Top prep prospect Andrew Wiggins signs with Kansas

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) – Top prep basketball prospect Andrew Wiggins told a small gathering of family and friends at his high school gym Tuesday that he will play at Kansas.
Then the Huntington Prep star signed his letter-of-intent and officially became a Jayhawk. No big speech. No bands, live TV coverage or props.
Just the way Wiggins wanted it.
And just like that, Lawrence, Kan., became more of a focal point for the upcoming college basketball season.
“I’m looking forward to getting there and just doing my thing,” Wiggins said.
The 6-foot-8 Toronto native chose Kansas over Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida State. Wiggins said there wasn’t one particular selling point, taking into account each school’s coaching staff, players and program.
“I just followed my heart,” he said.
He’ll join one of the top recruiting classes in the country.
“I really thought it was one of those long shots, at least when we first got involved,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “The more we hung around, the more we felt he liked us. There was (a) little bit of a connection.”
Despite the loss of Ben McLemore to the NBA draft, four of Kansas’ five recruits are considered to be in the top 50 nationally, including guards Conner Frankamp and Wayne Selden, forward Brannen Greene and center Joel Embiid.
Wiggins’ parents both attended Florida State, and the Seminoles had signed his Huntington Prep teammate and fellow Toronto native, Xavier Rathan-Mayes.
Wiggins’ father is former NBA first-round pick Mitchell Wiggins. His mother, Marita Payne-Wiggins, was a Canadian Olympic sprinter and silver medalist. Older brother Nick plays guard at Wichita State and another brother, Mitchell Jr., plays at NAIA school Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla.
“Florida State was great for mom, it was great for dad,” Mitchell Wiggins said. But he recalled telling his son, “it’s your time. It’s not 20-30 years ago. And Florida State (would have been) a great choice.”
But the father said Kansas will “be a great fit. Hopefully Andrew stays humble, stays hungry. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Tuesday’s brief ceremony ended the frenzied pursuit of Wiggins, who averaged 23.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game this season.
Rather than turn his announcement into a spectacle, Wiggins wanted a private signing ceremony where he attends classes at St. Joseph’s Central Catholic High School in Huntington.
“I didn’t really want to open it up to the public,” he said. “I knew it would be jam packed in here. I wanted people who appreciated me and people I appreciate to be here watching me. I wanted a lot of people I knew.”
Initially rated as a 2014 prospect, Wiggins shot to the top of recruiting charts when he decided last October to reclassify into his original high school class of 2013. The four major recruiting services rated Wiggins as the No. 1 overall recruit.
Interest grew in recent weeks. As one fan put told Wiggins in a Twitter post, “You’re driving 4 schools and 4 fan bases absolutely insane.”
Wiggins had kept quiet on his intentions. He had yet to even make a verbal commitment and delayed his signing until almost the very end – Wednesday is the deadline for recruits to sign with NCAA Division I schools.
“This is the way I like it to be done – on my own time,” he said. “I’ve got a weight lifted off my shoulders. I can relax now.”
Self said Wiggins “did exactly what we said he was going to do. He told us he was going to take his time. He was going to process everything. So him taking his time wasn’t a shock. ... I thought it was a classy, cool way to do it, when kids are seeking more attention these days.”
Wiggins’ game did the talking. He has the ability to make shots from all angles and distances, blow past defenders to the basket and reach the rim at eye level. Wiggins was the recipient of this year’s Gatorade Boys National Basketball Player of the Year and Naismith Foundation national awards. He has been called the best prep prospect since LeBron James.
“I’m hearing the LeBron comparison and I saw LeBron play some high school, and I’m not sure that’s a fair comparison to anyone,” Self said. “But from a pure athletic ability, he (Wiggins) is one of the most pure athletes the college game has had for a while.”
Wiggins participated in several postseason all-star games, most recently playing for the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit April 20 in Portland, Ore.
Wiggins cited fatigue from the Oregon trip for canceling scheduled visits from Self, North Carolina coach Roy Williams and Florida State’s Leonard Hamilton. Wiggins instead talked to them by phone. Kentucky coach John Calipari had visited Wiggins in Huntington on March 28.
“When he announced it, it wasn’t the one I thought he would pick,” said Wiggins’ high school coach, Rob Fulford, who felt the player would choose Florida State. “But I wasn’t surprised. All four have advantages over the others in some way.”
Wiggins said he planned to relax at home and train with his brothers and some friends during the next few months. Self said he’s not sure when Wiggins will arrive in Lawrence because of the possibility of Wiggins’ involvement in some Canadian national teams over the summer.

Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State boys' teams

The 2012-13 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Boys Basketball teams, including each player’s school, height, class and scoring average.
CLASS AAAA
FIRST TEAM
Shawn Anderson, New Castle, 6-3, sr., 20.2 ppg
Rondae Jefferson, Chester, 6-7, sr., 15.5 ppg
B.J. Johnson, Lower Merion, 6-7, sr., 16.5 ppg
Jahad Thomas, Williamsport, 6-2, sr., 18.0 ppg
Geno Thorpe, Shaler, 6-3, sr., 26.3 ppg
Stephen Vasturia, St. Joseph’s Prep, 6-5, sr., 20.5 ppg
SECOND TEAM
Yohanny Dalembert, Lower Merion, 6-7, sr., 10.8 ppg
Shep Garner, Roman Catholic, 6-2, jr., 15.7 ppg
Miles Overton, St. Joseph’s Prep, 6-4, sr., 15.7 ppg
Cole Renninger, Central Mountain, sr., 27.2 ppg
Darius Robinson, Chester, 6-1, sr., 11.8 ppg
Isaiah Washington, Williamsport, 6-4, jr., 15.9 ppg
Sheldon Zablotny, Cathedral Prep, 6-0, sr., 19.1 ppg
THIRD TEAM
Sal Biasi, Hazleton, 5-11, jr., 26.8 ppg
Richard Granberry, Chester, 6-7, sr., 12.3 ppg
Ryan Luther, Hampton, 6-7, jr., 21.1 ppg
Tavon Parker, York, 6-3, sr., 20.4 ppg
Devonne Pinkard, J.P. McCaskey, 6-6, sr., 18.1 ppg
Jahaad Proctor, Harrisburg, 6-2, so, 13.5 ppg
Amar Stukes, La Salle College, 6-1, sr., 19.6 ppg
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rondae Jefferson, Chester
COACH OF THE YEAR: Gregg Downer, Lower Merion        

CLASS AAA   
FIRST TEAM   
Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-4, jr., 21.2 ppg  
Brandon Austin, Imhotep Charter, 6-7, sr.,, 17.0 ppg  
John Davis, Neumann-Goretti, 6-5, sr., 13.4 ppg  
Ja’Quan Newton, Neumann-Goretti, 6-3, jr., 18.4 ppg  
J.C. Show, Abington Heights, 6-2, jr., 19.0 ppg  
Devin Wilson, Montour, 6-4, sr., 16.9 ppg  
SECOND TEAM   
Jason Dietrich, Donegal, 6-3, sr., 15.3 ppg  
Martin Dietrich, Donegal, 6-3, sr., 15.4 ppg  
Nana Foulland, Berks Catholic, 6-9, jr., 14.0 ppg  
Derrick Jones, Archbishop Carroll, 6-6, so, 14.1 ppg  
Jaymon Mason, General McLane, 6-3, sr., 26.8 ppg  
Khalid Nwandu, Northeastern, 6-2, sr., 20.6 ppg  
Yosef Yacob, Archbishop Carroll, 6-0, sr., 13.0 ppg  
THIRD TEAM   
Spencer Casson, Chartiers Valley, 6-6, sr., 11.4 ppg  
Matt Husek, Bethlehem Catholic, 6-11, sr., 16.0 ppg  
Matt Knowles, Scranton Prep, 6-1, sr., 14.6 ppg  
Phillip Madison, Greater Johnstown, 5-9, sr., 20.3 ppg   
Basil Thompson, Imhotep Charter, 6-6, jr., 9.7 ppg  
Ernie Tyler, Shikellamy, 6-3, sr., 13.2 ppg  
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Brandon Austin, Imhotep Charter  
COACH OF THE YEAR: Ryan Butt, Donegal  

CLASS AA   
FIRST TEAM   
Drew Cook, Beaver Falls, 6-2, sr., 15.9 ppg  
Elijah Cottrill, Beaver Falls, 6-3, jr., 16.4 ppg  
Matthew Dogan, West Middlesex, 6-6, sr., 25.7 ppg  
Josh Kosin, Holy Cross, 6-7, sr., 19.6 ppg  
A.J. Leahey, Penn Cambria, 6-7, sr., 20.8 ppg  
Roger Wilson, Loyalsock, 6-5, sr., 15.0 ppg  
SECOND TEAM   
Dominick Antonelli, Trinity, 6-2, jr., 13.2 ppg   
Noah Davis, Bellwood-Antis, 6-6, sr., 22.1 ppg  
David Johnson, Communications Tech, 5-11, sr., 17.8 ppg  
Julian Moore, Germantown Academy, 6-9, sr., 14.5 ppg  
Rasheed Moore, Meyers, 6-6, sr., 16.5 ppg  
Brett Smith, Delone Catholic, 5-10, sr., 13.9 ppg  
Nemo Trexler, Bishop McCort, 6-4, jr., 18.8 ppg  
THIRD TEAM   
Travis Conrad, Lewisburg, 5-10, sr., 15.0 ppg  
Kyle Datres, Loyalsock, 5-10, soph., 9.9 ppg  
Jahyde Gardiner, Freire Charter, 6-5, jr., 18.2 ppg  
Jordan Jackson, Wellsboro, 5-11, sr., 14.0 ppg  
Nick Lorenz, East Juniata, 6-1, jr., 21.0 ppg   
Ronnie Tomasetti, Mid Valley, 6-4, sr., 13.3 ppg  
Josh Wise, Washington, 6-2, sr., 21.9 ppg  
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Josh Kosin, Holy Cross
COACH OF THE YEAR: Doug Biega, Beaver Falls  

CLASS A
FIRST TEAM
Sammy Foreman, Vaux, 6-0, so, 12.2 ppg  
Ryan Fyock, Shade, 6-1, sr., 25.2 ppg  
Rysheed Jordan, Vaux, 6-4, sr., 24.8 ppg  
Elijah Minnie, Lincoln Park, 6-9, jr., 20.1 ppg  
Cole Peterson, Johnsonburg, 5-10, jr., 15.6 ppg  
Jeremiah Worthem, Math, Civics & Sciences, 6-7, sr., 15.7 ppg  
SECOND TEAM
Aondofa Anyam, Church Farm, 5-10, jr., 12.2 ppg
Dalton Cesarz, Blacklick Valley, 6-1, sr., 25.7 ppg
Alize Johnson, St. John Neumann, 6-5, jr., 18.0 ppg
Britton Lee, Math, Civics & Sciences, 5-11, sr., 10.0 ppg
Maverick Rowan, Lincoln Park, 6-5, fr, 23.5 ppg
Danny Savulchak, North Catholic, 6-4, sr., 20.5 ppg
Wade Walker, Shade, 6-5, sr., 18.0 ppg
THIRD TEAM
Cameron Grumley, Johnsonburg, 5-9, jr., 15.5 ppg
Brandon Martinazzi, Bishop Carroll, 5-9, soph., 17.8 ppg
Timmy Orr, Lebanon Catholic, 6-2, sr., 17.4 ppg
Zach Smith, Smethport, 6-4, sr., 22.3 ppg
Dache Talbert, Sankofa Freedom, 5-8 sr., 15.5 ppg  
Shafeek Taylor, Math, Civics & Sciences, 6-4, sr., 8.3 ppg  
Ryan Wolf, Vincentian, 5-9, so, 21.3 ppg  
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rysheed Jordan, Vaux 
COACH OF THE YEAR: Bill Shuey, Johnsonburg  

The South boys' All-Stars

The basketball season was a solid team for Somerset County teams. Conemaugh Township and Shade won district championships and state playoff games. In the case of the Indians, they advanced all the way to the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals.

It's no coincidence that those two schools comprise seven of the 12 players on the South roster for the AmeriServ Senior Hoops Showcase, which begins March 30 at 1 p.m. at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center.

Coach: Scott Close, Somerset
Close has steadily turned the Golden Eagles from a struggling program into a high-scoring, quick-shooting outfit capable of beating any team in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference. Somerset reached the District 6 Class AAA championship game this season.

Brent Barron, Somerset
Barron averaged a team-high 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Dillon Boyer, Conemaugh Township
The leader of the Indians' balanced offense, Boyer averaged 14.3 points and was a 1,000-point scorer.

Josh Burns, Conemaugh Township
High-percentage shooter averaged 11.4 points and 2.7 steals.

Jake Close, Somerset
The future basketball player at Juniata College averaged 15.8 points and made 78 3-pointers.

Chad Eisenhuth, Ferndale
A 1,000-point scorer, Eisenhuth averaged 21.1 points as a senior.

Jeff Fisher, Conemaugh Township
Football standout averaged 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 steals.

Ryan Fyock, Shade
A gifted, creative offensive player, Fyock averaged 25.2 points and 5.7 rebounds.

Brock Medva, Shade
The football standout made plenty of big plays for the Panthers. He averaged 10.1 points and 2.4 steals.

Luke Shertzer, Richland
One of the area's premier defensive backs during football season, Shertzer's fine senior year continued in basketball as he averaged 10.7 points and 4.3 rebounds.

Carter Slade, Shanksville
The Vikings' clutch senior averaged 15.7 points and 7.8 rebounds.

Jeremy Sotosky, Conemaugh Township
CT's inside presence averaged 10.9 points and 7.7 rebounds.

Wade Walker, Shade
An athletic gamechanger, Walker averaged 18.0 points and 13.1 rebounds.

The North Boys' All-Stars

The AmeriServ Senior Hoops Showcase, which is hosted by The Tribune-Democrat, takes place March 30 with a girls' and boys' game beginning at 1 p.m. at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center.

What makes this event unique is that every player selected comes from a school inside The T-D coverage area.

And this year's showcase is shaping up to be a memorable one as the majority of the area's top players have confirmed their intentions to participate.

Over the next few days, rosters for the teams will be released - starting with the North Boys.

North
Coach: Dan Weber, Northern Cambria
Weber guided the Colts to four consecutive PIAA playoff appearances and the program's first two victories in the state playoffs since 1965. The Colts played in the District 6 Class AA championship game one year after winning the Class A crown.

Players (in alphabetical order)
Mack Behe, Penn Cambria
Two-time All-State linebacker averaged 8.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists.

Josh Bonatesta, Northern Cambria
Future baseball player at Mt. Aloysius averaged 12.4 points.

Dalton Cesarz, Blacklick Valley
Leading rebounder in Vikings history averaged 25.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.0 steals, 2.6 blocks.

Roshon Fields, Greater Johnstown
Averaged 11.1 points, double-digit rebounds.

A.J. Leahey, Penn Cambria
UPJ signee averaged 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists for District 6 Class AA champs.

Phillip Madison, Greater Johnstown
Averaged 20.3 points, topped 1,000 career points during postseason.

Adam Polites, Northern Cambria
Averaged 20.1 points, topped 1,000 career points.

Scott Ranck, Bishop Carroll
Huskies' on-floor leader averaged 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals.

Nick Roberts, Conemaugh Valley
Averaged 16.2 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 2.0 steals.

Johnny Sheesley, Blacklick Valley
PA High School Heisman winner topped 1,000 career points, averaged 17.7 points, 3.0 steals.

Isaac Vescovi, Cambria Heights
One of four people in family to score 1,000 points at CH, Vescovi averaged 21.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks.

Mike Vliet, Westmont Hilltop
Averaged 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds.

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.

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.

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.

Oklahoma player scores wrong-basket buzzer-beater

YUKON, Okla. – With a one-point lead, 2.9 seconds to play and possession of the ball, all Hugo High School had to do was inbound the basketball and run out the clock to advance in the Oklahoma state boys’ basketball tournament.
But what followed stunned everyone.
Hugo guard Trey Johnson got confused after he received the inbounds pass and laid the ball into the wrong basket just before time expired, giving the opposing team, Millwood High, a 38-37 win Thursday night and a place in the Class 3A semifinals.
“When I saw the kid going that way, I was like, ‘No, he’s not. No, he’s not ... Oh, yes he is,”’ Millwood assistant coach David Samilton told The Oklahoman (http://t.co/FL5Z33nH47 ). “I couldn’t believe it.”
Johnson needed only to dribble away the remaining seconds to wrap up a victory for Hugo. Instead, he got turned around and dropped in a most bizarre buzzer-beater, Hugo coach Darnell Shanklin told The Associated Press on Friday.
Hugo’s celebrating fans went silent, and Millwood fans broke out in celebration after a moment of silence for reassurance that the points – and the win – were theirs.
“Without a doubt, that’s the toughest locker room I’ve ever had to talk to,” Shanklin said.
Johnson was tough to console, Shanklin said, adding that other players on the team called and texted him on Friday.
“The kid feels terrible. It’s still a game, regardless of what anyone says, basketball is still a game,” Shanklin said.
With the win, Millwood advances to a semifinal matchup against two-time defending state champ, Centennial High.
“I feel sorry for him,” Samilton said. “I really do feel sorry for him. But hey, I’ll take it.”
–––––
Online:
http://m.youtube.com//watch?vyNW9Q–Xnzhs&desktop–uri%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DyNW9Q–Xnzhs

Live blog: Shade vs. North Catholic (PIAA Class A boys)

Time for something different at The Varsity Club - a live blog from tonight's PIAA Class A boys' basketball game between District 5 champion Shade and North Catholic, the third-place team from the WPIAL.

Shade brings a 25-1 record into the game. The Panthers' lone loss came against Shanksville-Stonycreek on a last-second shot by Carter Slade. Shade played the game without leading scorer Ryan Fyock, who averages 25.5 points per game. Wade Walker averages a double-double (17.8 points, 13.0 rebounds).

North Catholic played in Class AA for some time before recently dropping to Class A. The Trojans reached the PIAA Class AA championship game in 2009. Despite the drop, North Catholic (16-6) is no stranger to playing large-school teams. Among the Trojans' nonsection games this season were North Allegheny and Hampton.

7:04 p.m. - Gotta love the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center for PIAA basketball. Always loud. Always people hanging over the railing.

Lots of Shade fans rolling in and there's plenty of North Catholic representation.

In girls' Class AA, Mohawk leading Everett 46-39 with 2:54 remaining.

7:19 p.m. -Chalk another one up for the WPIAL over District 5 ... Mohawk 52, Everett 44. D5 produces its share of good teams. The problem is those teams don't get to play enough quality competition.

7:24 p.m. - Ball dropped here at the UPJ Sports Center. Music menu shifts from Motley Crue to Black Eyed Peas.

7:36 p.m. - Both Shade and North Catholic are on the court. Why is there 30 minutes between games?

7:49 p.m. - There's a quiet intensity amongst the Shade players. Senior guard Brock Medva has been locked in for the last 25 minutes and the game hasn't started.

7:59 p.m. - Four baskets, four layups for Shade. Panthers looking quick and determined to get to basket. Leading 8-3 with 5:12 left in first.

8:03 p.m. - Knew Shade was athletic. What's impressive is their speed and strength. Six baskets, six layups. 12-7.

8:08 p.m. - Three consecutive 3-pointers (two from Nash Walker) gives Shade a 23-9 lead after one quarter. Walker is considered one of the area's top defensive players. He's looking good on offense with 10 early points.

8:14 p.m. - Wade Walker is a matchup nightmare. He's been Shade's primary ball handler for most of the game and when he gets the ball on the wing in a one-on-one matchup, he's gotten a layup every time.

8:26 p.m. - As far as I know, I have yet to call North Catholic "Northern Cambria" and on my ride up the Expressway I thought for certain I would.

8:31 p.m. - It's halftime and Shade leads, 37-18. Other than a mini 6-2 burst in the second quarter, North Catholic hasn't shown much. Plus they haven't figured out how to matchup with the Walker brothers. Shade looking like its going to be one tough out in the tournment.

Halftime stats: Wade Walker 11 points, nine rebounds; Nash Walker 12 points; Ryan Fyock 9 points.

8:50 p.m. - Apologies for the technical issues. We're back up for now.

Shade opened the third on a 10-0 as NC missed its first six shots. The Panthers are quicker, stronger and simply better.

8:52 p.m. - Only flaw to be found in Shade's game tonight is occasionally the Panthers force things offensively. Could be first game jitters or adrenaline from running away with this game.

9:03 p.m. - Thinking ahead, Shade vs. Johnsonburg could be an epic matchup. Johnsonburg beat North Catholic by double digits in the season opener.

New Rochelle buzzer beater

Nothing makes for a better video than a buzzer beater, and one would be hard pressed to find one more dramatic than this one.

I haven't covered too many buzzer-beaters in my time (one was Ronald Ramon from the corner as Pitt beat WVU at the Pete), but one that stands out came during my 1997 internship with The Tribune-Democrat. Richland was an underdog against Blairsville in the District 6 playoffs. The Bobcats were loaded and led by point guard Lawrence Westbrook, who drew considerable Division I attention.

Well, Richland was the team that advanced on a last-second layup. Off the top of my head, can't remember the guy who hit the shot. Think the last name was Lohr.

Would love to hear your favorite buzzer beaters.

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.

District 5 Class AA playoffs preview

Boys'
Top seeds: 1. Conemaugh Township (20-3), 2. Northern Bedford (18-5), 3. Chestnut Ridge (17-5), 4. Tussey Mountain (15-7).
Defending champion: Conemaugh Township
Players to watch: Dillon Boyer, Jeff Fisher (Conemaugh Township), Ben Pick, Beau Bosch (Chestnut Ridge), Colt Ursino, Tyler Zabrucky (Windber), Tayler Pressel, Blake Over (Northern Bedford), Eric Husick, Luke Zelanko (Tussey Mountain).
The skinny: The Indians had a 19-game win streak snapped when Shade showed its top form in the WestPAC championship games. CT boasts a balanced offense with four players averaging double figures in scoring. ... Ridge's Bosch is as good an athlete as one can find in District 5, and the Lions are capable of beating playoff-caliber competition. ... The Ramblers (8-14) are the sixth, and final, seed in the bracket. ... Northern Bedford, like Conemaugh Township, has four players averaging in double figures scoring. The Panthers, however, have lost two of three games entering the tournament. ... The Titans have won five consecutive games. One of those wins came against Chestnut Ridge. ... Southern Fulton is also on a five-game win streak.
Sleeper: Tussey Mountain
Championship: Conemaugh Township over Northern Bedford.


Girls'
Top seeds: 1. Everett (16-6), 2. Tussey Mountain (16-6), 3. North Star (7-15), 4. Windber (12-10).
Defending champion: Conemaugh Township
Players to watch: Aubrea Phipps, Kadie Morral (Everett), Courtney Rupert, Olivia Claycomb (Tussey Mountain), Courtney Schrock, Olivia Zuchelli (North Star), Kaitlyn Weaver, Kortney Lampel (Windber).
The skinny: Everett's Morral is only a freshman but is averaging more rebounds (12.9) than points (11.1). ... Todd Gates' Titans average 15.5 steals per game and boast wins over Richland and Westmont Hilltop. ... Several of the Cougars' top players are freshman. North Star does not have a senior. ... Windber hasn't played in two weeks, which could slow the momentum the Ramblers created at the end of the regular season. With a roster equally as youthful as North Star's, Windber enters the postseason on a three-game win streak.
Sleeper: Windber
Championship: Tussey Mountain over Everett.

Tribune-Democrat boys' basketball rankings

Tradition-rich programs like Bishop McCort do not believe in moral victories, but the Crimson Crushers sure garnered a lot of attention the past week ... and it all started with a loss at Greensburg Central Catholic on Monday.

For starters, the Centurions have been a state power the last several years. This year is no different as GCC sports a 21-1 record with its lone loss at Quad-A Gateway. GCC is ranked No. 2 in Class AA in the state according to the Patriot-News of Harrisburg and there are many on the western side of Pennsylvania that believe GCC is the best team in the classification.

Bishop McCort, the defending District 6 Class AA champs, lost 81-72 on Monday in a highly competitive game as Nemo Trexler scored 32 points for the Crimson Crushers. GCC is one tough place to play.

Bishop McCort followed with a tough win at Greater Johnstown and by rallying from a double-digit deficit to defeat Bishop Carroll for the LHAC championship. It's McCort's second win over Carroll this season.

1. Bishop McCort 15-7
Forget the record, the Crimson Crushers are ready for the postseason, even as the No. 6 seed in District 6.

2. Bishop Carroll 19-4
Huskies enter District 6 Class A bracket as top seed.

3. Shade 22-1
Panthers went 24 of 25 from free-throw line in WestPAC title game - a convincing win over Conemaugh Township.

4. Penn Cambria 17-4
UPJ recruit A.J. Leahey is averaging 19.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.5 blocks per game.

5. Northern Cambria 18-4
Colts bringing a five-game win streak into District 6 Class AA playoffs.

6. Conemaugh Township 20-3
Loss to Shade snapped 18-game win streak for Chuck Lesko's Indians.

7. Greater Johnstown 14-7
Trojans played just one game last week - a loss to Bishop McCort - and have this week off before the District 6 Class AAA championship game next week.

8. Somerset 14-8
Golden Eagles ended regular season on up note with wins at Richland and Bedford. They play the Bisons again in the D6 AAA semis.

9. Shanksville-Stonycreek 19-3
Vikings' loss to Shade was second home setback of season. First came against Conemaugh Township.

10. Ligonier Valley 14-7
Surging Rams have won five consecutive games entering postseason.

District 6 boys' Class A preview

Top seeds: 1. Bishop Carroll (19-4), 2. Bishop Guilfoyle (16-5), 3. Homer-Center (17-5), 4. Blacklick Valley (14-7).

Bishop Carroll's Marcus Lee averages 12.0 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Defending champion: Northern Cambria
Players to watch: Brandon Martinazzi, Marcus Lee (Bishop Carroll), Dalton Cesarz, Johnny Sheesley (Blacklick Valley), Chad Eisenhuth, Rakwon Hinton (Ferndale), Brandon Drenning (Bishop Guilfoyle), Caleb Taylor (Juniata Valley), Eli Fay (Williamsburg), Shea O'Donnell (Glendale), Steve Richards (Saltsburg).
The skinny: Despite Saturday's loss to Bishop McCort in the LHAC championship game, Bishop Carroll has to be considered the favorite though Bishop Guilfoyle and Homer-Center are more than capable. ... Guilfoyle beat Carroll in the most previous meeting between the two rivals. ... Blacklick Valley's Dalton Cesarz is the Vikings' all-time leading rebounder and he's averaging 25.6 points per game. ... There's a Heisman winner in the bracket. BV's Johnny Sheesley was recognized as the PA High School Heisman winner during the fall. ... Ferndale's Eisenhuth is averaging 21.1 points per game. ... Glendale's O'Donnell averages a double-double.
Sleeper: Williamsburg.
Championship: Bishop Carroll over Bishop Guilfoyle.

District 6 boys' Class AA playoff preview

Top seeds: 1. Bald Eagle Area (19-2), 2. Penn Cambria (17-4), 3. Bellwood-Antis (18-2), 4. Tyrone (16-5).
Defending champion: Bishop McCort
Players to watch: A.J. Leahey, Devin Lawhead (Penn Cambria), Nemo Trexler, Billy Hipp (Bishop McCort), Kyle Flick (Richland), Adam Polites, Jeff Hogan (Northern Cambria), Isaac Vescovi (Cambria Heights), Dennis Fisher (Bald Eagle Area), Noah Davis (Bellwood-Antis).
The skinny: Only two of the bracket's top eight seeds hail from the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference - Penn Cambria (second), Bishop McCort (eighth). Both are capable of making a postseason push. Richland is seeded 12th and had an up-and-down season, yet the Rams figure to be a very difficult first-round opponent for Northern Cambria, which is the defending D6 Class A champ. Thanks to WJAC's Matt Maisel, who alerted The Varsity Club that Bellwood-Antis' Noah Davis, who averages more than 22 ppg, has a broken wrist but played in the Blue Devils' most recent game.
Sleeper: Bishop McCort
Championship: Bishop McCort over Tyrone.

District 6 Class AAA playoff preview

Boys
Teams: 1. Greater Johnstown (14-6), 2. Somerset (13-8), 3. Bedford (4-17).
Defending champion: Greater Johnstown.
Players to watch: Phillip Madison, Roshon Fields (Greater Johnstown); Jake Close, Brent Barron (Somerset), Tyler Black (Bedford).
The skinny: The Trojans are the clear favorite here. They've already defeated Somerset twice during the regular season and bear Bedford by 35 points.
Prediction: Greater Johnstown over Somerset.

Girls
Teams: 1. Forest Hills (17-4), 2. Ligonier Valley (13-5), 3. Westinghouse (13-9), 4. Carrick (10-8), 5. Huntingdon (7-9), 6. Greater Johnstown (6-16).
Defending champion: Hollidaysburg.
Players to watch: Casey Gallaher, Caitlin Gallaher (Forest Hills), Maddy Grimm, Kyre Ludwig (Ligonier Valley), Tara Smith (Huntingdon), Tashayla Smith, Lexi Lindrose (Greater Johnstown).
The skinny: Forest Hills and Ligonier Valley moved up from Class AA and are the clear-cut favorites here in this interdistrict bracket. District 8's Westinghouse played a challenging schedule outside the City League. Carrick sports a winning record but it lost to several small-school WPIAL teams during the regular season.
Prediction: Ligonier Valley over Forest Hills.

Patriot-News boys' basketball rankings

Class AAAA
1. Chester (19-3)
2. Lower Merion (20-2)
3. Harrisburg (20-2)
4. McCaskey (20-2)
5. New Castle (21-0)
6. Cathedral Prep (19-2)
7. Williamsport (17-2)
8. St. Joseph's Prep (18-4)
9. Martin Luther King (21-2)
10. York (21-2)
Honorable mention
Abington (18-4), Council Rock North (17-5), Norristown (19-3), Penn Wood (15-7), Pennsbury (15-7), Hatboro-Horsham (17-5), Ridley (17-5) , Great Valley (23-0), Coatesville (17-6), Roman Catholic (17-5), La Salle College (15-7), Archbishop Ryan (15-7), State College (13-7), Parkland (16-6), Freedom (15-7), Liberty (15-7), Pocono Mountain West (18-4), St. Clair (18-3), Gateway (15-5), Hampton (18-4), Seneca Valley (15-7), North Allegheny (18-3), Pittsburgh Central Catholic (16-5).

Class AAA
1. Imhotep Charter (19-4)
2. Neumann-Goretti (17-5)
3. Allentown Central Catholic (20-2)
4. Archbishop Carroll (18-4)
5. Susquehanna Twp (21-1)
6. Abington Heights (18-2)
7. Mars (18-3)
8. Berks Catholic (20-3)
9. Chartiers Valley (19-2)
10. Montour (17-4)
Honorable mention
Thomas Jefferson (16-6), Uniontown (16-3), West Mifflin (15-5), Beaver Area (17-3), Central Valley (16-6), Donegal (22-0), Bishop McDevitt (16-6), Steel-High (19-4), Palmyra (15-7), Gettysburg (16-6), Greencastle-Antrim (16-5), Wilson Area (21-1), Pottsville (18-4), Holy Ghost Prep (15-6).

Class AA
1. Beaver Falls (19-3)
2. Greensburg Central Catholic (20-1)
3. Meyers (18-2)
4. Jeannette (17-4)
5. Holy Cross (16-4)
6. West Middlesex (17-3)
7. Communications Tech (16-6)
8. Trinity (15-6)
9. Loyalsock (18-3)
10. Lewisburg (19-2)
Honorable mention
Seton-La Salle (20-2), Sto-Rox (14-7), Quaker Valley (18-4), California (18-3), Serra Catholic (13-7), Elk Lake (17-3), Mid Valley (17-3), Riverside (15-6), Dunmore (12-7), Catasauqua (16-6), Notre Dame-Green Pond (13-9), Wellsboro (18-1), Constitution (15-8), Tyrone (15-4), Bald Eagle Area (17-2), Bellwood-Antis (18-2), Penn Cambria (16-3),  Lakeview (17-3), Mercyhurst Prep (13-6).

Class A
1. Math, Civics & Sciences (22-1)
2. Vaux (16-7)
3. Lincoln Park (17-5)
4. Church Farm (17-5)
5. Vincentian (20-1)
6. Bishop Carroll (16-3)
7. Johnsonburg (18-2)
8. Ridgway (19-3)
9. Smethport (19-1)
10. St. John Neumann (19-1)
OUR HONORABLE MENTIONS
Shade (19-1), Shanksville-Stonycreek (18-2), Bishop Guilfoyle (15-3), North Catholic (14-5), Union Area (16-4), Our Lady of Sacred Heart (17-4), Clairton (13-6), A-C Valley (17-3), North Clarion (21-1), Elk County Catholic (16-5), Clarion (14-7), Greenwood (17-3), Lebanon Catholic (15-7), New Hope Academy (16-4), Sullivan County (19-2), Muncy (15-5), Lourdes Regional (16-5), Mahanoy Area (17-4), Marian Catholic (17-5), Pius X (16-2), Sankofa (13-10), Delco Christian (16-6),  Kennedy Catholic (15-5).

T-D boys' basketball rankings

1. Bishop Carroll 16-3
Despite home loss to Bishop Guilfoyle, Huskies still worthy of top spot for now.

2. Penn Cambria 16-3
Panthers peaking at right time, especially with road game at Bishop Carroll on Wednesday.

3. Conemaugh Township 17-2
Indians face intriguing nonconference game tonight against a Richland team capable of beating anyone.

4. Bishop McCort 13-6
Crushers post impressive back-to-back wins against Somerset and Richland. Tonight's game at Greensburg Central Catholic could show how ready McCort is for postseason.

5. Northern Cambria 15-4
Colts haven't lost a home game in Heritage Conference play. They host Homer-Center in key game Tuesday.

6. Greater Johnstown 14-6
Trojans can play for LHAC championship with win vs. Bishop McCort on Wednesday.

7. Shade 19-1
Panthers can clinch spot in WestPAC title game with win at Shanksville Stonycreek. Could Ryan Fyock play in key game?

8. Shanksville Stonycreek 18-2
Vikings just keep winning and they host Shade on Tuesday. Their the only team to beat the Panthers.

9. Somerset 12-7
Up-and-down Golden Eagles have lost two of three. Of course, those losses are against Greater Johnstown and Bishop McCort.

10. Ligonier Valley 11-7
New to rankings, Rams probably need to win tonight at homes against Penn Cambria to stay.

T-D boys' basketball rankings

It's one of those games Bishop Carroll has circled on its calendar.

Leaders of Section 1 in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, Bishop Carroll had a key home game scheduled against contender and fellow Class A power Bishop Guilfoyle on Friday night. It was more than a big LHAC contest as the Huskies were ranked No. 6 in the Patriot-News Class A rankings and the Marauders were ranked 10th.

Bishop Carroll didn't have school on last Friday. Thus, the game was moved to Saturday.

"It was definitely a long-awaited game, to have it postponed bummed us out," said senior Scott Ranck, who averages 13.0 points and 5.8 rebounds. "We were looking forward to that game."

The Huskies had to put those feelings aside quickly with a game scheduled at Richland on Saturday afternoon.

"That's a game that made me extremely nervous," said Bishop Carroll coach Cosie Aliquo. "Richland is loaded with talent everywhere you look."

Behind 23 points from Ranck, Bishop Carroll gutted out a 58-55 victory to move its win streak to 12 games.


1. Bishop Carroll 15-2
Big game vs. Bishop Guilfoyle postponed, but Huskies bounce right back with tough win at Richland.

2. Penn Cambria 13-3
Panthers posted impressive win at Bishop Guilfoyle.

3. Greater Johnstown 12-5
Pair of impressive road wins (Somerset, Richland) for Trojans.

4. Conemaugh Township 13-2
Indians on an 11-game win streak, and only one of those games (at Shanksville) was close.

5. Northern Cambria 13-4
Loss at Blairsville clogged top of Heritage Conference standings.

6. Shade 18-1
Panthers back on track after lone loss to Shanksville-Stonycreek.

7. Bishop McCort 10-6
Nemo Trexler is back for the Crimson Crushers.

8. Shanksville-Stonycreek 16-2
Vikings have pieced together four consecutive road wins.

9. Chestnut Ridge 13-2
Beau Bosch and Ben Pick close to averaging double-doubles for Lions.

10. Somerset 12-6
Golden Eagles have scored nearly 300 points more than any team in the LHAC.

Patriot-News basketball rankings

Class AAAA
1. Chester (14-3)
2. Lower Merion (16-2)
3. Harrisburg (18-1)
4. McCaskey (17-2)
5. New Castle (17-0)
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (15-3)
7. Cathedral Prep (15-2)
8. Williamsport (14-2)
9. North Allegheny (15-1)
10. Martin Luther King (18-1)
Honorable mention
\York (16-2), State College (12-4), Abington (13-4), Council Rock North (13-5), Norristown (15-3), Penn Wood (11-6), Pennsbury (12-4), Ridley (15-2), Great Valley (16-0) Hatboro-Horsham (13-3), Upper St. Clair (13-3), Gateway (11-3), Hampton (14-3), Seneca Valley (14-4), Bethel Park (14-2), Roman Catholic (13-5), La Salle College (13-4), Liberty (11-5), Parkland (14-4), Pocono Mountain West (14-2).

Class AAA
1. Neumann-Goretti (13-4)
2. Imhotep Charter (16-4)
3. Allentown Central Catholic (15-2)
4. Archbishop Carroll (13-4)
5. Beaver Area (15-1)
6. Chartiers Valley (16-1)
7. Susquehanna Twp (18-1)
8. Abington Heights (14-2)
9. Mars (13-3)
10. Berks Catholic (15-3)
Honorable mention
Donegal (19-0), Steelton-Highspire (15-2), Bishop McDevitt (11-6), Palmyra (14-5), Greencastle-Antrim (14-3), Gettysburg (15-5), Montour (13-4), Thomas Jefferson (12-5), Uniontown (13-2), West Mifflin (12-3), General McLane (11-4), Hickory (12-3), Girard (11-4), Wilson Area (17-1), Pottsville (13-4), Danville (12-2), Archbishop Wood (10-6), Philly Electrical (10-10), Glen Mills (11-6), Holy Ghost Prep (12-4).

Class AA
1. Beaver Falls (15-3)
2. Greensburg Central Catholic (16-1)
3. Jeannette (14-2)
4. Meyers (14-2)
5. Holy Cross (12-3)
6. Trinity (13-3)
7. Communications Tech (12-4)
8. West Middlesex (13-3)
9. Loyalsock (12-2)
10. Lewisburg (13-1)
Honroable mention
Seton-La Salle (15-2), Serra Catholic (12-3), Quaker Valley (12-4), Sto-Rox (9-7), Dunmore (9-5), Mid Valley (13-2), Riverside (10-5), Mercyhurst Prep (10-5), Lakeview (14-2), Bald Eagle Area (14-1), Bellwood- Antis (14-1), Penn Cambria (12-3), Constitution (11-8) , Freire Charter (13-7), Wellsboro (16-1).

Class A
1. Math, Civics & Sciences (19-0)
2. Vaux (13-6)
3. Lincoln Park (11-5)
4. Church Farm (11-5)
5. Johnsonburg (15-1)
6. Bishop Carroll (13-2)
7. Vincentian (15-1) 
8. Ridgway (13-3)
9. St. John Neumann (15-0)
10. Bishop Guilfoyle (12-2) 
Honorable mention
Greenwood (16-2), Lebanon Catholic (13-6), New Hope (15-2), North Catholic (11-4), Union Area (13-2), OLSH (14-3), Clairton (8-5), Wilkinsburg (8-7), Smethport (14-1), North Clarion (16-1), A-C Valley (14-2), Clarion (13-4), Mahanoy Area (14-3), Shenandoah Valley (13-5), Pius X (12-2), Marian Catholic (14-5), Lourdes (13-4), Sullivan County (16-1), Shade (14-1), Shanksville-Stonycreek (13-2), Kennedy Catholic (11-4), Delco Christian (12-5).

T-D boys' basketball rankings

Through its first five games, Northern Cambria was 3-2 and not looking like a team that returned a majority of key components from a team that won the 2011-12 District 6 Class A championship and qualified for the state playoffs.

There was a two-point loss to Blacklick Valley in the finals of the Rockwood Tournament. The Colts lost by three at Ligonier Valley and a two-point loss to rival Cambria Heights put Northern Cambria's record at 5-3.

The shaky start raised some eyebrows as expectation were high in Northern Cambria, even if the Colts moved up to Class AA this season.

Well, that 5-3 record has morphed into a 13-3 record. In District 6 Class AA, only Bald Eagle Area and Bellwood-Antis have better won-loss records.

Northern Cambria is coming off its most impressive performance – a 62-24 victory over Ligonier Valley in a game where senior guard Adam Polites reached 1,000 career points.

Polites is averaging 22.3 points per game for the Colts. Jeff Hogan (13.7 ppg) and Josh Bonatesta (12.7) add depth to the Colts' offense. With a 9-1 league record, Northern Cambria sits in first place in the Heritage Conference, a game ahead of Homer-Center and a game-and-a-half over Marion Center.

They're also holding steady as the No. 2 team in The Tribune-Democrat boys' basketball rankings.

1. Bishop Carroll 13-2
Huskies host Bishop Gulfoyle on Friday in matchup of top two teams in LHAC Section 1.

2. Northern Cambria 13-3
Colts on an eight-game win streak.

3. Penn Cambria 12-3
Panthers earned big win last week versus Bishop McCort

4. Conemaugh Township 11-2
Indians earned gritty win last week at Shanksville.

5. Greater Johnstown 10-5
Trojans face two tough games on road – Somerset, Richland – this week.

6. Somerset 11-5
Golden Eagles can force tie in LHAC Section 2 if they beat Greater Johnstown.

7. Bishop McCort 8-5
Crushers have lost three of five and dealt tough blow with Nemo Trexler injury.

8. Shade 14-1
Without Ryan Fyock, Panthers beat Blacklick Valley. Fyock may return before end of regular season.

9. Shanksville-Stonycreek 12-2
Three consecutive road games loom for Vikings.

10. Chestnut Ridge 12-2
Lions are unbeaten in the Sideling Hill Conference with a 7-0 record.