Sewickley Academy playoff run stops just short of WPIAL finals

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Sewickley Academy’s boys basketball team rolled through the first two rounds of the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs, defeating No. 15 Bentworth and No. 7 Chartiers-Houston.

The second-seeded Panthers faced a more formidable opponent — No. 3 Jeannette — in the semifinal round and lost a 45-24 decision Feb. 24 at Fox Chapel.

The Panthers dropped to 19-5 overall, and Jeannette improved to 22-2.

“We have gained some valuable experience in some great playoff environments,” Panthers coach Mike Iuzzolino said. “The playoffs are so different than the regular season. Each game is very intense and played at a high level, so I am pleased we are going through this process.”

Sewickley Academy was looking to secure a berth in the WPIAL championship game in boys basketball for the first time in six years. The Panthers hadn’t made the semifinals since 2019, when the late Win Palmer coached them.

Jeannette, which had lost to Sewickley in the 2016, ‘17 and ‘19 semifinals, advanced to the WPIAL championship game for the first time since 2015. The Jayhawks were set to play No. 8 Union (19-6) for the title Feb. 28 at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center.

Jeannette coach Adrian Batts said a harrying defense helped propel his team to the 20-point win in the semifinal round.

“Our pressure was the key,” Batts said after the game. “We trapped them off the jump ball. We knew we had to get after them.”

Sewickley Academy, which trailed 21-9 at the half, moved into the consolation bracket and was set to play back for PIAA seeding. They were to face Neshannock on Feb. 26 for third place. The Panthers are already in the state playoffs.

Jeannette forward Xavier Odorisio-Farrow had 15 points, and Lonnie Greene added 12 against Sewickley Academy. The Panthers’ 6-foot-8 twin towers of freshman Mamadou Kane and sophomore Adam Ikamba combined for nine points.

Junior forward Lucas Grimsley led Sewickley with 17 points in its 48-39 quarterfinal victory against Chartiers-Houston. Grimsley connected five times from 3-point range. Ikamba chipped in with 11 points

Sewickley Academy won the Section 2 title with a 12-0 record this season. Jeannette finished as the Section 1 runner-up with a 10-2 mark behind OLSH (12-0).

The Jayhawks started out 11-0 this season and have won 10 of 11 games, including their last five in a row.

Sewickley Academy took a 17-4 record into the current postseason.

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