Sports

Bethel Park’s Zack Sackett drives in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning of a WPIAL Class 5A semifinal against West Allegheny on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at Matulevic Field in Shaler.

PIAA Class 5A baseball championship preview: Bethel Park vs. Red Land

June 16, 2021

History is being made in Happy Valley this week as the WPIAL sends a record 10 baseball and softball teams to Penn State to compete in the PIAA championships.

Eden Christian pitcher Jacob Fisher delivers against Kennedy Catholic during a PIAA Class A state quarterfinal on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Slippery Rock University.

PIAA Class A baseball championship preview: Eden Christian vs. Halifax

History is being made in Happy Valley this week as the WPIAL sends a record 10 baseball and softball teams to Penn State to compete in the PIAA championships.

Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock carries against Ringgold in their Big Eight Conference game Oct. 9, 2020, at Belle Vernon.

Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock gets 1st Division I offer

Devin Whitlock reeled in his first Division I football scholarship offer, and he hopes it will be the first of many to come.

Red Land’s Benny Montgomery (right) and Cooper Artley score in a 8-0 win over Manheim Central in the PIAA Class 5A baseball semifinals June 14, 2021.

Future 1st-round MLB Draft pick awaits Bethel Park in PIAA final vs. Red Land

At around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Bethel Park pitcher Eric Chalus will take the mound for the PIAA Class 5A championship at Penn State’s Medlar Field and face Red Land’s leadoff hitter.

Mars senior Ellie Coffield (3) hoists the PIAA Class 3A girls soccer championship trophy with her teammates after defeating Villa Joseph Marie, 2-0, in the state final Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at Hersheypark Stadium.

Mars’ Ellie Coffield wins 2nd straight Gatorade player of year award

Ellie Coffield knows a little something about repeat performances.

Seneca Valley head coach Ron Butschle works with the defense during workouts Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at Seneca Valley High School.

Seneca Valley adds former Pine-Richland football assistants Lehmeier, Sasson

Assistant football coaches Tim Sasson and Ryan Lehmeier were left searching for new jobs when their time together at Pine-Richland abruptly ended. So, they offered themselves as a packaged deal to any school needing an offensive line coach and an offensive coordinator.

High school sports scores, schedules for June 15, 2021

High schools

Plaques and photos line the wall of a new AK Valley Sports Hall of Fame gallery at the renovated G.C. Murphy Building on Corbet Street in Tarentum.

Alle-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame finds home in Tarentum

June 15, 2021

The Alle-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame has enshrined and celebrated area athletic greats for 50 years, and now the signature plaques and photographs of past inductees have a permanent display in Tarentum.

Butler receiver Charlie Kreinbucher (right) works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019.

Butler tight end Charlie Kreinbucher commits to Akron

The Butler football program has struggled in recent years, but the Golden Tornado has a Division I talent in rising senior Charlie Kreinbucher.

Ligonier Valley softball coach Mark Zimmerman has coached the team for 22 years.

Ligonier Valley softball team has come a long way under coach Zimmerman

When Mark Zimmerman became the Ligonier Valley softball coach 22 years ago, the program wasn’t very good.

Mauro Monz oversees Carlynton practice in 2014.

WPIAL upholds suspensions of Seton LaSalle football coaches

June 14, 2021

The WPIAL heard additional evidence about Seton LaSalle’s suspended football coaches during a lengthy hearing Monday but ultimately reached the same decision.

Shenango’s Shane Cato pitches against Serra Catholic during a PIAA semifinal game against Serra Catholic on June 14, 2021, at Neshannock.

Shenango shuts out Serra Catholic, advances to 1st PIAA championship game

Shenango senior Shane Cato led his team with his arm and his bat. Now the Wildcats’ Path to Penn State is complete.

Armstrong’s Emma Smerick is cheered on as she comes home after hitting a two-run homer against North Hills in the fourth inning during a PIAA Class 5A semifinal on Monday, June 14, 2021, at Mars.

Smerick, River Hawks topple North Hills, advance to PIAA championship game

For Emma Smerick, the softball field at Mars is out of this world.

High school sports scores, schedules for June 14, 2021

High schools

West Greene coach Bill Simms checks his notes as players look on during the PIAA Class A semifinal June 14, 2021, at Slippery Rock.

High school roundup for June 14, 2021: West Greene rolls past DuBois C.C. in PIAA semifinals

For the fourth time in six years, West Greene softball will play for a state title after ousting Dubois Central Catholic, 12-1, in the PIAA Class A semifinals Monday afternoon at Slippery Rock University.

Ligonier Valley’s Maddie Griffin prepares to bat during a PIAA Class 2A semifinal against Union City on Monday, June 14, 2021, at Slippery Rock.

Ligonier Valley’s historic run continues after beating Union City in PIAA Class 2A semifinal

SLIPPERY ROCK – No no-hitter. No shutout. No problem.

New Castle’s Anthony Miller celebrates during a PIAA semifinal game against Montour on June 14, 2021, at Neshannock.

Anthony Miller’s 12 Ks lead New Castle to 1st appearance in state baseball finals

Maybe the big-game atmosphere had Anthony Miller feeling ready, seeing hundreds of New Castle fans filter into Neshannock’s baseball field. Maybe it was the fact his Red Hurricanes were one win away from the state finals.