Moon Area secured an 87-77 victory over Thomas Jefferson in the PIAA boys basketball tournament, fueled by an 18-1 third-quarter run. The Tigers advance to face West York Friday. Brody Bauman led four Moon players in double figures with 28 points in a strong offensive performance.
Haley Smarsh of Moon Area won a gold medal at the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships, defeating Shannon Logue, 17-6. Smarsh has medaled three consecutive years. Teammate Bryce Thomas and Montour's Kristen Walzer also earned medals, finishing seventh and third, respectively.
Caleb Waclawski led Moon Area to a 55-49 win against Hershey in the Class 5A PIAA Boys Basketball Championships, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Moon advances to face Thomas Jefferson in the next round, aiming to continue their momentum. In girls play, OLSH was eliminated by Central Cambria.
Haley Smarsh from Moon Area advanced to the finals of the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships, being the only West Hills wrestler to reach a championship match. Competing Saturday for the gold, she previously secured victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Still competing for medals are Moon's Bryce Thomas and Montour's Kristen Walzer.
Four of West Hills' five wrestlers advanced in the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships, with Kristen Walzer and Haley Smarsh winning in the girls division. Moon's Bryce Thomas also progressed in the championship bracket while Liam Costa and Cael Yanek dropped to consolation bracket action.
Three West Hills high school basketball teams are set to compete in the PIAA championships after long layoffs. Moon Area and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) girls play Friday, while OLSH boys host Conemaugh Township Saturday. All three teams seek to advance beyond tough opponents.
Five West Hills wrestlers qualified for the PIAA Individual Championships following regional tournaments. Notable performances include Montour's Kristen Walzer, Moon's Haley Smarsh and Moon's Cael Yanek, who all clinched gold in their weight classes. The PIAA championships are scheduled from March 5-7 in Hershey.