By: Don Rebel


Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 9:09 PM

The final week of the regular season in WPIAL basketball begins with a bang with several key games for both a section crown and a postseason berth in girls basketball.

There are three games with first place at stake that could determine either an outright winner or co-section champions.

In Section 3-5A, three-time defending 5A champion South Fayette (19-1) visits Chartiers Valley (14-6).

The Lions are 11-0 and can clinch the section crown outright with a victory, while the Colts at 9-1 try to avenge their only section loss and force a share of the title.

In the first meeting, South Fayette rolled over Chartiers Valley, 72-41.

Kaylie Lamonde scored 16 points, Juliette Leroux scored 13 and Lailah Wright had 11 points to lead the Lions, and Emma Reynolds paced the Colts with 12 points.

In Section 4-5A, two teams with a combined overall record of 33-4 collide when Thomas Jefferson (17-2) visits Peters Township (16-2).

The Jaguars are 9-1 in the section and need a victory for a chance to tie the front-running Indians at 9-0. Peters Township can clinch the title outright with a victory.

On Dec. 12, Peters Township won at Thomas Jefferson, 52-39.

Natalie Wetzel had a big game for the Indians, leading all scorers with 22 points. Maggie Spell scored 21 points for the Jaguars.

In Section 2-3A, the top two teams in the classification go head-to-head for a second time when Greensburg Central Catholic (15-3) hosts one of three remaining undefeated district teams in Shady Side Academy (19-0).

The Centurions are 10-1 and trail the Bulldogs at 12-0 as SSA tries to clinch an outright section title.

In the first meeting, SSA rolled 62-33.

Karis Thomas had a game-high 24 points, and Cassie Sauer scored 20 points for the Bulldogs. Jayla Peterson led the Centurions with 18 points.

Big matchups in 4A

There are some key 4A girls basketball matchups with playoff ramifications in all three sections Monday.

In Section 1, the winner of the Highlands (4-8, 5-13) at Freeport (4-8, 5-14) game will clinch fifth place and a playoff berth.

In Section 2, Hopewell (4-6, 7-12) hopes to tie Hampton (5-5, 10-8) for fourth place following Monday’s games. The Vikings host Lincoln Park (1-8, 4-13), and the Talbots are home to first-place Blackhawk (11-0, 17-2).

In Section 3, fourth and fifth place are being fought for by three teams: Belle Vernon (5-6, 8-11), Yough (5-7, 11-9) and Mt. Pleasant (4-8, 4-14).

On Monday, the Leopards can clinch with a win as they head to Mt. Pleasant to visit the Vikings, and the Cougars travel to Elizabeth Forward (11-0, 14-3).

Boys battle for first

The final week of boys basketball begins early with a showdown for first place in Section 2-A.

Top-ranked Neighborhood Academy (19-1) will visit Serra Catholic (16-2).

The Bulldogs sit in first place with a perfect 8-0 record and have won nine straight since losing to 4A Beaver a month ago.

The Eagles are a game back at 7-1 and have won six in a row since losing at home to Serra Catholic, 73-44.

Courtney Wallace had a game-high 26 points in the win at Serra, and Tyler Sapida scored 16 points to lead the Eagles.

Tags: Belle Vernon, Blackhawk, Chartiers Valley, Freeport, Greensburg C.C., Hampton, Highlands, Hopewell, Lincoln Park, Mt. Pleasant, Neighborhood Academy, Peters Township, Serra Catholic, Shady Side Academy, South Fayette, Thomas Jefferson, Yough