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Basketball Team Wins First Region 20 Championship

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Men’s Basketball team claimed its first-ever Region 20 championship with a 77-57 victory over the Community College of Allegheny County on Sunday, February 23, inside the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center, marking a monumental achievement for the program.

The win not only redeemed the Black Bears after two regular-season losses to the Wildcats but also secured their third Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference title – their first since the 2021-22 season.

“We’ve had one of the toughest seasons I’ve had in a long time,” stated Chris Weakley, Black Bears Head Coach. “Early in the season, we faced numerous Division II teams and four-year schools, which led to a slow start. When we returned from holiday break, we had a meeting, and the guys bought in. They embraced everything I asked of them, and their hard work paid off. This victory was well-earned and truly deserved.”

Black Bears freshman BJ Lavender (Miami, FL) was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after scoring 28 points in the championship game.

Desmond Handon, Jr. (Baltimore, MD) and Anthony Ross (Baltimore, MD) were named to the All-Tournament Team. Lavender and Handon, Jr, were also awarded All-Conference honors.

Weakley was named Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm of the Black Bears.

“We faced a lot of adversity this season, but we just kept our minds straight and focused,” Lavender stated. “We kept putting the work in every day and stayed consistent, and it showed. We’re very thankful for everything Coach Weakley has done for us.”

Penn Highlands will now compete in the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina, on March 1 and 2. The winner will advance to the NJCAA National Championships, beginning March 12, at Herkimer College in Herkimer, New York.

The 2024-2025 championship team and coaches, along with Black Bear Athletics staff. (Taken: February 23, 2025)

Players (left to right): BJ Lavender, Anthony Ross, and Desmond Handon, Jr. (Taken: February 23, 2025)

Coaches (left to right): Denzel Mobley, Chris Weakley, and Ben Mostoller. (Taken: February 23, 2025)