Knoch boys basketball wins first WPIAL championship, dominating Quaker Valley in Class 4A final: ‘It doesn’t seem real’

February 26, 2026 Last Updated: February 26, 2026 11:37 PM Sports

Knoch’s Teegan Finucan (21) takes the WPIAL championship trophy to the student section after defeating Quaker Valley 48-35 in the WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

PITTSBURGH — Knoch boys basketball dominated the second half against top-seeded Quaker Valley to capture the program's first WPIAL championship with a 48-35 victory Thursday at Petersen Events Center.

“In the third grade, me, Vinnie (DeFelice) and Derek (Lang) said we were going to win a WPIAL championship for Knoch one day,” said Knights senior guard Teegan Finucan. “It didn't seem real then, and it doesn't seem real now.”

All five of Knoch's starters, which also included Roman DeFelice and Liam Avon, showed up to the postgame interview room along with coach Joe Lafko.

“They all wanted to be here,” Lafko said. “They've stuck together all year and are a close-knit group.”

The Quakers (20-4) reeled off 10 straight points to take a 20-16 lead late in the second quarter before Roman DeFelice drained a 3-pointers just before halftime.

But it was late in the third when No. 3 Knoch (22-4) began to make its move. The Knights closed the game with a 21-8 run, with Lang and Avon leading the way.

Quaker Valley, which had received four treys in the first half from Harrison Kerley, lost its groove. Its first field goal of the fourth quarter, from Zach Washington, did not come until 2:24 left in the game and Knoch still holding a 40-30 lead.

Roman DeFelice scored a game-high 13 points, Avon added 12 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Lang contributed 10 points.

Lafko previously won a WPIAL title while coaching at Hampton, and now has another in his first season at Knoch.

“I've been blessed to coach a very talented team, and be in a community that values its basketball,” Lafko said.

The Knights will enter the PIAA playoffs as district champions next Friday against an opponent to be determined when the brackets are announced Sunday.

KNOCH 48

Derek Lang 4 2-2 10, Roman DeFelice 5 2-2 13, Teegan Finucan 2 3-6 7, Liam Avon 6 0-2 12, Vinnie DeFelice 2 2-4 6. Totals: 19 9-16 48.

QUAKER VALLEY 35

Zach Washington 3 2-2 8, Harrison Kerley 4 0-0 12, Nic Cohen 2 0-0 6, Kolton Johnson 4 0-0 8, Sam Chapman 0 1-2 1, Connor Dwyer 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 3-4

Knoch 8 11 12 17 — 48

Quaker Valley 7 13 7 8 — 35

Rob McGraw

Knoch’s Colt Sprankle, left, and Liam Avon, right, celebrate after defeating Quaker Valley 48-35 in the WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Knoch’s Liam Avon (24) takes it to the rim against Quaker Valley in the WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Knoch’s Roman DeFelice (13) goes for a layup against Quaker Valley in the WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw