Late runs in 1st, 2nd quarters key in Chartiers Valley win over LH
An 8-0 run to end the first quarter and a 7-0 scoring spurt to close the second frame set the tone in Chartiers Valley’s 74-36 victory over Laurel Highlands in non-section boys basketball play on Tuesday at Harold “Horse” Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.
The Mustangs (1-1) took an 11-10 lead on Jude Packrone’s run before the Colts’ Silas Verzich connected on back-to-back 3-pointers and Luca Federico converted on a layup in the last five seconds for an 18-11 advantage after the first quarter.
Laurel Highlands’ Nick Crouch scored on a runner to cut the deficit to 36-24 in the second quarter, but Logan Helfrick nailed a three-pointer, Federico threw down a one-handed slam dunk following a steal and Julian Semplice made a layup following a second steal for a 43-24 halftime lead.
Chartiers Valley (1-0) extended its advantage to 63-30 heading into the fourth quarter after the Colts held a 20-6 edge in the frame. The visitors had an 11-6 advantage in the final period.
Chartiers Valley’s Danny Slizik had a game-high 23 points. Federico put in 19 and Semplice added 15.
Kayden Smith led the Mustangs in scoring with 10 points.
Connellsville 72, Yough 30 — The Falcons jumped out early and never looked back in cruising to a non-section victory over the Cougars at Connellsville Area High School.
Connellsville (1-0) had a 25-9 lead over Yough (0-2) and a 44-18 advantage at the half.
Both teams scored seven points in the third period, but the Falcons used a 21-5 advantage in the fourth to pull away.
Connellsville’s Christian Thomas scored a game-high 19 points. Teammate Brett Hedrick added 11. Tyler Burkus and Lucas Harwood had 10 scores apiece.
The Cougars were led in scoring by Tyler Smith, who had 14 points.
Keystone Oaks 73, Southmoreland 59 — The Eagles had four players in double figures and earned a non-section triumph over the Scotties at Keystone Oaks High School.
Keystone Oaks’ Aaron Beck was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points. The Eagles’ Erond Jakupi had 17, and Jude Clarke and Isaac Russell each contributed with 12 points.
Southmoreland (0-1) was led in scoring by Brock Pritts, who dropped 16. Teammate Noah Felentzer had 12.
Keystone Oaks, who improved to 3-0, had a 11-7 lead after the first quarter and a 29-22 halftime advantage. The Scotties cut into the deficit with a 17-16 edge in the third period, but the Eagles outscored the visitors, 28-20, in the final frame.