Balanced scoring sends Neighborhood Academy into state finals

By: Triblive
Friday, March 21, 2025 | 11:19 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Yale recruit Courtney Wallace is one of the WPIAL’s most dynamic players, but Neighborhood Academy is by no means a one-man show.

The Bulldogs proved as much again Friday night with four players scoring in double figures in a 55-38 victory over District 9 champion Otto-Eldred in the PIAA Class A semifinals in Erie.

Kedron Gilmore scored a team-high 14 points, Syncer Nicholson added 13 and Shamar Simpson collected 12 points and 10 rebounds to send the Stanton Heights school to the state finals for the first time.

Neighborhood Academy (28-1) will meet District 12 champ Sankofa Freedom Academy (19-11) in the championship game at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Giant Center in Hershey.

Wallace, of course, made his presence known against Otto-Eldred as well. He finished just shy of a triple-double with 10 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists.

Wallace has scored 77 points in four PIAA playoff games.

Landon Francis scored 14 points and Manning Splain added 13 for Otto-Eldred, which had defeated Nazareth Prep, Serra Catholic and Aquinas Academy before running into Neighborhood Academy.

Check out this one! Steal from Kendon Gilmore, behind-the-back pass from Courtney Wallace, and a two-handed SLAM from Derrick Hardenman! @courtne92976055 @kedrongilmore1@TNA_Hoops going to the PIAA Championship game for the first time in school history! @TNA_Bulldogs defeat… pic.twitter.com/z5alh9sB1i

— Lawrence County SportsNet (@LCSportsNet) March 22, 2025

Tags: Neighborhood Academy