Moon Area High School’s boys’ basketball team put up a strong effort in the playoffs, showcasing their determination and skill, even though their journey was cut short. The Tigers displayed resilience and teamwork throughout their postseason campaign, securing a hard-fought victory but ultimately falling in a tough contest that ended their run.
Moon Area began their playoff journey on a high note with a convincing 75-59 victory over Penn Trafford. The Tigers started strong, outscoring their opponents in the first quarter 18-14, and continued to build on their lead with an explosive 24-point third quarter. Carter Tumulty led the charge with 20 points, while Michael Santicola added 18. Amir Turner and Braden Stuart also contributed 12 points each, showcasing Moon’s balanced scoring attack. Penn Trafford’s Zach Feldman and Brayden Stone each put up 14 points, but their efforts fell short against Moon’s offensive firepower.
In the next round, Moon faced Greater Latrobe in a tightly contested matchup that ended in a 62-53 defeat. The Tigers struggled early, trailing 18-9 in the first quarter, but fought back with an 18-point second quarter to keep the game within reach. However, Greater Latrobe maintained their lead throughout, closing strong with a 17-point fourth quarter. Amir Turner led Moon with 19 points, while Michael Santicola added 17. Latrobe, however, had multiple key scorers, including John Wetzel (15), Dom Scarton (14), and Max Butler (13), which ultimately made the difference.
Moon Area’s playoff journey came to an end in a tough 60-53 loss to Greater Johnstown. The game remained competitive throughout, but Johnstown pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 19-point surge. Michael Santicola once again led the Tigers with 13 points, while Carter Tumulty and Braeden Stuart each chipped in 10. However, Johnstown’s Dante Tisinger was the game-changer, dropping an impressive 33 points, while Amire Robinson added 16 to secure the win for Johnstown.
Though Moon Area High School didn’t advance further in the playoffs, their effort and perseverance were evident in every game. The team played with heart and determination, demonstrating why they earned a spot in the postseason. With standout performances from players like Turner, Santicola, and Tumulty, the Tigers proved they were a formidable opponent. As they look ahead to next season, Moon Area can build upon their experiences and aim for an even stronger playoff run.
