Westmoreland high school notebook: Penn-Trafford’s Stover makes all-state after all

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, December 16, 2017 | 9:57 PM

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Some wondered why Penn-Trafford senior Lauren Stovar did not make the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association all-state team this season and for good reason. Stovar was a standout forward for the WPIAL Class 4A champion Warriors and a Division I recruit.

It turns out, however, Stovar made all-state after all.

A clerical error by the PSCA left her off the initial selection list on the association's website. Stovar this week received a certificate in the mail and an invitation to the all-state banquet, turning disappointment and curiosity into happiness and relief.

“We were kind of confused, so I made a couple of phone calls to figure out what was going on,” Penn-Trafford coach Jackie Bartko said. “We're glad it all worked out, and it was just a mistake. Lauren had a great season.”

The PSCA apologized for the omission.

Stovar, an Army recruit, joins two teammates on the all-state list: midfielders Hannah Nguyen and Mackenzie Aunkst. Stovar had 15 goals and 10 assists for the Warriors (17-4-1). She finished with 42 goals and 23 assists in her career.

“I was pretty upset (at first),” Stovar said. “But when I got the papers in the mail and figured out I got it, I was so happy. It's a great accomplishment.”

Stovar's selection gives Westmoreland County a record six all-state players this season. PIAA 4A champion Norwin also had three: Sam Wexell, Emily Harrigan and Lexy Kendro.

The previous record was five selections in 2004.

Signing day

The NCAA launched an early signing period this year for Division I football recruits. It will start Wednesday.

At least two prospects from Westmoreland County plan to sign early. Both are offensive linemen. They are Blake Zubovic of Belle Vernon (Pitt) and Penn-Trafford's Logan Hawkins (Akron).

Franklin Regional linebacker Bryce Lauer has Division I interest — and offers from Duquesne and Robert Morris — but said he is unsure if he will commit by Wednesday.

Lauer broke single-season and career tackle records this season.

Penn-Trafford senior running back/defensive back John Gay IV and Jeannette all-purpose athlete Robert Kennedy also have Division I offers, but both said they will wait to commit.

The early period will allow verbally committed recruits to lock in pledges they know won't change, will allow some players to enroll in the spring semester and will assure a school does not give away their scholarship.

The traditional signing period starts Feb. 7.

Cramer wrestling

Jeannette sophomore Justin Cramer put off knee surgery to help the Jayhawks win WPIAL and PIAA Class A football championships. Now, he wants to postpone it again so he can wrestle. He has a torn left meniscus.

“I just love the sport of wrestling,” Cramer said. “I've been wrestling since I was 4, and I don't want to take a year off. I also feel like my body can hold off on the surgery. My knee is feeling pretty good.”

Cramer competed in the 182-pound weight class last season.

Hoops to watch

While it is a nonsection boys basketball game, Laurel Highlands at Greensburg Salem could pack plenty of excitement Tuesday night.

Both teams are averaging more than 74 points a game. The matchup features a pair of high-scoring guards in St. Francis (Pa.) recruit Bryce Laskey of Laurel Highlands, and Greensburg Salem's Marvel McGowan.

Nearing 1,000

Greensburg Salem junior basketball player Megan Kallock is closing in on 1,000 career points. The third-year starting guard has 914 heading into Monday night's game at Uniontown.

Recruiting news

Mt. Pleasant pole vaulter Chris Butz announced he will continue his athletic career at Slippery Rock. He initially had considered Westminster. Butz finished 13th in the WPIAL Class AA championships last spring.

• Penn-Trafford football lineman Will Mayr grabbed two more scholarship offers, both Division II, from Slippery Rock and Edinboro.

• Greensburg Central Catholic senior placekicker Ethan Slike received a preferred walk-on offer from St. Francis (Pa.).

• Jeannette soccer goalkeeper Luke Brummett, an all-section player, will continue his playing career at Pitt-Greensburg.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Tags: Belle Vernon, Greensburg Salem, Jeannette, Laurel Highlands, Penn-Trafford