Local roundup
AG coach Dan Andria picks up 250th career victory Albert Gallatin head coach Dan Andria picked up his 250th career win as The Colonials defeated McKeesport 88-76 in a non-section boys basketball matchup.
“This is the first time that I’ve ever started off 0-7, and after a tough loss against Connellsville on Friday night, we had to bounce back,” said Andrea.
Sophomore T.J. Hall who scored eight quick points off the bench for AG in the first quarter and scoring overall was balanced with four Colonials in double figures.
Chris Moore led the way with 25 points, including 5-of-7 from the foul line, Craig Hriblan scored 19 and Jared Lint and Eddie Robinson added 17 and 13.
“Last night against Connellsville was a turning point for us,” said Andria.
“I told my guys if they work hard and keep working, you’re going to be rewarded.”
The Colonials were down 38-26 with a minute left when they peeled off the last six points to give them the halftime lead.
“I told my guys at the half that we’re going to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket,” said Andria.
“That opened up everything for us.”
Marcellus Garner led McKeesport with 21 points, while Donald Allen and Jay Schillaci added 15 and 10 points.
“We’re hoping to build on this win,” added Andria.
Albert Gallatin will play in two holiday tournaments and will visit Trinity on Jan. 3.
Derry 77, Brownsville 67 – Ryan Demary scored a game-high 38 points, including three 3-pointers as Derry edged past Brownsville in a Section 3-AAA game on Friday.
“On the road, it’s going to be tough to win,” said Brownsville coach Pete Logan.
“You have to play harder on the road.”
The Falcons were outshot a26-4 from the foul line and did not reach the charity stripe after the first quarter, where they hit 3-of-4.
“We just didn’t get to the foul line and they did,” said Logan. Down the stretch, Derry hit 13 foul shots.
A Trio of Brownsville players reached double figures with Carson Thomas leading the way with 21 points, including five 3-pointers, while Mike Bogden and Joe Cardine added 16 and 10.
Brownsville will participate in the Keystone Oaks Tournament on Dec. 27 and 28 and will return to section action at home against Southmoreland on Jan. 3.
Girls basketball
Mapletown 46, Jefferson-Morgan 34 – Kaylin Matthews led with 14 points as the Lady Maples rolled to an easy section 2-A win over Jefferson-Morgan.
Mapletown led by seven at the half, but held J-M to just 11 second-half points to seal the win.
Shanna Yourchik scored 24 of J-M’s 34 points on 12 field goals.
The Lady Maples will visit Frazier on Jan. 2 while the Rockettes will visit Geibel Catholic on Jan. 3.
Belle Vernon 56, Mount Pleasant 50 – Sophomore Corey Baron scored a game-high 22 points as Belle Vernon (1-3, 4-3) defeated Mount Pleasant (0-4, 2-5) in Section 3-AAA action.
Both teams were winless going into Friday’s game.
Mount Pleasant forced 10 turnovers early in the game to take a 13-1 lead in the first five minutes.
Lisa Gorecki scored 16 of her 17 points for Mount Pleasant in the first half to pull them back into the lead. Mount Pleasant led at the half 30-22.
The Lady Leopards scored 12 straight points to start the second half to regain the lead.
Mount Pleasant shot just 7-of-26 from the floor in the second half.
Belle Vernon participates in the Monessen Christmas Tournament on Dec. 27 and 28.
Section 2-AAAA – It was incorrectly reported in Friday’s edition of the Herald-Standard that the Laurel Highlands girls basketball team is in first place of the section.
At this point, first place in the section belongs to Albert Gallatin (4-0) with Laurel Highlands (3-1) in second place.
We apologize for the error.