Written by Alex Mestre
Rivalry delivers instant classic
PLUM, Pa. — If the fourth meeting between North Catholic and Knoch this season was going to decide who moved on in the PIAA playoffs, it was only fitting that it went into overtime.
Actually — triple overtime.
North Catholic outlasted WPIAL champion Knoch 77-69 in triple overtime Tuesday night in a PIAA Class 4A second-round thriller at Plum High School.
After splitting the regular season and Knoch winning the WPIAL semifinal matchup, the rivalry finale turned into one of the most dramatic games of the season.
Senior guard Jason Fredericks led the Trojans with 29 points, including a deep three-pointer to start the third overtime and clutch free throws late to seal the win.
“It was getting late,” Fredericks said after the game. “I knew I had to take over and try to end it.”
Back-and-forth battle
The game remained tight throughout regulation, with neither team able to create much separation.
Knoch held a 35-33 lead entering the fourth quarter, but North Catholic knocked down key perimeter shots to briefly take control.
The Knights answered behind senior standout Teegan Finucan, who finished with 26 points.
A late layup forced the game into overtime tied 48-48, setting off a dramatic finish.
Three overtimes to decide it
Neither team could pull away in the first two overtime periods.
The teams were tied 54-54 after the first overtime and 59-59 after the second.
North Catholic then delivered the decisive run in the third overtime.
Fredericks opened the period with a deep three before converting several free throws down the stretch.
A critical defensive play by Tom Rottmann, who poked the ball away for a turnover that led to a Brandon Pickett breakaway dunk, pushed the Trojans ahead for good.
North Catholic outscored Knoch 18-10 in the final overtime to close out the game.
Trojans advance
With the win, North Catholic (21-6) advances to the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinals, where the Trojans will face Carver Engineering and Science (District 12).
For Knoch (23-5), the loss ends a historic season that included the program’s first WPIAL championship.
📊 Key Performances
North Catholic
- Jason Fredericks — 29 pts
- Jude Rottmann — 18 pts
- Brandon Pickett — 12 pts
- Jake Olkowski — 11 pts
Knoch
- Teegan Finucan — 26 pts
- Vinnie DeFelice — 15 pts
- Derek Lang — 10 pts