The WPIAL basketball sprint to the finish line is underway. Just three weeks remain in the regular season. The second half of the campaign opened with a couple crucial 5A Section 3 games. Peters Township lost at Thomas Jefferson as TJ opened a two-game lead on the Indians. Ringgold lost at home to South Fayette, dropping the Rams into fourth place. Unbeaten Chartiers-Houston won at Fort Cherry in 2A Section 3, pushing the Rangers two games back. West Greene crossed the county and beat Carmichaels, taking over sole possession of the fifth and final playoff spot out of the section. Avella’s win over Beaver County Christian moves the Eagles into a first-place tie with Nazareth Prep at the halfway point. Trinity girls got their second half started with a win at Bethel Park, putting three games between the Hillers and the playoff cutlline. Here’s the Friday section scores for Washington & Greene County teams.
Girls
5A Trinity 40, Bethel Park 34
Boys
5A Thomas Jefferson 77, Peters Township 54
5A Trinity 59, Bethel Park 53
5A South Fayette 59, Ringgold 51
2A-1 Bentworth 51, Riverview 35
2A-1 Jeannette 80, California 33
2A-2 Chartiers-Houston 49, Fort Cherry 40
2A-2 Jeff-Morgan 58, Burgettstown 47
2A-2 Beth-Center 78, Mapletown 26
2A-2 West Greene 70, Carmichaels 47
1A Avella 66, Beaver County Christian 30