`2 defending champions ousted`

By The Associated Press

Two defending champions were eliminated in the second round of the PIAA basketball playoffs.

Juniata Valley, the defending Class A boys champion, dropped a 57-43 decision on Tuesday to Sewickley Academy, while Blackhawk, the defending Class AAA boys champion, lost 68-60 to Lewistown.

Sewickley Academy (22-8) scored the last 12 points of the first half to take a 24-20 advantage into intermission, then outscored Juniata Valley (25-6) 33-23 in the second half to cap the upset victory.

Steve Nesmith led Sewickley Academy, the District 7 runner-up, with 15 points, while Lad Hudac added 14. Andy Simpson and Tye Levy each had 12 points for Juniata Valley, the third place team from District 6.

In other Class A games, Kennedy Christian thumped Homer Center, 64-31, Bishop Guilfoyle defeated Vincentian 65-55, and Saegertown defeated Geibel 70-55, Girard College beat Bishop O'Reilly 46-39, Holy Name defeated Mahanoy Area 59-48, Northwest beat Greenwood 61-54, and Schuylkill Haven defeated Sayre 72-41.

Lewistown, the District 6 champion, outscored Blackhawk, the District 7 runner-up, 21-8 in the first quarter and held on for a 68-60 victory. Scott Kochenderfer scored 29 points to lead Lewistown (26-6), while teammate Jim Collins added 14. Ryan Miller led Blackhawk (21-10) with 20 points.

In Class AAAA girls, two-time defending champion Altoona came back from a 32-18 third quarter deficit to defeat North Allegheny 39-37. The victory avenged North Allegheny's 51-34 win on Feb. 8.

Terri Shore and Heather Mielnik each scored 10 points to lead Altoona, while North Allegheny's Erin Huth led all scorers with 12.

In Class AA girls, Jen Surlas scored 22 points and Erica Hogan added 11 to lead Geibel to a 57-51 victory over Saegertown. Amanda Scott led Saegertown with 23 points.

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Updated March 12, 1997
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