Chartiers Valley took the lead with just over three minutes left in the first half, pushed the margin to nine at intermission, then held McKeesport at arms’ length through the second half to claim a third straight spot in the state championship game as the Colts downed the Tigers, 59-50, Saturday afternoon. Aislin Malcolm led CV with 22 points including 7-of-10 at the foul line in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Hallie Cowan added 15 points, hitting a trio of treys in the third. Helene Cowan and Perri Page scored 10 apiece for the Colts’ 26 playoff win over the past four season. Rachael Manfredo led McKeesport with 16 before fouling out in the final minutes. Brooke Evans added 10 points for the Tigers who had their best season in nearly 25 years. Chartiers Valley will face defending PIAA champion Cardinal O’Hara in the state final next Friday. Cardinal O’Hara dominated last year’s championship game, beating CV 51-27.
Ashleigh Connor scored 29 point including an old-fashioned three-point play midway through the fourth quarter leading Mt. Lebanon to a 41-35 win over District 3 champion Central Dauphin Friday night. Connor slashed through the CD defense, hit the shot and was knocked to the floor. Her free throw gave the Blue Devils a six-point lead and some breathing room through the final minutes. The win puts Mt. Lebanon back in the state championship game for the first time since winning three consecutive titles from 2009-2011. The Blue Devils will face unbeaten Plymouth-Whitemarsh (30-0), the District 1 champion. Click for PIAA brackets
PIAA Basketball Championships, Giant Center, Hershey
Friday, March 25
5A Girls Chartiers Valley vs. Cardinal O’Hara, 4:45 pm — WJPA-FM (95.3) or Listen Here
Saturday, March 26
6A Girls Mt. Lebanon vs. Plymouth-Whitemarsh, 4:45 pm — WJPA-FM (95.3) or Listen Here