The Gateway boys basketball team was flying high a week ago after finally earning its first trip to the WPIAL championship in school history. That moment of excitement was replaced with a dose of reality after experiencing a heartbreaking 57-51 loss to Mt. Lebanon in the Class AAAA final last Saturday night at the Palumbo Center. Evan Pierce, a Wagner recruit, led Mt. Lebanon with 21 points all in the second half.

With the Gators carrying as many as five Division I prospects on their roster, the sky is truly the limit for this bunch.

EVAN PIERCE from Mt. Lebanon holds off Gateway’s Anthony Smallwood Keel as he drives to the hoop. Pierce scored 21 points to lead the Blue Devils to a 57-51 win over the Gators.

It was a “A Conversation in Courage” that personified perseverance and determination. The dynamic, educational dialogue took place at a brunch sponsored by The PNC Financial Services Group on the morning of Feb. 25. The financial institution exhibited a heart for diversity and change, and in recognition of African-American history, presented a celebration of dignity. The event, emceed by KDKA’s Harold Hayes, was held at the August Wilson Center in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.

RENEE POWELL

PNC is instrumental in “creating a more engaged workforce where employees feel valued and respected for who they are and for what they do,” said Marsha Jones, chief diversity officer for the corporate giant. Jones’ informative opening was evident of the pride that exists among PNC employees and the invited guests.

Justin Dobbs came off the bench to score 17 points to lead the Allderdice Dragons to a surprisingly easy 57-40 victory over the Oliver Bears to win their first City League championship since 1988.

ALLDERDICE BOYS CELEBRATE CITY LEAGUE TITLE

The two teams had gone a combined 75 years without winning a basketball championship, which has been dominated in previous years by Schenley.

After trailing 21-20 at halftime, the Dragons took charge in the third quarter behind the brilliant play of the young sophomore who had nine of his 17 points in that quarter. A 12-0 burst pretty much sealed the game as Oliver went ice cold.

There are all types of jibber-jabber about Willie “the quick” Parker having worn out the welcome sign over at Heinz Field. You know the guy I’m talking about. The same guy who helped rescue the Steelers in Super Bowl XL as they were staring down the gun barrel of defeat when they faced the Seattle Seahawks. Parker put away the toenail clippers as the Black and Gold fidgeted, fussed and played around with Seattle. Just after the second half began in Super Bowl XL, Mr. Parker unveiled the Steelers version of a guillotine. He proceeded to scamper 75 yards untouched (the longest running play from scrimmage for a running back in Super Bowl history) and thus sent the “hawks” with their wings clipped packing, back to the West Coast, headless and still in search of their first Lombardi.