Sports

Highlands’ Johnny Crise scores past Belle Vernon’s Mitchell Pohlot during the WPIAL Class 4A championship game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at Petersen Events Center.

Highlands gets set for PIAA matchup with Harbor Creek

March 5, 2020

Last weekend, the Golden Rams lifted gold at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center, celebrating Highlands’ first WPIAL boys basketball championship since 1995.

Burrell senior Ricky Feroce talks with coach Josh Shields as Kane senior Cameron Whisner gets checked for injury during their bout at 182 pounds at the PIAA tournament Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Trio of Burrell wrestlers advance to PIAA Class AA quarterfinals

HERSHEY — Burrell had a strong start at the PIAA Class AA wrestling championships Thursday afternoon, advancing three wrestlers to Friday’s quarterfinals.

Mars’ Michael Carmody grabs a rebound next to Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher during the third quarter of the WPIAL Class 5A championship game Feb. 28.

WPIAL accepts apology, reduces suspension for Mars’ Michael Carmody

The WPIAL accepted senior Michael Carmody’s apology and reduced his suspension to one game, Mars athletic director Scott Heinauer said Thursday.

Geibel Catholic’s Ryan Anderson drives to the basket against Leechburg’s Connor McDermott during their WPIAL Class 1A first round matchup on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 at Thomas Jefferson High School.

Geibel boys seeking 1st PIAA playoff victory in 36 years

March 4, 2020

By the time the Geibel boys basketball team opens the PIAA Class A tournament Friday against Berlin Brothersvalley at Pitt-Johnstown, more than two weeks will have passed since the Gators last saw the floor in a competitive setting.

High school scores, schedules for March 4, 2020

High schools

Chartiers Valley’s Megan McConnell drives to the basket between Trinity defenders during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Trinity Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at Petersen Events Center.

Butler boys, Chartiers Valley girls sit atop HSSN power rankings heading into states

Twelve WPIAL basketball champions were crowned last weekend. Four were successful in a golden repeat, or in the case of North Catholic girls, a four-peat.

Plum senior Vincent Cocca gets ready to release a ball during practice on March 4, 2019, at Nesbit’s Lanes in Plum.

Plum senior Cocca raring to go for regional bowling championships

Vincent Cocca knows all about bowling at the state championships.

Highlands’ Jimmy Kunst (1) takes a shot during the third quarter of the WPIAL Class 4A championship game against Belle Vernon Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at Petersen Events Center.

Freshman Jimmy Kunst playing big role for WPIAL champion Highlands

The Highlands boys basketball team relied on its trio of seniors this season.

Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher talks with Mars’ Michael Carmody after an intentional foul during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Petersen Events Center.

Mars’ Michael Carmody ‘remorseful, apologetic’ for WPIAL championship actions

Michael Carmody came to Green Tree on Wednesday asking for his two-game suspension to be reduced, but first he was there to apologize, said his father, Mars basketball coach Rob Carmody.

Kiski Area’s Ethan George (17) and Norwin’s Jacob Meier compete during their PIHL Class A first-round game Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at Center Ice Arena.

Norwin hockey focuses on positives after abrupt exit from playoffs

Norwin hockey’s season ended Tuesday night when the Knights fell 3-2 to Kiski Area in the first round of the PIHL Class A Penguins Cup playoffs.

Knoch’s Guy Deleonardis works with a training partnet during practice at OMP Wrestling in preparation for the PIAA tournament this weekend. Deleonardis is the first wrestler in Knoch history to qualify for the tournament.

Guy Deleonardis, Knoch’s 1st wrestler to make states, prepares for big stage

In its 14 years of existence, the Knoch wrestling program never sent a wrestler to the PIAA tournament.

Kiski’s Nicolas Slomka (right) and Norwin’s Jacob Meier collide during a PIHL class A first-round game Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at Center Ice Arena.

Kiski Area edges Norwin to reach Penguins Cup semifinals

In one season, Kiski Area hockey has gone from a one-win team to being a victory away from playing for a Penguins Cup championship.

Penn Hills’ Miniya Pinnix competes at the PTCFA state indoor championships Feb. 29, 2020, at Penn State.

Penn Hills athletes compete at state indoor track championships

Heading into the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association state indoor championship, Lee Zelkowitz was hopeful for strong performances from the handful of Penn Hills athletes who qualified.

High school scores, schedules for March 3, 2020

March 3, 2020

High schools

High school roundup for March 3, 2020

North Allegheny 4, Bethel Park 3 — Connor Chi and Tyler Putnam each scored twice for top-seeded North Allegheny as the Tigers defeated Bethel Park, 4-3 in the Class AAA PIHL Penguins Cup quarterfinals at Baierl Ice Complex.