Many opinions could be held following the PIAA Class AAA Second Round tilt between the boys from New Castle and Beaver Falls.

It could be said that New Castle deserved to win based on the sub-par shooting Beaver Falls had in the paint. It could be said that Beaver Falls had more confidence in the final quarter and did not succumb to New Castle’s pressure. It could be said that this was the best game of the PIAA playoffs so far this year.

But opinion must always give way to fact. And the fact is this: Beaver Falls’ season is over.

A late free throw by Marcus Hooker officially stopped a Beaver Falls comeback and sealed a 56-52 victory over the Tigers on Beaver County Radio. This is the third time that the Red Hurricane has beaten Beaver Falls this year, but by the slimmest margin (4; the previous victories by NC were by 22 and 11).

The Tigers were powered by junior Josh Creach, whose 37 points led all scorers. He earned CCBC Player of The Game honors for BF, while Marcus Hooker earned the honors for the Red Hurricane with 18 points. New Castle was led in scoring by Marquel Hooker with 21.

The WPIAL Champion Tigers end their season with a record of 24-4. New Castle improves to 25-2 and will play Bishop McDevitt in the State Quarterfinals Friday night.

Tom Hays and Bob Barrickman have this recap for beavercountyradio.com.