May 6, 2015 6 min read

No one would have blamed Canon-McMillan’s baseball team for faltering.

Before the season began, doctors discovered senior Luke Blanock had experienced a relapse with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare type of cancer. One week later, a group of players were indefinitely suspended for allegedly using marijuana during a trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Head coach Frank Zebrasky was suspended for three games while the school district investigated the incident. Underclassmen were thrust into action in arguably the toughest section in WPIAL Class AAAA and the Big Macs’ pitching depth took a hit.

They responded to adversity by rallying around one another and played brilliantly the past three weeks.

Canon-McMillan (9-3, 13-5) is 9-2 since Zebrasky returned from suspension, including a six-game winning streak. The Big Macs secured second place in Section 5-AAAA with a victory over Peters Township Monday and is headed to the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

“This team parallels to a couple others from the past I’ve coached that stepped up to win big games, but with what this group has had to go through, this is unparalleled,” Zebrasky said. “Describing this group as unique would be an understatement. It’s incredible how they’ve bonded together to get the job done.”

Though the offense has continued to thrive, led by seniors Jared Beach and Chandler Palyas, Canon-McMillan’s growth can be measured on the mound. The Big Macs have allowed three or fewer runs nine times this season. Though they have not shut out an opponent, few teams have excelled against their deep staff.

Led by junior Matt Mish and Blanock, who has continued to pitch well despite suffering side effects from his chemotherapy treatments, the pitching staff has rivaled any in the WPIAL. The group includes two freshmen: Ian Hess and Zach Rohaley.

Senior Clay Martin, as well as juniors Austin Berger, Josh Palma and Hunter Stouden add depth that is hard to develop in high school baseball.

Zebrasky attributes the work of pitching coach Kurt Blanock, Luke’s father, who was not with the team last spring while Blanock battled cancer.

“I think we’ve progressed and we’re definitely young,” Zebrasky said. “The growth of guys like Mish and Luke is incredible. What Clay Martin has done is another one of those stories. The thing that stands out the most is the overall team effort. Each and every player has made a contribution. It’s a great feeling.”

Entering this season, Palyas, Beach, junior Connor Coleman and junior Tanner Piechnick were thought to form one of the best top-halves of any batting order in the WPIAL. The other five players, which changes consistently, continue to produce.

Martin, senior Andrew Wuenstel, sophomore Jacob Davey and freshman Nick Serafino have solidified an offense that will enter the WPIAL playoffs with momentum.

Even before Blanock’s diagnosis and the suspensions, many thought the Big Macs would miss the WPIAL playoffs. Thanks to senior leadership, strong pitching and the unexpected rise of underclassmen, Canon-McMillan should earn respect from the baseball steering committee.

They will learn their playoff fate Friday when playoff pairings are announced, but Zebrasky is not concerned where his team is placed or who is the first-round opponent.

No team can compare to the adversity the Big Macs have faced off the field.

“Each player in this program knows they are capable,” Zebrasky said. “We don’t adhere to the next man up mentality, but if it’s your turn, it’s your turn. Nothing can exemplify that more than what has happened on the mound for us.”

Chartiers-Houston point guard Alec Ferrari, the 2015 Observer-Reporter Boys Basketball Player of the Year, will continue his athletic and academic career at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio.

Ferrari, who finished his high school career with 1,099 points and became the school’s all-time assists leader, chose the Purple Raiders over Allegheny, La Roche and Washington & Jefferson colleges.

“I love the campus and everything about the school, really,” Ferrari said of Mount Union. “They are nationally ranked and I wanted to play for a winning program. I knew that’s where I wanted to be.”

Mount Union, which competes in NCAA Division III’s Ohio Athletic Conference, reached the Elite Eight this season before losing to Augustana, Ill. Eight seniors return, but Ferrari is confident that he can compete for playing time.

Ferrari, who plans to study either sports business or physical education, averaged 23.6 points per game as a senior for the Bucs, leading them to the playoffs for the second consecutive season. After being diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a mechanical issue caused from a throwing motion, Ferrari was unsure if he’d live his dream of playing college basketball. It is now a reality.

“It’s exciting, especially when multiple doctors told me I may be done playing sports,” Ferrari said. “It’s exciting to know that I can compete at the college level and I’m ready for the challenge. It’s a nice feeling.”

Another Peters Township hockey player will play at the next level.

Indians senior defenseman Carter Ekberg was selected Tuesday by the Des Moines Buccaneers with the 38th pick in Phase II of the United States Hockey League Draft.

Ekberg was a key cog on the blue line for the Indians the past three seasons, leading them to the PIHL Penguins Cup and Pennsylvania State Championship in 2014.

He finished his career for Peters Township with 23 goals and 45 assists. Ekberg also played for the Eskmark Stars this season – scoring six goals and adding 17 assists in 24 games.

The USHL is the top junior hockey league in the country. It is strictly amateur with many players earning collegiate scholarships through their performance.

Chartiers-Houston senior Wyatt Kincaid will continue his academic and football career at Waynesburg University this fall.

A team captain for the Bucs as a senior, Kincaid was a two-year starter at wide receiver and three-year starter at outside linebacker. He was name to the Black Hills all-conference team as a linebacker in 2013 and 2014.