Kennedy Catholic succumbs in PIAA Class A Western final

AMBRIDGE, Pa. — Pat Grubbs, a 6-foot-8, 300-pound center, made a layup shot with 16 seconds remaining in overtime Tuesday as Serra Catholic edged Kennedy Catholic 78-76 for the PIAA Class A Western Regional championship at Ambridge High School.

With a second to go, Kennedy Catholic’s Chance McKinney missed a shot that rolled around the rim and fell off.

Serra built a 34-27 lead by halftime, but Kennedy Catholic bounced back to go ahead 53-50 heading into the fourth quarter. The score was tied 71-71 to send the contest to overtime.

Kyle Randall paced Kennedy Catholic with 25 points. Mike Poncurick and McKinney finished with 17 apiece and Mike Klaric had 11.

Grubbs sparked Serra with 25, while T.J. Heatherington added 22 and Anthony Epolito had 11.

Serra moves on to the state championship game Friday at 2 p.m. at Penn State University.