Alumni Update – Butler’s Wyatt Daugherty

Wyatt Daugherty supplied Slippery Rock University with a much-needed dominating performance in a 5-0 Rock victory over Clarion University.

Daugherty, who is tied for fifth in Pennyslvania State Athletic Conference history in career saves, broke from his position as one of the top closers in the region to make his third career start for SRU on Sunday.

He responded by limiting CU to just five hits while striking out six batters over seven innings. His strong start came on the heels of a three-inning save in SRU’s 5-2 win against Seton Hill University on April 2.

He did not allow a run in 10 innings pitched last week while going 1-0 with one save.

The Butler graduate was named PSAC Western Division Pitcher of the Week for his performance.

(photo courtesy of Slippery Rock University)

Mt. Lebanon Wins First WPIAL Title In Nine Years

Mt. Lebanon knew what it took to defeat Butler. The Blue Devils did it early in the season in convincing fashion, 87-60.

The game plan for the rematch in the Class 6A WPIAL Championship Game at the Petersen Events Center was different, but the result was the same.

Mt. Lebanon got out to an early lead and held on later for a 62-57 win, giving them its first boys basketball title in nine years.

The Blue Devils led after every quarter, but the lead was trimmed to one, 47-46, entering the fourth quarter.

That’s when the victors elected to slow down the pace and keep the ball out of Butler’s hands. With long possessions and clutch play from junior Jake Hoffman and senior Sean Loughran, the Blue Devils were able to pull out the victory.

Loughran finished with 21 points and Hoffman had 19, including five 3-pointers. Senior Mike Palmer was also in double figures with 11 points.

For Butler, junior Ethan Morton led the team with 21 points. Freshman Devin Carney had 13 points and junior Luke Patten finished with 12.

Mt. Lebanon defense was a deciding factor, forcing 13 turnovers to its five.

Mt. Lebanon improves to 22-3 on the season and will face District 3 fifth-place team, Manheim Township in the first round of the PIAA playoffs on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Peters Township.

Butler falls to 20-5 on the season. The Golden Tornado will face District 3 fourth-place team, Chambersburg in the first round of the PIAA playoffs on Saturday at 4:30 at Canon-McMillan.

Boys Basketball Class 6A Championship Preview

No. 3 Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils (21-3) vs. No. 5 Butler Gold Tornado (20-4) At Petersen Events Center

The top two seeds will not be competing Class 6A WPIAL Championship but that doesn’t mean two of the top teams in the WPIAL won’t be in the stacked field. Both Butler and Mt. Lebanon were contenders from the beginning of the season. The Golden Tornado earned that status led by junior standout, Ethan Morton, and role players such as junior Luke Patten, sophomore Mattix Clement and freshman Devin Carney. Mt. Lebanon bounced back after being the top-seed last year and losing a couple of starters. The Blue Devils won the section again this year with two first-team all-section players, juniors Jake Hoffman and Blaine Gartley. Seniors Sean Loughran and Hayden Mitchell made second team and honorable mention, respectively…Both teams eclipsed the 20-win plateau on the season during their playoff runs. Mt. Lebanon has made it look easy with a couple of double-digit wins against No. 6 Fox Chapel and No. 7 Canon-McMillan. The Blue Devils defeated the Big Macs in the semifinals, 58-39. It was the third double digit win against them this season. Hoffman led with 17 points. Gartley finished with 15 and Loughran with 12. Mt. Lebann is seeking its third championship under head coach Joe David and first since 2010…Butler survived all the way from the first round. The Golden Tornado defeated No. 12 Connellsville, No. 4 Upper St. Clair, and No. 1 Pine-Richland on their path to the Pete. The 70-68 win against the Rams in the semifinals was their first in three games this season against their section rivals. Morton led the way with 40 points in the game. Butler will be looking for its first WPIAL title since 1991…This is the second matchup of the season between Mt. Lebanon and Butler, with the Blue Devils winning 87-60 at home on Dec. 18.

For a complete look at the Class 6A bracket, click here.

Boys Basketball Class 6A Semifinal Preview

The North and the South have controlled the highest classification all season long. The two sections will clash again with one putting contender to win the WPIAL title.

Both games will be at 8 p.m. on a neutral court.

No. 1 Pine-Richland Rams (21-2) vs. No. 5 Butler Golden Tornado (19-4) At Fox Chapel

With just about a quarter to go in its quarterfinal game, top-seed Pine-Richland needed a miracle to advance to tonight’s game. That’s exactly what the Rams got. They erased a 17-point deficit against No. 9 Peters Township with just over a quarter to go and got a game-winning layup from senior Colin Luellen as time expired. The Rams outscored the Indians 23-7 in the final quarter. Senior Dan Petcash led the comeback with 23 points. Senior Greg Shulkosky finished with 13 points and junior Logan Murray finished with 11 points. Pine-Richland defeated Woodland Hills, 65-61, in the semifinals last year…After coming close to a bye, Butler advanced to the semifinals after knocking off the team that got a bye over them, No. 4 Upper St. Clair, 75-70. The game stayed close throughout, with the Golden Tornado finishing strong in the fourth quarter. Junior Ethan Morton led the team with 32 points. Freshman Devin Carney finished with 12 points and sophomore Mattix Clement had 11 points. Butler last competed in the semifinals two years ago, defeating Woodland Hills, 54-36…Pine-Richland swept the regular season series, winning 79-74 on Jan. 8 and 95-76 on Jan. 29.

No. 3 Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils (20-3) vs. No. 7 Canon-McMillan Big Macs (16-8) At Moon

The long layoff didn’t effect Mt. Lebanon has they defeated No. 6 Fox Chapel, 56-40, in the quarterfinals. It was a hot start for the Blue Devils, hit made seven of their first nine shots and led 19-11 after the first quarter. Senior Hayden Mitchell led the charge with 19 points. Junior Jake Hoffman was also in double figures with 11 points. Mt. Lebanon is looking for a better outcome after losing in the semifinals last year as the top-seed to Penn Hills, 69-66…Canon-McMillan has entrenched themselves as the Cinderella team of the tournament. After nearly being eliminated in the first round, the Big Macs, led from start to finish in the quarterfinals against No. 2 Latrobe, coming away with a 83-62 victory. Leading the victory was senior Ethan Beachy with 25 points. Senior Luke Palma and junior Tommy Samosky finished with 19 points apiece and senior Drew Engel added 12…Mt. Lebanon easily swept the regular season series, winning 78-46 on Jan. 4 and 70-50 on Jan. 25.

For a complete look at the Class 6A bracket, click here.

Class 6A Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Preview

The last set of teams for Class 6A boys basketball will finally get on the court for a meaningful game today, ending their nearly two week layoff from the regular season.

All games will be played in the afternoon on a neutral court

No. 1 Pine-Richland Rams (20-2) vs. No. 9 Peters Township Indians (16-7) At North Hills, 3 PM

It’s been awhile since Pine-Richland has suffered a defeat. The undefeated Section 1 champions started the season 1-2, but have won their last 19 games. They are led by a couple of first-team all-section picks in senior guards Dan Petcash and Greg Shulkosky. The Rams are also coached by Section Coach of the Year, Jeff Ackerman. Petcash is leading the team with 22.2 points per game and Shulkosky is pouring in 15.4 per game. Pine-Richland defeated Fox Chapel in the quarterfinals last year, also played at North Hills, 48-39…Peters Township made a statement with their first round blowout against No. 8 Penn-Trafford, 74-56. The Indians outscored the Warriors 46-31 in the second half to pull away. They had five players score in double figures, led by junior Sam Petrarca with 16 points. Senior Dax Ploskina finished with 15, junior Colin Cote had 14 and seniors Thomas Melonja and Sean Werner each added 12 points. The Indians last made the quarterfinals in 2012 when they lost 55-47 to Central Catholic…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 2 Latrobe Wildcats (18-2) vs. No. 7 Canon-McMillan Big Macs (15-8) At Norwin, 3 PM

Just like Pine-Richland, Latrobe is entering the playoffs with a double-digit win streak, winning its last 10 games. They are also undefeated section champions. The Wildcats put two players on first-team all-section team with senior guards Reed Fenton and Bryce Butler. Brad Wetzel was named the Section Coach of the Year. Butler led the team with 22.4 points per game and Fenton had 19.1. Latrobe lost in the quarterfinals last year to Mt. Lebanon, 89-52…Canon-McMillan were nearly eliminated last round, but came back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter against No. 10 North Allegheny and won in overtime, 61-59. Senior Drew Engel led the comeback with 21 points. Senior Ethan Beachy finished with 14 points and senior Elliott Waller and junior Tommy Samosky finished with 10 points apiece. The Big Macs lost in the quarterfinals last year to Woodland Hills, 57-41…This is the second meeting of the season between Latrobe and Canon-McMillan, with the Wildcats pulling out a 72-70 win on the road in the Canon-McMillan Tip-Off Tournament.

No. 3 Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils (19-3) vs. No. 6 Fox Chapel Foxes (16-7) At Canon-McMillan, 3 PM

Mt. Lebanon picked up a second straight section title after only suffering one loss in section play this year. The Blue Devils have won 12 of 13 games entering the playoffs. They are led by first-team all-section picks, junior guards Jake Hoffman and Blaine Gartley. Hoffman is leading the team with 17.1 points per game. As the top-seed last year, Mt. Lebanon defeated Latrobe, 89-52, in the quarterfinals last year…Fox Chapel started out slow in its first round game against Seneca Valley, but was able to coast from there for a 58-45 win. The Foxes held a 20-17 lead at half before opening the game up in the second half. Junior Arnold Vento led the way with 20 points. Freshman Eli Yofan finished with 16 points and junior Sam Brown had 10. Fox Chapel lost to Pine-Richland in the quarterfinals last year, 48-39…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 4 Upper St. Clair Panters (19-3) vs. No. 5 Butler Golden Tornado (18-4) At Canon-McMillan, 1:30 PM

Upper St. Clair was the last unbeaten team in Class 6A, but a couple of section losses dropped them into second place, but they did enough to receive a first round bye. The Panthers started the season 13-0. They are led by senior Tanner Gensler and sophomore Luke Gensler. Danny Holzer was named the Section Coach of the Year. Tanner is leading the team with 21.3 points per game. Upepr St. Clair last made the quarterfinals in 2015 when they lost to Chartiers Valley, 65-60…Butler struggled more than most people expected in the first round against No. 12 Connellsville, coming away with a 57-48 win. A 15-6 second quarter was the difference in the game. Junior Ethan Morton led the way with 18 points and sophomore Mattix Clement finished with 15. Butler last was in the quarterfinals in 2017 when they defeated Latrobe, 70-64…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

For a complete look at the Class 6A bracket, click here.

Class 6A Boys Basketball First Round Preview

The top boys basketball classification begin the WPIAL playoffs tonight. The 12-team bracket will feature byes for the top four teams. The top four seeds are Pine-Richland, Latrobe, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair, respectively.

All games will start at 8 p.m. at a neutral site.

No. 5 Butler Golden Tornado (17-4) vs. No. 12 Connellsville Falcons (8-14) At Canon-McMillan

Butler could have easily received a first round bye after finishing in second place in Section 1, but that was awarded to Upper St. Clair. The Golden Tornado were one of the favorites to win it all when the season started. They have won eight of nine games entering the playoffs, with the only loss coming to top-seed Pine-Richland. Butler is led by junior first-team all-section point guard, Ethan Morton. Morton is third in the WPIAL, averaging 27.7 points per game. Butler lost in the first round last year to Latrobe, 73-66…Connellsville benefitted from a weaker section, only winning three section games, which was good enough for the fourth and final playoff spot. The Falcons have lost four of five games entering tonight. They are led by junior first-team all-section forward, Jalen Rogers. Rogers is averaging 18.5 points per game. Connellsville missed the playoffs last year…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 6 Fox Chapel Foxes (15-7) vs. No. 11 Seneca Valley Raiders (11-10) At North Allegheny

Fox Chapel finished second in its section behind Latrobe, and have wins against Pine-Richland and Upper St. Clair on its resume. The Foxes have won six of seven games entering the playoffs. They have three players who made first-team all-section with senior guard Ryan Kerr, and junior guards Sam Brown and Arnold Vento. Vento is averaging 16.8 points per game and Kerr 16.2. Fox Chapel had a bye in last year’s first round…Seneca Valley beat out Central Catholic by two games to easily solidfy the fourth spot in the Section 1 standings. The Raiders ended the regular season with two straight wins. They were led by junior first-team all-section guard, Mason Bush. Bush is averaging 18.2 points per game. Seneca Valley lost in the first round last year to Canon-McMillan, 57-52…Fox Chapel defeated Seneca Valley, 52-45, on Dec. 14 at Fox Chapel.

No. 7 Canon-McMillan Big Macs (14-8) vs. North Allegheny Tigers (13-8) At West Allegheny

This may be the most evenly matched game of the first round against a couple of teams that finished in third place in their respective sections. Canon-McMillan enters the playoffs on a five game winning streak, including a win against No. 4 Upper St. Clair. They are led by a couple of second-team all-section picks, senior guard/forward Elliott Waller and junior guard/forward Tommy Samosky. Canon-McMillan defeated Seneca Valley in the first round last year, 57-52…North Allegheny rebounded from last year to finish in third place in the section. The Tigers also enter tonight’s game on a winning streak, coming out victorious in each of their last four games. They are led by junior first-team all-section guard, Mike Iuzzolino. Iuzzolino is averaging 16.1 points per game. North Allegheny missed the playoffs last year…This is the first meeting of the year between these two teams.

No. 8 Penn-Trafford Warriors (14-8) vs. No. 9 Peters Township Indians (15-7) At Mt. Lebanon

Another evenly matched game pits to PT’s against each other. Penn-Trafford finished in third place in its section. The Warriors have won five out of six games entering the playoffs. They are led by senior first-team all-section guard, Kevin Stinelli. Stinelli is averaging 16.6 points per game. Penn-Trafford missed the playoffs last year…Peters Township struggled in conference play, but was still able to hold onto the fourth spot in the section, two games ahead of Bethel Park. The Indians ended the season with three non-section wins. They are led by junior first-team all-section guard, Colin Cote. Cote is averaging 19.2 points per game. Peters Township did not make the playoffs last year…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

For a complete look at the Class 6A bracket, click here.

Class 6A Boys Basketball All-Section Teams Announced

First-Team Photo Gallery

2018-19 Class 6A Boys Basketball All-Section Teams

SECTION 1
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Ethan MortonButlerPoint GuardJunior
Ben SarsonCentral CatholicForwardJunior
Mike IuzzolinoNorth AlleghenyGuardJunior
Jordan AlbrightNorth HillsGuardSenior
Dan PetcashPine-RichlandGuardSenior
Greg ShulkoskyPine-RichlandGuardSenior
Mason BushSeneca ValleyGuardJunior
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jeff AckermanPine-Richland
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Devin CarneyButlerGuardFreshman
Mattix ClementButlerGuardSophomore
Luke PattenButlerGuardJunior
Nico ErimiasNorth AlleghenyForwardSenior
Colin LuellenPine-RichlandForwardSenior
Kyle PolcePine-RichlandGuardJunior
Marcus MightSeneca ValleyCenterSenior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Mason MontagButlerForwardJunior
Jack CatanzariteCentral CatholicGuardSenior
Walker DavidsonNorth AlleghenyGuardSenior
Mike EgnaczykNorth AlleghenyGuardSenior
Logan MurrayPine-RichlandGuardJunior
Zac ZajacsSeneca ValleyGuardSenior
SECTION 2
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Alex MullenBethel ParkGuardSenior
Ryan MeisBethel ParkGuardJunior
Jake HoffmanMt. LebanonGuardJunior
Blaine GartleyMt. LebanonGuardSophomore
Colin CotePeters TownshipGuardJunior
Tanner GenslerUpper St. ClairForwardSenior
Luke GenslerUpper St. ClairGuardSophomore
COACH OF THE YEAR
Danny HolzerUpper St. Clair
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Christian BarrBaldwinGuardSenior
Thomas DiRienzoBethel ParkGuardJunior
Elliott WallerCanon-McMillanGuard/ForwardSenior
Tommy SamoskyCanon-McMIllanGuard/ForwardJunior
Sean LoughranMt. LebanonGuardSenior
Thomas MelonjaPeters TownshipForwardSenior
Chris PantelisUpper St. ClairGuardSenior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Ethan BeachyCanon-McMillanForwardSenior
Drew EngelCanon-McMIllanGuard/ForwardSenior
Luke PalmaCanon-McMillanGuardSenior
Hayden MitchellMt. LebanonGuardSenior
Dax PloskinaPeters TownshipGuardSenior
Sam PetrarcaPeters TownshipGuardJunior
SECTION 3
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Jalen RogersConnellsvilleForwardSenior
Ryan KerrFox ChapelGuardSenior
Sam BrownFox ChapelGuardJunior
Arnold VentoFox ChapelGuardJunior
Reed FentonLatrobeGuardSenior
Bryce ButlerLatrobeGuardSenior
Kevin StinelliPenn-TraffordGuardSenior
COACH OF THE YEAR
Brad WetzelLatrobe
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Josh MaherConnellsvilleForwardJunior
Reed HippsHempfieldGuardSenior
Ryan SickenbergerLatrobeGuardSophomore
Ty BilinskiNorwinGuardSophomore
Jayden WalkerNorwinForwardSophomore
Zach RoccoPenn-TraffordGuardJunior
Brayden PuskarPenn-TraffordForwardSenior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Dylan BubarthConnellsvilleGuardSenior
Noah MarksFox ChapelGuardSenior
Jules NichollsHempfieldForwardSenior
Michael NoonanLatrobeForwardJunior
Logan LiebzinskiNorwinGuardSenior
Chris AbreuPenn-TraffordForwardSenior

Class 6A Girls Basketball All-Section Teams Announced

First-Team Photo Gallery

2018-19 Class 6A Girls Basketball All-Section Teams

SECTION 1
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Lizzy GroetschNorth AlleghenyGuardSophomore
Rachel MartindaleNorth AlleghenyGuardSenior
Brynn SerbinNorth AlleghenyGuardSenior
Olivia GribbleNorwinGuardJunior
Jayla WehnerNorwinGuardJunior
McKenna GrossSeneca ValleyGuardSenior
Emily CavaciniShalerGuardJunior
COACH OF THE YEAR
Brian BrozeskiNorwin
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Jordan KauffmanButlerGuard/ForwardJunior
Gabby GuerrieriFox ChapelGuardJunior
Alexandra KotwicaNorth HillsGuard/ForwardSophomore
Emily BrozeskiNorwinForwardSenior
Jessica KolesarNorwinGuardSenior
Madelyn KarchutSeneca ValleyForwardJunior
Gretchen KokenSeneca ValleyGuard/ForwardSenior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Julia GibsonButlerForward/CenterSenior
Domenica DelaneyFox ChapelGuardSophomore
Ellie SchwartzmanFox ChapelForwardSophomore
Katerina BalourisNorth AlleghenyGuard/ForwardJunior
Brooke BarciaNorth AlleghenyGuardSenior
Danielle RossoNorwinGuardSophomore
Kendall GessnerPine-RichlandGuard/ForwardSenior
Meghan LaceyShalerGuardJunior
SECTION 2
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Maria CerroBethel ParkGuardSenior
Madelyn DziezgowskiBethel ParkGuard/ForwardJunior
Olivia Westphal Bethel ParkGuardSophomore
Sarah LiberatoreHempfieldGuardJunior
Makenna MarisaPeters TownshipGuardSenior
Isabella MillsPeters TownshipGuardSenior
Journey ThompsonPeters TownshipForwardFreshman
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bert KendallPeters Township
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Tamara MathisCanon-McMillanGuardSenior
Jamey NapoleonMt. LebanonForwardSenior
Patrice SmithMt. LebanonGuardJunior
Morgan PalmerMt. LebanonGuard/ForwardSophomore
Ashleigh ConnorMt. LebanonGuardFreshman
Sarah PriceUpper St. ClairCenterSenior
Cassandra KartsonasUpper St. ClairGuardSenior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Lexi BernotasBaldwinGuardSophomore
Anna LucarelliBaldwinGuardSophomore
Zoe YoudellConnellsvilleGuardSenior
Baileigh BishopConnellsvilleGuardJunior
Jessica PersinHempfieldGuardSenior
Mackenzie LehmanPeters TownshipForwardJunior
Lindsay MeyerUpper St. ClairGuardSenior

Hot Shooting Leads Pine-Richland To Sweep Of Butler

The Pine-Richland boys basketball team knew they needed to play their best to come away with a win at Butler on Tuesday night. The Rams exceeded their expectations, knocking off the Golden Tornado for the second time this season, 95-76.

Pine-Richland beat Butler 79-74 at home on Jan. 8 despite a 51-point effort from junior Ethan Morton. The Rams now hold a two-game lead over the Golden Tornado with two section games to go.

On Tuesday, the Rams racked up the points from beyond the arc, registering 16 3-pointers.

The Rams played with the lead after opening up a 21-11 lead after the first quarter and 44-32 lead at halftime.

Pine-Richland had five players in double figures, led by senior Dan Petcash with 28 points and five 3-pointers. Senior Greg Shulkosky finished with 22 points and three 3-pointers. Junio Kyle Polce had 14 points and three 3-pointers. Junior Patrick Shanahan and senior Colin Luellen added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

For Butler, Morton finished with 20 points. Junior Mason Montag added 19 points and five 3-pointers off the bench. Freshman Devin Carney chipped in with 15 points.

The win improves Pine-Richland to 16-2 overall and 8-0 in the Section 1-6A. The Rams will go for their 16th straight win and section title on Friday when they travel to North Hills at 7:30 p.m.

Butler drops 13-4 overall and 6-2 in the section. The Golden Tornado will travel to Central Catholic on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Morton leads Butler To Win At North Allegheny

Fifth-ranked Butler snapped North Allegheny’s winning streak at four with a 59-44 win at NASH on Tuesday night in Section 1-6A action. Junior standout Ethan Morton led the Golden Tornado with 29 points and 13 rebounds to remain in sole possession of second place in the section.

After playing Butler tough on the road earlier in the season on Dec. 21 in a 72-65 defeat, the Tigers were hoping to upend the Tornado on their own home floor. North Allegheny built a 7-4 lead in the first quarter on the strength of junior Mike Iuzzolino, who scored NA’s first seven points on his way to a team-high 22 points.

In a plodding first half by both teams, Butler used a 20-6 run to take a 24-13 lead by halftime. The Golden Tornado limited the Tigers to 25-percent (5 of 20) in the first half with a 3-2 zone.

North Allegheny fell behind by 18 points early in the third quarter before finally finding a rhythm offensively. The Tigers were aided by the mid-range jumpers of senior Nico Erimias, who scored all nine of his points in the second half, sparking a 9-2 run that cut the score to 35-24, Butler.

Despite the NA spurt, Butler kept Tigers at arm’s length for the rest of the game and prevailed for a 59-44 win. Joining Morton in double digits was Mattix Clement and Luke Patten, scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Following the loss, North Allegheny slips to 9-5 overall and 3-3 in Section 1-6A. Butler improves to 12-4 overall and 5-1 in the section. The Tigers travel to Pine-Richland for another section contest on Friday night. The Golden Tornado will host North Hills on Friday at 8 p.m.