Basketball

Ligonier Valley’s Matt Marinchak practices Monday, Dec. 2, 2019.

Ligonier Valley boys seeded first for District 6 playoffs

February 13, 2020

Ligonier Valley was awarded the top seed in the District 6-3A boys basketball playoffs, according to pairings released Thursday by the District 6 committee.

Deer Lakes freshman Bryce Robson and the Lancers will play top-seeded Lincoln Park in the opening round of the WPIAL Class 3A boys basketball playoffs.

A-K Valley basketball playoff capsules: Friday, Feb. 14, 2020

Friday’s games

Bishop Canevin’s Dom Elliott puts up a shot during a drill Nov. 26, 2019, at Bishop Canevin High School.

Bishop Canevin boys hope to continue historic season with deep playoff run

There probably aren’t many people as invested in the Bishop Canevin boys basketball program as second-year coach Geno Palmosina. He was a ballboy for the Crusaders in his youth, then played for them as a high-schooler.

Fox Chapel’s Domenica Delaney (10) looks to steal against Shaler’s Emily Cavacini (10) Jan. 3, 2020.

Shaler girls basketball team laments ones that got away

Emily Cavacini wishes the Shaler Area girls basketball team could have found a way into the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs.

Carlynton’s Khalil Kerr (4) competes against Seton LaSalle on Feb. 4, 2020, at Seton LaSalle.

Carlynton boys basketball program takes giant step forward

Carlynton boys basketball coach Mike Kozy knew he had something special this season.

Hampton’s Kayla Hoehler led the team in scoring this season.

‘Natural progression’ has Hampton girls on right track

Though the Hampton girls basketball team missed the playoffs this season, its trajectory is on schedule.

Hampton coach Joe Lafko guided the boys basketball team to a 9-5 Section 3-5A record this season.

Home-court advantage helps Hampton boys overcome obstacles

Whatever adversity the Hampton boys basketball team faced this season, it can take comfort in there’s no place like home.

Terrelle Pryor delivered new shoes to the Jeannette boys basketball team Feb. 13, 2020, making good on a promise that he’d do so if the Jayhawks won a section title.

Westmoreland County basketball notebook: Terrelle Pryor buys new Nikes for Jeannette boys

Jeannette will have new shoes for the WPIAL playoffs, thanks to an old friend who made good on a promise.

Christian McGowan of Greensburg Central Catholic drives between Imani Christian defenders Tyler Allen (11) and Aiden Betsill (left) on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020.

GCC, Ligonier Valley boys press on in playoffs without transfers

Greensburg Central Catholic will be without its leading scorer for the WPIAL boys basketball playoffs.

Sewickley Academy seniors hold the trophy after beating Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the WPIAL final at Petersen Events Center.

Decade’s best WPIAL finals: Boys basketball No. 8

February 12, 2020

There were a lot of changes to the WPIAL basketball championships over the last 10 years.

Butler’s Devin Carney celebrates after defeating Pine-Richland on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at Pine-Richland High School.

Butler feeling the power as new boys Trib 10 top team

It was a rough final week of the regular season for several Trib 10 ranked teams as they either slid down or out of the final regular season rankings.

Plum’s Mackenzie Lake (23) and Gateway’s Alexis Margolis (2) compete Jan. 13, 2020 at Gateway High.

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.

Deer Lakes girls basketball coach David Petruska watches his team compete against Shady Side Academy on Feb. 6, 2020, at Shady Side Academy.

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.

Derry head coach Gene Brisbane coaches his players against Deer Lakes during girls’ WPIAL basketball at Derry Area High School on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020 in Derry.

Derry girls basketball team makes sure history doesn’t repeat

History was not going to repeat itself. The Derry girls basketball team saw to that.

Kendelle Weston and Monessen are seeking their first playoff victory since 2012.

Westmoreland girls basketball notebook: Monessen preps for playoff return

Janine Vertacnik has coached in numerous WPIAL playoff games over the years, including when she led teams at Jeannette and Greensburg Salem.

Upper St. Clair’s Luke Banbury shoots in front of coach Danny Holzer during a game against Bethel Park.

WPIAL seeds Fox Chapel above Upper St. Clair despite late-season loss

February 11, 2020

More than two dozen times, Upper St. Clair coach Danny Holzer has traveled to Green Tree to see the boys basketball playoff brackets revealed.

Allderdice boys, girls advance to City League title game

Tony Henderson led the charge with 20 points as the Allderdice boys basketball team defeated Westinghouse, 89-54, in the City League semifinals Tuesday night.