Butler wins fifth WPIAL Title, First since 1991

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In a rematch of last year’s WPIAL title, a game won by Mt. Lebanon, it was the Butler Golden Tornado who got revenge defeating the Blue Devils, 60-51, Saturday night at the Petersen Events Center.

It was a huge offensive first quarter for the Golden Tornado hitting on all cylinders and jumping out to a 23-14 lead. Butler’s Devin Carney had 13 points in the opening frame. Golden Tornado extended the lead to double figures at the half leading 42-30. They shot 61 percent from the field in the first half.

It was a wild third quarter as Mt. Lebanon was able to get the lead all the way down to three, just for Butler to expand the lead back to 11 heading into the fourth quarter, 55-44. The Blue Devils continued to battle but Butler did just enough to never lead the game in doubt and win their first WPIAL title since 1991, 70-61.

Carney led all scorers with 24 points. Ethan Morton stuffed the stat sheet scoring 20 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and dished out five assists. Mattix Clement added 15 points.

Jake Hoffman led Mt. Lebanon with 20 points.

Butler improves to 20-4 overall. Up next for the Golden Tornado will be Central Dauphin (22-6), the fifth-place team out of District 3, Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. at North Allegheny High School in the state playoffs.

Mt. Lebanon falls to 18-7 overall. The Blue Devils will open their state tournament run against Cedar Crest (23-5) the fourth-place team out of District 3, Saturday, March 7 at 4:30 p.m. at Peters Township High School.