2009 PIAA Basketball State Championship
*Stars of the Show*
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 Kayla McBride, Villa Maria Academy
This was my first time seeing the junior guard, and she was impressive, scoring 20 points, dishing 7 assists, and grabbing 9 boards. She has the ability to get around defenders, shoot the j, or take it to the basket. What was most impressive was some of the rebounds she grabbed, and some of the defense she played (especially against York Catholic's Kady Schrann, a tough task to say the least) |
 Lance Devero, Girard College
In his last game as a Cavalier, the senior forward pulled out all the stops offensively and defensively. His emotion was unmatched in the game and seemed to be one of the big sparks for the Girard team. Kennedy Catholic seemed to have no answer for his energy, nor his ability to take smart shots (8-11 FG, 2-2 3pt FG for 20 points) and cover the floor (6 rebounds, 3 steals). A great curtain call for the senior. |
 John Johnson, Girard College
Johnson also earned SOTS honors for Girard, as his 30 points were nothing to sneeze at. It seems if he gets anywhere near the box, he's going to make the layup and there's really not much anyone can do about it. He also had 7 steals to remind people he can play defense as well. What I think is most impressive about him is that he doesn't waste movement; he gets where he needs to be to put himself in the best position to be a threat. |
 Emily Miller, Mt. Lebanon
The 5-11 senior forward capped off her high school career with an inspired performance. Notching 21 points and 7 rebounds, she also scored the last 6 points for Mt. Lebanon (including 4 free throws) that put the game away. She was graceful on the court, and another player that seemed not to waste any movement. |
 Kasheef Festus, Archbishop Carroll
The 6-5 senior forward made sure everyone knew that the inside was his domain in this one. He tallied 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the game. He shot a high percentage, going 8-13, and set a presence down low that Greensburg Salem couldn't counter. He leaves Carroll in good hands (3 of the starters return next year), and he leaves knowing that he played a big role in helping them win their first state title (on their first year of being able to do so). |
 Alli Williams, Bishop Guilfoyle
This was one of those "no-brainer" decisions. The entire team was great, especially on defense, but Williams, standing at 5-11, was a force on the court. 22 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 5 steals - quite a line. And since she's only a junior, she might just do this again next year. Watch out. |
 Sam Prescott, Imhotep
The athletic senior guard went out with style, doing everything in his power to help Imhotep win the tightest game of the weekend over North Catholic of Pittsburgh in double overtime. As a 6-3 guard, this gave him a lot of versatility on the floor, and he surely capitalized. A key stat would be his 13 rebounds that went along with his 21 hard earned points (in this game, every point was hard earned). Prescott helps Imhotep cap off a wonderful season, that included only 1 loss, and of course, 1 state championship. |
 Tyree Johnson, Penn Wood
This was a performance. It seemed like from the start of the game, Johnson and the Patriots were not going to accept a loss. The junior floor general led the way with 14 points and 7 steals. He timed his shots and made them at crucial points in the game. He was everywhere on defense, and just flat out did exactly what Penn Wood needed him to do to help lead them to victory. And as always, he never looked rattled on the floor. Can he make it an encore for his senior year? |
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