Last week brought the opening rounds of the PIAA basketball postseason, as scores of teams throughout Western Pennsylvania began their battle for state gold. Individually, four players stood out the most, as numerous teams advanced into the Second Round.
This season, we will nominate four players (two boys, two girls) to the KDKA Radio Super 7 Basketball Watch List each week. At the end of the year, KDKA Radio will name one player from each WPIAL boys and girls classification, plus the Pittsburgh City League, as the prestigious KDKA Radio Super 7 Player of the Year Award winner.
Here is a look at the four players who had big weeks during Week 13 of our coverage.
Halena Hill, Oakland Catholic
Coming off a WPIAL title game loss, Hill and the Eagles bounced back with an impressive 65-39 win over Manheim Central Saturday in the opening round of the PIAA playoffs.
Hill led Oakland Catholic with 20 points in the victory.
The win pushed the Eagles in Wednesday's PIAA Second Round, where they will meet Hollidaysburg.
Hill, a senior, has offers from Saint Vincent and Chatham.
Stevie Goetz, Northgate
Northgate had a breakout season in 2022-23, reaching the Petersen Events Center before falling to Aliquippa.
Now the Flames are looking for another impressive run in the state postseason, and Goetz got them off to a strong start.
The senior scored 31 points against McConnellsburg in 67-42 win Saturday.
Goetz had averaged over 19 points per game this season for the Flames, which next face Erie First Christian Wednesday night in the PIAA Second Round.
Kylie Fruehstorfer, Union
Following the top performance in the WPIAL Girls 1A Championship victory, Fruehstorfer eclipsed that showing Saturday.
The sophomore sensation scored 22 points and turned in an incredible defensive performance in a 47-9 win over Clarion in the PIAA Girls First Round.
Fruehstorfer, who has already started receiving collegiate interest, scored 20 in the district title game a week prior, as the Scotties won their first WPIAL crown.
Union next faces Elk County Catholic Wednesday in the PIAA Second Round.
Makhai Valentine, Steel Valley
Scoring 40 in a game has almost become an expected night for Valentine, who averaged 36.6 points per game in the regular season this year.
On Saturday, he made history.
Valentine scored 42 points, becoming Steel Valley's all-time leading scorer in a 74-60 win over Bedford in the PIAA First Round.
Valentine, who has scored 1,751 career points, has offers from Sam Houston State and South Alabama.
The Ironman next play Penn Cambria Wednesday.
