Class 5A Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Preview

After being off for almost two weeks, the remaining Class 5A boys teams that received byes in the first round will finally hit the court tonight in the quarterfinals. The eight remaining teams will with a chance to keep their WPIAL title hops alive and also earn a berth in the PIAA playoffs.

All games tonight will begin at 8 p.m. on a neutral court.

No. 1 Mars Planets (21-1) vs. No. 8 Shaler Titans (16-7) At North Allegheny

Even after losing the Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year with Robby Carmody graduating last year, Mars hasn’t missed a beat. The defending Class 5A WPIAL champions entered this year’s playoffs as the top-seed with its only loss coming to a team from California in the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas. Since then, the Planets have rattled off 16 straight wins. They had a trio of players make first-team all-section with senior guards Andrew Recchia and Khori Fusco and junior forward Michael Carmody getting the recognition. Recchia leads the team with 18 points per game. Fusco and Carmody are averaging 15.8 and 15 points per game, respectively. Mars defeated Hampton in the quarterfinals last year, 72-51…Shaler is coming off its first playoff victory in seven year with a 76-60 victory against McKeesport in Monday. The Titans trailed by three points after the first quarter before taking control of the game. Junior Mekhi Reynolds led the team with 25 points. Senior Matt Bendel poured in 21 and senior Brennan Fugh added 15…This is the third meeting of the season between the section opponents with Mars sweeping the regular season series. The Planets won 68-62 on Jan. 2 and 79-53 on Jan. 22

No. 2 Penn Hills Indians (19-3) vs. No. 7 Montour Spartans (15-8) At Fox Chapel

Penn Hills won the Class 6A WPIAL championship a year ago, and has experienced the same success to this point in Class 5A this season, winning its section by a comfortable three games. The Indians didn’t lose a section game all season and enter tonight’s game on a seven game win streak. They are led by a trio of first-team all-section picks with sophomore Wes Kropp, junior Kyree Hairston-Mitchell and senior Tyree Spencer. Spencer leads the team with 20 points per game and Kropp is averaging 15.4. Penn Hills defeated Central Catholic in the quarterfinals last year, 59-49…Montour pulled away from Hampton on Monday night in its first round matchup for a 60-44 win. The Spartans only held a 29-26 lead at the half. Leading the way for Montour was junior James Eubanks with 21 points. Senior Jaden Nelson finished with 13 points and junior Anthony Tambellini had 12. This is Montour’s first quarterfinal appearance since 2014 when they lost to Central Valley, 50-38…This is the first meeting of the year between these two teams.

No. 3 Moon Tigers (20-1) vs. No. 6 Franklin Regional (17-6) At West Allegheny

Moon was the last boys WPIAL team to suffer a loss this season, and they only suffered one, but they were still put as the third-seed in Class 5A. The loss did come in section play to Chartiers Valley, but they still won the section by two games. The Tigers ended the regular season with back-to-back wins after the loss. They are led by a couple of first-team all-section picks in junior Donovan Johnson and senior Connor Ryan. Johnson leads the team averaging 23 points per game. Ryan is averaging 15.8. Moon will be looking for revenge after losing to Franklin Regional, 28-26, in last year’s quarterfinal round…Franklin Regional kept its hopes of returning to The Pete alive with a 66-41 win against Thomas Jefferson in the first round on Monday. The outcome was never in doubt, as they led 33-18 at halftime. Senior Nick Leopold led for Panthers in double figures with 15 points. Senior Thomas Merante finished with 13 points and junior Logan Summerhill and senior Aidan Wiley finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 4 Woodland Hills Wolverines (18-5) vs. No. 5 Chartiers Valley Colts (17-5) At Mt. Lebanon

This is the lone quarterfinal game that didn’t feature a team that received a bye, as both these teams that finished in second place in their respective sections won their first round game. This will be the second game in a row at Mt. Lebanon for Woodland Hills after they defeated West Allegheny there on Monday night, 69-60. It was the smallest margin of victory out of any of the Class 5A boys basketball first round games. The Wolverines trailed by one at halftime but started to open things up in the second half. They were led by senior Keandre Bowles with 34 points. Senior Markiefe Harvey finished with 22 points. Woodland Hills defeated Canon-McMillan, 57-41, in the quarterfinals last year…Chartiers Valley made easy work of Albert Gallatin in the first round, coming away with a 68-51 win at Peters Township. The Colts opened the game up in the second quarter to take a 39-24 halftime lead. Senior Joe Pipilo led the team with 19 points. Right behind him was junior Jared Goldstrom with 18 points. Sophomore Brayden Reynolds added 15 points. Chartiers Valley last made the quarterfinals two years ago when they defeated Gateway, 46-43…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

For a complete look at the Class 5A bracket, click here.

Class 5A Girls Basketball First Round Preview

The Class 5A girls basketball playoffs are underway tonight with the first round. The 12 team field will feature byes for the top four seeds, Chartiers Valley, Oakland Catholic, Gateway, and Penn Hills, respectively.

All games will be played on a neutral court.

No. 5 Franklin Regional Panthers (16-6) vs. No. 12 South Fayette Lions (13-9) At Keystone Oaks, 8 p.m.

Franklin Regional finished a game behind Gateway for the section title, just missing out on a first round bye. The Panthers have won seven out of their last nine games entering the playoffs. They have been led by senior transfer Cali Konek and senior forward Jordan Yaniga. Both were named first-team all-section. Konek recorded 1,000 points in her freshman season while at Imani Christian. She is averaging 15.6 points per game. Franklin Regional missed the playoffs last year…South Fayette finished in a fourth place tie in Section 1 but were the lone team to enter the playoffs after sweeping the regular season series against Moon. The Lions have lost their last three games entering the playoffs. They are led by senior first-team all-section guard, Maura Castelluci. South Fayette lost in the first round last year to Oakland Catholic, 63-42…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 6 Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (16-6) vs. No. 11 Plum Mustangs (11-11) At North Allegheny, 6:30 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson was stuck in the same section with undefeated and top-seed Chartiers Valley, pushing them to finish second in the section. The Jaguars are peaking at the right time, winning five straight games entering the first round. They are led by senior first-team all-section guard, Jenna Clark. Clark is averaging 20.5 points per game. Thomas Jefferson defeated Montour in the first round last year, 84-45…Plum beat out Armstrong by a game for the final playoff spot in the section to extend its season. The Mustangs are also clicking at the right time, winning four out of their last five games. They are led by sophomore first-team all-section forward, Kennedie Montue. Montue is averaging 18.3 points per game. Plum lost to Trinity in the first round last year, 54-31…This is the first meeting of the season between the teams.

No. 7 Mars Planets (17-5) vs. No. 10 Woodland Hills Wolverines (12-10) At Hampton, 8 p.m.

The path will be tougher this time around, but the reigning PIAA champion is in the field to defend its title after finishing third in its section. The Planets are entering tonight’s game on a four game win streak. They are led by senior first-team all-section guard, Tai Johnson. Johnson is averaging 19 points per game. Mars defeated Uniontown in the first round last year, 54-33…Woodland Hills rallied from an 0-4 start to the season to finish in fourth place in the section. The Wolverines have won six out of their last eight games entering the playoffs. They are led by sophomore first-team all-section forward, Peyton Pinkney. Woodland Hills lost in the first round last year to West Allegheny, 58-41…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 8 Penn-Trafford Warriors (13-9) vs. No. 9 Trinity Hillers (11-11) At Mt. Lebanon, 6:30 p.m.

Both of these teams finished in third place in their sections. Penn-trafford was in a section with Oakland Catholic and Penn Hills, two teams that received byes. The Warriors have won three straight games entering tonight’s first round matchup. They are led by their two second-team all-section selections, junior Bella Long and senior Stephanie O’Donnell. Penn-Trafford missed the playoffs last year in Class 6A…Trinity finished third but received a huge boost late in the season when last year’s first-team all-section pick Riley DeRubbo returned from an ACL injury. The Hillers have lost four of six games entering the postseason. Trinity is led by its two second-team all-section picks, sophomore Kaylin Venick and senior Julia Chakos. Trinity defeated Plum in the first round last year, 54-31…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

For a complete look at the Class 5A bracket, click here.

Class 5A Boys Basketball WPIAL First Round Preview

The WPIAL basketball playoffs get revved up today, including the start of the Class 5A boys basketball playoffs. The 13 team field will feature byes for the top three seeds, Mars, Penn Hills, and Moon, respectively.

All games will begin at 8 p.m. and will be played on a neutral court.

No. 4 Woodland Hills Wolverines (17-5) vs. No. 13 West Allegheny Indians (9-13) At Mt. Lebanon

West Allegheny tying for fourth place in Section 2 is the reason Woodland Hills doesn’t have a bye in the first round. The Wolverines finished second in Section 1 behind Penn Hills. Woodland Hills started the season hot, winning nine out of its first 10 games. They are led by the leading scorer in the WPIAL and first-team all-section, senior Keandre Bowles. Bowles is averaging 29.4 points per game. The Wolverines advanced to the semifinals in the Class 6A playoffs last year…West Allegheny snuck into the last spot in the playoffs. Entering tonight’s game, the Indians have won three of four games. They are led by junior first-team all-section, Jackson Faulk. Faulk is averaging 20.8 points per game. West Allegheny defeated Laurel Highlands, 63-54, in the first round last year…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 5 Chartiers Valley Colts (16-5) vs. No. 12 Albert Gallatin Colonials (5-14) At Peters Township

Chartiers Valley endured a coaching change at the beginning of the season, and it has paid off as they enter the playoffs as one of the contenders to win it all. The Colts have a season long winning streak of seven games, including handing Moon its only defeat of the season. They are led by senior first-team all-section, Joe Pipilo. Pipilo is averaging 18 points per game. The Colts missed the playoffs a year ago…Albert Gallatin only had five wins this year, but they were all in section and it was enough to get them into the playoffs. The Colonials lost their last two regular season games. They are led by sophomore all-section first-team, Nate English. English is averaging 18.4 points per game. The Colonials lost in the first round last year to Moon, 59-44…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 6 Franklin Regional Panthers (16-6) vs. No. 11 Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (11-10) At Norwin

Franklin Regional finished second in Section 3 to undefeated Mars. The Panthers enter tonight’s game on a three game winning streak. They are led by senior all-section first team, Nick Leopold. The Panthers advanced all the way to the WPIAL Championship game last year before falling to Mars…Along with West Allegheny, Thomas Jefferson tied for fourth place in their section to sneak into the playoffs. The Jaguars have lost three out of their last five games entering tonight’s game. They are led by junior second-team all-section, Isaac McNeil. Thomas Jefferson did not make the playoffs last year…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 7 Montour Spartans (14-8) vs. No. 10 Hampton Talbots (12-9) At North Allegheny

Montour was one of three teams to finish with double-digit wins in their section and ended up in third place. The Spartans are one of the hottest teams entering the playoffs, winning seven out of eight games entering tonight. They are led by senior first-team all-section guard, Jaden Nelson. Nelson is averaging 17.9 point per game. Montour did not make the playoffs last year…Hampton finished fourth in their section but did so by still winning eight section games. The Talbots have lost two straight games entering tonight, but those losses came to No. 1 Mars and Class 6A No. 5 Butler. They are led by junior first-team all-section forward, Ben Ringeisen. Ringeisen is averaging 18.7 points per game. Hampton defeated Gateway in the first round last year, 52-50…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

No. 8 Shaler Titans (15-7) vs. No. 9 McKeesport Tigers (11-9) At Fox Chapel

Shaler dropped down from Class 6A this year and the move has paid off as they finished third in its section and finished with 10 section wins. The Titans have won four of six games entering tonight’s first round matchup. They have two players who made first-team all-section with senior Justin DeSabato and junior Mekhi Reynolds. Reynolds is averaging 17.2 points per game and DeSabato has 16.4. Shaler missed the playoffs last year…McKeesport also finished third in its section as well behind Penn Hills and Woodland Hills. The Tigers have won five of seven games entering tonight. They are led by junior first-team all-section forward, Deamontae Diggs. Diggs is averaging 20.1 points per game. McKeesport defeated Armstrong in the first round last year, 61-42…This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

For a complete look at the bracket, click here.

Class 5A Boys Basketball All-Section Teams Announced

First-Team Photo Gallery

2018-19 Class 5A Boys Basketball All-Section Teams

SECTION 1
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Nate EnglishAlbert GallatinPoint GuardSophomore
Dante ParsonsGreensburg SalemGuardJunior
Deamontae DiggsMcKeesportForwardJunior
Tyree SpencerPenn HillsGuard/ForwardSenior
Wes KroppPenn HillsForwardSophomore
Kyree Hairston-MitchellPenn HillsPoint GuardJunior
Keandre BowlesWoodland HillsGuardSenior
COACH OF THE YEAR
Dan DeRosePenn Hills
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
RJ StevensonGateway GuardJunior
Keandre CookLaurel HighlandsGuard/ForwardJunior
Chris MooreMcKeesportGuardSenior
Brison KisanMcKeesportPoint GuardSophomore
Marshall McArthurPenn HillsGuard/ForwardSenior
Markiefe HarveyWoodland HillsGuard/ForwardSenior
Tre'Mon JoseyWoodland HillsGuardSenior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Dylan SheaAlbert GallatinForwardSophomore
Bonzi ParksGatewayGuardSophomore
Ryan ThomasGreensburg SalemForwardJunior
Ilisea SalaucaLaurel HighlandsCenterSenior
Thomas WyattMcKeesportForwardSenior
SECTION 2
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Joe PipiloChartiers ValleyGuardSenior
Donovan JohnsonMoonForwardJunior
Connor RyanMoonGuardSenior
Jaden NelsonMontourGuardSenior
Connor MislanSouth FayetteGuardJunior
Michael KorolyTrinityGuardJunior
Jackson FaulkWest AlleghenyGuardJunior
COACH OF THE YEAR
Adam KaufmanMoon
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Jared GoldstromChartiers ValleyGuardJunior
Brayden ReynoldsChartiers ValleyPoint GuardSophomore
Austin RyanMoonGuardSenior
Jioni SmithMoonGuardSenior
James EubanksMontourGuard/ForwardJunior
Isaac McNeilThomas JeffersonGuardJunior
Dylan KingTrinityForwardJunior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Tyler ShawChartiers ValleyGuardSenior
Taru JonesMoonForwardSenior
Andrew FranklinSouth FayetteGuardJunior
Josh BrownWest MifflinGuardSenior
SECTION 3
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Nick LeopoldFranklin RegionalGuardSenior
Ben RingeisenHamptonForwardJunior
Andrew RecchiaMarsGuardSenior
Michael CarmodyMarsForwardJunior
Khori FuscoMarsGuardSenior
Justin DeSabatoShalerGuardSenior
Mekhi ReynoldsShalerGuardJunior
COACH OF THE YEAR
Rob CarmodyMars
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Isaiah PriceArmstrongGuardJunior
Thomas MeranteFranklin RegionalGuardSenior
Colby MignognaHamptonGuardJunior
Kyrell HutchersonKiski AreaGuardFreshman
Ryne WallaceKiski AreaForwardSenior
Brandon CarusoMarsGuardSenior
Lamar WhitingPlumGuardSenior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Jalen PriceArmstrongGuardSenior
Adam RudzinskiFranklin RegionalForwardSenior
Johnny O'TooleFranklin RegionalForwardJunior
Josh WinekHamptonGuardSenior
Jack ColecchiKiski AreaForwardSenior
Connor MossPlumGuard/ForwardSophomore
Matt BendelShalerForwardSenior
Brennan FughShalerGuardSenior

Class 5A Girls Basketball All-Section Teams Announced

First-Team Photo Gallery

2018-19 Class 5A Girls Basketball All-Section Teams

SECTION 1
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Mackenzie WagnerChartiers ValleyGuardSenior
Megan McConnellChartiers ValleyGuardJunior
Courtney TomasMontourGuardSenior
Reilly SundayMoonGuardFreshman
Maura CastelluciSouth FayetteGuardSenior
Jenna ClarkThomas JeffersonGuardSenior
Hannah LindemuthWest AlleghenyGuardSenior
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tim McConnellChartiers Valley
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Gabi LegisterChartiers ValleyCenterSenior
Aislin MalcolmChartiers ValleyGuardFreshman
Clare RelihanSouth FayetteGuardJunior
Alyssa DeAngeloThomas JeffersonGuardJunior
Kaylin VenickTrinityGuardSophomore
Julia ChakosTrinityForwardSenior
Grace FaulkWest AlleghenyGuard/ForwardJunior
SECTION 2
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Cali KonekFranklin RegionalGuardSenior
Jordan YanigaFranklin RegionalForwardSenior
Mary KromkaGatewayForwardSenior
Lexi JacksonGatewayCenterJunior
Hannah PotterKiski AreaGuardJunior
Tai JohnsonMarsGuardSenior
Kennedie MontuePlumForwardSophomore
COACH OF THE YEAR
Curtis WilliamsGateway
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Loryn BowserArmstrongForwardSenior
Shaelyn ClarkArmstrongGuardSophomore
Jaylen ClarkArmstrongGuardJunior
Dynasty ShegogGatewayForwardSophomore
Jenna GuidoGatewayGuardSenior
Kayla HoehlerHamptonGuardFreshman
Bella PelaiaMarsGuard/ForwardJunior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Madi LoriganArmstrongGuardSenior
Alex ReitzFranklin RegionalForwardSenior
Lexi MargolisGatewayPoint GuardFreshman
Sophia KellyHamptonGuardFreshman
Dara ZelonkaKiski AreaForwardSenior
Ellie CoffieldMarsGuardSophomore
Alek JohnsonMarsGuardSophomore
Kelsi ZikPlumForwardSenior
SECTION 3
FIRST TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Bryn BezjakAlbert GallatinGuardSophomore
Jayde BoydOakland CatholicGuardSenior
Alexis SestricOakland CatholicGuardSenior
Sierra DeAngeloOakland CatholicForward Senior
Adia BriskerPenn HillsGuardSenior
Tayonna RobertsonPenn HillsForwardSenior
Peyton PinkneyWoodland HillsForwardSophomore
COACH OF THE YEAR
Brianne O'Rourke-KellyOakland Catholic
SECOND TEAM
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Rachel RidillaLatrobeGuardSophomore
Taylor SmithLaurel HighlandsGuardJunior
Ariana DunsonPenn HillsGuardSenior
Bella LongPenn-TraffordGuard/ForwardJunior
Stephanie O'DonnellPenn-TraffordForwardSenior
Mya MurrayUniontownCenterJunior
Nya MorrisWoodland HillsGuardJunior
HONORABLE MENTION
NAMESCHOOLPOSITIONGRADE
Abby KingAlbert GallatinForwardJunior
Aneajah HarrisAlbert GallatinGuardSenior
Carly AugustineLatrobeGuardSenior
Anna RaffertyLatrobeForwardFreshman
Beth HavrillaLatrobePoint GuardSenior
Kayla WhiteLatrobeGuardSenior
Margaret TerryOakland CatholicGuardJunior
Claire PilewskiOakland CatholicGuardSenior
A'Lysa SledgePenn HillsGuardSophomore
Jasmyn GoldenPenn HillsGuardSophomore
Jayla GoldenPenn HillsGuardSophomore
Diamond-Jay WhittingtonPenn HillsGuardSenior
Maura SumanPenn-TraffordGuardFreshman
Mackenzie PowellPenn-TraffordGuardSophomore
Jazmine DunnWoodland HillsGuardFreshman
Ciara TurnerWoodland HillsGuardSenior
Jazmyn FisherWoodland HillsGuardFreshman

Strong Fourth Quarter Lifts Franklin Regional Into Second Place

Heading into the Shaler at Franklin Regional boys basketball game on Tuesday night, both teams were tied for second place in the Section 3-5A standings.

The Titans and Panthers were tied 43-43 entering the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game.

Franklin Regional broke both ties by outscoring Shaler, 14-6, to come away with a 57-49 win. The Panthers have now swept the regular season series, also winning 62-57 on Jan. 11. They hold a one-game lead for second place with one game remaining in section play.

The Panthers were able to seal the victory from the line, converting on 8 of 13 free throws in the fourth quarter.

Senior Nick Leopold scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half for Franklin Regional.

Leading the way for Shaler was junior Mekhi Reynolds with 14 points. Seniors Matt Bendel and Colton Schott finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Franklin Regional improves to 15-6 overall and 10-3 in the section. The Panthers will travel to Kiski Area on Friday at 7:30 p.m. for the section and regular season finale.

Shaler drops to 14-6 overall and 9-4 in the section. The Titans will host Plum in the section finale on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Late Run Gives Franklin Regional Sweep Against Mars

The Franklin Regional girls basketball closed the game on a 13-4 run to defeat the visiting and defending PIAA Class 5A girls basketball champions, Mars, 54-45, Monday night in Section 2 action.

The Panthers stand alone in second place after picking up its second win of the season against the Planets.

In the first game on Jan. 3, senior Jordan Yaniga hit a last second shot for the win. Yaniga played another key role on Monday night, finishing with a game-high 20 points, including the first 10 points of the fourth quarter for Franklin Regional.

Yaniga also started the game hot for the Panthers, scoring eight points in the first quarter. Senior Cali Konek stepped up as well, adding 19 points in the win.

Mars was led by senior Tai Johnson who poured in 14 of her 19 points in the second half. Junior Bella Pelaia and sophomore Ellie Coffield finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

With the win, Franklin Regional improves to 12-4 overall and 7-2 in the section. They sit a game behind Gateway for first place. The Panthers will seek their fourth straight win in a non-section game tonight at Latrobe at 7:30 p.m.

Mars falls to 13-5 overall and 6-4 in the section. The Planets will travel to Hollidaysburg in a non-section game on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Mars Mounts Epic Comeback To Remain In First Place

The Franklin Regional boys basketball team was mere minutes away from a statement win against the top-ranked team in Class 5A on the road, Mars.

The Planets had other plans, rallying from a 14-point fourth quarter deficit thanks to a 16-0 run to end the game for a 58-53 victory.

The win keeps Mars in first place in Section 3-5A, who now has a two-game lead on the Panthers. Both of Franklin Regional’s section losses this season are to Mars.

Franklin Regional started the fourth quarter with a 41-32 lead, but were outscored 26-12 in the final quarter.

A huge lift in Mars’ run was the play of senior Andrew Recchia, who scored seven straight points to cut the deficit to single digits.

Recchia finished with 22 points. Junior Michael Carmody added 18 points.

Franklin Regional was led by senior Nick Leopold with a game-high 26 points.

With the win, Mars improves to 16-1 overall and 10-0 in the section. The Planets will go for their 12th straight win tomorrow against Ambridge at Montour in the PBC Hall of Fame Classic at 4:30 p.m.

Franklin Regional drops to 13-5 overall and 8-2 in the section. The Panthers will host Plum in a section game on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Gateway Pulls Out Road Win To Take Control Of Section Lead

It didn’t come as easy as the first meeting, but Gateway was able to hold off Franklin Regional, 50-46, on the road to take sole possession of first place in Section 2-5A on Thursday night.

The Gators won the first meeting on 57-34 on Dec. 13.

Momentum continued to shift throughout the game, with each team besting the other every other quarter.

Franklin Regional held a 25-22 halftime lead, but it was short-lived with Gateway storming out of the game in the third quarter. The Gators pulled ahead 39-33 heading into the final quarter and made free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory.

Leading the way for Gateway was junior Lexi Jackson with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman Alexis Margolis chipped in with 10 points.

Senior Cali Konek finished with a game-high 22 points, including six 3-pointers. Senior Alex Reitz finished with 15 points.

With the win, Gateway improves to 12-3 overall and 6-1 in the section. The Gators will host Mars in a section game on Monday at 7:30 p.m.

Franklin Regional drops to 9-4 overall and 5-2 in the section. The Panthers had their five game win streak snapped with the loss. They will travel to Plum in a section game on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Buzzer Beater Lifts Franklin Regional Over Mars

Franklin Regional held a 43-35 lead at Mars entering the fourth quarter, yet it still took a shot at the buzzer to lift the Panthers to a 52-51 Section 2-5A win on Thursday night.

Down by one, senior Jordan Yaniga made the game-winning shot at the buzzer to hand the Planets its first section loss of the season.

Yaniga finished the game with 16 points. The Panthers were led by their standout transfer, senior Cali Konek, with 24 points, including six 3-pointers. Konek scored 1,000 points in her freshman year alone at Imani Christian.

For Mars, senior Tai Johnson led the way with 23 points. Junior Bella Pelaia finished with 11 points.

With the win, Franklin Regional improves to 6-3 overall and 2-1 in the section. The Panthers will look to continue their momentum on Monday when they host Armstrong in a section game at 7:30 p.m.

Mars drops to 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the section. The Planets will travel to West Mifflin in a non-section game on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.