CV Boys Win KSA Classic in Orlando

Matt Noszka hit a 3-pointer from NBA range as time expired in the KSA Classic championship game, capping off an exciting weekend for Chartiers Valley.

The Colts finished 3-0 during the tournament in Orlando, Fla., after defeating Payson High School, one of the top teams in the state of Utah, by a score of 62-59 in the championship game of the red bracket Saturday morning.

Chartiers Valley (5-1) defeated Ross Sheppard High School of Edmonton, Alberta, 68-32 Thursday morning, and climbed back from a 15-point first half deficit to beat Elevation Academy (Fla.) Friday morning to reach the championship game. 

Coach Tim McConnell, who earned his 400th career victory against Payson, knows a successful showing in a tournament like this can be a building block for his team. 

"The bonding experience and the confidence gained playing against good competition away from home can really help," he said. "Knowing we can play against these teams shows our guys we can play with anybody back in Pittsburgh." 

The Colts used their pressure defense to neutralize the size of Ross Sheppard in the first game. According to McConnell, Chartiers Valley's intensity was the difference in the game. 

Noszka led the team in scoring with 19 points, while sophomores Zach Wallace and Spencer Casson made major contributions. Wallace hit five 3-pointers, while Casson recorded his first career triple-double, with 10 points, 16 rebounds and 10 blocked shots. 

Casson's progression continues to please McConnell. 

"He has been a pleasant surprise the way he's coming through for us rebounding and blocking shots," McConnell said. "Even when he doesn't block shots he alters them. He's been a great boost for this team." 

Against Elevation Academy, Chartiers Valley started out slow, which led to a 15-point deficit late in the first half.  However, the Colts were able to trim the deficit to 10 by halftime and then scored the first 10 points of the third quarter.

McConnell said his team wore Elevation Academy down in the second half. 

"My guys didn't quit, they just kept playing hard and we wore them down in the second half," he said. "We made them quit. It was like sharks to blood; we kept coming and coming." 

After scoring 35 in the game against Elevation Academy, Noszka poured in 22 points against Payson, including the game winner. For the tournament, the senior forward averaged 25.3 points per game.  

The Colts open Section 4-AAAA play at home Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against defending WPIAL champion Mt. Lebanon. McConnell understands the importance of starting section play with a win. 

"It would be huge," he said. "It's going to be a tough section, so any win you can get is absolutely huge."