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.
Avonworth defeated Moon Area 9-4 Monday night in the PIHL Penguins Cup playoffs, bolstered by a six-goal second period. Richard Malsch scored twice, while Moon's Jordan Rieke netted two goals as well. Avonworth advances to the semifinals.
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.
At the WPIAL Swimming Championships, West Hills swimmers Mimi Chamberlain, Noah Pickett, and Evey Fahnestock earned medals. Chamberlain secured second in the 100-yard breaststroke, Pickett fifth in the 500 freestyle and Fahnestock improved to sixth in the 100 breaststroke.
The Moon Area Tigers lost to Hampton 61-59 in overtime Thursday night in the battle for third place in the WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball tournament, marking their second close defeat in three nights. Moon struggled with shooting and will face Hershey in the upcoming PIAA Tournament.