Luther, Mathias Named PA Quad-A Players of the Year
The Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Teams have been released today and there are six WPIAL Quad-A players who have made the list.
For the Quad-A boys, New Castle’s Malik Hooker (21.8 ppg) and Hampton’s Ryan Luther (22.1 ppg) received first team all-state selections. Additionally, Luther was named the Pennsylvania Quad-A Player of the Year. New Castle’s Anthony Richards (13.0 ppg) received second team laurels and Hempfield’s Kason Harrell (23.9 ppg) was named third team all-state. New Castle coach Ralph Blundo received the Pennsylvania Quad-A Coach of the Year distinction after leading the Red Hurricanes to a perfect 31-0 record and PIAA title.
For the Quad-A girls, Duke recruit Erin Mathias (16.5 ppg) of Fox Chapel was named the Pennsylvania Quad-A Player of the Year. Mathias was also awarded first team all-state recognition and Penn-Trafford’s Maria Palarino (18.3 ppg) received second team laurels. Palarino and the Warriors enjoyed a terrific season, winning the school’s first ever WPIAL crown.