California High School annually puts out a competitive baseball team, and the Trojans frequently compete for section and district championships.
California has won three WPIAL titles and played for a PIAA championship in 1984 when there were only two classifications in the sport.
This season, California is 19-0 for the first time in a long time (possibly ever) and the Trojans play Neshannock Wednesday afternoon in the WPIAL Class A championship game at Consol Energy Park at 5:30 p.m.
"Coming in, our goal was to be competitive," California coach Don Hartman said. "This group came together and the chemistry is outstanding. To say it was the least expected of the teams we've had make it this far, it was."
At this point, it may seem difficult to believe that California didn't enter the season with such lofty expectations. That may be one small reason why Hartman was honored by the WPIAL Baseball Coaches Association as the Class A Coach of the Year. Senior pitcher T.D. Conway, who is 13-0 with 120 strikeouts, is the Class A Pitcher of the Year.
Former Canon-McMillan coach Steve Bucci was the Class AAA Coach of the Year for his work at South Park.
Player of the Year
AAAA - J.J. Matijevic, Norwin
AAA - Zarley Zalewski, Valley
AA - Ben Hartz, Shady Side Academy
A - John Sansone, Neshannock
Pitcher of the Year
AAAA - Anthony Garofalo, Plum
AAA - Greg Schneider, Thomas Jefferson
AA - Anthony Carusone, Ellwood City
A - T.D. Conway, California
Coach of the Year
AAAA - Mike Liebdzinski, Norwin
AAA - Steve Bucci, South Park
AA - Skooter Roebuck, Brownsville
A - Don Hartman, California
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Cal's Conway, Bentworth's Delval put on pitching showcase
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.”
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.”
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
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
WPIAL Class A playoffs preview
Top seeds: 1. Clairton (9-0), 2. Sto-Rox (9-0), 3. Bishop Canevin (9-0), 4. Rochester (8-1)
Defending champion: Clairton
Best first-round game: No. 11 Fort Cherry at No. 6 Beth-Center
Sleeper: Winner of Fort Cherry/Beth-Center game
Players to watch: Sal Faieta (Beth-Center) pictured, Jake Sofran (Beth-Center), Tanner Garry (Fort Cherry), Ryan Babirad (Fort Cherry), Daniel Lis (Chartiers-Houston), Javone Hairston (Chartiers-Houston), Chavas Rawlins (Monessen), Jalen Madison (Monessen), T.D. Conway (California), Skyler Dickinson (California), Jon Girvin (Northgate), Rock Vargo (Frazier), Lenny Williams (Sto-Rox), Deaysean Rippy (Sto-Rox), Mike Giampole (Avonworth), Capri Thompson (Clairton), Tyler Boyd (Clairton), DeAndre Moon (Rochester)
Noteworthy: Strange as it sounds, the Fort Cherry at Beth-Center game would be better served played on turf. Both teams run multiple formations on offense and an artificial surface would suit the skill players. B-C coach Ed Woods said there was no chance of getting a change in venue.
Fort Cherry debuted a single-wing formation against Chartiers-Houston, and it worked to near perfection. The Rangers really found ways to include Koltan Kobrys in the offense.
Beth-Center features an advantageous defense, but the Bulldogs score points in bunches. Their 412 points tops all local teams.
California enters the playoffs with a 7-2 record and four-straight wins. The Trojans have allowed 14 points the past four games and notched back-to-back shutouts of Jefferson-Morgan and Frazier.
Chartiers-Houston and Monessen each enter the playoffs with identical 6-3 records and look to shake off disappointing performances to end the regular season. The Bucs were stymied at home by Fort Cherry, while the Greyhounds lost at Frazier.
Quotable: "There's a lot of similarities with us and Fort Cherry. We know each other pretty well, especially with us being in the Black Hills Conference before," B-C coach Ed Woods said. "Tim (Garry) and I know each other well and this game is great for both schools. We're looking forward to Fort Cherry coming to our place."
Championship: Clairton over Sto-Rox
Defending champion: Clairton
Best first-round game: No. 11 Fort Cherry at No. 6 Beth-Center
Sleeper: Winner of Fort Cherry/Beth-Center game
Players to watch: Sal Faieta (Beth-Center) pictured, Jake Sofran (Beth-Center), Tanner Garry (Fort Cherry), Ryan Babirad (Fort Cherry), Daniel Lis (Chartiers-Houston), Javone Hairston (Chartiers-Houston), Chavas Rawlins (Monessen), Jalen Madison (Monessen), T.D. Conway (California), Skyler Dickinson (California), Jon Girvin (Northgate), Rock Vargo (Frazier), Lenny Williams (Sto-Rox), Deaysean Rippy (Sto-Rox), Mike Giampole (Avonworth), Capri Thompson (Clairton), Tyler Boyd (Clairton), DeAndre Moon (Rochester)
Noteworthy: Strange as it sounds, the Fort Cherry at Beth-Center game would be better served played on turf. Both teams run multiple formations on offense and an artificial surface would suit the skill players. B-C coach Ed Woods said there was no chance of getting a change in venue.
Fort Cherry debuted a single-wing formation against Chartiers-Houston, and it worked to near perfection. The Rangers really found ways to include Koltan Kobrys in the offense.
Beth-Center features an advantageous defense, but the Bulldogs score points in bunches. Their 412 points tops all local teams.
California enters the playoffs with a 7-2 record and four-straight wins. The Trojans have allowed 14 points the past four games and notched back-to-back shutouts of Jefferson-Morgan and Frazier.
Chartiers-Houston and Monessen each enter the playoffs with identical 6-3 records and look to shake off disappointing performances to end the regular season. The Bucs were stymied at home by Fort Cherry, while the Greyhounds lost at Frazier.
Quotable: "There's a lot of similarities with us and Fort Cherry. We know each other pretty well, especially with us being in the Black Hills Conference before," B-C coach Ed Woods said. "Tim (Garry) and I know each other well and this game is great for both schools. We're looking forward to Fort Cherry coming to our place."
Championship: Clairton over Sto-Rox
Friday, September 30, 2011
Games of the Week
Beth-Center at California
When California is solid, which certainly appears to be the case, this is a heated rivalry. These schools have a history of disliking one another, but, on the football field, things have been decidedly Beth-Center since the Bulldogs move to the Tri-County South. Beth-Center has quietly gone about its business, rolling up three consecutive blowout wins. California is battle-tested, with tough games already played against Riverview and Monessen.
Washington at Keystone Oaks
Washington, behind a dominating performance from the offensive and defensive lines, firmly placed itself in the WPIAL Class AA playoff picture with last week's win over South Fayette. Things rarely get easier in the Century Conference and, tonight, the Prexies travel to Dormont Stadium to face Keystone Oaks, which has a 2-0 conference record. The Golden Eagles are always solid, but getting a read on them this year has been difficult. They lost to Ambridge and beat Quaker Valley by seven.
Brentwood at Fort Cherry
The Spartans edged the Rangers last year in a game that Fort Cherry held the statistical advantage, particularly in average yards per rush. Brentwood is 4-0 and yet to be tested. Could that record be deceiving? The combined record of the teams Brentwood has faced is 0-16. Repeat, 0-16. This game is critical for Fort Cherry, which plays Serra Catholic and Bentworth the next two weeks. A win here and the Rangers could take a 6-1 record into a Week 8 game against Clairton.
Monessen at North Catholic
The Greyhounds faced some adversity last week against California. One, Monessen allowed its first points of the season. Two, the Greyhounds trailed by 13 points before rallying to win. Undefeated and the fourth-ranked Class A team by the Observer-Reporter, Monessen can use to win at always tough North Catholic to bolster its portfolio come playoff time. It would also be a nice win for the Tri-County South Conference.
I'll be providing occasional updates from tonight's Brentwood at Fort Cherry game, live from Jim Garry Stadium. Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak.
When California is solid, which certainly appears to be the case, this is a heated rivalry. These schools have a history of disliking one another, but, on the football field, things have been decidedly Beth-Center since the Bulldogs move to the Tri-County South. Beth-Center has quietly gone about its business, rolling up three consecutive blowout wins. California is battle-tested, with tough games already played against Riverview and Monessen.
Washington at Keystone Oaks
Washington, behind a dominating performance from the offensive and defensive lines, firmly placed itself in the WPIAL Class AA playoff picture with last week's win over South Fayette. Things rarely get easier in the Century Conference and, tonight, the Prexies travel to Dormont Stadium to face Keystone Oaks, which has a 2-0 conference record. The Golden Eagles are always solid, but getting a read on them this year has been difficult. They lost to Ambridge and beat Quaker Valley by seven.
Brentwood at Fort Cherry
The Spartans edged the Rangers last year in a game that Fort Cherry held the statistical advantage, particularly in average yards per rush. Brentwood is 4-0 and yet to be tested. Could that record be deceiving? The combined record of the teams Brentwood has faced is 0-16. Repeat, 0-16. This game is critical for Fort Cherry, which plays Serra Catholic and Bentworth the next two weeks. A win here and the Rangers could take a 6-1 record into a Week 8 game against Clairton.
Monessen at North Catholic
The Greyhounds faced some adversity last week against California. One, Monessen allowed its first points of the season. Two, the Greyhounds trailed by 13 points before rallying to win. Undefeated and the fourth-ranked Class A team by the Observer-Reporter, Monessen can use to win at always tough North Catholic to bolster its portfolio come playoff time. It would also be a nice win for the Tri-County South Conference.
I'll be providing occasional updates from tonight's Brentwood at Fort Cherry game, live from Jim Garry Stadium. Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Varsity notebook
There's no statistical evidence to back up the following statement, but I've covered a lot of high school baseball games.
And I never watched a team smack the baseball around like Peters Township did Monday night against Latrobe.
Peters Township, the top seed in the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs, finished the four-inning game against Latrobe with 14 hits. A total of 10 went for extra bases, and it looked like a contest to see which player could hit the ball the hardest.
While a Brady Sheetz grand slam in the fourth sure looked impressive, it will be hard to top the two triples ripped by Pitt recruit Justin Bianco or the foul ball shot from Austin Hancock that drew a collective "oooooooohhhhh" from the crowd at Washington & Jefferson's Ross Memorial Park.
Where Peters Township ranks among top offensive teams will be determined. There's no guarantee that the Indians will get past Butler in Wednesday's semifinals, but if the Indians go on to win a third WPIAL Class AAAA championship and more, there's no way they are not in that conversation.
* The PIAA Track and Field Championships start Friday morning at Shippensburg University. The PIAA has released its seeds for events.
Class AAA boys
Class AA boys
Class AAA girls
Class AA girls
Seeds don't always mean much when it comes to track. It's difficult to determine which athletes faced bad weather at their district championships, which ones were pushed or which ones coasted to easy wins.
* It's been some time since a local athlete showed as much promise during his sophomore season as Ringgold's Demetrius Louis.
Louis came this close to moving from eighth, and final, place to first place in the Class AAA 100 dash at the WPIAL championships. Louis' legs actually crossed the finish line ahead of Bethel Park's Shakeil Carter but Carter leaned into the finish and his torso crossed first, and that's what counts.
Louis, who told me he's already heard from Pitt among other Division I football programs, also ran a strong third leg for the Rams' gold-medal and school-record setting 400 relay team.
If Louis continues to put in work, particularly on his starts, he could become a multiple WPIAL track champion. And, according to what Ringgold boys basketball coach Pete Logan told me at the beginning of May, Louis plans on playing basketball as a junior.
* One reason for Ringgold's sudden success in the sprints at the WPIAL level is the cooperation between football coach Matt Humbert and track coach Scott Frederick.
Humbert encouraged his players to participate in track, something some football coaches don't do. I, for one, have always believed track can significantly help football players, particularly guys at the skill positions.
Look at all the great Wash High football players/track athletes of the past for an example.
Not only will track help players like Louis, Quad Law, Alfon Cook, etc. from learning certain running techniques that can be used on the playing field, it's given them something else in which to succeed.
Success breeds confidence, which usually breeds more success. Kudos to Coach Humbert and Coach Frederick for cooperating this year.
* Wash High junior Dustin Fuller, one engaging interview, may have entered elite status with his anchor leg in the WPIAL Class AA 1,600 relay.
Fuller won the 300 hurdles earlier in the day and was part of the Prexies' third-place 400 relay team, but it was his anchor leg in the day's final event that really had people talking.
According to coaches right after the race, Fuller ran a split of 49.3 seconds as Washington broke its own WPIAl championship meet record, which was set in 2001. That's crazy, and it gives Fuller something to think about for what should be a highly decorated senior year. Should Fuller run the open 400?
* Canon-McMillan's Taylor Slaney finished fifth in the Class AAA girls javelin and qualified for the PIAA championships on what amounts on a fractured ankle.
Slaney wore a boot before the competition, and after the competition.
What she accomplished is nothing short of spectacular. It's also the highlight of an outstanding day for local throwers. Canon-McMillan and Fort Cherry are sending multiple competitors to states in the throws.
* Fort Cherry junior Jessie Merckle is a serious candidate for Girls Athlete of the Year. So is South Fayette senior Nicole Hilton. As I'm writing this, I'm not sure if they are the top two candidates or not, but the PIAA championships could push one of these two to the forefront.
* Waynesburg's baseball team qualified for the PIAA playoffs for the first time since 2000 with its 10-4 win over Frazier Monday afternoon.
In those days, the Raiders were led by Lee Fritz, one of the betters multi-sport athletes in school history and the first WPIAL player to run and pass for 1,000 yards each during the same season. Maybe the best description for Fritz was that he was a winner.
The current Raiders have two exceptional players in Steve McCaw and Joe Monica. With Waynesburg in the semifinals and owning a legit shot at winning a WPIAL championship, the duo have an opportunity to create a little legend in a town that loves its sports teams.
McCaw, by the way, is one of the better catchers in a WPIAL filled with good catchers.
* Chartiers-Houston softball ranks right up there with programs like Peters Township boys soccer when it comes to sustained success.
One program that occasionally gets overlooked is Chartiers-Houston baseball.
The Bucs are in the WPIAL Class A semifinals following a one-year hiatus and will face top-seed Serra Catholic, which needed extra innings and a three-run rally in the seventh inning to knock off Carmichaels.
* Speaking of success and tradition, California baseball owns plenty of both, and the Trojans are also in the Class A semifinals following Monday's 14-7 win over Bentworth.
After the game, California coach Don Hartman informed reporters that assistant coach Shaun Rice - one heckuva pitcher during his playing days - suffered a heart attack last week and remains hospitalized.
Here's wishing a speedy and full recovery for Rice.
And I never watched a team smack the baseball around like Peters Township did Monday night against Latrobe.
Peters Township, the top seed in the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs, finished the four-inning game against Latrobe with 14 hits. A total of 10 went for extra bases, and it looked like a contest to see which player could hit the ball the hardest.
While a Brady Sheetz grand slam in the fourth sure looked impressive, it will be hard to top the two triples ripped by Pitt recruit Justin Bianco or the foul ball shot from Austin Hancock that drew a collective "oooooooohhhhh" from the crowd at Washington & Jefferson's Ross Memorial Park.
Where Peters Township ranks among top offensive teams will be determined. There's no guarantee that the Indians will get past Butler in Wednesday's semifinals, but if the Indians go on to win a third WPIAL Class AAAA championship and more, there's no way they are not in that conversation.
* The PIAA Track and Field Championships start Friday morning at Shippensburg University. The PIAA has released its seeds for events.
Class AAA boys
Class AA boys
Class AAA girls
Class AA girls
Seeds don't always mean much when it comes to track. It's difficult to determine which athletes faced bad weather at their district championships, which ones were pushed or which ones coasted to easy wins.
* It's been some time since a local athlete showed as much promise during his sophomore season as Ringgold's Demetrius Louis.
Louis came this close to moving from eighth, and final, place to first place in the Class AAA 100 dash at the WPIAL championships. Louis' legs actually crossed the finish line ahead of Bethel Park's Shakeil Carter but Carter leaned into the finish and his torso crossed first, and that's what counts.
Louis, who told me he's already heard from Pitt among other Division I football programs, also ran a strong third leg for the Rams' gold-medal and school-record setting 400 relay team.
If Louis continues to put in work, particularly on his starts, he could become a multiple WPIAL track champion. And, according to what Ringgold boys basketball coach Pete Logan told me at the beginning of May, Louis plans on playing basketball as a junior.
* One reason for Ringgold's sudden success in the sprints at the WPIAL level is the cooperation between football coach Matt Humbert and track coach Scott Frederick.
Humbert encouraged his players to participate in track, something some football coaches don't do. I, for one, have always believed track can significantly help football players, particularly guys at the skill positions.
Look at all the great Wash High football players/track athletes of the past for an example.
Not only will track help players like Louis, Quad Law, Alfon Cook, etc. from learning certain running techniques that can be used on the playing field, it's given them something else in which to succeed.
Success breeds confidence, which usually breeds more success. Kudos to Coach Humbert and Coach Frederick for cooperating this year.
* Wash High junior Dustin Fuller, one engaging interview, may have entered elite status with his anchor leg in the WPIAL Class AA 1,600 relay.
Fuller won the 300 hurdles earlier in the day and was part of the Prexies' third-place 400 relay team, but it was his anchor leg in the day's final event that really had people talking.
According to coaches right after the race, Fuller ran a split of 49.3 seconds as Washington broke its own WPIAl championship meet record, which was set in 2001. That's crazy, and it gives Fuller something to think about for what should be a highly decorated senior year. Should Fuller run the open 400?
* Canon-McMillan's Taylor Slaney finished fifth in the Class AAA girls javelin and qualified for the PIAA championships on what amounts on a fractured ankle.
Slaney wore a boot before the competition, and after the competition.
What she accomplished is nothing short of spectacular. It's also the highlight of an outstanding day for local throwers. Canon-McMillan and Fort Cherry are sending multiple competitors to states in the throws.
* Fort Cherry junior Jessie Merckle is a serious candidate for Girls Athlete of the Year. So is South Fayette senior Nicole Hilton. As I'm writing this, I'm not sure if they are the top two candidates or not, but the PIAA championships could push one of these two to the forefront.
* Waynesburg's baseball team qualified for the PIAA playoffs for the first time since 2000 with its 10-4 win over Frazier Monday afternoon.
In those days, the Raiders were led by Lee Fritz, one of the betters multi-sport athletes in school history and the first WPIAL player to run and pass for 1,000 yards each during the same season. Maybe the best description for Fritz was that he was a winner.
The current Raiders have two exceptional players in Steve McCaw and Joe Monica. With Waynesburg in the semifinals and owning a legit shot at winning a WPIAL championship, the duo have an opportunity to create a little legend in a town that loves its sports teams.
McCaw, by the way, is one of the better catchers in a WPIAL filled with good catchers.
* Chartiers-Houston softball ranks right up there with programs like Peters Township boys soccer when it comes to sustained success.
One program that occasionally gets overlooked is Chartiers-Houston baseball.
The Bucs are in the WPIAL Class A semifinals following a one-year hiatus and will face top-seed Serra Catholic, which needed extra innings and a three-run rally in the seventh inning to knock off Carmichaels.
* Speaking of success and tradition, California baseball owns plenty of both, and the Trojans are also in the Class A semifinals following Monday's 14-7 win over Bentworth.
After the game, California coach Don Hartman informed reporters that assistant coach Shaun Rice - one heckuva pitcher during his playing days - suffered a heart attack last week and remains hospitalized.
Here's wishing a speedy and full recovery for Rice.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The boys of spring
Boys tennis started Monday. The rest of the WPIAL spring sports season (baseball, softball, track & field, boys volleyball, boys & girls lacrosse) gets going today. Traditionally speaking, this area excels during this time of year.
The 2010 season was no different.
Chartiers-Houston, appearing in its sixth PIAA softball championship game, won its first title with a convincing win over Montgomery. The Bucs return several key players and could contend again. Canon-McMillan won its second WPIAL Class AAA boys team track championship and the talent-rich Big Macs can never be counted out of the district championship picture. California was the only local baseball team to reach the PIAA playoffs last season and the Trojans should once again be among the best in Class A.
What other story lines will be followed this spring? What athletes will lead teams to championships or find themselves atop the medals stand at the PIAA track and field championships like McGuffey graduate J.T. Deschamps did last year?
Here are a few boys athletes whose previous accomplishments this time of year merit following over the next few months.
Austin Hancock, Peters Township
Baseball
Before Hancock (pictured signing his Letter of Intent with his parents and former PT football coach Nick Milchovich) heads to Fordham to play football, he'll be a key figure in Peters Township's hopes of winning a third WPIAL Class AAAA baseball championship. A starter since his freshman year, Hancock is one of the area's premier sluggers and first basemen.
The 2010 season was no different.
Chartiers-Houston, appearing in its sixth PIAA softball championship game, won its first title with a convincing win over Montgomery. The Bucs return several key players and could contend again. Canon-McMillan won its second WPIAL Class AAA boys team track championship and the talent-rich Big Macs can never be counted out of the district championship picture. California was the only local baseball team to reach the PIAA playoffs last season and the Trojans should once again be among the best in Class A.
What other story lines will be followed this spring? What athletes will lead teams to championships or find themselves atop the medals stand at the PIAA track and field championships like McGuffey graduate J.T. Deschamps did last year?
Here are a few boys athletes whose previous accomplishments this time of year merit following over the next few months.
Austin Hancock, Peters Township
Baseball
Before Hancock (pictured signing his Letter of Intent with his parents and former PT football coach Nick Milchovich) heads to Fordham to play football, he'll be a key figure in Peters Township's hopes of winning a third WPIAL Class AAAA baseball championship. A starter since his freshman year, Hancock is one of the area's premier sluggers and first basemen.
Justin Bianco, Peters Township
Baseball
If hard to imagine an outfielder in the WPIAL with a stronger arm than Bianco, a Pitt recruit who threw out six runners attempting to get from second to third from his right field position. Bianco is the rare five-tool player at the high school level.
Brady Sheetz, Peters Township
Baseball
An all-section infielder last year, Sheetz was not only outstanding in the field for the WPIAL semifinalists, he led all local hitters in extra base hits. Sheetz, who misses Februany Footlongs at Subway according to his Twitter account, is headed to Division I Hartford.
Nick Riotto, Trinity
Baseball
Riotto was the area's top freshman baseball player last year and a key cog for the Hillers, on the mound and at the plate. The lefty batted well above .500 and his pitching helped Trinity reach the playoffs in a year that many thought would be a rebuilding one.
T.D. Conway, California
Baseball
Conway holds the distinction of having a win and a save in a WPIAL playoff game and, as a sophomore, was undefeated until his final start of the season. He ranked among leaders in wins and strikeouts in addition to being a middle-of-the lineup hitter.
Tyler Delval, Bentworth
Baseball
A second-team all-district selection last year, Delval was one of the area's top underclassmen. Delval was one of three Bentworth players to batted above .500 last season and his eight home runs ranked near the top of the WPIAL leaders.
Mike McClelland, Trinity
Track
Darius Spinks, Washington
Track
There's a promising group of jumpers at the High and the majority of them are sophomores. Included in that group is Spinks, who finished fifth in the WPIAL in the Class AA long jump and was the lone freshman competing in the event at last year's state meet.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sites and times for local teams
Boys
Class AAA
No. 1 South Fayette (19-1) vs. No. 16 South Park (13-10) Tuesday, 8 p.m. at Canon-McMillan
No. 3 Blackhawk (15-7) vs. No. 14 Ringgold (16-7) Tuesday, 8 p.m.at Moon
No. 4 New Castle (16-6) vs. No. 13 Trinity (15-8) Tuesday, 8 p.m. at North Allegheny
Class AA
No. 2 Beaver Falls (17-6) vs. No 15 California (15-8) Wednesday, 8 p.m. at Chartiers Valley
No. 3 Monessen (19-2) vs. No. 14 Ellwood City (12-10) Wednesday, 8 p.m. at Canon-McMillan
Girls
Class AAA
No. 7 West Mifflin (16-6) vs. No. 10 South Fayette (15-6) Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at Baldwin
Class AA
No. 7 Charleroi (20-1) vs. No. 10 Beaver Falls (17-6) Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Keystone Oaks
No. 8 Washington (15-7) vs. No. 9 Greensburg Central Catholic (17-6) Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Canon-McMillan
Class A
No. 4 Fort Cherry (20-3) vs. No. 5 Serra Catholic (17-6) Saturday, site and time to be detemined
No. 2 Monessen (23-0) vs. No. 7 St. Joseph (15-7) Saturday, site and time to be determined
Class AAA
No. 1 South Fayette (19-1) vs. No. 16 South Park (13-10) Tuesday, 8 p.m. at Canon-McMillan
No. 3 Blackhawk (15-7) vs. No. 14 Ringgold (16-7) Tuesday, 8 p.m.at Moon
No. 4 New Castle (16-6) vs. No. 13 Trinity (15-8) Tuesday, 8 p.m. at North Allegheny
Class AA
No. 2 Beaver Falls (17-6) vs. No 15 California (15-8) Wednesday, 8 p.m. at Chartiers Valley
No. 3 Monessen (19-2) vs. No. 14 Ellwood City (12-10) Wednesday, 8 p.m. at Canon-McMillan
Girls
Class AAA
No. 7 West Mifflin (16-6) vs. No. 10 South Fayette (15-6) Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at Baldwin
Class AA
No. 7 Charleroi (20-1) vs. No. 10 Beaver Falls (17-6) Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Keystone Oaks
No. 8 Washington (15-7) vs. No. 9 Greensburg Central Catholic (17-6) Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Canon-McMillan
Class A
No. 4 Fort Cherry (20-3) vs. No. 5 Serra Catholic (17-6) Saturday, site and time to be detemined
No. 2 Monessen (23-0) vs. No. 7 St. Joseph (15-7) Saturday, site and time to be determined
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Pennsylvania Class A all-state team
The Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class A All-State Team for 2010.
———
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
—Corey Talerico, Taylor Riverside, Sr., 5-11, 180
ATHLETE
—Kevin Brodie, Farrell, Sr., 6-0, 180
RUNNING BACK
—Aaron Horton, Mercyhurst Prep, Sr., 5-10, 185
—Alex Holland, Curwensville, Jr. 6-0, 175
—Ryan Woo, Bishop Carroll, Sr., 6-0, 160
TIGHT END
—Skyler Lavage, Taylor Riverside, Sr., 6-0, 200
WIDE RECEIVER
—Josh Page, Clairton, Sr., 5-11, 180
—Mike Burke, Columbia, Jr., 6-1, 190
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
—Jesse Battaglia, Rochester, Sr., 6-2, 240
—Marquis Norris, Clairton, Sr., 6-5, 325
—Robert Trudo , Farrell, Sr., 6-5, 265
—Todd Munchak, Curwensville, Jr., 5-10, 275
—Paul Gaughan, Dunmore, Sr., 6-6, 280
PLACE KICKER
—Kenny Kysor, Port Allegany, Sr., 5-9, 145
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
— Corey Talerico, Taylor Riverside
COACH OF THE YEAR
—Tom Nola, Clairton
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
—Desimon Green, Clairton, Sr., 6-5, 230
—Jared Minori, Bellwood-Antis, Sr., 6-3, 195
—Alex Pucilowski, Taylor Riverside, Sr., 6-1, 235
—Ben Ancheff, Williams Valley, Sr., 6-2, 320
LINEBACKER
—Nick Tapia, Rochester, Sr., 6-0, 170
—Brandon Small, Clairton, Sr., 6-0, 220
—Josh Chumrik, Bishop Carroll, Sr., 6-1, 215
—Nick Rossi, Taylor Riverside, Sr., 6-1, 235
DEFENSIVE BACK
—Jason Adamson, Rochester, Sr., 6-0, 175
—Brian Murphy, Schuylkill Haven, Sr., 5-11, 185
—Freddy Caruso, Reading Holy Name, Sr., 5-10, 185
PUNTER
—Andrew Nortum, Johnsonburg, Sr., 6-1, 180
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
—Martin Long, North Catholic
ATHLETE
—Tyler Jenny, Glendale, Sr., 6-1, 180
RUNNING BACK
—Clayton McNair, Steelton-Highspire, Jr., 5-5, 170
—Joey Rys, Reading Central Catholic, Sr., 5-11, 185
—Tyrell Thomas, Southern Columbia, Jr., 6-0, 185
TIGHT END
—Brock Mitchell, Panther Valley, Jr., 6-5, 245
WIDE RECEIVER
—Dakota Conway, California, Sr., 5-10, 180
—Matt Cammilletti, Bangor Pius X, Jr., 6-0, 205
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
—Alex Karlovich, Line Mountain, Jr., 6-3, 285
—Dustin Jones, Schuylkill Haven, Jr., 6-2, 225
—Cain Lamper, Muncy, Sr., 6-4, 270
—D.J. Abbey, Sto-Rox
—Justin Deily, Springdale
PLACE KICKER
—Taylor Skerpon, Sayre, Sr., 6-1, 190
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
—Erik Walker, Clairton, Jr., 6-2, 205
—Quinton Hixson, Northern Bedford, Jr., 6-3, 300
—Kyle High, Canton, Sr., 6-1, 195
—Laquan Jackson, Taylor Riverside, Jr., 5-7, 210
LINEBACKER
—Taylor Makin, Bishop Carroll, Sr., 5-11, 225
—Tyler Naus, Schuylkill Haven, Sr., 6-0, 200
—Dan Christian, Reading Holy Name, Sr., 5-10, 185
—Jamar Whitman, Farrell
DEFENSIVE BACK
—Ed Kurtz, Avonworth
—Nick Gildea, Juniata Valley, Sr., 6-2, 170
—Nick Bolias, Monessen, Sr., 6-0, 175
———
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
—Corey Talerico, Taylor Riverside, Sr., 5-11, 180
ATHLETE
—Kevin Brodie, Farrell, Sr., 6-0, 180
RUNNING BACK
—Aaron Horton, Mercyhurst Prep, Sr., 5-10, 185
—Alex Holland, Curwensville, Jr. 6-0, 175
—Ryan Woo, Bishop Carroll, Sr., 6-0, 160
TIGHT END
—Skyler Lavage, Taylor Riverside, Sr., 6-0, 200
WIDE RECEIVER
—Josh Page, Clairton, Sr., 5-11, 180
—Mike Burke, Columbia, Jr., 6-1, 190
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
—Jesse Battaglia, Rochester, Sr., 6-2, 240
—Marquis Norris, Clairton, Sr., 6-5, 325
—Robert Trudo , Farrell, Sr., 6-5, 265
—Todd Munchak, Curwensville, Jr., 5-10, 275
—Paul Gaughan, Dunmore, Sr., 6-6, 280
PLACE KICKER
—Kenny Kysor, Port Allegany, Sr., 5-9, 145
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
— Corey Talerico, Taylor Riverside
COACH OF THE YEAR
—Tom Nola, Clairton
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
—Desimon Green, Clairton, Sr., 6-5, 230
—Jared Minori, Bellwood-Antis, Sr., 6-3, 195
—Alex Pucilowski, Taylor Riverside, Sr., 6-1, 235
—Ben Ancheff, Williams Valley, Sr., 6-2, 320
LINEBACKER
—Nick Tapia, Rochester, Sr., 6-0, 170
—Brandon Small, Clairton, Sr., 6-0, 220
—Josh Chumrik, Bishop Carroll, Sr., 6-1, 215
—Nick Rossi, Taylor Riverside, Sr., 6-1, 235
DEFENSIVE BACK
—Jason Adamson, Rochester, Sr., 6-0, 175
—Brian Murphy, Schuylkill Haven, Sr., 5-11, 185
—Freddy Caruso, Reading Holy Name, Sr., 5-10, 185
PUNTER
—Andrew Nortum, Johnsonburg, Sr., 6-1, 180
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
—Martin Long, North Catholic
ATHLETE
—Tyler Jenny, Glendale, Sr., 6-1, 180
RUNNING BACK
—Clayton McNair, Steelton-Highspire, Jr., 5-5, 170
—Joey Rys, Reading Central Catholic, Sr., 5-11, 185
—Tyrell Thomas, Southern Columbia, Jr., 6-0, 185
TIGHT END
—Brock Mitchell, Panther Valley, Jr., 6-5, 245
WIDE RECEIVER
—Dakota Conway, California, Sr., 5-10, 180
—Matt Cammilletti, Bangor Pius X, Jr., 6-0, 205
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
—Alex Karlovich, Line Mountain, Jr., 6-3, 285
—Dustin Jones, Schuylkill Haven, Jr., 6-2, 225
—Cain Lamper, Muncy, Sr., 6-4, 270
—D.J. Abbey, Sto-Rox
—Justin Deily, Springdale
PLACE KICKER
—Taylor Skerpon, Sayre, Sr., 6-1, 190
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
—Erik Walker, Clairton, Jr., 6-2, 205
—Quinton Hixson, Northern Bedford, Jr., 6-3, 300
—Kyle High, Canton, Sr., 6-1, 195
—Laquan Jackson, Taylor Riverside, Jr., 5-7, 210
LINEBACKER
—Taylor Makin, Bishop Carroll, Sr., 5-11, 225
—Tyler Naus, Schuylkill Haven, Sr., 6-0, 200
—Dan Christian, Reading Holy Name, Sr., 5-10, 185
—Jamar Whitman, Farrell
DEFENSIVE BACK
—Ed Kurtz, Avonworth
—Nick Gildea, Juniata Valley, Sr., 6-2, 170
—Nick Bolias, Monessen, Sr., 6-0, 175
Monday, December 13, 2010
Boys basketball AA-A team capsules
Class AA
California
The Trojans are one of the smaller teams playing in Class AA but that didn't stop them from qualifying for the postseason a year ago. California beat Apollo-Ridge in an entertaining, back-and-forth preliminary round game before being ousted by Greensburg Central Catholic.
Thanks to realignment, California and Greensburg Central Catholic are both in Section 4-AA. The Centurions are tabbed as preseason favorites to win the section and the WPIAL. California figures to be one of the teams GCC must contend with to win the section title.
Leading scorer John Tyler, a 6-0 shooting guard who suffered a season-ending foot injury before last postseason, returns.
So do sophomores Tanner Huffman and Brian Fisher.
Huffman was California's point guard and Fisher came off the bench to provide energy, rebounding and defense.
Beth-Center
The Bulldogs have made three WPIAL playoff appearances during the 10-year coaching tenure of Barry Niemiec. If you know anything about the history of Beth-Center basketball, that's a successful run.
Making the playoffs from Section 4-AA, which includes preseason favorite Greensburg Central Catholic and Jeannette, won't be easy but Beth-Center returns three starters and eight lettermen, including Lucas Diethorn, to give Niemiec one of his more experienced teams.
Charleroi
The Cougars opened the season with a win at Belle Vernon. The Leopards played Ringgold earlier in the day after a scheduling mishap forced Elizabeth Forward to withdrawl from the Belle Vernon Tipoff Tournament.
Charleroi won't wow many in the point total but the Cougars play defense and rebound, plus have several key returning lettermen including Vinnie Scirotto.
Fort Cherry
Heading into tonight's non-section game at South Fayette, Fort Cherry senior Nate Bellhy needs 17 points to reach 1,000 for his varsity career. A 6-5 scoring a,d rebounding machine, Bellhy averaged nearly 29 points per game as a junior and he committed to Division II Seton Hill during the fall.
The Rangers will go as Bellhy goes and an improved defense could work wonder. Fort Cherry yielded 69.5 points per game. Only three WPIAL teams, one being Ringgold, allowed a higher average.
Burgettstown
The Blue Devils are 0-2 after playing a pair of Class AAA schools in Washington and Trinity at the Canon-McMillan Tournament. Point guard Tyler Pavan was one of the top players in Section 5 last year, and that was with Washington in the league.
Chartiers-Houston
The Bucs return only two lettermen and no returning starters from last year's senior-filled lineup. First-year coach Eugene Briggs, the former head coach at Fort Cherry, will rely on Josh Counihan and Kevin Welsh and hope the sophomores and freshmen develop quickly.
Monessen
The Greyhounds opted to remain in Class AA, they've been playing up for several cycles, but lost some natural rivalries when they were shipped to Section 3. Instead of playing Washington, Burgettstown or even teams from Section 4, Monessen draws Bishop Canevin, Seton-La Salle, Steel Valley and others.
It wasn't a popular move in Monessen, but it shouldn't keep the Greyhounds from contedning for a section title and a possible deep postseason run.
Monessen is 1-1 after playing in Franklin Regional's tipoff tournament and the loss was a 94-90 setback to Class AAA Norwin. With point guard Jalen Madison, athletic swingman Jaisen Irwin and big man Cam Johnson, the Greyhounds are on of Class AA's more talented teams.
Class A
Avella
The Eagles haven't won a section championship since 1970 and there are only two in team history. According to coaches in Section 3, Avella could add to that number this year.
Head coach Joseph Hough has four starters back and a nice mix of height and experience.
Junior guard Joe Yamber averaged 15 points per game last year and he'll be complemented by 6-7 senior Neil Gossett and 6-5 senior Damon Cupp.
Avella, already 2-0 on the year, returns nine of its top 10 from a year ago, including Cameron Geresti and Jed Fernbaugh.
Carmichaels
The Mikes lost leading scorer Bill Musgrove but returned the other four starters and six lettermen, which makes them a contender in Section 3 for head coach Don Williams, who has won 415 games in 35 years with the team.
Jon Krall, Seth Krall and Jordan Kennedy are three of the top returnees in a lineup that will rely on speed and defense to win games.
Jefferson-Morgan
The Rockets will be guided by first-year head coach Chris Niemiec, brother of Beth-Center coach Barry Niemiec. Jefferson-Morgan will be one of the younger teams in Class A with no seniors and only six juniors.
Bentworth
The Bearcats' non-section schedule isn't made with ready-made victories in mind. It's designed by veteran head coach Joe Kennedy (pictured) to prepare Bentworth for the playoffs. That's why there's always games against the likes of Clairton, Burgettstown and OLSH.
The defending Section 3 champs return all-district guard John Barker (14.9 ppg) and forward Gannon Walls-Mitchell (12.1) and they should anchor a lineup that is expected to contend for another title.
Bentworth returns eight lettermen.
Mapletown
Junior Marcus Cumpston could be one of th top players in Section 3 for a Mapletown team that qualified for the postseason last year despite numbers problems. Head coach Bo Garnek has a few more bodies on the bench this year as Mapletown fields an 11-player roster.
West Greene
The Pioneers won only one game and ranked last in the WPIAL in offense at 23.9 points per game last year. Curtis Jones is West Greene's top returning player.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Boys basketball preseason watch list
Preseason Player of the Year
Mike Lamberti, South Fayette, Sr., F
Preseason all-stars
John Barker, Bentworth, Sr., G
Zach Barnes, Washington, Sr., F
Nate Bellhy, Fort Cherry, Sr., F
Kiontae Davis, Canon-McMillan, Sr., G
Tanner Huffman, California, Soph., G
Jaisen Irwin, Monessen, Jr., F
Tyler Pavan, Burgettstown, Sr., G
Pat Zedreck, South Fayette, Sr., G
Josh Valentic, Trinity, Sr., G
Joe Yamber, Avella, Jr., G/F
Watch out for
Brian Fisher, California, Soph., F
Brett Haney, Canon-McMillan, Soph., G
Josh Wise, Washington, Soph., F
Did you know?
Fort Cherry's Bellhy averaged 28.9 ppg as a junior, which ranked second in the WPIAL. Bellhy made a commitment to Division II Seton Hill this fall. ... Valentic, who averaged 22.3 last year, has 958 career points. Trinity's career scoring leader is Mike Deegan with 1,296 points. ... South Fayette, the reigning PIAA Class AA champions, can't defend the title because the Lions, along with Wash High, moved up to Section 5-AAA. ... Washington reached the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals (2010) and semifinals (2009) the past two seasons. ... Avella returns seven of its top eight players from last year.
Mike Lamberti, South Fayette, Sr., F
Preseason all-stars
John Barker, Bentworth, Sr., G
Zach Barnes, Washington, Sr., F
Nate Bellhy, Fort Cherry, Sr., F
Kiontae Davis, Canon-McMillan, Sr., G
Tanner Huffman, California, Soph., G
Jaisen Irwin, Monessen, Jr., F
Tyler Pavan, Burgettstown, Sr., G
Pat Zedreck, South Fayette, Sr., G
Josh Valentic, Trinity, Sr., G
Joe Yamber, Avella, Jr., G/F
Watch out for
Brian Fisher, California, Soph., F
Brett Haney, Canon-McMillan, Soph., G
Josh Wise, Washington, Soph., F
Did you know?
Fort Cherry's Bellhy averaged 28.9 ppg as a junior, which ranked second in the WPIAL. Bellhy made a commitment to Division II Seton Hill this fall. ... Valentic, who averaged 22.3 last year, has 958 career points. Trinity's career scoring leader is Mike Deegan with 1,296 points. ... South Fayette, the reigning PIAA Class AA champions, can't defend the title because the Lions, along with Wash High, moved up to Section 5-AAA. ... Washington reached the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals (2010) and semifinals (2009) the past two seasons. ... Avella returns seven of its top eight players from last year.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Also receiving votes
When it comes to leading scorers in local football, running backs have always dominated the standings.
A quick look back at some of the annual scoring leaders from the Observer-Reporter includes past winners such as Trinity's Mike Yancich (2007), Carmichaels' Bobby Hathaway (2002), Fort Cherry's Mike Vernillo (1997, 1998, 1999), Waynesburg's Josh Koshcheck (1996), Mapletown's Derek Bochna (1988), Wash High's Brian Davis (1983, 1984), Beth-Center's Chuck Colborn (1976) and Carmichaels' John Menhart (1973).
The 2010 season offers a unique situation, and a first.
With one week left in the regular season, California receiver Dakota Conway is the area's leading scorer with 86 points. Thirteen of Conway's touchdowns have been receptions from his brother, T.D. Conway.
Playoff-bound California plays at least two more games, which gives Conway a couple opportunities to extend his margin. Peters Township junior running back Andrew Erenberg ranks second locally with 84 points, while South Fayette senior tailback Jeff Davis (74 points) and Ringgold senior Derrick Fiore (72 points) lurk on teams capable of making extended postseason runs.
Should Conway hold on to the lead, he'd become the first receiver to lead the area in scoring.
Monday, September 13, 2010
A picture is worth ...
Space limitations at the Observer-Reporter prohibit good photos from getting into Saturday's pages. On occasion, we'll run them at The Varsity Letters.
In this photo take by Scott McCurdy, California High School's Dakota Conway catches a 21-yard touchdown pass from younger brother T.D. Conway just before halftime in Friday's Class A Tr-County South game between the Trojans and Carmichaels. The Trojans scored the game's final two touchdowns, including this score, for a 26-21 victory. Carmichaels' Seth Krall defends on the play.
In this photo taken by Jim McNutt, Trinity's Kyle McWreath blocks a field-goal attempt by Chartirs Valley's Tom Kovach in the second quarter of Friday's Class AAA Big Eight Conference game. McWreath rushed for 100-plus yard, scored a touchdown and was a menace on defense as Trinity won, 9-6.
In this photo take by Scott McCurdy, California High School's Dakota Conway catches a 21-yard touchdown pass from younger brother T.D. Conway just before halftime in Friday's Class A Tr-County South game between the Trojans and Carmichaels. The Trojans scored the game's final two touchdowns, including this score, for a 26-21 victory. Carmichaels' Seth Krall defends on the play.
In this photo taken by Jim McNutt, Trinity's Kyle McWreath blocks a field-goal attempt by Chartirs Valley's Tom Kovach in the second quarter of Friday's Class AAA Big Eight Conference game. McWreath rushed for 100-plus yard, scored a touchdown and was a menace on defense as Trinity won, 9-6.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday night thoughts, 2nd edition
Kyle McWreath doesn't have any scholarship offers and, according to the senior from Trinity High School, he hasn't been in contact with too many schools at this point.
It's time.
McWreath has played maniacal defense through the Hillers' first two games, wins over Canon-McMillan and Trinity.
"I don't think we've ever had a guy go as hard as he does on every play," Trinity coach Ed Dalton said.
McWreath definitely went hard against Chartiers Valley and helped Trinity secure a key 9-6 victory. Besides rushing for 119 yards and a 32-yard touchdown, he was easily the game's best defensive player.
"We knew he was gassed when he asked to come out for a couple plays on defense," Dalton said. "In three years, I don'[t think he ever asked to come out on defense before."
Defense will be McWreath's future at the collegiate level and he looks like a natural at middle linebacker.
"I definitely want to play college football but no one is really looking at me right now. I don't have any offers or anything like that," McWreath said. "I think about it sometimes but it's not where I'm focused. We're a tight team and we're playing together."
* This is either a sign of how far high school football has evolved or a sign of the apocalypse. Class A California went 21 consecutive plays with calling a run. The passing game worked as the Trojans picked up a key win over Carmichaels in the Tri-County South.
Quarterback T.D. Conway, one of the area's better baseball players, went 20 of 36 for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
* With its shutout of McGuffey, Belle Vernon – Trinity's next opponent – has allowed 14 points through two games. Considering the Leopards played Hopewell and its sensational junior running back Rushel Shell in Week 1, it's an impressive number.
* Beth-Center's Jeff Tarley has eight touchdowns through two games. Eight.
* Here's a statistical oddity – Burgettstown has scored all 20 of its points this season in the final 2:14 of the games. The Blue Devils scored on the final play of a 10-6 loss at Deer Lakes.
* Several top players were out this week. Chartiers Valley played without Wayne Capers (and lost). West Allegheny is without Mike Caputo (and won). Woodland Hills is without Lafayette Pitts (and dropped to 0-2).
Another significant injury is at Charleroi. The Cougars, with barely over 30 players were minus tailback Quentin Briggs during Friday's loss at Brownsville, which dropped the Cougars to a disappointing 0-2 in the Interstate Conference.
Briggs, one of the tougher runners I've seen in recent years, isn't as well known as the previously mentioned players but, judging from results, it can be debated that he's as valuable to his team.
* Ringgold registered one of its better wins recently with a 37-9 smackdown of Hampton. Quad Law, mentioned on this blog as this year's breakout player, ran for two touchdowns and Demetrius Louis, who Ringgold followers said to look for, also had a touchdown run.
The Rams are 2-0 entering Keystone Conference play and will face one of the longest road trips imaginable for a regular season football game when it plays at WPIAL newcomer Hollidaysburg.
And head coach Matt Humbert has yet to lose in four games as coach. The Rams have scored 30-plus points in each game.
* It might be time to bolster expectations for Trinity, Chartiers-Houston, Ringgold, California and Jefferson-Morgan.
It's time.
McWreath has played maniacal defense through the Hillers' first two games, wins over Canon-McMillan and Trinity.
"I don't think we've ever had a guy go as hard as he does on every play," Trinity coach Ed Dalton said.
McWreath definitely went hard against Chartiers Valley and helped Trinity secure a key 9-6 victory. Besides rushing for 119 yards and a 32-yard touchdown, he was easily the game's best defensive player.
"We knew he was gassed when he asked to come out for a couple plays on defense," Dalton said. "In three years, I don'[t think he ever asked to come out on defense before."
Defense will be McWreath's future at the collegiate level and he looks like a natural at middle linebacker.
"I definitely want to play college football but no one is really looking at me right now. I don't have any offers or anything like that," McWreath said. "I think about it sometimes but it's not where I'm focused. We're a tight team and we're playing together."
* This is either a sign of how far high school football has evolved or a sign of the apocalypse. Class A California went 21 consecutive plays with calling a run. The passing game worked as the Trojans picked up a key win over Carmichaels in the Tri-County South.
Quarterback T.D. Conway, one of the area's better baseball players, went 20 of 36 for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
* With its shutout of McGuffey, Belle Vernon – Trinity's next opponent – has allowed 14 points through two games. Considering the Leopards played Hopewell and its sensational junior running back Rushel Shell in Week 1, it's an impressive number.
* Beth-Center's Jeff Tarley has eight touchdowns through two games. Eight.
* Here's a statistical oddity – Burgettstown has scored all 20 of its points this season in the final 2:14 of the games. The Blue Devils scored on the final play of a 10-6 loss at Deer Lakes.
* Several top players were out this week. Chartiers Valley played without Wayne Capers (and lost). West Allegheny is without Mike Caputo (and won). Woodland Hills is without Lafayette Pitts (and dropped to 0-2).
Another significant injury is at Charleroi. The Cougars, with barely over 30 players were minus tailback Quentin Briggs during Friday's loss at Brownsville, which dropped the Cougars to a disappointing 0-2 in the Interstate Conference.
Briggs, one of the tougher runners I've seen in recent years, isn't as well known as the previously mentioned players but, judging from results, it can be debated that he's as valuable to his team.
* Ringgold registered one of its better wins recently with a 37-9 smackdown of Hampton. Quad Law, mentioned on this blog as this year's breakout player, ran for two touchdowns and Demetrius Louis, who Ringgold followers said to look for, also had a touchdown run.
The Rams are 2-0 entering Keystone Conference play and will face one of the longest road trips imaginable for a regular season football game when it plays at WPIAL newcomer Hollidaysburg.
And head coach Matt Humbert has yet to lose in four games as coach. The Rams have scored 30-plus points in each game.
* It might be time to bolster expectations for Trinity, Chartiers-Houston, Ringgold, California and Jefferson-Morgan.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Legends of the Fall, Chapter 5
Charleroi High School is one of three area schools with a football team that has won 500-plus games. (Monessen and Washington are members of the 600-win club.) The Cougars are 522-389-60 since starting football in 1905. The list of legends to have played at Charleroi Stadium, which is supposed to be in its last year, is extraordinary.
One of those players is Carl Aschman, a Charleroi graduate who was a tough-as-nails center. Aschman landed at Washington & Jefferson College, where he earned All-East honors and played in the 1929 East-West Shrine Game.
That same year, Aschman was hired as the football coach at California High School and it was in the coaching profession where Aschman truly made his mark. He coached California from 1929-33 before coaching at Brownsville from 1934-40. In 1940, Brownsville won the WPIAL Class AAA title. From there, Aschman moved to Aliquippa where his name remains part of the Quips mighty mystique.
From 1941 to 1964, Aschman coached Aliquippa to a 189-88-10 record with WPIAL titles in 1952, 1956 and 1964.
A month after Aschman's death in 1971, Aliquippa named its stadium after the coach. To this day, "The Pit" still bears Aschman's name.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Girls Athlete of The Year Finalists
Each year, the Observer-Reporter sports staff selects a Girls Athlete of the Year and, unlike the boys honor, it's not always handed to an athlete who dominates the headlines.
The following is the list of past honorees since the award was first given in 2000.
2009-10 – ?????
2008-09 – Amanda Kennedy, Bentworth
2007-08 – Jenna Phillips, Washington
2006-07 – Paige McMenamin, Peters Township
2005-06 – Brianna Liebold, Chartiers-Houston
2004-05 – Ashley Young, Canon-McMillan
2003-04 – Samantha Slagle, Beth-Center
2002-03 – Stephanie Kuhn, Ringgold
2001-02 – Jessica Perry, Peters Township
2000-01 – Shellie Cotton, Charleroi
1999-2000 – Kristen Lancas, Ringgold
This year's list of finalists is unusual in that the majority of the athletes are one-sport standouts.
Jules Femiani, Peters Township
A Central Michigan field hockey recruit, Femiani scored the game-winning goal in overtime as PT beat Fox Chapel for its first WPIAL field hockey championship. Femiani also earned honorable mention All-American honors for lacrosse and was first-team All-WPIAL.
Ashley Morran, Trinity
Trinity's all-time home run hitter in softball, Morran won 2009 O-R Player of the Year honors. As a senior, she batted .430 despite constantly being pitched around. Morran was also the second-leading scorer on Trinity's basketball team.
Taylor Schram, Canon-McMillan
Committed to Penn State for soccer as a junior. Schram scored 52 goals as a senior in leading Canon-McMillan to the PIAA playoffs for the first time. She tallied 145 for her varsity career and Coaches’ All-State and All-American selection for second consecutive year. Schram also earned selection first-team All-American by ESPN Rise.
Sarah Shashura, California
From the tennis hotbed known as the Mon Valley, Shashura won the WPIAL boys singles title in the spring and qualified for the PIAA tournament. She lost in the first round at states but held a substantial lead in the match before tiring. A four-star recruit according to the Tennis Recruiting Network, Shashura is ranked No. 149 nationally.
Tanya Timko, Chartiers-Houston
Months after receiving publicity for winning the WPIAL doubles title with her sister Karli, Tanya played singles in the fall and won a WPIAL championship to give her district titles in everything but boys singles. Timko went on to finish second at the PIAA tournament. A three-star recruit by the previously mentioned network, Timko is ranked No. 202 nationally.
The following is the list of past honorees since the award was first given in 2000.
2009-10 – ?????
2008-09 – Amanda Kennedy, Bentworth
2007-08 – Jenna Phillips, Washington
2006-07 – Paige McMenamin, Peters Township
2005-06 – Brianna Liebold, Chartiers-Houston
2004-05 – Ashley Young, Canon-McMillan
2003-04 – Samantha Slagle, Beth-Center
2002-03 – Stephanie Kuhn, Ringgold
2001-02 – Jessica Perry, Peters Township
2000-01 – Shellie Cotton, Charleroi
1999-2000 – Kristen Lancas, Ringgold
This year's list of finalists is unusual in that the majority of the athletes are one-sport standouts.
Jules Femiani, Peters Township
A Central Michigan field hockey recruit, Femiani scored the game-winning goal in overtime as PT beat Fox Chapel for its first WPIAL field hockey championship. Femiani also earned honorable mention All-American honors for lacrosse and was first-team All-WPIAL.
Ashley Morran, Trinity
Trinity's all-time home run hitter in softball, Morran won 2009 O-R Player of the Year honors. As a senior, she batted .430 despite constantly being pitched around. Morran was also the second-leading scorer on Trinity's basketball team.
Taylor Schram, Canon-McMillan
Committed to Penn State for soccer as a junior. Schram scored 52 goals as a senior in leading Canon-McMillan to the PIAA playoffs for the first time. She tallied 145 for her varsity career and Coaches’ All-State and All-American selection for second consecutive year. Schram also earned selection first-team All-American by ESPN Rise.
Sarah Shashura, California
From the tennis hotbed known as the Mon Valley, Shashura won the WPIAL boys singles title in the spring and qualified for the PIAA tournament. She lost in the first round at states but held a substantial lead in the match before tiring. A four-star recruit according to the Tennis Recruiting Network, Shashura is ranked No. 149 nationally.
Tanya Timko, Chartiers-Houston
Months after receiving publicity for winning the WPIAL doubles title with her sister Karli, Tanya played singles in the fall and won a WPIAL championship to give her district titles in everything but boys singles. Timko went on to finish second at the PIAA tournament. A three-star recruit by the previously mentioned network, Timko is ranked No. 202 nationally.
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