Westmoreland County girls basketball game recaps from Friday, December 20th 2024:

Pittsburgh Central Catholic 52 Hempfield Area 39   WATCH BROADCAST

Hempfield Area raced out to an 8-0 lead to begin the game but couldn't capitalize on the hot start, losing to Pittsburgh Central Catholic 52-39 in a Section 2-6A clash. Despite the sluggish beginning for the Vikings, they led 11-10 after one and 27-18 at halftime. Danny Husenits scored 12 points for the Spartans (4-3, 1-2) while Calvin Vento poured in a game best 22 points for Central Catholic (3-3, 2-1).

Peters Twp. 62 Norwin 49

Norwin was outscored in every quarter, falling to visiting Peters Township 62-49 in a non-section match up. Alex Graney's 10 points topped the Knights (3-4, 1-2) while Dylan Donovan ended with 18 points for the Indians (6-1, 1-1).

Greater Latrobe 61 Laurel Highlands 47

Four players reached double figures for Greater Latrobe as it earned a 61-47 Section 1-5A win against Laurel Highlands. The Wildcats held a slim 38-35 lead after three quarters but used a 23-12 run to finish the game. Max Butler's 16 points topped the Wildcats while Andy Tatsch put in 12 points. Ian Decerb and Kyle McNeil both came in with 10 for Greater Latrobe (6-1, 2-1). Aiden Black recorded 15 points for the Mustangs (2-5, 0-3).

Gateway 41 Franklin Regional 32

Franklin Regional dropped its third straight game, losing at Gateway 41-32 in Section 1-5A action. Connor Crossey tallied 10 points for the Panthers (3-5, 0-3) while Kel Bruce-McCommon's 19 points paced the Gators (3-3, 2-1).

Hampton 50 Kiski Area 44

Hampton outscored Kiski Area 15-9 in the fourth quarter and it proved to be the difference as the Cavaliers fell to the Talbots 50-44 in Section 2-5A. Jacob Musselman (13) and Colin Keller (12) both cracked double figures for Kiski Area (3-4, 1-1). Jonas Cupps scored 11 points for Hampton (3-4, 1-2).

Derry Area 67 Belle Vernon 61 (OT)

Stanley Rajkovich went off for 26 points and 13 rebounds, leading Derry Area to a 67-61 overtime victory against visiting Belle Vernon in a Section 3-4A match up. The game went back-and-forth until the Trojans outscored the Leopards 10-4 in OT to secure the win. In addition to Rajkovich, John Wasnick netted 19 points for Derry Area (6-2, 3-0) while Jude Minniti and Trevor Kovatch each put in 12 points for Belle Vernon (5-3, 2-1).

Deer Lakes 72 Burrell 52

Deer Lakes used a big second quarter to take control then put the game away with a big fourth quarter in a 72-52 Section 3-4A victory against Burrell. The Lancers outscored the Buccaneers 23-13 in the second quarter and 24-11 in the final frame. Tucker Bitar racked up 26 points in a losing effort for Burrell (3-4, 1-2) while Nathaniel Moore finished with 27 points for Deer Lakes (7-1, 3-0).

Elizabeth Forward 63 Greensburg Salem 44

Greensburg Salem was outscored by Elizabeth Forward 31-14 in the first quarter and never recovered in a 63-44 loss to the Warriors in Section 3-4A play. Despite the loss, Tyler Martin led all scorers with 23 points for the Golden Lions (1-5, 1-2). Cy Herchelroath tallied 21 points for Elizabeth Forward (6-2, 3-0).

West Mifflin 56 Yough 34

Yough got down early, trailing 23-6 after the first quarter, in a 56-34 loss to West Mifflin in a Section 3-4A contest. Ryan Westerman's 12 points lead the Cougars (1-7, 0-3) with Daven Reynolds' 20 points pacing the Titans (2-7, 1-1).

Southmoreland 52 Charleroi 45

Southmoreland captured its Section 4-3A opener, downing Charleroi 52-35. Noah Felentzer's 22 points powered the Scotties (4-2, 1-0) with teammate Stanley Chapman scoring 10. Jackson Keranko tossed in 12 points for the Cougars (4-4, 0-1).

Ligonier Valley 71 Mt. Pleasant 51

Michael Wisniewski poured in 26 points, leading Ligonier Valley to a 71-51 triumph at Mount Pleasant in Section 4-3A. Parker Hollick added 19 points for the Rams (4-3, 1-0) who led 29-11 after the first quarter. Jordan Grieff (15), Gage Vallone (12) and Cole Massari (11) led the Vikings (0-7, 0-1).

Jeannette 66 Riverview 34

Jayce Powell had 18 points and Markus McGowan contributed 14 in Jeannette's 66-34 Section 1-2A victory over Riverview. The Jayhawks improve to (6-0, 3-0) while the Raiders are now (4-5, 2-1). Rex Roberts put in 15 points for Riverview.

Greensburg Central Catholic 96 California 37

Four players reached double figures for Greensburg Central Catholic as the Centurions cruised to a 96-37 win over California in Section 1-2A. Liam Gallagher led GCC with 22 points with Brady O'Rourke adding 16. David Wachinski and A.J. Tarpley had 13 and 11 points respectively for Greensburg Central Catholic (7-0, 3-0). Vinny Manzella ended with 11 points for the Trojans (1-6, 0-3).