PIAA basketball: Jude Rottman, North Catholic boys stun Cathedral Prep in OT to make semifinals
North Catholic’s Jason Fredericks (5) shoots a 3-point shot against Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic’s Joe Waskiewicz, left, and Jude Rottmann (14) celebrate as the buzzer sounds as North Catholic defeats Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic’s Zach Zolkowski, left, and Brady Trout celebrate after defeating Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
The crowd takes to its feet as North Catholics overtakes Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
The North Catholic bench celebrates as the Trojans surge ahead Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic’s Joe Waskiewicz, left, and Jude Rottmann (14) celebrate as the buzzer sounds as North Catholic defeats Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic’s Jason Fredericks (5) shoots a 3-point shot against Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
The North Catholic bench celebrates as the Trojans surge ahead Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
The crowd takes to its feet as North Catholics overtakes Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
The crowd takes to its feet as North Catholics overtakes Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
North Catholic’s Zach Zolkowski, left, and Brady Trout celebrate after defeating Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic’s Jason Fredericks (5) shoots a 3-point shot against Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic’s Joe Waskiewicz, left, and Jude Rottmann (14) celebrate as the buzzer sounds as North Catholic defeats Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic’s Zach Zolkowski, left, and Brady Trout celebrate after defeating Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The crowd takes to its feet as North Catholics overtakes Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The North Catholic bench celebrates as the Trojans surge ahead Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic’s Joe Waskiewicz, left, and Jude Rottmann (14) celebrate as the buzzer sounds as North Catholic defeats Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic’s Jason Fredericks (5) shoots a 3-point shot against Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The North Catholic bench celebrates as the Trojans surge ahead Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The crowd takes to its feet as North Catholics overtakes Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic defeated Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The crowd takes to its feet as North Catholics overtakes Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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North Catholic’s Zach Zolkowski, left, and Brady Trout celebrate after defeating Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
SLIPPERY ROCK — Down by double digits before a rally gets North Catholic back in the game.
The Trojans had been here before. In last month’s WPIAL Class 4A title game against Belle Vernon, that exact scenario played out as North cut the Leopards’ lead to one point twice, but never were able to take the lead in a 54-49 loss.
When the same situation presented itself in Friday’s PIAA quarterfinal against Cathedral Prep, the Trojans were determined to not come up short again.
Trailing 44-32 midway through the third quarter, North came back to force overtime, where the Trojans earned just the fourth trip to the state semifinals in program history with a 78-75 victory at Slippery Rock University’s Morrow Field House.
The North Catholic bench celebrates as the Trojans surge ahead Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
“We know what we can do,” Trojans’ junior guard Jude Rottmann said. “We needed to get this one.”
Rottmann paced the Trojans with 28 points and opened overtime with a 3-pointer made from 6 feet behind the arc.
“That’s what he does,” North coach Jim Rocco said. “He plays for the joy of the game.”
Though the Ramblers (19-9) remained just one possession down for most of the extra period, they trailed for the entire four minutes.
Leading 72-70 with under two minutes left, the Trojans (22-6) received a steal, three rebounds and three clutch free throws from senior Joe Waskiewicz.
“That loss in the WPIAL title game stung, and it motivated us,” Waskiewicz said. “We never gave in tonight, kept battling.”
The Ramblers led 32-23 before Owen Maddalon beat the first-half buzzer with a trey, but it was in the back half of the third quarter when North hit its stride.
“We did a good job of keeping them out of the paint in the first two quarters, but not so much in the second half,” Prep coach Jeremy Lynch said.
North Catholic’s Jason Fredericks shoots a 3-point shot against Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
A drive for two points became a theme for North, with Rottmann, Jason Fredericks and Maddalon each slicing through Prep’s defense for clutch layups.
Rottmann’s conventional three-point play late in the third cut Prep’s lead to 50-46.
His trey midway through the fourth put North up 61-60.
The Ramblers, however, retook the lead thanks to free throws from Ahmari Horton and Michael Thompson.
Maddalon’s three-point play tied the game at 66 with 38 seconds remaining. Both teams missed late shots from the field, leading to overtime.
Prep made all of its 19 free-throw attempts and received 28 points from junior guard Nando Mirarchi.
Maddalon netted 20 points and Fredericks 16 for the Trojans.
North will take on Berks Catholic, which defeated Sharon, in a semifinal March 21 at a time and site to be determined.
North Catholic’s Joe Waskiewicz, left, and Jude Rottmann (14) celebrate as the buzzer sounds as North Catholic defeats Cathedral Prep 78-75 in a PIAA Class 4A boys basketball quarterfinal Friday, March 14, 2025, at Slippery Rock University. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
“We know we have another game to think about and prepare for, but we want our kids to enjoy this,” Rocco said. “It’s the final four in the state, and we want to represent the Pittsburgh area.
“There are a lot of reasons to play this game, but they play for the best reason. It’s fun for them, they enjoy it and they truly care about each other.”
CATHEDRAL PREP 75
Ahmari Horton 3 2-2 9, Nando Mirarchi 8 11-11 28, Cormac Thunell 5 0-0 13, Max Wallace 1 0-0 2, Sebastian Wofford 1 4-4 6, Michael Thompson 6 2-2 15, Ben Scheffner 1 0-0 2, Joe Himes 0 0-0 0, Spencer Kanne 0 0-0 0. Totals: 25 19-19 75.
NORTH CATHOLIC 78
Jason Fredericks 6 1-2 16, Donnie Schubert 1 0-0 2, Eli Stofko 2 1-2 5, Jude Rottmann 8 8-11 28, Owen Maddalon 6 7-10 20, Joe Waskiewicz 2 3-4 7, Tom Arth 0 0-0 0. Totals: 25 20-29 78.
Cathedral Prep 18 14 18 16 9 — 75
North Catholic 13 13 20 20 12 — 78
3-point goals: Cathedral Prep 6 (Thunell 3, Thompson, Horton, Mirarchi); North Catholic 8 (Rottmann 4, Fredericks 3, Maddalon).
Friday: North Catholic vs. Berks Catholic, PIAA Class 4A semifinal, TBD
