West Hills high school spring sports are in progress, showcasing notable performances. The Carlynton Cougars baseball team rallied for an 8-7 win over McKeesport, highlighted by pitcher Ray Filipovitz's debut. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, meanwhile, dropped a tough one Friday to Quaker Valley. Action also got underway in softball, boys tennis, boys volleyball and girls rugby.
The Athletes of Action Memorial Scholarship Luncheon, now in its 14th year, has evolved from a modest start to a celebrated fundraising event. Held on April 5, it supports scholarships for scholar-athletes from Montour and Sto-Rox high schools. Since its inception, it has awarded $81,000, positively impacting numerous students.
The Montour Spartans' boys basketball team saw its season come to an end Tuesday night with a 48-38 loss to Chartiers Valley in the second round of the PIAA Tournament at Bethel Park.
Rook Smith of Montour was the sole medalist among West Hills wrestlers at the PIAA Boys Championships, finishing eighth at 160 pounds in Class 3A. Liam Costa and Cael Yanek of Moon Area also competed but did not medal. Carlynton's Braiden Sudor and Henry Barbisch also competed in the Class 2A event.
West Hills wrestlers Kristen Walzer and Haley Smarsh placed sixth in their weight classes at the PIAA Girls Championships. Walzer, from Montour, competed at 100 pounds, while Smarsh -- from Moon Area -- was at 130 pounds. Both reached semifinals but lost three consecutive matches.
West Hills teams had mixed results Friday night in the opening round of the PIAA Basketball Tournament. Montour boys won against Milton Hershey, 68-49, while Moon Area lost to Greater Johnstown, 60-53, ending its season. In girls Class 3A, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart triumphed over Seneca, 53-44.
Six West Hills area boys and girls basketball teams are set to open play in the PIAA Tournament, with three teams seeing action Friday night and three more entering the fray Saturday.