Mar 12, 2024 4 min read

Bethel Park (15-13) reeled off the first 10 points of the third quarter, erasing a seven-point halftime deficit, on its way to a 48-43 triumph over Fox Chapel (16-12) in a second-round PIAA boys’ basketball playoff game at the AHN Arena in Peters Township High School.

Held to 13 points in the first half, the Black Hawks rebounded, outscoring the Foxes, 18-4, in the decisive third frame.

“I liked what we were doing in the first half. We just weren’t hitting any shots,” explained BP floor boss Dante Calabria.

“At halftime, I told them to just keep playing with enthusiasm and energy. We are going to make a couple and if we don’t, we’re going to still play as hard as we can. They really took it over there in the third quarter,” he noted.

Nick Brown and Sam Davis took over, tossing in six and five points respectively in the period. Brown scored a game-high 16 points and Davis finished with 12 tallies.

“They are the catalyst,” Calabria said.

The Hawks, however, received a strong effort from Tanner Pfeuffer, particularly on the boards, as well as from Jack (six points) and Mike Bruckner (four points). Pfeuffer pumped in five points, all in the fourth frame as BP held off the Foxes. Mike Mathias countered with five markers, including a key 3-pointer in the third quarter.

“We had a great effort by Tank (Pfeuffer) and Mike Bruckner came off the bench and played well. All the guys gave the effort and that’s what we need to win.”

Asher White led the Foxes with 15 points. He buried four 3-pointers, three of them in the waning minutes.

Bethel Park opened tournament action by toppling Hershey, 59-54. The Trojans were the District 3 runner-up and finished with a 21-4 record.

Mathias fired in 22 points and Shawn Davis finished with 20 tallies. Mathias buried six, 3-pointers in the win.

“We have had our ups and downs this season but when we come out and play that hard I’m proud of them,” Calabria said. “They bought in. They listen and they try to do everything we asked. And I asked a lot of them and they try to do it. That’s all I can ask is the effort.”

With the victories, the Black Hawks advanced to the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class 5A tournament. Bethel Park will play Moon on March 15 at a site and time to be determined.

Shawn Davis falls backwards as he releases a shot against Fox Chapel defenders during PIAA Clas 5A boys baksetball playoff action.

Nick Brown dishes off a pass during PIAA Class 5A basketball playoff action against Fox Chapel. Brown fired in 16 points to lead Bethel Park to victory against the Foxes, 48-43.

GIRLS

In the opening game at AHN Arena, the Chartiers Valley girls dropped a 56-47 decision to Norwin.

The WPIAL Class 6A champions overcame a 31-24 halftime deficit to dispatch the Lady Colts, who buried six of their eight 3-point field goals in the first 16 minutes of play.

The Knights tied the game at 37-37 but CV forged its last lead when Ella Cupka connected on a long-range shot to start the final frame. Cupka finished with 13 points as did Lilah Turnbull. Emma Reynolds chipped in 11 markers.

Lauren Palangio led the Knights with 16 tallies. Kendall Berger followed with 15 and Bella Furno chipped in with 14.

CV fell behind, 7-0, to start the game but took the lead, 19-12, before settling into the seven-point halftime advantage. The Lady Knights went on a six point run to overtake the Lady Colts for good three minutes into the final frame. During the spree, Norwin forced a number of turnovers, created key steals and blocked several shots to insure the victory.

Peters Township was also eliminated from the Class 6A tournament. The Lady Indians succumbed to Spring-Ford, 75-53, on March 12 at Bald Eagle High School in Bellefonte.

Gemma Walker (24) and Natalie Wetzel (14) scored in double figures for Peters Township, which finished the season at 24-3.