Hoffer steps down from Yough football

After leading Yough football for the past four years, Benny Hoffer stepped down as head coach on Friday. During his tenure, Hoffer guided the Cougars to a mark of 10-30. In the fall, Yough finished 2-8, including 0-5 in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. Yough last made the playoffs in 2013. In the upcoming cycle, Yough will compete in a conference with Avonworth, Propel Braddock Hills (formerly Imani Christian Academy), Shady Side Academy, South Park, and West Mifflin Area. Hoffer, a Yough grad, ranks second in career rushing yards in Cougars history, trailing only Dustin Shoaf.

Jeannette softball continues to surge

More than two weeks into the 2026 high school softball season, only one team remains unblemished in Westmoreland County – Jeannette. The Jayhawks stayed perfect with a pair of lopsided victories last week, as they defeated Monessen 8-1 on Tuesday, and followed with a 14-1 rout of Leechburg Area in five innings the following day. In the home triumph against the Greyhounds, Abigail Shaw went 3-for-4 with a pair of triples and three RBIs. In the road win against the Blue Devils, Grace Stein permitted just three hits while striking out 11, and Shaw again posted a 3-for-4 effort, collecting a home run and a double while driving in two runs. As a result, Jeannette is 3-0 overall, including 2-0 in Class 1A Section 3.

Cavaliers star in Cager Classic

Several Westmoreland County basketball players suited up to play their final high school game over the weekend, and Kiski Area players came to the forefront at the 29th-annual Cager Classic at Highlands High School. In the girls game, Kiski Area’s Gianna DeVito was named the East MVP as she led her team to a 98-80 triumph. DeVito poured in 21 points, which tied for the game-high. Additionally, Burrell’s Casey Brancato contributed 21 points, Franklin Regional’s Gemma Sadoski notched 11 points, and Mikayla Coury of the Buccaneers added nine points. In the boys side, Kiski Area’s Amaree Gonzalez was a driving force in the 103-92 triumph for the East, as he produced 18 points. Gavyn Orr of Burrell notched 14 points, while another Cavalier, Avon Shirley, netted nine points.

SHU’s Kalich earns All-American status

After another stellar year on the hardwood, Seton Hill University’s Mia Kalich was recognized as an Honorable Mention All-American last week. Kalich garnered the accolade via the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), becoming the first Griffin to be an All-American since Jenna Kaufman in 2018. The junior repeated as the PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year, and was also First-Team All-PSAC West. In 31 contests, Kalich averaged 14.0 points and 12.1 rebounds, while racking up 127 assists, 125 steals, and 14 blocks. Collectively, SHU compiled a mark of 22-9, reaching the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional semifinals.