Times' Top Performances from last week: Jan. 17-22

Parth Upadhyaya, Beaver County Times
·12 min read
OLSH's Jake DiMichele jumps around California defenders for a layup during a WPIAL Class 2A playoff game on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School.
OLSH's Jake DiMichele jumps around California defenders for a layup during a WPIAL Class 2A playoff game on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School.

Every Monday, the Beaver County Times will recognize both individual athletes and teams for their impressive performances that took place in the last week of high school sports action. Here are the standout efforts from the week of Jan. 17.

Boys Basketball

Markus Frank, Quaker Valley

Frank is starting to prove his hot-scoring streak was no early-season fluke — the 6-foot-5 star senior forward doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon, either. In the Quakers’ rematch with Class 4A foe Lincoln Park on Friday night, Frank poured in 31 points to lead his team to a 73-67 victory. He also scored 21 on Tuesday in Quaker Valley’s 89-47 rout of Ambridge Area.

Adou Thiero, Quaker Valley

Thiero also had another big week for the Quakers. The star senior guard and Division I prospect — with offers from UC Santa Barbara and Long Island — scored 29 points in Quaker Valley’s 73-67 win over Lincoln Park on Friday, allowing the Quakers to complete a regular-season sweep of the Leopards. In Tuesday’s 89-47 victory over Ambridge Area, he tallied 18 points.

Jayvin Thompson, Central Valley

In the Warriors’ 49-47 win over Beaver Area on Tuesday night, Thompson’s performance was the difference. The 6-foot-2 junior guard — known primarily as a star on the gridiron — led all scorers with 22 points in the contest.

L.A. Pratt, Lincoln Park

Pratt pushed the Leopards over the top in what was a close call — a 58-55 victory — against Blackhawk on Tuesday night. The 6-foot-5 senior guard and Duquense commit scored 25 points to allow his team to avoid the upset.

Brandin Cummings, Lincoln Park

It seems as if the bigger the stage, the more Cummings elevates his game — and that was the case again last week. The 6-foot-2 star sophomore guard — and Division I prospect — led the Leopards with 30 points in Friday night’s 73-67 loss to Class 4A foe Quaker Valley after tallying 17 points in Tuesday’s 58-55 win over Blackhawk.

Joseph Roth, Ellwood City

Roth continues to look like one of the most dominant players in the WPIAL’s Class 3A. In the Wolverines’ 49-32 win over Laurel on Tuesday night, the 6-foot-5 sophomore forward single-handedly outscored the Spartans by finishing the contest with 35 points and 20 rebounds. He also scored 22 points in Ellwood City’s 74-47 victory over St. Joseph on Saturday.

Alexander Roth, Ellwood City

Another Roth — senior forward and Joseph’s older brother, Alexander — has also been consistently stellar for the Wolverines so far this season. In Ellwood City’s 74-47 win over St. Joseph on Saturday, he finished with 24 points.

Donovan “D.J.” Walker, Aliquippa

Another week of WPIAL hoops action, another week of Walker putting up big games for the Quips. The 6-foot junior guard — most known for being a star on the football field — scored 24 points in Aliquippa’s 66-48 win over Summit Academy on Tuesday night.

Keandre Williams, New Brighton

Williams’ performance helped the Lions escape with a 65-63 victory over Freedom Area on Tuesday night. The senior guard scored 22 points in the contest to lead all scorers.

Issaiah Hayhurst, New Brighton

Hayhurst is another player who came up big for the Lions in their 65-63 win over Freedom Area on Tuesday. The 6-foot-2 junior wing netted 20 points to help push his team past the Bulldogs.

Levi Gray, Western Beaver

Gray led his team in scoring twice last week. The 6-foot-1 junior combo guard scored 24 points in the Golden Beavers’ 53-45 win over Riverside on Thursday night after tallying 24 points again in a 70-39 loss to Union on Tuesday.

Jerome Mullins, Rochester

Mullins has continued to be a bright spot for the Rams, even as the team has struggled so far this season. In Tuesday night’s 46-43 loss to Eden Christian, the 6-foot-1 junior guard scored a game-high 20 points.

Scott Bilovus, West Allegheny

Bilovus is no stranger to this list, having had a handful of big performances so far this season already. The 6-foot-2 senior wing scored 25 points in the Indians’ 58-55 loss to Beaver Falls on Friday night.

Jake DiMichele, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH)

DiMichele has been the star on one of the best teams in the WPIAL’s Class 2A. In the Chargers’ 82-47 blowout victory over Nazareth Prep on Saturday, the 6-foot-3 senior guard tallied 35 points after dropping 34 in an 80-56 win over Serra Catholic on Friday.

Carter Huggins, Freedom Area

In the Bulldogs’ 52-39 win over Nazareth Prep on Friday, it was Huggins who again led the way. The 6-foot senior guard was responsible for half of his team’s total points, finishing with 26 on the night.

Beaver's Payton List makes a pass during the C.J. Betters tournament on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the Community College of Beaver County.
Beaver's Payton List makes a pass during the C.J. Betters tournament on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the Community College of Beaver County.

Girls Basketball

Emma Theodorsson, Moon Area

Theodorsson came up big for the Tigers again last week. The star senior guard — and Bucknell commit — led the way with 17 points in Moon Area’s 46-15 rout of West Allegheny on Monday night. She also added 14 points in Thursday’s 58-53 overtime loss to Mount Lebanon.

Reilly Sunday, Moon Area

Sunday also had a pair of solid outings for the Tigers last week. The 5-foot-9 senior guard and Duquesne commit netted 21 points in Moon Area’s 58-53 overtime loss to Mount Lebanon on Thursday night before scoring 17 in Saturday’s 54-24 blowout win over Mars.

Shaye Bailey, Freedom Area

The Bulldogs are starting to look the part of a legit contender in the WPIAL’s Class 3A after starting their season 2-3, and Bailey has played a vital role in this turnaround. The star sophomore guard scored 30 points in Friday night’s 65-41 blowout of South Side, after tallying 19 points in Tuesday’s 56-32 win over Beaver Falls.

Renae Mohrbacher, Freedom Area

Mohrbacher has also been key to the Bulldogs’ success. The senior guard led her team with 20 points in Tuesday’s 56-32 victory over Beaver Falls.

Julz Mohrbacher, Freedom Area

Another Mohrbacher — who rounds out the Bulldogs’ star trio — had a big week, too. Julz Mohrbacher, a junior guard, tallied 16 points in Freedom Area’s 65-41 rout of South Side on Friday before scoring 15 in a 56-32 win over Beaver Falls on Tuesday.

Bailey Strnisa, South Side

When the Rams completely dominated New Brighton in a 66-9 victory on Tuesday night, it was Strnisa — only a freshman — who led the way. The 5-foot-9 combo guard scored 30 points in the contest.

Emily Schuck, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH)

Schuck continues to set the tone for the Chargers offensively. This time, the 5-foot-8 senior forward tallied 21 points in OLSH’s 66-41 win over Aliquippa on Tuesday night.

Mia Grisafi, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH)

Grisafi is another Chargers player who came up big last week. The 5-foot-4 junior guard scored 19 points in OLSH’s 56-49 victory over Rochester on Thursday night.

Corynne Hauser, Rochester

Hauser has become a staple of this weekly list — and for good reason. The star senior guard — and Kent State commit — scored 24 points to lead all scorers in the Rams’ 43-41 loss to Union on Tuesday night.

Payton List, Beaver Area

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to see List’s name appear on this roundup. In the Bobcats’ 59-34 victory over Hopewell on Thursday night, the star senior guard scored 34 points to lead all scorers.

Cali Legzdin, Beaver Falls

In the Tigers’ 44-26 win over Riverside on Thursday night, it was Legzdin who led the way. The sophomore guard tallied 19 points in the contest.

Kyla Service, Ellwood City

Though the Wolverines fell to Mohawk 50-49 on Thursday night, Service had a stellar outing. The senior guard scored a game-high 18 points (and knocked down 12 of her 13 free throw attempts) to almost push Ellwood City to a victory.

Angel Henry, Aliquippa

Even in what’s been a rocky season so far for the Quips, Henry has continued to impress. The 5-foot-9 junior guard scored 21 points in Aliquippa’s 57-37 loss to Shenango on Thursday night.

Aizlyn Thompson, Lincoln Park

In the Leopards’ 56-40 victory over Winchester Thurston on Thursday night, it was Thompson who shined the brightest. The junior wing tallied a game-high 18 points in the contest.

Sarah Scott, Lincoln Park

Scott is another player who had a solid week for the Leopards. The sophomore forward scored 19 points on Saturday in Lincoln Park’s 49-32 victory over Aliquippa.

Lauryn Speicher, Hopewell

Though the Vikings lost to Avonworth 43-38 in overtime on Saturday, Speicher still put up another great performance. The 5-foot-8 junior guard finished with 21 points to lead her team.

Freedom's Landon Millward prepares to wrestle Carlynton's Braiden Sudor prior to their 215-pound match during the MAC Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Ambridge Area High School.
Freedom's Landon Millward prepares to wrestle Carlynton's Braiden Sudor prior to their 215-pound match during the MAC Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Ambridge Area High School.

Wrestling

Ben Gallenz, Ellwood City

Gallenz (132 pounds) pinned Central Valley’s Michael Miller in the Wolverines’ 42-36 win over the Warriors in Round 1 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Zack Bundy, Central Valley

Bundy (145-pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Dom Dausman in the Warriors’ 42-36 loss to the Wolverines in Round 1 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Max Hill, Central Valley

Hill (172 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Michael Swesey in the Warriors’ 42-36 loss to the Wolverines in Round 1 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Ambridge Area’s Isaiah Harshman in the Warriors’ 48-18 win over the Bridgers in Round 5.

Maddox Singer, Ellwood City

Singer (215 pounds) pinned Central Valley’s Spencer Dickinson in the Wolverines’ 42-36 win over the Warriors in Round 1 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Freedom Area’s Carter Osadciw in the Wolverines’ 42-36 Round 2 loss to the Bulldogs.

Donovan Stiffler, Ellwood City

Stiffler (285 pounds) pinned Central Valley’s Lance Crawley to break a tie and win Round 1 for his team in the Wolverines’ 42-36 victory over the Warriors at the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Logan Shriver, Ellwood City

Shriver (113 pounds) pinned Freedom Area’s James Couch in the Wolverines’ 42-36 loss to the Bulldogs in Round 2 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Gavyn McCray, Freedom Area

McCray (126 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Maurice Smith in the Bulldogs’ 42-36 win over the Wolverines in Round 2 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Central Valley’s Dominic Bruno in the Bulldogs’ 48-24 win over the Warriors in Round 3.

Tanner Millward, Freedom Area

Millward (132 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Ben Gallenz in the Bulldogs’ 42-36 win over the Wolverines in Round 2 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Central Valley’s Michael Miller in the Bulldogs’ 48-24 win over the Warriors in Round 3.

Matt Schultheis, Freedom Area

Schultheis (138 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Jaden Stull in the Bulldogs’ 42-36 win over the Wolverines in Round 2 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Central Valley’s Zack Bundy in the Bulldogs’ 48-24 win over the Warriors in Round 3 and Ambridge Area’s Tyler Holman in the Bulldogs’ 48-12 win over the Bridgers in Round 4.

Cody Patterson, Freedom Area

Patterson (160 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Chris Quintanella in the Bulldogs’ 42-36 win over the Wolverines in Round 2 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Trent McCray, Freedom Area

McCray (172 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Michael Swesey in the Bulldogs’ 42-36 win over the Wolverines in Round 2 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Central Valley’s Max Hill in the Bulldogs’ 48-24 win over the Warriors in Round 3 and Ambridge Area’s Isaiah Harshman in the Bulldogs’ 48-12 win over the Bridgers in Round 4.

Landon Millward, Freedom Area

Millward (215 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Ryan Fry in the Bulldogs’ 42-36 win over the Wolverines in Round 2 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Central Valley’s Lance Crawley in the Bulldogs’ 48-24 win over the Warriors in Round 3.

Tyler Holman, Ambridge Area

Holman (138 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Ben Gallenz in the Bridgers’ 60-12 loss to the Wolverines in Round 3 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Central Valley’s Zack Bundy in the Bridgers’ 48-18 loss to the Warriors in Round 5.

Sedrick Seymour, Ambridge Area

Seymour (152 pounds) pinned Ellwood City’s Dom Dausman in the Bridgers’ 60-12 loss to the Wolverines in Round 3 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday. He also pinned Freedom Area’s Cody Patterson in the Bridgers’ 48-12 loss to the Bulldogs in Round 4.

Chris Quintanella, Ellwood City

Quintanella pinned Ambridge Area’s Ethan Wrotny in the Wolverines’ 60-12 win over the Bridgers in Round 3 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Michael Swesey, Ellwood City

Swesey (172 pounds) pinned Ambridge Area’s Isaiah Harshman in the Wolverines’ 60-12 win over the Bridgers in Round 3 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Ambrose Boni, Central Valley

Boni (138 pounds) pinned Freedom Area’s Nate Hronas in the Warriors’ 48-24 loss to the Bulldogs in Round 3 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Spencer Dickinson, Central Valley

Dickinson (215 pounds) pinned Freedom Area’s Carter Osadciw in the Warriors’ 48-24 loss to the Bulldogs in Round 3 of the WPIAL AA Section 2-A Duals at Laurel High School on Tuesday.

Contact Parth Upadhyaya at pupadhyaya@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @pupadhyaya_.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Times' Top Performances from last week: Jan. 17-22