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PIAA hoop preview capsules

TONIGHT

BOYS

CLASS AA

Conemaugh Township (5-1) vs. Northern Cambria (6-2)

Teams: Northern Cambria Colts (22-5); Conemaugh Township Indians (24-3)

Site, time: Richland High School Sports Center, Johnstown, 7 p.m.

The coaches: Northern Cambria – Dan Weber (154-123 in 10 years). Conemaugh Township – Chuck Lesko (90-34 in five years).

Playoff path: Northern Cambria – defeated Richland, 71-66, in the District 6 first round; defeated Tyrone, 64-54, in the District 6 quarterfinals; defeated Bald Eagle Area, 59-54, in the District 6 semifinals; lost to Penn Cambria, 63-43, in the District 6 championship; defeated Apollo-Ridge, 58-53, in the PIAA first round. Conemaugh Township – defeated Tussey Mountain, 68-55, in the District 5 semifinals; defeated Northern Bedford, 75-29, in the District 5 championship; defeated Westinghouse, 54-44, in the District 5-8 subregional play-in game; defeated Brentwood, 53-49, in the PIAA first round.

Starting lineups: Northern Cambria – G Derek Bearer (10, 5-8 sr., 4.5), G Adam Polites (23, 6-2 sr., 20.1), G Josh Bonatesta (33, 5-10 sr., 12.5), F Nick Lee (22, 5-11 sr., 7.3), F Jeff Hogan (35, 6-3 sr., 14.8). Conemaugh Township – G Austin Speigle (12, 6-1 jr., 3.6), G Josh Burns (44, 5-9 sr., 11.5), G Dillon Boyer (30, 6-0 sr., 14.2), G-F Jeremy Sotosky (40, 6-3 sr., 11.1), F Jeff Fisher (32, 6-1 sr., 12.7).

Key reserves: Northern Cambria – F Alex Atkins (30, 6-3 sr., 0.9). Conemaugh Township – F Jeff Callihan (14, 6-1 jr., 5.4), G Jake Formica (24, 6-1 jr., 1.8), F Luke Maurer (10, 6-1 so., 3.1), G Evan Steeves (20, 6-1 so., 1.7).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of the game between Bishop McCort (6-3) and West Middlesex (10-1) on Saturday at a site to be announced.

Notable: This is the Colts’ second trip to the second round of interdistricts in three years. The only other time Northern Cambria advanced to the second round or beyond was when it won the PIAA title in 1965. Both teams defeated WPIAL opponents in the opening round. District 7 teams were 2-5 in the first round of the tournament. Township was 2-2 to start the year. The Indians have won 22 of the last 23 games. Northern Cambria has made 157 3-pointers this season, compared to 94 for Township. Township defeated the District 6 runner-up last year, Bellwood-Antis, before falling against Beaver Falls in the quarterfinals. The teams have four common opponents from this season. Conemaugh Township is 6-0 against Blacklick Valley, Portage, Richland and Penn Cambria. Northern Cambria is 2-2 against those teams.

GIRLS

CLASS A

Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic (6-1) vs. Serra Catholic (7-2)

Teams: Serra Catholic Lady Eagles (24-3); Bishop Guilfoyle Lady Marauders (25-2)

Site, time: Indiana High School, Indiana, Pa., 7:30 p.m.

The coaches: Serra Catholic – Bill Cleary (524-165 in 26 years). Bishop Guilfoyle – Mark Moschella (501-129 in 21 years).

Playoff path: Serra Catholic – defeated Jefferson Morgan, 85-45, in the District 7 second round; defeated Rochester, 61-42, in the District 7 quarterfinals; defeated Pittsburgh North Catholic, 56-45, in the District 7 semifinals; lost to Vincentian, 53-46, in the District 7 championship; defeated Cochranton, 67-43, in the PIAA first round. Bishop Guilfoyle – defeated United, 53-27, in the District 6 quarterfinals; defeated Penns Manor, 53-17, in the District 6 semifinals; defeated Portage, 61-36, in the District 6 championship; defeated Johnsonburg, 47-26, in the PIAA first round.

Starting lineups: Serra Catholic – G Katie Sieg (5, 5-6 so., 11.5), G Jessie Manfredi (14, 5-6 sr., 5.9), G Leslie Hoye (21, 5-6 jr., 9.7), G Megan Sieg (34, 5-7 jr., 12.7), C Nicole Pero (24, 6-0 jr., 10.1). Bishop Guilfoyle – G Brittany Boslet (22, 5-8 sr., 6.6), G Kayla Bates (12, 5-8 sr., 10.1), G-F Halee Adams (44, 5-8 sr., 16.1), F Devin Stessney (24, 5-9 sr., 8.5), F Elyssa Ehredt (5, 5-7 sr., 7.2).

Key reserves: Serra Catholic – G Lauren Czerwien (3, 5-5 jr., 2.3), F Lindsay Muschar (15, 5-9 sr., 5.7), G Danielle Dindak (22, 5-8 jr., 6.8). Bishop Guilfoyle – F Kristen Miller (35, 5-9 sr., 3.8), G Alexis Craig (4, 5-4 sr., 2.8).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of the game between Conemaugh Township (5-1) and Clarion (9-1) on Saturday at a site to be announced.

Notable: Although both programs have been very successful, this is the first time they’ve played each other since the Lady Marauders beat the Lady Eagles in a state first-round game at Bishop Carroll in 1989. … This is the first time Serra has made it to the PIAA tournament since losing in the first round to Saltsburg in 2008 and the first time the Lady Eagles have gotten beyond the first round since 2006. Serra was the PIAA Class A champion in 2005. Two of Serra’s losses are to Vincentian. The other is against Belle Vernon. Manfredi, who averages 6 assists, is going to Chatham. Pero and Muschar combine for 12 rebounds per game. Guilfoyle was eliminated from the playoffs in the second round last year by Fort Cherry. The Lady Marauders still have advanced from this round 21 times in 32 trips. Adams is leading the Lady Marauders with 6.6 rebounds per game and assists with 3.8.

– Philip Cmor

PIAA hoop preview capsules

FRIDAY

BOYS CLASS A

Bishop Carroll Catholic (6-2) vs. Shanksville-Stonycreek (5-2)

Teams: Shanksville-Stonycreek Vikings (21-4); Bishop Carroll Huskies (21-5)

Site, time: Central Cambria High School, Ebensburg, 8 p.m.

The coaches: Shanksville-Stonycreek – Robert Snyder (103-69 in seven years). Bishop Carroll – Cosie Aliquo (90-68 in six years).

Playoff path: Shanksville-Stonycreek – defeated Forbes Road, 47-24, in the District 5 quarterfinals; defeated H.O.P.E. for Hyndman, 63-48, in the District 5 semifinals; lost to Shade, 59-43, in the District 5 championship. Bishop Carroll – defeated Glendale, 78-42, in the District 6 quarterfinals; defeated Juniata Valley, 62-21, in the District 6 semifinals; lost to Bishop Guilfoyle, 42-39, in the District 6 championship.

Starting lineups: Shanksville-Stonycreek – G Dylan Glessner (24, 5-9 sr., 3.3), G Jordan Wilt (22, 5-10 sr., 9.9), G Ryan Platt (20, 6-0 jr., 11.1), F Carter Slade (44, 6-2, sr., 16.2), F Conner Fleegle (42, 6-3 sr., 3.4). Bishop Carroll – G David Maruca (4, 5-10 jr., 4.7) G Mitchell Madonna (24, 5-9 jr., 3.4), G Brandon Martinazzi (23, 5-10 so., 17.8), F Scott Ranck (22, 6-2 sr., 14.0), F Marcus Lee (12, 6-5 jr., 11.8).

Key reserves: Shanksville-Stonycreek – F Nathan Gardner (40, 6-1 sr., 4.5), G Ben Bittner (30, 6-0 so., 2.6), F Joe Hudak (32, 6-2 fr., 3.0), F Ben Duppstadt (50, 6-0 sr., 1.0), G Tanner Ferko (10, 5-10 so., 2.3). Bishop Carroll – F Nik Suckinos (15, 6-0 so., 5.1), G Scott Lucas (11, 5-10 so., 1.8), F Nick Burk (42, 6-4 jr., 1.5).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of the game between Vincentian (7-1) and North Clarion (9-4) on Tuesday.

Notable: Carroll is in the PIAA tourney for the seventh time in 10 years. This is the Huskies’ fifth appearance in the bracket in the last six seasons. … Carroll last advanced through the first round in 2008, when the Huskies, as 6-1, defeated District 5 consolation game winner Conemaugh Township. … Shanksville is making its first interdistrict appearance since winning District 5 Class A in 2006. The Vikings are the only team to beat Shade this season. Slade is a 1,000-point career scorer and averages 8.0 rebounds per game. … Martinazzi and Ranck have accounted for 45 of the Huskies’ 66 3-pointers this season. … Martinazzi is shooting better than 50 percent from the field and had made 56 percent of his 3-point attempts heading into the district final.

Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic (6-1) vs. Smethport (9-4)

Teams: Smethport Hubbers (22-3); Bishop Guilfoyle Marauders (20-5)

Site, time: Altoona Area High School Fieldhouse, 7:30 p.m.

The coaches: Smethport – Dan Zeigler (58-15 in three years). Bishop Guilfoyle – Chris Drenning (20-5 in one year).

Playoff path: Smethport – defeated Cameron County, 56-36, in the District 9 quarterfinals; lost to Johnsonburg, 56-49, in overtime in the District 9 semifinals; lost to North Clarion, 64-48, in the District 9 consolation. Bishop Guilfoyle – defeated Ferndale, 56-37, in the District 6 quarterfinals; defeated Homer-Center, 68-55, in the District 6 semifinals; defeated Bishop Carroll, 42-39, in the District 6 championship.

Starting lineups: Smethport – G Dario Caminite (10, 6-0 sr., 2.9), G Clay Schuler (20, 5-10 sr., 12.6), F Nate Wilber (24, 6-3 jr., 5.0), F Zach Smith (34, 6-4 sr., 22.7), C Dylan Mott (42, 6-0 sr., 5.6). Bishop Guilfoyle – G Pat Irwin (2, 5-11 sr., 7.1), G Brandon Drenning (24, 6-0 sr., 13.6), G C.J. Fulare (11, 5-11 jr., 4.5), F Tyler Koehle (5, 6-1 sr., 3.3), F Zach Patterson (32, 6-3 sr., 6.9).

Key reserves: Smethport – C Ryan Stratton (44, 5-11 jr., 3.7), G Ryan Corbett (22, 6-0, jr., 4.6), F Tyler Woodard (30, 6-3 jr., 1.2). Bishop Guilfoyle – G-F Damon Rickens (3, 6-0 jr., 6.1), G Sam McCloskey (20, 5-10 so., 7.4), F Brandon Chadbourn (35, 6-0 so., 3.4), G Nate Nardelli (10, 5-10 sr., 1.1).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of the game between Clairton (7-2) and Cochranton (10-2) on Tuesday.

Notable: Marauders return to interdistricts for the second year in a row. They lost in the first round as the District 6 consolation game winner last season. BG is seeking its first interdistrict playoff win since beating St. Joseph’s by forfeit in the 2008 first round. The WPIAL school refused to travel to Central Cambria in a snow and ice storm that night. Smethport made the state playoffs last year when the Hubbers were the District 9 Class AA champion. They lost in the first round to Jeannette. Drenning enters the game with 78 3-pointers. Irwin is averaging 7.2 assists. Smethport had a 21-game winning streak snapped in the District 9 semifinals. Guilfoyle’s only loss this season to a Class A opponent came in its first of three games against Bishop Carroll.

CLASS AAAA

Hollidaysburg (6-1) vs. Penn-Trafford (7-5)

Teams: Penn-Trafford Lady Warriors (19-5); Hollidaysburg Lady Tigers (22-2)

Site, time: Altoona Area High School Fieldhouse, 6 p.m.

The coaches: Penn-Trafford – John Giannikas (97-70 in seven years). Hollidaysburg – Deanna Jubeck (59-16 in three years).

Playoff path: Penn-Trafford – defeated Plum, 50-40, in the District 7 second round; lost to Bethel Park, 43-34, in the District 7 quarterfinals. Hollidaysburg – defeated Mifflin County, 58-43, in the District 6 semifinals; defeated Altoona, 71-53, in the District 6 championship.

Starting lineups: Penn-Trafford – G Nicole Hyland (24, 5-10 sr., 5.2), G Taylor Cortazzo (15, 5-5 sr., 12.4), G Casey Aunkst (13, 5-7 so., 8.0), F Maria Palarino (12, 5-10 so., 13.2), F Maddy Mosselem (10, 5-11 sr., 7.3). Hollidaysburg – G Alexia Servello (5, 5-4 sr., 3.7), G Michele Muir (23, 5-6 sr., 5.4), G Hannah Mercer (34, 5-7 sr., 7.5), F Courteney Storm (11, 5-9 jr., 9.2), C Morgan Griffith (40, 6-0 sr., 15.0).

Key reserves: Penn-Trafford – G Morgan Rector (2, 5-6 sr., 5.8), F Cassie Patterson (22, 5-10 sr., 3.6), G Jackie Bevilacqua (23, 5-6 sr., 3.8), G Mia Barchetti (5, 5-2 sr., 3.2). Hollidaysburg – G Susie Ellis (24, 5-5 sr., 12.4), F Morgan Jennings (2, 5-10 jr., 6.5).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of the game between Bethel Park (7-1) and Mount Lebanon (7-4) on Tuesday.

Notable: Lady Tigers are making their fifth consecutive trip to interdistricts but their first in Class AAAA since 2010. … Hollidaysburg is going for its third straight first-round playoff victory. … Penn-Trafford is making its second trip to interdistricts in three years. The Lady Warriors’ section title two years ago was the program’s first in almost 40 years. Seven Lady Warriors have made at least 10 3-pointers this season and five average at least 2.1 assists. Muir raised her scoring average a full point by pouring in 17 in the 6-AAAA championship game win against Altoona. She also has nine steals in the playoffs. The District 6 final marked the 10th time Hollidaysburg has scored at least 70 points in a game this season. Griffith is pulling down 9.3 rebounds per game and had 13 in the district finals.

CLASS AA

Burrell (7-3) vs. Bellwood-Antis (6-2)

Teams: Bellwood-Antis Lady Blue Devils (24-2); Burrell Lady Buccaneers (22-3)

Site, time: Plum High School, Pittsburgh, 6 p.m.

The coaches: Bellwood-Antis – Jim Swaney (61-12 in three years at Bellwood-Antis, 339-206 in 21 years overall). Burrell – Meghan Ziemianski (40-8 in two years at Burrell, 83-57 in six years overall).

Playoff path: Bellwood-Antis – defeated Central Cambria, 55-28, in the District 6 quarterfinals; defeated Westmont Hilltop, 56-53, in the District 6 semifinals; lost to Blairsville, 71-61, in the District 6 championship. Burrell – defeated Carlynton, 47-23, in the District 7 second round; defeated McGuffey, 61-41, in the District 7 quarterfinals; lost to Bishop Canevin, 55-19, in the District 7 semifinals.

Starting lineups: Bellwood-Antis – G Ana Hollen (14, 5-6 so., 14.2), G Bailey Swogger (24, 5-6 jr., 12.6), G Kelly Leamer (42, 4-4 so., 6.0), F Katy Leamer (21, 5-9 sr., 19.0), F Selena Damiano (44, 5-10 so., 5.0). Burrell – G Sydney Bordonaro (21, 5-7 so., 14.0), G Jaila Manga (5, 5-8 jr., 7.9), G Kelsey Oddis (23, 5-7 jr., 7.5), F Natalie Myers (24, 5-9 fr., 10.5), F Jessica Cercone (13, 6-1 jr., 7.7).

Key reserves: Bellwood-Antis – F Lindsey Mercer (40, 5-8 sr., 3.9), G Jacqueline Finn (31, 5-6 so., 1.6). Burrell – G-F Erika Finn (32, 5-8 so., 4.0), F Emma Brown (22, 5-9 jr., 0.4), G Abigail Nitowski (12, 5-4 so., 0.4).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of the game between Brookville (9-1) and Sharpsville (10-3) on Tuesday.

Notable: Bellwood last made it to the state tournament in 2002. That year, the Lady Blue Devils advanced all the way to the Class AA quarterfinals, beating Tussey Mountain and Girard before falling to Cranberry and eventual Virginia Tech recruit Carrie Mason. Burrell is holding opponents to 28.6 points per game. The Lady Bucs only have eight players on their team. Hollen needs two steals to reach 100 this season. Five other Lady Blue Devils have at least 40. Katy Leamer also is averaging a Bellwood team-high 8.1 rebounds per game. A former Lady Buc point guard, Ziemianski is assisted by her father and her brother. She coached at Highlands High School, where she still teaches, before returning to coach at her alma mater.

Everett (5-1) vs. Mohawk (7-5)

Teams: Mohawk Lady Warriors (17-7); Everett Lady Warriors (18-6)

Site, time: University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Sports Center, 6 p.m.

The coaches: Mohawk – Mike O’Lare (89-72 in seven years). Everett – Keith Moyer (151-52 in eight years).

Playoff path: Mohawk – defeated Beaver, 45-36, in the District 7 second round; lost to Bishop Canevin, 56-44, in the District 7 quarterfinals. Everett – defeated North Star, 75-46, in the District 5 semifinals; defeated Tussey Mountain, 44-35, in the District 5 championship.

Starting lineups: Mohawk – G Lucia Fee (21, 5-5 sr., 4.2), G Shelby Brown (20, 5-7 sr., 16.5), G Devon Giancola (23, 5-8 sr., 9.1), F Hannah Morrow (33, 5-7 sr., 3.9), F Paige Ruby (41, 5-10 sr., 9.4). Everett – G Bailey Morral (1, 5-4 sr., 12.7), G Baylee Beegle (2, 5-8 jr., 3.3), G-F Aubrea Phipps (10, 5-10 sr., 14.9), G-F Laura DuVall (13, 5-6 sr., 2.8), F Kadie Morral (14, 6-0 fr., 11.5).

Key reserves: Mohawk – F Holly Duncan (11, 5-6 jr., 0.0), G Sam Carr (13, 5-5 so., 3.2), G Aliya Gage (12, 5-8 fr., 0.8). Everett – F Raelyn Rice (22, 5-9 fr., 2.4), G Allison Snider (24, 5-0 fr., 2.5).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of the game between North East (10-1) and McGuffey (7-7) on Tuesday.

Notable: Everett is back in the tournament for the first time since the Lady Warriors lost a play-in game as the 5-AA runner-up at Cambria Heights in 2010. The Lady Warriors last made it through the first round of the PIAA tournament in 2000, when they beat Westmont Hilltop. Everett did win a PIAA play-in game in 2008 but was eliminated in the first round of the main tournament by Erie Villa Maria. … Mohawk is snapping a 15-year drought of not making it to interdistricts. The Lady Warriors will be without Waynesburg recruit F Katie Hoover (5, 5-11 sr., 3.1), who tore her ACL in mid-January. Both Morrals and Phipps have had 20-point scoring games this season. … Kadie Morral averages 13.0 rebounds.

– Philip Cmor

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