The Moon Area High School boys’ basketball team has been on an impressive run, delivering decisive victories in recent games. Their performances highlight their depth, talent, and ability to excel under pressure, making them the team to watch as the season progresses.
The Tigers faced a setback, falling 60-44 to Chartiers Valley in a boys’ and girls’ doubleheader. Moon started strong with a narrow lead after the first quarter but struggled to maintain momentum in the second half. Chartiers Valley’s Jayden Davis was a standout with 25 points, while Luca Federico added 12. Michael Santicola and Amir Turner led Moon with 13 and 12 points, respectively, but their efforts weren’t enough to counter Chartiers Valley’s dominant fourth-quarter run.
But the Tigers bounced back with their impressive run, commanding 79-36 victory over Blackhawk High School. Moon’s offense exploded in the first quarter, scoring a staggering 30 points while holding Blackhawk to just nine. They continued their dominance in the second quarter, putting up 24 points to effectively seal the game by halftime. Michael Santicola delivered another standout performance with 21 points, while Carter Tumulty added 19, Amir Turner 11, and AJ Buford 10. Blackhawk’s Justin Shamir was the lone bright spot for his team, scoring 13 points, but his efforts weren’t enough to match Moon’s relentless pace and scoring depth.
Moon’s next challenge came against Mars High School, resulting in a hard-fought 51-43 victory. The Tigers built an early lead with strong performances in the first two quarters, where they scored 16 points each. Although Mars closed the gap in the third quarter, Moon’s defensive resilience and clutch fourth-quarter play secured the win. Carter Tumulty once again led the Tigers with 16 points, supported by Michael Santicola’s 15. For Mars, Wroblewski (15 points) and Campbell (11 points) kept their team in the game but couldn’t overcome Moon’s balanced attack.
The streak kept going with a solid 61-47 section win over West Allegheny. Michael Santicola led the charge with 20 points, while Carter Tumulty added 15 and Amir Turner contributed 10. Moon’s explosive first quarter, scoring 17 points to West Allegheny’s five, set the tone for the game. Despite a strong effort from West Allegheny’s Donovan O’Connor, who led with 17 points, the Tigers maintained control throughout.
These performances demonstrate the Tigers’ exceptional teamwork and individual talent. With Santicola and Tumulty consistently leading the charge and key contributions from players like Turner and Buford, Moon has built a well-rounded squad capable of excelling on both ends of the court.
As the season unfolds, the Moon Area Tigers are undoubtedly a team to watch. With their combination of skill, determination, and momentum, they look poised to make a significant impact and achieve even greater success in the games to come. Keep an eye out for this powerhouse team as they continue their quest for excellence!
