Sports

Moon seniors celebrate with the championship trophy after defeating Archbishop Wood in the PIAA Class 5A state final Friday, Mar. 22, 2019, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Moon rallies in 4th quarter to defeat Archbishop Wood in PIAA Class 5A final

March 22, 2019

HERSHEY — Moon coach Adam Kaufman was certain that this win would shock folks around the state.

Outfielder Mackenzie Booker returned to the Vikings after not playing last season.

Valley softball ready to take next step toward success

Nine years have passed since Valley won the WPIAL softball title; it’s been eight years since the Vikings made an incredible run through the state bracket and captured a PIAA Class AAA title.

Freeport’s Jalen Brown (right) competes during practice for the annual Cager Classic March 23, 2019 at Highlands High School.

Freeport’s Brown follows in mother’s footsteps with selection to Cager Classic

Jalen Brown paused a moment before describing the impact his mother, Eve VanDyke, has had on his life and his basketball career.

Renewed optimism for Gateway boys volleyball team

Three new coaches in three seasons, temporary leadership and a lack of consistency took their toll on the Gateway boys volleyball program.

The Peters Twp. girls basketball team celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating Garnet Valley in the PIAA Class 6A state final Friday, Mar. 22, 2019, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Marisa scores 29, Peters Township caps perfect season with 1st PIAA title

HERSHEY — Peters Township completed a perfect season with a 62-49 win over Garnet Valley in the PIAA Class 6A girls basketball finals Friday night at Giant Center.

Belle Vernon football players train with the new Tsunami Bar barbell during the 2019 offseason.

Belle Vernon football getting help from new weightlifting aid

Opening day of spring sports in the WPIAL was greeted with, sigh, a dose of snow and cold.

North Allegheny celebrates Justin Symons’ goal against Peters during the PIHL Penguins Cup Class AAA Championship game Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Montour, Pine-Richland, North Allegheny take aim at Pennsylvania Cup titles

After several years of games being played at Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State, the Pennsylvania Cup high school hockey state championships have returned to an alternate home base.

Chartiers Valley’s Aislin Malcolm drives to the basket past Slippery Rock’s Hallie Raabe during their PIAA Class 5A second round state playoff game Wednesday, Mar. 13, 2019, at Moon Area High School.

Chartiers Valley girls in search of perfection Saturday in PIAA title game

If they win one more game, they will be known as a perfect team.

North Catholic’s Dani Short scores over Central Valley’ Kaelyn Underwood during the 4A girls WPIAL Championship at Petersen Events Center.

North Catholic girls hope defense shines against Bethlehem Catholic

North Catholic’s girls basketball team is known for its offensive production — and rightfully so.

Bentworth promotes assistant Knabb to coach football team

Bentworth promoted assistant John “J.J.” Knabb to head football coach, said athletic director Brian Malecki.

Moon’s Jioni Smith steals the ball from Mars’ Michael Carmody during their PIAA Class 5A semifinal Monday, Mar. 18, 2019, at New Castle High School.

PIAA Class 5A boys championship breakdown: Moon vs. Archbishop Wood

PIAA Class 5A boys basketball championship

Peters Twp.’s Makenna Marisa drives to the basket past Bethel Park’s Emma Dzieggowski and Lauren Mullen during their game Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at Bethel Park High School.

PIAA Class 6A girls championship breakdown: Peters Township vs. Garnet Valley

PIAA Class 6A girls basketball championship

Moon coach Adam Kaufman fist bumps Donovan Johnson as time winds down in their PIAA Class 5A semifinal victory over Mars Monday, Mar. 18, 2019, at New Castle High School.

WPIAL title escaped Moon’s grasp, but PIAA championship now within reach

Moon faced a crossroads after the WPIAL finals, a moment when its basketball season could have gone many different directions.

Shaler’s Meghan Lacey competes during practice March 20, 2019 at Shaler.

Shaler Area softball makes move to Class 5A

March 21, 2019

Tom Sorce didn’t want any hopeful Shaler softball players doomed by the pressure of a 72-hour performance.

Shaler Area notes: Unified bocce team competes at state competition

The Shaler unified bocce team wrapped up its season last Wednesday at the state championships in Hershey.

Thomas Jefferson’s Max Shaw beats Hampton’s Justin Hart 3-2 in the 195lbs bout during the ACWT Saturday Jan. 19, 2019 at Fox Chapel Area High School.

Injuries slow Hart’s bid for state championship

Hampton wrestling coach Chris Hart preaches it: You always can take more from a loss from a win.

Hampton pitcher Tyler Bischke prepares for the 2019 season March 18, 2019.

Hampton baseball to rely on small, talented senior class

When first-year coach Kellen Wheeler sat down his five baseball seniors after he accepted the job last winter, he had a message: They’re going to play, and they’re all going to lead.

Chartiers Valley’s Megan McConnell fights for the ball with Penn Hills’ Ariana Dunson during semifinal WPIAL action Feb. 26 at Fox Chapel Area School.

Talented senior class helped guide Penn Hills girls basketball to PIAA tournament

After an early exit in the WPIAL playoffs last season, the Penn Hills girls basketball program had its sights on a championship run with a talented, veteran team.