Neshannock pulls out win
Lancers advance on four free throws in the final seconds, 51-48
The Neshannock girls didn’t shoot very well in their PIAA Class 2A semifinal against Windber.
But when it counted most, the Lancers couldn’t miss.
Neshannock’s Addi Watts and Megan Pallerino combined to go 4 for 4 from the free-throw line with less than a minute remaining to seal a 5148 victory.
Pallerino’s steal with 17 seconds remaining resulted in her getting fouled and sent to the line. Her two makes pushed the Lancers’ lead to three points and forced Windber into taking a long-distance shot that missed as time ran out.
For the game, WPIAL champion Neshannock (18-2) was just 9 for 19 from the charity stripe. The Lancers went 9 for 45 from the floor, producing their lowest output of the season.
“We didn’t shoot too well in the game, but we made them when it counted,” said Neshannock coach Luann Grybowski. “I told them ugly wins are just as good.”
Watts, a junior, finished with a game-high 18 points to go with eight rebounds and five steals.
The Lancers led 15-4 after the first quarter and their lead swelled to as large as 18-4 before Windber fought back behind 6-feet-1 Amanda Cominsky. She led her team with 15 points and 10 rebounds. But she had to sit in the third quarter due to foul trouble.
Class 3A girls Mohawk 68, Punxsutawney 52:
The Warriors sank 10 3-pointers and fought through a rally by the previously unbeaten Chucks to advance. Hannah McDanel drilled five 3s and scored a game-high 22 points for WPIAL champion Mohawk (18-4). Nadia Lape made three 3s and finished with 21 points, followed by Paige Julian with 13 points. The Chucks (19-1) won the District 9 crown for a sixth consecutive season. They were led by Riley Presloid with 15 and Danielle Griebel with 12.
Class 4A boys
Lincoln Park 67, Clearfield 34: Brandin Cummings knocked down three shots from behind the arc in the first quarter and led all scorers with 15 points, as the Leopards (195) breezed through the state quarterfinal. Ali Brown and L.A. Pratt posted 12 points apiece for the WPIAL champs.