New Castle survives scare

Staff report

Chambersburg, pa.

Anthony Richards scored 16 points to lead the undefeated New Castle boys basketball team to a 58-54 victory over Abington in the PIAA state semifinals Tuesday night at Chambersburg High School.

The Red Hurricanes led by 11 points with about three minutes remaining before Abington (25-6) rallied to take the lead, 54-53.

New Castle’s Stew Allen then scored a layup to put the Red Hurricanes back in front.

The game ended in dramatic fashion. In the final seconds, Malik Hooker, an Ohio State University football recruit, was planted underneath the basket and drew an offensive charge on an Abington player.

The victory sends the Red Hurricanes to Saturday’s state championship game against LaSalle College High School (23-6). The title game will be played at 8 p.m. at the Giant Center, in Hershey, Pa.

Also Tuesday, LaSalle defeated PIAA-defending champion Chester, 61-55.

Hooker scored 15 points for New Castle while Allen netted 11. Other scorers for New Castle were Drew Allen with nine and Jake McPhatter with seven.

New Castle will be making its first state championship game appearance since 1998. Harrisburg won that game, 68-48.

Last season, New Castle was defeated by Lower Merion in the state semifinals.