Basketball
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.
Penn-Trafford girls expect late-season momentum to carry over
Penn-Trafford’s girls basketball team ended last year by going 7-2 down the season’s home stretch.
Penn Hills girls expect to ride defense this season
Last season, the Penn Hills girls basketball team was on the doorstep of the WPIAL Class 5A championship game with a senior-led team. This season, the Indians will look to reach the WPIAL title game with a junior-heavy team.
After taking lumps last season, Hampton girls ready to get back on track
There’s no better teacher than time. The Hampton girls basketball team is hoping that could be the difference to spring the program back into playoff contention.
Shaler boys ready to take next logical step
Once all the pieces are in place, Shaler Area boys basketball coach Rob Niederberger has set clear goals for his team.
Inexperienced North Hills boys roster turns to speed, tenacity to compete
The North Hills boys basketball team will lean on its up-tempo style of play to overcome a lack of size and experience.
Playoff losses motivate deep, talented Norwin girls team
November 28, 2019
Jayla Wehner still can see the ball going through the rim — in slow motion, to haunt her dreams even more.
With new coach, Norwin boys plan to ramp up excitement level
When Buddy Valinsky coached at Allderdice, he became accustomed to a certain style of play, a product of many talented and athletic players who helped him win six straight City League titles.
With three top starters returning, Plum girls planning banner season
In his opening remarks at the first practice of the season, Plum girls basketball coach Steve Elsier challenged his team.
Unusual Plum boys roster packed with senior leadership but lacking experience
With plenty of seniors on the roster, it might look like the Plum boys basketball team has a lot of experience. In reality, almost everyone will be new to varsity this winter.
Taking next step on minds of Chartiers Valley, Bishop Canevin, Carlynton boys basketball
The Chartiers Valley boys basketball team, under first-year coach Brandon Sensor, came within a game of playing for the WPIAL Class 5A title last season.
Penn Hills boys should be hard to guard
Penn Hills coach Dan DeRose believes he has his best offensive team since taking over as head coach in 2015.
Hampton boys have weapons to contend in tough section
Hampton boys basketball had the look of a team on the upswing after a playoff appearance last year. An experienced group of seniors, however, still has a lot to prove.
North Allegheny boys ready to dig in on defense
Keith Noftz knows this version of the North Allegheny boys basketball program may take time to grow up.
Leechburg girls looking to prove people wrong
November 27, 2019
When Andre Carter took over the Leechburg girls basketball program last season, he was met with the challenge of replacing a full starting lineup that had produced the best stretch of success in Blue Devils history.
With coach returning, Leechburg boys hope to continue to rise
For the past few years, the Leechburg boys basketball team has been on the rise.
Mt. Pleasant boys put foot down, set sights on playoff berth
The players are mostly the same, which is what coach Allan Bilinsky is counting on for change.
Young roster ready to start rebuilding project for Mt. Pleasant girls
Scott Giacobbi has experienced a lot in 15 years at the helm of Mt. Pleasant’s girls basketball team, and he’s gearing up for another rebuild with a youthful roster.
Monessen girls on mission to climb section standings
November 26, 2019
The Monessen girls basketball team appears to be serious about ending its five-year WPIAL playoff drought.
