Basketball

Springdale’s Cara Leahy attempts a jump shot during a WPIAL Class A first-round playoff game last season.

Coming off playoff berth, Springdale girls know there’s still work to do

November 27, 2025

Over the last two seasons, the Springdale girls basketball team saw improvement in the wins column. The Dynamos won seven games in 2023-24 and 11 in 2024-25 and made the playoffs.

Springdale’s Liam Dexter drives through Riverview defenders Jan. 3, 2024.

Springdale boys out to maintain program’s standards with young lineup

In his first year as Springdale’s boys basketball coach, Scott Ruppert had very little time to get to know his players and get them ready for the season.

Morgan Gesinski is one of four returning starters for the Mt. Pleasant girls basketball team.

Mt. Pleasant girls get early start, work to add scoring

High school basketball practice across the state officially began Nov. 14.

Ligonier Valley returning letter winners, from left, Isabella Constable, Bella Dolton, Allegheny Myers and Ruby Smith pose with coach Christy Hajjar. Abby and Gabby Springer are also returning letter winners.

Ligonier Valley girls striving for 2nd straight playoff berth in tough section

The Ligonier Valley girls basketball team reached the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs for the first time in 2025.

South Fayette’s Ryan Oldaker celebrates with Haylie Lamonde after Lamonde scored during the PIAA Class 5A championship game against Archbishop Wood on March 29 at Giant Center in Hershey.

WPIAL girls basketball Class 5A season preview for 2025-26

There was no shortage of talent in WPIAL Class 5A girls basketball last season.

Peters Township’s Dylan Donovan attempts a 3-pointer over Mars’ Austin Campbell during the WPIAL Class 5A semifinals Feb. 25.

WPIAL boys basketball Class 5A season preview for 2025-26

Chartiers Valley galloped to the program’s seventh WPIAL boys basketball championship this past spring, which ties them on the all-time champions list with Lincoln Park for seventh place.

Blackhawk’s Aubree Hupp scores over Beaver’s Ava Wright on Jan. 16, 2024.

WPIAL girls basketball Class 4A season preview for 2025-26

November 26, 2025

When Oakland Catholic got past Blackhawk in a memorable Class 4A championship game last March, it was the Eagles’ first WPIAL title in almost 20 years.

Knoch’s Teegan Finucan scores past North Catholic’s Owen Maddalon on Feb. 4.

WPIAL boys basketball Class 4A season preview for 2025-26

There might be a changing of the guard this season in Class 4A with several key players graduated from teams that went deep into the postseason a year ago, including champion Belle Vernon.

Plum’s Tamia West (right) was a first-team all-section selection in 2024-25.

Plum girls bolstered by offseason work, pair of returning starters

November 25, 2025

The Plum girls basketball team emerged last season from a challenging Section 1-5A schedule as a WPIAL qualifier for the third consecutive season.

Hempfield’s Danny Husenits defends on Greensburg Central Catholic’s David Wachinski during the Greensburg Salem Holiday Classic last season.

Austin Butler building foundation in 1st year at helm of Hempfield boys

Austin Butler had a keen eye for detail when he played basketball at a high level and now is applying similar attentiveness to coaching.

Greensburg Salem girls basketball coach Rick Klimchock explains a drill to his team Nov. 15, 2024.

Undersized Greensburg Salem girls plan to attack opponents with speed, pressure

Greensburg Salem does not only have the smallest enrollment among WPIAL Class 5A girls basketball teams, it also may be the smallest in height.

Coach Paul Sapotichne is in his second season of his second stint as Greensburg Salem coach.

Greensburg Salem boys look to take steps toward long-term goal

Greensburg Salem boys basketball coach Paul Sapotichne sees a bright future for the program, but it may not be this season.

Greensburg Central Catholic’s Jayla Peterson brings the ball upcourt against Shady Side Academy last season.

Greensburg Central Catholic girls take nothing for granted on quest for 3rd straight WPIAL title

Erica Gribble and Jayla Peterson are a championship-winning backcourt combo, seasoned and skilled, partners in crime.

Tim O’Rourke is the new boys basketball coach at Greensburg Central Catholic.

Offseason changes include new coach, revamped roster for Greensburg Central Catholic boys

A whiteboard in the boys basketball coach’s office at Greensburg Central Catholic was erased in the offseason. Old concepts, plays and names were wiped away and soon the squeak of markers could be heard writing new ones.

South Allegheny’s Drew Cook shoots a 3-pointer against West Catholic defenders during the PIAA Class 3A championship game March 29 at Giant Center in Hershey.

WPIAL boys basketball Class 3A season preview for 2025-26

It took a long time for South Allegheny to win boys hoops title No. 1. Might it only take 12 months for championship No. 2?

Leechburg senior forward Gabe Santiago, being guarded by sophomore Dylan Whitlinger, is among the returning players for the 2025 Blue Devils.

Behind veteran lineup, Leechburg boys focus on playing team basketball

November 24, 2025

Coach Andrew McDermott and the Leechburg boys basketball team are tasked with replacing their leading scorer and rebounder this season, a challenge that is difficult for any high school program.