Norwin, Valley take WCCA wrestling crowns

The Norwin boys and Valley girls reigned supreme at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association (WCCA) Wrestling Tournament over the weekend at Greensburg Salem High School. Led by three champions, the Knights compiled a score of 231 points, outpacing second-place Franklin Regional, which tallied 209 points. Derry Area placed in third with 186.5 points. It was the first WCCA wrestling crown for Norwin since 1975, and 10th overall. For the Knights, Landon Sidun (121 pounds), Dom Butera (133), and Jack White (160) all took gold, while Nathan Klingensmith settled for silver at 145 pounds. The Panthers also produced three individual winners - Chase Smith (139), Max Firestine (145), and Mikey Ruane (152) - as did the Trojans with Mason Keesecker (107), Patrick Bulger (114), and Mason Horwat (172). On the girls side, the Vikings topped the standings with 145 points, finishing ahead of runner-up Franklin Regional, which totaled 127. Although Valley did not produce an individual champion, the Vikings had a couple of runners-up with Naryiah Carnahan (112) and Kiashia Gunn (124). Burrell produced a pair of winners in Ella Campbell (112) and Carmen Bires (124).

Greater Latrobe boys upsets Panthers

Greater Latrobe boys basketball notched an upset victory at Franklin Regional last Tuesday, as the Wildcats ousted the section-leading Panthers 63-55. Wildcats newcomer Robert Young recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds and Ian DeCerb posted 13 points, as GL used an 11-2 run in the third to take command. Logan Walter paced the Panthers with 22 points in the defeat. Three days later, though, the Wildcats fell at home 74-69 against McKeesport Area, despite five players scoring in double-digits, led by 14 from Andy Tatsch. As a result, Greater Latrobe sits at 2-4 in Class 5A Section 1, while Franklin Regional is tied for the top spot, at 5-1.

Ligonier Valley announces latest HOF class

Last week, Ligonier Valley unveiled its Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, which features four athletes, a coach, a team, and a contributor. The inductees include: Scott Moffett (Ligonier Valley Class of 1976 – track and field, basketball); Jack Keslar (Ligonier Valley 1980 – football, wrestling, track and field); Scott Wakefield (Laurel Valley 2000 – wrestling, football); and Hannah (Miller) Shepherd (Laurel Valley 2010 – track and field, cross country). Also being enshrined are coach Don Smith, who guided the LV boys track and field team, contributor Donna Bennett, who has more than 40 years of service to Ligonier Valley athletics, and the 1981 Laurel Valley boys basketball team, which finished as state runners-up. The induction ceremony will be held on April 11 at The Barn in Ligonier.

Goodman leads Warriors hockey

Penn-Trafford hockey was back on the ice last Monday, and Sean Goodman assured it would be a triumphant return to play. Goodman tallied a hat trick and an assist in PT’s 6-4 home win against Wheeling Park at the Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont. Goodman opened the scoring just 25 seconds into the contest, but the Patriots responded with three in a row. Goodman tallied his second marker later in the first period, though, which sparked four consecutive goals for the Warriors. With his team leading 5-4 throughout most of the third, Goodman sealed the outcome with an empty netter with 1:35 left. In addition to his prolific effort, Zach Grkman contributed a goal and two assists, while Jake Lenart dished out a pair of helpers. With the triumph, PT moved to 12-2-0-0, and with 36 points, the Warriors sit two points behind Hempfield Area for first place in the PIHL Class AA.

UPG’s Rozich hits 1K points

Trent Rozich of the University of Pitt-Greensburg hit a significant milestone last week, as he topped 1,000 points in his Bobcats’ career. His accomplishment came in a 72-66 setback at Penn State Behrend on Wednesday. In the contest, Rozich produced 15 points, along with eight rebounds and three assists. The loss marked the first setback in conference play for the Bobcats, who bounced back on Saturday in a 96-73 victory at Carlow, as Rozich scored 18 points to tie for game-high honors. Thus, UPG sits at 12-2 overall, including 4-1 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC).

This week on WSN

It’s a packed schedule this week on the Westmoreland Sports Network, beginning with five basketball games on Tuesday. Norwin hosts Hempfield Area for a girls-boys doubleheader, while Penn-Trafford will also host a doubleheader, with the girls squaring off against Indiana Area and the boys welcoming Laurel Highlands. On that same night, Jeannette welcomes Clairton in a marque matchup in Class 2A boys hoops. On Wednesday, focus will shift to the mat, as Penn-Trafford wrestling aims to defend its turf against Franklin Regional. The Norwin girls are also in action on Thursday, hosting North Hills in a nonsection clash. On Friday, PT will be the site of another doubleheader, as the Warriors girls face Greensburg Salem, while the boys battle Franklin Regional. Also that night, the Derry Area boys have a key home tilt against East Allegheny. On Saturday, college basketball is in the spotlight, as Seton Hill welcomes Slippery Rock University, while the University of Pitt-Greensburg plays at home against Hilbert College.