-CLASS A-
By Ken Hohman
The Bishop Canevin Crusaders seized the WPIAL Class A Championship title for a second year by conquering the Union Scotties 58-45 at the Petersen Events Center on March 3.
The matchup proved tougher than most of the Crusaders’ wins in the run-up, but the team’s bench depth and scoring made the difference in the game, where they outscored Union 21- 3. Starting out on the bench, Canevin junior Shea Champine went on to lead his team’s scoring with 15 points, 13 of which came in the second half.
The Crusaders took an early 12-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, extending that margin slightly to 24-19 at the break. Kevaughn Price led the balance attack with eight of his nine total points landed in the first half.
Canevin talent took over in the third quarter, where they outscored the Scotties 17-6. Union closed the gap by three points in the final quarter, without threatening Canevin’s double digit lead.
Throughout the game, the Crusader defense held the Scotties to just three field goals on nineteen shots. Freshman Amari Evans led the Crusader in rebound and steals with seven rebounds to go with three steals and 10 points. Jaden Gales made four blocks to go with seven points.
With the WPIAL under their belt, the Crusaders now look for a chance at the PIAA State Championship. They will play their first game March 8 against District 9’s fifth place team – to be determined by Clarion’s matchup with Johnsonburg on March 5.