Greyhounds Golden as Monessen Knocks off Greensburg C.C. to Win Boys AA Hoops Title

By: Bruce Markey
Saturday, March 5, 2011 | 12:00 AM

The Greyhound is known as a race dog with great speed. Then it is appropriate that Monessen High School is nicknamed the Greyhounds, as they raced out to fast starts in both the first and second halves which keyed a 63-43 victory over top-seed Greensburg Central Catholic in the WPIAL Class AA title game at Duquesne University.

The Centurions were trying to become the third boy's basketball team this weekend to win the schools first WPIAL championship following in Montour and Vincentian Academy's footsteps. However it was the Greyhounds collecting their first Class AA crown and the fifth overall district basketball title in school history. Monessen won the Class AAA championship in 1923 and won Class A gold in 1995, 2001 and 2002.

The Hounds came out flying as they jumped out to a 12-1 first quarter lead with 4:46 left. Greensburg Central Catholic finally settled down and pulled to within 15-8 after one quarter. Five straight points by GCC senior Jesse Reed pulled the Centurions to within two points at 18-16 with 5:20 left in the second quarter. Monessen outscored Greensburg Central Catholic 13-9 the rest of the half for a 31-25 lead into the locker room.

The Greyhounds enjoyed another fast start to the second half, scoring eight of the first ten points in the third quarter to take a 39-27 lead with 5:50 left on a dunk by senior Cam Johnson. Monessen ended up leading 41-33 after three quarters.

GCC trailed 48-40 with 5:15 left in the fourth quarter, when Monessen pulled away with style including an ally-coop dunk by Johnson as the Greyhounds scored 15 of the games final 18 points en route to the 20-point victory.

Another key to victory for Monessen was their dominance on the glass. The Greyhounds out rebounded the Centurions 44-21.

Balanced scoring also helped the cause for the Hounds, led by Jalen Madison's 13 points. Cam Johnson added 12 points while Jeff Francia and Earl Pinkney chipped in with 11 points each. Monessen improves to 23-2 and will face Mercyhurst Prep in the PIAA Class AA First Round on Saturday at a site and time to be determined. The Lakers are the third seed out of District 10.

Greensburg Central Catholic relied heavily again on Reed, who concluded an impressive district postseason with a game-high 20 points. The 23-3 Centurions open up state basketball playoff action Saturday against the third seed out of District 6.

Monessen Greyhounds : 15

Tags: Greensburg C.C.