Tigers Race Past Royals in PIAA 1st Round, 57-23

Posted on: by Randy Gore

The North Allegheny girls’ basketball team began their trek toward a state championship on Friday night with a 57-23 mercy-rule win over Erie High in the opening round of the PIAA Class 6A playoffs.

Appearing in the state playoffs for an 11th consecutive season, the Lady Tigers used a 21-0 run in the first half to gain a strangle hold of the contest en route to the blowout victory. North Allegheny overwhelmed the District 10 champions with a barrage of 3-pointers, paced by senior Caroline Henderson. The Rochester Institute of Technology commit buried five treys on the night and finished with a team-high 19 points on her way to Wright Automotive Player of the Game honors.

Seniors Grace Heliger and Kellie McConnell also touched double figures with 13 and 11 points, respectively. NA’s stingy defense held the Royals in check most of the night. Junior guard Draya Neavins was the team-high scorer for Erie with 10 points.

With the win, North Allegheny improves to 23-3 on the season, while Erie’s campaign ends with a 17-8 record. The Tigers advance to the Sweet 16 of the PIAA tournament and will take on North Penn on Tuesday night at a site and time to be determined. The game will be broadcast live by the North Allegheny Sports Network.

Girls Basketball vs. Erie, 3-8-24

GAME SUMMARY
SCORE BY QUARTERS1234FINAL
Erie7231123
North Allegheny161815857