Focused Fox Chapel boys get job done in section to reach playoff goal

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 11:01 AM

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When the smoke cleared, the Fox Chapel boys basketball team did what it needed to in order to qualify for the playoffs. The Foxes closed the season by winning five of their final six games.

In a Section 1-6A schedule filled with potential pratfalls, the Foxes collected an emphatic 75-51 win over Butler on Feb. 6 at home to reach the playoffs.

“I’m proud of them,” Foxes coach Zach Skrinjar said. “They were focused, and we made sure that we put the onus on ourselves to get the job done. Credit to them for coming out and getting a playoff spot on their own accord.”

Fox Chapel opened the WPIAL playoffs as the eighth seed. Results of the Foxes’ first-round home matchup with Norwin were too late for this edition.

Against the Golden Tornado, Fox Chapel (13-9, 7-7) turned in a performance that was markedly different from the team’s first meeting in Butler. The Foxes needed late magic to win 53-51 on the road.

During the rematch, Fox Chapel pulled away following a 10-0 run during the first half that broke open a game that was tied at 10-10.

“I think we guarded differently this time,” Skrinjar said. “They played us more zone up there, but they used more man defense at our place. It was a different game, and I think the first time we played at Butler, we were implementing some new things on offense.”

Joe McGivney scored 14 points for Fox Chapel in the first half against the Golden Tornado. John Rehak led the Foxes with 18 points. Fox Chapel finished tied for fourth place with Pine-Richland to earn its playoff spot.

The Rams and Foxes split during the regular season. Fox Chapel wrapped up its regular season with a 56-49 nonsection win over Avonworth.

The Foxes weren’t worried about having the week off before the playoffs start. Thanks to the snowstorm a few weeks ago, Fox Chapel has an idea of how it wants to prepare.

While the Foxes were able to get some games in during the weather, it gave them a window of how to get ready when they were out of routine.

Fox Chapel also had two scrimmages on the schedule to help get ready for the postseason.

“The most important thing is to keep things competitive and fresh,” Skrinjar said. “We only have to wait a week, but it’s longer than we’ve had to wait to play a game all season. We want to keep everyone engaged and prepared.”

Tags: Fox Chapel