Just a typical night in the LHAC: Wednesday 1-23

                    The Laurel Highlands has almost certainly been asserted itself into being the best league for boys basketball in the region. There can be as many as eight teams from this league making it to some level of postseason play, with almost all of them being able to contend for a championship. Last weekend, it was
"Showdown Friday", and for good reason. Bishop McCort narrowly escaped the Johnstown Trojans at home, and Bishop Carroll earned a hard fought road win at Penn Cambria. Those victories propelled each team to the top of their sections, but it may be a short stay. This league is filled parity, and each night is turning into a battle. Let's take a look at some of the big games in the LHAC this Wednesday.


-- Richland at Bishop Guilfoyle- Richland enters this game with a 7-5 record, but they still remain a threat in this league. They scored a huge upset over Bishop McCort last week, and it put other teams on high alert. The Rams have three pretty reliable scoring threats with Kyle Flick, Matt Shaffer, and Aaron Miller. The Rams aren't great outside shooters, but they have a strong, physical team that can keep opposing teams out of sorts. The Rams are not going to outscore a lot of teams with their offense, but they can certainly slow the game to their pace. Bishop Guilfoyle is riding a six game winning streak as a part of their 10-2 record. They knocked off previously unbeaten, Bellwood-Antis, on the road last week. That win along with some key wins over McCort and Cambria Heights have the Marauders playing with a world of confidence. Brandon Drenning and company have been shooting it well lately. BG has certainly let it be known they will be a force to be reckoned with in the class A playoffs.

Outlook- Bishop Guilfoyle is a very difficult gym for opponents to conquer. The Marauders play well at home, and it is one of the better home court advantages in the area. BG is playing very well right now, and to note, after Richland's big upset they have followed it with two double digit road losses. I'd give the edge to BG, but this league is far from a sure thing.

-- Somerset at Cambria Heights-Cambria Heights enters this game as a 9-6 ball team, but they are not an easy out by any measure. The Highlanders have the size and shooting abilities to at least make any game close. Isaac Vescovi is a versatile forward that is among the leading scorers in the league.Nathan Bearer and Brad Hoppel are the other Highlanders that average more than two points a game. This team has size and some athletes, and they can knock off anyone on any given night. Somerset has proven to be another up and down type team in this league. Somerset has dealt with injuries, but when healthy, they certainly look the part of a top tier team. The Eagles have a host of shooters, as well as some great size and length. Somerset is also a senior oriented team, led by Brett Barron and Jake Close. They also have a pretty special freshman in Dylan Barnes. All three average double figure scoring.

Outlook- Somerset certainly has one of the better shooting teams in the area. The Eagles have knocked in double digit three pointers in eight contests already. If the shots are flying, they are tough to beat. Cambria Heights gets the benefit of playing at home, and they can stroke it, too. This game is all about which team shows up hungry for a win. It is at the point of the season, where both teams need to stop the bleeding and piece together a win.


-- Johnstown at Bishop Carroll- Bishop Carroll may be setting themselves up to be the best team in the LHAC. The young Huskies have won eight straight, and raced out to an impressive 11-2 clip. They are led by a tough sophomore guard, Brandon Martinazzi. He leads the Huskies in scoring, and they go as he does. BC also boasts one of the best big men in the league in Marcus Lee. The junior is averaging 14 points and 9 rebounds a game. Carroll is hot right now, and they are playing very well as a team. It will not be easy for anyone to beat them right now. Johnstown enters the game at 10-4, and that may come as a bit of a surprise to some. The Trojans have a proud program, and it is showing this year. Phillip Madison is as good of a guard as you will find in the area. He leads the Trojans in scoring. Roshon Fields has taken his game to another level, and the 6-6 Forward is a key element to this basketball team. The Barfield twins are undersized, but have great quickness. They can stretch the floor with their shooting as well.

Outlook- Both teams have impressive resumes to this point. The Huskies have good quickness from their guards and a steady big man. Cosie Aliquo does an excellent job getting his team prepared for anything. Neil Cobaugh has certainly done a fine job thus far as well. He lost four starters from some very successful teams. These Trojans play hard, and they are scrappy. This should be one heck of a game. The Roshon Fields-Marcus Lee battle will be a good one to see. This is anyone's ball game.


-- Bishop McCort at Penn Cambria- The preseason 1-2 in the LHAC, this one should be good. The Crimson Crushers came up victorious in "Showdown Friday" and they are looking to score another big win. Nemo Trexler comes into this game averaging 19 and 9. He is one of the best forwards in the area, and one of the most athletic ones, too. Billy Hipp has played well adjusting to the point guard position. The Crushers' strength could be their senior leadership and depth. The Crushers can play up to 11 different guys. Penn Cambria is sitting at 11-3 overall, after a tough loss to Bishop Carroll on Friday. The Panthers are led by a very experienced group, as most of them have been starting since they were sophomores. UPJ recruit, AJ Leahey  is arguably one of the best all around players in District Six. He averages over 20, while three Panthers average 8. Nathan Keagy, Mack Behe, and Devin Lawhead all bring something a little different to the table and makes this team incredibly versatile.

Outlook-The preseason expectations surrounding these teams, plus McCort knocking Penn Cambria out of the playoffs the past two years will certainly make this game hyped. The interesting matchups will be who will guard Trexler and Leahey for each side. It would be unlikely the two stars will be guarding each other. This game should be intense as it is good. These teams have the potential to meet each other again, as that is how it worked out the past two years.