Preview: Boys Class 6A WPIAL Championship
No. 5 Penn Hills Indians (22-3) vs. No. 6 Pine-Richland Rams (20-5) At Petersen Events Center, 9 p.m. on Saturday
Neither one of the finalists won their section or even received a bye in the Class 6A bracket, but may be two of the more consistent and dangerous teams throughout the entire season. Starting with Penn Hills, the 22 wins is the most out of any team in Class 6A and they were the last team in the classification to lose a game this season. The Indians started out 14-0 before losing to Latrobe on Jan. 16 for their first loss. They are averaging 67.4 points per game and are allowing 55.8 points per game. In the playoffs, they have outscored their opponents, 180-166. In the first round, they snuck by Upper St. Clair, 52-51, at Baldwin. In the quarterfinals, they knocked off Section 1 champion Central Catholic, 59-49, at Canon-McMIllan. In the semifinals, they came from behind to defeat top-seed Mt. Lebanon, 69-66 in overtime. That game was also played at Baldwin. Senior Cory Fulton led the team with 18 points in the game. Seniors Cam Wiley and Daivon Stephens both finished with 14 points and senior Myles Yarbrough added 10 points. Penn Hills and Pine-Richland have not met this season. The both played in the C.J. Betters Tournament, but their paths did not cross. Penn Hills is seeking its first WPIAL championship since 2002 when they defeated Upper St. Clair, 51-41…No matter what their seed is, the Pine-Richland Rams have to be considered a favorite as the two-time defending champion. Like Penn Hills, Pine-Richland also finished as the runner-up in its section. The Rams are averaging 70.8 points per game, which is third in Class 6A. They are giving up 56.5 points per game. In three playoff games, all which have been played at North Hills, the Rams are outscoring their opponents, 179-162. In the first round, they defeated Bethel Park 66-62. Pine-Richland knocked off No. 3 Fox Chapel, 48-39, in the quarterfinals, and No. 2 Woodland Hills, 65-61, in the semifinals. Pine-Richland defeated Butler, 72-61, in the WPIAL Championship Game last year.
For a look at the bracket, click here.