Mike Vukovcan Last night, Cornell hosted a PBC (Pittsburgh Basketball Club) Champions vs. Champions Event, which included winners from two different bracket divisions in the 4th, 5th and 6th grade basketball league.
The director of the league, John Giamarco, coordinated this event as a fun way to cap off the 2024-25 season.
Cornell, the host, won their bracket at the 4th, 5th and 6th grade division. The Hopewell 5th Grade team was the winner of their division as well as Avonworth in 4th grade and Central Vallely in 6th grade.
In Hopewell’s game, they took on Cornell, who got on the scoreboard first. After being down a few points, Hopewell scored their first points, which got them going and the game remained close for the rest of the evening with both teams trading baskets.
The Cornell team definitely came ready to play while the Vikings coaches say their team came out a bit flat. Luckily for Hopewell, the players on the Vikings bench were able to provide a much-needed boost. This was even more crucial because Hopewell was down starter, Nate Newberry, who was out due to illness.
Late in the game, Hopewell’s press starting forcing turnovers and a late spree of 3-pointers by Michael Ambrose and two by Wes Gigliotti were critical.
With two talented teams on the court, it was no surprise that this game ended up being entertaining throughout and eventually came down to the final seconds.
Cornell had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds but missed as time expired and Hopewell came away with a 36-34 win!
Leading scorers for Hopewell were Wes Gigliotti with 24, Mike Ambrose with 8, Beckett Phillips with 2 and Jeonni Panzino with 2 points.
Here are the members on this Hopewell 5th Grade team: Wes Gigliotti, Beckett Phillips, Bryce Croner, Myles Fisher, Jeonni Panzino, Colton Lenart, Emryk Cain, Michael Ambrose, Lohgaun McCoy and Nate Newberry.
The winning continues for this group of boys, who have won plenty of tournaments over the last couple of years. This is a great sign for the future.
