Story by Ryan Gerazounis, Beaver County Radio
(Wexford, PA):
Only one game stood between the Lincoln Park boys high school basketball team and a second consecutive trip to Hershey. It was a familiar opponent that the Leopards eliminated from the WPIAL playoffs last month, the Hampton Talbots. If Lincoln Park defeated the Talbots on Monday evening they would get an opportunity to defend their 2023 state title on the Thursday night.
The first quarter was neck and neck, with the Talbots leading most of the way behind the offense of Liam Mignogna. Until the Leopards future Pitt Panther, Brandin Cummings started to heat up. Cummings hit three consecutive three’s to give his team a 17-16 advantage and some much needed momentum after one quarter. Stepping it up in the second quarter the Lincoln Park Leopards started on a 17-2 run, holding Hampton to only eight points all period. Giving the Leopards a 41-24 lead at halftime.
After the break Hampton was able to keep it somewhat competitive by only being outscored by Cummings and company 16-13 in the third quarter. Trailing the reigning state champions 57-37 with one quarter left to be played. With a chance to return to Hershey, Lincoln Park put their foot on the gas the rest of the way. Scoring by Meleek Thomas, Mikey Crawford, Dontay Green and Rhaki Lum in the fourth quarter was more than enough to slam the door shut on Hamptons’ season and walk away with a 74-53 victory.
With the win, the Lincoln Park Leopards return to Hershey on Thursday with a shot at winning back to back state gold. Their opponents will be Archbishop Carroll, they beat Scranton Bishop Prep 66-56. Tip off for the 4A State Championship game will be 8pm.
Brandin Cummings lead all scorers on Monday night with 30 points. Followed by Meleek Thomas with 18 points. For Hampton Liam Mignogna lead the way with 23 and his teammate Peter Kramer finished right behind him with 22.