It’s become an annual criticism concerning the WPIAL baseball playoffs. Teams which receive a first-round bye can throw their top pitcher throughout the postseason tournament, assuming weather cooperates and games remain on schedule.
Two aces – California’s T.D. Conway and Bentworth’s Tyler Delval – displayed their considerable talents and swing-stopping curveballs during the Trojans’ 2-1 win in the Class A semifinals late Monday night at Washington & Jefferson College’s Ross Memorial Park.
It’s doubtful anyone in the overflow crowd complained after Conway and Delval each turned in masterful nine-inning performances as California defeated Bentworth’s for the third consecutive year in the playoffs.
“A lot of people out there say this No. 1 pitcher versus No. 1 pitcher isn’t a good thing,” California head coach Don Hartman said following the game. “If you’re a fan who loves baseball, you couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Conway and Delval, who both took advantage of a wide strike zone by throwing nearly as many off-speed pitches as fastballs, were nothing short of brilliant.
Delval allowed one baserunner on a Sean Cotton single with one out in the fifth through seven innings. He allowed just three hits, struck out 13 and walked one.
I feel very badly for him because he obviously did an outstanding job and he’s taking it hard,” Bentworth coach Dion Jansante said. “Without him, we wouldn’t have been in this game. I hope he realizes that.”
For at least seven innings, Delval might have outdueled Conway, if that’s actually possible. Then again, the Trojans’ ace deserves a little slack. Just hours before California arrived, Conway was leaving Mon Valley Hospital following an overnight stay for a 24-hour flu bug.
“I came straight from the hospital to the game,” said Conway, who struck out 14 and allowed five hits. “I made it habit to want to pitch in this game. I couldn’t let the team down.”
He responded with the finest performance of his season, which is saying something considering Conway upped his record to 13-0.
Conway now gets a week to recuperate before California (19-0) plays top-seeded Neshannock (20-2) in the WPIAL Class A championship, May 30 at Consol Energy Park. The game is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.
But even a chance to help win California’s first WPIAL title since 2006 and Hartman’s third as a head coach, didn’t dampen appreciation for Bentworth (17-2).
“(Delval) pitched an outstanding team. Bentworth is a very, very good team. Look at how long that game was 0-0. That doesn’t happen very often,” Conway said. “I feel like we were the two best teams played each other.”
The Bearcats can qualify for their first trip to the PIAA playoffs by beating OLSH (16-6) in the third-place consolation game, which will be played May 30 at 4 p.m. at Ross Memorial Park.
And, naturally, Delval will pitch for Bentworth.
“Playing in the state playoffs is one of our goals we set before the season,” Jansante said. “I’ve never had a chance to play a June game and I asked the team if they wouldn’t mind helping me out. This is a talented group, and they don’t want to see it end.”
Showing posts with label Bentworth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bentworth. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Varsity notebook
Two intriguing names have emerged as Trinity searches for its next girls basketball coach - Bob Miles and Laura Montecalvo.
At least two sources have indicated Miles is interested and the feeling should be mutual. It makes sense. Miles teaches at Trinity and he built Fort Cherry into a program which contended for WPIAL and PIAA titles. Plus, his work has earned respect at a state-wide level as evidenced by his selection as the Class A Coach of the Year in 2011. Miles is a three-time winner of the Tri-County Athletic Director Coaches Association Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. His teams are known for unselfish, disciplined and physical play.
Fort Cherry is moving to Class AA for at least the next two seasons and was placed in a section with Seton-La Salle and Bishop Canevin. The Rangers will still be a solid team the next two years, but there is a reported drop-off in talent after the sophomore class graduates.
If Miles, who lives in the Fort Cherry district, remains interested, consider him the top candidate.
Montecalvo was a standout athlete while at Wash High and has strong interest in becoming a head coach. She is also certified as a guidance counselor, and Trinity may have an opening in guidance for the upcoming school year.
* It's late May and, finally, every local high school has a varsity football coach. Bentworth, Burgettstown, Charleroi, Jefferson-Morgan, McGuffey, Trinity and Waynesburg all enter the 2012 with new coaches.
Bentworth and Charleroi moved quickly with their hires. McGuffey and Waynesburg made splash hires. Trinity conducted an extensive search. Burgettstown moved extremely quick with an in-house candidate in Terry Havelka, also the Blue Devils wrestling coach, following Matt Taylor's departure to Keystone Oaks. Jefferson-Morgan's search was extraordinarily long, the longest I can remember at the high school level.
* The WPIAL individual track championships are today, and the Washington-Greene region should produce a strong share of gold medalists. It's been a strong year for track.
* Speaking of track, the Washington boys team has a legitimate chance to win the Class AA team title at the state meet next weekend.
The Prexies, who turned in one of the most dominant dual meet seasons in WPIAL history, have everything needed to win a state title.
Dustin Fuller has the ability to win multiple individual championships. The 400 and 1,600 relay teams should medal. Other individual medals could come from a long list of athletes including Josh Wise, Darius Spinks, Shai McKenzie, West Jones, Austin Fuller and Joe Phillips. It's a special group.
* McKenzie's showing this track season is solidifying his status as a Division I football prospect. Only a sophomore, McKenzie is running sub-11 seconds in the 100-meter dash and is hearing from a host of Division I football programs from the Big Ten, Big East and ACC.
McKenzie and Monessen's Justice Rawlins are already two of the WPIAL's most sought-after prospects in the Class of 2014. Rawlins already has offers from Pitt and Rutgers, with WVU showing significant interest.
* Got to agree with Mike White from the Post-Gazette, who stated the WPIAL baseball playoffs need tweaked on his blog, Varsity Blog.
The brackets are set so teams with first-round byes can pitch their ace throughout the remainder of the playoffs beginning in the quarterfinals. It takes a lot of intrigue away from the postseason. And cramming the quarterfinals games one day after the first-round games pretty much eliminated any chance for upsets.
* That stated, the WPIAL Class A baseball semifinal between undefeated California and one-loss Bentworth has to be the most anticipated postseason game between a pair of local teams since Peters Township and Canon-McMillan met in the 2008 PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinals.
The two teams play Monday night at Washington & Jefferson's Ross Memorial Park. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
* Chartiers-Houston baseball was woefully underseeded. The Bucs were far better than No. 9 in Class A.
* Peters Township junior Olivia Roberson is already a two-time PIAA champion as a key member of the Indians' girls soccer team. An all-state player her junior year, Roberson recently accepted a scholarship offer from Duquesne University.
At least two sources have indicated Miles is interested and the feeling should be mutual. It makes sense. Miles teaches at Trinity and he built Fort Cherry into a program which contended for WPIAL and PIAA titles. Plus, his work has earned respect at a state-wide level as evidenced by his selection as the Class A Coach of the Year in 2011. Miles is a three-time winner of the Tri-County Athletic Director Coaches Association Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. His teams are known for unselfish, disciplined and physical play.
Fort Cherry is moving to Class AA for at least the next two seasons and was placed in a section with Seton-La Salle and Bishop Canevin. The Rangers will still be a solid team the next two years, but there is a reported drop-off in talent after the sophomore class graduates.
If Miles, who lives in the Fort Cherry district, remains interested, consider him the top candidate.
Montecalvo was a standout athlete while at Wash High and has strong interest in becoming a head coach. She is also certified as a guidance counselor, and Trinity may have an opening in guidance for the upcoming school year.
* It's late May and, finally, every local high school has a varsity football coach. Bentworth, Burgettstown, Charleroi, Jefferson-Morgan, McGuffey, Trinity and Waynesburg all enter the 2012 with new coaches.
Bentworth and Charleroi moved quickly with their hires. McGuffey and Waynesburg made splash hires. Trinity conducted an extensive search. Burgettstown moved extremely quick with an in-house candidate in Terry Havelka, also the Blue Devils wrestling coach, following Matt Taylor's departure to Keystone Oaks. Jefferson-Morgan's search was extraordinarily long, the longest I can remember at the high school level.
* The WPIAL individual track championships are today, and the Washington-Greene region should produce a strong share of gold medalists. It's been a strong year for track.
* Speaking of track, the Washington boys team has a legitimate chance to win the Class AA team title at the state meet next weekend.
The Prexies, who turned in one of the most dominant dual meet seasons in WPIAL history, have everything needed to win a state title.
Dustin Fuller has the ability to win multiple individual championships. The 400 and 1,600 relay teams should medal. Other individual medals could come from a long list of athletes including Josh Wise, Darius Spinks, Shai McKenzie, West Jones, Austin Fuller and Joe Phillips. It's a special group.
* McKenzie's showing this track season is solidifying his status as a Division I football prospect. Only a sophomore, McKenzie is running sub-11 seconds in the 100-meter dash and is hearing from a host of Division I football programs from the Big Ten, Big East and ACC.
McKenzie and Monessen's Justice Rawlins are already two of the WPIAL's most sought-after prospects in the Class of 2014. Rawlins already has offers from Pitt and Rutgers, with WVU showing significant interest.
* Got to agree with Mike White from the Post-Gazette, who stated the WPIAL baseball playoffs need tweaked on his blog, Varsity Blog.
The brackets are set so teams with first-round byes can pitch their ace throughout the remainder of the playoffs beginning in the quarterfinals. It takes a lot of intrigue away from the postseason. And cramming the quarterfinals games one day after the first-round games pretty much eliminated any chance for upsets.
* That stated, the WPIAL Class A baseball semifinal between undefeated California and one-loss Bentworth has to be the most anticipated postseason game between a pair of local teams since Peters Township and Canon-McMillan met in the 2008 PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinals.
The two teams play Monday night at Washington & Jefferson's Ross Memorial Park. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
* Chartiers-Houston baseball was woefully underseeded. The Bucs were far better than No. 9 in Class A.
* Peters Township junior Olivia Roberson is already a two-time PIAA champion as a key member of the Indians' girls soccer team. An all-state player her junior year, Roberson recently accepted a scholarship offer from Duquesne University.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Observer-Reporter WPIAL baseball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Norwin 15-0
2. Seneca Valley 14-3
3. Bethel Park 16-2
4. Plum 14-3
5. Hempfield 15-4
Class AAA
1. Blackhawk 16-2
2. Hopewell 16-3
3. South Park 15-4
4. Mars 14-3
5. Thomoas Jefferson 13-4
Class AA
1. Shady Side Academy 14-2
2. Riverside 15-4
3. Ellwood City 17-2
4. South Fayette 12-6
5. Laurel 14-5
Class A
1. California 16-0
2. Neshannock 17-2
3. Bentworth 14-1
4. Vincentian Academy 10-5
5. Serra Catholic 11-4
1. Norwin 15-0
2. Seneca Valley 14-3
3. Bethel Park 16-2
4. Plum 14-3
5. Hempfield 15-4
Class AAA
1. Blackhawk 16-2
2. Hopewell 16-3
3. South Park 15-4
4. Mars 14-3
5. Thomoas Jefferson 13-4
Class AA
1. Shady Side Academy 14-2
2. Riverside 15-4
3. Ellwood City 17-2
4. South Fayette 12-6
5. Laurel 14-5
Class A
1. California 16-0
2. Neshannock 17-2
3. Bentworth 14-1
4. Vincentian Academy 10-5
5. Serra Catholic 11-4
Friday, April 27, 2012
Observer-Reporter WPIAL baseball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Norwin 12-0
2. Bethel Park 12-1
3. Upper St. Clair 13-2
4. Shaler 11-3
5. Plum 10-3
Class AAA
1. Hopewell 15-1
2. Blackhawk 13-2
3. Chartiers Valley 12-3
4. Mars 11-3
5. Thomas Jefferson 10-4
Class AA
1. Shady Side Academy 11-2
2. Riverside 12-4
3. Ellwood City 14-2
4. Laurel 12-4
5. Waynesburg 10-3
Class A
1. California 13-0
2. Neshannock 13-2
3. Bentworth 11-0
4. Serra Catholic 10-3
5. Chartiers-Houston 9-4
1. Norwin 12-0
2. Bethel Park 12-1
3. Upper St. Clair 13-2
4. Shaler 11-3
5. Plum 10-3
Class AAA
1. Hopewell 15-1
2. Blackhawk 13-2
3. Chartiers Valley 12-3
4. Mars 11-3
5. Thomas Jefferson 10-4
Class AA
1. Shady Side Academy 11-2
2. Riverside 12-4
3. Ellwood City 14-2
4. Laurel 12-4
5. Waynesburg 10-3
Class A
1. California 13-0
2. Neshannock 13-2
3. Bentworth 11-0
4. Serra Catholic 10-3
5. Chartiers-Houston 9-4
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Observer-Reporter WPIAL baseball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Norwin 9-0
2. Bethel Park 10-1
3. Shaler 9-2
4. Seneca Valley 8-2
5. Upper St. Clair 9-2
Class AAA
1. Hopewell 11-1
2. Blackhawk 10-1
3. Chartiers Valley 9-3
4. Thomas Jefferson 7-3
5. South Park 9-3
Class AA
1. Shady Side Academy 9-1
2. Ellwood City 12-0
3. Riverside 8-4
4. Waynesburg 7-2
5. Laurel 9-3
Class A
1. Serra Catholic 8-1
2. California 10-0
3. Neshannock 10-2
4. Bentworth 8-0
5. Springdale 8-2
1. Norwin 9-0
2. Bethel Park 10-1
3. Shaler 9-2
4. Seneca Valley 8-2
5. Upper St. Clair 9-2
Class AAA
1. Hopewell 11-1
2. Blackhawk 10-1
3. Chartiers Valley 9-3
4. Thomas Jefferson 7-3
5. South Park 9-3
Class AA
1. Shady Side Academy 9-1
2. Ellwood City 12-0
3. Riverside 8-4
4. Waynesburg 7-2
5. Laurel 9-3
Class A
1. Serra Catholic 8-1
2. California 10-0
3. Neshannock 10-2
4. Bentworth 8-0
5. Springdale 8-2
Friday, April 13, 2012
Observer-Reporter WPIAL baseball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Seneca Valley 6-1
2. Norwin 6-0
3. Bethel Park 7-1
4. Upper St. Clair 7-1
5. Shaler 6-2
Class AAA
1. Blackhawk 8-0
2. South Park 8-1
3. Chartiers Valley 7-2
4. Hopewell 9-1
5. Thomas Jefferson 5-2
Class AA
1. Shady Side Academy 6-1
2. Ellwood City 9-0
3. Riverside 6-3
4. Waynesburg 5-1
5. Brownsville 6-2
Class A
1. Serra Catholic 6-1
2. California 7-0
3. Neshannock 6-2
4. Bentworth 6-0
5. Monessen 7-2
1. Seneca Valley 6-1
2. Norwin 6-0
3. Bethel Park 7-1
4. Upper St. Clair 7-1
5. Shaler 6-2
Class AAA
1. Blackhawk 8-0
2. South Park 8-1
3. Chartiers Valley 7-2
4. Hopewell 9-1
5. Thomas Jefferson 5-2
Class AA
1. Shady Side Academy 6-1
2. Ellwood City 9-0
3. Riverside 6-3
4. Waynesburg 5-1
5. Brownsville 6-2
Class A
1. Serra Catholic 6-1
2. California 7-0
3. Neshannock 6-2
4. Bentworth 6-0
5. Monessen 7-2
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 14-1
2. Shaler 14-2
3. Woodland Hills 12-3
4. Hempfield 11-2
5. Mt. Lebanon 11-4
Class AAA
1. New Castle 14-0
2. Montour 9-1
3. Hampton 13-3
4. Keystone Oaks 12-2
5. Beaver 12-3
Class AA
1. Beaver Falls 13-1
2. Monessen 15-1
3. Sto-Rox 12-1
4. Greensburg Central Catholic 10-4
5. Quaker Valley 13-2
Class A
1. Lincoln Park 12-2
2. North Catholic 11-4
3. Vincentian Academy 10-3
4. Bentworth 11-1
5. OLSH 12-2
1. Chartiers Valley 14-1
2. Shaler 14-2
3. Woodland Hills 12-3
4. Hempfield 11-2
5. Mt. Lebanon 11-4
Class AAA
1. New Castle 14-0
2. Montour 9-1
3. Hampton 13-3
4. Keystone Oaks 12-2
5. Beaver 12-3
Class AA
1. Beaver Falls 13-1
2. Monessen 15-1
3. Sto-Rox 12-1
4. Greensburg Central Catholic 10-4
5. Quaker Valley 13-2
Class A
1. Lincoln Park 12-2
2. North Catholic 11-4
3. Vincentian Academy 10-3
4. Bentworth 11-1
5. OLSH 12-2
Monday, January 16, 2012
Girls basketball, week in review
Team of the Week
Bentworth
The Bearcats didn't play a winning team last week, but they did roll through the competition by beating Waynesburg, Yough and Brownsville by a combined 84 points.
Bentworth entered Monday night with a 12-0 record and a 5-0 mark in Section 4-AA. It's the best start in program history and Bentworth is in position to win its first section championship since 1991.Senior Jessica Dorazio lead a potent offensive mix with a 22.3 scoring average, and she made four of a school-record 14 three-pointers during a 61-36 win against Yough.
That came one night after Bentworth made 11 three-pointers against Waynesburg.
Runner-up
Beth-Center
The Bulldogs (3-2, 8-4) picked up wins over Jefferson-Morgan and Waynesburg, the latter moving B-C into a third-place tie with Charleroi in Section 4-AA.
Beth-Center opened its section season with a win over the Cougars in mid-December.
Anna Shashura averaged 21.0 ppg last week.
Starting five
Morgan Berardi, Carmichaels
Jessica Dorazio, Bentworth
Anna Shashura, Beth-Center
Chianti Sivek, Ringgold
Mariah Ward, Monessen
First sub
Beka Bellhy, Fort Cherry
Game of the Week
Chartiers-Houston 41, Sewickley Academy 38
Chartiers-Houston slowly worked its way into the Observer-Reporter Class A rankings this week, claiming the No. 5 spot one day before a Section 3 game against undefeated, top-ranked Fort Cherry.
The Bucs needed a last-minute win over Sewickley Academy to earn the ranking.
Tori Foster made a basket for two of her 12 points with 28 seconds remaining to put C-H (10-3) ahead by two points. Foster missed a free throw after being fouled on the basket but Ashley Balzer grabbed the rebound, was fouled and made one free throw for a three-point lead.
Bentworth
The Bearcats didn't play a winning team last week, but they did roll through the competition by beating Waynesburg, Yough and Brownsville by a combined 84 points.
Bentworth entered Monday night with a 12-0 record and a 5-0 mark in Section 4-AA. It's the best start in program history and Bentworth is in position to win its first section championship since 1991.Senior Jessica Dorazio lead a potent offensive mix with a 22.3 scoring average, and she made four of a school-record 14 three-pointers during a 61-36 win against Yough.
That came one night after Bentworth made 11 three-pointers against Waynesburg.
Runner-up
Beth-Center
The Bulldogs (3-2, 8-4) picked up wins over Jefferson-Morgan and Waynesburg, the latter moving B-C into a third-place tie with Charleroi in Section 4-AA.
Beth-Center opened its section season with a win over the Cougars in mid-December.
Anna Shashura averaged 21.0 ppg last week.
Starting five
Morgan Berardi, Carmichaels
Jessica Dorazio, Bentworth
Anna Shashura, Beth-Center
Chianti Sivek, Ringgold
Mariah Ward, Monessen
First sub
Beka Bellhy, Fort Cherry
Game of the Week
Chartiers-Houston 41, Sewickley Academy 38
Chartiers-Houston slowly worked its way into the Observer-Reporter Class A rankings this week, claiming the No. 5 spot one day before a Section 3 game against undefeated, top-ranked Fort Cherry.
The Bucs needed a last-minute win over Sewickley Academy to earn the ranking.
Tori Foster made a basket for two of her 12 points with 28 seconds remaining to put C-H (10-3) ahead by two points. Foster missed a free throw after being fouled on the basket but Ashley Balzer grabbed the rebound, was fouled and made one free throw for a three-point lead.
Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 12-0
2. Gateway 9-3
3. Shaler 11-2
4. North Allegheny 9-2
5. Hempfield 9-1
Class AAA
1. New Castle 12-0
2. Montour 7-0
3. Uniontown 10-2
4. South Fayette 10-2
5. Hampton 10-3
Class AA
1. Monessen 14-0
2. Beaver Falls 10-1
3. Sto-Rox 9-1
4. Quaker Valley 11-1
5. Greensburg Central Catholic 7-4
Class A
1. Lincoln Park 9-2
2. North Catholic 8-4
3. OLSH 11-1
4. Vincentian Academy 9-2
5. Bentworth 10-1
1. Chartiers Valley 12-0
2. Gateway 9-3
3. Shaler 11-2
4. North Allegheny 9-2
5. Hempfield 9-1
Class AAA
1. New Castle 12-0
2. Montour 7-0
3. Uniontown 10-2
4. South Fayette 10-2
5. Hampton 10-3
Class AA
1. Monessen 14-0
2. Beaver Falls 10-1
3. Sto-Rox 9-1
4. Quaker Valley 11-1
5. Greensburg Central Catholic 7-4
Class A
1. Lincoln Park 9-2
2. North Catholic 8-4
3. OLSH 11-1
4. Vincentian Academy 9-2
5. Bentworth 10-1
Monday, January 9, 2012
Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 10-0
2. Gateway 7-3
3. Shaler 8-2
4. North Allegheny 7-2
5. Hempfield 8-1
Class AAA
1. New Castle 10-0
2. Montour 5-0
3. Greensburg-Salem 8-2
4. Uniontown 8-2
5. South Fayette 8-2
Class AA
1. Monessen 11-0
2. Beaver Falls 8-1
3. Sto-Rox 7-1
4. Quaker Valley 9-1
5. Greensburg Centra Catholic 4-4
Class A
1. Lincoln Park 7-2
2. Cornell 9-1
3. OLSH 10-0
4. North Catholic 7-2
5. Bentworth 8-1
1. Chartiers Valley 10-0
2. Gateway 7-3
3. Shaler 8-2
4. North Allegheny 7-2
5. Hempfield 8-1
Class AAA
1. New Castle 10-0
2. Montour 5-0
3. Greensburg-Salem 8-2
4. Uniontown 8-2
5. South Fayette 8-2
Class AA
1. Monessen 11-0
2. Beaver Falls 8-1
3. Sto-Rox 7-1
4. Quaker Valley 9-1
5. Greensburg Centra Catholic 4-4
Class A
1. Lincoln Park 7-2
2. Cornell 9-1
3. OLSH 10-0
4. North Catholic 7-2
5. Bentworth 8-1
Thursday, December 29, 2011
List of reportable offenses under Act 24
All current employees of a public or private schools, intermediate unit or area vocation-technical school in Pennsylvania were required to complete an arrest/conviction report and certification form under Act 24 of 2011. The deadline to submit the form was Dec. 27.
The list of reportable offenses
1. An offense under one or more of the following provision of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes:
3. An offense similar in nature to those crimes listed in clauses (1) and (2) under the laws or former laws of:
The list of reportable offenses
1. An offense under one or more of the following provision of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes:
- relating to criminal homicide
- relating to aggravated assault
- relating to stalking
- relating to kidnapping
- relating to unlawful restraint
- relating to luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure
- relating to rape
- relating to statutory sexual assault
- relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- relating to sexual assault
- relating to institutional sexual assault
- relating to aggravated indecent assault
- relating to indecent assault
- relating to indecent exposure
- relating to sexual intercourse with animal
- relating to incest
- relating to concealing death of child
- relating to endangering welfare of children
- relating to dealing in infant children
- relating to prostitution and related offenses
- relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances
- relating to corruption of minors
- relating to sexual abuse of children
- relating to unlawful contact with minor
- relating to solicitation of minors to traffic drugs
- relating to sexual exploitation of children
3. An offense similar in nature to those crimes listed in clauses (1) and (2) under the laws or former laws of:
- the United States; or
- one of its territories or possessions; or
- another state; or
- the District of Columbia; or
- the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; or
- a foreign nation; or
- under a former law of this Commonwealth.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Spridik no longer Bentworth volleyball coach
Greg Spridik is the most successful high school girls volleyball coach in Washington County history.
Besides producing a string of victories and All-State players, Spridik is the only coach from the area to take his team to the PIAA playoffs on multiple occasions.
Success wasn't enough for Spridik to return to the Bearcats in 2012.
He was fired last Friday during a meeting with administrations. It was an action that members of the Bentworth School District Board of Education did not know.
The reason? According to Spridik, he was told he was in violation of Act 24 of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Spridik was arrested in a foreign country 31 years ago. Until Act 24 was established, he previously passed all clearances needed to coach high school athletics and officiate PIAA basketball games.
Spridik believes the real reason behind his removal stems from his public displeasure over a motion at Bentworth to remove middle school athletics.
It's one interesting story, and one that will likely take a few turns before reaching a conclusion.
Read more about it in Thursday's Observer-Reporter.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Girls basketball, week in review
Team of the Week
Bentworth
Undefeated Bentworth asserted itself as the prohibitive favorite in Section 4-AA with a win against Washington last week. The Bearcats went 2-0 and are 5-0 overall, but it was a 60-37 win at Wash High Gym – the WPIAL's most historic gymnasium – which should provide confidence.
It signified Bentworth's first win over Washington in section play ... ever. The Prexies have won 13 of the past 14 section titles. Only Beth-Center (in 2009-2010) kept it from being 14 straight.
Bentworth is receiving contributions from several players, but its a pair of All-State volleyballers – Jessica Dorazio and Darcy Bostich – leading the offense.
Runner-up
Peters Township
First-year head coach Chris Lebakken has the Indians off to a solid start. Peters Township takes a 4-1 record into Thursday's non-conference game against North Allegheny with the lone loss to a good Central Valley team.
The Indians are playing well on the interior with Bri Deer and Sarah Grippi. They helped PT beat Beaver and Baldwin, both on the road, last week.
Starting five
Bri Deer, Peters Township
Jessica Dorazio, Bentworth
Carolena Gasbarro, Fort Cherry
Chelsea Szakal, Monessen
Sammie Weiss, McGuffey
First reserve
Anna Cree, Carmichaels
Game of the Week
Monessen 80, Imani Christian 3
Far from competitive, this opening-round game of Monessen's Tipoff Tournament was interesting for one reason – had Imani Christian not make a half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the first quarter, Monessen's defense would have registered a shutout.
Can only imagine what it's like witnessing a game similar to this.
(Blogger's note: A running joke - and not a really funny one - in the office has me predicting scores of 98-3 in many sports when a blowout is expected. To date, this game has come the closest to 98-3 locally.)
Bentworth
Undefeated Bentworth asserted itself as the prohibitive favorite in Section 4-AA with a win against Washington last week. The Bearcats went 2-0 and are 5-0 overall, but it was a 60-37 win at Wash High Gym – the WPIAL's most historic gymnasium – which should provide confidence.
It signified Bentworth's first win over Washington in section play ... ever. The Prexies have won 13 of the past 14 section titles. Only Beth-Center (in 2009-2010) kept it from being 14 straight.
Bentworth is receiving contributions from several players, but its a pair of All-State volleyballers – Jessica Dorazio and Darcy Bostich – leading the offense.
Runner-up
Peters Township
First-year head coach Chris Lebakken has the Indians off to a solid start. Peters Township takes a 4-1 record into Thursday's non-conference game against North Allegheny with the lone loss to a good Central Valley team.
The Indians are playing well on the interior with Bri Deer and Sarah Grippi. They helped PT beat Beaver and Baldwin, both on the road, last week.
Starting five
Bri Deer, Peters Township
Jessica Dorazio, Bentworth
Carolena Gasbarro, Fort Cherry
Chelsea Szakal, Monessen
Sammie Weiss, McGuffey
First reserve
Anna Cree, Carmichaels
Game of the Week
Monessen 80, Imani Christian 3
Far from competitive, this opening-round game of Monessen's Tipoff Tournament was interesting for one reason – had Imani Christian not make a half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the first quarter, Monessen's defense would have registered a shutout.
Can only imagine what it's like witnessing a game similar to this.
(Blogger's note: A running joke - and not a really funny one - in the office has me predicting scores of 98-3 in many sports when a blowout is expected. To date, this game has come the closest to 98-3 locally.)
Boys basketball, week in review
Team of the Week
Monessen
Ranked No. 1 in Class AA by the Observer-Reporter, Monessen went 4-0 last week with wins over two Class AAAA programs and a pair of private schools.
The Greyhounds continue to get balanced scoring from the like of Jaisen Irwin, Jalen Madison, Chavas Rawlins and company while Alonzo Payne and Earl Pinkney do a lot of good work on the glass.
Could be a good one Jan. 3 when Monessen hosts Wilkinsburg.
Runner-up
Bentworth
The Bearcats posted three wins last week and, at 4-0, are one of five Class A teams without a loss. Bentworth has won three games against Class AA competition.
Starting five
Tony Bristol, Charleroi
Christian Koroly, Trinity
Gabe Pritz, Peters Township
Eric Schoedel, Bentworth
Joe Yamber, Avella
First reserve
Jaisen Irwin, Monessen
Game of the week
Trinity 63, Ringgold 62
Chartiers-Houston came close to beating Washington for possibly the first time Saturday evening before the Prexies won in overtime, but the double-overtime Section 5-AAA opener between Trinity and Ringgold trumps that.
Senior Nick Greaves dominated the first half as Ringgold controlled play. The Rams dominance continued into the third quarter as freshman John Maldonado asserted himself.
Things change in the fourth as Trinity, not far removed from an overtime game at Canon-McMillan, went on a 13-2 run to force overtime.
Well-played game from a loaded section.
Bits and pieces
* South Fayette can make a major move in Class AAA this week with a pair of key games. The Lions host Trinity Tuesday and top-ranked New Castle Friday.
* West Greene snapped a 32-game losing streak with a win over Hundred, W.Va. last week. The Pioneers haven't beaten a WPIAL opponent since 2008.
* It hasn't been pretty for Wash High, which needed a jump shot from Deven Sulitz to force overtime at Chartiers-Houston, but the Prexies are 4-2 overall and 1-0 in section play.
Monessen
Ranked No. 1 in Class AA by the Observer-Reporter, Monessen went 4-0 last week with wins over two Class AAAA programs and a pair of private schools.
The Greyhounds continue to get balanced scoring from the like of Jaisen Irwin, Jalen Madison, Chavas Rawlins and company while Alonzo Payne and Earl Pinkney do a lot of good work on the glass.
Could be a good one Jan. 3 when Monessen hosts Wilkinsburg.
Runner-up
Bentworth
The Bearcats posted three wins last week and, at 4-0, are one of five Class A teams without a loss. Bentworth has won three games against Class AA competition.
Starting five
Tony Bristol, Charleroi
Christian Koroly, Trinity
Gabe Pritz, Peters Township
Eric Schoedel, Bentworth
Joe Yamber, Avella
First reserve
Jaisen Irwin, Monessen
Game of the week
Trinity 63, Ringgold 62
Chartiers-Houston came close to beating Washington for possibly the first time Saturday evening before the Prexies won in overtime, but the double-overtime Section 5-AAA opener between Trinity and Ringgold trumps that.
Senior Nick Greaves dominated the first half as Ringgold controlled play. The Rams dominance continued into the third quarter as freshman John Maldonado asserted himself.
Things change in the fourth as Trinity, not far removed from an overtime game at Canon-McMillan, went on a 13-2 run to force overtime.
Well-played game from a loaded section.
Bits and pieces
* South Fayette can make a major move in Class AAA this week with a pair of key games. The Lions host Trinity Tuesday and top-ranked New Castle Friday.
* West Greene snapped a 32-game losing streak with a win over Hundred, W.Va. last week. The Pioneers haven't beaten a WPIAL opponent since 2008.
* It hasn't been pretty for Wash High, which needed a jump shot from Deven Sulitz to force overtime at Chartiers-Houston, but the Prexies are 4-2 overall and 1-0 in section play.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Trinity to open Dalton's position; Bentworth hires football coach
The Trinity Area School Board will open the head varsity football coaching position held by Ed Dalton.
Dalton, who has coached football at Trinity since 1999, was informed Tuesday by athletic director Bobby Jones of the action.
The Hillers went 5-4 this fall, and finished tied with Chartiers Valley and Belle Vernon for third place in the Big Eight Conference but missed the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs via head-to-head tiebreakers with both teams. It snapped a six-year playoff streak for Trinity.
For more information, please read Thursday's Observer-Reporter.
* Bentworth didn't wait long to fill its vacant football position.
Less than three weeks after Lou Rood resigned following three difficult seasons, the school district hired Bob Niziol as its varsity football coach. Niziol served as one of Rood's assistants and works in the school district.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Two area football coaches resign
Waynesburg High School and Bentworth will begin searches for new head football coaches following the resignations of Joe Kuhns and Lou Rood.
Kuhns confirmed Wednesday via email that he resigned as the football coach at Waynesburg following a 3-6 season. The Raiders remaining in WPIAL Class AA playoff contention until a loss at Mt. Pleasant in Week 8 of the regular season.
Rood adopted the task of rebuilding Bentworth football. The Bearcats struggled but broke a 20-game losing streak with a win against Avella Friday night.
Check Thursday's Observer-Reporter for more details.
* In other coaching news, Peters Township athletic director Brian Geyer said the district plans to hire a softball coach at its November meeting.
Kuhns confirmed Wednesday via email that he resigned as the football coach at Waynesburg following a 3-6 season. The Raiders remaining in WPIAL Class AA playoff contention until a loss at Mt. Pleasant in Week 8 of the regular season.
Rood adopted the task of rebuilding Bentworth football. The Bearcats struggled but broke a 20-game losing streak with a win against Avella Friday night.
Check Thursday's Observer-Reporter for more details.
* In other coaching news, Peters Township athletic director Brian Geyer said the district plans to hire a softball coach at its November meeting.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Nettles second, Damich fourth at PIAA golf championships
Football dominated the discussion during the fall and beyond but a number of local student-athletes thrive in other sports.
Golf being one of those sports.
The Washington-Greene region crowded the medals stand Tuesday at the PIAA Individual Golf Championships, a two-day event held at Heritage Hills in York.
Tom Nettles, a junior from Peters Township, tied for second with a five-over par, two-round score of 147. That was just one stroke behind West Allegheny's Garrett Browning (146). Browning and Nettles, who won the PIAA West Region title, were first and second following the first day of competition.
Bentworth senior Garrett Damich put together a strong second day and placed fourth, with a seven-over 149. Damich was the WPIAL Division II runner-up.
Canon-McMillan's Ben DuCarme (157) tied for 19th, while Peters Township's Trent McPherson (158) tied for 25th.
On the girls side, Waynesburg senior Emily Rohanna got to the medals stand as she tied for 9th place with a 22-over 166. Erica Herr of Council Rock North distanced the field with a six-over 150.
Golf being one of those sports.
The Washington-Greene region crowded the medals stand Tuesday at the PIAA Individual Golf Championships, a two-day event held at Heritage Hills in York.
Tom Nettles, a junior from Peters Township, tied for second with a five-over par, two-round score of 147. That was just one stroke behind West Allegheny's Garrett Browning (146). Browning and Nettles, who won the PIAA West Region title, were first and second following the first day of competition.
Bentworth senior Garrett Damich put together a strong second day and placed fourth, with a seven-over 149. Damich was the WPIAL Division II runner-up.
Canon-McMillan's Ben DuCarme (157) tied for 19th, while Peters Township's Trent McPherson (158) tied for 25th.
On the girls side, Waynesburg senior Emily Rohanna got to the medals stand as she tied for 9th place with a 22-over 166. Erica Herr of Council Rock North distanced the field with a six-over 150.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Chartiers-Houston lands three on All-State softball team
The Pennsylvania Softball Coaches Association released an All-State team in 2010, and the area, particularly Chartiers-Houston, was well-represented.
This year, an All-State team was compiled by Mark Temons – the head coach at Muncy High School – with the help of some media and other coaches. It had to be a massive undertaking, and the official team was released Sunday evening. Kudos to Temons for all his hard work.
Considering the number of players on the teams (Class AAAA, AAA, AA and A), there aren't many local players. One reason may be I never received information regarding the team until after the nominations were gathered. That may be one reason why some players made teams in the incorrect classifications.
Did any other local coaches have any input? Just curious.
Regardless, the players on the list are well-serving.
Class A
First team
Kiersten Conwell, Chartiers-Houston, Pitcher (pictured)
Colby Miller, Chartiers-Houston, Pitcher (pictured)
Kayla Briggs, Chartiers-Houston, Outfield
Second team
Ashley Clark, Fort Cherry, Shortstop
Honorable mention
Nicolette McHugh, Fort Cherry, Pitcher
Kaitlyn Coles, Jefferson-Morgan, Pitcher
Katie O'Rourke, Fort Cherry, Outfield
Darcy Bostich, Bentworth, Designated Player (Bentworth played in Class AA)
Class AA
First team
Breanna Morris, Waynesburg, Shortstop
Honorable mention
Caitlyn Dengler, Burgettstown, Third base
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
All games pushed back
WPIAL baseball playoff games scheduled have now been postponed. As soon as TVL finds out about dates, sites and times, they will be posted.
All WPIAL softball games have been pushed back, except for Waynesburg. The Raiders, however, have a site change.
Class AA
No. 8 Bishop Canevin vs. No. 9 Waynesburg, Thursday at California University's Lilly Field, 2 p.m.
No. 4 Bentworth vs. No. 13 South Allegheny, Saturday at Baldwin, 1 p.m.
No. 3 Seton-La Salle vs. No. 14 Burgettstown, Friday at Cal U, 4 p.m.
All WPIAL softball games have been pushed back, except for Waynesburg. The Raiders, however, have a site change.
Class AA
No. 8 Bishop Canevin vs. No. 9 Waynesburg, Thursday at California University's Lilly Field, 2 p.m.
No. 4 Bentworth vs. No. 13 South Allegheny, Saturday at Baldwin, 1 p.m.
No. 3 Seton-La Salle vs. No. 14 Burgettstown, Friday at Cal U, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Softball games moved to Thursday
Area softball teams started the week off right Monday.
Heavyweights like Chartiers-Houston did as expected, while Peters Township and Fort Cherry pulled off upsets according to the seeds. With Canon-McMillan, West Greene and Carmichaels adding to the win total, local teams went 6-1 on Monday.
Impressive.
Several teams were scheduled for Tuesday but, thanks to more rain, those games have been pushed back to Thursday - the same day as the WPIAL track and field championships. Not sure how the WPIAL plans to have track championships and softball games at the same site. Should be interesting.
Class AA
No. 8 Bishop Canevin (11-4) vs. No. 9 Waynesburg (10-5), Thursday at Baldwin High School, 2 p.m.
No. 4 Bentworth (13-2) vs. No. 13 South Allegheny (9-5), Thursday at Woodland Hills High School, 2 p.m.
No. 3 Seton-La Salle (14-1) vs. No. 14 Burgettstown (12-6), Thursday at Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Township, 2 p.m.
Heavyweights like Chartiers-Houston did as expected, while Peters Township and Fort Cherry pulled off upsets according to the seeds. With Canon-McMillan, West Greene and Carmichaels adding to the win total, local teams went 6-1 on Monday.
Impressive.
Several teams were scheduled for Tuesday but, thanks to more rain, those games have been pushed back to Thursday - the same day as the WPIAL track and field championships. Not sure how the WPIAL plans to have track championships and softball games at the same site. Should be interesting.
Class AA
No. 8 Bishop Canevin (11-4) vs. No. 9 Waynesburg (10-5), Thursday at Baldwin High School, 2 p.m.
No. 4 Bentworth (13-2) vs. No. 13 South Allegheny (9-5), Thursday at Woodland Hills High School, 2 p.m.
No. 3 Seton-La Salle (14-1) vs. No. 14 Burgettstown (12-6), Thursday at Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Township, 2 p.m.
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