state team Monday, and eight from the WPIAL were selected.
A-K Valley football teams converge on Freeport for 7-on-7 event
July 22, 2019
As preparation for high school football enters the stretch run, several teams will gather Wednesday at Freeport for a seven-on-seven event with a local flair.
Penn Hills’ Snell benefits from offseason development
July 19, 2019
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during a HSSN Media Day live broadcast at Kennywood Park.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2019 boys volleyball season
July 18, 2019
North Allegheny capped an undefeated 23-0 season with its second straight PIAA Class AAA championship and seventh overall, sweeping three games from Central York at Penn State’s Pegula Ice Arena.
Coach Kolankowski right fit for Plum boys soccer
The Plum athletic department didn’t go far to find the next coach of the boys soccer team.
With college plans in place, Woodland Hills’ Rawlings ready for special senior season
July 17, 2019
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Springdale QB Ausk gets head start on sophomore season
July 15, 2019
Legend Ausk enters his sophomore football season at Springdale in the running to take over the varsity starting quarterback job left vacant from the graduation of multi-year starter Josh Jones.
Seneca Valley’s Kaltenberger focused on returning to WPIAL title game
July 12, 2019
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Burrell boys basketball coach Shawn Bennis resigns
July 11, 2019
In his six seasons as coach of the Burrell boys basketball team, Shawn Bennis appreciated the hard work his players put in preparing and game planning for every opponent.
WPIAL swimmers earn spots on All-American lists
Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny set a National Federation of High Schools record of 52.52 seconds in the 100-yard breaststroke at the PIAA Class AAA championships in March at Bucknell University.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 WPIBL bowling season
July 9, 2019
Competitors from the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League made an impact at all levels during the 2018-19 season.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 boys swimming and diving season
July 7, 2019
For the second year in a row, a National Federation of High Schools record fell at the PIAA Class AAA swimming championships at Bucknell University.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 girls swimming and diving season
July 6, 2019
One of the closest races at the PIAA Class AAA championships at Bucknell University in March saw Butler junior Laura Goettler edge Fox Chapel freshman Zoe Skirboll by 10 one-hundredths of a second for the title in the finals of the girls 100-yard breaststroke.
West Allegheny’s Hendrick selected to High School All-Star Game
July 5, 2019
Austin Hendrick, a rising senior at West Allegheny and a Mississippi State baseball verbal commit, will compete in the inaugural High School All-Star Game on Saturday at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
New coach, offseason workouts provide optimism for Highlands boys soccer
July 4, 2019
Jason Norris was on a plane to Los Angeles when he found out he was hired as coach of the Highlands boys soccer team.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018 girls tennis season
July 2, 2019
The Sewickley Academy girls tennis team had won its only previous Class AA state championship in 2011, and the Panthers were gunning for a second title in Hershey to cap the 2018 season.
Knoch’s Gourley honored by recognition from Pa. softball coaches
Monica Gourley collected three hits in four at-bats, one being a triple, and also drove in two runs in the Knoch softball team’s 7-2 victory over Thomas Jefferson in the WPIAL Class 4A third-place game.
Highlands’ Crise continues to catch attention of college coaches
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during a HSSN Media Day live broadcast at Kennywood Park.
Knoch’s Gourley earns POY honors from state coaches association
July 1, 2019
Knoch senior shortstop Monica Gourley has been selected the state’s Class 4A Softball Player of the Year by the Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association.
Freeport’s Jarrett Heilman named Valley News Dispatch Baseball Player of the Year
June 22, 2019
2019 Valley News Dispatch Baseball All-Stars
St. Joseph basketball players adjust to new coach, system during summer workouts
June 21, 2019
When longtime St. Joseph boys basketball coach Kelly Robinson resigned in April after 21 seasons at the helm, the search began in earnest to find his replacement.
Marino hired as Plum boys basketball coach
June 19, 2019
When Mark Marino joined the men’s basketball coaching staff at Lycoming College in 2008, his first task as a high school talent evaluator was to observe Plum standout Andrew Cressler as Cressler was going into his senior season with the Mustangs.
WPIAL golfers invited to national high school tournament
June 18, 2019
Several of the top WPIAL golfers from the fall 2018 season will compete at the National High School Golf Association’s inaugural High School Golf National Invitational on June 27-28 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
A-K Valley athletes honored at Positive Athlete Awards
When Gregory Guzzo was 13, he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, and open-heart surgery was needed to correct the issue.
Positive Athlete Pittsburgh honors student-athletes with scholarships, awards
The Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum provided the setting Monday evening for the eighth annual Positive High School Athlete Awards.
Kiski Area’s Hepler tests mettle against nation’s top freshmen throwers
June 17, 2019
C.J. Hepler emerged this spring as one to watch for the future of throwing events in the WPIAL and beyond.
Fox Chapel lacrosse All-American Childs eager to get started at Hofstra
June 16, 2019
When Graham Childs joins the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team in the fall, he will bring many memories from his time playing for Fox Chapel.
WPIAL divers selected as All-Americans
June 14, 2019
Penn-Trafford’s Logan Sherwin and Paige Kalik and Beaver Area’s Andrew Cestra have been recognized by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association as diving All-Americans.
Positive Athlete Pittsburgh to present more than $16,000 in scholarships
June 12, 2019
The Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum will host the eighth annual Positive High School Athlete Awards on Monday at 7 p.m.
WPIAL baseball and softball teams gearing up for shots at PIAA gold
The PIAA baseball and softball championship matchups are set, and five WPIAL teams – Beaver and Serra Catholic for baseball and Penn-Trafford, Elizabeth Forward and Frazier for softball – will attempt to bring home state titles.
WPIAL girls lacrosse All-Star teams recognize season efforts
June 9, 2019
The All-WPIAL girls lacrosse teams were selected in a vote of the Class AAA and AA coaches.
Boys lacrosse standouts voted to WPIAL All-Star teams
The All-WPIAL boys lacrosse teams were selected in a vote of the Class AAA and AA coaches.
PIAA Class AAA boys volleyball final preview: North Allegheny vs. Central York
June 7, 2019
PIAA Boys Volleyball
A-K Valley notebook: Freeport’s Heilman to compete in Big 26 Classic
June 6, 2019
Jarrett Heilman, who helped the Freeport baseball team capture the Section 1-3A championship and qualify for the PIAA playoffs for the first time in 21 years, will represent the WPIAL on the Pennsylvania team for the Big 26 Baseball Classic on July 25-28, in Harrisburg.
Gateway Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2019 announced
Katrina Streiner won a pair of WPIAL swimming championships in the 50-yard freestyle, added one in the 100 freestyle and was a PIAA medalist during her Gateway career.
WPIAL duo selected for all-star baseball classic
June 5, 2019
Freeport junior Jarrett Heilman and South Fayette sophomore Ryan McGuire will represent the WPIAL on the Pennsylvania roster for the Big 26 Baseball Classic on July 25-28 in Harrisburg.
Trip to PIAA playoffs a major boost for Freeport baseball program
June 4, 2019
In the hours after Freeport baseball’s 3-2 PIAA Class 3A first-round loss to Franklin on Monday at Slippery Rock University, one in which the Knights rallied with two runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Yellowjackets players and coaches received dozens of calls, texts, emails and Twitter messages of support in the midst of what were feelings of heartbreak over the outcome.
Franklin rallies past Freeport on walk-off single in PIAA 1st round
June 3, 2019
The Freeport baseball team was no stranger to close games, especially in this year’s postseason.
Freeport baseball hopes unofficial mascot keeps hanging around
June 2, 2019
After delivering the winning hit in last Wednesday’s 1-0 PIAA-clinching victory over Keystone Oaks in the WPIAL Class 3A third-place game, Freeport junior Bradyn Clark came back to the dugout and rubbed Darlene’s ears for continued good fortune.
Freeport-Franklin state playoff game holds unique draw for husband, wife
When Tom and Ericca Haynes attend Monday’s PIAA Class 3A first-round baseball game between Franklin and Freeport, they will have familiarity to both sides of the proceedings.
Apollo-Ridge’s Kent Harkleroad ready to face best in all-star game
June 1, 2019
Kent Harkleroad soon will put on the helmet and jersey of the Waynesburg football team.
WPIAL lacrosse teams set for PIAA quarterfinals
May 31, 2019
After several weather-related postponements, the PIAA boys and girls lacrosse first rounds concluded Friday.
Springdale’s Zolnierczyk ready to begin next chapter at Robert Morris
Mike Zolnierczyk graduates Friday from Springdale High School.
Freeport baseball set for 1st state playoff berth in 21 years
May 30, 2019
When Garrett Ben made contact with an offering from Keystone Oaks pitcher Sammy Tortorella in the second inning of Wednesday’s WPIAL 3A third-place game at Washington & Jefferson, he wasn’t sure what would become of the blooper near the foul line in shallow right field.
PIAA lacrosse matches postponed again
A quartet of WPIAL-champion lacrosse teams will attempt to play their PIAA first-round matchups Friday after Mother Nature again prevented them from taking the field Thursday afternoon and evening.
Freeport baseball reaches PIAA playoffs for 1st time since 1998
May 29, 2019
For the first time since 1998, a Freeport baseball team has earned a spot in the PIAA playoffs.
State singles title ‘a great finishing touch’ for Fox Chapel’s Shymansky
Robby Shymansky made it to the PIAA Class AAA singles final as a freshman, but he was prevented from capturing the gold medal he sought.
Freeport turns the page, sets sights on PIAA tournament berth
May 28, 2019
The Freeport baseball team turned to a magic elixir to help it move on from last Wednesday’s loss to section rival Steel Valley in the WPIAL Class 3A semifinals.
Knoch softball team 1 win from 1st berth in state tournament
May 27, 2019
The Knoch softball team had its eyes on a WPIAL 4A title, but a 4-0 semifinal loss to Elizabeth Forward last week curtailed that goal.
Shymansky, Peters Township duo get WPIAL back to top at state tennis championships
May 26, 2019
Latrobe graduate Chad Kissell was the most recent WPIAL Class AAA boys tennis singles player to win a PIAA title.Quaker Valley tops Freeport to reach PIAA Class AA boys lacrosse playoffs
May 24, 2019
The Freeport boys lacrosse team started the WPIAL Class AA playoffs as the No. 12 seed, but the Yellowjackets battled their way to an opportunity for a spot in the state playoffs.
Plum softball team reflects on special season, tough ending
It wasn’t the way the Plum softball team expected its season to conclude.
Freshman Walsh lifts Shady Side Academy to WPIAL girls lacrosse title in double OT
For Shady Side Academy’s Molly Walsh, the wait was worth it.
WPIAL athletes hope to join PIAA track and field record lists
The PIAA track and field championships begin Friday morning at Shippensburg University, and athletes from the WPIAL will be going after titles, medals and season and career bests.
A-K Valley boys lacrosse preview capsules: Game of Friday, May 24
May 23, 2019
WPIAL Boys Lacrosse
Highlands’ Thimons in race to get to PIAA track medals podium
It’s déjà vu for Cj Thimons.
Dates, times and locations set for WPIAL baseball championship and third-place games
The WPIAL baseball championship games, as well as the third-place consolation matchups, have been finalized with dates, times and locations.
WPIAL finalizes dates, times and locations for softball championship and consolation matchups
The WPIAL on Thursday finalized and released the softball championship and third-place dates, times and locations in all six classifications.
Late surge lifts No. 1 Penn-Trafford past North Allegheny in WPIAL baseball semifinals
May 22, 2019
The Penn-Trafford baseball team is one win away from its first WPIAL championship.
Steel Valley baseball rallies past Freeport to reach WPIAL Class 3A final
The Freeport and Steel Valley baseball teams split their regular-season series in Section 1. The Yellowjackets and Ironmen met in the rubber match Wednesday with a trip to the WPIAL Class 3A championship game on the line.
Keystone Oaks slugs past No. 3 Burrell in WPIAL quarterfinals
May 20, 2019
The Burrell softball team won its final 12 games of the regular season, captured the Section 1-3A championship and earned the No. 3 seed for the WPIAL playoffs. However, none of that mattered to Keystone Oaks on Monday in a WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinal matchup at Hampton Community Park.
WPIAL track and field champions earn top seeds for PIAA meet
Several WPIAL track and field champions are top seeds for the two-day PIAA championship meet Friday and Saturday at Shippensburg.
Senior scholar-athletes awarded scholarships from sports hall of fame
May 19, 2019
Kyah Russell was a standout on the tennis court for the Gateway girls team, and her dedication to the sport was matched by her dedication to academics.
Gateway trio qualifies for state track championships
May 17, 2019
Shelly Jones said she was happy with her performance at Thursday’s WPIAL Class AA championship finals at Slippery Rock.
After winning WPIAL discus title, Plum’s Linhart looks forward to PIAA meet
Hunter Linhart will return to the place he recorded a career-best in the discus.
Distance runner CJ Singleton continues to make history at St. Joseph
CJ Singleton made history in the fall as he became the first St. Joseph athlete to compete at the WPIAL and PIAA cross country championships.
Deer Lakes’ Yourish sets gold standard at WPIAL track meet
May 16, 2019
Deer Lakes senior Josh Yourish already had won a trio of silver medals at WPIAL meets.
Apollo-Ridge softball eliminated by two-time finalist Frazier
May 15, 2019
The Frazier softball team has played in the past two WPIAL Class 2A championship games, and it hopes to make it three straight in a couple of weeks.
Burrell girls sprint relay unit aims for another golden performance at WPIAL meet
May 14, 2019
Every year at this time, members of the Burrell girls 400-meter relay are focused on getting to the top of the podium at the WPIAL Class AA track and field championships.
Coaches association releases final boys volleyball rankings
May 13, 2019
The WPIAL boys volleyball playoff brackets were revealed Monday morning, and the first-round matches are set for Tuesday.
WPIAL releases boys volleyball playoff brackets
North Allegheny and Derry are the top seeds for the WPIAL Class AAA and AA boys volleyball playoff tournaments.
Gateway boys lacrosse to host 1st WPIAL playoff game in program history
May 10, 2019
The Gateway boys lacrosse team achieved another first in its seventh season as a full member of the WPIAL.
Challenging section slate prepares No. 4 Gateway for postseason
The Gateway baseball team went 9-3 in Section 1-5A to secure the program’s fourth consecutive trip to the WPIAL playoffs.
Plum’s Parker ready to compete for WPIAL shot put title
Logan Parker knows Slippery Rock well.
Freeport baseball rallies to top Deer Lakes for section title
May 8, 2019
The first time the Deer Lakes and Freeport baseball teams played this season, the Lancers earned a low-scoring, one-run victory.
Riverview track athletes shift focus from team to individual goals
It was a successful dual-meet season for the Riverview track and field teams.
WPIAL team tennis championship matchups set
May 7, 2019
The WPIAL team tennis championship matchups feature Fox Chapel against Shady Side Academy for the Class AAA title and Quaker Valley taking on Indiana for the Class AA crown.
Seniors Charlton, Sheaffer lift Apollo-Ridge past Riverview in Section 2-2A
May 6, 2019
Apollo-Ridge seniors Mollie Charlton and Sidney Sheaffer were celebrated before Monday’s Section 2-2A softball game against Riverview.
Springdale softball gears down for 1st postseason since 2000
Playoffs wasn’t a term that had been used in connection with Springdale softball for some time.
Playoff-bound boys volleyball teams maintain positions in rankings
The WPIAL boys volleyball playoff fields will be finalized this week as Thursday marks the final date of section play in both Class AAA and AA.
Gateway softball looks forward to WPIAL playoffs
May 3, 2019
It was quite the interesting final week of the Section 2-5A schedule for the Gateway softball team.
Plum girls lacrosse again earns WPIAL playoff berth
The Plum girls lacrosse team has qualified for the WPIAL Class AA playoffs for the second year in a row.
Riverview edges Apollo-Ridge to clinch WPIAL playoff berth
May 2, 2019
Round one goes to the Raiders.
Upper St. Clair ends Sewickley Academy’s WPIAL-title streak in boys tennis
May 1, 2019
The Sewickley Academy boys tennis team’s 15-year WPIAL-title streak came to an end Thursday when it lost to Upper St. Clair in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs.
Henderson, Burrell blank No. 1 Deer Lakes in Section 1-3A
Jack Henderson wanted to finish the game.
Runners Yourish, Shemanski set sights on WPIAL track medals
Deer Lakes senior Josh Yourish and Freeport junior Sidney Shemanski are two of the top middle distance runners in the state.
Matchups set for WPIAL team track and field finals
April 30, 2019
Sixteen track and field teams remain alive for WPIAL titles after Tuesday’s semifinal meets determined the finalists for the championships Monday at Peters Township.
No. 2 Leechburg rebounds from 1st loss, defeats No. 3 Springdale
The Leechburg softball team had a quick turnaround after suffering its first loss of the season, a nonsection setback to Apollo-Ridge on Monday.
Belle Vernon’s Martin wins four events at annual Mid Mon Classic
April 29, 2019
Belle Vernon’s Hunter Martin captured four individual titles, and the Leopards won the boys team title Monday at the Scott Frederick Mid Mon Classic at Charleroi High School.
Coaches association releases latest WPIAL boys volleyball rankings
Less than two weeks remain in the WPIAL boys volleyball regular season, and some teams are jockeying for playoff positioning, while others continue to battle to stay alive in the playoff chase.
A-K Valley track and field teams gallop into WPIAL semifinals
April 28, 2019
The last time the Apollo-Ridge boys track and field team qualified for the WPIAL semifinals was in 2014 when the Tre Tipton-led Vikings won the section title and punched their ticket to the postseason.
Deep senior class leads Gateway boys lacrosse to 5-4 start
April 26, 2019
When the Gateway boys lacrosse team celebrated senior night before Thursday’s Section 1-AA game against Knoch at Antimarino Stadium, it was one of the longer ceremonies of that nature for any team in any sport this year.
Plum softball hopes to keep rolling down the stretch
The Plum softball team outlasted Mars in a nine-inning, Section 2-5A game April 17. The victory clinched a spot in the WPIAL playoffs.
Area athletes compete on first day of Penn Relays
April 25, 2019
Oakland Catholic senior Jayla Ellis earned a seventh-place medal in the high school girls long jump Thursday at the annual Penn Relays Carnival at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.
WPIAL team track and field semifinals set
The WPIAL team track and field semifinal matchups are set, and the four defending champions — the North Allegheny and Riverside boys and the Butler and Shenango girls — now know what they will have to do to get back to the finals.
School discus record in hand, Kiski Area’s Jean Starr aims for bigger goals
The Kiski Area girls high school discus record had a target, figuratively speaking, on its back coming into this season.
Leechburg thrower Bret Kardos has lofty goals for shot put
April 24, 2019
Bret Kardos is on a mission.
Track and field teams set for annual AIC section championships
After several weeks of head-to-head matchups in dual meets, the track and field teams from Section 7-AA gather Wednesday at Freeport High School to crown champions and award medals at the fifth annual Allegheny Interscholastic Conference individual championships.
Knoch softball rolling through competition in Section 3-4A
April 23, 2019
The Knoch softball team dug itself a sizable hole in its Section 3-4A opener April 2 at Ambridge.
PIHL players come together to win America’s Showcase tournament
A group of players from the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League came together last week to claim a second straight America’s Showcase tournament.
Coaches association releases latest WPIAL boys volleyball rankings
April 22, 2019
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its latest boys team rankings Monday, and two squads in Class AAA moved into the top 10.
Mars’ Carmody commits to Polynesian Bowl
Mars junior offensive tackle Michael Carmody has committed to play in Hawaii’s Polynesian Bowl high school all-star game.
Gateway throwers Jones, Corrie set sights on WPIAL, PIAA success
April 19, 2019
Shelly Jones and Sarah Corrie both earned throwing medals at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA track and field championships.
Gateway baseball making run at Section 3-5A title
Gateway baseball coach Mark Wardzinski said at the start of the season his relatively young team had the pieces in place to make a run at the Section 3-5A championship and qualify for the WPIAL playoffs for the fourth year in a row.
Seneca Valley’s Aidan Campbell commits to Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters
April 18, 2019
Earlier this month, Aidan Campbell helped the Pittsburgh Pens Elite 16U hockey team capture the USA Hockey Tier I Elite National Championship.
Burrell softball gets walk-off homer to end Freeport’s section winning streak
April 17, 2019
For the second time in as many games, a Clark delivered for Burrell when it mattered the most.
All in the family: Plum’s Hunter Linhart carries on family discus tradition
In 1959, Bruce Linhart Sr. set a standard in the discus at Penn Hills that has yet to be surpassed: He established a school record of 168 feet, 1 inch. The mark also was the state record for five years.
Patience pays off for Deer Lakes baseball against Valley
April 16, 2019
Deer Lakes scored eight runs in the top of the sixth inning of Tuesday’s Section 1-3A baseball game at Valley and turned a close game into a rout.
Recovered from knee injury, Radvan bolsters lineup for No. 4 Freeport
April 15, 2019
Tori Radvan waited and prepared.
Top teams hold their spots in latest WPIAL boys volleyball rankings
Four weeks remain in the WPIAL boys volleyball regular season, and section races, with their battles for playoff positioning, are heating up.
Veteran athletes leading Plum track and field team in early going
April 12, 2019
Maddie Monick knows what it’s like to compete at the PIAA track and field championships.
Deer Lakes’ Cutright faces challengers in defense of 300 hurdles title
April 10, 2019
Last year, Kiera Cutright was the hunter.
Looking ahead important for softball teams needing to replace standout pitchers
April 8, 2019
Even before Leechburg’s Morgan Pierce, a four-year starter in the circle, graduated, plans were in place to find her successor.
Deer Lakes softball gets 10-run victory over Valley
Auveonna Perkins connected on a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to put the Vikings ahead of Deer Lakes in Monday’s Section 1-3A softball matchup at Valley.
Volleyball coaches association releases WPIAL boys rankings for Week 3
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 3 boys rankings Monday, and North Allegheny and Derry remain at the top in Class AAA and AA, respectively.
Franklin Regional rallies past Fox Chapel in extra-inning battle
April 5, 2019
The Franklin Regional baseball team fell behind by four runs after three innings of Friday’s Section 1-5A matchup at Fox Chapel.
Kiski Area runner Shreffler has singular focus: PIAAs
April 3, 2019
Kierra Shreffler is on a mission to get to the PIAA Class AAA track and field championships.
Springdale softball rolls past St. Joseph, improves to 3-0
April 2, 2019
The Springdale softball team scored a pair of runs in the second inning of Tuesday’s Section 3-A opener with St. Joseph at Kotecki Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.
North Allegheny, Derry lead WPIAL boys volleyball rankings
April 1, 2019
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 2 boys rankings Monday, and North Allegheny remains at the top in Class AAA.
Coffman hopes to lift Burrell to early-season victory against rival Freeport
Lea Coffman remembers the moment all too well.
Deer Lakes, Kiski Area combine for five titles at Altoona Area Igloo Invitational
March 31, 2019
Athletes from Deer Lakes and Kiski Area represented the WPIAL on Saturday at the 43rd Altoona Area Igloo Invitational at Altoona’s Mansion Park stadium.
Gateway boys lacrosse seeking program’s 1st playoff victory
March 29, 2019
The Gateway varsity boys lacrosse team is an experienced group.
Plum girls lacrosse ready to take next step after trip to postseason
The Plum girls lacrosse team qualified for the WPIAL Class AA playoffs last year in only its second season as a full WPIAL member.
Regular-season marks again will be used for WPIAL track and field qualifying
March 27, 2019
Times, heights and distances recorded during regular-season track and field meets and invitationals again will be used as qualification to the WPIAL championships.
Sewickley Academy boys tennis playing up in Class AAA
The Sewickley Academy and Shady Side Academy boys tennis teams are playing up in Class AAA this season.
Sharrow, Burrell girls again have high expectations for track season
March 26, 2019
Kaylen Sharrow has her sights set on a return to the PIAA championships in the Class AA 300-meter hurdles.
Matheny sets national record at PIAA championships
March 17, 2019
Josh Matheny was witness to history at last year’s PIAA Class AAA swimming championships at Bucknell University.
Fox Chapel’s Manelis, Skirboll earn silver at PIAA swimming/diving championships
March 16, 2019
LEWISBURG — David Manelis wanted to move up the ladder during Saturday’s PIAA Class AAA boys diving championships at Bucknell.
Penn-Trafford’s Sherwin just misses out on PIAA diving medal
LEWISBURG — Penn-Trafford senior Logan Sherwin hoped to snag a top-eight medal in his first opportunity to compete at the PIAA Class AAA state diving championships.Fox Chapel’s Manelis leads WPIAL contingent with runner-up finish at PIAA AAA meet
Last year’s PIAA Class AAA boys diving champion, Chambersburg’s Nick Cover, moved on because of graduation, and that opened the door for several from across the state to ascend to the top of the line.
WPIAL swimmers earn top-eight seeds for Saturday evening’s PIAA Class AAA finals
LEWISBURG — Several WPIAL swimmers are set to compete for state gold on Day 2 of the PIAA Class AAA swimming championships at Bucknell University.
WPIAL swimmers claim 7 state titles on first day of PIAA AAA championships
LEWISBURG — Of the 12 Class AAA swimming state titles earned Thursday on Day 1 of the PIAA championships at Bucknell University, seven were collected by WPIAL individuals or relays.
Westmoreland swimmers, divers come up just short of medal stand at PIAA Class AAA meet
March 15, 2019
Hempfield senior Gavin Mayo was denied a trip to Thursday’s championship finals in the boys PIAA Class AAA 50-yard freestyle by the slimmest of margins.
Fox Chapel freshman Skirboll claims 200 IM title at PIAA Class AAA championships
LEWISBURG — Zoe Skirboll was confident she could go under two minutes in the finals of the 200-yard individual medley Thursday at the PIAA Class AAA swimming championships at Bucknell University.
Penn-Trafford’s Kalik takes 9th at PIAA Class AAA diving championships
WPIAL diving champion Paige Kalik, a senior from Penn-Trafford, led the WPIAL contingent with a ninth-place finish at Friday’s PIAA Class AAA competition.
WPIAL AAA swimmers set for Day 1 championship finals
The championship heats are set for Friday’s boys and girls events at the PIAA Class AAA swim meet at Bucknell University.
WPIAL claims 4 state titles on final day of PIAA AA swimming championships
LEWISBURG – The WPIAL produced four more state champions Thursday at the PIAA Class AA swim meet at Bucknell University.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison takes 3rd in 500 freestyle at PIAA championships
LEWISBURG — Deer Lakes junior Adam Morrison was right next to a pair of history making swims in the boys 500-yard freestyle at the PIAA Class AA swimming championships Thursday at Bucknell University.
Belle Vernon’s Shahan, Spekis claim PIAA swimming gold
March 14, 2019
LEWISBURG — Ian Shahan enjoyed the feeling of winning his first PIAA Class AA championship so much he went out and picked up another.
North Catholic’s Maziarz wins 2nd straight Class AA state diving title
LEWISBURG — North Catholic junior Kyle Maziarz has repeated as PIAA Class AA boys diving champion.
PIAA Class AA Day 2: WPIAL swimmers set for championship finals
A group of WPIAL swimmers punched tickets to the PIAA Class AA Day 2 championship finals set for Thursday evening at Bucknell University.
Trio of WPIAL standouts claim gold on Day 1 of PIAA Class AA swimming and diving championships
LEWISBURG — Northgate-Avonworth’s Karen Siddoway trailed Northern York senior Kate Luft for most of the girls Class AA 200-yard freestyle final Wednesday evening at Bucknell University.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison medals at PIAA Class AA swimming championships
March 13, 2019
LEWISBURG — Adam Morrison swam in the consolation finals of the 200-yard freestyle at last year’s PIAA Class AA championships and finished 15th.
Belle Vernon swimmer Shahan takes PIAA title in 100 butterfly
LEWISBURG — Ian Shahan started Wednesday’s evening session of the PIAA Class AA swimming championships with his Belle Vernon teammates in the boys 200-yard medley relay.
Fox Chapel’s Skirboll aiming high at PIAA swimming championships
There will be a new state champion in the girls Class AAA 100-yard breaststroke.
Several WPIAL individuals, relays qualify for PIAA Class AA championship finals
The championship heats are set for Wednesday’s boys and girls events at the PIAA Class AA swimming meet at Bucknell University, and several from the WPIAL are in contention for state gold.
Ringgold’s Anna Vogt wins PIAA Class AA diving title
Ringgold senior Anna Vogt, the two-time WPIAL champion in Class AA girls diving, added a state championship to her high school portfolio Wednesday afternoon at Bucknell.
A-K Valley swimmers get shot at PIAA gold this week
March 11, 2019
Rachel Halapchuk is a four-time WPIAL medalist with two each in the 100-yard butterfly and 100 backstroke.
Deer Lakes softball hopes to get back on track this season
March 10, 2019
The Deer Lakes softball team was denied a seventh straight section title last spring and suffered a WPIAL first-round exit, an uncharacteristically early exit for the Lancers after advancing to the WPIAL title game five times in the previous six seasons.
Southern trip gives Deer Lakes baseball time to build into winner
Graduation hit the Deer Lakes baseball team hard the past two seasons.
Undefeated Huntingdon pulls away from Highlands boys in state playoffs
March 9, 2019
Hollidaysburg — Highlands boys basketball coach Tyler Stoczynski said he was proud of the way his team battled after early adversity in Friday’s PIAA Class 4A first-round game against Huntingdon.
Gateway’s Livingston ready to chase state record in 100 freestyle
March 8, 2019
Time is of the essence for Gateway junior Olivia Livingston.
Plum swimmers prepare for PIAA championships
Devan Taylor hopes for a repeat performance and more in the girls 100-yard breaststroke Saturday at the PIAA Class AAA championships at Bucknell.
A-K Valley basketball teams use time off to prepare for PIAA tournament
March 7, 2019
Five Alle-Kiski Valley basketball teams have played the waiting game for the PIAA tournament since their elimination from the WPIAL playoffs more than a week ago.
A-K Valley bowlers vie for spots in state tournament at regionals
March 6, 2019
The Burrell girls bowling team hopes for a performance at Saturday’s Western Regional that matches its WPIBL team title captured three weeks ago.
Reigning PIAA champions prepare to defend titles; WPIAL swimmers earn top seeds
March 4, 2019
The WPIAL, as expected, will be well-represented at the PIAA Class AAA and AA swimming and diving championships March 13-16 at Bucknell.
PIAA releases qualifying lists for swimming championships
The PIAA on Monday released the preliminary psych sheets for the swimming and diving state championships set for March 13-16 at Bucknell University.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison outlasts Mars counterpart to capture WPIAL 500 freestyle title
March 1, 2019
Adam Morrison and Andrew Pierre couldn’t be separated.
Fox Chapel’s Skirboll sets WPIAL breaststroke record in claiming gold medal
Zoe Skirboll counted down the days to her first opportunity at the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships.
North Allegheny boys, girls swim teams maintain dominance at WPIAL meet
The North Allegheny boys and girls swim teams reign again.
A-K Valley swimmers earn medals, set records in WPIAL Class AA meet
February 28, 2019
Alle-Kiski Valley swimmers from Fox Chapel, Plum and Kiski Area set the tone with medal-winning finishes, season-best times and several school records in the first session of the WPIAL championships Thursday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Northgate’s Siddoway defends 200 freestyle title at WPIAL Class AA swimming championships
Karen Siddoway had a repeat performance on her mind as she stepped to the starting block for Thursday’s final heat in the girls 200-yard freestyle at the WPIAL Class AA championships.
Fox Chapel girls off to fast start at WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships
The Fox Chapel girls 200-yard freestyle relay kicked off Day 1 of the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships with a fourth-place finish in a school-record time of time of 1 minute, 46.12 seconds.
5 girls swimmers to watch at the WPIAL Class AA championships
February 27, 2019
The WPIAL Class AAA and AA swimming championships will be held Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
5 girls swimmers to watch at the WPIAL Class AAA championships
The WPIAL Class AAA and AA swimming championships will be held Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
A-K Valley freshmen hoping to make splash at WPIAL swimming championships
February 26, 2019
At the start of her first WPIAL swim season in November, Alexis Schrecongost didn’t think she would ascend to the position she is at heading into the WPIAL championships Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Five boys swimmers to watch at the WPIAL Class AA championships
The WPIAL Class AAA and AA swimming championships will be held Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Five boys swimmers to watch at the WPIAL Class AAA championships
The WPIAL Class AAA and AA swimming championships will be held Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Monessen boys repel St. Joseph rally, reach WPIAL semifinals
February 21, 2019
The St. Joseph and Monessen boys basketball teams met Thursday at West Allegheny with a spot in the WPIAL 1A semifinals and a trip to the PIAA tournament on the line.
Fox Chapel quartet ready to perform at WPIAL diving championships
For the second year in a row, Fox Chapel will have four athletes compete at the WPIAL Class AAA boys diving championships at North Allegheny High School.
Trib HSSN Boys Swimmer of the Week: North Allegheny’s Jack Wright
Jack Wright is no stranger to the feeling of high school swimming’s championship season.
Trib HSSN Girls Swimmer of the Week: Freeport’s Ariana Clark
Ariana Clark earned an eighth-place medal in the 100-yard backstroke at last year’s WPIAL Class AA championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
WPIBL boys singles tournament postponed; girls event still on for Thursday
February 20, 2019
Wednesday morning’s winter weather forced Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League officials to postpone the boys singles championship tournament to next Wednesday at 3 p.m. The event will remain at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell.
Thomas Jefferson girls send Plum packing in WPIAL 1st round
February 19, 2019
The Thomas Jefferson girls basketball team won seven of eight games, including five in a row, to close out the regular season.
No. 13 Quaker Valley girls upset No. 4 Freeport in Class 4A 1st round
February 18, 2019
It is often said that when the WPIAL playoffs begin, every team enters with a clean slate.
Livingston, freshmen standouts ready to lead Gateway at WPIAL swim championships
February 15, 2019
Gateway junior Olivia Livingston is a WPIAL champion with four individual titles over her first two appearances at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Trib HSSN Boys Swimmer of the Week: New Castle’s Zachary Bell
Zachary Bell is making the most of his final WPIAL swimming season.
Trib HSSN Girls Swimmer of the Week: Gateway’s Olivia Livingston
Olivia Livingston set the bar for the rest of the WPIAL in the second week of December when she established a time of 23.49 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle against Upper St. Clair.
Knoch’s Cummings takes advantage of sole high school season
February 14, 2019
Matt Cummings is making the most of his first and only high school swimming season.
St. Joseph boys top West Greene for 1st playoff win since 2011
The St. Joseph boys basketball team saw a double-digit first-half lead trimmed to six at halftime of Friday’s WPIAL Class A first-round game at Mt. Lebanon.
Apollo-Ridge girls hold off Burrell in Section 1-4A opener
December 13, 2018
Amid a flurry of activity as the final seconds ticked off the clock in the first half of Thursday's Section 1-4A girls basketball opener between Apollo-Ridge and Burrell, Morgan Gamble released a 3-point shot that banked home. Her successful field goal enabled the Vikings to complete a second-quarter rally from
Freeport volleyball sets sights on state title after coming up short in WPIAL
November 5, 2018
Freeport girls volleyball coach Tom Phillips was in an optimistic mood Monday after his team finished what he called a andquot;pretty upbeat and spirited practice.andquot; The Yellowjackets clean the slate and enter the PIAA Class AA playoffs Tuesday with the hopes of bouncing back from last Thursday's upset loss to
Sewickley Academy’s Hajdukiewicz among goal and point leaders in PIHL Varsity A
November 1, 2018
Matthew Hajdukiewicz leads Sewickley Academy ice hockey with 11 goals and 14 points through five games, and he is second in all of Varsity A in goals and tied for second in points. He has at least one goal in every game and tallied seven points (four goals, three assists)
Avonworth edges Springdale in WPIAL semifinal boys soccer showdown
October 29, 2018
After two close, defensive battles during the regular season, section rivals Avonworth and Springdale expected a similar outcome as they met Monday in the WPIAL Class A semifinals at Mars High School. That's exactly how it played out. Senior Sam Guzzo headed in a crossing pass from fellow senior Jason
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week 8
October 17, 2018
Class 5A Northern Fox Chapel (2-6, 1-4) at Armstrong (3-5, 1-4) 7 p.m. Friday at ESS/NexTier Stadium, Kittanning Last week: Mars 49, Fox Chapel 14; North Hills 20, Armstrong 9 Coaches: Tom Loughran, Fox Chapel; Frank Fabian, Armstrong Top players: Shane Susnak, Fox Chapel (Jr., 5-11, 175, QB); Isaac Ridinger,
Boulos sisters help Deer Lakes capture Section 2-2A girls soccer championship
October 16, 2018
Separated in age by one year and one grade in school, sisters Abigail and Madeline Boulos have their own interests, hobbies and friend groups. At the same time, their close relationship unites them when things such as shopping or listening to music come into play. The quest for academic excellenceGateway hockey continuing to grow at junior varsity level
October 12, 2018
The Gateway ice hockey program is in a rebuilding phase in its second season at the PIHL junior varsity level. With five first-year players and four others in their second year on the 14-player roster, coach Shawn Jesih and his coaching staff are focusing on taking positive steps each practice
QV ice hockey team hopes to bounce back from loss in opener
October 8, 2018
The Quaker Valley varsity ice hockey team hopes to bounce back from a close loss in its opener as it faces Shaler on Tuesday at 9 p.m. at Alpha Ice Complex in Harmarville. The Quakers fired off 40 shots against Moon on Oct. 1 but fell short on the scoreboard,
Sewickley Academy doubles team to play for a trip to states
October 3, 2018
The Sewickley Academy girls tennis duo of Victoria Keller and Alina Mattson will play in the consolation finals of the WPIAL Class AA doubles tournamentMajocha, Davis shine as No. 1 Gateway routs rival Plum
September 8, 2018
The Gateway football team kept rolling Friday night at Plum's Mustangs Stadium. The Gators, No. 1 in the TribHSSN WPIAL 5A rankings and No. 2
Inexperienced Gateway girls tennis team to rely on ‘determination, ‘sprit’
August 31, 2018
As the elder stateswoman and the only senior on the Gateway girls tennis team, Kyah Russell has placed a great deal of responsibility on her
Riverview, Binz ready to display improvement for ’18 season
August 21, 2018
Devon Binz's face lit up when he talked about how the Riverview football team has improved from the end of the 2017 season to now
Josephs returns to bolster defense for WPIAL Class 5A champion Gateway
July 10, 2018
While the Gateway offense grabbed a lot of the headlines last fall during the team's run to the WPIAL Class 5A championship and the PIAA
Gateway’s Davis looks to build on impressive freshman season
July 1, 2018
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team. The players
Highlands basketball tandem on path to recovery
June 28, 2018
Jaharee Holt went after a loose ball heading out of play. She fell, landed awkwardly and felt a pop in her left knee. At that
Gymnast Miller finishes Gateway career strong
June 8, 2018
Olivia Miller knew she would be a gymnast at Pitt since she gave a verbal commitment to the Panthers program as a sophomore at Gateway.
Gateway’s Jackson stays busy at PIAA championships
June 1, 2018
Gateway track and field was well represented in championship meets to close out the 2017 spring campaign, and those performances extended to the PIAA Class
WPIAL Class AA boys volleyball all-star teams announced
May 25, 2018
The WPIAL Class AA boys volleyball all-star first, second and third teams were announced between the Class AA and AAA championships games Thursday night atKiski Area softball holds off Armstrong to clinch playoff spot
May 8, 2018
The Kiski Area softball team is heading back to the playoffs. The Cavaliers topped Armstrong, 4-3, in their Section 1-5A finale Tuesday and clinched their
Deer Lakes boys rally for dramatic victory over rival Derry
April 26, 2018
The Derry boys volleyball team led Deer Lakes two games to none in their Section 2-AA match Thursday at Deer Lakes High School. The Trojans
Valley baseball looking for fast start in Myrtle Beach
March 22, 2018
The Valley baseball team has escaped the grips of the unpredictable March weather in Western Pennsylvania and is opening its season Friday and Saturday with
PIAA releases qualifying lists for state swimming championships
March 6, 2018
The PIAA on Tuesday released the automatic and at-large time qualifying lists for the Class AAA and AA swimming championships March 14 to 17 at
Gateway’s Olivia Livingston collects two WPIAL golds, sets sights on states
March 4, 2018
After defending both of her WPIAL Class AAA individual championships last week at Pitt's Trees Pool, Gateway sophomore Olivia Livingston is setting her sights on
Countdown to WPIALs: Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan hopes for grand debut
February 25, 2018
Tribune-Review sports reporter Michael Love and the TribLive High School Sports Network will be profiling 10 swimmers to watch leading up to the 2018 WPIAL
Countdown to WPIALs: Mt. Pleasant’s Heather Gardner has golden expectations
February 24, 2018
Tribune-Review sports reporter Michael Love and the TribLive High School Sports Network will be profiling 10 swimmers to watch leading up to the 2018 WPIAL
Freeport girls draw familiar opponent in WPIAL’s 1st round
February 13, 2018
The Freeport girls basketball team is experiencing some WPIAL playoff déjà vu. For the second year in a row, the Yellowjackets will face Elizabeth ForwardA-K Valley girls teams hoping for long postseason runs
February 12, 2018
The Leechburg girls basketball team missed the WPIAL playoffs in 2015, but that year, a group of freshmen began to form what would be theA-K Valley girls basketball teams head into final week with playoff spots up for grabs
February 3, 2018
TribLIVE.com Breaking News Alert...Paced by 6 all-stars, Franklin Regional hockey enters home stretch
January 29, 2018
The Franklin Regional ice hockey team is in the thick of a balanced playoff race in the PIHL Class AA South/East division. The Panthers beganArea athletes bring home several firsts from second TSTCA indoor meet
January 28, 2018
The Tri-State Track Coaches Association hosted athletes from all throughout western Pennsylvania for a special Friday meet at Edinboro University. The meet, one of theFranklin Regional swimming and diving team members eye additional qualifying performances
January 16, 2018
The Franklin Regional swimming and diving teams always are well represented at the WPIAL championships at Pitt's Trees Pool. That is expected to be theConfidence growing for Gateway wrestling team
January 7, 2018
The young Gateway wrestling team continues to find its way in the 2017-18 season, and coach Ryan Sula said success on the mat is givingYoung Plum team gaining experience through mat action
December 26, 2017
Plum head wrestling coach Steve Stremple said he is encouraged from what he's seen from the effort of his young team over the first few
Valley looks to add victories with deeper lineup
December 4, 2017
Last year, the Valley girls basketball team struggled with numbers. The Vikings started the season with eight players on the roster and were down to
Freeport volleyball’s stellar defense must step up vs. Corry
November 9, 2017
The Bald Eagle Area and Freeport girls volleyball teams were going back and forth early in the third set of Tuesday's PIAA Class AA first-round
Moon girls edge Mars to defend WPIAL Class AAA title
November 3, 2017
It wasn't easy, but the Moon girls soccer team is a champion again. The Tigers took one-goal leads twice in Friday's WPIAL Class AAA title
WPIAL boys soccer quarterfinal preview capsules for A-K Valley teams
October 24, 2017
Quarterfinals Class AA No. 12 Beaver (7-8-3) vs. No. 4 Deer Lakes (13-3-2) 8 p.m. Wednesday at Seneca Valley On air: Tribhssn.triblive.com Winner plays: No.East Boros Sports Hall of Fame to enshrine newest class
September 30, 2017
Amy (Williams) Scheuneman was a star in soccer, cross county and track and field at Plum High School in the late 1990s. Just a few
A-K Valley boys soccer teams in transition gain early footing
September 11, 2017
The St. Joseph varsity boys soccer team tested its mettle Monday afternoon against an undefeated Freeport squad ranked third in the Tribune-Review's WPIAL Class AAFormer Biglerville coach Elsier to lead Plum girls
August 28, 2017
A summer search at Plum has landed a new varsity girls basketball coach. Steve Elsier, the boys varsity coach at District 3's Biglerville High School
Volleyball coaches association releases weekly rankings, players of the week
September 28, 2020
With two weeks of section and nonsection matches in the books, WPIAL girls volleyball teams in all four classifications prepare to turn their attention to the stretch run in October that leads to the scheduled start of the WPIAL playoffs the week of Oct. 26.
With weapons galore, Gateway QB Carsen Engleka making strong return from broken arm
September 27, 2020
Carsen Engleka was making his case for playing time last year at quarterback in the Gateway offense when a bad break ended his sophomore season.
Gateway tennis building winning culture with more experienced lineup
With a mix of experienced and younger players this fall, the Gateway girls tennis team hopes to continue its overall development with matches that will help it both now and in the future.
Alle-Kiski Valley football notebook: Bye week at bad time for Apollo-Ridge
September 26, 2020
Apollo-Ridge will have a rare, midseason bye week coming up because Summit Academy opted out of the season.
Riverview girls volleyball learning from early season setbacks
Lauren Dugan isn’t taking any of her volleyball practices or matches for granted this fall.
Plum volleyball turns to extensive experience for rebound
The Plum girls volleyball team made the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs in 2017, going 7-5 in section play.
Plum keeps rolling, upends No. 2 Mars
September 25, 2020
Plum averaged 42 points in Greater Allegheny Conference victories over Greensburg Salem and Indiana.
Knoch’s Laura Greb claims 4th WPIAL singles title
Laura Greb is all alone in the history books of WPIAL girls tennis.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 3
Class 5A northeast
Plum girls soccer ready to stare down challengers
September 23, 2020
Plum girls soccer coach Jamie Stewart said his players understand they have bigger targets on their backs this season after making a run last year that produced a trip to the WPIAL Class AAA championship game at Highmark Stadium and the program’s first berth in the PIAA tournament.
WPISL teams gearing up for stretch run
September 22, 2020
With four weeks of action left in the regular season, the varsity teams in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League are preparing for the stretch run to the playoffs.
Freeport starts fast, tops rival Deer Lakes in girls soccer section clash
September 21, 2020
The Freeport girls soccer team came up empty in a 4-0 loss to defending Section 2-AA champion Burrell in its season opener last Thursday.
Top-ranked girls volleyball teams keep positions in coaches rankings
WPIAL girls volleyball competition turns to Week 2, and section races are heating up in the four classifications.
Alle-Kiski Valley flush with volleyball prowess
September 20, 2020
When Plum girls volleyball coach Kelsey Bonk observed her team’s senior night ceremony Thursday before a match with McKeesport, she was reminded of the potential for the season with a rather experienced squad.
Gateway runners stay dedicated to lowering times throughout season
While the PIAA and WPIAL wrangled with the decision to maintain the fall sports seasons or postpone them to 2021, the Gateway boys and girls cross country teams kept churning out miles to be ready to go when called upon.
Gateway volleyball adjusts to move to Class 4A
Gateway girls volleyball coach Phil Randolph said last season ended with a framework established that can lead to a turnaround in the program’s fortunes.
Fox Chapel girls soccer enters new section with deep, talented roster
September 19, 2020
With 11 seniors and seven returning starters leading the way for the 2020 season, the Fox Chapel girls soccer team has its sights set on big things in Section 3-AAAA and beyond.
Low numbers force Riverview soccer teams to cancel seasons
The Riverview boys and girls varsity soccer teams were unable to overcome a numbers game that halted plans for the 2020 season, but boys coach Mickey Namey and girls coach Sean Abraham, along with athletic director Mario Rometo, are hopeful the teams and their players can return to competition in 2021.
Plum girls soccer ready to stare down challengers
Plum girls soccer coach Jamie Stewart said his players understand they have bigger targets on their backs this season after making a run last year that produced a trip to the WPIAL Class AAA championship game at Highmark Stadium and the program’s first-ever berth in the PIAA tournament.
Apollo-Ridge stifles Freeport in nonconference victory
September 18, 2020
On its first play from scrimmage in Friday’s nonconference matchup with Apollo-Ridge, the Freeport offense went to the air.
Indiana’s Beckwith, Kiski Area’s Miller claim titles at unique Kiski Cavalier Invitational
Cool and breezy morning weather gave way to comfortable afternoon temperatures as some of the WPIAL’s top runners kicked off their fall seasons Friday at the Gingerbread Man Kiski Cavalier Invitational at Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 2
Class 5A nonconference
Bethel Park, Plum, North Allegheny earn WPISL Week 2 sweeps
September 14, 2020
Bethel Park, Plum and North Allegheny each recorded doubleheader sweeps during Week 2 of the 2020 Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball season.
Volleyball coaches association reveals WPIAL Week 1 rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association on Monday released its first rankings for the 2020 season.
A-K Valley H.S. football notebook: Leechburg’s prize? A matchup with Clairton
September 12, 2020
It was an explosive debut to the season for the Leechburg football team and a successful debut for coach Randy Walters.
With support of teammates, Freeport QB Garrett King ready to overcome cancer diagnosis
Garrett King was at the top of his game and eager to take over the quarterback reins for the Freeport football team.
Freeport beats Deer Lakes for 10th consecutive time
September 11, 2020
Freeport’s recent dominance over Deer Lakes continues.
Gateway girls soccer aims to peak early in season
September 10, 2020
The Gateway girls soccer team came within penalty kicks of ousting No. 2 Plum in the first round of last year’s WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.
Gateway boys soccer to rely on deep senior class in quest for playoff berth
The Gateway boys soccer team is focused on a return to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time four seasons.
Riverview runners chasing WPIAL, PIAA gold
When Mason Ochs broke the tape at the finish line at last year’s WPIAL Class A cross country championships at Cal (Pa.), he realized his dream of becoming a WPIAL champion.
A-K Valley don’t-miss high school football matchups for Week 1
Here’s a look at some don’t-miss matchups in the A-K Valley for Week 1:
A-K Valley high school football players to watch for Week 1
Dylan Cook
Alle-Kiski Valley girls soccer preview: Burrell back for more
September 9, 2020
The Burrell girls soccer team made program history last year with an undefeated regular season and its first section title since 2005.
Young Freeport hopes to make impression in revamped conference
September 8, 2020
Youth will be served on the Freeport football team as underclassmen will be featured at several key positions.
WPISL opens season with varsity games, JV tournament
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League kicked off its season over the weekend, and in varsity league play Sunday and Monday, Baldwin, Ellwood City, Seneca Valley and Montour picked up doubleheader sweeps.
Coach optimistic Fox Chapel can make strides in Class 5A
September 7, 2020
Tom Loughran has a keen appreciation for the competition in WPIAL Class 5A.
Noel Roach, Penn Hills eye return to championship game
Noel Roach remembers fondly the run to WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A championship in 2018.
WPIAL Class 4A football breakdown: Road to title goes through Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson began its 2019 season with a dominant victory over Canon-McMillan and ended it in Hershey with a 46-7 rout of Dallas for the PIAA Class 4A title.
New Riverview coach hopes to turn around program’s fortunes
September 5, 2020
A new era has begun for Riverview football.
Springdale hopes to start strong against rival
The last shall be first as Springdale prepares for what it expects to be a season unlike any other.
Cross country coaches make tweaks to run meets, generate ‘enthusiasm, optimism’
With the hope of having a fall high school season and understanding meets most likely would take a form unlike any before, cross country coaches throughout the WPIAL collaborated with each other and others from across the country to develop ideas as well as generate enthusiasm and optimism.
Depth, experience to fuel Apollo-Ridge in quest for postseason
September 4, 2020
No matter where Apollo-Ridge coach John Skiba turns on the practice field, he sees a returning starter.
Increased numbers, returning talent fuel Serra Catholic in quest for success
Serra Catholic battled No. 4 Neshannock in last year’s WPIAL Class 2A first round before falling, 31-17.
With numbers up, Shady Side Academy grateful for chance to play this season
Shady Side Academy’s football team made headlines last year when low roster numbers and injuries conspired to cause the forfeit of a Week 5 conference game at Apollo-Ridge.
Gateway keeps focus on championship opportunities
September 3, 2020
Gateway captured a WPIAL championship last year, its second district football title in three years and seventh in the storied history of the program.
Armstrong hopes to improve depth throughout lineup
September 2, 2020
Armstrong went to battle with a rather young and inexperienced team last year, and coach Frank Fabian said that, compounded with a rash of injuries to key players, led to a record he and his returning players hope to improve on this fall.
Move to Class 4A feels like perfect fit for Hampton
Dawson Dietz says it’s a perfect fit.
Realignment lets Knoch reunite with familiar foes
The Knoch football team has a clear goal in mind this season.
Plum hopes to make a splash in move to new classification
After several years of play in WPIAL Class 5A, Plum turns its attention to a new venture this season.
Bethel Park’s Psotka taking Division I volleyball talents to the beach
August 31, 2020
Alexa Psotka is looking forward to putting her feet in the sand on the Atlantic Coast in South Carolina.
Killinger, Plum girls soccer ready for repeat performance
August 30, 2020
Kaitlyn Killinger probably couldn’t have imagined a better start to her high school soccer career.
WPIAL girls tennis preview: Knoch’s Laura Greb has shot at making history
August 28, 2020
Laura Greb wants to make WPIAL tennis history.
No rest for hungry Avonworth after historic run
August 26, 2020
It was a season to remember for the Avonworth football team.
Hockey players, parents urge Pa. to change indoor sports regulations
Hockey parents and players gathered at Center Ice Arena in Delmont on Wednesday evening to call for changes to the state government mandate limiting indoor athletic events.
PIHL plans to delay varsity season unless indoor restrictions are changed
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League on Wednesday sent information to officials from each league member detailing the status of its varsity, junior varsity and middle school seasons based on the state-government mandate of a 25-person limit for indoor gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite graduation losses, Thomas Jefferson retains title aspirations
August 23, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the first installment of Trib HSSN’s high school football preview series. One WPIAL conference will be previewed each day through Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Fox Chapel’s Zoe Skirboll excited about decision to swim at Virginia
August 19, 2020
Zoe Skirboll was not cavalier when she made the announcement Tuesday of her verbal commitment to swim for the Virginia Cavaliers.
Burrell stadium renovation project moves ahead
August 18, 2020
The renovation of Buccaneers Stadium at Burrell High School continues forward, and the project now is expected to be completed in about a month, athletic director Drake D’Angelo said Tuesday.
Slow-pitch softball league planning ‘full bore’ for upcoming season
August 16, 2020
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League’s 15th fall season is scheduled to begin Labor Day weekend.
Bethel Park’s Emily Carter commits to run at Oklahoma State
August 14, 2020
Emily Carter is heading west to continue her cross country and track and field pursuits.
Allderdice girls soccer workouts suspended amid positive covid-19 test
The Allderdice girls soccer team will not hold conditioning workouts for two weeks after one of its players tested positive for covid-19.
PIHL in a holding pattern, hoping to start season on time
The PIHL hopes to begin its 2020-21 season in early October, but league officials and teams are waiting for clarity on certain issues before going full speed ahead.
Plum’s Max Matolcsy verbally commits to Penn
August 8, 2020
Max Matolcsy wanted to wait until his birthday to announce his college decision.
Frank Morea, pillar of Kiski Area football program, dies at age 90
August 7, 2020
Richard “Dick” Dilts and Frank Morea were opponents on the football field in high school in the mid 1940s.
AD job at Eden Christian leads Latrobe grad back to Western Pennsylvania
August 4, 2020
Mark Ackerman’s journey both in and out of sports the past three decades has brought him home to western Pennsylvania.
Belle Vernon edges Summer Rams in WPSBL quarterfinals
August 3, 2020
The Summer Rams (Highlands) baseball team saw its run in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoffs come to an end in the quarterfinals Monday evening.
Plum’s Matolcsy to reveal his college choice Saturday
The college football recruiting process for Max Matolcsy is close to coming to an end.
Summer Rams rally past Thomas Jefferson for berth in WPSBL quarterfinals
July 31, 2020
The Summer Rams (Highlands) baseball team stayed alive in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoffs Thursday evening with a come-from-behind 8-6 victory over Thomas Jefferson in a second-round game halted after six innings because of darkness.
Irwin Area wins 2, advances to WPSBL semifinals
The Irwin Area summer baseball team doubled its pleasure Thursday evening at Gateway High School, and it now is just two wins away from a Western Pennsylvania Baseball League tournament title.
Summer Rams open WPSBL playoff tournament with victory
July 30, 2020
Playing their first game in more than two weeks, the Summer Rams (Highlands) topped Bethel Park, 9-5, on Wednesday at Gateway High School in a first-round contest in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoff tournament.
New coach Sakolsky brings experience, enthusiasm to Shaler hockey program
July 29, 2020
After two seasons away from coaching high school hockey, Cory Sakolsky is back.
WPIAL swimmers earn NISCA All-American laurels
July 21, 2020
Several WPIAL swimming standouts recently were honored as All-Americans by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association for times recorded during the 2019-20 season.
Minus international players, FIBI forges ahead with full schedule of baseball
July 20, 2020
For nearly four months, Freeport International Baseball Invitational officials closely monitored updates on the coronavirus pandemic.
New Riverview football coach Trevor George hopes to build momentum through summer workouts
July 16, 2020
When Trevor George was hired as the head coach of the Riverview football team, he hit the ground running with workout and conditioning sessions that helped him get to know better the players with whom he would be working.
WPIAL grads come to grips with PSAC’s decision to suspend sports for fall semester
July 15, 2020
Michael Marisco walked the golf course as often as possible over the past couple of months.
Carlynton’s Nathan Milsom honored by Athletic Administrator’s Association
July 8, 2020
Nathan Milsom loves to challenge himself.
Gateway players glad to compete in thriving summer baseball league
July 7, 2020
Born out of the cancellation of the spring high school season and the summer American Legion schedule, the Monroeville Gators, a group of players from Gateway and one from South Fayette, have mixed the fun of playing summer baseball with a focus on winning games in the Western Pennsylvania Baseball League.
Shady Side Academy discontinues use of Indians mascot
July 1, 2020
The Shady Side Academy Indian mascot, in use since 1936, will be discontinued effective immediately, the school announced Wednesday.
Plum bats stay dangerous in WPBL victory
June 29, 2020
A six-run fifth inning turned out to be the difference for Plum in an 11-7 victory over the Independent Players in Western Pennsylvania Baseball League action Monday at Valley High School.
Getting chance to play is great, but Plum’s WPBL team gunning for a title, too
Denny Ayres is getting ready to attend West Virginia with a mechanical and aerospace engineering course of study.
Valley News Dispatch girls athlete of the year: Shemanski leaves lasting legacy at Freeport
June 28, 2020
From the time she stepped on the soccer field at Freeport in fall of 2016 to when she put on her Yellowjackets girls basketball uniform for the final time this season, Sidney Shemanski was a difference maker.
Leechburg’s Andre Carter takes over athletic director post at challenging time
June 26, 2020
When Andre Carter came to Leechburg in August 2018 to coach the girls basketball team, he noted player development as one of his strengths.
Western Pa. Baseball League gives Summer Rams seniors last chance to take field together
Highlands baseball coach Jeff Campbell was heartbroken knowing his players were not going to have their high school season when schools were shut down in late March in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tanner Nulph, Summer Rams prevail in WPBL opener
June 24, 2020
Tanner Nulph first helped the Summer Rams at the plate in Wednesday evening’s Western Pennsylvania Baseball League game at Valley High School.
Plum comes out swinging, rolls past Jeannette in Western Pa. Baseball League opener
June 23, 2020
Plum and Jeannette didn’t let the threat of rain spoil their Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League opener Tuesday evening at Buster Clarkson Field in Jeannette.
Kiski Area’s Miller finds swim home after being victim of budget cuts
June 13, 2020
On May 21, East Carolina’s athletic department announced it would reduce the number of athletic programs because of budget restructuring efforts in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.
New Western Pa. high school QB award honors trailblazer Willie Thrower
June 8, 2020
Starting this fall, the top quarterback among schools in the WPIAL and City League will receive an award named in honor of the NFL’s first African-American signal-caller.
Renovations underway on Buccaneers Stadium in Burrell
June 7, 2020
As soon as the Burrell School Board voted unanimously in March to renovate Buccaneers Stadium with artificial turf and replace the surrounding track, anticipation began.
Cheswick Christian Academy pastor and ex-basketball coach ‘doing well’ after heart transplant
June 5, 2020
Clinton Blazevich returned to Allegheny General Hospital on Thursday for a test to see how everything is progressing with his new heart. His numbers, he said, continue to move in the right direction.
Senior Spotlight: Final tennis season wiped out, but South Park senior’s golf game in full swing
June 3, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Avonworth football standout enjoyed one-year run with OLSH volleyball
June 2, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Norwin outside hitter follows 5 siblings into college volleyball
May 30, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Ambridge libero gets jump-start into workforce
May 27, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Tennis phenom hoped to make impact in lone season at Greensburg Salem
May 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: All-state honors were a highlight for Shaler volleyball teammates
May 21, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Valley seniors planning for careers in service of others
May 19, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the 17th in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
New South Park girls soccer coach excited for opportunity at alma mater
May 18, 2020
For T.J. O’Brien, there’s no place like home.
In the midst of challenges, Don Holl settling in as Gateway’s athletic director
May 17, 2020
Don Holl’s first official day as Gateway’s new athletic director was March 13.
PIHL cancels remaining playoff games from 2019-20 season
In a move it hoped to avoid, the PIHL on Sunday afternoon canceled the remainder of the unplayed playoff games from the 2019-20 season.
Norwin’s Crosby, Phipps finished high school athletic careers in style
May 16, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the 14th in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Tennis success has led to teaching opportunities for City League singles champ
May 15, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Veshio tabbed to lead perennially powerful Quaker Valley boys soccer program
May 14, 2020
As a member of the boys soccer team at Quaker Valley from 1999-2002, J.J. Veshio was a part of successful squads that won PIAA and WPIAL championships and added a state runner-up finish under the direction of revered coach Gene Klein.
Senior Spotlight: Beaver County Christian volleyball standout hoped to repay leadership debt
May 12, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Plum’s Montue excited about joining Oakland University women’s basketball program
May 11, 2020
Kennedie Montue established a quick connection with Oakland University during her college recruiting journey.
Senior Spotlight: Allderdice tennis standout turns attention toward career at Lehigh
May 10, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Franklin Regional seniors Huczko, Hudson in contention for excellence awards
May 6, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the fourth in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Hempfield outside hitter turns focus to Penn State career
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Shady Side Academy earns national athletic trainers award
May 4, 2020
The National Athletic Trainers Association has recognized Shady Side Academy with its Safe Sports School 2nd Team Award for its athletic training program under the direction of head trainer Chris Rose and assistant Brynn Mahoney.
Burrell’s Feroce, Malits reflect on stellar careers
Editor’s note: This is the second in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Bedi hoped to lead Sewickley Academy tennis on one final title run
May 3, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Bethel Park’s Boff sought to expand on-court versatility
May 2, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Knoch senior upbeat despite disappointing ending to long rehab road
May 1, 2020
James Johnston was ready.
Senior Spotlight: WPIAL singles champion hoped to build on success
April 28, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Artistry expands beyond the volleyball court for Ambridge’s Liam Buck
April 26, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Big 26 Baseball Classic canceled
April 23, 2020
The Big 26 Baseball Classic, the annual summer all-star competition between rising high school juniors and seniors from Pennsylvania and Maryland, will not take place this year in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Valley tennis standout Odrey knocking off the rust
April 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Penn Hills’ Collins preparing for a 2-sport college career
April 21, 2020
AJ Collins is seeing with double vision as he will join both the men’s soccer and baseball teams at Penn State New Kensington.
St. Joseph baseball looks to build off breakout 2019 season
March 19, 2020
The St. Joseph baseball team is coming off a breakout season as it qualified for the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2000 and scored an upset victory in the opening round.
St. Joseph softball brings back plenty of experience
The St. Joseph softball program enjoyed a two-year run to the WPIAL playoffs in 2017 and ‘18, the first two such seasons in its history.
PIAA finalizes Class AAA swimming and diving team standings, second-day champions and medalists
March 14, 2020
The PIAA has finalized the Class AAA swimming and diving team standings reflecting the results from Thursday’s second-day swims.
Class AA swimmers in limbo as coronavirus concerns put state finals on hiatus
Braden Zukowski and his Knoch swimming and diving teammates were eating breakfast about 10 minutes away from Bucknell on Thursday when they got the news the PIAA had postponed Friday and Saturday’s Class AA championship for two weeks because of the ongoing safety response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gateway’s Livingston caps decorated career with pair of PIAA medals
March 13, 2020
It is often said all good things must come to an end.
PA State Bowling Championships postponed because of coronavirus
In a joint statement, Pennsylvania regional and state bowling tournament directors Dana W. Brown and Shawn Pilyih have announced the PA State Bowling Championships, set for Friday and Saturday at North Versailles Bowl, have been postponed indefinitely as part of the safety response to the coronavirus outbreak.
North Allegheny duo earns medals at PIAA Class AAA girls diving championships
March 12, 2020
North Allegheny junior Maya Ennis placed 19th two years ago in her first trip to the PIAA Class AAA diving championship at Bucknell.
WPIAL swimmers leave shortened PIAA Class AAA championships with mixed emotions
A range of emotions, from sadness to frustration, enveloped the faces of Class AAA swimmers and coaches, as well as family members and other spectators, when the PIAA announced Thursday that consolation and championship finals would not take place due to coronavirus concerns.
Swimmers from North Allegheny, Fox Chapel claim Class AAA state gold
March 11, 2020
A trio of WPIAL swimmers took home PIAA Class AAA championships Wednesday on the first day of competition at Bucknell.
Fast, focused Fox Chapel freshman swims to PIAA gold
Sophie Shao said she was calm, cool and collected in the minutes before her PIAA championship finals swim in the girls Class AAA 100-yard butterfly Wednesday evening at Bucknell.
Norwin’s Tulenko picks up pair of medals at PIAA swim meet
Ethan Tulenko turned a double play Wednesday at the PIAA Class AAA swimming and diving championships at Bucknell.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison looks to add PIAA gold to medal collection
Deer Lakes senior Adam Morrison owns two WPIAL gold medals in the Class AA boys 500-yard freestyle. He won his second straight title Feb. 28 at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Fox Chapel’s Manelis earns bronze at PIAA Class AAA boys diving championships
Fox Chapel junior David Manelis led the WPIAL contingent with a third-place finish in the Class AAA boys diving championship Thursday at Bucknell University.
Gateway’s Livingston among WPIAL swimmers advancing to finals of PIAA swimming Day 1
Olivia Livingston is set to compete for her fourth PIAA championship in the Class AAA girls 50-yard freestyle.
Fox Chapel freshman in position to claim state swimming gold
March 9, 2020
Sophie Shao was the No. 1 seed in the 100-yard butterfly at the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool, and the Fox Chapel freshman turned away all challengers for her first taste of championship gold.
Father’s recovery from injuries motivates Kiski Area swimmer Levi Hansen
March 7, 2020
Levi Hansen had one of the swims of his life Feb. 28 at the WPIAL Class AAA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Plum’s Decheck earns shot to compete with best in state
March 6, 2020
Joey Decheck swims this week at the PIAA Class AAA championships at Bucknell.
Riverview, Freeport girls basketball ready to knock off rust
March 5, 2020
The Riverview and Freeport girls basketball teams saw their stay in the WPIAL playoffs end with quarterfinal losses Feb. 20.
Plum senior Cocca raring to go for regional bowling championships
March 4, 2020
Vincent Cocca knows all about bowling at the state championships.
Fox Chapel, Knoch girls basketball see state playoff dreams fall short
March 2, 2020
The Knoch and Fox Chapel girls basketball teams gained rooting interests in their respective WPIAL playoff tournaments after both lost in the quarterfinal round Feb. 20 and 21, respectively.
Several A-K Valley swimmers earn spots in PIAA meet
March 1, 2020
The PIAA released its preliminary psych sheets Sunday morning for the state swimming and diving championships March 11-14 at Bucknell, and the Alle-Kiski Valley is well represented.
PIAA releases preliminary psych sheets for state swimming and diving championships
After two days of championship swims and other top performances at Pitt’s Trees Pool, WPIAL individuals and relays now are preparing for the PIAA Class AAA and AA meets March 11-14 at Bucknell.
Belle Vernon’s Shahan edges 100 freestyle rival to highlight WPIAL Class AA meet
February 28, 2020
Both Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan and Neshannock’s Conner McBeth surpassed Shahan’s 100-yard freestyle WPIAL record from last year when the rivals swam neck-and-neck through Friday’s race at the WPIAL Class AA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison stays atop 500 freestyle mountain at WPIAL meet
Adam Morrison was the hunted in the Class AA boys 500-yard freestyle at the WPIAL swimming championships Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Fox Chapel girls place 3rd at WPIAL Class AAA swim championships
The Fox Chapel girls 200-yard medley relay kicked off the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships Thursday with a school record and a third-place medal.
Deer Lakes swimmers take second, third in hotly contested 200 free at WPIAL meet
February 27, 2020
There weren’t any floats or marching bands at Thursday’s WPIAL Class AA swimming championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool, but there was a sizable parade of Alle-Kiski Valley individuals and relay teams to the medal podium in the session’s six events.
Fox Chapel freshman brings home WPIAL swimming gold
Sophie Shao was full of energy and smiling from ear to ear when she came off the podium after receiving her gold medal in the WPIAL Class AAA girls 100-yard butterfly Thursday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Buerger’s triumph helps North Allegheny girls to Day 1 lead at WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships
Butler’s Laura Goettler was going after a four-peat in the Class AAA girls 200-yard individual medley on the first day of the WPIAL swimming championships Thursday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
East Allegheny, Seton LaSalle girls clinch spots in PIAA Class 3A tournament
February 26, 2020
A pair of Class 3A girls basketball teams clinched spots in the PIAA playoffs Wednesday based on results of WPIAL semifinal matchups at West Allegheny.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison leads talented A-K Valley contingent into WPIAL Class AA swim meet
Deer Lakes senior Adam Morrison has two main individual goals when he arrives at the WPIAL Class AA swimming championships Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Six more WPIAL basketball teams clinch berths to states, two others stay alive
February 25, 2020
Eight WPIAL basketball teams from boys Class 5A and 2A and girls Class 6A and A punched tickets to this weekend’s championship games at the Petersen Events Center with semifinal victories Tuesday evening.
Next wave of Fox Chapel freshmen set for WPIAL swimming championships
Zoe Skirboll burst onto the high school swimming scene last year as a freshman for Fox Chapel, capturing gold medals and setting records at the WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA championships.
Baldwin, Moon claim team titles at PA Classic gymnastic championships
February 24, 2020
Baldwin and Moon brought home team titles at the PA Classic gymnastics state championship meet Saturday at Moon High School.
Monday’s WPIAL semifinal results clinch PIAA berths for 8 teams
With their WPIAL quarterfinal victories, 24 boys and 24 girls basketball teams kept championship dreams alive.
Quartet of Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball teams hopeful for PIAA playoff spot
February 23, 2020
Despite losses in the WPIAL quarterfinals, Fox Chapel, Riverview, Freeport and Knoch remain alive for the PIAA girls basketball playoffs that begin March 6.
Bethel Park girls pull away from Fox Chapel in Class 6A quarterfinals
February 21, 2020
Bethel Park and Fox Chapel were locked in a low-scoring struggle through three quarters of Friday’s WPIAL 6A first-round game at North Hills.
Plum girls learn from playoff loss to Penn Hills
With 2 minutes, 4 seconds left in the third quarter of its WPIAL Class 5A first-round game against Penn Hills at Fox Chapel, the Plum girls basketball team held a four-point lead and hoped to expand it toward the program’s first playoff victory since 2002.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Maeve Kelley, Winchester Thurston
Maeve Kelley has made the most of her freshman swim season representing Winchester Thurston as an independent.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Henry Miller, Southmoreland
For most of this winter high school sports season, Henry Miller pulled double duty, representing Southmoreland both as an independent swimmer and as a member of the wrestling team.
Bishop Canevin girls put stop to Riverview’s run
February 20, 2020
After coming from behind to pull off a mild upset of No. 7 Burgettstown in the first round of the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs last week, the Riverview girls basketball team hoped to keep its winning ways intact Thursday against No. 2 Bishop Canevin at Hampton.
Alle-Kiski Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 21, 2020
Boys
Seton LaSalle girls get revenge on Deer Lakes
February 19, 2020
For the second year in a row, the Deer Lakes and Seton LaSalle girls basketball teams met in the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.
Alle-Kiski Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 20, 2020
Today’s games
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Scrimmages keep Fox Chapel sharp
When the Fox Chapel girls basketball team plays No. 1 Bethel Park on Friday in the WPIAL 6A quarterfinals at North Hills, 11 days will have passed since its regular-season finale, a 49-31 victory over Armstrong on Feb. 10.
Penn Hills girls pull away from Plum late to advance in Class 5A playoffs
February 18, 2020
The Penn Hills and Plum girls basketball teams, longstanding section rivals in the old Class AAAA, hadn’t played in more than four years until the WPIAL brought them together Tuesday for a Class 5A first-round game at Fox Chapel.
A-K Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 19, 2020
Girls
Top bowlers to compete for WPIBL individual titles
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League crowned its team champions last week as the Central Catholic boys and Greensburg Salem girls took home top honors.
Knoch girls use defense, free-throw shooting to hold down New Castle
February 17, 2020
It wasn’t easy for the Knoch girls basketball team in its WPIAL Class 4A first-round game against New Castle on Monday at Fox Chapel.
A-K Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games for Feb. 18, 2020
Tuesday’s games
A-K Valley girls basketball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, Feb. 17, 2020
February 16, 2020
Monday’s games
Riverview girls rally past Burgettstown, end playoff losing streak
February 14, 2020
Despite a 10-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, the Riverview girls basketball team would not be denied its first WPIAL playoff victory since 2016.
Plum swimmers ‘can’t wait’ for WPIAL championships
With the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool fast approaching, Plum coach Shawn Haupt has double vision.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Brooke Welling, Freeport
Brooke Welling ranks among the top swimmers in the girls 100-yard freestyle in WPIAL Class AA.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: John Guilinger, Central Catholic
John Guilinger began his final varsity swim season at Central Catholic with both peace of mind and added energy after finalizing his decision to attend Penn State during the signing period in November.
A-K Valley basketball playoff capsules: Friday, Feb. 14, 2020
February 13, 2020
Friday’s games
Central Catholic tops Hempfield to win WPIBL boys team title
February 12, 2020
Central Catholic outdueled Hempfield in the championship match to capture the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League boys team title Wednesday evening at Nesbit’s Lanes in Plum.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Plum faces old foe Penn Hills
The last time the Plum and Penn Hills girls basketball teams met was Jan. 29, 2016, when the Indians stymied the Mustangs, 45-23, in Section 2-AAAA.
Young Deer Lakes girls basketball team hopes to continue growth in playoffs
Playoff expectations were high when the Deer Lakes girls basketball team opened camp.
Knoch draws highest seed among A-K Valley girls basketball playoff teams
February 11, 2020
Last year at this time, Knoch girls basketball coach Chris Andreassi and the Knights faithful were still exhaling from a WPIAL Section 1-4A playoff chase that went down to the final day of the regular season.
Freeport girls honor seniors, tune up for playoffs with win over Deer Lakes
February 10, 2020
Former and most likely future section foes met Monday in a nonsection tuneup for the WPIAL girls basketball playoffs.
Fox Chapel diver hopes to take next step at WPIALs, reach states
Two years ago, five members of the Fox Chapel boys diving team earned qualifying marks for the WPIAL Class AAA championships at North Allegheny.
Bowling teams turn attention to WPIBL championship tournaments
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League regular season has concluded, and the top individual bowlers and teams are shifting their focus to championship opportunities at the local, regional and state levels.
Shegog’s buzzer-beating layup lifts Gateway over Plum for Section 2-5A title
February 7, 2020
The winner-take-all game Friday between Gateway and Plum for the girls Section 2-5A championship wasn’t the prettiest, but the Gators gladly accepted the outcome.
Quartet of Knoch divers hope to make ripple at WPIALs
Aryanna Napora set a goal at the beginning of her high school career to qualify for the PIAA Class AA diving championships all four years.
Trib HSSN Boys Swimmer of the Week: Northgate’s Cooper Groll
In his first swim of his first WPIAL Class AA championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool two years ago, Cooper Groll landed in the record books.
Trib HSSN Girls Swimmer of the Week: North Allegheny’s Olivia Kisow
In her four events at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool, Olivia Kisow stood on the medals podium after each one.
Plum girls basketball has chance to add to school’s growing trophy collection
February 5, 2020
Last spring, the Plum softball team claimed a section championship, sharing the Section 2-5A title with Hampton.
Harvest Baptist’s Sidwell reaches 1,000-point milestone
Jared Sidwell is the leading scorer for the Harvest Baptist Academy boys basketball team.
A-K Valley girls basketball notes: Knoch girls count on Lauren Cihonski at crunch time
Lauren Cihonski knew the feeling of producing clutch points to clinch a victory for the Knoch girls basketball team.
Holloway hits 1,000 points as Freeport tops Fox Chapel in battle of playoff-bound teams
February 4, 2020
Both the Fox Chapel and Freeport girls basketball teams suffered close section losses Monday, and opportunity presented itself Tuesday for one of them to quickly get back in the win column as the teams went head to head in nonsection play at Fox Chapel.
Riverview wraps up playoff spot with dominant senior-night win over Brentwood
February 3, 2020
The Riverview girls basketball team honored its six seniors — Francesca Lio, Sydney McDonough, Annie Betler, Alivia Schultheis, Alyssa Cappa and Mikaela Collins — before Monday’s tip off with Section 2-2A rival Brentwood.
Riverview pair gearing up for WPIAL swim meet
As a freshman, Beth Shoop declared her independence as the only high school varsity swimmer from Riverview.
Burrell wrestling rolls to 14th consecutive WPIAL team championship
February 1, 2020
The Burrell wrestling team began the WPIAL Class AA tournament Wednesday with a dominant quarterfinal victory over Beth-Center.
Trib HSSN Boys Swimmer of the Week: North Hills’ Joshua Bogniard
January 31, 2020
Joshua Bogniard continues to make his move up the swim ranks in WPIAL Class AAA.
Trib HSSN Girls Swimmer of the Week: Laurel Highlands’ Elizabeth Thomas
At last year’s WPIAL Class AA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool, Elizabeth Thomas was one of two freshmen to medal in the girls 100-yard backstroke.
Burrell wrestling locked in on pursuit of 14th straight WPIAL team title
Over the past 14 years, teams have come and teams have gone from the WPIAL Class AA team wrestling final four.
Burrell wrestling dominates Beth-Center, advances to WPIAL team semifinals
January 29, 2020
The Burrell wrestling team left no doubt it was ready to defend its WPIAL Class AA team championship as it kicked off this year’s tournament in dominant fashion on its home mat Wednesday.
Freeport girls basketball making postseason push with healthy Shemanski
Sidney Shemanski appreciates the ability to be on the court with her Freeport teammates.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Deer Lakes solidifies playoff spot
Deer Lakes took a seven-point lead at halftime of Monday’s Section 3-3A matchup with Steel Valley, but a 20-1 third quarter in favor of the Lancers left no doubt in the 49-32 result.
WPIBL regular season winding down to final two weeks
January 28, 2020
With two weeks left in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League’s regular season, teams and individuals are jockeying for championship-tournament positioning with some still fighting to qualify for the postseason.
Fox Chapel tops Shaler for key victory in WPIAL playoff chase
January 27, 2020
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team took one step closer to what it hopes is a trip to the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs with a 44-32 home victory over Shaler on Monday.
Fox Chapel swimmers ready to take run at section title
The Fox Chapel girls swimming and diving team went undefeated in 2016-17 and captured a section championship.
Hannah Potter makes surprise comeback for Kiski Area girls basketball
January 26, 2020
When Hannah Potter suffered a broken wrist in Kiski Area girls basketball’s opener, she and others thought her season would be lost because of the nature of the injury and the recovery time needed.
Kiski Area’s Potter returns to lineup after recovery from wrist injury
January 25, 2020
Hannah Potter is back.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Upper St. Clair’s Taylor Connors
January 24, 2020
Longtime followers of swimming at Upper St. Clair and throughout the WPIAL will remember the exploits of freestyler Merel Hommen.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Montour’s Alex May
Alex May was on a mission Monday as he set out to break the Montour school record in the boys 100-yard breaststroke.
Plum’s Kvortek looks forward to WPIAL gymnastics championships
Sarah Kvortek fell in love with gymnastics after being introduced to the sport during a friend’s birthday party at Gymkhana in Plum while in first grade.
Freeport girls run win streak to seven, top Burrell to clinch playoff spot
January 23, 2020
The Freeport girls basketball team hasn’t lost since a Jan. 2 setback at North Catholic.
Kiski Area freshmen to square off at WCCA swim meet
Freshmen Parker Sterlitz and Levi Hansen are no strangers to head-to-head competition as the Kiski Area teammates grew up battling each other at various club meets.
Freshmen making impact all over A-K Valley girls basketball scene
January 22, 2020
From the first game of this season, Nina Shaw was a focal point of the gameplan for the Knoch girls basketball team.
A-K Valley basketball notebook: Plum’s Kennedie Montue eclipses 1,000 points
Kennedie Montue has shown a keen scoring touch the past three seasons for the Plum girls basketball team.
Knoch rallies from early deficit to take down Indiana in section action
January 20, 2020
With just three minutes gone in Monday’s Section 1-4A matchup at Knoch, the Indiana girls basketball team held a 10-2 lead and hoped to take control.
Cheswick Christian girls playing inspired basketball
Veteran experience, team balance and ongoing inspiration from its former coach are just a few things, first-year Cheswick Christian Academy girls basketball coach Jacque Willis said, that have contributed to the team’s strong performance.
Penn State names former Purdue standout Stubblefield new wide receivers coach
January 19, 2020
Taylor Stubblefield set Big Ten and national records as a wide receiver at Purdue, and he now hopes to lift Penn State’s receiving corps to similar lofty heights.
Gateway girls refocus for 2nd half of section play
January 18, 2020
After a 14-point loss to Section 2-5A rival Plum on Jan. 13 at Furrie Sports Complex, Gateway girls basketball team members held a players-only meeting to share their thoughts about the game and the overall state of the season heading into the second half of section play.
Apollo-Ridge rolls past Burrell for fourth straight victory
January 16, 2020
The Apollo-Ridge girls basketball team is about to embark on a crucial stretch of Section 1-4A games with matchups against North Catholic, Indiana, Knoch and Freeport.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Moon’s Nicholas Settembrine
Nicholas Settembrine collected four medals — two individual and two in relays — at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Thomas Jefferson’s Hallie Findlan
Thomas Jefferson junior Hallie Findlan owns the top time in the Class AA girls 50-yard freestyle, according to the qualifying lists recently posted at WPIAL.org.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Big game with Butler up next for Fox Chapel
January 15, 2020
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team opens the second half of Section 1-6A play Thursday at Butler in a game head coach Marty Matvey called crucial for its chances at a WPIAL playoff spot.
Improving Riverview girls excited to tackle second half of section schedule
With a collection of experienced varsity players returning for this season, Riverview girls basketball coach Keith Stitt voiced an optimistic tone throughout preseason practices and scrimmages.
Plum limits section rival Gateway to win battle for first place
January 14, 2020
The Plum girls basketball team got defensive Monday against rival Gateway in a battle for first place in Section 2-5A.
Knoch swimmer Braden Zukowski takes nothing for granted in WPIAL title quest
January 13, 2020
Knoch’s Braden Zukowski finished third overall in the boys 100-yard breaststroke at last year’s WPIAL Class AA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
A-K Valley high school bowlers score big
January 10, 2020
Kristin Womeldorf capped 2019 with one of the highest girls averages in all of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League.
McKeesport’s Swin Cash named finalist for Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Former McKeesport basketball standout Swin Cash-Canal, who went on to star in college at Connecticut, in the WNBA and for Team USA in the Olympics, is one of 12 finalists for induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Kiski Area tops Burrell in annual mat battle between neighboring rivals
Kiski Area senior Jared Curcio understands the rivalry.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: South Fayette’s Abbie Duncan
January 9, 2020
Abbie Duncan sees the potential for a memorable final season with the South Fayette swim team.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Indiana’s Isaac Griffith
Isaac Griffith finished all alone at the top in the boys 100-yard butterfly at the West Allegheny Invitational on Dec. 28.
Players selected for PIHL all-star games
The players selected for the PIHL all-star games Jan. 26 at the Robert Morris University’s Island Sports Center have been released.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Knoch, Freeport set for key section game
January 8, 2020
The Knoch and Freeport girls basketball teams took care of business in their respective Section 1-4A games Monday evening.
Prolific Plum playmaker Kennedie Montue growing her game
Kennedie Montue has not slowed down in the new year.
Deer Lakes rolls to section win over East Allegheny
January 6, 2020
The Deer Lakes girls basketball team plays three Section 3-3A games this week, and the Lancers got off to a good start Monday with a 62-41 victory over East Allegheny.
Freeport swimmer Lexi Schrecongost on track for impressive second act
Lexi Schrecongost is hoping for an encore and more after a freshman swimming season that saw her earn four WPIAL medals, including an individual bronze in the girls Class AA 100-yard breaststroke.
WPIAL athletes shine at 1st Tri-State Coaches indoor meet
January 5, 2020
Temperatures outside were cold Saturday, but inside at the Edinboro’s Sports and Recreation Center, competition quickly heated up as some of the top track and field athletes in the region gathered for the season’s first Tri-State Track Coaches Association meet.
Gateway’s Whiteside ready to earn trip to state tournament
January 4, 2020
Evan Whiteside has designs on competing at the PIAA wrestling championships in March.
Trib HSSN’s girls swimmer of the week: Mt. Lebanon’s Maddie Dorish
January 3, 2020
Maddie Dorish has picked up where she left off last March for the Mt. Lebanon girls swim team.
Trib HSSN’s boys swimmer of the week: North Allegheny’s Josh Galecki
Josh Galecki knows the feeling of winning gold in relay events at both the WPIAL and PIAA swimming championships.
North Catholic tops Freeport in matchup of section leaders
January 2, 2020
Despite facing a 21-point deficit after three quarters of Thursday’s Section 1-4A contest at North Catholic, the Freeport girls basketball team didn’t wave the white flag.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Deer Lakes leaning on defense
January 1, 2020
The defense is not resting for the Deer Lakes girls basketball team.
Knoch girls basketball team refuses to get complacent
The Knoch girls basketball team found itself in a dogfight last season for a spot in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs.
Top 10 A-K Valley sports moments of 2019
December 30, 2019
As the sun sets on another year in local sports, it’s time to look back on the best stories of 2019 in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
Deer Lakes boys basketball tournament to begin Saturday after postponement
December 28, 2019
The Deer Lakes boys basketball tournament will begin Saturday evening after Friday’s first-day doubleheader was postponed because of water leakage in the high school gymnasium.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Heather Gardner
Heather Gardner put pen to paper last month on the first day of the National Letter of Intent signing period for swimming and finalized her commitment to Division I Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan
Ian Shahan entered the 2019-20 high school swimming season as the hunted.
Fox Chapel girls pull away to beat Knoch in Shady Side tournament
December 27, 2019
A jumper from Knoch senior forward Lauren Cihonski 40 seconds into Friday’s matchup with Fox Chapel at the Shady Side Academy Tournament gave the Knights a two-point lead.
Fox Chapel girls showing glimpses of potential
In the latter stages of the third quarter of a at WPIAL power North Allegheny on Dec. 20, the Fox Chapel girls basketball team led the Class 6A No. 2 Tigers, 31-25, and had designs on finishing off a key early-season Section 1 victory.
Fox Chapel girls showing glimpses of potential
December 25, 2019
In the latter stages of the third quarter of Friday’s game at WPIAL power North Allegheny, the Fox Chapel girls basketball team led the Class 6A No. 2 Tigers, 31-25, and had designs on finishing off a key early-season Section 1 victory.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Springdale sheds long losing streak
Two years ago Friday, the Springdale girls basketball team defeated Yough, 47-28, in the consolation game of the Valley Tournament. The team then experienced a losing streak that extended through the first six games of this season.
Highlands swimmer Rachel Blackburn in position to battle it out with WPIAL’s best
December 23, 2019
A youthful group led the Class AA girls 100-yard breaststroke at last year’s WPIAL swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week for Dec. 19, 2019: Seneca Valley’s Kendall Craig
December 19, 2019
Kendall Craig set a new Seneca Valley pool record Tuesday in the girls 200-yard individual medley.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week for Dec. 19, 2019: Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny
No record is safe when Josh Matheny is going after it.
Freeport girls navigating rocky road during season’s opening weeks
December 18, 2019
The Freeport girls basketball team is 2-0 in Section 1-4A and the Yellowjackets hope to remain unblemished Thursday when they face rival Burrell.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Kiski Area loses Hannah Potter to broken wrist
Hannah Potter hoped to have a standout senior season for the Kiski Area girls basketball team and build off of a strong junior campaign which saw her lead a young Cavaliers squad with an average of 14.9 points a game.
Freeport girls step up on defense, surge past Highlands
December 16, 2019
Late in the first quarter of Monday’s Section 1-4A girls basketball matchup between Freeport and Highlands, the Yellowjackets and Golden Rams were tied at eight.
Confidence, repertoire grow for Fox Chapel diver David Manelis
David Manelis was in contention for gold at last year’s PIAA Class AAA boys diving championships at Bucknell.
Plum, Kiski Area hockey to raise money for Brian Shaw Memorial Fund
December 15, 2019
The Plum and Kiski Area hockey teams do not play each other during the PIHL regular season as the Mustangs and Cavaliers are in different classifications.
Gateway to honor hockey alumni
The tradition that is ice hockey at Gateway High School again will be celebrated as three former players will be inducted into the Gateway Hockey Alumni Honor Roll during the annual alumni winter event Dec. 26 at Center Ice Arena in Delmont.
Plum takes aim with revamped rifle roster
The Plum rifle team was an experienced group last season with seven seniors helping to form the squad’s core.
Valley News Dispatch Defensive Player of the Year: Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon
December 14, 2019
Logan Harmon is in the early stages of his second varsity wrestling season.
From a 298 game to a 660 series, Freeport bowlers put up big numbers to start season
December 13, 2019
Mark Livingston came close to perfection in his first game of the high school bowling season.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Freeport looks to repeat fast start
December 11, 2019
Last season, the Freeport girls basketball team went 1-1 at the season-opening Southmoreland tournament before winning six straight to head into the new year 7-1 en route to an 18-4 regular season and a runner-up finish in Section 1-4A.
Deer Lakes’ Makayla Blair makes successful return from hoops hiatus
Makayla Blair scored a game-best 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds Monday in the Deer Lakes’ girls basketball team’s 57-41 victory over Burrell.
Deer Lakes girls break into win column with double-digit triumph
December 9, 2019
Something had to give Monday between the Deer Lakes and Burrell girls basketball teams after both had suffered a pair of losses in tip-off tournaments over the weekend.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison leads strong cast of returning A-K Valley swimmers, divers
December 8, 2019
Adam Morrison is the hunted.
Highlands boys basketball storms past Gateway
December 7, 2019
For the second time in as many nights, the Highlands boys basketball team defended its home court in dominating fashion.
Starting 5: A guide to the A-K Valley girls high school basketball season
December 5, 2019
STORYLINES
Burrell’s Allie Vescio named Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
November 30, 2019
Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Playoff near-misses motivate Riverview girls
November 29, 2019
The Riverview girls basketball team suffered heartbreak two seasons ago with a buzzer-beating, one-point loss to Serra Catholic in the first round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
With struggles behind them, Riverview boys again thinking playoffs
The Riverview boys basketball team last earned a trip to the WPIAL playoffs in 2015.
Schlegel leads Plum hockey team back to playoff contention
November 21, 2019
The Plum hockey team edged Hampton in a PIHL Class AA contest Nov. 11 for its fourth win in its opening six games.
Opportunity knocks for underclassmen on Deer Lakes girls roster
Reese Hasley is confident and focused forward.
After a season to remember, Deer Lakes boys trying to plan an encore
The Deer Lakes boys basketball team made history last year during its school-record run to and through the postseason.
With new coach, veteran roster, Apollo-Ridge girls eye return trip to playoffs
November 18, 2019
Mike Monstrola served as a coach for the Apollo-Ridge junior high boys basketball program last year, but he often made it a point to take in games involving the Vikings boys and girls varsity teams.
Apollo-Ridge boys basketball looks to take one more step forward
The Apollo-Ridge boys basketball team made a leap back to prominence last year, improving by seven wins, both overall and in section play, from the year before.
Freeport, Knoch volleyball teams reflect on PIAA runs
November 16, 2019
Only 16 high school girls volleyball teams were left standing last Tuesday as the four classifications moved to the semifinal round of the PIAA playoffs.
PIAA Class AA volleyball finals primer: North Catholic vs. North Penn-Liberty
November 15, 2019
North Penn-Liberty (22-0) vs. North Catholic (22-1)
PIAA Class AAAA volleyball finals primer: North Allegheny vs. Bishop Shanahan
Bishop Shanahan (23-0) vs. North Allegheny (22-1)