Peters Township led by eight points through three quarters. Cathedral Prep got a pair of quick baskets from Seana Thrower to pull the Ramblers within four points. Natalie Wetzel then drifted through the paint, worked her way to the top of the key, and buried a three-pointer with under seven minutes to play, ending any comeback thoughts the District 10 champions may have had. Wetzel, a Miami (FL) recruit, was held scoreless through the opening quarter, but hit three treys, three of four free throws and a mid-range jumper for a game-hight 14-point afternoon. The Indians move to the semifinals and a second meeting with South Fayette, the team Peters Township beat in the WPIAL championship game two weeks ago. The Lions jumped in front of Hollidaysburg, 19-8, after one quarter and kept the game at arms’ length the rest of the day.
Nico Gidas hit six three-pointers, part of a game-high 22 points, and Tyler Robbins dunked home the game-winning points with 1.2 seconds to play in overtime as Upper St. Clair downed District 10 champion McDowell. The Panthers built a seven-point lead early in the fourth, only to see McDowell chip away and force overtime. Kaamil Jackson blocked a late McDowell shot, starting the coast-to-coast trip that ended with Robbins slam dunk. USC will face Philadelphia area powerhouse Roman Catholic next Saturday in the state semifinals. PIAA championship games are set for the Giant Center, March 27-29. Click for PIAA Brackets
Quarterfinals
Friday, March 14
6A Girls Upper St. Clair 51, Haverford 35
5A Boys Chartiers Valley 58, Johnstown 38
Saturday, March 15
5A Girls Peters Township 35, Cathedral Prep 25
5A Girls South Fayette 70, Hollidaysburg 52
6A Boys Upper St. Clair 51, McDowell 49 OT