Six BPHS basketball players were tabbed with postseason awards by multiple outlets. Among the awarded were Lady Hawks seniors Maddie Dziezgowski and Lauren Mullen and junior Olivia Westphal. The boys selected were seniors Ryan Meis, Tommy DiRienzo, and Anthony Chiccitt. Also, Lady Hawks’ coach Burke was also honored.

On Tuesday, April 9, the state of Pennsylvania announced that schools will be closed for the rest of the academic year. The PIAA was not far behind and canceled the state basketball tournament along with all spring sports. The Lady Hawks were in the Elite 8 of the state tournament and a game away from the western final before the tournament was canceled.

While the state tournament for the girls was called off, that does not diminish the excellent season they had. Dziezgowski, Mullen, and Westphal’s outstanding play caught the eye of opposing coaches and sportswriters.

Dziezgowski wrapped up her marvelous career by being named to the Trib 10 basketball all-stars, WPIAL 6A Fab 5 team (Post-Gazette), and first-team all-section by the PA Big 56, Post-Gazette, and The Almanac. She was the section  MVP by getting the most votes by opposing section coaches. She will play next season at Divison 1 St. Bonaventure.

“Even though we weren’t able to finish our season, I’m so proud of all of my teammates and the season that we had,” she said.

Westphal earned many of the same awards as Dziezgowski such as WPIAL 6A Fab 5 team and being named first-team all-section by the PA Big 56, Post-Gazette, and The Almanac. She has numerous Division 1 offers.

Mullen was named to the all-section teams by the PA Big 56 and The Almanac. She will play next season at Edinboro and pursue a career in Nursing.

Head Coach Burke was also named as the Section Coach of the Year for her outstanding efforts of coaching the girls team.

Dziezgowski said, “I’m so grateful to have been able to play for Coach Burke these past four years, I’ve learned so much from her and I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this team!”

The BPHS boys team earned a spot in the WPIAL quarterfinals and had three players with postseason awards.

Ryan Meis said about the season: “The season was something I’ll never forget, getting to play with my best friends one last time was awesome. Even though we didn’t accomplish our ultimate goal, I think we left our mark on the program and I couldn’t be more thankful for my teammates and the journey we went on.”

Seton Hill recruit Ryan Meis was named to the WPIAL 6A Fab 5 team and first-team all-section by the PA Big 56, Post-Gazette, and The Almanac. Meis was awarded the most votes by opposing coaches for his outstanding play on the Post-Gazette All-Section team.

DiRienzo was named to the PA Big 56, Almanac, and Post-Gazette first-team all-section teams. He will continue playing next season at Penn State Behrend.

Chiccitt was named to the PA Big 56 and Almanac All-Section teams for his terrific play this season. He averaged a superb seven assists per game. Chiccitt will continue his football career at Division 1 Robert Morris next season.

All five seniors were also selected to represent Bethel Park in the Roundball Classic games at Geneva College.

Both teams had great seasons and had seniors with memorable careers. Also, a big congratulations to the girls team for an amazing season!