Pennsylvania Highlands men earn 2nd straight Region 20 title

Key Highlights

• Friday.
• The tournament winner advances to the NJCAA championships March 11-14 in Herkimer, New York. Sophomore Desmond Handon Jr.
• was named most valuable player after compiling nine points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals in the championship game. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHandon matched teammate Ke’Shawn White with a game-high five steals, as Penn Highlands compiled 17 takeaways as a team. White and Ahmad Boone were named to the all-tournament team alongside Handon.
• Boone produced 15 points, while White recorded eight points and eight rebounds. After Allegheny County jumped out to a quick 7-3 lead, Penn Highlands answered with 13 straight points to lead 16-7, highlighted by two buckets from Anthony Ross and a 3-pointer by BJ Lavender, who scored 14 points. The Wildcats answered with a 14-2 run to move back in front by three points, but the Black Bears tallied three consecutive baskets to go into halftime with a 24-21 lead. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPenn Highlands then opened the second half with three quick baskets, with another trey from Lavender pushing the advantage to 36-27. The Black Bears reached their largest lead of the game at 53-40 on a steal and layup by Boone. Boone, Handon, Lavender and Raymond all earned all-conference honors for the Black Bears.