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
Showing posts with label Penn Cambria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penn Cambria. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
The North girls' All-Stars
All-Star basketball teams often feature a collection of scorers, nothing but a group of shooting guards and small forwards that look to shoot the basketball with incredible frequency. It can often lead to boring basketball.
The group comprising the North girls' roster for Saturday's AmeriServ Senior Hoops Classic, which tips off at 1 p.m. at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center, is much more than a collection of offensive standouts. It resembles an actual basketball team.
Sure, the North features some of the area's premier scorers, but there are players who rebounded, ran the point and dug down defensively. Another positive for Portage coach Lance Hudak, who guided the Mustangs to one of its best seasons and will lead the North roster, is every player came from a playoff team. Several of those players came from teams that accomplished more than expected in the postseason.
Coach: Lance Hudak, Portage
The Mustangs finished 22-4 and won their first WestPAC championship with a hard-fought overtime victory against Berlin. Portage was the District 6 Class A runner-up and qualified for the PIAA playoffs.
Players (in alphabetical order)
Katie Bracken, Central Cambria
Red Devils' post presence averaged 8.8 points and a team-best 9.1 rebounds.
Jamie Cekada, Conemaugh Valley
Blue Jays point guard did a little bit of everything as she averaged 7.1 points, 4.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals.
Casey Gallaher, Forest Hills
Gallaher aggravated an injury in the final game of the season and won't be able to play but plans to attend game. She scored 1,500 career points.
Lexi Hody, Conemaugh Valley
Ranked second on team with 10.1 scoring average.
Taylor King-Brothers, Central Cambria
King-Brothers recently signed with St. Francis track, but she's also a basketball standout who averaged 8.8 points and 3.2 steals.
Paige Lamberson, Westmont Hilltop
Three-point shooting specialist averaged 11.9 points and made 65 3-pointers.
Heather Marsh, Blacklick Valley
Stat-sheet filler averaged 11.0 rebounds and team-high 11.1 rebounds.
Emily McCabe, Portage
Key role player for Mustangs averaged 4.9 points and 4.2 rebounds.
Bri Mulhern, Penn Cambria
Another sharpshooter, Mulhern averaged 11.7 points and made 47 3-pointers.
Candice Ramus, Portage
One of the area's premier shooters in rifle, Ramus was a rare multi-sport winter sports athlete.
Erin Rodgers, Westmont Hilltop
One of area's most complete players averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 4.0 steals.
Marlee Zubek, Forest Hills
Key figure for District 6 Class AAA champs averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists while leading team with 30 3-pointers.
The group comprising the North girls' roster for Saturday's AmeriServ Senior Hoops Classic, which tips off at 1 p.m. at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center, is much more than a collection of offensive standouts. It resembles an actual basketball team.
Sure, the North features some of the area's premier scorers, but there are players who rebounded, ran the point and dug down defensively. Another positive for Portage coach Lance Hudak, who guided the Mustangs to one of its best seasons and will lead the North roster, is every player came from a playoff team. Several of those players came from teams that accomplished more than expected in the postseason.
Coach: Lance Hudak, Portage
The Mustangs finished 22-4 and won their first WestPAC championship with a hard-fought overtime victory against Berlin. Portage was the District 6 Class A runner-up and qualified for the PIAA playoffs.
Players (in alphabetical order)
Katie Bracken, Central Cambria
Red Devils' post presence averaged 8.8 points and a team-best 9.1 rebounds.
Jamie Cekada, Conemaugh Valley
Blue Jays point guard did a little bit of everything as she averaged 7.1 points, 4.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals.
Casey Gallaher, Forest Hills
Gallaher aggravated an injury in the final game of the season and won't be able to play but plans to attend game. She scored 1,500 career points.
Lexi Hody, Conemaugh Valley
Ranked second on team with 10.1 scoring average.
Taylor King-Brothers, Central Cambria
King-Brothers recently signed with St. Francis track, but she's also a basketball standout who averaged 8.8 points and 3.2 steals.
Paige Lamberson, Westmont Hilltop
Three-point shooting specialist averaged 11.9 points and made 65 3-pointers.
Heather Marsh, Blacklick Valley
Stat-sheet filler averaged 11.0 rebounds and team-high 11.1 rebounds.
Emily McCabe, Portage
Key role player for Mustangs averaged 4.9 points and 4.2 rebounds.
Bri Mulhern, Penn Cambria
Another sharpshooter, Mulhern averaged 11.7 points and made 47 3-pointers.
Candice Ramus, Portage
One of the area's premier shooters in rifle, Ramus was a rare multi-sport winter sports athlete.
Erin Rodgers, Westmont Hilltop
One of area's most complete players averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 4.0 steals.
Marlee Zubek, Forest Hills
Key figure for District 6 Class AAA champs averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists while leading team with 30 3-pointers.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
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.
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.
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
Monday, February 18, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
District 6 girls' Class AA preview
Top seeds: 1. Bald Eagle Area (20-1), 2. Bellwood-Antis (19-1), 3. Westmont Hilltop (19-3), 4. Blairsville (21-1).
Defending champion: Forest Hills.
Top players: Erin Rodgers, Paige Lamberson (Westmont Hilltop), Sarah Pfeil, Katie Gehlmann (Richland), Mackenzie Barbin, Emily Daley (Bishop McCort), Bri Wasser, Taylor King-Brothers (Central Cambria), Kaitlyn Krug, Bri Mulhern (Penn Cambria), Marissa Ward (Bald Eagle), Mackenzie Livingston (Blairsville).
The skinny: Bald Eagle's record is impressive. The level of competition they played isn't. Ditto for Bellwood-Antis. ... The Hilltoppers play Bishop Guilfoyle for the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference title later today. ... Blairsville averages close to 70 points per game and is coached by former Richland coach Ralph McGinnis. ... Richland is seeded seventh and if the Rams get past Central Cambria, they could give No. 2 Bellwood-Antis trouble. ... Bishop McCort has displayed considerable improvement as the season has progressed.
Sleeper: Richland.
Prediction: Blairsville over Westmont Hilltop.
Defending champion: Forest Hills.
Top players: Erin Rodgers, Paige Lamberson (Westmont Hilltop), Sarah Pfeil, Katie Gehlmann (Richland), Mackenzie Barbin, Emily Daley (Bishop McCort), Bri Wasser, Taylor King-Brothers (Central Cambria), Kaitlyn Krug, Bri Mulhern (Penn Cambria), Marissa Ward (Bald Eagle), Mackenzie Livingston (Blairsville).
The skinny: Bald Eagle's record is impressive. The level of competition they played isn't. Ditto for Bellwood-Antis. ... The Hilltoppers play Bishop Guilfoyle for the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference title later today. ... Blairsville averages close to 70 points per game and is coached by former Richland coach Ralph McGinnis. ... Richland is seeded seventh and if the Rams get past Central Cambria, they could give No. 2 Bellwood-Antis trouble. ... Bishop McCort has displayed considerable improvement as the season has progressed.
Sleeper: Richland.
Prediction: Blairsville over Westmont Hilltop.
Friday, February 15, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, February 11, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, February 4, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
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).
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).
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Coaching search update
Conemaugh Valley, Ferndale and Penn Cambria are searching for football coaches, and at least one school may be close to making a hire.
Penn Cambria will likely stamp its coaching hire at the Feb. 19 meeting. Tony Tomaselli is in the running and could be the front runner. Tomaselli replaced Ernie Fetzer on an interim basis after Fetzer resigned with two games remaining in the regular season. Tomaselli was an assistant on Fetzer's staff, a former head coach at Penn Cambria and a teacher in the school district.
Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler's name has also come up. Wheeler teaches Penn Cambria and also is a former assistant there, so it's logical his name surfaced though his interest in the opening may not be strong as some hope. Wheeler headed a remarkable turnaround at BG this season.
Conemaugh Valley athletic director Paula McCleester told T-D sports writer Mike Mastovich that interviews there will begin Monday (Jan. 28).
No candidates for the position have been confirmed, though former CV coach Tom Marshall and Windber athletic director Ralph DeMarco have been mentioned by sources.
Penn Cambria will likely stamp its coaching hire at the Feb. 19 meeting. Tony Tomaselli is in the running and could be the front runner. Tomaselli replaced Ernie Fetzer on an interim basis after Fetzer resigned with two games remaining in the regular season. Tomaselli was an assistant on Fetzer's staff, a former head coach at Penn Cambria and a teacher in the school district.
Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler's name has also come up. Wheeler teaches Penn Cambria and also is a former assistant there, so it's logical his name surfaced though his interest in the opening may not be strong as some hope. Wheeler headed a remarkable turnaround at BG this season.
Conemaugh Valley athletic director Paula McCleester told T-D sports writer Mike Mastovich that interviews there will begin Monday (Jan. 28).
No candidates for the position have been confirmed, though former CV coach Tom Marshall and Windber athletic director Ralph DeMarco have been mentioned by sources.
Monday, January 21, 2013
T-D boys' basketball rankings
The hottest team in The Tribune-Democrat coverage area? It's the Bishop Carroll boys.
Consider:
* The Huskies have won eight consecutive games and ascended to the top of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Section 1 standings.
* During that span, Bishop Carroll won at Bishop Guilfoyle by 24, at Penn Cambria by 11, at Vincentian Academy by two on a Saturday and at Cambria Heights by 23.
* Even the Huskies' most recent loss was impressive. Bishop Carroll took Bishop McCort to overtime at McCort before losing by three points.
* Sophomore Brandon Martinazzi is emerging as a big-game player and Marcus Lee is a force inside.
After a game tonight against North Star, Bishop Carroll faces two tough tests - home against Greater Johhnstown on Wednesday and at Richland on Friday.
For now, the Huskies have accomplished more than enough to replace Shade atop The Tribune-Democrat boys basketball rankings.
1. Bishop Carroll 11-2
Huskies haven't lost since Dec. 22 or to any Class A team.
2. Northern Cambria 11-3
Colts living up to preseason billing. Big home game versus Ligonier Valley on Thursday.
3. Bishop McCort 8-4
The Crimson Crushers show moxie late against Trojans, but stumbled early in week against Richland.
4. Greater Johnstown 9-4
Roshon Fields and Phil Madison playing well in the big games.
5. Penn Cambria 10-3
A.J. Leahey is as talented as any player around. UPJ has to be happy about that.
6. Shanksville-Stonycreek 11-1
Vikings' Carter Slade hits buzzer-beater at Shade. Three tough games this week.
7. Conemaugh Township 10-2
Indians haven't played a close game in more than a month.
8. Shade 12-1
Panthers lost at buzzer to Shanksville minus leading scorer Ryan Fyock.
9. Somerset 10-5
Jake Close found his scoring touch and Eagles scored big win versus Richland.
10. Richland 7-4
Bishop McCort win proves Rams capable of beating any area team.
Consider:
* The Huskies have won eight consecutive games and ascended to the top of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Section 1 standings.
* During that span, Bishop Carroll won at Bishop Guilfoyle by 24, at Penn Cambria by 11, at Vincentian Academy by two on a Saturday and at Cambria Heights by 23.
* Even the Huskies' most recent loss was impressive. Bishop Carroll took Bishop McCort to overtime at McCort before losing by three points.
* Sophomore Brandon Martinazzi is emerging as a big-game player and Marcus Lee is a force inside.
After a game tonight against North Star, Bishop Carroll faces two tough tests - home against Greater Johhnstown on Wednesday and at Richland on Friday.
For now, the Huskies have accomplished more than enough to replace Shade atop The Tribune-Democrat boys basketball rankings.
1. Bishop Carroll 11-2
Huskies haven't lost since Dec. 22 or to any Class A team.
2. Northern Cambria 11-3
Colts living up to preseason billing. Big home game versus Ligonier Valley on Thursday.
3. Bishop McCort 8-4
The Crimson Crushers show moxie late against Trojans, but stumbled early in week against Richland.
4. Greater Johnstown 9-4
Roshon Fields and Phil Madison playing well in the big games.
5. Penn Cambria 10-3
A.J. Leahey is as talented as any player around. UPJ has to be happy about that.
6. Shanksville-Stonycreek 11-1
Vikings' Carter Slade hits buzzer-beater at Shade. Three tough games this week.
7. Conemaugh Township 10-2
Indians haven't played a close game in more than a month.
8. Shade 12-1
Panthers lost at buzzer to Shanksville minus leading scorer Ryan Fyock.
9. Somerset 10-5
Jake Close found his scoring touch and Eagles scored big win versus Richland.
10. Richland 7-4
Bishop McCort win proves Rams capable of beating any area team.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
T-D boys' basketball rankings
There were a pair of impressive, eye-opening victories the past week.
The first happened on Saturday as Bishop Carroll traveled to unbeaten Vincentian Academy, which is located a couple miles north of Ross Park Mall, and defeated the Royals, 81-81. Vincentian was a top-10 team in PIAA Class A according to the Patriot-News of Harrisburg. Credit Bishop Carroll for playing with focus following a long Saturday road trip.
On Monday night, Greater Johnstown traveled to Altoona for a clash of old-school rivals. The Mountain Lions were coming off a win over State College, but the undaunted Trojans put together a strong third quarter and got another standout performance from Philip Madison en route to a confidence-building 60-45 win.
With the postseason coming into view, both victories are good signs for the Huskies and Trojans.
1. Shade 11-0
Panthers face difficult home game tonight vs. one-loss Shanksville-Stonycreek.
2. Greater Johnstown 8-3
Difficult nonconference schedule starting to pay off in win column.
3. Bishop Carroll 9-2
Face another difficult test Friday at Penn Cambria.
4. Penn Camrbia 9-2
After back-to-back one-point losses, Panthers have blown out three consecutive opponents.
5. Bishop McCort 8-3
Crimson Crushers are as talented as any team around.
6. Northern Cambria 10-3
Five-game win streak has put shaky start in the past.
7. Shanksville-Stonycreek 9-1
Tiny Shanksville's lone loss is to Class AAA Somerset.
8. Cambria Heights 8-4
Two trips to Ebensburg resulted in a split, including a 23-point loss to Bishop Carroll.
9. Conemaugh Township 7-2
The Indians must take offense to giving up points judging by their scores.
10. Somerset 7-5
The Golden Eagles can hang with any team as long as the 3-pointers are falling.
The first happened on Saturday as Bishop Carroll traveled to unbeaten Vincentian Academy, which is located a couple miles north of Ross Park Mall, and defeated the Royals, 81-81. Vincentian was a top-10 team in PIAA Class A according to the Patriot-News of Harrisburg. Credit Bishop Carroll for playing with focus following a long Saturday road trip.
On Monday night, Greater Johnstown traveled to Altoona for a clash of old-school rivals. The Mountain Lions were coming off a win over State College, but the undaunted Trojans put together a strong third quarter and got another standout performance from Philip Madison en route to a confidence-building 60-45 win.
With the postseason coming into view, both victories are good signs for the Huskies and Trojans.
1. Shade 11-0
Panthers face difficult home game tonight vs. one-loss Shanksville-Stonycreek.
2. Greater Johnstown 8-3
Difficult nonconference schedule starting to pay off in win column.
3. Bishop Carroll 9-2
Face another difficult test Friday at Penn Cambria.
4. Penn Camrbia 9-2
After back-to-back one-point losses, Panthers have blown out three consecutive opponents.
5. Bishop McCort 8-3
Crimson Crushers are as talented as any team around.
6. Northern Cambria 10-3
Five-game win streak has put shaky start in the past.
7. Shanksville-Stonycreek 9-1
Tiny Shanksville's lone loss is to Class AAA Somerset.
8. Cambria Heights 8-4
Two trips to Ebensburg resulted in a split, including a 23-point loss to Bishop Carroll.
9. Conemaugh Township 7-2
The Indians must take offense to giving up points judging by their scores.
10. Somerset 7-5
The Golden Eagles can hang with any team as long as the 3-pointers are falling.
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, December 20, 2012
Pa. Sportswriters All-State team
The 2012 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State football team. With players’ school, height, weight and class.
CLASS AAAA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny - 5-11, 190 sr.
Bryan Schor, Delaware Valley - 6-1, 215 sr.
Thomas Woodson, Gateway - 6-2, 225 sr.
RUNNING BACK
Mike Class, Pennridge - 5-11, 185 jr.
James Conner, McDowell - 6-2, 230 jr.
Robert Martin, Harrisburg - 6-0, 190 jr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Will Fuller, Roman Catholic - 6-1, 175 sr.
Gregg Garrity, North Allegheny - 5-10, 145 sr.
Chris Jones, Coatesville - 5-11, 165 sr.
TIGHT END
Zach Lyon, North Allegheny - 6-0, 190 sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Scott Augustine, McDowell - 6-1, 195 jr.
Dan Herbster, Garnet Valley - 6-3, 275 sr.
Patrick Kugler, North Allegheny - 6-5, 280 sr.
Mike McGlinchey, William Penn Charter - 6-8, 275 sr.
Tom Spiteri, La Salle College - 6-2, 285 sr.
Mike Unger, Parkland - 6-2, 250 sr.
ATHLETE
Sean Coleman, La Salle College - 5-9, 170 sr.
Drew Scales, Central Dauphin - 5-8, 175 sr.
Von Walker, Central Mountain - 6-0, 195 sr.
KICKER
Joe Julius, Lower Dauphin - 5-11, 200 jr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Curtis Cothran, Council Rock North - 6-5, 245 sr.
Jeremy Gonzales, North Allegheny - 6-1, 220 sr.
Junior Joseph, Wilson-West Lawn - 6-3, 235 sr.
Jawan Turner, Woodland Hills - 6-1, 245 sr.
LINEBACKERS
Alex Beasley, Woodland Hills - 6-0, 230 jr.
Hodari Christian, McKeesport - 6-0, 215 sr.
Dakota Everett, Pleasant Valley - 6-4, 225 sr.
Zayd Issah, Central Dauphin - 6-4, 220 sr.
Dominic Moyer, Wilson-West Lawn - 5-10, 210 sr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Brendan Coniker, North Allegheny - 6-0, 180 sr.
Montae Nicholson, Gateway - 6-2, 200 jr.
John Reid, St. Joseph’s Prep - 5-10, 175 so.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS
Jimmy Brooks, Wilson-West Lawn - 5-8, 160 sr.
Karlon Quiller, Scranton - 6-0, 180 sr.
PLAYER OF YEAR
Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny
COACH OF YEAR
Matt Ortega, Coatesville
CLASS AAA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Joe Carroll, Thomas Jefferson - 6-2, 180 sr.
Damion Terry, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-4, 210 sr.
Alec Werner, Bishop McDevitt - 6-1, 200 sr.
RUNNING BACK
Roman Clay, Lancaster Catholic - 5-11, 215 sr.
Alex Cooley, Eastern York - 5-7, 180 sr.
Colin McDermott, Allentown Central Catholic - 5-11, 185 sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Robert Foster, Central Valley - 6-2, 185 sr.
Brian Lemelle, Bishop McDevitt - 5-11, 175 sr.
Zach Smith, West York - 6-1, 171 sr.
TIGHT END
Taylor Geib, Manheim Central - 6-2, 210 jr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Matt Barone, Montour - 6-3, 285 sr.
Jordan Diven, West Allegheny - 6-1, 230 sr.
Zach Duffy, Muhlenberg - 6-5, 315 sr.
Dorian Johnson, Belle Vernon - 6-6, 280 sr.
Brody Kern, West York - 6-2, 275 sr.
Fran Walsh, Archbishop Wood - 6-1, 245 sr.
ATHLETE
Derrick Fulmore, West Mifflin - 6-0, 190 sr.
Devin Wilson, Montour - 6-4, 180 sr.
KICKER
John Chereson, Erie Cathedral Prep - 5-10, 170 sr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Jeff Gulyas, Allentown Central Catholic - 6-3, 210 sr.
Steve Marrazzo Jr., Bishop McDevitt - 6-1, 210 jr.
Erik Swanson, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 230 sr.
Quinn Thompson, General McLane - 6-5, 230 sr.
LINEBACKERS
Matt Galambos, Haverford School - 6-2, 225 sr.
Carter Henderson, Franklin Regional - 6-0, 215 sr.
Jerry Langan, Abington Heights - 5-11, 200 sr.
Jake Plonski, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 220 sr.
Dalvin Williams, Greater Johnstown - 6-2, 200 sr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Darnell Holland, Bishop McDevitt - 5-11, 185 sr.
Austin Jerman, Warren Area - 6-2, 180 sr.
Jermaine Norris, Mastery Charter North - 5-11, 180 jr.
ATHLETE
Andrew Guckin, Archbishop Wood - 5-11, 200 sr.
Delton Williams, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 210 sr.
PLAYER OF YEAR
Damion Terry, Erie Cathedral Prep
COACH OF YEAR
Mike Mischler, Erie Cathedral Prep
CLASS AA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Brett Brumbaugh, South Fayette - 6-3, 180 So.
Nick O’Brien, Wyoming Area - 5-10, 180 Sr.
RUNNING BACK
DeShawn Coleman, Hickory - 6-0, 175 Sr.
Shai McKenzie, Washington - 6-0, 215 Jr.
Tanner Solarczyk, Richland - 6-0, 197 Jr.
David Williams, Imhotep Charter - 6-1, 200 Sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Lucas Benton, Wilkes-Barre GAR - 5-9, 170 Sr.
Zack Bogoly, Wilson Area - 6-2, 200 Sr.
Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette - 6-2, 185 Sr.
TIGHT END
Scott Orndorff, Seton-La Salle - 6-5, 240 Sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Josh Dininy, Richland - 6-4, 273 Sr.
Jaleel Fields, Aliquippa - 6-2, 275 Jr.
Jaryd Jones-Smith, West Catholic - 6-7, 290 Sr.
Kyle Santorine, Lewisburg - 6-2, 295 Sr.
Ben Wertz, Wyomissing - 6-3, 260 Sr.
ATHLETE
Patrick Duvgineaud, Jim Thorpe - 5-11, 170 Sr.
Terry Swanson, Aliquippa - 5-9, 182 Jr.
KICKER
Jonah Bowman, Wyomissing - 6-0, 190 Sr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Scott Beltz, Penn-Argyl - 6-3, 210 Sr.
Eric Joraskie, Mount Carmel - 6-4, 265 Sr.
Jeriko Reyes, Wyomissing - 6-1, 215 Sr.
Shakir Soto, Wilkes-Barre GAR - 6-4, 255 Sr.
Stuart Urch, Ligonier Valley - 6-1, 219 Sr.
LINEBACKER
Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing - 6-3, 225 Sr.
Mack Behe, Penn Cambria - 6-2, 190 Sr.
Cole Bush, Burrell - 6-2, 220 Jr.
Eric Haney, Danville - 6-0, 192 Jr.
Jaylin Kelly, Washington - 6-2, 235 Sr.
Brandon Smith, Lewisburg - 6-2, 215 Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Elijah Cottrill, Beaver Falls - 6-2, 170 So.
Dravon Henry, Aliquippa - 6-0, 182 Jr.
Cale Rice, Danville - 5-6, 172 Sr.
ATHLETE
Paryss Marshall, Catasauqua - 6-1, 180 Jr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Wolfrum, Wyomissing
CLASS A
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Matt Bodamer, Port Allegany - 6-1, 180 Sr.
Chavas Rawlins, Monessen - 6-3, 188 Sr.
Lenny Williams, Sto-Rox - 6-0, 190 Jr.
RUNNING BACK
Blake Bowman, Tri-Valley - 5-9, 170 Sr.
Daiqwon Buckley, Dunmore - 5-11, 215 Jr.
Casey Gray, Bellwood-Antis - 6-0, 170 Jr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Nick Conway, Port Allegany - 6-2, 170 Sr.
John Klingerman, Bloomsburg - 5-9, 185 Sr.
Terrish Webb, Clairton - 6-1, 175 Sr.
TIGHT END
Erik Smeltz, Line Mountain - 6-2, 200 Sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Ryan Cherwinski, Southern Columbia - 6-0, 260 Sr.
Devonte Harvey, Clairton - 5-10, 195 Sr.
James McHale, Dunmore - 6-7, 285 Jr.
Austin Mital, Moshannon Valley - 6-3, 270 Sr.
Spencer Smeal, Curwensville - 6-2, 240 Sr.
ATHLETE
Tyler Boyd, Clairton - 6-2, 175 Sr.
Danny Ferens, Penns Manor - 6-1, 190 Sr.
KICKER
Philip Esposito, Brockway - 6-0, 180 Sr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Mike Boland, Dunmore - 6-5, 265 Sr.
Keith Shawley, Bellwood-Antis - 5-11, 225 Sr.
Nick Ceschini, Bishop Guilfoyle - 6-4, 220 Sr.
Robert Boatright, Clairton - 5-10, 170 Sr.
LINEBACKER
T.J. Armstrong, Clarion - 6-2, 205 Sr.
Alex Atkins, Northern Cambria - 6-2, 235 Sr.
Austin Noel, Delone Catholic - 6-1, 210 Sr.
Cody Pavlick, Southern Columbia - 6-1, 200 Jr.
Shane Schuback, Old Forge - 6-0, 200 Jr.
Garrett Vulcano, Chartiers-Houston - 6-1, 190 Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Dywan Blanding, Steel-High - 5-9, 180 Sr.
Titus Howard, Clairton - 6-2, 160 Sr.
Doug Twigg, Glendale - 5-9, 166 Sr.
ATHLETE
Owen Daniel, Williams Valley - 6-1, 180 Sr.
Brian Tomasetti, Old Forge - 6-1, 175 Sr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tyler Boyd, Clairton
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jack Henzes, Dunmore
 |
| Richland's Tanner Solarczyk was one of four running backs selected to the Pa. Sportswriters Class AA All-State team. |
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny - 5-11, 190 sr.
Bryan Schor, Delaware Valley - 6-1, 215 sr.
Thomas Woodson, Gateway - 6-2, 225 sr.
RUNNING BACK
Mike Class, Pennridge - 5-11, 185 jr.
James Conner, McDowell - 6-2, 230 jr.
Robert Martin, Harrisburg - 6-0, 190 jr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Will Fuller, Roman Catholic - 6-1, 175 sr.
Gregg Garrity, North Allegheny - 5-10, 145 sr.
Chris Jones, Coatesville - 5-11, 165 sr.
TIGHT END
Zach Lyon, North Allegheny - 6-0, 190 sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Scott Augustine, McDowell - 6-1, 195 jr.
Dan Herbster, Garnet Valley - 6-3, 275 sr.
Patrick Kugler, North Allegheny - 6-5, 280 sr.
Mike McGlinchey, William Penn Charter - 6-8, 275 sr.
Tom Spiteri, La Salle College - 6-2, 285 sr.
Mike Unger, Parkland - 6-2, 250 sr.
ATHLETE
Sean Coleman, La Salle College - 5-9, 170 sr.
Drew Scales, Central Dauphin - 5-8, 175 sr.
Von Walker, Central Mountain - 6-0, 195 sr.
KICKER
Joe Julius, Lower Dauphin - 5-11, 200 jr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Curtis Cothran, Council Rock North - 6-5, 245 sr.
Jeremy Gonzales, North Allegheny - 6-1, 220 sr.
Junior Joseph, Wilson-West Lawn - 6-3, 235 sr.
Jawan Turner, Woodland Hills - 6-1, 245 sr.
LINEBACKERS
Alex Beasley, Woodland Hills - 6-0, 230 jr.
Hodari Christian, McKeesport - 6-0, 215 sr.
Dakota Everett, Pleasant Valley - 6-4, 225 sr.
Zayd Issah, Central Dauphin - 6-4, 220 sr.
Dominic Moyer, Wilson-West Lawn - 5-10, 210 sr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Brendan Coniker, North Allegheny - 6-0, 180 sr.
Montae Nicholson, Gateway - 6-2, 200 jr.
John Reid, St. Joseph’s Prep - 5-10, 175 so.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS
Jimmy Brooks, Wilson-West Lawn - 5-8, 160 sr.
Karlon Quiller, Scranton - 6-0, 180 sr.
PLAYER OF YEAR
Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny
COACH OF YEAR
Matt Ortega, Coatesville
CLASS AAA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Joe Carroll, Thomas Jefferson - 6-2, 180 sr.
Damion Terry, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-4, 210 sr.
Alec Werner, Bishop McDevitt - 6-1, 200 sr.
RUNNING BACK
Roman Clay, Lancaster Catholic - 5-11, 215 sr.
Alex Cooley, Eastern York - 5-7, 180 sr.
Colin McDermott, Allentown Central Catholic - 5-11, 185 sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Robert Foster, Central Valley - 6-2, 185 sr.
Brian Lemelle, Bishop McDevitt - 5-11, 175 sr.
Zach Smith, West York - 6-1, 171 sr.
TIGHT END
Taylor Geib, Manheim Central - 6-2, 210 jr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Matt Barone, Montour - 6-3, 285 sr.
Jordan Diven, West Allegheny - 6-1, 230 sr.
Zach Duffy, Muhlenberg - 6-5, 315 sr.
Dorian Johnson, Belle Vernon - 6-6, 280 sr.
Brody Kern, West York - 6-2, 275 sr.
Fran Walsh, Archbishop Wood - 6-1, 245 sr.
ATHLETE
Derrick Fulmore, West Mifflin - 6-0, 190 sr.
Devin Wilson, Montour - 6-4, 180 sr.
KICKER
John Chereson, Erie Cathedral Prep - 5-10, 170 sr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Jeff Gulyas, Allentown Central Catholic - 6-3, 210 sr.
Steve Marrazzo Jr., Bishop McDevitt - 6-1, 210 jr.
Erik Swanson, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 230 sr.
Quinn Thompson, General McLane - 6-5, 230 sr.
LINEBACKERS
Matt Galambos, Haverford School - 6-2, 225 sr.
Carter Henderson, Franklin Regional - 6-0, 215 sr.
Jerry Langan, Abington Heights - 5-11, 200 sr.
Jake Plonski, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 220 sr.
Dalvin Williams, Greater Johnstown - 6-2, 200 sr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Darnell Holland, Bishop McDevitt - 5-11, 185 sr.
Austin Jerman, Warren Area - 6-2, 180 sr.
Jermaine Norris, Mastery Charter North - 5-11, 180 jr.
ATHLETE
Andrew Guckin, Archbishop Wood - 5-11, 200 sr.
Delton Williams, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 210 sr.
PLAYER OF YEAR
Damion Terry, Erie Cathedral Prep
COACH OF YEAR
Mike Mischler, Erie Cathedral Prep
CLASS AA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Brett Brumbaugh, South Fayette - 6-3, 180 So.
Nick O’Brien, Wyoming Area - 5-10, 180 Sr.
RUNNING BACK
DeShawn Coleman, Hickory - 6-0, 175 Sr.
Shai McKenzie, Washington - 6-0, 215 Jr.
Tanner Solarczyk, Richland - 6-0, 197 Jr.
David Williams, Imhotep Charter - 6-1, 200 Sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Lucas Benton, Wilkes-Barre GAR - 5-9, 170 Sr.
Zack Bogoly, Wilson Area - 6-2, 200 Sr.
Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette - 6-2, 185 Sr.
TIGHT END
Scott Orndorff, Seton-La Salle - 6-5, 240 Sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Josh Dininy, Richland - 6-4, 273 Sr.
Jaleel Fields, Aliquippa - 6-2, 275 Jr.
Jaryd Jones-Smith, West Catholic - 6-7, 290 Sr.
Kyle Santorine, Lewisburg - 6-2, 295 Sr.
Ben Wertz, Wyomissing - 6-3, 260 Sr.
ATHLETE
Patrick Duvgineaud, Jim Thorpe - 5-11, 170 Sr.
Terry Swanson, Aliquippa - 5-9, 182 Jr.
KICKER
Jonah Bowman, Wyomissing - 6-0, 190 Sr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Scott Beltz, Penn-Argyl - 6-3, 210 Sr.
Eric Joraskie, Mount Carmel - 6-4, 265 Sr.
Jeriko Reyes, Wyomissing - 6-1, 215 Sr.
Shakir Soto, Wilkes-Barre GAR - 6-4, 255 Sr.
Stuart Urch, Ligonier Valley - 6-1, 219 Sr.
LINEBACKER
Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing - 6-3, 225 Sr.
Mack Behe, Penn Cambria - 6-2, 190 Sr.
Cole Bush, Burrell - 6-2, 220 Jr.
Eric Haney, Danville - 6-0, 192 Jr.
Jaylin Kelly, Washington - 6-2, 235 Sr.
Brandon Smith, Lewisburg - 6-2, 215 Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Elijah Cottrill, Beaver Falls - 6-2, 170 So.
Dravon Henry, Aliquippa - 6-0, 182 Jr.
Cale Rice, Danville - 5-6, 172 Sr.
ATHLETE
Paryss Marshall, Catasauqua - 6-1, 180 Jr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Wolfrum, Wyomissing
CLASS A
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Matt Bodamer, Port Allegany - 6-1, 180 Sr.
Chavas Rawlins, Monessen - 6-3, 188 Sr.
Lenny Williams, Sto-Rox - 6-0, 190 Jr.
RUNNING BACK
Blake Bowman, Tri-Valley - 5-9, 170 Sr.
Daiqwon Buckley, Dunmore - 5-11, 215 Jr.
Casey Gray, Bellwood-Antis - 6-0, 170 Jr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Nick Conway, Port Allegany - 6-2, 170 Sr.
John Klingerman, Bloomsburg - 5-9, 185 Sr.
Terrish Webb, Clairton - 6-1, 175 Sr.
TIGHT END
Erik Smeltz, Line Mountain - 6-2, 200 Sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Ryan Cherwinski, Southern Columbia - 6-0, 260 Sr.
Devonte Harvey, Clairton - 5-10, 195 Sr.
James McHale, Dunmore - 6-7, 285 Jr.
Austin Mital, Moshannon Valley - 6-3, 270 Sr.
Spencer Smeal, Curwensville - 6-2, 240 Sr.
ATHLETE
Tyler Boyd, Clairton - 6-2, 175 Sr.
Danny Ferens, Penns Manor - 6-1, 190 Sr.
KICKER
Philip Esposito, Brockway - 6-0, 180 Sr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Mike Boland, Dunmore - 6-5, 265 Sr.
Keith Shawley, Bellwood-Antis - 5-11, 225 Sr.
Nick Ceschini, Bishop Guilfoyle - 6-4, 220 Sr.
Robert Boatright, Clairton - 5-10, 170 Sr.
LINEBACKER
T.J. Armstrong, Clarion - 6-2, 205 Sr.
Alex Atkins, Northern Cambria - 6-2, 235 Sr.
Austin Noel, Delone Catholic - 6-1, 210 Sr.
Cody Pavlick, Southern Columbia - 6-1, 200 Jr.
Shane Schuback, Old Forge - 6-0, 200 Jr.
Garrett Vulcano, Chartiers-Houston - 6-1, 190 Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Dywan Blanding, Steel-High - 5-9, 180 Sr.
Titus Howard, Clairton - 6-2, 160 Sr.
Doug Twigg, Glendale - 5-9, 166 Sr.
ATHLETE
Owen Daniel, Williams Valley - 6-1, 180 Sr.
Brian Tomasetti, Old Forge - 6-1, 175 Sr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tyler Boyd, Clairton
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jack Henzes, Dunmore
Friday, November 9, 2012
Games of the week, first-round edition
The first-round of the playoffs in districts 5 and 6 are loaded with intriguing matchups - Bishop McCort at Penns Manor (where I'll be on Saturday), Forest Hills at Central (Martinsburg) and Cambria Heights at Tyrone among them.
There's also three games where local teams are paired up.
Shade (6-4) at North Star (8-2)
In Week 6, these WestPAC neighbors met and the Cougars escaped Boswell with a 3-0 victory. Brantley Rice scored the game's only points on a field goal to cap North Star's opening drive.
"Games like that a real rare, especially in high school," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "We had a lot of missed opportunities and they did too. The conditions were not the best. We expect them to be better (Saturday)."
The narrow victory ignited a five-game win streak for the Cougars, who have won the past two District 5 Class A titles.
Shade is making its first postseason appearance since 1989, but the Panthers aren't just happy to be involved. They believe they can compete with a district power like North Star.
"Beating a team like that takes us to the next level," said Mike Pribish, who co-coaches Shade with Don Fyfe. "Not only being in the playoffs, but getting a win in the playoffs. That's what we want. Portage, North Star, Windber, Berlin, that's the next level in our league. That's where we want to be."
Northern Cambria (7-3) at Portage (9-1)
The Colts can beat any team, as evidenced by impressive victories over Penns Manor (Week 1) and Cambria Heights (Week 10) during the regular season. They've also been competitive against a pair of 9-1 teams in Berlin and Ligonier Valley.
Few teams enter the postseason on a bigger roll than Portage.
The Mustangs are on an eight-game win streak, and they earned a share of the WestPAC title with Berlin and Windber. Portage averages 8.1 yards per carry.
Penn Cambria (6-4) at Richland (10-0)
The Panthers have responded to a four-game win streak and the abrupt resignation of Ernie Fetzer with a pair of victories over Westmont Hilltop and Somerset to secure the eighth spot in the District 6 Class AA standings.
Penn Cambria played at Richland in Week 8 and left with a 30-12 loss.
The Rams are the only undefeated team in the coverage area and all of District 6. For that matter, Richland is one of nine unbeaten teams in Class AA in the state. Only two teams (Bishop McCort, Bellwood Antis) stayed within 10 points of the Rams.
There's also three games where local teams are paired up.
Shade (6-4) at North Star (8-2)
In Week 6, these WestPAC neighbors met and the Cougars escaped Boswell with a 3-0 victory. Brantley Rice scored the game's only points on a field goal to cap North Star's opening drive.
"Games like that a real rare, especially in high school," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "We had a lot of missed opportunities and they did too. The conditions were not the best. We expect them to be better (Saturday)."
The narrow victory ignited a five-game win streak for the Cougars, who have won the past two District 5 Class A titles.
Shade is making its first postseason appearance since 1989, but the Panthers aren't just happy to be involved. They believe they can compete with a district power like North Star.
"Beating a team like that takes us to the next level," said Mike Pribish, who co-coaches Shade with Don Fyfe. "Not only being in the playoffs, but getting a win in the playoffs. That's what we want. Portage, North Star, Windber, Berlin, that's the next level in our league. That's where we want to be."
Northern Cambria (7-3) at Portage (9-1)
The Colts can beat any team, as evidenced by impressive victories over Penns Manor (Week 1) and Cambria Heights (Week 10) during the regular season. They've also been competitive against a pair of 9-1 teams in Berlin and Ligonier Valley.
Few teams enter the postseason on a bigger roll than Portage.
The Mustangs are on an eight-game win streak, and they earned a share of the WestPAC title with Berlin and Windber. Portage averages 8.1 yards per carry.
Penn Cambria (6-4) at Richland (10-0)
The Panthers have responded to a four-game win streak and the abrupt resignation of Ernie Fetzer with a pair of victories over Westmont Hilltop and Somerset to secure the eighth spot in the District 6 Class AA standings.
Penn Cambria played at Richland in Week 8 and left with a 30-12 loss.
The Rams are the only undefeated team in the coverage area and all of District 6. For that matter, Richland is one of nine unbeaten teams in Class AA in the state. Only two teams (Bishop McCort, Bellwood Antis) stayed within 10 points of the Rams.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Behe, Lawhead could stay teammates after Penn Cambria
Should Penn Cambria beat Somerset on Saturday night, the Panthers will catapult into the eighth spot in the District 6 AA standings and qualify for the postseason.
Richland, who holds onto the top spot, defeated Penn Cambria in Week 8, but that doesn't mean the Rams would want to run into the Panthers in Week 11.
"It will be a second chance for all of us," said senior Devin Lawhead. "I think we'd be the best eighth seed anyone has seen in a while. I'm guessing most people think we're a lot better than an eighth seed."
Penn Cambria (5-4) isn't in the playoffs yet. While there postseason chances have yet to be solved, there's no denying Lawhead and fellow senior standout Mack Behe are nearing the end of standout varsity football careers.
The pair have been all-conference players and, in Behe's case, an all-state linebacker a year ago.
They've dominated in different ways.
"It's been great playing beside him," Behe said. "We're similar linebackers in a way, but we're both very different."
They're similar in that Behe and Lawhead are both team leaders. They play with high levels of energy and intensity. Both are disruptive defenses forces and solid against the run.
They're different in that Behe is a pass-rushing playmaker. Lawhead excels in pass coverage.
"We push each other and we back each other up," Lawhead said. "We're always waiting for the other one to make a play. It's been a privilege playing beside him."
Behe and Lawhead may get to keep playing together as several colleges are recruiting the pair.
St. Francis and Shippensburg are two of the more active pursuers. Towson and Youngstown State have also expressed interest.
"It's been real nice for both of us hearing from all these schools," Behe said. "We really haven't thought about playing college football together, but it would be good."
Richland, who holds onto the top spot, defeated Penn Cambria in Week 8, but that doesn't mean the Rams would want to run into the Panthers in Week 11.
"It will be a second chance for all of us," said senior Devin Lawhead. "I think we'd be the best eighth seed anyone has seen in a while. I'm guessing most people think we're a lot better than an eighth seed."
Penn Cambria (5-4) isn't in the playoffs yet. While there postseason chances have yet to be solved, there's no denying Lawhead and fellow senior standout Mack Behe are nearing the end of standout varsity football careers.
The pair have been all-conference players and, in Behe's case, an all-state linebacker a year ago.
They've dominated in different ways.
"It's been great playing beside him," Behe said. "We're similar linebackers in a way, but we're both very different."
They're similar in that Behe and Lawhead are both team leaders. They play with high levels of energy and intensity. Both are disruptive defenses forces and solid against the run.
They're different in that Behe is a pass-rushing playmaker. Lawhead excels in pass coverage.
"We push each other and we back each other up," Lawhead said. "We're always waiting for the other one to make a play. It's been a privilege playing beside him."
Behe and Lawhead may get to keep playing together as several colleges are recruiting the pair.
St. Francis and Shippensburg are two of the more active pursuers. Towson and Youngstown State have also expressed interest.
"It's been real nice for both of us hearing from all these schools," Behe said. "We really haven't thought about playing college football together, but it would be good."
Three football games altered because of storms
Two feet of snow at Seven Springs Mountain Resort won't stop Mud on the Mountain from being run as scheduled on Saturday, but Hurricane Sandy's wrath caused at least two area football games to moved.
Somerset at Penn Cambria will be played Saturday at 7 p.m.
Ferndale's nonconference home game against Glendale has moved from The Hive to Trojan Stadium. The game will kickoff Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Philipsburg Osceola at Forest Hills game has been moved to Richland High School. The game will still be played Friday at 7 p.m.
Somerset at Penn Cambria will be played Saturday at 7 p.m.
Ferndale's nonconference home game against Glendale has moved from The Hive to Trojan Stadium. The game will kickoff Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Philipsburg Osceola at Forest Hills game has been moved to Richland High School. The game will still be played Friday at 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Fetzer resigns as Penn Cambria coach
Big things were expected from the Penn Cambria football team this season, but a four-game losing streak ended any hopes of winning a Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference champions and has the Panthers clinging to postseason hopes.
Penn Cambria was the preseason favorite to win the LHAC, which Richland wrapped up last Friday. The Panthers are ranked ninth in the District 6 Class AA playoff standings. The top eight teams make the playoffs.
Now, Penn Cambria (4-4) was dealt another blow before Saturday's game at Westmont Hilltop when Ernie Fetzer resigned as football coach and athletic director on Wednesday, effective immediately.
Assistant coach Tony Tomaselli will serve as Penn Cambria interim coach for the remainder of the season. Penn Cambria Principal William Marshall and Assistant Principal Dane Harrold will fulfill athletic director duties until a replacement is hired.
The news may surprise many, but according to at least one Penn Cambria player on Twitter, Fetzer's resignation was anything but surprising.
Senior linebacker/receiver Mack Behe tweeted Wednesday, "yeah I saw it coming he talked to me and devin all week about how disappointed he was with the season."
Devin Lawhead, another senior standout, tweeted, "Ernie Fetzer has just quit the head coach of the Penn Cambria football team..#nojoke"
Fetzer planned to retire as football coach and athletic director, which is a part-time position, at the end of the school year.
"We had been anticipating this but we hadn't announced he was planning to retire because he did not want it to be a distraction to the team," Penn Cambria Superintendent Mary Beth Whited said.
Whited said she and other school administrators met with Fetzer on Wednesday to talk him into completing the season.
"(Fetzer) is an outstanding individual of true character who did so many good things," Whited said. "What bothers me most about the timing is we don't want a cloud hanging over him."
Fetzer, who could not be reached for contact Wednesday night, went 48-36 in his eight years with Penn Cambria. The 64-year-old Fetzer compiled an 182-127-3 coaching record with previous stops including Westmont and Somerset.
 |
| Ernie Fetzer went 48-36 at Penn Cambria. |
Now, Penn Cambria (4-4) was dealt another blow before Saturday's game at Westmont Hilltop when Ernie Fetzer resigned as football coach and athletic director on Wednesday, effective immediately.
Assistant coach Tony Tomaselli will serve as Penn Cambria interim coach for the remainder of the season. Penn Cambria Principal William Marshall and Assistant Principal Dane Harrold will fulfill athletic director duties until a replacement is hired.
The news may surprise many, but according to at least one Penn Cambria player on Twitter, Fetzer's resignation was anything but surprising.
Senior linebacker/receiver Mack Behe tweeted Wednesday, "yeah I saw it coming he talked to me and devin all week about how disappointed he was with the season."
Devin Lawhead, another senior standout, tweeted, "Ernie Fetzer has just quit the head coach of the Penn Cambria football team..
Fetzer planned to retire as football coach and athletic director, which is a part-time position, at the end of the school year.
"We had been anticipating this but we hadn't announced he was planning to retire because he did not want it to be a distraction to the team," Penn Cambria Superintendent Mary Beth Whited said.
Whited said she and other school administrators met with Fetzer on Wednesday to talk him into completing the season.
"(Fetzer) is an outstanding individual of true character who did so many good things," Whited said. "What bothers me most about the timing is we don't want a cloud hanging over him."
Fetzer, who could not be reached for contact Wednesday night, went 48-36 in his eight years with Penn Cambria. The 64-year-old Fetzer compiled an 182-127-3 coaching record with previous stops including Westmont and Somerset.
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