Class 6A girls title up for grabs
The field in Class 6A is wide open as the WPIAL girls basketball tournament in that classification commences play.
For the first time since 1984, the league has allowed any team to enter the playoffs.
“We are very thankful that the WPIAL is moving forward with the tournament,” said Mt. Lebanon head coach Dori Oldaker. “The open tournament makes this extra season even more exciting.”
Though North Allegheny and Upper St. Clair earned the top seeds, the largest classification in girls basketball may just be so wide open that any of the 14 entrants could capture the championship.
“It’s anybody’s for the taking,” said Oldaker.
USC head coach Pete Serio agreed. But, he gave the nod to NA, which has won three of the last four titles, including in 2020.
“This year’s tournament is so different than previous years. 6A is very competitive,” he said. “They are the team to beat.”
The Tigers’ only loss of the season came at the hands of Trinity Feb. 20. The Hillers are seeded No. 1 ahead of Chartiers Valley in the Class 5A tournament.
NA defeated CV 61-59, knocked off Seneca Valley twice and beat USC Jan. 9.
The blemish was the lone loss on USC’s schedule heading into a clash with CV Feb. 25. The Panthers have had some impressive wins this winter, including a rare season sweep of rival Bethel Park.
The Hawks were WPIAL runners-up to NA last season. They are seeded No. 5 in this year’s tournament and will host Shaler in the first round at 6 p.m. March 3.
BP is led by Olivia Westphal, a Duquesne recruit, who averages 23.5 points per game.
USC has endeavored to compete with the best while playing without two experienced starters from last year’s WPIAL semifinal squad. Sophomore guard Ava Keating suffered a shoulder injury and fellow guard Mia Brown injured her knee before the season started.
Kate Robbins, who is averaging 15 points per game, and Paige Dellicarri, who is averaging 12, Molly James, Abby John and Alex Prunzik have meshed well together as starters. The Panthers also get a big assist from key reserve players such as Samantha Prunzik and Kate Moore.
“All of us in this together,” said Serio after USC’s 50-42 win at Bethel Park Feb. 18. “Whether a starter or not, they are all contributors. We had some injuries, but players stepped up. Life is about getting opportunities and seizing them and that’s what my young team has done.
“And,” Serio continued, “these kids really share the basketball. The key word for us is together.”
Though Lebo is led by Ashleigh Connor and her 21.6 scoring average, the Blue Devils boast balance.
Morgan Palmer is the lone senior starter and team captain. Reagan Murdoch and Brooke Collins also play integral roles as veteran starters on a squad that boasts an abundance of talented sophomores and freshmen.
Lebo will host Seneca Valley at 6 p.m. March 6 in its playoff opener. The Raiders recently defeated No. 10 Pine-Richland. They are led by Olivia West, who is averaging 16.3 points per game.
“They are a talented team that is playing really well right now,” said Oldaker. “Coach Epps does a great job preparing her team and they will be ready to go. We’ll be prepared for this challenge.”
In Class 5A, Chartiers Valley faces the challenge of defending their WPIAL championship. The Colts have won three of the past four titles, including back-to-back championships in 2019 and 2020. CV also won a PIAA title in 2019. The Colts also shattered the state record with 64 consecutive victories this winter.
“I like the way we are playing right now but our goal is to get better every game,” CV head coach Tim McConnell said.
In order to continue being successful, McConnell said the Colts need to “shoot the ball well, play great defense and rebound better.”
Aislin Malcolm leads CV in scoring with a 17.6-point average. Perri Page follows with 14.5 points per game and also manages 10.8 rebounds a game.
The juniors, along with the rest of their teammates, desire to win more titles.
“We are always hungry,” said McConnell. “There’s no pressure on these girls. They just need to play hard and together and enjoy the ride.”
Peters Township and South Fayette also entered the WPIAL tournament.
The Indians host Pine-Richland at 8 p.m. March 2 in Class 6A action. They are led by Journey Thompson. She is averaging 17.8 points per game.
The Lions host Connellsville at 6 p.m. March 1. The winner travels to Latrobe for a 6 p.m. tip March 4.