ZELIENOPLE — The Wolves have gotten the better of the Saints — so far.

St. Gregory in Zelienople and Butler Catholic have been the two powerhouse seventh/eighth grade boys basketball programs in the Pittsburgh Diocese Section in North B in recent years.

“They've had our number this year,” Butler Catholic Saints coach Shane Rine readily admits.

Butler Catholic is 16-5 on the season, with four of the losses coming to unbeaten St. Gregory. The scores have been 47-35, 43-26, 48-34 and 52-35.

The Wolves defeated Butler Catholic in the championship game of the St. Gregory's Cold Turkey Shootout to open the season. They also bested them in another tournament and in both regular season games.

“Some years they get us, some years we get them,” St. Gregory assistant coach Bob Tomer said. “The difference for us this year has been Matthew Gregor.

“He is truly an outstanding player, probably the best in the league.”

Gregor is averaging 20 points per game. Ben Tomer averages 10 per contest for the Wolves.

Gregor, Tomer, Michael Duer, Ethan Kastelic and Aidan Ward have been playing basketball together since third grade. Robby Kruess, Tommy Zentner, Jarrett Kopera and Justin Greaser are also on the squad.

“We made the Diocesan Final Four last year and lost in the semifinals,” Tomer said. “We only lost two games in section last year and tied for the section lead.

“This is the best team we've had in a long time, but I wouldn't be surprised if we met Butler Catholic again in the playoffs. They have a good team and both teams are capable of a deep playoff run.”

There are four sections in the Pittsburgh Diocese league. Four teams from each make the playoffs.

Butler Catholic won the St. Joseph High School Holiday Classic this season. CJ Singleton leads the team with 15 points per game while Carson Laconi is netting 14 per game.

“You'll be seeing those guys playing high school basketball,” Rine said. Carson was MVP of that St, Joe's tournament and CJ made the all-tournament team.”

Nick Rine, Jon Livermore and Trevor Braun all average five points per game for Butler Catholic. Also on the squad are Flint Watson, Aaron Short, Tyler Stoops and Justin Smith.

“Teams are seeded for the playoffs by their overall schedule,” Rine said. “Our two teams could meet in the championship game. It wouldn't shock me.

“This rivalry has gone back and forth for a number of years now.”

Rine agreed.

“We've clinched the North B section title, but I'm sure they'd love another shot at us,” he said. “I imagine we'll see them again.”