Unflappable Peters Township ends South Fayette’s reign in WPIAL Class 5A title game

By: Josh Rizzo
Friday, February 28, 2025 | 8:19 PM

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Brianna Morreale turned to her teammates at the podium, looking for help. The junior guard for the Peters Township girls basketball team wasn’t exactly sure what the play call was for her go-ahead 3-pointer during the final minute of the WPIAL Class 5A championship game Friday.

But the Indians guard could perfectly picture the reaction to the basket going in during the Indians’ 40-36 win at Petersen Events Center.

“I saw everyone cheering,” Morreale said. “That’s a moment I’ll remember for a long time.”

Peters Township coach Steve Limberiou emphasized that nothing went according to plan during the final few minutes. The Indians, who trailed by as many as 11 points, had to overcome a six-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to win the second championship in school history.

“I think the last five minutes were random offense,” Limberiou said. “South Fayette makes it hard to get into offense. A lot of it is unscripted.”

Peters Township forward Natalie Wetzel, a Miami (Fla.) commit, said she had dreamed of winning a WPIAL title since watching the Indians win in 2019. Wetzel, who finished with 13 points and seven rebounds, didn’t want to allow the Lions to four-peat.

“I went to that game in 2019, and it’s been my dream to win one,” Wetzel said. “It was my last year and last chance. I wanted it more than anything.”

The Indians (23-3) made life agonizing for the Lions’ offense. South Fayette was attempting to win its fourth consecutive WPIAL title. The Lions shot 12.5% (1 of 8) from the field in the fourth quarter and didn’t make any 3-pointers.

“They were the most physical team we played all year,” South Fayette coach Bryan Bennett said. “They bumped us off our cuts and took away some things. We just didn’t play well tonight.”

South Fayette and Peters Township were tied at 11 after the first quarter. The Lions (21-5) were able to stretch their lead to seven points at 24-17 when Haylie Lamonde made a shot from beyond half court before the buzzer at halftime.

Lamonde finished with a game-high 19 points. She only scored three after the half.

Limberiou said he expected this game to be a battle. He wanted Peters Township to stay the course.

“If you thought we were going to come and beat them by 25 you are mistaken,” Limberiou said. “We knew they were going to play. I thought as the game went on, we got better around the rim.”

Peters Township trailed by six points after three quarters. The Indians didn’t grab control until the final two minutes.

Wetzel made a 3-pointer on an assist by Taylor McCullough to put Peters Township ahead 36-34 with 3:22 remaining. South Fayette then controlled the ball for nearly two minutes and tied the game with a layup by Cierra Rexrode.

Morrreale’s 3-pointer 30 seconds later put Peters Township ahead. The Indians then forced a turnover to seal the win and prevent South Fayette from tying the game.

“To come in here and beat them, I don’t know what this fully means,” Limberiou said. “But I know for sure this is one of the best teams in Peters Township history, and this team will be remembered forever.”

Tags: Peters Township, South Fayette