Achieving athletes
J.J. Conn fired in 14 points while Zach Staley and Connor Gallagher followed with 12 and 10 tallies as Upper St. Clair opened Section 4-AAAA play in boys’ basketball with a 53-40 win over Trinity.
In other action, Bethel Park defeated Canon-McMillan, 60-49.
Joey Mascaro (15), R.J. Pfeuffer (14) and Josh Krafczynski (11) scored in double digits for the Hawks.
Alex Hammers exploded for 20 points for the Big Macs. Sam Bohn contributed 14 markers.
In Section 4-AA boys’ action, Seton-La Salle dispatched Chartiers-Houston, 82-56.
Ryan Norkus fired in 24 points followed by Levi Masua with 18 markers. Malik White and Christian DelGreco pitched in 14 and 12 tallies respectively.
For the Buccaneers, Miles Williamson and Kodie Hanley provided 16 and 14 points.
Jessica Scott of Mt. Lebanon has been selected to compete in the Queen of Diamonds Showcase North to be held Jan 3-5 at Kent State University.
The QDSN, now in its 19th season, is part of the Queen of Diamond’s Showcase events, the largest fastpitch softball showcase in the U.S. This event continues to attract athletes from 30+ states and two Canadian Provinces. Its little sister showcase, the Queen of Diamonds South, is in its eighth season. Both attract in excess of 3000 applicants in which 264 are selected.
For the QDSN, athletes must apply individually, and are selected based upon a multitude of criteria including ability and potential, academic success as well as coaches requests and referrals.
Luke Hagy of Mt. Lebanon earned All-Ivy League, honorable mention recognition for his play on the Cornell football team. The sophomore running back led all Ivy League running backs in receptions (55), receiving yards (652) and receiving touchdowns (five). He also led the Big Red in rushing (340 yards).
The son of Scott and Karen Hagy is enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Austin Hancock of McMurray was selected to the Patriot League’s all-conference team for his performance with the Fordham football team. The junior earned second-team honors.
Hancock anchored the Fordham defense. He finished third on the team in total tackles with 74. The 6-2, 239-pound linebacker had one interception and two tackles for losses.
Fordham, which rolled up an 11-1 record, earned an at large bid to participate in the Division 1AA FCS playoffs in New York City. After defeating Sacred Heart, 37-27, the Rams dropped a 48-28 decision to Towson.
The son of Amy and Ed Hancock graduated from Peters Township High School, where he was a member of the football and baseball teams. An Almanac Athlete of the Year finalist, he was a three-time All-Conference and All-District pick in football. In 2010, he was an Army Junior U.S. All-American Combine invitee. He ranks third on the PT all-time passing list and fifth on the school’s all-time rushing list. A team captain, he was twice named All-Conference in baseball