Penn Highlands Claims DIII Men's Basketball Title

Pittsburgh, PA – Pennsylvania Highlands Community College captured the Region 20 Division III Men's Basketball Championship on February 23 with a 77-57 victory over Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). The title is the first for Penn Highlands.

The Black Bears advanced to the championship contest with a semi-final win over Butler County Community College, defeating the Pioneers 78-53 on February 21. Penn Highlands received double digit scoring from four players. Jayvien Brumbaugh led the Black Bears with 19 points. Christian Harding added 15 points off the bench. Justin Pierre-Paul pulled down a team high 15 rebounds to accompany his eight points in the contest.

In the championship contest against CCAC, freshman BJ Lavender had a career game with 28 points and seven rebounds. Lavender's 28 points earned him Tournament Most Valuable Player and is bested only by his 33-point effort earlier this month against WVU Potomac State. Anthony Ross and Desmond Handon added 17 points and 13 points respectfully. Ross and Handon join Lavender on the All-Tournament Team.

Daniel Smith and Demitri Finch earned All-Tournament honors for CCAC. Smith played 38 of 40 minutes for the Wildcats collecting 16 points. Finish led CCAC scorers with 18 points. The combo of Smith and Finch tallied 11 steals in the title match.

D'Andre Whitman of Butler County rounds out the All-Tournament Team.

With the win, Penn Highlands also captured their third Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference men's basketball title.

Penn Highlands will represent Region 20 in the Division III Mid-Atlantic District Tournament on March 1-2 at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, NC. The Black Bears open the tournament on March 1 at 1:00 PM against host Sandhills.