Bishop Guilfoyle Academy girls basketball coach Kristi Kaack has been selected the Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Coach of the Year in Class 1A for the third time in her seven years coaching at the high school level.

Kaack was picked as the 2A Coach of the Year in 2020, meaning she’s been voted the top coach in her classification in the state in more than half her seasons on the BG bench.

“I feel humbled and blessed this year,” Kaack said. “Obviously I give credit to the girls that I’m coaching, because they are the ones going out and actually doing what we’re asking them to do. I also want to thank my coaching staff, who puts in way more time than just the practice hours every single day. It’s an individual award, but it’s definitely a combined effort from a lot of different people.”

The Lady Marauders won their record-tying ninth PIAA girls basketball championship, 53-34, over Linville Hill Christian in March. Kaack also won state titles in 2024 and 2021 when she previously won the Class 1A top coaching honor.

In 2020, Bishop Guilfoyle was in the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinals when the rest of the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to Kaack, two Bishop Guilfoyle players were honored on the second team — sophomores Morgan Ruggery and Anberlyn Petrecca. Ruggery was a third-team selection as a freshman.

“I am proud of them, and we feel like it’s completely deserved,” Kaack said. “They are two kids that have won us a lot of games on both ends of the floor, so for them to receive this recognition, we’re very excited.”

Williamsburg, which made it to the PIAA Class 1A quarterfinals for the fourth straight season, also had two players recognized.

LeeAnna Royer, a junior, was voted to the second team for the second year in a row, and sophomore Levada Gorsuch landed on the third team.

“LeeAnna and Levada both complement each other on the floor,” Williamsburg coach Angela Detwiler said. “They bring a strong one-two punch with their combination of speed, agility and height. They are best friends, and they’ve been playing together since they were little. It is evident on the floor because of the way they read each other. It is a great honor for both of them to be selected. I’m looking for them both to continue to improve and do great things next season for the Lady Pirates.”

Glendale’s Madison Peterson also made the Class 1A third team.

“I’m very proud of Madi and everything she’s accomplished in her basketball career,” Glendale coach Chase Hill said. “She’s an amazing athlete who has done a lot for our program. She’s been a leader and role model for not only the varsity team but for the junior high and elementary teams too. She’s beyond deserving of being all-state and we couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Clairton senior Iyanna Wade was picked at the 1A Player of the Year, Saint Joseph’s junior Naomi Crispin made the first team after being on the second team a year ago, and Blacklick Valley senior Kristin Szymusiak was also on the third team.

In Class 5A, Hollidaysburg senior Bella Vent was voted onto the third team after helping the Lady Tigers reach the PIAA quarterfinals where they lost to eventual state champion South Fayette. Vent was the Altoona Mirror’s Player of the Year as a junior and was again a first-teamer this season.

“Bella has consistently raised the bar with her dedication, skill, and leadership on the court,” Hollidaysburg coach Deanna Jubeck said. “Being named to the third-team all-state squad in 5A is a testament to her hard work and the impact she’s had on our program. She’s earned every bit of this recognition.”

Cambria Heights senior Sienna Kirsch was selected to the second team in Class 3A after leading the Lady Highlanders to the PIAA playoffs, and fellow Heritage Conference senior Ava Persichetti of River Valley made the first team again.

“I’m very happy for Sienna,” Cambria Heights coach Eric Thomas said. “She has worked hard throughout her career, and it is nice to see her rewarded. She scored 1,632 points in high school, which is impressive, while also leading her team in rebounds and steals.”

In Class 2A, Bellwood-Antis junior Lilly Gerwert was picked to the third team.

“Lilly has done a great job for us dominating the glass and being a force with her high performance consistency inside,” Bellwood-Antis coach Kyley Longo said. “She’s always working to add to her skill set and is continually working on her game. I look forward to seeing where the next year takes her, because I know she hasn’t hit her ceiling yet. I am very happy for her and her accomplishments.”

Also at 2A, Berlin Brothersvalley coach Rachel Prosser and her daughter, Coral, were honored as 2A Coach of the Year and with a first-team selection. Cami Beppler, a Bishop McCort senior, was also picked as a first-teamer.