Sherbondy takes the reins for Yough boys hoops

William “Boo” Sherbondy, a longtime boys basketball assistant coach, was hired last week to lead the Yough boys. Sherbondy, a Yough alum, replaces Jim Nesser, who stepped down following the 2023-24 campaign after six years guiding the Cougars. Sherbondy served as an assistant to Nesser at multiple spots, including at Yough, Hempfield Area, Jeannette, and Elizabeth Forward. He also was an assistant with the Hempfield Area girls program. Most recently, Sherbondy was the JV coach with the Cougars. Last season, Yough went 19-7, reaching the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals.

Westmoreland softball players litter All-Star rosters

Westmoreland County will be well represented in the inaugural Western PA Softball All-Star Game later this week. Ten county players and a couple of coaches were listed on the rosters, which were released last week. Team Gold consists of the Norwin trio of pitcher Brookelyn Kotch, third baseman Josey Michalski, and shortstop Bailey Snowberger. Additionally, Gold includes Mount Pleasant Area outfielder Emma Scanlon, Kiski Area outfielder Trinity Seibel, first baseman Grace Sokol of Belle Vernon Area, and Greater Latrobe pitcher Kayla Wiliams. Team Black is comprised of Greensburg Central Catholic outfielder Grace Kindel, shortstop Amarah McCutcheon of Southmoreland, and Yough outfielder Makayla Spoonhoward. Moreover, Franklin Regional head coach Jim Armstrong and Norwin assistant Ally Demonte will coach for Gold. The game will be played at Plum High School at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

DA’s Mazzoni wins national event

Derry Area rising senior Sophia Mazzoni took first place in a national event on Sunday. Mazzoni won the girls javelin competition at the New Balance Nationals at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. Her third throw measured 156-10, which easily surpassed runner up Teagan Osunde, whose best throw traveled 140-11. Mazzoni also had three other throws that surpassed 146 feet. Mazzoni won the PIAA Class 2A individual javelin title last month at Shippensburg University with a personal best throw measuring 161-10.

Franklin Regional announces latest Athletic HOF class

The Franklin Regional Athletics Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2024 this week, a group that features five athletes, two teams, and a contributor. The individuals who will be enshrined include: Gay Eyles Stock (Class of 1977 – swimming); Pam Miklasevich Sumner (79 – girls basketball); Brian Grimm (84 – cross country/track and field); Andrew Cohen (04 – track and field); and Tyler Smith (14 – wrestling). Furthermore, the 2005 Franklin Regional football team, which captured the WPIAL and PIAA titles, and the 1951 Franklin Township baseball team will be inducted, as will contributor Herb Yingling. The inductees will be recognized during the Franklin Regional football game on Sept. 27.

Former Norwin athlete Pastories dies tragically

Norwin graduate Josiah Pastories died tragically last week in a one-vehicle accident. Pastories, 19, died from injuries sustained in a crash in Butler County last Thursday on his way to work. Pastories, who graduated in 2023, played football and wrestled at Norwin. A GoFundMe page has been established by his brother, Justice, to cover funeral expenses.

Conner hired to lead Bearcats WLAX

Joe Conner was named the head coach for Saint Vincent College women’s lacrosse last Thursday. He replaces Jym Walters, who retired after guiding the Bearcats women for the past dozen seasons, compiling a mark of 106-83, including 2-12 overall in the spring. Conner spent last season as an assistant with the SVC men’s lacrosse team, which went 8-9 overall, including 6-2 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). His previous coaching experience includes five seasons as an assistant at Dartmouth College, as well as nine years at Bucknell University. Conner played collegiately at Binghamton and Mount St. Mary’s.