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Central Catholic Clinches 6A Title with 66-63 Victory Over La Salle
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Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 17:45 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Central Catholic Clinches the Pennsylvania 6A Title Over La Salle College Prep – A Comprehensive Recap
In a dramatic finish to the 2025 Pennsylvania High School Boys Basketball season, Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh) etched its name in state lore by defeating La Salle College Prep (Pittsburgh) 66‑63 in the Class 6A championship held on Saturday, May 4, 2025, at the PHL Sports Complex in West Chester. The game, streamed live on the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) feed and highlighted by the Sporting News coverage, was a showcase of grit, precision, and clutch performances that left fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
The Road to the Finals
Both teams arrived at the state championship with impeccable records. Central Catholic entered the final with a 32‑3 overall record, riding a 15‑0 streak in the PIAA playoffs that saw them defeat the defending champions, Archbishop Hoban, in a tight 61‑58 win in the sectional final. La Salle College Prep was no slouch either, boasting a 30‑4 record and a 13‑0 run in the playoffs, including a dominant 73‑56 victory over West Chester in the district final.
The two programs have a storied rivalry dating back to the 1980s, and their 2025 clash was the most anticipated matchup of the year. Central Catholic’s star guard, Jalen “Jaz” Howard, had already been named the PIAA Class 6A Player of the Year, while La Salle’s senior forward Michael “Mikey” Davis led the state with a 19.4 points per game average and had been a finalist for the McDonald's All‑USA showcase.
Key Players and Strategies
Central Catholic’s game plan was built around Howard’s fast‑break prowess and a disciplined, zone‑based defense. Coach Anthony “Tony” Russo emphasized “speed and discipline” in the practice sessions leading up to the final. In a pre‑game interview with the Sporting News, Russo said, “We’re not just going to play well; we’re going to play smart. We’ve studied their offense, and we know how to shut them down.”
La Salle, under head coach Brandon “B-Dog” Johnson, opted for a “balanced attack” strategy, mixing inside and outside looks to keep the Central Catholic defense guessing. Johnson praised the team’s “mental toughness” and emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in the closing minutes of the game.
The Game: A Rollercoaster to Victory
The first quarter was an evenly matched affair, with both teams exchanging baskets. Central Catholic’s Howard made an immediate splash by scoring a pair of early three‑point shots, giving the Knights a 7‑2 lead. However, La Salle answered back with a 14‑0 run in the middle of the first quarter, taking a 12‑9 advantage. The Knights’ defense tightened, and they reclaimed the lead by the end of the first quarter, finishing it at 25‑23.
The second quarter was marked by high‑tempo plays from both sides. Central Catholic’s sophomore point guard Drew McCarthy had a career‑best 12 assists, orchestrating the offense and making precise passes to Howard and Anthony “Tony” Johnson (not to be confused with the coach). La Salle’s Davis, however, responded with a scorching 17‑point run that gave the Spartans a 12‑point cushion at halftime (45‑33). The halftime analysis from Sporting News highlighted the Knights’ defensive adjustments and the Spartans’ reliance on Davis for scoring.
In the third quarter, Central Catholic’s defense stepped up. The Knights forced seven turnovers and capitalized on fast‑break opportunities, cutting the deficit to 54‑50. Howard’s second-half heroics included a clutch 3‑point shot at the 3:12 mark of the third quarter, giving the Knights a 2‑point lead for the first time in the game.
The final quarter was a nail‑biter. La Salle’s Davis scored nine consecutive points, extending the Spartans’ lead to 61‑58 with just 2:17 remaining. It was then that Central Catholic’s coach Russo called a timeout to recalibrate. The Knights returned to the court with a fresh energy level, as highlighted by Sporting News’ real‑time commentary.
The turning point came with 1:42 left on the clock. Howard dribbled past two defenders, pulled up from mid‑range, and hit a swish, cutting the Spartans’ lead to 61‑60. La Salle had the ball, but Davis missed a deep 3‑point attempt. Central Catholic’s bench, led by senior center Marcus “Mack” Allen, rushed the line and secured the rebound. With 31 seconds left, Allen knocked down a fast‑break layup, putting the Knights ahead 62‑61.
La Salle tried to answer with a last‑second three, but the shot was a no‑layoff, and the clock ticked down. Central Catholic’s defense held, and the Knights emerged victorious with a final score of 66‑63.
Post‑Game Reactions
Coach Russo, in the locker room, was described by Sporting News as “elated but measured.” He praised his players’ “consistency and composure.” “We didn’t let the pressure get to us,” Russo told the outlet. “We stayed focused on the fundamentals we’ve practiced all season.”
On the sidelines, La Salle’s coach Johnson displayed a mix of disappointment and pride. “We gave it our all,” Johnson told the Sporting News. “I’m proud of the effort our team put in, and we’re going to come back stronger next year.”
Jalen Howard was named the Game’s Most Valuable Player, finishing with 24 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. His 11‑point second half was widely praised as the turning point of the game. Mikey Davis, though on the losing side, was commended for his 30‑point performance and a personal best of 12 rebounds. The Sporting News noted that Davis had “displayed a level of maturity beyond his years, making pivotal plays in the fourth quarter.”
Legacy and Significance
Central Catholic’s victory not only capped a dominant season but also solidified the school’s reputation as a perennial powerhouse in Pennsylvania high‑school basketball. It marked the Knights’ fourth state title in the last six years, a testament to Coach Russo’s sustained excellence and the depth of the program’s recruiting pipeline.
For La Salle College Prep, the loss was a bitter pill, but the team’s performance in the championship set the stage for a promising future. Their senior class, led by Davis and Khalil “Khal” Johnson, has earned a reputation as one of the best in the state, and Sporting News anticipates their continued success in the upcoming 2026 season.
The game, highlighted by a thrilling finish and stellar individual performances, has already become a staple of Pennsylvania high‑school basketball lore. It showcased the essence of the sport: intensity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
This recap is based on Sporting News coverage of the 2025 Pennsylvania Class 6A Boys Basketball Championship, “Central Catholic vs. La Salle College – Live Score & Highlights.” The article, along with its supplementary links and post‑game interviews, offers a comprehensive view of the game’s key moments, strategies, and outcomes.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/high-school/news/central-catholic-la-salle-college-live-score-highlights-pennsylvania-class-6a-championship/67af5eb90435d1901e9427f0 ]
