Carmichael shatters scoring record as Antelopes move into WPIAL semi-finals

&emsp;&emsp;The Avonworth boys' basketball team squared off with section rival Montour in a WPIAL quarterfinal game played at Mt. Lebanon this past Wednesday that featured yet another record-breaking performance by Rowan Carmichael.&emsp;&emsp;Both teams won decisively in their home surroundings during the regular season, but it was a very determined Antelopes squad that would prevail, in an exciting 63-56 victory.&emsp;&emsp;Avonworth (17-7) moves on to the semi-finals to meet Hampton (21-3) in a game to be played at North Allegheny on Saturday at 4 p.m.&emsp;&emsp;"We talk about being tough, being gritty, and being together is our message," said Avonworth coach Mike Mancuso. "We always say, when we leave the gym, the other team and all of the fans know that we play really hard."&emsp;&emsp;Carmichael, a junior, broke the all-time boys' basketball scoring record set at Avonworth by Dan Bonner in 1971. Bonner scored 1,416 that year. Carmichael led the way in Wednesday's game with 36 points. Earlier this season, he was recognized for scoring his 1,000th career point.&emsp;&emsp;"He's a special player, and everyone contributed," said Mancuso.&emsp;&emsp;Avonworth jumped out in front in the first quarter, with a pair of threes coming from Anthony Arlia for a 6-2 lead. Matt Farrah scored on a drive to the basket, and Carmichael closed out the quarter with a three-ball that had the 'Lopes in front 11-6.&emsp;&emsp;Avonworth would add to their lead in the second quarter, with Zac Goldfain highlighting the period with five points, including a dunk in transition.&emsp;&emsp;Carmichael added a pair of threes, and Arlia knocked down a three-ball, and a 15-footer to extend the 'Lopes' lead to 27-19 at halftime.&emsp;&emsp;Spartan guard Kaleb Platz, who Mancuso referred to as a streak shooter, did just that, scoring all of the points in a 9-0 run at the start of the third quarter to give Montour their only lead in the game at 28-27.&emsp;&emsp;Carmichael got the lead back with the first of two free throws that gave him the Avonworth school record with 5:21 remaining in the third quarter.&emsp;&emsp;The Spartans out-pointed the Antelopes 22-18 in the period, but still trailed 45-41.&emsp;&emsp;Carmichael carried the Avonworth offense with 14 points coming in the fourth quarter.&emsp;&emsp;Montour narrowed their deficit at 53-51 when they converted a three-point play with 3:11 remaining, but Carmichael scored on a give-and-go, and made the second of two free throws to up the lead 56-51 with 2:20 left to play.&emsp;&emsp;Avonworth went into a deliberate stall from there, which forced Montour to commit intentional fouls. Carmichael hit on 7-8 free throws down the stretch, where the 'Lopes out-pointed the Spartans on the way to their 63-56 victory.&emsp;&emsp;"We wanted to play physical, make them miss shots, and I think we did that tonight," said Mancuso.In double figures with Carmichael's 36 points was Arlia with 15 points. &emsp;&emsp;Avonworth had advanced after defeating Highlands 74-59 in a first round game played at home last Friday.&emsp;&emsp;Carmichael had a great night shooting the ball with 32 points, and Arlia backed that up with 18 points, as the Antelopes broke open a tight game and took control in the second half on the way to victory.&emsp;&emsp;"They're [Highlands] a really good team," said Mancuso. "We knew they were going to give us a couple of big punches, and we needed to respond.&emsp;&emsp;Defensively, the 'Lopes did an admirable job of containing 6'8" senior Bradyn Foster who finished with 17 points.&emsp;&emsp;"We threw a zone at them early to try to confuse them a little bit, but then we had a lot of backside help," said Mancuso. "We had a game plan for him, and the kids executed it perfectly."&emsp;&emsp;The Rams led through most of the opening quarter, and were leading 16-12 when the Antelopes put together a run to go in front. Arlia drove in for a score off the baseline, Farrah hit a shot from three-point range, and Goetz made a steal and scored in transition.&emsp;&emsp;Highlands converted a pair of free throws, but Avonworth led at the end of the first quarter 19-18.&emsp;&emsp;There were two lead changes and three ties during the second quarter, and the Rams claimed a 13-12 point advantage that sent the teams to halftime tied 31-31.&emsp;&emsp;Avonworth began the third quarter with an 8-0 run to extend their lead. Noah Quinn scored off of his own steal, Carmichael converted a three-point play, and Arlia knocked down a three-ball from the top of the circle to put the 'Lopes up 39-31.&emsp;&emsp;"We talk a lot about coming out strong to start the third quarters, and the guys did a really good job," said Mancuso.&emsp;&emsp;Avonworth's lead was double-digit at 52-42 with just under three minutes in the period, but Highlands closed out the scoring with a couple of baskets in the paint to cut the Antelopes' lead to 52-46.Once again, the 'Lopes were off to a great start in the fourth quarter, with back to back 3-balls from Arlia, and Carmichael, and a transition basket by Quinn to lead 60-46.&emsp;&emsp;Avonworth shifted into a more deliberate, tempo-control offense with a little over three minutes remaining, and that forced the Rams to commit fouls.The 'Lopes converted on 10-12 free throws, including 6-6 by Carmichael down the stretch to close out their 74-59 victory. &emsp;&emsp; &emsp;&emsp;