BVA baseball coach Watson not retained

Following his sixth season at the helm of Belle Vernon Area baseball, coach Tony Watson was not retained last week. Instead, the school board opted to open the position. During his time leading BVA, Watson compiled a record of 47-45. This past season, however, the Leopards went 15-8, reaching the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals. Watson, a 1993 graduate of BVA, also served as an assistant coach for seven years before replacing Daryl Hixenbaugh. Watson could still reapply for the position.

Kiski Area unveils latest HOF class

The Kiski Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was announced last week, as eight Cavaliers standouts will be enshrined later this summer. The class is comprised of: Allison Little Sromek (Class of 2002 – tennis, swimming, track and field); Mike Rairigh (02 – football, basketball, track and field); Crystal Heder Kosecki (03 – soccer, track and field); Kara Shirley (03 – cross country, basketball, swimming, track and field); Blair Woolheater (07 – golf, tennis, swimming); William Emerick (11 – football, wrestling, baseball); Maddie Antone (13 – volleyball, basketball, softball); and Ryan Sciullo (14 - golf, basketball, baseball). The athletes will be inducted on Aug. 30 at the Greek Orthodox Social Hall in Oakmont.

Southmoreland QB Smith transfers

One of the most successful freshmen quarterbacks in WPIAL history has opted to play football outside of Westmoreland County. Anthony Smith, a rising sophomore who excelled at Southmoreland last season, has transferred to Seton LaSalle for the 2025-26 school year. Smith, who has already received Division I offers, completed 129-of-244 passes for 2,110 yards and 22 scores through the air in 2024. The Scotties went 7-4 overall, including a 56-20 home loss to Highlands in the opening round of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. Meanwhile, the Rebels went 11-1 overall last campaign, reaching the WPIAL Class 2A Championship game.

Shot clock rejected for high school hoops

Last week, the PIAA basketball steering committee voted against a proposal for a shot clock for high school games next season. As a result, the July meeting of the PIAA board of directors does not include a vote on the shot clock. Currently, 31 states and Washington, D.C. utilize a shot clock at the high school level. The 35-second clock could still be considered for future seasons, including 2026-27.

SHU’s Whalen garners Gold Glove honors

Seton Hill University baseball player Jack Whalen received a significant accolade for his defensive play last week. The Griffins junior center fielder was named to the Division II American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Gold Glove Team. Whalen did not commit an error during the 2025 season, registering 124 putouts and three assists. Whalen, who was also tabbed as a First-Team All-PSAC West selection this spring, is the first Seton Hill player to receive the Rawlings Gold Glove.