Bishop Carroll at Penn Cambria Friday 7:30
In a clash for Section I supremacy, Bishop Carroll will make the trip to Cresson to take on Penn Cambria. The Huskies have been playing extremely well early on in the season. Bishop Carroll is 9-2 and 5-0 in the LHAC. They must face Forest Hills on Wednesday in Sidman before the big game Friday. Cosie Aliquo's squad is coming off a strong non conference road victory over previously unbeaten, VIncentian Academy of District 7. They are led by a young shooting guard, Brandon Martinazzi. Martiazzi is only a sophomore, but leads the Huskies in scoring. Marcus Lee is a junior post player that has developed into one of the better big men in the area. He is always a candidate for a double double. BC also has senior leader, Scott Ranck making an impact. Bishop Carroll is always coached well, and they will be prepared for the big game atmosphere.
Penn Cambria is a senior led team that has good balance, and presents matchup problems for opponets. It all starts with UPJ recruit, AJ Leahey. Leahey is not a typical 6-7 post player, as he can handle the ball and shoot from all over the place. He is a difficult match for opposing defenses. Leahey is averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds a game. Nathan Keagy is 6-5, and adds to the length for Penn Cambria. Mack Behe is a vrsatile threat at 6-2. He averages 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. His value is enhanced by his defense. Penn Cambria starts four players 6-1 or taller. The Panthers must face a dangerous Cambria Heights team on Wednesday before the date with BC. They are currently 9-2 with both losses coming by one point.
This game has all the makings to be a classic. They are both headstrong teams that are hungry. Penn Cambria has put together a nice run with this same group, but they have failed to win a championship with them. It is their time to prove they can win the league and district. Carroll is still young, as they start 4 underclassmen. Still, Bishop Carroll kids have played in big games, and their confidence has to be high right now. The game will be played on a small court, and that can play right into the home team's hand. Carroll starts three guards under 6-0, and the length of Penn Cambria could play a factor. AJ Leahey is tough to defend, and even if you defend him well, he can still make his shots. He is that type of player. It is anyone's ball game, and definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.
Johnstown at Bishop McCort Friday 7:30
Johnstown is the three time defending LHAC champions. They are also winners of four straght District Six AAA championships as well. Those are some impressive feats, still the expectations were not quite as high this season. Many of the players that fueled those runs have graduated, and some uncertainty ensued. Rather than accepting the lower expectations, the Trojans have jumped out to an 8-3 start. They still have a game with Westmont on Wednesday, before the showdown with McCort. The Trojans are led by savvy senior point guard, Phillip Madison. He can open things up with his scoring ability, yet can keep everyone involved with his passing skills as well. He finds shots for fellow senior guards, Damean and Daniel Barfield. The two twins have relished the starting roles and have not disappointed. Johnstown is also benefitting from the improvment of senior center, Roshon Fields. Fields has been a force on the rebound front, and is a much improved scorer. The Trojans are coming off a big victory over rival Altoona, and they will enter Friday with a ton of confidence.
Bishop McCort is the two time defending District Six AA champs. That is a lot of success for one program, but they are in the midst of an eight game losing streak to their rivals. That is something they would like to end. The Crimson Crushers are a deep team, led by two talented juniors. Billy Hipp is a 6-3 point guard that has been averaging 15 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals a contest. He creates a tough match for any opponet with his size. His running mate is the ultra athletic, Nemo Trexler. Trexler is a three year starter that is averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds on the season. He is a versatile player that can do plenty of different things on the court. The Crushers have good senior leadership in Gap Barbin and Jordan Spangler. Spangler is the team's third leading scorer, and is a three point threat. The Crushers are coming off a strong win at Somerset, and must travel to Richland on Wednesday before the Friday night bout.
The Johnstown-McCort rivalry always brings out loud cheering sections, and emotional games on the court. Both schools have plenty of pride, and they figure to be ready for a big time atmosphere on Friday. This game typically favors the home team, as they can set the tempo as they wish. There will be plenty of athletes on display Friday, so get to the Osborne Street gym early and try to find a spot.
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