Judging by the pregame dance of Vincentian's Kayla Key, she averages 25.
Then, she comes out and scores the game's first basket on a layup. 2-0 Vincentian.
6:09 p.m. - Not overly impressed with Vincentian at this point, but the Royals are playing defense. Lead 11-3. Berlin has seven turnovers and hit first field goal at 3:10 left in the first.
6:14 p.m. - Berlin outworking VA right now, on an 8-2 run to pull within 13-9 with 58.3 left in first.
6:17 p.m. - Berlin ends first quarter on 11-0 run capped by a Gine Trulick layup to lead, 14-13. Mountaineers have forced 11 turnovers.
Hmmmmm.
6:21 p.m. -Starting to think Berlin will be pretty good next year.
6:22 p.m. - From a fundamental standpoint, Berlin doing a lot of things right. Not dribbling much against the press. Attacking from middle. Nice basketball.
6:25 p.m. - With Brenna Wise back in, Vincentian responds with 10-0 run. Wise has five points during stretch including a putback of her own missed free throw. Royals led 25-16.
6:42 p.m. -Booted off the Internet for a few. Two things changed in the second quarter: 1. Brenna Wise re-entered the game for the Royals and took over. She's got 15 points and 10 rebounds already. 2. The Royals cut down significantly on their turnovers.
6:50 p.m. - Having significant issues with equipment and signals.
6:52 p.m. - Not much happening in third. Vincentian leads 36-26 with 2:38 remaining.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Somerset County strut
A time once existed, not all that long ago, when the winter sports season was what separated football season from baseball season in Somerset County.
Sure, wrestling had a fervent following, and the slopes at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley were packed with locals weather permitting, but when it came to basketball, Somerset County wasn't exactly a hot spot.
OK, to be honest, with the exception of Windber's rich tradition and of a decent team every five years or so outside of Windber, it pretty much stunk when compared to the rest of Pennsylvania.
Hard to believe, but there was one brief period when Somerset County produced a small handful of highly successful teams.
In 1975, Rockwood lost to Darby in the PIAA Class A championship. In 1977, Shanksville-Stonycreek lost to Elk Lake in the Class A title game. In 1979, Conemaugh Township - with future Super Bowl winning quarterback Jeff Hostetler - lost to Pius X in the Class A championship.
Five years, three championship game appearances for Somerset County teams.
The trend of going one-and-done in the PIAA playoffs appears to be reversing for basketball teams from Somerset County, though not many have noticed.
"District 5 has repped itself the last five to six years," Shade boys' basketball coach Wade Fyock said after his Panthers dismantled WPIAL power North Catholic in the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs Friday night. "If you look at the record, we've had some success in the tournament and some success against District 7."
Fyock is particularly correct this year as teams from Somerset County went 4-1 in the first round of states. Count Conemaugh Township's victory in the play-in round of the PIAA Class AA boys' bracket and that record moves to 5-1.
The Conemaugh Township boys have defeated teams from District 8 and District 7 so far. Against Brentwood in the first round, the Indians put together a 15-3 first-half run.
"That was probably the bunch that early in the game that gave us some confidence," CT coach Chuck Lesko said. "We're a little unfamiliar with District 7 even though we played Beaver Falls last year. We know that they have strong competition."
Shade has won three PIAA playoff games since Fyock took over the program. The Conemaugh Township girls have advanced in the state tournament a second-consecutive season. Berlin just won its first PIAA game since Rachel Prosser became coach.
The results indicate District 5 is improving Who knows? Maybe the district's basketball image will start to change as well.
Sure, wrestling had a fervent following, and the slopes at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley were packed with locals weather permitting, but when it came to basketball, Somerset County wasn't exactly a hot spot.
OK, to be honest, with the exception of Windber's rich tradition and of a decent team every five years or so outside of Windber, it pretty much stunk when compared to the rest of Pennsylvania.
Hard to believe, but there was one brief period when Somerset County produced a small handful of highly successful teams.
In 1975, Rockwood lost to Darby in the PIAA Class A championship. In 1977, Shanksville-Stonycreek lost to Elk Lake in the Class A title game. In 1979, Conemaugh Township - with future Super Bowl winning quarterback Jeff Hostetler - lost to Pius X in the Class A championship.
Five years, three championship game appearances for Somerset County teams.
The trend of going one-and-done in the PIAA playoffs appears to be reversing for basketball teams from Somerset County, though not many have noticed.
"District 5 has repped itself the last five to six years," Shade boys' basketball coach Wade Fyock said after his Panthers dismantled WPIAL power North Catholic in the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs Friday night. "If you look at the record, we've had some success in the tournament and some success against District 7."
Fyock is particularly correct this year as teams from Somerset County went 4-1 in the first round of states. Count Conemaugh Township's victory in the play-in round of the PIAA Class AA boys' bracket and that record moves to 5-1.
The Conemaugh Township boys have defeated teams from District 8 and District 7 so far. Against Brentwood in the first round, the Indians put together a 15-3 first-half run.
"That was probably the bunch that early in the game that gave us some confidence," CT coach Chuck Lesko said. "We're a little unfamiliar with District 7 even though we played Beaver Falls last year. We know that they have strong competition."
Shade has won three PIAA playoff games since Fyock took over the program. The Conemaugh Township girls have advanced in the state tournament a second-consecutive season. Berlin just won its first PIAA game since Rachel Prosser became coach.
The results indicate District 5 is improving Who knows? Maybe the district's basketball image will start to change as well.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
PIAA basketball second round
Fourteen teams from The Tribune-Democrat coverage area entered the PIAA boys' and girls' basketball playoffs.
A whopping nine remain.
The following are the sites and times for the second-round contests involving local teams.
A whopping nine remain.
The following are the sites and times for the second-round contests involving local teams.
Tuesday, March 11 Basketball High School Boys PIAA Tournament Class A – Second Round At Hempfield Vincentian Academy vs. Bishop Carroll, 5 p.m. At Bald Eagle Area Shade vs. Johnsonburg, 7 p.m. Class AAA – Second Round At Hempfield Greater Johnstown vs. Chartiers Valley, 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 Basketball High School Boys PIAA Tournament Class AA – Second Round At Richland Conemaugh Township vs. Northern Cambria, 7 p.m. At Clarion University Bishop McCort vs. West Middlesex, 7:30 p.m. High School Girls PIAA Tournament Class A – Second Round At Hempfield Vincentian Academy vs. Berlin Brothersvalley, 6 p.m. At Indiana Conemaugh Township vs. Clarion Area, 6 p.m. Class AAA – Second Round At Hempfield Forest Hills vs. Blackhawk, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 8, 2013
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
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.
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.
Monday, March 4, 2013
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.
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
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