Basketball
High school roundup for Jan. 21, 2021: Bethel Park’s Liv Westphal drops 45 on Mars
January 21, 2021
Duquesne recruit Liv Westphal had the biggest scoring night in the WPIAL so far this season, hitting for 45 points to lead Class 6A No. 5 Bethel Park (3-1, 1-0) to a 75-61 nonsection win over Mars on Thursday night. Alexa McDole had 14 points and Ava Black added 13 for Mars (3-5, 2-2).
Belle Vernon girls get defensive during key section win vs. Mt. Pleasant
The game started an hour earlier than usual, but Belle Vernon’s defenders looked like they would have been ready to go any time of the day.
A-K Valley boys basketball notebook: Highlands boys send message
After losing their top three scorers from last season some might have counted Highlands out this season, but coach Tyler Stoczynski and the Golden Rams reloaded and have sent a message.
Junior Brandon Coury shines as Burrell gets off to best start in 6 years
Through its first five games of the season, the Burrell boys basketball team is off to its best start since the 2014-2015 season, and Brandon Coury is a big reason why.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Ligonier Valley finally getting started
As of Wednesday, nine WPIAL boys basketball teams had yet to play a game this season due to covid-19 shutdowns and scheduling issues.
What to watch for in WPIAL sports for Jan. 21, 2021: Battle of unbeatens in Class 5A
Two WPIAL Class 5A girls basketball teams that finished a combined 22-21 a year ago are off to perfect starts this season.
Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock steals show with Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher sidelined
January 20, 2021
Fans wanting to see a battle between Laurel Highlands standout Rodney Gallagher and Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock were likely a little disappointed Wednesday.
Trib HSSN boys basketball state rankings for Jan. 20, 2021
The song remains the same for the most part in this week’s Trib HSSN boys basketball state rankings.
Trib 10: New Castle makes big jump in boys basketball power ratings
There was plenty of shuffling going on in this week’s Trib HSSN boys and girls basketball power rankings. However, only two teams slipped out of the Trib 10.
A-K Valley girls basketball notes: Burrell’s Watts on road to recovery from ACL tear
Olivia Watts is back on the road to recovery after a second ACL tear in her left knee put her on the sidelines for her entire junior season.
Westmoreland high school basketball notebook: Penn-Trafford’s Giannikas hits 200 wins
John Giannikas took over the Penn-Trafford girls basketball program prior to the 2006-07 season. The Warriors were a hit-or-miss playoff team in the years leading up to his start date.
Knoch girls eager to continue strong section start
It’s been nearly 50 years since a Knoch girls basketball team has won a section championship.
Westmoreland basketball teams adjust to higher classes
Greensburg Salem has a proud boys basketball tradition. Past players like to wax nostalgic and follow the current team, and current players want to learn about the names of the past.
Trib HSSN state girls basketball rankings for Jan. 19, 2021
With a lot more girls basketball action across Pennsylvania, there is a lot more movement in the weekly HSSN state rankings.
Defensive effort leads Highlands boys to blowout of Plum
January 19, 2021
When the Highlands Golden Rams took the court for the second time this season Tuesday, they were ready to make another statement after taking down then-No. 1 Mars last Friday on a late 3-pointer.
High school roundup for Jan. 18, 2021: OLSH girls win showdown
January 18, 2021
Katie Hoff scored 14 points to lead No. 3 OLSH (5-0, 5-0) to a 49-43 girls basketball victory over Sewickley Academy in a Section 1-2A showdown of WPIAL title contenders Monday night. Bre Warner scored 22 points and Kamryn Lightcap added 11 for No. 4 Sewickley Academy (3-2, 1-1).
What to watch for in WPIAL sports for Jan. 19, 2021: Chartiers Valley, New Castle square off
There have been 10 possible play dates in the 2020-2021 WPIAL boys basketball season, and the number of teams without a loss keeps dwindling.
Trib HSSN boys basketball team of the week for Jan. 18, 2021
At Thomas Jefferson, football is king. It is also the prince, duke, count and baron in Jaguars country.
Knoch girls start fast, roll past rival Freeport
The Knoch girls basketball team scored the first eight points in Monday’s Section 1-4A contest with rival Freeport at Freeport Middle School.
Trib HSSN girls basketball player of the week for week ending Jan. 17, 2021
January 17, 2021
The Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils were the queens of Class AAAA girls basketball when they captured three straight PIAA championship in 2009, ‘10 and ‘11.
