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Thirteen area boys basketball teams advancing to the PIAA tournament allowed media from across the commonwealth to watch standout players from the Cambria-Somerset region.
The exposure helped 11 area players, up from nine in 2023-24, be named to the 2024-25 Pennsylvania Sports Writers' boys basketball all-state teams.
Seniors Jeremy Dietz Jr. from Conemaugh Valley and Donte Tisinger from Greater Johnstown both elevated from second-team members to the first team in Class 1A and 5A, respectively. Tisinger and Greater Johnstown made the jump from 4A to 5A in 2024-25.
Bishop Carroll Catholic junior Jace Casses and Turkeyfoot Valley senior Bryce Nicholson each elevated their games from the third team to the second team in 1A. Forest Hills sophomore Dylan Stohon earned a spot on the 3A second team. Portage senior Trae Kargo notched his first selection on the 2A third team. Greater Johnstown junior Amier Robinson was a third-team pick in 5A.
Plenty of local flavor filled the 3A third team with Central Cambria senior Grady Snyder, Chestnut Ridge senior Justin Whysong, North Star senior Andy Retassie and Westmont Hilltop junior Jack Wesner all on the unit.
'Rare air'
Tisinger was a key cog in leading the Trojans to a 22-0 start and 26-2 finish. Greater Johnstown posted its first undefeated regular season since 1972-73. The Trojans won three District 6 titles with Tisinger on the team. Greater Johnstown earned the District 6-9-10 subregion crown this past season and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals.
Tisinger, a 6-foot-3 guard signed to play at Boston University, averaged 22.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game. He supplied a school-record 1,990 points. Earning a promotion to the first team meant a lot to the left-handed guard.
"My initial reaction was I felt a sense of relief that I was on first team especially after last year," said Tisinger, the two-time Cambria County Basketball Coaches Association player of the year and Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference West most valuable player. "This was one of my goals for the year and it feels good that I’ve accomplished it."
"Being selected to any all-state team is a major accomplishment, but to be first team is rare air," Greater Johnstown coach Ryan Durham said. "We are extremely proud of Donte and we know his best is yet to come."
After logging some time to look back on his record-breaking career, Tisinger is proud of what the Trojans accomplished.
"A couple months after the season when I look back and reflect on it, I just realize how blessed I am to be apart of this school and basketball program," Tisinger said. "Having a undefeated regular season for the first time in 50 years, winning districts for the third year in a row and making the elite eight even though that wasn’t our main goal, we are still proud of the season we had. I am proud of everything I have accomplished even though I couldn’t get us that state title. Everyone sees my accolades and accomplishments, but I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without my coaching staff and teammates. I couldn’t be thankful enough for them."
Tisinger's skills were advanced on the court, but his mental capacity grew as the floor general.
"Donte was not only a leader, but he was a role model," Durham said. "His decision making and his willingness to make the unselfish basketball play is what made him special. He was the driving force to our success. From his junior season to his senior season, he continued to up his basketball IQ. Many late nights, I would get a text from Donte on something he seen on opponents' film and more times than not, our coaching staff would have the same notes. He not only increased his skill set, but he increased his basketball IQ."
'Meant so much'
Dietz is a 6-1 senior who averaged 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He scored 36 points in a game and finished in double figures in 25 of 26 contests played. Hard work in the offseason led to him earning a spot on the first team.
“For me, it feels great to know that all of the hard work that I put in over the last year has paid off," Dietz said. "After the way that last season ended, I wanted to make sure that I was in the best position to help my team this season, so I worked hard to make that happen. I am honored and blessed to be selected to the first team this year and I could not have done it without my mom and dad always pushing me to be the best version of myself and all of my family supporting me along the way."
Dietz scored 1,489 career points and totaled 658 rebounds, 192 assists and 144 steals. Ending a District 6 title drought lasting a decade and a half was the team's top goal.
"It meant so much to my team to win the district championship this year," Dietz said. "It has always been our goal and a personal goal of mine, so it was amazing to be able to lead the team to the championship and win it. It felt amazing being able to win the championship in my senior year and it was so cool to be able to do it with my brother Julian playing beside me. I could not have asked for a better run in districts, and even though we fell short in states, I was really proud of the way we fought the whole game."
The Blue Jays beat St. Joseph's Catholic Academy in the District 6 title game.
“Jeremy is a great leader that is deserving of this selection," Conemaugh Valley coach Tre'von Williams said. "As a senior, it is his turn to lead the young athletes to success and that is by leading by example and giving his all each and every practice and game. Jeremy sets his own standards and goals on his career and what he wants to be remembered by, on top of our team goals. Being named first team this year is phenomenal. It shows the hard work and mental toughness he’s had through the year and led the team to its first District 6 championship in 15 years."
Dietz's leadership went a long way during the season as he spearheaded an underclassmen-laden lineup.
"The leadership role as a senior is always vital, but it takes a special person to be a 'leader/captain,'" Williams said. "Jeremy leads by example being a multi-sport athlete, top of his class academically, on the court getting everyone on the same page and involved, and displaying sportsmanship. These are things that the younger athletes look at to be successful and can learn from."
'Most menacing'
Though Nicholson only stands 5-8, he set the tone with his defensive ability that included 151 steals and 51 blocks during the Rams' unforgettable 23-4 season. Nicholson caused havoc in the backcourt when Turkeyfoot Valley pressed its opponents. He averaged 21.6 points, 5.6 steals, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Nicholson led the Rams to their first conference title and PIAA playoff victory. Turkeyfoot Valley earned its first District 5 crown in 25 years.
Nicholson finished with a school-record 1,874 points and added 475 steals, 475 rebounds and 314 assists.
"To me as a coach, Bryce was the most menacing defensive player I’ve seen in a long time," Turkeyfoot Valley coach Eric Swank said. "He truly was able to score off his steals. Also, he was a great penetrator on offense and helped us win, not only District 5, but also the WestPAC and also a state playoff game as the all-time leading scorer at Turkeyfoot. He’s truly one of the greatest basketball players ever to come out of Turkeyfoot."
A 5-7 guard, the left-handed Casses averaged 21.4 points, 3.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. He tallied 50 points in a victory against Richland and earned all-state recognition again despite the Huskies going 7-15. Casses has 1,095 career points and was part of the 2023-24 PIAA Class 1A semifinalist team.
"Jace puts the time in the gym," Bishop Carroll coach Cosie Aliquo said. "It is well-deserved. It is great for him and our program. I'm really happy for him because he is always working to get better. He is just a great competitor and was at his best every night."
'Needed a spark'
Stohon took his game to a higher level as a sophomore. The 6-5 sophomore improved on all of his numbers as he averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He led the 25-3 Rangers to their first District 6 title in 30 years. Forest Hills advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time in program history.
He scored in double digits every game and tallied over 30 points in three contests. The dynamic Stohon already has 1,070 career points in two seasons.
"Dylan is very deserving of being named to the all-state team," Forest Hills coach Dom Vescovi said. "When we needed a spark, he would always give it to us. In the state playoffs, he would guard the other team's best player and then be our playmaker on offense. Having him on our team gave us the confidence to compete with anyone. As good of a basketball player as he is, he is an even better person. He's humble, coachable and a good student in the classroom."
'Great honor'
Kargo joined his older brother Mason as an all-state selection. Mason, Trae and father Travis Kargo all scored 1,000-plus career points. The 5-10 Trae Kargo averaged 15 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Mustangs, who won their third District 6 title during his four seasons. He made a program-record 247 3-pointers, including 80 as a senior, as a three-year starter. Trae Kargo finished with 1,213 points and 313 assists. He led the team in assists and charges taken as a senior.
"I am very proud of what Trae has accomplished throughout his career," said Portage coach Travis Kargo, who resigned after this past season. "He has worked extremely hard and is deserving. He has been so consistent over four years while improving every year overall as a player. This is a great honor for him as he has been a consummate student-athlete and model teammate for our program."
'Unsung hero'
Robinson was a consistent performer for Greater Johnstown. The 6-3 junior averaged 20.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. He totaled 98 points in five playoff contests. His production rose when the stakes were elevated. Robinson's versatility played in a key role as his presence prevented teams from focusing solely on Tisinger.
"Amier many games would be the unsung hero for us," Durham said. "I think Amier is recognized more outside our area for his talents than in our own area. Amier was such a key part of what we do because of his versatility. We can play him with his back to the basket. We can play him on the perimeter. He can shoot and can score on all three levels. It made it very difficult to key on Donte when you have two A+ players on the floor."
'Left a blueprint'
The 6-2 Retassie averaged 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.3 steals per game for the 20-6 Cougars, who won the District 5-8-9 Class 3A title. His layup proved to be the winning margin late in the district title game victory over Chestnut Ridge. He surpassed 1,000 career points and finished with 368 rebounds, 359 assists and 196 steals.
"It's well-deserved," said North Star coach Randy Schrock, who resigned after the season. "Andy was the floor general. He ran our offense and was a complete player, both offensively and defensively. He was like having a coach on the floor."
Snyder totaled 18.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.7 steals per contest. The 6-foot versatile guard scored 1,149 career points and compiled 518 rebounds, 228 assists and 147 steals. The Pennsylvania Football News all-state selection at linebacker will play that sport at Shippensburg University.
Whysong, a 5-8 guard, averaged 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.5 steals per game as a senior. He made a single-season program-record 75 3-pointers. Whysong scored a program-record 54 points against Somerset in January. He finished with 1,193 points, 310 rebounds, 177 assists and 175 steals. Whysong made a program-record 205 3-pointers.
"Justin’s leadership came natural this year," Chestnut Ridge coach Chad Jones said. "He’s extremely dedicated to the program and to our community. His tenure at Chestnut Ridge filled all of us with great memories and he left a blueprint for future players of how to have success on and off the court. I’m extremely grateful to have watched Justin grow into the wonderful young man he’s become and solidify his place as an all-state player."
The 6-2 Wesner elevated his game to the tune of 20.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game. He made 70 3-pointers and scored 30 or more points in five contests for the Hilltoppers, who advanced to the PIAA tournament. He has 955 career points and 134 made 3-pointers.
"This is a much-deserved honor for Jack," Westmont Hilltop coach Dave Roman Jr. said. "He is an absolute gym rat working on his craft. I have coached some really good players, but Jack may be the most complete player I have ever coached. He is a three-level scorer averaging 20.4 points per game while shooting 54.2% on two-point field goals and 37.6% on 3-pointers. His basketball IQ is off the charts. He is also a tremendous defender. Jack is a tremendous leader and has been since his freshman season.”
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The exposure helped 11 area players, up from nine in 2023-24, be named to the 2024-25 Pennsylvania Sports Writers' boys basketball all-state teams.
Seniors Jeremy Dietz Jr. from Conemaugh Valley and Donte Tisinger from Greater Johnstown both elevated from second-team members to the first team in Class 1A and 5A, respectively. Tisinger and Greater Johnstown made the jump from 4A to 5A in 2024-25.
Bishop Carroll Catholic junior Jace Casses and Turkeyfoot Valley senior Bryce Nicholson each elevated their games from the third team to the second team in 1A. Forest Hills sophomore Dylan Stohon earned a spot on the 3A second team. Portage senior Trae Kargo notched his first selection on the 2A third team. Greater Johnstown junior Amier Robinson was a third-team pick in 5A.
Plenty of local flavor filled the 3A third team with Central Cambria senior Grady Snyder, Chestnut Ridge senior Justin Whysong, North Star senior Andy Retassie and Westmont Hilltop junior Jack Wesner all on the unit.
'Rare air'
Tisinger was a key cog in leading the Trojans to a 22-0 start and 26-2 finish. Greater Johnstown posted its first undefeated regular season since 1972-73. The Trojans won three District 6 titles with Tisinger on the team. Greater Johnstown earned the District 6-9-10 subregion crown this past season and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals.
Tisinger, a 6-foot-3 guard signed to play at Boston University, averaged 22.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game. He supplied a school-record 1,990 points. Earning a promotion to the first team meant a lot to the left-handed guard.
"My initial reaction was I felt a sense of relief that I was on first team especially after last year," said Tisinger, the two-time Cambria County Basketball Coaches Association player of the year and Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference West most valuable player. "This was one of my goals for the year and it feels good that I’ve accomplished it."
"Being selected to any all-state team is a major accomplishment, but to be first team is rare air," Greater Johnstown coach Ryan Durham said. "We are extremely proud of Donte and we know his best is yet to come."
After logging some time to look back on his record-breaking career, Tisinger is proud of what the Trojans accomplished.
"A couple months after the season when I look back and reflect on it, I just realize how blessed I am to be apart of this school and basketball program," Tisinger said. "Having a undefeated regular season for the first time in 50 years, winning districts for the third year in a row and making the elite eight even though that wasn’t our main goal, we are still proud of the season we had. I am proud of everything I have accomplished even though I couldn’t get us that state title. Everyone sees my accolades and accomplishments, but I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without my coaching staff and teammates. I couldn’t be thankful enough for them."
Tisinger's skills were advanced on the court, but his mental capacity grew as the floor general.
"Donte was not only a leader, but he was a role model," Durham said. "His decision making and his willingness to make the unselfish basketball play is what made him special. He was the driving force to our success. From his junior season to his senior season, he continued to up his basketball IQ. Many late nights, I would get a text from Donte on something he seen on opponents' film and more times than not, our coaching staff would have the same notes. He not only increased his skill set, but he increased his basketball IQ."
'Meant so much'
Dietz is a 6-1 senior who averaged 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He scored 36 points in a game and finished in double figures in 25 of 26 contests played. Hard work in the offseason led to him earning a spot on the first team.
“For me, it feels great to know that all of the hard work that I put in over the last year has paid off," Dietz said. "After the way that last season ended, I wanted to make sure that I was in the best position to help my team this season, so I worked hard to make that happen. I am honored and blessed to be selected to the first team this year and I could not have done it without my mom and dad always pushing me to be the best version of myself and all of my family supporting me along the way."
Dietz scored 1,489 career points and totaled 658 rebounds, 192 assists and 144 steals. Ending a District 6 title drought lasting a decade and a half was the team's top goal.
"It meant so much to my team to win the district championship this year," Dietz said. "It has always been our goal and a personal goal of mine, so it was amazing to be able to lead the team to the championship and win it. It felt amazing being able to win the championship in my senior year and it was so cool to be able to do it with my brother Julian playing beside me. I could not have asked for a better run in districts, and even though we fell short in states, I was really proud of the way we fought the whole game."
The Blue Jays beat St. Joseph's Catholic Academy in the District 6 title game.
“Jeremy is a great leader that is deserving of this selection," Conemaugh Valley coach Tre'von Williams said. "As a senior, it is his turn to lead the young athletes to success and that is by leading by example and giving his all each and every practice and game. Jeremy sets his own standards and goals on his career and what he wants to be remembered by, on top of our team goals. Being named first team this year is phenomenal. It shows the hard work and mental toughness he’s had through the year and led the team to its first District 6 championship in 15 years."
Dietz's leadership went a long way during the season as he spearheaded an underclassmen-laden lineup.
"The leadership role as a senior is always vital, but it takes a special person to be a 'leader/captain,'" Williams said. "Jeremy leads by example being a multi-sport athlete, top of his class academically, on the court getting everyone on the same page and involved, and displaying sportsmanship. These are things that the younger athletes look at to be successful and can learn from."
'Most menacing'
Though Nicholson only stands 5-8, he set the tone with his defensive ability that included 151 steals and 51 blocks during the Rams' unforgettable 23-4 season. Nicholson caused havoc in the backcourt when Turkeyfoot Valley pressed its opponents. He averaged 21.6 points, 5.6 steals, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Nicholson led the Rams to their first conference title and PIAA playoff victory. Turkeyfoot Valley earned its first District 5 crown in 25 years.
Nicholson finished with a school-record 1,874 points and added 475 steals, 475 rebounds and 314 assists.
"To me as a coach, Bryce was the most menacing defensive player I’ve seen in a long time," Turkeyfoot Valley coach Eric Swank said. "He truly was able to score off his steals. Also, he was a great penetrator on offense and helped us win, not only District 5, but also the WestPAC and also a state playoff game as the all-time leading scorer at Turkeyfoot. He’s truly one of the greatest basketball players ever to come out of Turkeyfoot."
A 5-7 guard, the left-handed Casses averaged 21.4 points, 3.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. He tallied 50 points in a victory against Richland and earned all-state recognition again despite the Huskies going 7-15. Casses has 1,095 career points and was part of the 2023-24 PIAA Class 1A semifinalist team.
"Jace puts the time in the gym," Bishop Carroll coach Cosie Aliquo said. "It is well-deserved. It is great for him and our program. I'm really happy for him because he is always working to get better. He is just a great competitor and was at his best every night."
'Needed a spark'
Stohon took his game to a higher level as a sophomore. The 6-5 sophomore improved on all of his numbers as he averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He led the 25-3 Rangers to their first District 6 title in 30 years. Forest Hills advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time in program history.
He scored in double digits every game and tallied over 30 points in three contests. The dynamic Stohon already has 1,070 career points in two seasons.
"Dylan is very deserving of being named to the all-state team," Forest Hills coach Dom Vescovi said. "When we needed a spark, he would always give it to us. In the state playoffs, he would guard the other team's best player and then be our playmaker on offense. Having him on our team gave us the confidence to compete with anyone. As good of a basketball player as he is, he is an even better person. He's humble, coachable and a good student in the classroom."
'Great honor'
Kargo joined his older brother Mason as an all-state selection. Mason, Trae and father Travis Kargo all scored 1,000-plus career points. The 5-10 Trae Kargo averaged 15 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Mustangs, who won their third District 6 title during his four seasons. He made a program-record 247 3-pointers, including 80 as a senior, as a three-year starter. Trae Kargo finished with 1,213 points and 313 assists. He led the team in assists and charges taken as a senior.
"I am very proud of what Trae has accomplished throughout his career," said Portage coach Travis Kargo, who resigned after this past season. "He has worked extremely hard and is deserving. He has been so consistent over four years while improving every year overall as a player. This is a great honor for him as he has been a consummate student-athlete and model teammate for our program."
'Unsung hero'
Robinson was a consistent performer for Greater Johnstown. The 6-3 junior averaged 20.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. He totaled 98 points in five playoff contests. His production rose when the stakes were elevated. Robinson's versatility played in a key role as his presence prevented teams from focusing solely on Tisinger.
"Amier many games would be the unsung hero for us," Durham said. "I think Amier is recognized more outside our area for his talents than in our own area. Amier was such a key part of what we do because of his versatility. We can play him with his back to the basket. We can play him on the perimeter. He can shoot and can score on all three levels. It made it very difficult to key on Donte when you have two A+ players on the floor."
'Left a blueprint'
The 6-2 Retassie averaged 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.3 steals per game for the 20-6 Cougars, who won the District 5-8-9 Class 3A title. His layup proved to be the winning margin late in the district title game victory over Chestnut Ridge. He surpassed 1,000 career points and finished with 368 rebounds, 359 assists and 196 steals.
"It's well-deserved," said North Star coach Randy Schrock, who resigned after the season. "Andy was the floor general. He ran our offense and was a complete player, both offensively and defensively. He was like having a coach on the floor."
Snyder totaled 18.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.7 steals per contest. The 6-foot versatile guard scored 1,149 career points and compiled 518 rebounds, 228 assists and 147 steals. The Pennsylvania Football News all-state selection at linebacker will play that sport at Shippensburg University.
Whysong, a 5-8 guard, averaged 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.5 steals per game as a senior. He made a single-season program-record 75 3-pointers. Whysong scored a program-record 54 points against Somerset in January. He finished with 1,193 points, 310 rebounds, 177 assists and 175 steals. Whysong made a program-record 205 3-pointers.
"Justin’s leadership came natural this year," Chestnut Ridge coach Chad Jones said. "He’s extremely dedicated to the program and to our community. His tenure at Chestnut Ridge filled all of us with great memories and he left a blueprint for future players of how to have success on and off the court. I’m extremely grateful to have watched Justin grow into the wonderful young man he’s become and solidify his place as an all-state player."
The 6-2 Wesner elevated his game to the tune of 20.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game. He made 70 3-pointers and scored 30 or more points in five contests for the Hilltoppers, who advanced to the PIAA tournament. He has 955 career points and 134 made 3-pointers.
"This is a much-deserved honor for Jack," Westmont Hilltop coach Dave Roman Jr. said. "He is an absolute gym rat working on his craft. I have coached some really good players, but Jack may be the most complete player I have ever coached. He is a three-level scorer averaging 20.4 points per game while shooting 54.2% on two-point field goals and 37.6% on 3-pointers. His basketball IQ is off the charts. He is also a tremendous defender. Jack is a tremendous leader and has been since his freshman season.”
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