What to watch for in WPIAL sports for Dec. 1, 2025: Blackhawk, Neshannock girls to clash

By: Don Rebel
Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 10:30 PM

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Welcome to the first day of the final month of 2025, a day that features plenty of WPIAL girls basketball nonsection action.

Two district powers that were the top seeds in their respective classification last season collide on Monday when Blackhawk visits Neshannock in the season opener for both teams.

In the 2025 postseason, the Cougars were the top seed in the Class 4A playoffs and defeated Yough, Laurel Highlands and Elizabeth Forward to reach the district finals, but lost to Oakland Catholic.

Blackhawk reached the PIAA quarterfinals where it lost to another WPIAL power in North Catholic to end its season at 25-4.

The Lancers were the No.1 seed in the Class 2A playoffs this past February and eliminated Apollo-Ridge, Laurel and South Side before being stunned by Aliquippa in the WPIAL title game, 54-51.

Neshannock lost to Kennedy Catholic in the PIAA second round to finish with a record of 24-4.

Blackhawk, guided by one of the best players in the district in Aubree Hupp, is ranked No. 3 in the Trib HSSN Class 4A preseason poll while Neshannock is at No. 1 in the 2A preseason rankings led by Payton Newman and Jaidon Nogay.

Neighbors collide in boys/girls DH

Two girls basketball playoff teams from a year ago collide in the first game of a girls and boys doubleheader between neighboring Washington County schools as Peters Township visits Canon-McMillan starting at 6 p.m.

The Indians are the defending WPIAL Class 5A champions after ending the three-year district title run of South Fayette by beating the Lions in the 5A finals.

Peters Township lost to South Fayette in the PIAA semifinals to end its season at 26-4.

The 2024-25 season was a special one for Canon-McMillan, as it established itself as a team to watch this season.

It was a season of first for the young Big Macs, who beat Butler in the 6A quarterfinals before falling to Norwin in the district semifinals.

They won a PIAA playoff game over Allderdice before ending their season with a second round loss to rival Upper St. Clair to finish 16-10.

Canon-McMillan opened the season Saturday with a victory over Chartiers Valley. This will be the season opener for Peters Township.

It’s also the season opener for the Indians boys team, which will visit Canon-McMillan at 7:30 p.m.

The Big Macs opened their season Saturday with a win over Trinity.

Hope springs eternal

The New Brighton girls basketball program tips off a new season Monday not dreaming about championships, but just a win.

The Lions program has suffered through three straight winless seasons.

Hope is in the air for success as a new season tips off for New Brighton on Monday at Ambridge against a Bridgers team that finished 1-16 last season.

That victory came against New Brighton, 30-21 on Dec. 18, 2024.

Tags: Ambridge, Blackhawk, Canon-McMillan, Neshannock, New Brighton, Peters Township