Norwin picks up pair of tipoff tournament titles

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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It wasn’t a WPIAL championship, but it wasn’t a summer pickup league title, either.

The Norwin boys basketball team showed senior leadership, depth and a clutch gene by Chris McKnight as the Knights won the 22nd Mike Rettger Memorial Tournament at Franklin Regional.

“It is fun as hell to coach this team,” Norwin coach Cam Auld said. “They just don’t quit. I know they are old and have been playing together for a long time, but that doesn’t mean maturity and communication is going to work.

“This reward is huge. A little hardware gives us a boost.”

Senior-heavy Norwin moved to 3-1 with down-to-the-wire wins over Pine-Richland, 66-64, and Franklin Regional, 61-60.

In the first game, McKnight hit a 3-pointer with 1.8 seconds remaining to win. In the second, he came up with a game-sealing steal in the closing seconds, earning MVP honors after a 14-point performance.

McKnight was slowed late last season with a broken thumb that cost him the team’s WPIAL Class 6A first-round playoff game. But he is back and healthy for a strong final prep season.

“I did it because I was prepared,” McKnight said. “It’s all about preparation and being ready for the moment. Cam has us competing every day. We compete the same, no matter who the other team is.”

Senior Nate Kuch also had 14 points in the title game, including nine in the fourth quarter.

While McKnight is one of several “glue guys” for the Knights, according to Auld, the team is getting big minutes from senior point guard Mario Csukas, senior guard Alex Graney and senior forward Josh Lenart, who joined the team late.

“Mario has done such a great job adapting his game,” Auld said. “Graney’s rebounding has been terrific, and Lenart is playing his role. He’s an anchor defensively. He has only been with us for three weeks.”

Sophomore King Carver also has sparked the offense, creating opportunities from the wing.

The tournament win gave the Knights momentum heading into their section opener Dec. 9 at Upper St. Clair.

“We’re jumping right into the gauntlet,” Auld said. “We’re excited.”

Norwin girls win tourney

The Norwin girls basketball team had a memorable visit to the center of the state, going 2-0 to win the State College tournament and remain undefeated at 3-0.

The Knights opened with a 51-46 victory against Abington Heights as Nia O’Barto had 10 points, Liz Yarosik added nine, Ava Christopher eight and Aubrey Graney eight.

In the championship game, Norwin edged State College, 48-46, with O’Barto scoring 12 on four 3-pointers. Graney had 10 and Yarosik eight.

Christopher and Yarosik made the all-tournament team.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

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