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Neshannock finds ‘foul’ way to beat California

4 min read
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California head coach Bruno Pappersergi reacts after Neshannock pulled ahead in the final minutes of a WPIAL playoff game.

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Katie Roupe/Observer-Reporter California head coach Bruno Pappersergi reacts as a foul is called on the Trojans Tuesday night against Neshannock.

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Katie Roupe/Observer-Reporter California head coach Bruno Pappersergi reacts to a play during the final minutes of Tuesday night’s game against Neshannock.

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California’s Ben Wilson is defended by Neshannock’s Jared Staph during the second half of Tuesday night’s game.

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Neshannock’s Ean Oprean grabs a rebound over California’s Nate Luketitch during Tuesday night’s game.

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Fort Cherry’s Devon Brown is fouled by Summit Academy’s Coby Jaggon during the third quarter of Tuesday’s game.

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Fort Cherry’s Nate Higham tries to split two Summit Academy defenders Tuesday night.

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Fort Cherry’s Nate Higham and Devon Brown walk off the court as Summit Academy celebrates their 73-71 win Tuesday night.

IMPERIAL – When the California High School boys’ basketball team drew a first-round matchup against Neshannock at the pairings meeting, head coach Bruno Pappersergi knew it was going to be a struggle.

As Pappersergi called a timeout after two consecutive three-point baskets from Neshannock’s Chris Maize to put California behind by six points, 40-34, the battle got the best of his emotions as he ripped his purple tie from his neck and fired it to the bench.

Little did he know, he would be even more upset only a few minutes later.

Inbounding the ball with 4.5 seconds left and down one point, 45-44, Neshannock eventually found a covered Ean Oprean at the elbow for a possible game-winning shot. As the shot fell short from the off balance Oprean, the nearby official raised his hand for a defensive foul to give the senior another chance to down the Trojans with .3 seconds remaining.

Oprean didn’t waste that opportunity as he sank both free throws as Neshannock defeated California, 46-45, in a WPIAL Class-AA first-round playoff game at West Allegheny High School Tuesday night.

It was one of the worst calls I’ve seen in history,” a frustrated Pappersergi said. “You don’t determine a game, that close, that hard fought, by the officials. Let the kids determine it. Was it a foul? It might have been. It was close. I’m sorry but our kids fought too hard and played too well, along with Neshannock, for us to lose on a call like that. I can’t accept it.”

Neshannock, which took a four-point lead into the final minute of the contest, saw it slip away with a John DeFranco three that ricocheted off the backboard and two free throws from Kass Taylor, giving California (9-3, 19-4) the one-point edge with 37 seconds remaining.

“I said it was going to be a great game,” Pappersergi said. “I’m not trying to whine. I’m not trying to cry. I thought we played extremely well. Give Neshannock a lot of credit, but I have seven seniors who are beside themselves.”

After trailing 22-21 going into halftime, Neshannock’s Dante DeLillo hit a three-point shot on the Lancers first possession and ended the third quarter with another deep three-pointer, ending a California 8-2 run.

Leading all scorers was Maize with 15 points, all from behind the arc.

Oprean and DeLillo also scored in double-digits for Neshannock (8-6, 16-7) with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Trojans were led by Taylor’s 14-point performance, and DeFranco, who finished with 11 points.

“I just told them I loved them,” Pappersergi said of the post-game speech. “They have nothing to hang their heads about. Did we deserve to lose that game? I don’t think so. The kids know I get emotional. I’m an emotional coach. I just want these kids to win so badly. It’s not about me. I don’t care about my wins. Most of those kids aren’t coming back anymore.”

With the game tied at 71-71 following a free throw from Fort Cherry’s Ryhan Culberson, the Rangers turned the ball over on their ensuing inbound attempt, which led to a Kyree Gholston layup with 5.4 seconds remaining to give Summit Academy a 73-71 victory in a Class AA first-round playoff game Tuesday night.

After starting out with a successful first quarter, where it led 22-13, Fort Cherry lost its moment after being dominated in the second stanza that gave Summit Academy (7-5, 9-12) all the momentum.

The Knights, who doubled Fort Cherry’s second-quarter points, were led by Coby Jaggon, who scored 15 of his game-high 26 points in the first half.

“The second quarter they killed us,” said Fort Cherry head coach Dwayne Canton. “We finally hit the boards in the second half. If we do that leading up to halftime, we win the game.”

Fort Cherry (15-8) was led by 23 points from Devon Brown, who also collected 12 rebounds. Chad Colussy also finished with 20 points, while Ryhan Culberson had 15.

“Coming off of last year, a 3-19 season, I’m proud,” Canton said. “Do I think we should have won this game? Yes. That’s just how the ball bounces I guess.”

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