Quad-A Girls’ Basketball Playoff Preview
By Steve Brodzinski
#1 Penn-Trafford Warriors
The Warriors finished 12-0 in section 1, and 21-1 overall. Led by Maria Palarino (16.5 PPG) who has signed with NCAA D1 St. Francis (NY), Penn Trafford’s only loss of the season came to Shaler by 1 point early in the year.
#2 North Allegheny Tigers
North Allegheny won section 3 with an 11-1 record, and 20-2 overall record. They are led by juniors Taylor Lake and Abby Gonzalez, along with senior Meg Morningstar a 6’2” volleyball recruit to Notre Dame.
#3 Norwin Knights
The Knights finished second in section 1 with a 10-2 record, and 17-4 overall record. They are led by junior guard Alayna Gribble (18 PPG) who has already committed to NCAA D1 William and Mary.
#4 Bethel Park Black Hawks
The Black Hawks finished first in section 4 with a 12-2 section record and 18-4 overall record. They are led by 5’10” sophomore Justina Mascaro (15.4 PPG).
#5 Pine-Richland Rams
Pine Richland is the #2 team coming out of Section 3 with a 9-2 section record and a 18-4 overall record. They are led by sophomore Amanda Kalin (20 PPG) and junior Chelsea Rourke. This young roster has only one senior.
#6 Shaler Titans
Shaler is the third team out of section 3 with an 8-4 section record and 18-4 overall record. They are led by 6’1” senior Andi Lydon (16.6 PPG) who signed with NCAA D1 Central Connecticut State and senior Liz Kline who signed with the University of Connecticut for volleyball.
#7 Baldwin Highlanders
Baldwin tied for the second spot in section 4 with a 10-2 section record and 14-8 overall record. They are led by sophomore Lauren Gilbert (15.1 PPG) and senior Amanda Larkin who has signed to play with Point Park University.
#8 Mount Lebanon Blue Devils
The Blue Devils tied for the second spot in section 4 with a 10-2 record, and 13-9 overall record. The young roster is led by 6’0” sophomore McKenzie Bushee, junor Maura Wallace, sophomore Kate Sramac, and freshman Alyssa Hyland.
#9 Penn Hills Indians
Penn Hills was to the top team coming out of Section 2, with a 10-2 section record and 13-9 overall record. They are led by junior Jade Ely (16.2 PPG) and sophomore Division 1 recruit Desiree Oliver.
#10 Gateway Gators
The Gators finished as the #2 team in section 2 with a 9-3 section record and 12-10 overall record. They are led by senior Morgan Hainsey.
#11 Upper St. Clair Panthers
The Panthers were the fourth team out of section 4 with a 8-6 section record, and a 13-9 overall record. They are led by seniors Madison Serio, Diandra Conwell, and Rachel Mazzie.
#12 McKeesport Tigers
McKeesport is the third team out of section 2 with an 8-4 record and 13-7 overall record. They are led by 6’1” sophomore Johnasia Cash (15.3 PPG).
#13 Hempfield Spartans
Hempfield is the third team out of section 1 with an 8-4 section record and 14-8 overall record. They are led by senior Leah Knizner (16.5 PPG).
#14 Plum Mustangs
Plum is the fourth team out of section 2 with an 8-4 section record and 12-10 overall record. They are led by Courtney Zezza (17.1 PPG) who has signed with Division 1 St. Francis (PA).
#15 Latrobe Wildcats
Latrobe is the fourth team out of section 1 with a 6-6 section record and 9-13 overall record. They are led by 5’11” junior Madison Kollar (16.1 PPG)
#16 Seneca Valley Raiders
The Raiders are the fourth team out of section 3 with a 6-6 section record, and 13-9 overall record. They are led by sophomores Erin Danik and Michaela Lamont.