Boys basketball to face brawny foe in first round

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Lauren Mullen

The Hawks huddle up during their game against USC on Feb. 9.

The boys basketball team (13-9) will face Pine Richland (17-5) in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at North Hills High School.

The boys earned the 11th seed after finishing 3rd in their section behind Mt. Lebanon and Canon Mac. This is a significant improvement from last year where the Hawks finished 6-16 and did not make the playoffs.

Pine Richland finished second in their section behind Central Catholic.  The Rams are the returning WPIAL champions and PIAA runners-up from last year. One of the top players for their team is football sensation Phil Jerkovic who stands 6-foot-5

Starting shooting guard Alex Mullen said, “We will keep playing the game we have been playing and execute accordingly.”

When asked how playing the returning WPIAL champions affects the mindset of the team, Mullen said, “It motivates us even more.”

The team is looking forward to a great run in the playoffs this season; help them get the ball rolling (or in the basket) and be there Saturday at North Hills.