The Fort Cherry boys took the lead for good late in the first half, then blew the game open with a 10-point spurt midway through the third quarter on the way to the school’s first berth in the WPIAL semifinals in 61 years. Dylan Rogers returned from an ankle injury to score 28 points. Owen Norman added 19, Maddox Truschel chipped in 15. The win also clinches a state tournament spot for the Rangers. Trinity’s girls trailed most of the game, staged a wild, fourth-quarter rally only to see Madeline Cherepko’s 40-foot buzzer beater hit home, lifting #6 McKeesport past the host Hillers. Alyssa Clutter scored 31, 26 in the second half in the loss. Trinity joins the Burgettstown girls and Wash High boys in the follow-the-leader waiting game to see if their seasons continue in the state playoffs. Trinity qualifies if McKeesport beats South Fayette in Tuesday’s semifinal. Burgettstown qualifies if Serra Catholic reaches the finals or if Neshannock wins the championship. The Little Prexies earn a state berth if Shady Side Academy reaches the finals or if Aliquippa wins the title. Click for WPIAL brackets.
Tuesday, Mar. 1 (winner to 2A Boys Championship game)
2A Boys #2 Fort Cherry vs. #3 Carlynton at West Allegheny, 7:45 pm, WJPA-FM (95.3) or Listen Here