Having spent his fair share of time getting to know Fox Chapel in his seven seasons of coaching at Seneca Valley, Kevin Trost felt as if he had a pretty good idea of the way the showdown would play out Friday night between the co-leaders in Class 6A Section 1.

“I texted our assistants this afternoon and said, ‘This might be one where the first team to 40 wins,'” Trost said. “Knowing Fox Chapel is so tough and the way they grind games out, I kind of had a feeling it was going to be low-scoring.”

Turns out, Trost’s assessment was just a bit off, as neither team managed to reach the 40-point mark in a low-scoring defensive slugfest. But that did nothing to take away from the game’s dramatic finish, as the Raiders forced a turnover late in the fourth quarter before Owen Congdon’s go-ahead free throws with 3.6 seconds remaining secured a 37-35 victory for Seneca Valley — not to mention sole possession of first place in the section.

“I think this might be the first time I’ve beaten them since I’ve been at Seneca,” Trost said. “It feels really good that we’re playing well, but we still know there is a lot of basketball left to be played. Nothing is settled at this point. We want to just keep getting better every day.”

Caden Kaiser registered a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort for the Foxes (11-4, 6-2), while Jaxon Householder led the Raiders with 9 points.

“This is a group that has probably played together more than anybody that I’ve had since I’ve been at Seneca,” Trost said. “We have a lot of basketball-only guys. We’ve spent a lot of time together in the offseason.”

Although nobody finished in double figures for Seneca Valley (10-6, 7-1), it was a terrific team effort that required a suffocating performance on defense — especially after Fox Chapel erased a fourth-quarter deficit to tie the score in the final minute.

With the Foxes milking the clock in an effort to hold onto the ball for the final shot, junior guard Andrew Omasits foiled their plans with a clutch steal. After cutting to the hoop in the final seconds, Congdon received a pass near the basket and drew a foul with 3.6 seconds left and the score tied, 35-35.

After missing his first two free-throw attempts earlier in the game, Congdon went to the line with only 3 points in the game — but the 6-5 junior calmly knocked down both shots to lift the red-hot Raiders to their ninth consecutive win after a 1-6 start.

“Owen has worked really, really hard on his free throws,” Trost said. “He has really improved. Even though he was 0 for 2, I had a lot of confidence that he was going to knock them down for us.”

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart’s Jake Johnson scored 16 points to help the Chargers pull out a 56-51 win against Neshannock Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Moon High School. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)

Other boys games

• In a battle between the top two teams in Class 2A Section 4, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart exacted revenge on Neshannock for an early season defeat with a 56-51 win at Moon High School. Tiernan McCullough tallied 17 points to lead a trio of double-digit scorers for the host Chargers (11-4, 6-1), followed by 16 from Jake Johnson and 15 from Vann Kavals. David Kwiat drained five 3-pointers on his way to a game-high 21 points for the Lancers (12-2, 7-1).

Montour star center Ama Sow turned in another signature performance for the Spartans (11-1, 6-0), tallying a game-high 31 points in a commanding 76-49 victory against visiting Lincoln Park in Class 5A Section 4. The 6-10 senior surpassed 1,000 points for his career, aided by 15 points from Colton Straight and 11 from Mark Carter. Mason Rowan finished with a team-leading 15 points for the Leopards (2-12, 0-7).

• With first place in Class 6A Section 2 on the line, defending WPIAL champion Upper St. Clair solidified its position atop the standings with a strong showing in the second half, emerging victorious at Central Catholic, 57-43. Ryan Robbins led all scorers with 22 points while Niko Gidas added 10 for the Panthers (15-1, 8-0), who extended their winning streak to 10 games. Calvin Vento scored a team-high 12 points for the Vikings (9-5, 6-2).

• In another crucial clash between teams jockeying for a playoff spot in Class 6A Section 2, Mt. Lebanon broke open a tie score after the opening quarter and dominated the second half en route to a 60-27 win at Hempfield (7-7, 2-5). Three players reached double figures for the Blue Devils (8-6, 4-4), paced by 19 points from Carter Gould, followed by 13 from Sam Deibert and 11 from Dane Barber. Danny Husenits led the Spartans with 6 points.

• Five players finished in double figures for Imani Christian, which cruised to a one-sided 82-43 win at Canon-McMillan. It was much less competitive than the first meeting between the teams this season, won by Imani in overtime, 71-60. RJ Sledge led the way with 14 points for the Saints (8-5, 6-2), while Michael Detrich and Roman Koenemund finished with 13 points apiece for the Big Macs (3-11, 1-7).

• Amon Hawthorne knocked down seven 3-pointers on his way to a game-high 27 points for Penn Hills (5-7, 5-1), and Calix Clark tacked on 22 points to go with 13 from Todd Bishop and 10 from Cam Glenn in an 80-65 win at Indiana in Class 5A Section 2. Aaron Webb scored a team-high 26 points for the Little Indians (5-9, 2-5).

• Two-time PUP football all-star Scoop Smith showed off his multisport skills with a game-high 17 points for Woodland Hills (6-8, 2-6), helping the Wolverines eke out a 44-43 overtime win against visiting Pine-Richland (5-8, 3-5) in Class 6A Section 1. Grant Spacciapolli scored 16 for the Rams along with 10 from Zach Kenny.

• Jonas Cupps scored a game-high 19 points and Gavin Quinn contributed 13 for Hampton to help the Talbots (9-6, 5-2) pull out a 47-45 overtime victory at Plum in Class 5A Section 2. Will Beckner scored a team-leading 17 points for the Mustangs (7-7, 3-4) to go with 11 from Will Grice.

• Anthony Lanni posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds for host West Allegheny (7-9), while Jonah Buglak chipped in with 13 points and Josiah Johnson added 10 in a 65-60 non-section win against Ambridge (2-11). Jared Astorino tallied a team-high 13 points for the Bridgers along with 11 from Owen Buchanan.

• In a non-section showdown between two of the top teams in Class 1A, Serra Catholic outlasted Nazareth Prep for a 61-58 overtime win after the Saints rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit. Owen Dumbroski led all scorers with 21 points for the Eagles (12-2), while Will Evans scored 15 to lead three players in double figures for Nazareth Prep (10-4).

• Lukas Stead scored a game-high 22 points for Allderdice (7-8, 5-0), which kept a firm grasp on the top spot in the City League standings with a 61-24 blowout of Brashear (4-12, 1-4). Nasir Thomas led the Bulls with 9 points.

Neshannock’s David Kwiat drives toward the basket against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Moon High School. Kwiat scored a game-high 21 points in a 56-51 defeat. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)

Girls games

• Two-time defending WPIAL champion Union kept its undefeated record intact, cruising to a 58-24 win at Aquinas Academy in a battle for first place in Class 1A Section 1. The game was relatively close after three quarters, but the Scotties closed it out with a 20-0 run in the final quarter. Kylie Fruehstorfer led the way with 19 points for Union (13-0, 7-0), followed closely by Addie Nogay with 16 and Olivia Benedict with 11. Tess Duer and Elliot Keverline led the Crusaders (8-5, 5-2) with 7 points each.

• Reese Smetanka led all scorers with 22 points for Shaler while Jorja Bernesser contributed 10 for the Titans (12-2, 5-1), who built a 30-point lead after three quarters en route to a 48-26 rout at Armstrong in Class 5A Section 1. Marlo Mellish tallied a team-high 10 points for the River Hawks (2-12, 1-6).

• Sadie Orie converted 10-of-10 attempts from the free-throw line for Bethel Park (7-8, 4-3), scoring a game-high 16 points to go along with 10 from Ella Sabatos in a 44-32 win at Trinity in Class 5A Section 2. Sutton Williamson led the Hillers (8-5, 3-4) with 14 points.

• Kendall Berger tallied a game-high 14 points and Belle Furno added 13 for defending WPIAL Class 6A champion Norwin (8-5), helping the Knights stretch their winning streak to four games with a 53-38 non-section victory at North Hills (5-10). Delaney Amato finished with a team-leading 10 points for the Indians.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart coach Mike Rodriguez talks with his team after the third quarter of a 56-51 win against Neshannock Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Moon High School. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)

Three stars

***— Austen Wroblewski, Mars. The sharp-shooting senior buried six 3-pointers on his way to a game-high 27 points for the Planets in a 74-51 win at Blackhawk in Class 5A Section 4.

** — Marcus McGowen, Jeannette. McGowen made sure the Jayhawks got back on track after their first loss of the season, scoring a game-high 28 points in an 84-45 win at California in Class 2A Section 1.

* — Zach Pollaro, North Hills. In one of the biggest upsets of the season so far, Pollaro poured in a game-high 32 points while surpassing 1,000 points for his career, pacing the Indians to a 69-55 home win over New Castle in Class 6A Section 1.

Hot from deep

Players with 3 or more 3-pointers: Amon Hawthorne, Penn Hills, 7; Marcus Griffin, Sto-Rox, 5; David Kwiat, Neshannock, 5; Zach Washington, Quaker Valley, 5; Ralphie Blundo, New Castle, 4; Gavin Bruce, Shenango, 4; Owen Dumbroski, Serra Catholic, 4; Leon Harrison, Nazareth Prep, 4; Harrison Kerley, Quaker Valley, 4; Marcus McGowen, Jeannette, 4; Addie Nogay, Union, 4; Vinny Pezzuolo, Mohawk, 4; Zach Pollaro, North Hills, 4; Grant Spacciapolli, Pine-Richland, 4; Dane Barber, Mt. Lebanon, 3; Owen Buchanan, Ambridge, 3; Kai Cox, New Castle, 3; Drake Fox, Riverside, 3; Kylie Fruehstorfer, Union, 3; R.J. Gerace, Ambridge, 3; Leighana Gooden, Jefferson-Morgan, 3; Tiernan McCullough, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 3; Stanford Webb, Indiana, 3.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart players cheer on their team from the bench in a 56-51 win against Neshannock Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Moon High School. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)

Scoreboard

Boys scores

Class 6A Section 1

Butler 71, North Allegheny 67 (OT)

North Hills 69, New Castle 55

Seneca Valley 37, Fox Chapel 35

Woodland Hills 44, Pine-Richland 43 (OT)

Class 6A Section 2

Imani Christian 82, Canon-McMillan 43

Mt. Lebanon 60, Hempfield 27

Norwin 63, Connellsville 39

Upper St. Clair 57, Central Catholic 43

Class 5A Section 1

Latrobe 66, Gateway 56

McKeesport 70, Laurel Highlands 62

Penn-Trafford 52, Franklin Regional 44

Uniontown 95, Albert Gallatin 65

Class 5A Section 2

Hampton 47, Plum 45 (OT)

Penn Hills 80, Indiana 65

Shaler 47, Armstrong 43

Class 5A Section 3

South Fayette 68, Ringgold 50

Thomas Jefferson 73, Peters Township 71

Trinity 58, Bethel Park 45

Class 5A Section 4

Mars 74, Blackhawk 51

Montour 76, Lincoln Park 49

Class 4A Section 1

Highlands 40, Burrell 35

Knoch 69, Valley 22

Class 4A Section 3

Derry 51, East Allegheny 45

Greensburg Salem 53, Yough 29

Class 3A Section 1

Aliquippa 60, Beaver Falls 20

Ellwood City 78, Freedom 48

Mohawk 61, Riverside 34

Class 2A Section 1

Bentworth 49, Riverview 21

Greensburg Central Catholic 59, Frazier 35

Jeannette 84, California 45

Springdale 42, Clairton 38

Class 2A Section 2

Leechburg 57, Propel Braddock Hills 50

Sewickley Academy 69, Eden Christian 26

Winchester Thurston 57, Brentwood 46

Class 2A Section 3

Beth-Center 65, Mapletown 29

Chartiers-Houston 43, Fort Cherry 35

Jefferson-Morgan 52, Burgettstown 41

West Greene 74, Carmichaels 45

Class 2A Section 4

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart 56, Neshannock 51

Rochester 60, Western Beaver 47

Shenango 53, South Side 43

Union 61, Laurel 53

City League

Allderdice 61, Brashear 24

Obama Academy 60, Carrick 44

Perry 63, Westinghouse 56

Non-section

Apollo-Ridge 71, Mount Pleasant 46

Aquinas Academy 72, St. Joseph 53

Avonworth 64, Bishop Canevin 57

Carlynton 68, Cornell 30

Elizabeth Forward 66, Southmoreland 30

Geibel Catholic 83, Propel Montour 46

North Star 73, Ligonier Valley 67

Quaker Valley 81, Sto-Rox 48

Serra Catholic 61, Nazareth Prep 58 (OT)

Girls scores

Class 5A Section 1

Fox Chapel 40, Penn Hills 24

Franklin Regional 60, Plum 51

Shaler 48, Armstrong 26

Class 5A Section 2

Penn-Trafford 57, Greensburg Salem 34

Class 5A Section 4

Albert Gallatin 70, Uniontown 28

Bethel Park 44, Trinity 32

Class 4A Section 1

Freeport 60, Derry 33

Class 4A Section 2

Hopewell 42, Lincoln Park 14

Class 4A Section 3

Elizabeth Forward 66, Southmoreland 17

Mount Pleasant 40, Yough 23

Class 3A Section 2

Deer Lakes 56, East Allegheny 16

Class 1A Section 1

Eden Christian 50, Sewickley Academy 40

Union 58, Aquinas Academy 24

City League

Allderdice 74, Brashear 28

Obama Academy 68, Carrick 30

Perry 26, Westinghouse 23

Non-section

Avella 69, Bentworth 39

Carlynton 58, Jefferson-Morgan 35

McGuffey 58, Carmichaels 19

Norwin 53, North Hills 38

West Greene 84, Hundred, W.Va., 26

Steve is a sports writer at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at srotstein@unionprogress.com.

Steve Rotstein

Steve is a sports writer at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at srotstein@unionprogress.com.