Sports

With a new head coach, Knoch baseball has high aspirations

March 26, 2021

In his three years at the helm of the Vincentian Academy baseball team, Bradley Bestic put together a successful run.

Latrobe pitcher Jordan Tallman delivers during a scrimmage at Seneca Valley on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in Jackson.

Competition for lineup spots fierce on Latrobe softball team

Latrobe softball coach Bob Kovalcin has seven seniors on his roster, and during the preseason, he told each of them they had first crack at their position.

The North Allegheny girls basketball team celebrates with the state championship trophy after defeating Spring-Ford in the PIAA Class 6A final on Friday, March 26, 2021, at Giant Center in Hershey.

North Allegheny girls celebrate 1st PIAA title, top Spring-Ford in state finals

HERSHEY — North Allegheny’s Lizzy Groetsch and Paige Morningstar were together at Giant Center four years ago when the Tigers last reached the state finals, and they talked then about someday winning a title.

Latrobe baseball coming together as players find roles

A big part of Latrobe coach Matt Basciano’s message every year is playing team baseball.

The OLSH boys basketball team celebrates in the locker room after defeating Constitution in the PIAA Class 2A state championship game on Friday, March 26, 2021, at Giant Center in Hershey.

OLSH joins elite list as undefeated PIAA boys basketball champion

HERSHEY — For Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, this was the perfect ending.

Elizabeth Forward’s Kailey Larcinese pitches a throw against Mt. Pleasant in the PIAA Class 4A softball semifinal on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at Seton Hill University.

2021 WPIAL Class 4A softball preseason breakdown

After a year away from the diamond, softball players from across Western Pennsylvania are itching to get back in the field of play.

New Castle pitcher Rocco Bernadina throws during a WPIAL Class 4A playoff game against Greensburg Salem Monday, May 20, 2019, at Fox Chapel High School.

2021 WPIAL Class 4A baseball preseason breakdown

WPIAL baseball players have been waiting nearly two seasons to get back on the field of play after the coronavirus pandemic forced officials to cancel the entire 2020 campaign.

North Allegheny’s Paige Morningstar steals the ball from McDowell’s Sydney Keinath during the PIAA Class 6A girls quarterfinals Friday, March 19, 2021, at North Allegheny High School.

What to watch for in WPIAL sports for March 26, 2021: Teams chasing PIAA glory

March 25, 2021

The champions-only version of the PIAA basketball playoffs has one day in the books with eight more state title games to be played at the Giant Center in Hershey over the next two days.

High school scores, schedules for March 25, 2021

High schools

North Allegheny’s Jasmine Timmerson scores past McDowell’s Sydney Keinath and Caroline Henderson (right) during the PIAA Class 6A girls quarterfinals Friday, March 19, 2021, at North Allegheny High School.

PIAA Class 6A girls basketball championship breakdown: North Allegheny vs. Spring-Ford

PIAA Class 6A girls basketball championship

Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin (25) makes a catch in the second quarter against Trinity on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020.

Westmoreland freshmen seeing increased football recruiting attention

Say what you want about 7-on-7 football competitions and their merit. College coaches are tuned in to them and are using them to gauge young talent.

OLSH’s Jake DiMichele blows by Portage’s Preston Rainey during the PIAA Class 2A boys semifinal on March 23, 2021, at Moon Area High School.

PIAA Class 2A boys basketball championship breakdown: OLSH vs. Constitution

PIAA Class 2A boys basketball championship

Kiski Area’s Hannah Simpson throws a pitch during a scrimmage with Freeport on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Kiski Area softball will stress versatility with just 3 returning starters

When the coronavirus pandemic canceled last year’s spring sports season, the Kiski Area softball team lost a lot.

Jeannette’s Emilio Huerta works out on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Buster Clarkson Field.

Jeannette baseball will lean on pair of veteran players

Jeannette baseball has been a perennial playoff contender in recent years under the guidance coach Marcus Clarkson.

Mohawk’s Paige Julian scores past West Catholic’s Destiney McPhaul during the PIAA Class 3A state championship game on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Mohawk basketball seniors find ‘closure’ despite PIAA championship loss

HERSHEY — The PIAA eliminated its on-court medal ceremonies this winter, so Mohawk basketball coach Mike O’Lare awarded them in the team’s makeshift locker room.

Kiski Area catcher Derek Hald throws a ball down to third base during practice on Thursday, March 25, 2021

Kiski Area baseball hopes past success translates to varsity level

Kiski Area baseball coach Aaron Albert is only returning one starter, but the third-year Cavaliers coach is glad it’s senior catcher Derek Hald.

Jeannette pitcher Sydney Matijevic works out on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at the high school.

Jeannette softball team to rely on youth

A priority early for the Jeannette softball team was a high-alert search for players at the high school.

Mt. Carmel’s Dani Rae Renno scores past Neshannock’s Mairan Haggerty during the PIAA Class 2A state championship game on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Neshannock girls fall in PIAA basketball finals, plan return trip to Hershey

HERSHEY — Neshannock’s first visit to the state finals ended with silver medals and a runner-up trophy, but before the Lancers left Giant Center, they were already making plans for a return trip.