Image Source: Don Rebel
Key Takeaways
- South Fayette is currently in first place in Section 3-5A with a 7-0 record, while West Allegheny is in second place with a 6-1 record.
- Geibel Catholic is undefeated in section play at 8-0 and overall at 15-0, and controls its own destiny towards the section championship.
- Four teams are tied for third place in WPIAL boys basketball Section 2-6A, including Upper St. Clair, Central Catholic, Norwin, and Imani Christian.
- There are several WPIAL girls basketball games and PIHL hockey games scheduled for Monday, January 19, including Penn Hills at Franklin Regional and Freeport at North Catholic.
- The TribLive High School Sports Network will feature several video streams and podcasts, including the Rebel Yell Podcast and WPIAL girls basketball Player of the Week.
Introduction to the WPIAL Girls Basketball Season
The WPIAL girls basketball season is heating up, with several teams vying for the top spot in their respective sections. As Don Rebel notes, "With three weeks remaining in section play, most of the district girls teams still have a dream of raising hoops gold at the end of February." South Fayette, the reigning PIAA Class 5A champion, is currently in first place in Section 3-5A with a 7-0 record, while West Allegheny is in second place with a 6-1 record. The Indians are 11-3 overall and have won two straight and six of their last seven games.
The Battle for Section 3-5A
As Rebel reports, "The Lions’ closest margin of victory against WPIAL competition was an season-opening win over Greensburg Central Catholic by 27 points." In their first meeting of the season, South Fayette dominated West Allegheny, winning 64-23. The Lions’ Juliette Leroux was a key player in the game, scoring against Norwin on January 10, 2026. According to Rebel, "The green machine that is South Fayette is 7-0 in the section and 15-1 this season with seven consecutive victories since suffering its only loss in Tampa, Fla. to Miami Country Day." West Allegheny will look to close the gap between themselves and South Fayette as the season progresses.
The Section 2-A Title Chase
In Section 2-A, Geibel Catholic is dominating, with an 8-0 record in section play and a 15-0 overall record. As Rebel notes, "The Gators have been dominant, going undefeated in section play at 8-0 and overall at 15-0." Geibel Catholic controls its own destiny towards the section championship, with a crucial game against Clairton on Monday. Serra Catholic, currently in second place, will face a tough test against Bishop Canevin. According to Rebel, "The Eagles are 7-1 in the section, 8-5 for the season while the Crusaders check in at 5-3 and tied for third place in the section and 6-8 overall."
The Crowded Middle of Section 2-6A
In WPIAL boys basketball Section 2-6A, four teams are tied for third place, including Norwin, Imani Christian, Hempfield, and Mt. Lebanon. As Rebel reports, "The four-way tie for third place will be broken on Monday when Norwin visits Imani Christian at CCAC-Allegheny." Norwin is 9-7 overall and coming off a split last week, while Imani Christian is 4-9 overall and went 1-2 last week. The two teams met earlier in the season, with Imani Christian winning 53-46. According to Rebel, "In the first meeting between the two last month, the visiting Saints defeated the Knights, 53-46."
Upcoming Games and Broadcasts
On Monday, January 19, there are several WPIAL girls basketball games and PIHL hockey games scheduled. As Rebel notes, "There are five broadcasts and two podcasts you can watch or listen to at TribHSSN.TribLive.com on the 19th day of January." The TribLive High School Sports Network will feature video streams of Penn Hills at Franklin Regional and Freeport at North Catholic, as well as audio streams of Canon-McMillan at North Allegheny and Fox Chapel at North Allegheny. Additionally, the Rebel Yell Podcast will feature the WPIAL basketball Team of the Week and WPIAL girls basketball Player of the Week. According to Rebel, "Video Stream: Rebel Yell Podcast featuring WPIAL basketball Team of the Week on the TribLive High School Sports Network at TribHSSN.TribLive.com."
https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-for-jan-19-2026-south-fayette-west-allegheny-vie-for-section-3-5a-lead/