SLS wins PIAA playoff games
After winning WPIAL titles, the Seton-La Salle boys’ and girls’ basketball teams embarked on their bids for state championships by winning first-round PIAA tournament games this past weekend.
While the Lady Rebels dispatched Blairsville, 58-37, at Chartiers Valley, the boys made easy work of Penns Valley, 82-51, at Penn Hills.
With the win, the SLS boys improved to 26-1. The Rebels face Mercyhurst Prep (19-7) in the quarterfinals of the Western Regional at 8 p.m. March 12 at Sharon.
Against Penns Valley, Levi Masua excelled. He fired in 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. He also blocked five shots and made five steals.
Also in double figures were Ryan Norkus (13), Dale Clancy (12) and Christian DelGreco (10).
Meanwhile, the Lady Rebels, who faced Greensburg Central Catholic (20-5) in last night’s second round contest, benefited from the hot shotting of Nicolete Newman in their first-round win. Against the Bobcats, Newman buried four, 3-pointers and finished with 18 points.
For SLS, which improved to 23-4 overall, Yacine Diop dropped in 18 tallies. The Pitt recruit also pulled down eight rebounds. Cassidy Walsh pitched in 11 markers.
Chelsey Koren and Laurel O’Barto finished in double digits for the Bobcats, firing in 18 and 11 points, respectively.
In other first-round PIAA Class AA girls’ playoff action, Bishop Canevin defeated Juniata, 61-30.
Johnnie Olkosky tossed in 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Erin Joyce pitched in with 15 points for the Lady Crusaders, who improved to 20-6 overall.
In Quad-A girls’ play, Mt. Lebanon dropped a 51-50 decision to State College and ended its season at 16-7.
For the Lebo ladies, who trailed, 33-22, at halftime, Christine Ehland led with 18 points. Maura Wallace also finished in double digits with 10 tallies.