C-M puts damper on USC-Lebo showdown
Canon-McMillan (10-8, 4-4) proved a nuisance to Mt. Lebanon (16-2, 8-0) and a nemesis for Upper St. Clair (17-2, 6-2) taking the drama out of the arch rivals upcoming showdown. Lebo is scheduled to host the Panthers at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 5.
Though the Blue Devils hold a two-game lead over the Panthers in the Section 2, 6A standings, the mystique surrounding the boys’ basketball rivalry remains.
The atmosphere was intense when Lebo weathered the Big Macs, 70-50, and followed up with a 70-54 decision against Bethel Park (10-8, 1-7) as well as when USC succumbed, 77-74, on C-M’s home court.
Hayden Mitchell calmly led the way for Lebo against C-M. With the game deadlocked, 43-43, the senior spearheaded Lebo’s fourth-frame uprising. He scored the first 10 points in the quarter as Lebo outscored the Big Macs, 27-7. Mitchell finished with a game-high 24 points followed by Jake Hoffman’s 17 tallies and Sean Loughran’s 13 markers.
Mitchell, who fired in 14 points on Jan. 5 when Lebo upended USC, 68-64, is undaunted when it comes to competing at a high level and before packed crowds. He looks forward to the rematch with the Panthers.
Mitchell noted the “great atmosphere” at USC and how “awesome” it was to play in that game because the Panthers at the time were undefeated and ranked in the state.
“That win was huge but we look forward to getting them back at our home,” he said.
Golf has cultivated Mitchell’s calm demeanor. He has played on Lebo’s two-time section championship squad that finished fourth in the WPIAL team tournament in 2017 and was a semifinalist last autumn.
“Golf actually plays a big part in my success on the basketball court,” Mitchell agreed. “Being able to make a putt at the end of the match compared to making a free throw at the end of the game is very similar. I think that does help me in some ways.”
Playing venues like the Oakmont Country Club, home to nine US Opens and three PGA Championships, also helps Mitchell when it comes to playing in an atmosphere similar to the one the USC-Lebo match-up attracts. In the 2018 WPIAL individual golf championships, Mitchell carded an 85 on the fabled Oakmont course and finished 16th overall, one spot away from qualifying for the PIAA tournament.
“Golfing at Oakmont was awesome,” said Mitchell. “I was obviously blessed to compete there in for the WPIAL championship but games like (USC) you just can’t beat.”
When it comes to beating the Blue Devils, USC encounters another dimension. It’s a battle of wits as players like Mitchell are honors students.
Mitchell maintains a 4.8 GPA. In fact, he won the academic award for his highest grade-point average given at the Great Eight Classic held in Missouri over the holidays. Regarding brain power, Mitchell said he believes it helps in game situations and in staying calm.
“Just analyzing and making reads plays a big factor. I think that’s with everyone on our team,” he said. “We have a really smart group of guys. Mentally, we are pretty tough.”
The Blue Devils were tough against the desperate Hawks, who’ve seen their playoff hopes fade. In Lebo’s triumph, Jake Hoffman exploded for 37 points while Blaine Gartley pitched in 16 tallies. Tommy DiRienzo (15), Anthony Chiccitt (13) and Alex Mullen (12) led BP.
Previously, the Hawks lost to Peters Township, 79-71. Ryan Meis fired in 35 points followed by Mullen (13) and DiRienzo (12). Colin Cote (33) and Thomas Melonja (24) led the Indians (12-4, 4-4)
Meanwhile, USC had to face Bethel Park (Feb. 1) before squaring off against Lebo. Plus, the Panthers were coming off the three-point loss to Canon-McMillan, which earned a postseason berth with the triumph.
In the loss, Luke Gensler (22), Andrew Casey (13), Chris Pantelis (12) and Luke Geisler (10) led the way for USC. Luke Palma (23), Drew Engel (18) and Tommy Samosky (15) paced the Big Macs.
Though USC jumped out to a 14-5 lead, an 11-5 C-M run cut the lead to 19-16. The Panthers clung to a 38-37 lead at halftime. However, the Big Macs gained full control in the fourth, opening up as much as a 72-65 advantage after a 3-pointer from Tyler Crawford. Two Gensler treys cut the margin to three. The Panthers missed two chances to push the game into overtime when shots by Pantelis and Gensler bounced off the rim.
In Section 2, 5A action, Chartiers Valley (14-3, 9-2) defeated West Mifflin, 77-48. Joe Pipilo (25), Brayden Reynolds (17) and Jared Goldstrom (15) were in double digits for the Colts. CV also beat Thomas Jefferson, 68-54. Pipilo (19), Goldstrom (14), Tyler Shaw (11) and Reynolds (11) led the attack.
Finally, South Fayette succumbed to Moon, 44-33. Connor Mislan led the Lions with 17 tallies.