There have been three girls' basketball players from The Tribune-Democrat coverage area to score 2,000 career points. One of them - Shanksville-Stonycreek senior Kayla Stockenus - will play in Saturday's AmeriServ Senior Hoops Showcase as part of the South roster.
Stockenus is one of several standouts for the South, which will be coached by Berlin Brothersvalley's Rachel Prosser. Under Prosser's guidance, the Mountaineers defeated Portage in the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs and held a lead late in the fourth quarter against eventual PIAA runner-up Vincentian Academy in the second round.
The scene at Pitt-Johnstown's Sports Center won't be nearly as intense as the state playoffs. Still, the South roster is filled with players who experienced the thrills of the PIAA tournament.
Coach: Rachel Prosser, Berlin
A perennial contender in District 5 and frequent quest of the PIAA Class A playoffs, Berlin finished 23-5 with only one senior receiving significant minutes.
Players (in alphabetical order)
Carly Baer, Conemaugh Township
Multi-faceted senior averaged 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
Lyndy Baer, Conemaugh Township
The Indians reached the second round of the PIAA Class A playoffs behind a balanced attack. Baer, a 1,000-point scorer, averaged 11.8 points, 4.7 assists and made 52 3-pointers.
Elizabeth Chobany, Ferndale
The Yellow Jackets struggled in the win column, but Chobany was a bright spot. Chobany averaged 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.9 steals.
Alexis Jo Dona, Richland
Injuries shortened a promising senior season, but she averaged 6.6 points in limited duty.
Katie Gehlmann, Richland
Gehlmann averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 assists and made 32 3-pointers.
Maddy Grimm, Ligonier Valley
It's tough finding a player from District 6 with better numbers than the Kent State softball signee. Grimm averaged team highs in points (13.1), rebounds (6.8), steals (5.9), blocks (2.1) and assists (5.4).
Stephanie Hrbal, Bishop McCort
Hrbal ranked second on team in scoring (8.3) and averaged 3.0 rebounds.
Sarah Pfeil, Richland
Pfeil averaged a team-high 14.1 points with 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Marah Riley, Berlin
The lone senior in the Mountaineers' starting lineup, Riley could run the offense and get to the basket.
Kelsey Smith, Conemaugh Township
A combo guard/forward, Smith averaged 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
Kayla Stockenus, Shanksville-Stonycreek
Stockenus averaged 31.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 steals and made 172 free throws.
Showing posts with label Berlin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berlin. Show all posts
Monday, March 25, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Berlin built for the future
Considering how Berlin lost its PIAA Class A second-round playoff game versus Vincentian Academt Wednesday at Hempfield High School, it's easy to understand why the Mountaineers took the loss so hard.
Berlin pushed Vincentian, which entered the game with one loss and not many close calls through 27 games, to the limit. The Mountaineers even led the heavily favored Royals with four minutes remaining.
It ended with a 44-42 loss when Vincentian's Academy Abbey Bartoszewicz putback her own missed layup as time expired. The Mountaineers twice rallied from double-digit deficits, held Royals standout Brenna Wise without a field goal in the second half and Vincentian to just 12 second-half points.
"All the hard work these girls put in, I couldn't be more proud," Mountaineers coach Rachel Prosser said as she held back her emotions in the aftermath of the heartbreaking loss.
Berlin should also be excited for the future.
Marah Riley was the lone senior starter. Jordan Eutsey was also a senior, but she lost her last two seasons to two different knee injuries.
Back will be Shelby Coughenour, arguably the Mountaineers' best player. Erica Craig, who defended Wise exceptionally in the second half, will return. So will point guard Gina Trulick and Aleesa Fieg, who made all eight of her free-throw attempts to lead Berlin with 10 points against Vincentian.
Considering how well Berlin played in the state playoffs and a difficult District 5 Class A bracket, there's reason to believe Berlin can better this year's 23-5 record.
"They should take a lot of confidence from this. They played their hearts out. They did what they needed to do to win against one of the top programs in the state," Prosser said. "This should want to make them get better. They were one turnover away from winning this game. We have room to improve. That's the good thing."
Berlin pushed Vincentian, which entered the game with one loss and not many close calls through 27 games, to the limit. The Mountaineers even led the heavily favored Royals with four minutes remaining.
It ended with a 44-42 loss when Vincentian's Academy Abbey Bartoszewicz putback her own missed layup as time expired. The Mountaineers twice rallied from double-digit deficits, held Royals standout Brenna Wise without a field goal in the second half and Vincentian to just 12 second-half points.
"All the hard work these girls put in, I couldn't be more proud," Mountaineers coach Rachel Prosser said as she held back her emotions in the aftermath of the heartbreaking loss.
Berlin should also be excited for the future.
Marah Riley was the lone senior starter. Jordan Eutsey was also a senior, but she lost her last two seasons to two different knee injuries.
Back will be Shelby Coughenour, arguably the Mountaineers' best player. Erica Craig, who defended Wise exceptionally in the second half, will return. So will point guard Gina Trulick and Aleesa Fieg, who made all eight of her free-throw attempts to lead Berlin with 10 points against Vincentian.
Considering how well Berlin played in the state playoffs and a difficult District 5 Class A bracket, there's reason to believe Berlin can better this year's 23-5 record.
"They should take a lot of confidence from this. They played their hearts out. They did what they needed to do to win against one of the top programs in the state," Prosser said. "This should want to make them get better. They were one turnover away from winning this game. We have room to improve. That's the good thing."
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Live blog: Berlin vs. Vincentian Academy; Forest Hills vs. Blackhawk (girls basketball)
Judging by the pregame dance of Vincentian's Kayla Key, she averages 25.
Then, she comes out and scores the game's first basket on a layup. 2-0 Vincentian.
6:09 p.m. - Not overly impressed with Vincentian at this point, but the Royals are playing defense. Lead 11-3. Berlin has seven turnovers and hit first field goal at 3:10 left in the first.
6:14 p.m. - Berlin outworking VA right now, on an 8-2 run to pull within 13-9 with 58.3 left in first.
6:17 p.m. - Berlin ends first quarter on 11-0 run capped by a Gine Trulick layup to lead, 14-13. Mountaineers have forced 11 turnovers.
Hmmmmm.
6:21 p.m. -Starting to think Berlin will be pretty good next year.
6:22 p.m. - From a fundamental standpoint, Berlin doing a lot of things right. Not dribbling much against the press. Attacking from middle. Nice basketball.
6:25 p.m. - With Brenna Wise back in, Vincentian responds with 10-0 run. Wise has five points during stretch including a putback of her own missed free throw. Royals led 25-16.
6:42 p.m. -Booted off the Internet for a few. Two things changed in the second quarter: 1. Brenna Wise re-entered the game for the Royals and took over. She's got 15 points and 10 rebounds already. 2. The Royals cut down significantly on their turnovers.
6:50 p.m. - Having significant issues with equipment and signals.
6:52 p.m. - Not much happening in third. Vincentian leads 36-26 with 2:38 remaining.
Then, she comes out and scores the game's first basket on a layup. 2-0 Vincentian.
6:09 p.m. - Not overly impressed with Vincentian at this point, but the Royals are playing defense. Lead 11-3. Berlin has seven turnovers and hit first field goal at 3:10 left in the first.
6:14 p.m. - Berlin outworking VA right now, on an 8-2 run to pull within 13-9 with 58.3 left in first.
6:17 p.m. - Berlin ends first quarter on 11-0 run capped by a Gine Trulick layup to lead, 14-13. Mountaineers have forced 11 turnovers.
Hmmmmm.
6:21 p.m. -Starting to think Berlin will be pretty good next year.
6:22 p.m. - From a fundamental standpoint, Berlin doing a lot of things right. Not dribbling much against the press. Attacking from middle. Nice basketball.
6:25 p.m. - With Brenna Wise back in, Vincentian responds with 10-0 run. Wise has five points during stretch including a putback of her own missed free throw. Royals led 25-16.
6:42 p.m. -Booted off the Internet for a few. Two things changed in the second quarter: 1. Brenna Wise re-entered the game for the Royals and took over. She's got 15 points and 10 rebounds already. 2. The Royals cut down significantly on their turnovers.
6:50 p.m. - Having significant issues with equipment and signals.
6:52 p.m. - Not much happening in third. Vincentian leads 36-26 with 2:38 remaining.
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Somerset County strut
A time once existed, not all that long ago, when the winter sports season was what separated football season from baseball season in Somerset County.
Sure, wrestling had a fervent following, and the slopes at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley were packed with locals weather permitting, but when it came to basketball, Somerset County wasn't exactly a hot spot.
OK, to be honest, with the exception of Windber's rich tradition and of a decent team every five years or so outside of Windber, it pretty much stunk when compared to the rest of Pennsylvania.
Hard to believe, but there was one brief period when Somerset County produced a small handful of highly successful teams.
In 1975, Rockwood lost to Darby in the PIAA Class A championship. In 1977, Shanksville-Stonycreek lost to Elk Lake in the Class A title game. In 1979, Conemaugh Township - with future Super Bowl winning quarterback Jeff Hostetler - lost to Pius X in the Class A championship.
Five years, three championship game appearances for Somerset County teams.
The trend of going one-and-done in the PIAA playoffs appears to be reversing for basketball teams from Somerset County, though not many have noticed.
"District 5 has repped itself the last five to six years," Shade boys' basketball coach Wade Fyock said after his Panthers dismantled WPIAL power North Catholic in the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs Friday night. "If you look at the record, we've had some success in the tournament and some success against District 7."
Fyock is particularly correct this year as teams from Somerset County went 4-1 in the first round of states. Count Conemaugh Township's victory in the play-in round of the PIAA Class AA boys' bracket and that record moves to 5-1.
The Conemaugh Township boys have defeated teams from District 8 and District 7 so far. Against Brentwood in the first round, the Indians put together a 15-3 first-half run.
"That was probably the bunch that early in the game that gave us some confidence," CT coach Chuck Lesko said. "We're a little unfamiliar with District 7 even though we played Beaver Falls last year. We know that they have strong competition."
Shade has won three PIAA playoff games since Fyock took over the program. The Conemaugh Township girls have advanced in the state tournament a second-consecutive season. Berlin just won its first PIAA game since Rachel Prosser became coach.
The results indicate District 5 is improving Who knows? Maybe the district's basketball image will start to change as well.
Sure, wrestling had a fervent following, and the slopes at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley were packed with locals weather permitting, but when it came to basketball, Somerset County wasn't exactly a hot spot.
OK, to be honest, with the exception of Windber's rich tradition and of a decent team every five years or so outside of Windber, it pretty much stunk when compared to the rest of Pennsylvania.
Hard to believe, but there was one brief period when Somerset County produced a small handful of highly successful teams.
In 1975, Rockwood lost to Darby in the PIAA Class A championship. In 1977, Shanksville-Stonycreek lost to Elk Lake in the Class A title game. In 1979, Conemaugh Township - with future Super Bowl winning quarterback Jeff Hostetler - lost to Pius X in the Class A championship.
Five years, three championship game appearances for Somerset County teams.
The trend of going one-and-done in the PIAA playoffs appears to be reversing for basketball teams from Somerset County, though not many have noticed.
"District 5 has repped itself the last five to six years," Shade boys' basketball coach Wade Fyock said after his Panthers dismantled WPIAL power North Catholic in the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs Friday night. "If you look at the record, we've had some success in the tournament and some success against District 7."
Fyock is particularly correct this year as teams from Somerset County went 4-1 in the first round of states. Count Conemaugh Township's victory in the play-in round of the PIAA Class AA boys' bracket and that record moves to 5-1.
The Conemaugh Township boys have defeated teams from District 8 and District 7 so far. Against Brentwood in the first round, the Indians put together a 15-3 first-half run.
"That was probably the bunch that early in the game that gave us some confidence," CT coach Chuck Lesko said. "We're a little unfamiliar with District 7 even though we played Beaver Falls last year. We know that they have strong competition."
Shade has won three PIAA playoff games since Fyock took over the program. The Conemaugh Township girls have advanced in the state tournament a second-consecutive season. Berlin just won its first PIAA game since Rachel Prosser became coach.
The results indicate District 5 is improving Who knows? Maybe the district's basketball image will start to change as well.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
PIAA basketball second round
Fourteen teams from The Tribune-Democrat coverage area entered the PIAA boys' and girls' basketball playoffs.
A whopping nine remain.
The following are the sites and times for the second-round contests involving local teams.
A whopping nine remain.
The following are the sites and times for the second-round contests involving local teams.
Tuesday, March 11 Basketball High School Boys PIAA Tournament Class A – Second Round At Hempfield Vincentian Academy vs. Bishop Carroll, 5 p.m. At Bald Eagle Area Shade vs. Johnsonburg, 7 p.m. Class AAA – Second Round At Hempfield Greater Johnstown vs. Chartiers Valley, 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 Basketball High School Boys PIAA Tournament Class AA – Second Round At Richland Conemaugh Township vs. Northern Cambria, 7 p.m. At Clarion University Bishop McCort vs. West Middlesex, 7:30 p.m. High School Girls PIAA Tournament Class A – Second Round At Hempfield Vincentian Academy vs. Berlin Brothersvalley, 6 p.m. At Indiana Conemaugh Township vs. Clarion Area, 6 p.m. Class AAA – Second Round At Hempfield Forest Hills vs. Blackhawk, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Area PIAA basketball games
Boys
Tuesday
Class AA
Play-in
Conemaugh Township (22-3) vs. Westinghouse (14-10), 7 p.m. at Somerset
Friday
First round
Class AAA
Greater Johnstown (15-7) vs. Lancaster Catholic (18-9), 6:30 p.m. at Central Cambria
Class A
Bishop Carroll (21-5) vs. Shanksville (21-4), 8 p.m. at Central CambriaShade (25-1) vs. North Catholic (16-6), 7:30 at Pitt-Johnstown
Saturday
Class AA
First round
Penn Cambria (20-4) vs. Greensburg Central Catholic (22-2), 4 p.m. at AltoonaNorthern Cambria (21-5) vs. Apollo-Ridge (18-8), 7 p.m. at Central Cambria
Bishop McCort (18-8) vs. Burrell (19-7), 4:30 p.m. at Gateway
* Conemaugh Township (22-3) vs. Brentwood (14-10), 7:30 p.m. at Pitt-Johnstown
* - Site and time for Conemaugh Township if victorious in Tuesday's play-in game.
Girls
Friday
Class AA
First round
Westmont Hilltop (21-5) vs. Bishop Canevin (22-4), 6 p.m. at North Hills
Saturday
Class AAA
First round
Forest Hills (19-4) vs. Hampton (18-6), 5:30 p.m. at Central CambriaLigonier Valley (16-7) vs. Franklin (24-1), 4:30 p.m. at Slippery Rock University
Class A
Portage (22-3) vs. Berlin (22-4), 4 p.m. at Central CambriaConemaugh Township (21-4) vs. Quigley Catholic (18-6), 5:30 p.m. at Pitt-Johnstown
Thursday, February 21, 2013
District 5 Class A playoffs preview
Boys'
Top seeds: 1. Shade (22-1), 2. Shanksville-Stonycreek (19-3), 3. HOPE for Hyndman (16-6), 4. Berlin Brothersvalley (14-8).
Defending champion: Shade
Players to watch: Ryan Fyock, Wade Walker (Shade), Carter Slade, Jordan Wilt (Shanksville), Jacob Snyder, Drew Glotfelty (Berlin)
The skinny: Shade is the favorite, though Shanksville is the lone team to beat the Panthers. No team in the bracket can match Shade's firepower and defensive mindset. ... The Vikings are an intriguing team. They've played some good teams tough and won at Shade. ... Berlin, like Shanksville, kept things close with some of the better small-school teams in the area.
Sleeper: Berlin
Championship: Shade over Shanksville.
Girls'
Top seeds: 1. Southern Fulton (19-1), 2. Berlin (20-3), 3. Conemaugh Township (18-4), 4. Northern Bedford (16-6).
Defending champion: Southern Fulton
Players to watch: Kayla Luprek, Lyndy Baer (Conemaugh Township), Leah Hershberger, Cierra Cottle (Northern Bedford), Abigahl Stahl (Meyersdale), Emma Spinelli (Shade).
The skinny: Conemaugh Township is the defending Class AA champion and is arguably in a tougher bracket this season. ... Top-seeded Southern Fulton beat Berlin by 15 points early in the season. ... The Mountaineers' last game was an overtime loss to Portage in the WestPAC championship.... The Red Raiders recently concluded one of its better regular season in some time. ... Only a freshman, Spinelli is averaging 19.2 points per game.
Sleeper: Conemaugh Township.
Championship: Southern Fulton over Conemaugh Township.
Top seeds: 1. Shade (22-1), 2. Shanksville-Stonycreek (19-3), 3. HOPE for Hyndman (16-6), 4. Berlin Brothersvalley (14-8).
Defending champion: Shade
Players to watch: Ryan Fyock, Wade Walker (Shade), Carter Slade, Jordan Wilt (Shanksville), Jacob Snyder, Drew Glotfelty (Berlin)
The skinny: Shade is the favorite, though Shanksville is the lone team to beat the Panthers. No team in the bracket can match Shade's firepower and defensive mindset. ... The Vikings are an intriguing team. They've played some good teams tough and won at Shade. ... Berlin, like Shanksville, kept things close with some of the better small-school teams in the area.
Sleeper: Berlin
Championship: Shade over Shanksville.
Girls'
Top seeds: 1. Southern Fulton (19-1), 2. Berlin (20-3), 3. Conemaugh Township (18-4), 4. Northern Bedford (16-6).
Defending champion: Southern Fulton
Players to watch: Kayla Luprek, Lyndy Baer (Conemaugh Township), Leah Hershberger, Cierra Cottle (Northern Bedford), Abigahl Stahl (Meyersdale), Emma Spinelli (Shade).
The skinny: Conemaugh Township is the defending Class AA champion and is arguably in a tougher bracket this season. ... Top-seeded Southern Fulton beat Berlin by 15 points early in the season. ... The Mountaineers' last game was an overtime loss to Portage in the WestPAC championship.... The Red Raiders recently concluded one of its better regular season in some time. ... Only a freshman, Spinelli is averaging 19.2 points per game.
Sleeper: Conemaugh Township.
Championship: Southern Fulton over Conemaugh Township.
Monday, February 18, 2013
T-D girls' basketball rankings
1. Forest Hills 17-4
Rangers earned top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.
2. Portage 20-2
WestPAC champs avenged previous loss to Berlin Brothersvalley in title game.
3. Westmont Hilltop 19-4
Hilltoppers struggled vs. Bishop Guilfoyle in LHAC title game. Of course, every team struggles against BG.
4. Berlin Brothersvalley 20-3
Rachel Prosser's squad had a 19-game win streak snapped against Portage.
5. Richland 17-5
Winners of four straight, Richland opens postseason play tonight against Central Cambria.
6. Ligonier Valley 15-6
Class AAA Rams haven't been able to solve Blairsville, the top seed in Class AA.
7. Conemaugh Township 18-4
Indians play Shade for first time this season in opening round of District 5 Class A playoffs.
8. Conemaugh Valley 16-6
Balanced Blue Jays won final four conference games.
9. Bishop McCort 12-9
Crimson Crushers should prove to be a tough out in District 6 Class AA bracket.
10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers will have 14-day layoff before playing in District 5 Class AA playoffs.
Rangers earned top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.
2. Portage 20-2
WestPAC champs avenged previous loss to Berlin Brothersvalley in title game.
3. Westmont Hilltop 19-4
Hilltoppers struggled vs. Bishop Guilfoyle in LHAC title game. Of course, every team struggles against BG.
4. Berlin Brothersvalley 20-3
Rachel Prosser's squad had a 19-game win streak snapped against Portage.
5. Richland 17-5
Winners of four straight, Richland opens postseason play tonight against Central Cambria.
6. Ligonier Valley 15-6
Class AAA Rams haven't been able to solve Blairsville, the top seed in Class AA.
7. Conemaugh Township 18-4
Indians play Shade for first time this season in opening round of District 5 Class A playoffs.
8. Conemaugh Valley 16-6
Balanced Blue Jays won final four conference games.
9. Bishop McCort 12-9
Crimson Crushers should prove to be a tough out in District 6 Class AA bracket.
10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers will have 14-day layoff before playing in District 5 Class AA playoffs.
Monday, February 11, 2013
T-D girls' basketball rankings
1. Berlin 17-2
Big win versus Conemaugh Township last week. Mountaineers have clinched spot in WestPAC title game.
2. Westmont Hilltop 17-3
It's a battle of perennial powers (Westmont vs. Bishop Guilfoyle) in Saturday's LHAC championship game.
3. Forest Hills 17-4
Rangers should be top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.
4. Ligonier Valley 13-4
Surging Rams should be Forest Hills' top competition in D6 bracket.
5. Portage 18-2
Mustangs are one win from spot in WestPAC championship game for first time.
6. Richland 14-5
Rams bounced back from loss to Westmont with key win versus Bishop McCort.
7. Conemaugh Township 15-4
Indians gave No. 1 Berlin tough game on the Mountaineers' home court.
8. Conemaugh Valley 14-5
Blue Jays remain among WestPAC elite.
9. Bishop McCort 11-9
If Crimson Crushers figure out how to beat one of the area's elite teams, could spell postseason success.
10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers ended regular season on three-game win streak.
Big win versus Conemaugh Township last week. Mountaineers have clinched spot in WestPAC title game.
2. Westmont Hilltop 17-3
It's a battle of perennial powers (Westmont vs. Bishop Guilfoyle) in Saturday's LHAC championship game.
3. Forest Hills 17-4
Rangers should be top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.
4. Ligonier Valley 13-4
Surging Rams should be Forest Hills' top competition in D6 bracket.
5. Portage 18-2
Mustangs are one win from spot in WestPAC championship game for first time.
6. Richland 14-5
Rams bounced back from loss to Westmont with key win versus Bishop McCort.
7. Conemaugh Township 15-4
Indians gave No. 1 Berlin tough game on the Mountaineers' home court.
8. Conemaugh Valley 14-5
Blue Jays remain among WestPAC elite.
9. Bishop McCort 11-9
If Crimson Crushers figure out how to beat one of the area's elite teams, could spell postseason success.
10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers ended regular season on three-game win streak.
Monday, February 4, 2013
T-D girls' basketball rankings
When a program has enjoyed as much success as Westmont Hilltop girls basketball, there are considerable expectations that come with wearing the Hilltoppers' red and white.
Consider Westmont Hilltop played for PIAA Class AA championships in 2005 and 2006, In 2005, the Hilltoppers lost a tough four-point game to Delone Catholic. A year later, the Hilltoppers suffered a five-point loss to another perennial power in York Catholic.
In the world of PIAA small-school girls basketball, private school tend to dominate in the state playoffs, which makes Westmont Hilltop's success all the more impressive.
"You don't play to lose and you don't play to go .500, you play to win," said Hilltoppers coach Jodi Hillegass, who is in her 10th season.
In order to live up to the yearly expectations at Westmont, players often go above and beyond what is expected from them.
"If you want to win championships and go to states, you can't be off weekends, you can't take the summer off," Hillegass said.
Westmont's current group has bought into the hard-working system, and it's resulted in a mid-to-late season surge. The Hilltoppers have climbed to No. 3 in the latest edition of The T-D girls' basketball rankings.
1. Berlin 15-2
Mountaineers bring a 14-game win streak into Tuesday's home game against Conemaugh Township.
2. Forest Hills 16-3
Rangers face tough task tonight as Bishop Guilfoyle comes to Sidman.
3. Westmont Hilltop 15-3
With Rachel Roper healthy, Hilltoppers may be peaking at right time.
4. Ligonier Valley 11-4
Healthy Rams secured two big road wins at Marion Center and Penns manor.
5. Conemaugh Township 13-3
Impressive double-digit home win vs. Portage makes Indians biggest upward movers.
6. Portage 17-2
Juniors Olivia McCabe and Emily Chobany both topped 1,000-point mark last week.
7. Richland 13-4
Rams can earn signature win tonight vs. Westmont Hilltop.
8. Conemaugh Valley 12-4
Blue Jays face Conemaugh Township and Meyersdale this week as part of tough five-game stretch.
9. Bishop McCort 10-8
Crimson Crushers have lost three of four. Those losses are against Forest Hills, Westmont Hilltop and Altoona.
10. Meyersdale 14-4
Eric McCool's Red Raiders haven't allowed more than 34 points since a three-point loss at Shade.
Consider Westmont Hilltop played for PIAA Class AA championships in 2005 and 2006, In 2005, the Hilltoppers lost a tough four-point game to Delone Catholic. A year later, the Hilltoppers suffered a five-point loss to another perennial power in York Catholic.
In the world of PIAA small-school girls basketball, private school tend to dominate in the state playoffs, which makes Westmont Hilltop's success all the more impressive.
"You don't play to lose and you don't play to go .500, you play to win," said Hilltoppers coach Jodi Hillegass, who is in her 10th season.
In order to live up to the yearly expectations at Westmont, players often go above and beyond what is expected from them.
"If you want to win championships and go to states, you can't be off weekends, you can't take the summer off," Hillegass said.
Westmont's current group has bought into the hard-working system, and it's resulted in a mid-to-late season surge. The Hilltoppers have climbed to No. 3 in the latest edition of The T-D girls' basketball rankings.
1. Berlin 15-2
Mountaineers bring a 14-game win streak into Tuesday's home game against Conemaugh Township.
2. Forest Hills 16-3
Rangers face tough task tonight as Bishop Guilfoyle comes to Sidman.
3. Westmont Hilltop 15-3
With Rachel Roper healthy, Hilltoppers may be peaking at right time.
4. Ligonier Valley 11-4
Healthy Rams secured two big road wins at Marion Center and Penns manor.
5. Conemaugh Township 13-3
Impressive double-digit home win vs. Portage makes Indians biggest upward movers.
6. Portage 17-2
Juniors Olivia McCabe and Emily Chobany both topped 1,000-point mark last week.
7. Richland 13-4
Rams can earn signature win tonight vs. Westmont Hilltop.
8. Conemaugh Valley 12-4
Blue Jays face Conemaugh Township and Meyersdale this week as part of tough five-game stretch.
9. Bishop McCort 10-8
Crimson Crushers have lost three of four. Those losses are against Forest Hills, Westmont Hilltop and Altoona.
10. Meyersdale 14-4
Eric McCool's Red Raiders haven't allowed more than 34 points since a three-point loss at Shade.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
T-D girls' basketball rankings
1. Berlin 12-2
Mountaineers have tough back-to-back road games at Conamaugh Valley and Shade this week.
2. Portage 15-1
Only time Mustangs allowed more than 50 points in a game this season was against Quad-A Greater Latrobe, and Portage won that game.
3. Forest Hills 13-3
Loss to Bishop Guilfoyle couple weeks ago must have angered the Rangers as they've blown out four straight opponents.
4. Westmont Hilltop 13-3
Hilltoppers' Erin Rodgers is one of area's top scorers, but she's also averaging 4.9 steals per game.
5. Richland 12-4
The Rams are solid, but 15-ppint home loss to Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders' mettle.
6. Ligonier Valley 9-4
A convincing 13-point win over Conemaugh Township could be a jump start for Rams.
7. Conemaugh Valley 11-3
Tough to find fault in Blue Jay's loss to Portage.
8. Conemaugh Township 11-3
Indians rebound from loss to Ligonier Valley with win vs. North Star. Big game vs. Portage on Wednesday.
9. Bishop McCort 9-6
Crimson Crushers had five-game win streak snapped against Forest Hills.
10. Shade 12-3
The Panthers are on an eight-game win streak and freshman Emma Spinelli is averaging 19.2 points per game.
Mountaineers have tough back-to-back road games at Conamaugh Valley and Shade this week.
2. Portage 15-1
Only time Mustangs allowed more than 50 points in a game this season was against Quad-A Greater Latrobe, and Portage won that game.
3. Forest Hills 13-3
Loss to Bishop Guilfoyle couple weeks ago must have angered the Rangers as they've blown out four straight opponents.
4. Westmont Hilltop 13-3
Hilltoppers' Erin Rodgers is one of area's top scorers, but she's also averaging 4.9 steals per game.
5. Richland 12-4
The Rams are solid, but 15-ppint home loss to Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders' mettle.
6. Ligonier Valley 9-4
A convincing 13-point win over Conemaugh Township could be a jump start for Rams.
7. Conemaugh Valley 11-3
Tough to find fault in Blue Jay's loss to Portage.
8. Conemaugh Township 11-3
Indians rebound from loss to Ligonier Valley with win vs. North Star. Big game vs. Portage on Wednesday.
9. Bishop McCort 9-6
Crimson Crushers had five-game win streak snapped against Forest Hills.
10. Shade 12-3
The Panthers are on an eight-game win streak and freshman Emma Spinelli is averaging 19.2 points per game.
Monday, January 21, 2013
T-D girls' basketball rankings
1. Berlin 11-2
The Mountaineers had a rare off week. No game played.
2. Portage 13-1
Tuesday's game against Conemaugh Valley should be a sturdy test.
3. Forest Hills 11-3
If Rangers can beat Bishop Guilfoyle at home, they should run the table.
4. Westmont Hilltop 11-3
The Hilltoppers were the latest area team to lose to Tussey Mountain.
5. Richland 11-3
The Rams are finally getting healthy again.
6. Conemaugh Valley 11-2
The Blue Jays haven't lost since Dec. 17.
7. Conemaugh Township 10-2
Indians are averaging 13.3 steals per game.
8. Bishop McCort 8-5
The only newcomer to the rankings, the Crimson Crushers are 5-1 and in first place in LHAC Section 1.
9. Penn Cambria 8-5
The Panthers have quietly pieced together a four-game win streak.
10. Ligonier Valley 8-4
The Rams are struggling to score points. A healthier team may be the remedy.
The Mountaineers had a rare off week. No game played.
2. Portage 13-1
Tuesday's game against Conemaugh Valley should be a sturdy test.
3. Forest Hills 11-3
If Rangers can beat Bishop Guilfoyle at home, they should run the table.
4. Westmont Hilltop 11-3
The Hilltoppers were the latest area team to lose to Tussey Mountain.
5. Richland 11-3
The Rams are finally getting healthy again.
6. Conemaugh Valley 11-2
The Blue Jays haven't lost since Dec. 17.
7. Conemaugh Township 10-2
Indians are averaging 13.3 steals per game.
8. Bishop McCort 8-5
The only newcomer to the rankings, the Crimson Crushers are 5-1 and in first place in LHAC Section 1.
9. Penn Cambria 8-5
The Panthers have quietly pieced together a four-game win streak.
10. Ligonier Valley 8-4
The Rams are struggling to score points. A healthier team may be the remedy.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
T-D girls' basketball rankings
This far into the girls basketball season, we know ... is anyone quite sure what we know yet?
Think we know that Richland is good when healthy. Think we know that Ligonier Valley needs Maddie Grimm back. Think we know that Forest Hills is solid. Think we know Westmont Hilltop is capable of beating any team in the region, especially with Jodi Hillegass as coach.
Think we know that Berlin and Portage are solid in Class A, and that Meyersdale is a team to watch.
Other than that, who knows?
1. Berlin 11-2
Twenty-point win at Meyersdale solidifies Mountaineers as team to beat in WestPAC South.
2. Portage 11-1
Dynamic duo of Emily Chobany and Olivia McCabe have the Mustangs thinking big.
3. Forest Hills 10-3
Loss at Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders remain team to beat in the LHAC.
4. Westmont Hilltop 10-2
Behind 1,000-point scorer Erin Rodgers, Hilltoppers have won eight of nine.
5. Ligonier Valley 7-3
The Rams are talented, but blowout loss to Blairsville was an eye-raiser, despite Grimm's absence.
6. Richland 10-3
A double overtime loss at Bishop McCort Monday is the Rams' second-straight setback.
7. Conemaugh Valley 9-2
The Blue Jays' only losses are to Portage and Richland.
8. Conemaugh Township 9-2
Portage and CV are the only teams to knock the Indians. Both losses were by four points.
9. Penn Cambria 6-5
Tori Shingler's return from injury has Panthers pointed in right direction.
10. Meyersdale 8-3
Red Raiders were 8-1 before losses to Portage and Berlin.
Think we know that Richland is good when healthy. Think we know that Ligonier Valley needs Maddie Grimm back. Think we know that Forest Hills is solid. Think we know Westmont Hilltop is capable of beating any team in the region, especially with Jodi Hillegass as coach.
Think we know that Berlin and Portage are solid in Class A, and that Meyersdale is a team to watch.
Other than that, who knows?
1. Berlin 11-2
Twenty-point win at Meyersdale solidifies Mountaineers as team to beat in WestPAC South.
2. Portage 11-1
Dynamic duo of Emily Chobany and Olivia McCabe have the Mustangs thinking big.
3. Forest Hills 10-3
Loss at Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders remain team to beat in the LHAC.
4. Westmont Hilltop 10-2
Behind 1,000-point scorer Erin Rodgers, Hilltoppers have won eight of nine.
5. Ligonier Valley 7-3
The Rams are talented, but blowout loss to Blairsville was an eye-raiser, despite Grimm's absence.
6. Richland 10-3
A double overtime loss at Bishop McCort Monday is the Rams' second-straight setback.
7. Conemaugh Valley 9-2
The Blue Jays' only losses are to Portage and Richland.
8. Conemaugh Township 9-2
Portage and CV are the only teams to knock the Indians. Both losses were by four points.
9. Penn Cambria 6-5
Tori Shingler's return from injury has Panthers pointed in right direction.
10. Meyersdale 8-3
Red Raiders were 8-1 before losses to Portage and Berlin.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The season's first Tribune-Democrat basketball rankings
Other work commitments have kept The Varsity Club on the quiet side in recent weeks, and there were even thoughts of keeping the blog dedicated to high school football. But we're going to crank things up for the rest of the winter sports season and see how things go.
T-D sports staffer Shawn Curtis suggested The Varsity Club offer the area's first intergender basketball rankings. Interesting idea (kind of), but we'll keep things separate ... at least for now.
Since most teams are at or nearing the halfway mark of the regular season, seems like a good time to do some local basketball rankings.
Boys
1. Shade 10-0
2. Bishop McCort 6-2
3. Greater Johnstown 6-3
4. Penn Cambria 7-2
5. Somerset 7-4
6. Bishop Carroll 7-2
7. Cambria Heights 7-3
8. Northern Cambria 7-3
9. Richland 4-1
10. Conemaugh Township 6-2
Girls
1. Richland 9-1
2. Forest Hills 8-2
3. Berlin 8-2
4. Portage 9-1
5. Ligonier Valley 7-2
6. Westmobt Hilltop 7-2
7. Conemaugh Valley 7-2
8. Meyersdale 7-1
9. United 7-4
10. Conemaugh Township 7-2
T-D sports staffer Shawn Curtis suggested The Varsity Club offer the area's first intergender basketball rankings. Interesting idea (kind of), but we'll keep things separate ... at least for now.
Since most teams are at or nearing the halfway mark of the regular season, seems like a good time to do some local basketball rankings.
Boys
1. Shade 10-0
2. Bishop McCort 6-2
3. Greater Johnstown 6-3
4. Penn Cambria 7-2
5. Somerset 7-4
6. Bishop Carroll 7-2
7. Cambria Heights 7-3
8. Northern Cambria 7-3
9. Richland 4-1
10. Conemaugh Township 6-2
Girls
1. Richland 9-1
2. Forest Hills 8-2
3. Berlin 8-2
4. Portage 9-1
5. Ligonier Valley 7-2
6. Westmobt Hilltop 7-2
7. Conemaugh Valley 7-2
8. Meyersdale 7-1
9. United 7-4
10. Conemaugh Township 7-2
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Area well represented on PFN All-State teams
The Pennsylvania Football news released its comprehensive All-State teams on Tuesday, and the area is well-represented, particularly in Class AA.
If you want to read the entire list of players, click here.
Locally, many of the players – Richland's Tanner Solarczyk, Berlin' Drew Glotflety and Penn Cambria Mack Behe – one would expect to be recognized were. There were a few surprises, too.
Greater Johnstown's Dalvin Williams was the lone local representative on the Class AAA team. He earned second-team honors at linebacker after he finished the regular season with 149 tackles. Williams was a first-team selection to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers' All-State team and had 10 or more tackles in all 10 of the Trojans' games.
Solarczyk, selected Tribune-Democrat Offensive Player of the Year, was a first-team running back in Class AA and was joined on the first team by Rams receiver Kyle Flick. Richland also placed quarterback Matt Shaffer on the second team along with lineman Josh Dininny. Receiver Luke Shertzer was the fifth Richland player selected as he made third team offense.
Ligonier Valley placed two on the Class AA offense. Lineman Micah Tennant, who will play at Lehigh, was a second-team selection and Ryan Torrance made third team at running back.
Forest Hills receiver Jared Shope, who spent time at quarterback this season because of an injury to Rangers starter Joe Donoughe, was a third-team selection.
Behe made the PA Sports Writers All-State team at linebacker as a junior and a senior, so it's no surprise that the disruptive force from Penn Cambria earned a first-team spot in Class AA. He's joined at linebacker by Ligonier's Stuart Urch, who had 20 sacks.
Central Cambria defensive lineman Tyler Gironda was a third-team selection in Class AA.
Two area talents landed on the Class A second team offense in Bishop McCort kicker Jordan Spangler and Berlin's Drew Glotfelty. Spangler kicked nine field goals in addition to being one of the area's premier pass catchers. Glotfelty, along with Solarczyk, rushed for 2,000 yards.
Berlin offensive lineman Levi Bowser was a third-team selection along with Shade running back Brock Medva.
Luke DiFrancesco, another of Bishop McCort's talented receivers, earned second-team honors at defensive back. He was joined by emerging defensive lineman Stew Trulick of Berlin and Norther Cambria linebacker Alex Atkins – Tribune-Democrat Defensive Player of the Year. Atkins finished the season with 160 tackles.
Windber placed three players on the third team in receiver Matt Barkley, punter Dustin Blough and defensive back Devon Tomlinson. North Star's Brantley Rice was also a third-team pick at defensive back.
If you want to read the entire list of players, click here.
Locally, many of the players – Richland's Tanner Solarczyk, Berlin' Drew Glotflety and Penn Cambria Mack Behe – one would expect to be recognized were. There were a few surprises, too.
Greater Johnstown's Dalvin Williams was the lone local representative on the Class AAA team. He earned second-team honors at linebacker after he finished the regular season with 149 tackles. Williams was a first-team selection to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers' All-State team and had 10 or more tackles in all 10 of the Trojans' games.
 |
| Richland's Kyle Flick |
Ligonier Valley placed two on the Class AA offense. Lineman Micah Tennant, who will play at Lehigh, was a second-team selection and Ryan Torrance made third team at running back.
Forest Hills receiver Jared Shope, who spent time at quarterback this season because of an injury to Rangers starter Joe Donoughe, was a third-team selection.
 |
| Ligonier Valley's Stuart Urch |
Central Cambria defensive lineman Tyler Gironda was a third-team selection in Class AA.
Two area talents landed on the Class A second team offense in Bishop McCort kicker Jordan Spangler and Berlin's Drew Glotfelty. Spangler kicked nine field goals in addition to being one of the area's premier pass catchers. Glotfelty, along with Solarczyk, rushed for 2,000 yards.
Berlin offensive lineman Levi Bowser was a third-team selection along with Shade running back Brock Medva.
Luke DiFrancesco, another of Bishop McCort's talented receivers, earned second-team honors at defensive back. He was joined by emerging defensive lineman Stew Trulick of Berlin and Norther Cambria linebacker Alex Atkins – Tribune-Democrat Defensive Player of the Year. Atkins finished the season with 160 tackles.
Windber placed three players on the third team in receiver Matt Barkley, punter Dustin Blough and defensive back Devon Tomlinson. North Star's Brantley Rice was also a third-team pick at defensive back.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
WestPAC not so whack
When it comes to respect, the WestPAC gets precious little during football season.
Yet, when the 2012 PIAA Class A brackets were released two of the 16 teams remaining hailed from the WestPAC – North Star and Berlin. It's a solid achievement for a conference looked upon as a weak sisters by its neighbors in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference and the Heritage Conference.
The LHAC produced three state qualifiers in Richland, Forest Hills (Class AA) and Bishop McCort (Class A).
As for the Heritage Conference, there were no PIAA-playoff qualifiers.
"The top of the conference is strong," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "The top teams from the WestPAC can compete. There's four or five teams in our conference that can compete in just about any conference."
Berlin coach Doug Paul echoed those sentiments.
"The WestPAC is very competitive," Paul said. "People talk about the size of our schools and the demographics that make up the teams, but any given year, three or four of our schools could compete in any Class A conference in the state."
Paul added more clarification to the statement.
"I'm not saying any of our teams would go undefeated, but there's three or four teams that year-in, year-out would compete for the playoffs."
Count North Star and Berlin among those programs.
And count Berlin (11-10 as the next team to face mighty Clairton (13-0), which set a PIAA record for consecutive wins with 60 in winning last week's WPIAL championship over Sto-Rox. The Bears have won five consecutive WPIAL titles and the last three state championships.
Kickoff is Friday at 7 p.m. at Somerset High School. Clairton shut out North Star, 52-0, two years ago on a memorably snow-filled night in Somerset.
When asked about Clairton minutes after Berlin won its first District 5 championship since 2004, Paul said, "I watched the (WPIAL) game on television earlier (Friday). They don't have a weakness. They have athletes everywhere."
Yet, when the 2012 PIAA Class A brackets were released two of the 16 teams remaining hailed from the WestPAC – North Star and Berlin. It's a solid achievement for a conference looked upon as a weak sisters by its neighbors in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference and the Heritage Conference.
The LHAC produced three state qualifiers in Richland, Forest Hills (Class AA) and Bishop McCort (Class A).
As for the Heritage Conference, there were no PIAA-playoff qualifiers.
"The top of the conference is strong," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "The top teams from the WestPAC can compete. There's four or five teams in our conference that can compete in just about any conference."
 |
| Berlin's Drew Glotfelty scores as North Star's Levi Albright attempts to tackle him during the District 5 Class A championship game at Somerset. |
Berlin coach Doug Paul echoed those sentiments.
"The WestPAC is very competitive," Paul said. "People talk about the size of our schools and the demographics that make up the teams, but any given year, three or four of our schools could compete in any Class A conference in the state."
Paul added more clarification to the statement.
"I'm not saying any of our teams would go undefeated, but there's three or four teams that year-in, year-out would compete for the playoffs."
Count North Star and Berlin among those programs.
And count Berlin (11-10 as the next team to face mighty Clairton (13-0), which set a PIAA record for consecutive wins with 60 in winning last week's WPIAL championship over Sto-Rox. The Bears have won five consecutive WPIAL titles and the last three state championships.
Kickoff is Friday at 7 p.m. at Somerset High School. Clairton shut out North Star, 52-0, two years ago on a memorably snow-filled night in Somerset.
When asked about Clairton minutes after Berlin won its first District 5 championship since 2004, Paul said, "I watched the (WPIAL) game on television earlier (Friday). They don't have a weakness. They have athletes everywhere."
Monday, November 26, 2012
PA Football News rankings
Class AAAA:
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking1. North Allegheny (7) (13-0) Defeated Woodland Hills, 21-14 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (11-1) Did Not Play (2)
3. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (12-1) Defeated Governor Mifflin, 21-14 (3)
4. Harrisburg (3) (11-2) Defeated Central Dauphin, 27-21 (5)
Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (13-0) Defeated Lancaster Catholic, 27-7 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (12-0) Defeated General McLane, 48-14 2)
3. Archbishop Wood (12) (10-2) Did Not Play (3)
Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (13-0) Defeated Washington, 34-7 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (13-0) Defeated Bermudian Springs (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (13-0) Defeated Boy's Latin, 58-8 (3)
4. Richland (6) (13-0) Defeated Forest Hills, 27-0 (5)
5. Hickory (10) (11-1) Defeated Wilmington, 39-7 (7)
6. Pen Argyl (11) (10-2) Defeated Wyoming Area, 21-7 (8)
7. Danville (4) (11-2) Defeated Mount Carmel, 28-21 (10)
8. Karns City (9) (10-3) Defeated Chestnut Ridge, 35-29 (HM)
9. South Fayette (7) (11-1) Season Complete (9)
10. Washington (7) (12-1) Lost to Aliquippa, 34-7 (4) (Blogger's note: Washington beat South Fayette in the WPIAL playoffs but fell behind SF in this week's rankings.)
Class A:
Rank - School - District
1. Clairton (7) (13-0) Defeated Sto-Rox, 58-21 (1) (60 Straight Wins - Breaks the state Record)
2. Dunmore (2) (12-1) Defeated Southern Columbia, 35-29 (5)
3. Port Allegany (9) (13-0) Defeated Clarion Area, 47-8 (3)
4. Bellwood-Antis (6) (12-1) Defeated Bishop McCort, 54-3 (7)
5. Sharpsville (10) (11-1) Defeated West Middlesex, 28-0 (8)
6. Southern Columbia (4) (12-1) Lost to Dunmore, 35-29 (2)
7. Bristol (1) (9-1) Defeated Williams Valley, 20-0 (HM)
8. Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (11-1) Defeated North Star, 14-6 (HM)
Clarion Area (9) (12-1)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking1. North Allegheny (7) (13-0) Defeated Woodland Hills, 21-14 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (11-1) Did Not Play (2)
3. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (12-1) Defeated Governor Mifflin, 21-14 (3)
4. Harrisburg (3) (11-2) Defeated Central Dauphin, 27-21 (5)
5.
Parkland (11) (11-2) Defeated Delaware Valley, 49-41 (8)
6. McDowell (10) (7-5) Defeated State College, 42-0 (HM)
7. Coatesville (1) (11-2) Defeated Neshaminy, 63-28 (HM)
6. McDowell (10) (7-5) Defeated State College, 42-0 (HM)
7. Coatesville (1) (11-2) Defeated Neshaminy, 63-28 (HM)
8.
Spring-Ford (1) (12-2) Defeated Pennridge, 35-24 (HM)
9. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Season Complete (6)
10. Pennridge (1) (11-2) Lost to Spring-Ford, 35-24 (4)
Honorable Mention:
9. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Season Complete (6)
10. Pennridge (1) (11-2) Lost to Spring-Ford, 35-24 (4)
Honorable Mention:
Central
Bucks South (10-2)
Central
Dauphin (3) (10-3)
Delaware Valley (2) (11-2)
Delaware Valley (2) (11-2)
Downingtown East (1) (10-1)
Governor
Mifflin (3) (10-3)
Neshaminy (1) (9-4)
Ridley
(1) (11-1)
Scranton
(2) (11-1)
Upper
St. Clair (7) (10-2)
Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (13-0) Defeated Lancaster Catholic, 27-7 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (12-0) Defeated General McLane, 48-14 2)
3. Archbishop Wood (12) (10-2) Did Not Play (3)
4. West
York (3) (13-0) Defeated Susquehanna Township, 31-7 (4)
5. West Allegheny (7) (12-1) Defeated West Mifflin, 34-8 (5)
5. West Allegheny (7) (12-1) Defeated West Mifflin, 34-8 (5)
6.
Selinsgrove (4) (9-3) Defeated University Prep, 41-14 (10)
7. Interboro (1)(11-2) Defeated West Chester Henderson, 14-12 (HM_
8. Allentown Central Catholic (11) (8-5) Defeated Abington Heights, 23-0 (HM)
9. Thomas Jefferson (7) (11-1) Season Complete (HM)
10. Pottsgrove (1) (11-1) Season Complete (HM)
Honorable Mention:
7. Interboro (1)(11-2) Defeated West Chester Henderson, 14-12 (HM_
8. Allentown Central Catholic (11) (8-5) Defeated Abington Heights, 23-0 (HM)
9. Thomas Jefferson (7) (11-1) Season Complete (HM)
10. Pottsgrove (1) (11-1) Season Complete (HM)
Honorable Mention:
Abington
Heights (2) (10-3)
Berwick
Area (2) (10-2)
Central
Valley (7) (9-2)
Clearfield (9) (11-1)
Clearfield (9) (11-1)
Garden
Spot (3) (10-1)
General
McLane (10) (9-3)
Susquehanna Township (3) (10-3)
West
Mifflin (7) (11-2)
Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (13-0) Defeated Washington, 34-7 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (13-0) Defeated Bermudian Springs (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (13-0) Defeated Boy's Latin, 58-8 (3)
4. Richland (6) (13-0) Defeated Forest Hills, 27-0 (5)
5. Hickory (10) (11-1) Defeated Wilmington, 39-7 (7)
6. Pen Argyl (11) (10-2) Defeated Wyoming Area, 21-7 (8)
7. Danville (4) (11-2) Defeated Mount Carmel, 28-21 (10)
8. Karns City (9) (10-3) Defeated Chestnut Ridge, 35-29 (HM)
9. South Fayette (7) (11-1) Season Complete (9)
10. Washington (7) (12-1) Lost to Aliquippa, 34-7 (4) (Blogger's note: Washington beat South Fayette in the WPIAL playoffs but fell behind SF in this week's rankings.)
Honorable Mention:
Bermudian Springs (3) (12-1)
Catasauqua (11) (12-1)
Forest
Hills (6) (9-4)
Jeannette (7) (10-2)
Wilmington (10) (9-3)
Wyoming
Area (2) (10-3)
Class A:
Rank - School - District
1. Clairton (7) (13-0) Defeated Sto-Rox, 58-21 (1) (60 Straight Wins - Breaks the state Record)
2. Dunmore (2) (12-1) Defeated Southern Columbia, 35-29 (5)
3. Port Allegany (9) (13-0) Defeated Clarion Area, 47-8 (3)
4. Bellwood-Antis (6) (12-1) Defeated Bishop McCort, 54-3 (7)
5. Sharpsville (10) (11-1) Defeated West Middlesex, 28-0 (8)
6. Southern Columbia (4) (12-1) Lost to Dunmore, 35-29 (2)
7. Bristol (1) (9-1) Defeated Williams Valley, 20-0 (HM)
8. Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (11-1) Defeated North Star, 14-6 (HM)
9.
Delone Catholic (3) (9-3) Defeated Steelton-Highspire, 28-13 (HM)
10. Old Forge (2) (11-1) Season Complete (9)
Honorable Mention:10. Old Forge (2) (11-1) Season Complete (9)
Clarion Area (9) (12-1)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Neshannock (7) (10-2)
North
Star (5) (10-3)
Sto-Rox
(7) (11-1)
Tri-Valley (11) (10-2)
West
Middlesex (10) (10-3)
Williams
Valley (11) (12-1)
Thursday, November 22, 2012
North Star/Berlin capsule
North Star (10-2) vs. Berlin (10-1)
What: District 5 Class A championship.
When: 7 p.m., today.
Where: Somerset High School.
District titles: North Star, 4 – 2008 (Class AA), 2007, 2010, 2011 (Class A).
Berlin Brothersvalley, 4 – 1986, 1987, 1990, 2004 (Class A).
North Star scores: Portage (L, 13-10), Ferndale (W, 30-0), Conemaugh Valley (W, 42-7), Saltsburg (W, 40-7), Berlin Brothersvalley (L, 28-19), Shade (W, 3-0), Meyersdale (W, 32-7), Rockwood (W, 42-0), Blacklick Valley (W, 36-24), Conemaugh Township (W, 14-12), Shade (W, 21-0), Northern Bedford (W, 21-20).
Berlin scores: Conemaugh Township (W, 41-6), Portage (W, 20-7), Ferndale (W, 55-8), Conemaugh Valley (W, 27-0), North Star (W, 28-19), Northern Cambria (W, 21-19), Shade (W, 40-7), Meyersdale (W, 28-27), Rockwood (W, 49-12), Windber (L, 28-20), Windber (W, 40-20).
Berlin received a first-round bye in the District 5 playoffs.
What: District 5 Class A championship.
When: 7 p.m., today.
Where: Somerset High School.
District titles: North Star, 4 – 2008 (Class AA), 2007, 2010, 2011 (Class A).
Berlin Brothersvalley, 4 – 1986, 1987, 1990, 2004 (Class A).
North Star scores: Portage (L, 13-10), Ferndale (W, 30-0), Conemaugh Valley (W, 42-7), Saltsburg (W, 40-7), Berlin Brothersvalley (L, 28-19), Shade (W, 3-0), Meyersdale (W, 32-7), Rockwood (W, 42-0), Blacklick Valley (W, 36-24), Conemaugh Township (W, 14-12), Shade (W, 21-0), Northern Bedford (W, 21-20).
Berlin scores: Conemaugh Township (W, 41-6), Portage (W, 20-7), Ferndale (W, 55-8), Conemaugh Valley (W, 27-0), North Star (W, 28-19), Northern Cambria (W, 21-19), Shade (W, 40-7), Meyersdale (W, 28-27), Rockwood (W, 49-12), Windber (L, 28-20), Windber (W, 40-20).
Berlin received a first-round bye in the District 5 playoffs.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Tribune-Democrat football rankings
Regardless of classification ...
1. Richland 12-0 (Class AA)
Noteworthy: Richland remains area's most consistently excellent team. Rams make District 6-AA title game for second straight year. This year, it's being dubbed the Bailey Bowl as Brandon Bailey's Richland Rams play father Don Bailey's Forest Hills Rangers.
2. Forest Hills 9-3 (AA)
Noteworthy: Rangers have been one of Class AA's best teams since Week 6. Father/son coaching matchups happen occasionally, but one has to wonder if it's ever actually happened in a PIAA playoff game.
3. Bishop McCort 9-3 (A)
Noteworthy: It's late November, so that must mean it's time for the annual playoff matchup between Class A powers Bishop McCort and Bellwood-Antis. The winner could be set for a long postseason run.
4. Berlin 10-1 (A)
Noteworthy: Not sure why, but it seems like Mountaineers coach Doug Paul doesn't get enough credit. He's not afraid to alter schemes, play calls or signals or even move players to different positions if he believes it gives Berlin a chance.
5. North Star 10-2 (A)
Noteworthy: The District 5 Class A championship will be contested Friday night. That must mean North Star is still playing. The Cougars are in the title game ... again, and their defense is playing at en elite level.
6. Chestnut Ridge 6-5 (AA)
Noteworthy: Chestnut Ridge won its first playoff game two weeks ago against Everett. The Lions had a week off now travel to Clarion University to play District 9's Karns City. Ridge played a difficult, nomadic schedule. Now, the ever-improving Lions will find out if it pays off.
1. Richland 12-0 (Class AA)
Noteworthy: Richland remains area's most consistently excellent team. Rams make District 6-AA title game for second straight year. This year, it's being dubbed the Bailey Bowl as Brandon Bailey's Richland Rams play father Don Bailey's Forest Hills Rangers.
2. Forest Hills 9-3 (AA)
Noteworthy: Rangers have been one of Class AA's best teams since Week 6. Father/son coaching matchups happen occasionally, but one has to wonder if it's ever actually happened in a PIAA playoff game.
3. Bishop McCort 9-3 (A)
Noteworthy: It's late November, so that must mean it's time for the annual playoff matchup between Class A powers Bishop McCort and Bellwood-Antis. The winner could be set for a long postseason run.
4. Berlin 10-1 (A)
Noteworthy: Not sure why, but it seems like Mountaineers coach Doug Paul doesn't get enough credit. He's not afraid to alter schemes, play calls or signals or even move players to different positions if he believes it gives Berlin a chance.
5. North Star 10-2 (A)
Noteworthy: The District 5 Class A championship will be contested Friday night. That must mean North Star is still playing. The Cougars are in the title game ... again, and their defense is playing at en elite level.
6. Chestnut Ridge 6-5 (AA)
Noteworthy: Chestnut Ridge won its first playoff game two weeks ago against Everett. The Lions had a week off now travel to Clarion University to play District 9's Karns City. Ridge played a difficult, nomadic schedule. Now, the ever-improving Lions will find out if it pays off.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
PA Football News rankings
Class AAAA:
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking
1. North Allegheny (7) (12-0) Defeated Seneca Valley, 47-17 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (10-1) Defeated Frandford, 37-20 (2)
3. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (11-1) Defeated Central York, 35-10 (4)
4. Pennridge (1) (11-1) Defeated Pennsbury, 28-27 (5)
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking
1. North Allegheny (7) (12-0) Defeated Seneca Valley, 47-17 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (10-1) Defeated Frandford, 37-20 (2)
3. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (11-1) Defeated Central York, 35-10 (4)
4. Pennridge (1) (11-1) Defeated Pennsbury, 28-27 (5)
5.
Harrisburg (3) (10-2) Defeated Cumberland Valley, 47-28 (10)
6. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Season Complete (6)
7. Woodland Hills (7) (10-2) Defeated Upper St. Clair, 42-20 (HM)
6. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Season Complete (6)
7. Woodland Hills (7) (10-2) Defeated Upper St. Clair, 42-20 (HM)
8.
Parkland (11) (10-2) Defeated Pleasant Valley, 37-0 (HM)
9. Central Dauphin (3) (10-2) Defeated Manheim Township, 38-30 (HM)
10. Neshaminy (1) (9-3) Defeated Central Bucks South, 14-7 (HM)
9. Central Dauphin (3) (10-2) Defeated Manheim Township, 38-30 (HM)
10. Neshaminy (1) (9-3) Defeated Central Bucks South, 14-7 (HM)
Honorable Mention:
Central
Bucks South (10-2)
Coatesville
(1) (10-2)
Delaware Valley (2) (11-1)
Delaware Valley (2) (11-1)
Downingtown
East (1) (10-1)
Governor
Mifflin (3) (10-2)
McDowell
(10) (6-5)
Ridley
(1) (11-1)
Scranton
(2) (11-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (11-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (11-1)
Upper
St. Clair (7) (10-2)
Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (12-0) Defeated Conrad Weiser, 42-21 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (11-0) Defeated Warren Area, 54-12 (2)
3. Archbishop Wood (12) (10-2) Defeated Edward Bok Vo-Tech, 49-28 (5)
4. West York (3) (12-0) Defeated Spring Grove, 42-27 (7)
5. West Allegheny (7) (11-1) Defeated Thomas Jefferson, 24-7 (8)
6.
West Mifflin (7) (11-1) Defeated Central Valley, 36-35 (OT) (9)
7. Susquehanna Township (3) (10-2) Defeated Manheim Central, 27-17
8. Abington Heights (2) (10-2) Defeated Berwick Area, 44-35 (HM)
9. General McLane (10) (9-2) Defeated Slippery Rock, 46-42 (HM)
10. Selinsgrove (4) (9-3) Defeated Milton Area, 31-0 (HM)
Honorable Mention:
7. Susquehanna Township (3) (10-2) Defeated Manheim Central, 27-17
8. Abington Heights (2) (10-2) Defeated Berwick Area, 44-35 (HM)
9. General McLane (10) (9-2) Defeated Slippery Rock, 46-42 (HM)
10. Selinsgrove (4) (9-3) Defeated Milton Area, 31-0 (HM)
Honorable Mention:
Berwick
Area (2) (10-2)
Central
Valley (7) (9-2)
Clearfield (9) (11-1)
Clearfield (9) (11-1)
Garden
Spot (3) (10-1)
Interboro
(1)(10-2)
Lancaster
Catholic (3) (9-3)
Pottsgrove
(1) (11-1)
Thomas
Jefferson (7) (11-1)
West
Chester Henderson (1) (9-3)
Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (12-0) Defeated Jeannette, 56-0 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (12-0) Defeated Schuylkill Valley, 42-14 (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (12-0) Defeated West Catholic, 40-8 (3)
4. Washington (7) (12-0) Defeated South Fayette, 26-14 (5)
5. Richland (6) (12-0) Defeated Tyrone Area, 43-22 (7)
6. Bermudian Springs (3) (12-0) Defeated Biglerville, 34-14 (8)
7. Hickory (10) (9-1) Defeated Grove City, 35-13 (10)
8. Pen Argyl (11) (10-2) Defeated Catasauqua, 26-20 (HM)
9. South Fayette (7) (11-1) Lost to Washington, 26-14 (4)
10. Danville (4) (11-2) Defeated Athens, 14-13
Honorable Mention:
Catasauqua
(11) (11-1)
Forest
Hills (6) (9-3)
Jeannette
(7) (10-2)
Karns
City (9) (9-3)
Mount
Carmel Area (4) (8-4)
Wilmington
(10) (9-2)
Wyoming
Area (2) (10-2)
Class A:
Rank - School - District
1. Clairton (7) (12-0) Defeated Neshannock, 37-3 (1) (59 Straight Wins - Ties the state Record)
2. Southern Columbia (4) (12-0) Defeated South Williamsport, 47-12 (2)
3. Port Allegany (9) (12-0) Defeated Elk County Catholic, 48-7 (4)
4. Williams Valley (11) (12-0) Defeated Tri-Valley, 48-0 (5)
5. Dunmore (2) (11-1) Defeated Old Forge, 7-6 (6)
6. Sto-Rox (7) (11-1) Defeated Pittsburgh North Catholic, 34-20 (8)
7. Bellwood-Antis (6) (11-1) Defeated Bishop Guilfoyle, 19-6 (9)
8. Sharpsville (10) (10-1) Defeated Lakeview, 41-34 (10)
9.
Old Forge (2) (11-1) Lost to Dunmore, 7-6 (3)
10. West Middlesex (10) (10-2) Defeated Farrell, 42-0 (HM) Honorable Mention:
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (10-1)
10. West Middlesex (10) (10-2) Defeated Farrell, 42-0 (HM) Honorable Mention:
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (10-1)
Bishop
McCort (6) (9-3)
Bristol
(1) (8-1)
Clarion Area (9) (12-0)
Clarion Area (9) (12-0)
Delone
Catholic (3) (8-3)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Neshannock
(7) (10-2)
North
Star (5) (10-2)
Steelton-Highspire
(3) (8-3)
Tri-Valley
(11) (10-2)
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