Tennis, anyone?

District championships are nothing new for the boys' tennis team at Westmont Hilltop.

The Hilltoppers recently won their third consecutive District 6 Class AA championship with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Juniata. For more on Westmont's three-peat, click here.

The Westmont Hilltop boys' tennis team won the District 6 Class AA championship on Thursday.

Westmont advances to the PIAA tournament, where the Hilltoppers play Eastern Lebanon County, the third-place team from District 3, on Tuesday at Leopold Recreation Center starting at 1:30 p.m.

They'll be joined in the bracket by a newcomer - Windber.

After seven second-place finishes, the Ramblers won the school's first District 5 tennis championship with a 5-0 victory over Bedford. For more on Windber's run, click here.

Windber plays perennial power Sewickley Academy on Tuesday at North Allegheny High School at 2:30 p.m. Sewickley Academy has won 10 consecutive WPIAL titles.

First-round winners advance to the PIAA quarterfinals Friday at Hershey Racquet Club.

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 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.

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 Cambria
Shade (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 Altoona
Northern 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 Cambria
Ligonier 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 Cambria
Conemaugh Township (21-4) vs. Quigley Catholic (18-6), 5:30 p.m. at Pitt-Johnstown

T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Forest Hills 17-4
Rangers earned top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.
 
2. Portage 20-2
WestPAC champs avenged previous loss to Berlin Brothersvalley in title game.

3. Westmont Hilltop 19-4
Hilltoppers struggled vs. Bishop Guilfoyle in LHAC title game. Of course, every team struggles against BG.

4. Berlin Brothersvalley 20-3
Rachel Prosser's squad had a 19-game win streak snapped against Portage.

5. Richland 17-5
Winners of four straight, Richland opens postseason play tonight against Central Cambria.

6. Ligonier Valley 15-6
Class AAA Rams haven't been able to solve Blairsville, the top seed in Class AA.

7. Conemaugh Township 18-4
Indians play Shade for first time this season in opening round of District 5 Class A playoffs.

8. Conemaugh Valley 16-6
Balanced Blue Jays won final four conference games.

9. Bishop McCort 12-9
Crimson Crushers should prove to be a tough out in District 6 Class AA bracket.

10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers will have 14-day layoff before playing in District 5 Class AA playoffs.

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.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Berlin 17-2
Big win versus Conemaugh Township last week. Mountaineers have clinched spot in WestPAC title game.

2. Westmont Hilltop 17-3
It's a battle of perennial powers (Westmont vs. Bishop Guilfoyle) in Saturday's LHAC championship game.

3. Forest Hills 17-4
Rangers should be top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.

4. Ligonier Valley 13-4
Surging Rams should be Forest Hills' top competition in D6 bracket.

5. Portage 18-2
Mustangs are one win from spot in WestPAC championship game for first time.

6. Richland 14-5
Rams bounced back from loss to Westmont with key win versus Bishop McCort.

7. Conemaugh Township 15-4
Indians gave No. 1 Berlin tough game on the Mountaineers' home court.

8. Conemaugh Valley 14-5
Blue Jays remain among WestPAC elite.

9. Bishop McCort 11-9
If Crimson Crushers figure out how to beat one of the area's elite teams, could spell postseason success.

10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers ended regular season on three-game win streak.

Three up, one down

Up

1. Kayla Stockenus. The senior from Shanksville-Stonycreek became just the third girls basketball player from the area to score 2,000 career points. She accomplished the feat Tuesday in a home loss to Windber.

Stockenus reached the milestone after grabbing a defensive rebound and driving the length of the court for a layup. 

Shanksville Stonycreek's Kayla Stockenus

“When I got that rebound and saw the open court I thought, ‘This is my chance. I don’t want to screw this up,’ ” an excited Stockenus said while addressing a small group of newspaper and TV reporters after the game. “Then everyone started cheering and I was like, ‘All right, now I really have to do it.’ Then I was lucky enough and got the and-one (free throw).”

2. Westmont Hilltop girls basketball. The Hilltoppers are one of two area girls teams unbeaten in section play - Berlin-Brothersvalley is the other. They also appear to be peaking at the appropriate time as Westmont prepares for Saturday's LHAC championship game against Bishop Guilfoyle.

3. Juniors topping 1,000 points. Two players – Ferndale's Elizabeth Chobany and Richland's Kyle Flick – could reach the 1,000-point mark on Monday. Chobany needs six points as the Yellow Jackets host Conemaugh Valley. Flick needs 16 as the Rams play a tough nonconference game at Conemaugh Township.

When Flick hits the mark, he'll be the fourth junior this season to do so. Bishop McCort's Nemo Trexler got there during Friday's win against Richland. Olivia McCabe and Emily Chobany, both of Portage, also hit the milestone earlier this season.

And, yes, Portage's Chobany and Ferndale's Chobany are cousins.

Down

1. The Varsity Club. This blog dedicated to high school sports in The Tribune-Democrat coverage area has been subject to sporadic updates lately. The main culprit? The blog author is working on a move inside the borders of Flood City and several snags have hindered the progress not only of the move, but the blog.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

When a program has enjoyed as much success as Westmont Hilltop girls basketball, there are considerable expectations that come with wearing the Hilltoppers' red and white.

Consider Westmont Hilltop played for PIAA Class AA championships in 2005 and 2006, In 2005, the Hilltoppers lost a tough four-point game to Delone Catholic. A year later, the Hilltoppers suffered a five-point loss to another perennial power in York Catholic.

In the world of PIAA small-school girls basketball, private school tend to dominate in the state playoffs, which makes Westmont Hilltop's success all the more impressive.

"You don't play to lose and you don't play to go .500, you play to win," said Hilltoppers coach Jodi Hillegass, who is in her 10th season.

In order to live up to the yearly expectations at Westmont, players often go above and beyond what is expected from them.

"If you want to win championships and go to states, you can't be off weekends, you can't take the summer off," Hillegass said.

Westmont's current group has bought into the hard-working system, and it's resulted in a mid-to-late season surge. The Hilltoppers have climbed to No. 3 in the latest edition of The T-D girls' basketball rankings.


1. Berlin 15-2
Mountaineers bring a 14-game win streak into Tuesday's home game against Conemaugh Township.

2. Forest Hills 16-3
Rangers face tough task tonight as Bishop Guilfoyle comes to Sidman.

3. Westmont Hilltop 15-3
With Rachel Roper healthy, Hilltoppers may be peaking at right time.

4. Ligonier Valley 11-4
Healthy Rams secured two big road wins at Marion Center and Penns manor.

5. Conemaugh Township 13-3
Impressive double-digit home win vs. Portage makes Indians biggest upward movers.

6. Portage 17-2
Juniors Olivia McCabe and Emily Chobany both topped 1,000-point mark last week.

7. Richland 13-4
Rams can earn signature win tonight vs. Westmont Hilltop.

8. Conemaugh Valley 12-4
Blue Jays face Conemaugh Township and Meyersdale this week as part of tough five-game stretch.

9. Bishop McCort 10-8
Crimson Crushers have lost three of four. Those losses are against Forest Hills, Westmont Hilltop and Altoona.

10. Meyersdale 14-4
Eric McCool's Red Raiders haven't allowed more than 34 points since a three-point loss at Shade.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Berlin 12-2
Mountaineers have tough back-to-back road games at Conamaugh Valley and Shade this week.

2. Portage 15-1
Only time Mustangs allowed more than 50 points in a game this season was against Quad-A Greater Latrobe, and Portage won that game.

3. Forest Hills 13-3
Loss to Bishop Guilfoyle couple weeks ago must have angered the Rangers as they've blown out four straight opponents.

4. Westmont Hilltop 13-3
Hilltoppers' Erin Rodgers is one of area's top scorers, but she's also averaging 4.9 steals per game.

5.  Richland 12-4
The Rams are solid, but 15-ppint home loss to Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders' mettle.

6. Ligonier Valley 9-4
A convincing 13-point win over Conemaugh Township could be a jump start for Rams.

7. Conemaugh Valley 11-3
Tough to find fault in Blue Jay's loss to Portage.

8. Conemaugh Township 11-3
Indians rebound from loss to Ligonier Valley with win vs. North Star. Big game vs. Portage on Wednesday.

9. Bishop McCort 9-6
Crimson Crushers had five-game win streak snapped against Forest Hills.

10. Shade 12-3
The Panthers are on an eight-game win streak and freshman Emma Spinelli is averaging 19.2 points per game.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Berlin 11-2
The Mountaineers had a rare off week. No game played.

2. Portage 13-1
Tuesday's game against Conemaugh Valley should be a sturdy test.

3. Forest Hills 11-3
If Rangers can beat Bishop Guilfoyle at home, they should run the table.

4. Westmont Hilltop 11-3
The Hilltoppers were the latest area team to lose to Tussey Mountain.

5. Richland 11-3
The Rams are finally getting healthy again.

6. Conemaugh Valley 11-2
The Blue Jays haven't lost since Dec. 17.

7. Conemaugh Township 10-2
Indians are averaging 13.3 steals per game.

8. Bishop McCort 8-5
The only newcomer to the rankings, the Crimson Crushers are 5-1 and in first place in LHAC Section 1.

9. Penn Cambria 8-5
The Panthers have quietly pieced together a four-game win streak.

10. Ligonier Valley 8-4
The Rams are struggling to score points. A healthier team may be the remedy.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

This far into the girls basketball season, we know ... is anyone quite sure what we know yet?

Think we know that Richland is good when healthy. Think we know that Ligonier Valley needs Maddie Grimm back. Think we know that Forest Hills is solid. Think we know Westmont Hilltop is capable of beating any team in the region, especially with Jodi Hillegass as coach.

Think we know that Berlin and Portage are solid in Class A, and that Meyersdale is a team to watch.

Other than that, who knows?

1. Berlin 11-2
Twenty-point win at Meyersdale solidifies Mountaineers as team to beat in WestPAC South.

2. Portage 11-1
Dynamic duo of Emily Chobany and Olivia McCabe have the Mustangs thinking big.

3. Forest Hills 10-3
Loss at Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders remain team to beat in the LHAC.

4. Westmont Hilltop 10-2
Behind 1,000-point scorer Erin Rodgers, Hilltoppers have won eight of nine.

5. Ligonier Valley 7-3
The Rams are talented, but blowout loss to Blairsville was an eye-raiser, despite Grimm's absence.

6. Richland 10-3
A double overtime loss at Bishop McCort Monday is the Rams' second-straight setback.

7. Conemaugh Valley 9-2
The Blue Jays' only losses are to Portage and Richland.

8. Conemaugh Township 9-2
Portage and CV are the only teams to knock the Indians. Both losses were by four points.

9. Penn Cambria 6-5
Tori Shingler's return from injury has Panthers pointed in right direction.

10. Meyersdale 8-3
Red Raiders were 8-1 before losses to Portage and Berlin.

Westmont's Ramirez, North Star's Swihura on PSCA all-state boys soccer team

High School Boys
PSCA All-State Team
Forwards
Dominic Ramirez, Sr., Westmont Hilltop
Casey Albino, Sr., Lakeland
David Aurand, Sr., Selinsgrove
Oscar Ayala-Rivas, Jr., Reading
Adam Bainbridge, Sr., Wilson
David Bricker, Jr., Trinity
Zach Broujos, Sr., Pitsburgh Central Catholic
Brett Campbell, Sr., Haverford School
Nick Cichon, Sr., Ringgold
Nate Delgado, Jr., Conestoga Valley
Wyatt Dungan, Sr., Cocalico
Kevin Elwell, Sr., Abington Heights
Christian Henry, Sr., Delaware Valley
Aaron Kulig, Sr., Boyertown
Rushawn Lamond, So., Pottsgrove
TJ Leiter, Sr., Williams Valley
Connor Maloney, Sr., Bishop McDevitt
Justin Okun, Sr., James M. Coughlin
Michael Pcholinsky, Sr., South Park
Cody Schmoulder, Jr., Liberty
Christopher Sosa, Sr., York Catholic
Sam Stein, Sr., Friends Central
Ryan Vilelle, Sr., Seneca Valley
Tristan Wright, So., Bloomsburg
Midfielders
Austin Swihura, Jr., North Star
Julian Antal, Sr., Council Rock-South
Brent Batory, Sr., Dallastown
Andrew Bishop, Sr., Emmaus
Liam Boger, Sr., Warren
Austin Bower, Sr., Warrior Run
Jack Dusing, Sr., La Salle College
Chris Edkins, Sr., Lake Lehman
Jordon Ellison, Sr., Stroudsburg
Bryan Fegley, Sr., Wilson
Sean Gallagher, Sr., Bethel Park
Joey Hansen, Jr., Father Judge
Colin Harrison, Sr., Williams Valley
Nick Hutchinson, Sr., Parkland
Troye Kiernan, Jr., Upper St. Clair
Zack Kimelheim, Sr., George School
Ben Kunkel, Sr., Red Land
Tyler McCarthy, Sr., Pine-Richland
Shawn Morrison, Sr., Central York
Steven Munn, Jr., Sewickley Academy
Colin O’Neill, Sr., Holy Ghost Prep
Dante Piccolo, Sr., Quaker Valley
Nick Rohleder, Sr., Bayard Rustin
Tanner Russel, Sr., Northern Bedford
Daniel Saba, Sr., Dallas
Brian Schafer, Sr., Upper Dublin
Colton Snyder, Sr., Northeast Bradford
George Stock, Sr., Phil Mont Christian
Joseph Schmitz, Sr., Gettysburg
Patrick Sullivan, Sr., Pine-Richland
Alec Taisania, Sr., Moravian Academy
Brandon Walbert, So., South Park
Defenders
Pat Berneski, Jr., Central Bucks-South
Wes Burdette, Sr., Upper St. Clair
Nathan Dearth, Sr., Montour
Andrew Gonzalez, Sr., Conestoga
Zach Graziani, Jr., West Allegheny
Spencer Reinford, Sr., East Juniata
Goalkeepers
Jon Dietrick, Sr., Shamokin
Brandon Hoover, Sr., Pequea Valley
Jonathan Phillips, Sr., Bangor
John Prentice, Sr., Philipsburg-Osceola

Scenes from the re-enactment

Unless you were under a rock or in a cave, chances are you read about how the Westmont Hilltop at Johnstown football game evolved into a re-enactment of the Johnstown-filmed movie "All the Right Moves."

It was easily the most talked about high school football game in the country last week, and it received nationwide coverage. The Tribune-Democrat was at the front of the media coverage. For the record, Ampipe avenged a 1983 loss to Walnut Heights with a 20-17 victory.

Here's some great photos from the game by staff photographer Todd Berkey, who still fits in the same Ampipe shirt he wore 29 years ago.

Johnstown quarterback Deion Moore leaves Westmont defenders grabbing at air on his way to the end zone.

Walnut Heights takes the field.

Legendary Aliquippa coach Don Yannessa did the ceremonial coin toss.

Ampipe takes  the field.

Westmont's Sam Curry finished with 37 carries and nearly 200 yards rushing.

Johnstown's Kareem Gibson dives for a touchdown.

Players, coaches recreate scene from "All the Right Moves"

How many newspaper offices can claim to be part of a famous movie?

I'm not sure of the answer to that and, to be honest, my old haunt the Observer-Reporter was featured in the pilot episode of the FX series "Justified," but there's only one newspaper building in "All the Right Moves."

It's The Tribune-Democrat.

And here's a video featuring members of the Greater Johnstown and Westmont Hilltop football team doing a recreation of the famous "You're not a god, you're just a typing teacher" scene.

Lea Thompson's video message to Johnstown

Actress Lea Thompson posted a video message to Johnstown before Friday's All the Right Moves re-enactment, which also happened to be a LHAC game between Greater Johnstown - in the role of Ampipe - and Westmont Hilltop, playing Walnut Heights.

For the record, after nearly 30 years, Ampipe earned revenge.

Heights-Hilltop postponed

The Cambria Heights at Westmont football game scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday has been postponed because of weather. The LHAC contest will be played Monday at 4 p.m. at Westmont Middle School.