Apr 2, 2015 7 min read

Sammie Weiss can add another remarkable achievement to her resume’ before joining the NCAA Division II National Champions. Weiss, a McGuffey senior guard and Cal U recruit, was named to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers’ All-State Girls Basketball team in Class AAA.

In the program’s return to Class AAA, Weiss eclipsed the 2,000 career point mark and finished with 2,390 for her career.

She led all area players with 25.6 points per game, and also averaged 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 steals. Weiss averaged 24 points per game in seven playoff games and helped McGuffey win its first state playoff game in program history before the Highlanders lost in the second round to West Perry. It is her third consecutive all-state selection after being first team in Class AA as a junior and second team as sophomore in 2014.

The three-time Observer-Reporter Player of the Year was not the only local player to be honored.

Monessen junior guard Lavalle Rush, who led the Greyhounds to the WPIAL Class A title and the PIAA quarterfinals, was selected to the Class A second team.

Rush averaged 18.1 points per game, including 22.6 points per game in seven playoff games and 73 points in three PIAA playoff games. He enters his senior season with 861 career points and could join his sister, Mariah Ward, as the first brother-sister duo in school history to both reach 1,000 career points.

GIRLS

CLASS AAAA

PLAYER OF THE YEAR — Kelly Jekot, Cumberland Valley

COACH OF THE YEAR — Bill Wolf, Cumberland Valley

FIRST TEAM

Jackie Benitez, Poncono Mountain West, 5-9, Sr., 26.3

Cecily Carl, Mechanicsburg, 6-3, Sr., 15.8

Alayna Gribble, Norwin, 6-0, Sr. 17.5

Kyla Irwin, State College, 6-2, Jr., 20.0

Kelly Jekot, Cumberland Valley, 6-0, Jr., 19.2

Nicole Munger, Central Bucks West, 5-10, Sr., 17.5

SECOND TEAM

Michaela Gelbaugh, Central Dauphin East, 5-10 Sr., 14.3

Amari Johnson, Dallastown, 6-1, Sr., 16.7

Ashley Jones, Cheltenham, 5-7, So., 22.6

Amanda Kalin, Pine-Richland, G, 5-8, So., 21.4

Maria Palarino, Penn-Trafford, 5-10, Sr., 17.5

Deja Rawls, Abington, 5-7, Sr., 12.3

Brittany Robinson, Central Dauphin East, 6-2 Sr., 17.2

THIRD TEAM

Mackenzie Carroll, Central Bucks West, 5-10, Sr., 11.4

Julie Cross, Upper Dublin, 6-2, Sr., 15.0

Abby Gonzales, North Allegheny, 5-7, Jr., 11.6

Andi Lydon, Shaler, 6-2, Sr., 16.4

Mary Sheehan, Cardinal O’Hara, 5-10, So., 12.5

Kristen Smoluk, Palmyra, 5-10, Sr., 11.

Courtney Zezza, Plum, 6-3, Sr., 16.9

CLASS AAA

PLAYER OF THE YEAR — Chassidy Omogrosso, Blackhawk

COACH OF THE YEAR — Steve Lodovico, Blackhawk

FIRST TEAM

Aubree Brown, Archbishop Wood, 6-0, Sr., 12.1

Bailey Greenberg, Archbishop Wood, 5-11, Jr., 13.3

Alyssa Monaghan, Bonner-Prendergast, 5-7, Sr., 18.0

Chassidy Omogrosso, Blackhawk, 5-5, Sr., 27.1

Kalista Walters, Bethlehem Catholic, 6-0, Sr., 22.1

Sammie Weiss, McGuffey, 5-11, Sr., 25.9

SECOND TEAM

Jenay Faulkner, Greencastle-Antrim, 5-11, So., 17.0

Jess Genco, Scranton Prep, 5-4, Sr., 15.2

Alexa Golden, Chartiers Valley, 5-9, Sr., 16.0

Kaitlyn Lewis, North Pocono, 5-7, Sr., 21.0

Devon Merritt Berks Catholic, 6-2, Jr., 17.2

Claire Oberdorf, Greensburg Salem, 5-7, Sr., 27.1

Maddie Ritsick, Crestwood, 6-0, Jr., 24.3

THIRD TEAM

Miranda Hoover, Susquenita, 5-10, Sr., 18.5

Kayla Kline, Mifflinburg, 5-10, Jr., 21.0

Kayley Kovac, Jim Thorpe, F, 5-11, Fr., 24.6

Allison McGrath, South Park, 5-10, Jr., 17.8

Lexi Posset, Beaver, 5-7, Sr., 22.7

Kaitlyn Slagus, Belle Vernon, 6-2, Sr., 22.6

Courtney Vannoy, Blackhawk, 5-11, Sr., 12.2

CLASS AA

PLAYER OF THE YEAR — Ciani “C.C.” Cryor, Neumann-Goretti

COACH OF THE YEAR — Andrea Peterson, Neumann-Goretti

FIRST TEAM

Sydney Bordonaro, Burrell, 5-7, Sr., 20.6

Maddie Comly, Delone Catholic, 5-7, Sr., 22.8

Ciani “C.C.” Cryor, Neumann-Goretti, 5-5, Sr., 11.5

Alexis Lewis, Holy Redeemer, 5-9, Sr., 27.1

Sianni Martin, Neumann-Goretti, 5-8, Sr., 12.5

Cassidy Walsh, Seton-LaSalle, 5-9, Sr., 11.3

SECOND TEAM

Megan Eripret, Salisbury, 6-3, Sr., 18.3

Theresa Fachetti, Harbor Creek, 5-8, Sr., 20.6

Brooke Hinderliter, Redbank Valley, 5-8, Jr., 20.0

Ana Hollen, Bellwood-Antis, 5-7, Sr., 17.1

Deja Reynolds Imhotep Charter, 5-8, Sr., 11.3

Kayleigh Semion, Dunmore, 5-6, Sr., 13.8

Ahnje “A.J.” Timbers Neumann-Goretti, 5-11, Sr., 10.6

THIRD TEAM

Christina Aborowa, Neumann-Goretti, 6-4, Sr., 6.0

Becca Gravatt, Franklin, 5-9, Sr., 22.4

Karlee Krchnavi, Palisades, 6-0, Jr., 17.9

Tiffany Lapotsky, North Schuylkill, 5-6, Jr., 15.8

Nicolette Newman, Seton-La Salle, G, 5-7, Sr., 14.0

Conor Richardson, Carlynton, 5-10, Sr., 20.8

Haley Thomas, Bishop McCort, 5-10, Sr., 16.1

CLASS A

PLAYER OF THE YEAR — Brenna Wise, Vincentian

COACH OF THE YEAR — Ron Stacchiotti, Old Forge

FIRST TEAM

Martine Fortune, Shipley, 6-4, Sr., 12.9

Madison Johnson, Keystone, 5-9, Sr., 20.5

Chelsey Koren, Blairsville, 5-11, Sr., 18.1

Maria Morgan, Bucktail, 5-6, Sr., 28.0

Tori Tansley, Old Forge, 5-7, Sr., 17.0

Brenna Wise, Vincentian, 6-1, Sr., 20.8

SECOND TEAM

Lili Benzel, Bishop Guilfoyle, 5-8, So., 19.3

April Bocian, Kennedy Catholic, 6-3, Jr., 11.4

Maci Bower, Millville, 5-11, Jr., 22.8

Sam Breen, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, 6-2, So., 22.8

Ali Hillson, North Penn-Mansfield, 5-8, Jr., 14.3

Nia Holland, Shipley, 5-5, Sr., 11.9

Emma Spinelli, Shade, 5-4, Jr., 21.6

THIRD TEAM

Torrieoanna Cash, Vincentian, 5-9, Jr., 8.4

Keyen Green, Phil-Mont Christian, 6-1, Jr., 20.9

Lexi Griggs, Vincentian, 6-0, Jr., 7.9

Bronwyne Mellott, McConnellsburg, 6-0, So., 22.2

Maci Thornton, Clarion, 5-5, Jr., 21.0

Mikayla Vaughn, Friends Central, 6-3, So., 17.6

Lexi Wozniak, Portage, 5-4, Jr., 14.8

BOYS

CLASS AAAA

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tony Carr, Philadelphia Roman Catholic

COACH OF THE YEAR: Chris McNesby, Philadelphia Roman Catholic

FIRST TEAM

Levan “Shawn” Alston, Haverford School, 6-4, sr, 19.4 ppg

Tony Carr, Philadelphia Roman Catholic, 6-4, jr, 12.8 ppg

Chris Clover, St. Joseph’s Prep, 6-3, sr, 20.7 ppg

Sammy Foreman, Martin Luther King, 6-1, sr, 14.2 ppg

Matty McConnell, Chartiers Valley, 6-2, sr, 29.5 ppg

Jahaad Proctor, Harrisburg, 6-3, sr, 24.4 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Cole Constantino, North Allegheny, 6-2, sr, 23.4 ppg

Kobe Gantz, J.P. McCaskey, 6-4, jr, 17.8 ppg

Kason Harrell, Hempfield (D-7), 6-2, sr, 25.2 ppg

Amir Hinton, Abington, 6-4, sr, 19.8 ppg

Lamar Stevens, Haverford School, 6-7, jr, 18.3 ppg

Lonnie Walker IV, Reading, 6-4, so, 17.0 ppg

Derrick Woods, Pennsbury, 6-8, sr, 16.3 ppg

THIRD TEAM

Nazeer Bostick, Philadelphia Roman Catholic, 6-3, jr, 12.5 ppg

Luke Connaghan, Archbishop Wood, 6-5, sr, 19.0 ppg

Ramon Creighton, Taylor Allderdice, 6-1, jr, 12.0 ppg

Jonny David, Mount Lebanon, 6-2, sr, 18.5 ppg

Gemil Holbrook, Philadelphia Roman Catholic, 6-4, sr, 13.9 ppg

David Krmpotich, La Salle College, 6-7, sr, 13.7 ppg

Jahaire Wilson, York William Penn, 6-4, sr, 18.1 ppg

CLASS AAA

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Derrick Jones, Archbishop Carroll

COACH OF THE YEAR: Greg Lezanic, Indiana

FIRST TEAM

Milik Gantz, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-4, sr, 18.3 ppg

Quade Green, Neumann-Goretti, 5-11, so, 17.8 ppg

Derrick Jones, Archbishop Carroll, 6-7, sr, 19.3 ppg

Lamarr “Fresh” Kimble, Neumann-Goretti, 6-0, sr, 14.5 ppg

Nehemiah “Bud” Mack, Susquehanna Twp., 6-0, jr, 14.1 ppg

Daron Russell, Imhotep Charter, 5-10, so, 16.5 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Sam Allen, Lewisburg, 6-8, jr, 21.9 ppg

Tarojae Brake, Octorara, 6-2, sr, 22.5 ppg

Daylon Carter, Ambridge, 6-4, sr, 24.0 ppg

John Castello, Mars, 6-5 jr, 17.8 ppg

Zane Martin, Neumann-Goretti, 6-2, jr, 16.5 ppg

Riley Stapleton, Indiana, 6-4, sr, 13.1 ppg

THIRD TEAM

Travis Blankenhorn, Pottsville, 6-2, sr, 16.6 ppg

Josh Creach, Beaver Falls, 6-6, so, 17.7 ppg

DaShon Giddings, Delaware Valley Charter, 6-4, sr, 16.5 ppg

Donovan Jeter, Beaver Falls, 6-5, so, 17.5 ppg

Dom Keyes, Steel Valley, 6-7, sr, 19.4 ppg

David Morris, Erie Strong Vincent, 6-1, so, 20.1 ppg

Tim Rose, Scranton Prep, 6-0, sr, 15.2 ppg

Josh Sharkey, Archbishop Carroll, 5-10 jr, 12.4 ppg

CLASS AA

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Stevie Jordan, Conwell-Egan

COACH OF THE YEAR: Frank Sciolla, Conwell-Egan

FIRST TEAM

Jair Bolden, Westtown, 6-4, jr, 17.0 ppg

Nelly Cummings, Lincoln Park Charter, 6-0, so, 24.5 ppg

De’Andre Hunter, Friends Central, 6-7, jr, 20.8 ppg

Stevie Jordan, Conwell-Egan, 5-10, jr, 16.8 ppg

Stephon McGinnis, Aliquippa, 5-9, sr, 17.0 ppg

Trey Staunch, West Middlesex, 6-5, sr, 23.6 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Kyle Datres, Loyalsock Twp., 5-10, sr, 10.2 ppg

Noah Davis, Bellwood-Antis, 6-3, jr, 24.7 ppg

Tim Guers, Germantown Academy, 6-3, sr, 16.4 ppg

Jason Kenny, Mid Valley, 6-2, sr, 21.4 ppg

LaPri McCray-Pace, Conwell-Egan, 6-2, jr, 11.4 ppg

Ryan Norkus, Seton-La Salle, 6-3, sr, 18.1 ppg

Kody Trude, West Branch, 6-4, jr, 21.4 ppg

THIRD TEAM

Julian Collazo, Lancaster Mennonite, 6-0, sr, 23.2 ppg

Vinny Dalessandro, Conwell-Egan, 6-7, jr, 10.5 ppg

Austin Gilbertson, Camp Hill Trinity, 6-2, so, 17.8 ppg

Sam Lindgren, Germantown Academy, 6-6, sr, 12.6 ppg

Matthew “Mookie” Miller, Upper Dauphin, 6-1, jr, 24.1 ppg

Romano Sebastiani, Greensburg Central Catholic, 6-4, sr, 22.7 ppg

Ben Sosa, Loyalsock Twp., 6-2, sr, 15.9 ppg

CLASS A

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ahmad Gilbert, Constitution

COACH OF THE YEAR: Robert Moore, Constitution

FIRST TEAM

Samir Doughty, Math, Civics & Sciences, 6-4, sr, 24.5 ppg

Ahmad Gilbert, Constitution, 6-7, sr, 17.6 ppg

Brandon Martinazzi, Bishop Carroll, 5-9, sr, 22.4 ppg

Malik Miller, Farrell, 6-3, jr, 20.0 ppg

Nate Sestina, Cameron County, 6-8, sr, 21.5 ppg

Kimar Williams, Constitution, 6-1, sr, 16.2 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Chad Andrews-Fulton, Constitution, 6-7, sr, 11.0 ppg

Julian Batts, Jeannette, 5-11, sr, 22.4 ppg

Caesar DeJesus, Goodling Impact Academy, 6-3, sr, 23.4 ppg

Dane Jackson, Cornell, 6-1, sr, 28.0 ppg

Sagaba Konate, Kennedy Catholic, 6-8, jr, 16.1 ppg

Tyerell Mann, Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg, 6-4, sr, 23.0 ppg

Lavelle Rush, Monessen, 6-1, jr, 18.1 ppg

THIRD TEAM

Kevin Anderson, St. John Neumann, 6-1, so, 19.1 ppg

Michael Bryja, Portage, 6-4, sr, 20.5 ppg

Bo Burleigh, North Penn-Mansfield, 6-2, sr, 18.3 ppg

Juwan Gooding, Goodling Impact Academy, 6-0, sr, 23.8 ppg

R.J. Laugand, Clarion-Limestone, 5-11, sr, 17.6 ppg

Nasza Short, St. John Neumann, 6-2, sr, 18.9 ppg

Jeff Yordy, Pottsville Nativity, 6-2, sr