South Allegheny Gladiators named boys basketball team of week

The South Allegheny Gladiators boys basketball team has been named the Trib HSSN Team of the Week for March 23, 2025. Led by Coach Tony DiCenzo, the Gladiators have an impressive record of 10-0 in their section and 27-3 overall. Recently, South Allegheny made history by winning the WPIAL Class 3A championship. They defeated Aliquippa 37-35, claiming the school's first basketball title. This success did not fade, as the team continued to excel in the PIAA postseason. The Gladiators breezed through the early rounds of the playoffs, winning by large margins. They started with a 38-point victory against Cranberry, followed by wins over Bishop Guilfoyle and Camp Hill Trinity. They then faced Aliquippa again in the state semifinals. Despite trailing at different points in the game, South Allegheny came back to win 36-31. Key players like senior guard Cam Epps and junior guard Drew Cook have been instrumental in their success. Epps led the team with 16 points in the semifinal game against Aliquippa, while senior forward Josh Jackowski scored 10 points, helping secure the win. Last year, South Allegheny faced challenges in a higher class, but made a strong showing in the playoffs. They have come a long way since DiCenzo took over the program in 2013, as they once struggled with a record of 2-20. This marks the Gladiators' first trip to the state championship game. They have shown consistent improvement, winning four games this season to advance. South Allegheny's journey from a struggling program to a championship contender highlights their growth and determination.