Sports
Boys Focusing on State Playoffs
Chartiers Valley plays Allderdice in the first round of the PIAA playoffs Saturday.
The Chartiers Valley boys’ basketball team had a successful season by anyone’s standards last year when it won the Class AAA WPIAL title before falling in the PIAA championship game. But this season, the Colts will be looking to accomplish the opposite of that as Chartiers Valley chases the Class AAAA state title a week after losing to Gateway in the WPIAL championship game.
City League champion Allderdice is the Colts’ first-round opponent in the PIAA playoffs at 4:30 p.m. today at Peabody High School. The Dragons upset Perry last week to win the City League championship.
WHAT WE KNOW
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Allderdice has not defeated a Class AAAA team from the WPIAL all season and boasts only one truly impressive non-section win against Beaver Falls. However, the Dragons are an athletic team, which has proven to give Chartiers Valley trouble in the past. And while the Colts do have some bad losses, they also hold perhaps the most impressive wins of any Class AAAA team still playing. Chartiers Valley has defeated North Allegheny and Mt. Lebanon, as well as Class AAA WPIAL champion Montour and runner-up South Fayette.
THE INJURED GUARDS
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After the team’s loss to Gateway last week, Chartiers Valley coach Tim McConnell made it no secret that his team felt the loss of point guard Steve Burda. If the Colts’ second-leading scorer is able to return from his concussion in today’s game, it could go a long way in determining the outcome. With another full week of practice, guard Wayne Capers continues to improve after suffering a knee injury while playing football last fall. The longer this PIAA championship run lasts for Chartiers Valley, the healthier Capers will be, and that doesn’t bode well for other teams.
PREDICTION
Even if Burda is unable to play, Chartiers Valley should be able to overpower Allderdice. The Dragons may be athletic, but they also play undisciplined, which can spell disaster for any team that plays the Colts. Chartiers Valley will prevail 65-56, and advance to play the winner of the Butler vs. Cathedral Preparatory game at a site and time to be determined.
IF YOU GO
Peabody High School is located 515 N. Highland Ave. in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 4:30 p.m.
