Nov 18, 2014 5 min read

Training year-round for basketball has paid dividends for Sammie Weiss. The McGuffey senior became the school’s all-time leading scorer for girls or boys last season, led the Highlanders to the PIAA Class AA playoffs for the second consecutive year and is a two-time Observer-Reporter Player of the Year.

When it came time to choosing where she would continue her career, she was torn. Take a chance on an NCAA Division I school far away or stay close to home?

“I don’t think I’ve ever been eight hours away,” Weiss said with a chuckle.

Weiss chose the latter.

The McGuffey forward will sign her letter of intent today to play basketball collegiately at California University where she will major in Business Administration.

She chose her parents’ alma mater over West Liberty, Wheeling Jesuit, Lindenwood and interest from a Division I school – Lehigh.

“It was close to home. It wasn’t in my back yard, but it isn’t that far away,” Weiss said. “I liked all the facilities and plus, my parents went there. I’ve been there more than once so I’m comfortable with it. I like the coaching staff and the girls. I feel comfortable with it.”

After averaging 26.7 points per game as a sophomore and earning the distinction as the O-R Player of the Year, Weiss again ranked among the WPIAL’s leading scorers with 23.8 points per game and received the honor again. She also averaged 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 6.8 steals per game.

For the second consecutive year, Weiss led the Highlanders to an undefeated section record and the state playoffs. Her 593 points were 175 more than any other area player and she has been an O-R First Team All-District selection for three straight years.

McGuffey’s head coach Amanda Burchett has witnessed first-hand Weiss’ maturity on and off the court. The one thing that has been the same since Weiss arrived for preseason workouts as a freshman is her determination to outwork the opposition.

“Her work ethic is probably her best asset,” Burchett said. “She gives everything she has all the time. Whether it is simply running, doing drills, team drills or individual drills,, she gives 100 percent. That will translate really well into college because coaches look for that. They look for the kids to work hard. She is used to putting in the time and effort.”

With her senior season set to begin in 16 days where McGuffey will embark on its rise to WPIAL Class AAA, Weiss was relieved to make her decision final.

“It was kind of stressful for me, but it’s nice I have that to think about and I have something to look forward to next year,” Weiss said. “I can focus on finishing my senior season. I’m excited. It’s actually a relief. I have to thank my coaches, my teammates and my parents for their hard work. I wouldn’t have the opportunity without them.”

With National Signing Day taking place last week, several local high school seniors made their college decisions official.

Trinity senior Olivia Gray signed with Pitt to play softball, Waynesburg senior A.C. Headlee signed with North Carolina to wrestle, Waynesburg senior softball player Hannah Gibbons signed with Penn and Ringgold senior basketball standout Marlena Schmidt officially joined West Virginia’s 2015 recruiting class.

California senior outfielder Aaron Previsky, a O-R First Team All-District selection in baseball last spring, will continue his career at Seton Hill in Greensburg after signing his letter of intent last week.

Previsky batted .450 with 23 RBI, 31 runs, five triples, six doubles and a team-high 16 stolen bases for the WPIAL Class A Champion Trojans. At the WPIAL Baseball Coaches Association Showcase, Previsky ran an event-best 6.50 60-yard dash.

The Griffins finished with a 41-17 overall record last season and were eliminated in the NCAA Division II Baseball Championships in Cary, N.C., by Minnesota State-Mankato.

Peters Township senior outfielder Frank Jezioro, who was also an O-R First Team All-District selection in baseball last spring, signed his letter of intent with Slippery Rock.

The switch-hitter led the Indians with a .439 average and 25 hits while contributing three home runs, 21 RBI and 14 runs last season. He committed just one error in 20 games.

Avella’s boys basketball team will host its first Christmas tournament next month. The Eagles will be joined by Burgettstown, McGuffey, Fort Cherry, Geibel Catholic, Cornell, Freedom and Carlynton.

The tournament is set for Dec. 27, 29 and 30.

Although Charleroi’s first season under Donnie Militzer ended with its playoff drought still intact and a 2-8 overall record, the former Washington & Jefferson assistant coach’s fast-paced, spread offense flashed big-play ability.

The systematic change was apparent with the play of senior quarterback Matt Carr. He broke the school’s single-season record for passing touchdowns with 15 and tied the career mark of 25 touchdown passes set by Jeff Dumm.

Carr also broke Dumm’s single-season mark for passing yards (1,186) from 1998 by finishing with 1,635 yards.