Basketball

Belle Vernon’s Tyler Kovatch shoots a layup under pressure by the South Park defense during a WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinal on Monday, March 8, 2021, at Belle Vernon.

Trib 10: Boys power rankings shaken up as WPIAL finals approach

March 10, 2021

As the WPIAL playoffs are winding down, the top teams are proving they have the power.

OLSH’s B.J. Vaughn shoots a 3-pointer during the first half against Springdale on Feb. 5.

Trib HSSN boys basketball state rankings for March 10, 2021

Most of the teams ranked in the latest Trib HSSN boys basketball state rankings are living up to the classic rock anthem by Bachman-Turner Overdrive as they are “taking care of business” during the district playoffs.

Chartiers Valley’s Brayden Reynolds shoots a free throw against Mars in the WPIAL Class 5A semifinals Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

Chartiers Valley finally gets past Mars, sets up grudge match with New Castle

The weight of the world is now off the shoulders of the Chartiers Valley boys basketball team.

OLSH’s Jake DiMichele scored 30 points against Jeannette on Wednesday night.

OLSH rolls Jeannette, shows no signs of slowing down heading into WPIAL finals

Jeannette found out quickly it faced a difficult challenge in the WPIAL Class 2A boys basketball semifinals Wednesday night at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.

Mohawk coach Mike O’Lare talks with Hannah McDanel during a game at North Catholic on Jan. 28. McDanel scored 20 points against Beaver Falls on Wednesday night.

Defending champion Mohawk puts down upstart Beaver Falls

All season, Mohawk coach Mike O’Lare has talked to his team about creating a new story to be remembered to go along with winning the school’s first WPIAL girls basketball title a year ago.

North Catholic’s Alayna Rocco scored 13 points against Laurel on Wednesday night.

North Catholic girls fend off challenge from Laurel, eye 5th straight WPIAL title

For nearly three quarters Wednesday night, North Catholic’s quest for a seventh consecutive trip to the WPIAL finals was receiving a solid challenge from Laurel.

Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock drives to the basket against New Castle on Feb. 6.

Belle Vernon, North Catholic bring similar styles into Class 4A semifinal clash

When top-seeded Belle Vernon tips off against No. 5 North Catholic in a WPIAL 4A semifinal Thursday night, it would be easy to understand if the Leopards felt like they were looking in a mirror when going against the Trojans.

The Carrick Raiders lift the City League championshp trophy on March 10, 2021 at their home gym.

Carrick captures City League title for 1st time since 1994

The last time Carrick won a City League championship, head coach Walter Milinski was an assistant coach for the Raiders as they won back-to-back titles in 1993-94.

Latrobe’s Emma Blair steals a pass intended for Hampton’s Sophia Kelly late in the fourth quarter to put the game away during the girls WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal round playoff game on March 8, 2021, at Hampton High School.

Defensive strategy key for Latrobe girls against 2-time reigning champion Chartiers Valley

Latrobe is willing to throw a number of defenses at Chartiers Valley to see if one sticks.

Latrobe’s Anna Rafferty is fouled by Hampton’s Claire Rodgers during the girls WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal round playoff game March 8, 2021, at Hampton High School.

Westmoreland basketball playoff capsules: Games for Thursday, March 11, 2021

Here’s a look at Thursday’s WPIAL basketball playoff games involving Westmoreland County teams:

Allerdice head coach Devin Crummie signals from the bench during a game on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at Obama Academy in Pittsburgh.

Allderdice boys excluded from City League basketball finals but season isn’t over

The City League boys basketball championship will move forward without Allderdice but the team’s season isn’t over.

Mohawk’s Hannah McDanel pressures North Catholic’s Tori Drevna on Jan. 28.

Trib HSSN girls basketball state rankings for March 9, 2021

March 9, 2021

Some of the 12 district tournaments across the state are already completed while others are winding down. Only the district champions can be a part of this year’s PIAA postseason.

Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher shoots the game-winning shot over Thomas Jefferson’s Evan Berger in the final seconds Feb. 19.

What to watch for in WPIAL sports for March 10, 2021: Star-studded semis in Class 5A boys

One set of final fours is in the books and another batch is ready to go Thursday. So it seems fitting that the middle of the WPIAL semifinals take place in the middle of the work week.

Serra Catholic’s Chloe Pordash celebrates the game-tying basket at the end of regulation against Winchester Thurston in the WPIAL Class 2A semifinals Tuesday, march 9, 2021.

Serra Catholic overcomes Winchester Thurston in overtime for spot in Class 2A finals

Grace Navarro isn’t one to dwell on the past.

Rochester players warm up before facing Leechburg in the WPIAL Class A semifinals Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

Rochester boys hold off Leechburg in WPIAL Class A semifinals

Rochester continued its boys basketball rags-to-riches story Tuesday night.

Fox Chapel’s JP Dockey drives into the lane against Pine Richland on March 9, 2021.

Pine-Richland knocks off Fox Chapel, returns to WPIAL Class 6A title game

Pine-Richland boys basketball coach Bob Petcash came into this season with a plan, and it revolved around his team hitting their peak at just the right time.