Tyler Scott is ranked by many as the best all around basketball player in the WPIAL. Scott’s mother Jennifer Bruce Scott, a former women’s basketball All-American at the University of Pittsburgh and his sister Shayla also starred at Pitt. His farther Rod played basketball at Duquesne.
Gateway’s 6-foot-10 center Barnett Harris is unselfish, perhaps to a fault. He could probably average 30 points a game if he wanted, but realizes his team would not be as successful. Harris’ father, Barnett Sr., is a former Duquesne basketball player.
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| The Gateway Gators celebrate after defeating Central Catholic 49-39 to win their second consecutive WPIAL Class AAAA championship.
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Scott and Harris led Gateway (20-6) to a 49-39 victory over Central Catholic (15-11) Saturday night at the Palumbo Center.
The Gators are the first team to win back-to-back Class AAAA championships since New Castle won three in a row from 1997-99.
Harris led the Gators in scoring with 14 points, 12 rebounds and made some great post moves. Scott finished with 13 points and six assists
“Barnett’s game was impressive,” said Shawn Thompkins, former Penn State basketball player. “He really improved from last year. I’m looking forward to seeing how Gateway matches up against Chester or Lower Merion at states.”
Gateway, a football powerhouse, has won several state championships in football, but never in basketball.
“I want a big ring,” Harris said. “Not just for the WPIAL. I want to leave State College knowing I’m going to get a ring.”
Harris is referring to the PIAA championships, which are played at Penn State.
“We are like Dean Witter, we do things the old-fashion way—we earn it,” said Coach Mitch Adams. “We play with great intensity and I think we can play with anybody.”
When 6-foot-10 Harris stepped onto the court to do battle gasps were audible among the sellout crowd in attendance.
If Harris, Scott and the rest of the Gators get a chance to square off against Chester or Lower Merion at State College, it will be the best news to come out of Happy Valley in the last 6 months.
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