Eisenhower Boys Basketball Team Makes School History with First-Ever State Playoff Win
PATTON — The Eisenhower boys basketball team achieved a historic milestone on Saturday as they secured their first-ever state playoff win, defeating Northern Cambria 46-39 at Cambria Heights High School. This victory propels the Knights (21-5) into the PIAA 2A Sweet 16, where they will face off against WPIAL champion Aliquippa (23-5) on Wednesday at McComb Fieldhouse on the campus of Edinboro University.
Head coach Ryan Mangini expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “Making it into the second round is a big accomplishment for all of our guys and our program. It is nice to see all of the hard work by this team pay off.”
The game showcased a balanced scoring effort from the Knights, with each starter contributing in the first quarter. Senior Kyler Black led the charge with 5 points, including a crucial 3-pointer that sparked an 11-4 run, giving Eisenhower a 15-9 lead.
Although Northern Cambria mounted a defensive challenge in the second quarter, holding the Knights to just four points, Eisenhower maintained a slim 19-17 lead at halftime. The team came out strong in the second half, with junior Casey Seymour’s 3-pointer igniting a 14-6 run that helped secure their lead.
As the game progressed, Eisenhower’s defensive prowess and efficient ball-handling proved crucial in maintaining their advantage. Despite a late push from Northern Cambria, led by Caleb Dolney and Parker Shutty, the Knights held on for the 46-39 victory.
Freshman Austin Hanson emerged as a standout performer for Eisenhower, leading the team with 12 points and delivering clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the win. Senior players Kris Bunk and Kyler Black reflected on the significance of the historic victory, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that had brought them to this moment.
“It just feels so good to get the win,” said Bunk. “It means a lot to see all of our hard work pay off in our last dance as Knights.”
Added Black, “It has been a long, rough road to get to this point. It means a lot to me and I’m sure to all of the seniors. It’s very impactful to us to put our names in the history of the school we all grew up in.”
With high-fives and smiles all around, the Eisenhower boys basketball team celebrated a momentous achievement that will be remembered for years to come.