Trojans remain undefeated in Section 5-AA
California trailed at halftime, 28-22, but the Trojans had a strong fourth quarter on their way to a key 55-52 Section 5-AA victory over visiting Charleroi.
The two teams both scored 14 points in the third quarter, and the home team secured the fourth quarter and the win by outscoring the Cougars in the final eight minutes, 19-10.
Tied atop the section standings before the game, California now stands alone with a 7-0 record, improving to 12-1 overall. The Cougars go to 6-1 in the section and 8-4 overall.
The Trojans’ Tanner Huffman finished with at game-high 23 points, including three 3-pointers. Demetri Clements was also in double figures with 12.
Jim Diaz led Charleroi with 19 points, and Matt Indorante added 18.
Mapletown 58, Avella 54 — The Maples evened their Section 3-A record by holding on to defeat the visiting Eagles.
Mapletown improves to 2-2 in the section and 3-10 overall. Avella slides to 0-4 in the section and 2-10 overall.
The Maples led early, taking a 15-8 first-quarter lead. Avella shaved a point off its deficit by halftime, 30-24, but Mapletown got the point back in the third quarter for a 40-33 lead.
The two offense let loose in the fourth quarter with Avella holding the edge, 21-18, in the final period.
Dereck Riggleman scored a game-high 27 points for Mapletown, including 9-of-14 free throws. Ben Boone finished with 15 points, all on 3-pointers.
Walter Kopko scored 20 for Avella. Brandon Miller finished with 16, and Billy McKee added 12.
Monessen 69, Carmichaels 35 — The Greyhounds scored all the points they needed in the first 16 minutes, breezing to a Section 3-A victory over the visiting Mikes.
Monessen (4-0, 5-8) led 23-7, 44-13, and 62-22 at the quarter breaks.
The Greyhounds’ Luke Doptis led all scorers with 19 points. Clintell Gillaspie finished with 14, Tyler Yuille had 11, and Nickodemes Payne added 10.
Brandon Lawless was the lone player for Carmichaels (2-2, 11-3) in double figures with 12 points.
In other local action, Beth-Center edged Bentworth, 62-56, Mount Pleasant defeated Southmoreland, 60-44, and Waynesburg Central slipped past McGuffey, 64-53.