Penn Hills notebook: Kelly hits court for Quinnipiac

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, November 12, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Daemar Kelly was on the court for the Quinnipiac men’s basketball season opener Nov. 6.

The Bobcats destroyed Coast Guard, 116-48, to open the season. Kelly, a freshman guard, contributed 17 minutes off the bench, scored seven points, grabbed two rebounds and had two assists. Kelly also made the first 3-pointer of his college career.

During Kelly’s career at Penn Hills, he became a 1,000-point scorer. During Kelly’s senior season, he helped the Indians win the WPIAL Class 5A championship. During Kelly’s junior and senior seasons, Penn Hills reached the state quarterfinals in back-to-back years.

Cephas breaks through

Penn State wide receiver Dante Cephas has been looking for his moment all season. After transferring from Kent State, Cephas had difficulty finding his niche in the Nittany Lions’ offense. Cephas’ fortunes may have changed with his performance against Maryland.

Cephas finished with season highs with six catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Before coming to Penn State, Cephas had a career-best season in 2021 with Kent State, finishing with 1,240 yards and nine touchdowns for the Golden Flashes.

Brayton takes 9th

Saint Vincent freshman Lucy Brayton was able to wrap up the fall season of her freshman year on a positive note. During the PAC Women’s Golf Championship at Squad Creek at Avalon Lakes, Brayton finished in the top 10. She shot a 93 in the opening round and 85 in the second round to finish with a 187.

Westminster’s Sierra Richard was the medalist with a two-day total of 159.

Football players honored

The Penn Hills football team finished with a perfect record in Northeast Conference play this season. By winning the conference title, Penn Hills also was recognized by having several players named to the all-conference team. Quarterback Julian Dugger and running back Amir Key were selected to the first team for offense.

Carter Lance, Naytel Mitchell, Tajuan Bandy, Darrell Banks, Donovan Burnett and Cam Thomas were all chosen as first-team all-defense. Kelsey Hundley, Martel Palmer and Bernard Ndum were picked for the second team on offense. D’Andre Cochran and Jaymere Ellis were both selected for the second team on defense.

Mathis versatile at William & Mary

Penn Hills graduate Hollis Mathis has done whatever it takes to get on the field for William & Mary. Mathis has played in eight games this season. During that time, he attempted passes, ran the ball and returned punts. Mathis has 106 rushing yards on 21 carries for The Tribe this season.

William & Mary is 5-3 overall and 3-3 in Colonial Athletic Association play.

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