Linville Hill Christian Ends Northwest’s Playoff Run in PIAA 2A Semifinals, 68-43
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | March 24, 2025
In the PIAA Class 2A boys basketball semifinals, Northwest Area’s boys’ basketball team couldn’t overcome Linville Hill Christian’s second-half surge, falling 68-43 on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Northwest struggled early, scoring just 9 points in the first quarter and 8 in the second, trailing 29-17 at the half. Despite a better offensive output in the third quarter, with 14 points, Linville Hill Christian took control down the stretch, outscoring the Rangers 22-12 in the fourth.
Leading the way for Northwest was senior center Tucker Crawford, who finished with 16 points, hitting 2 field goals and going an impressive 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. Senior guard Ryan Miner contributed 12 points on 5 field goals, including two three-pointers. His brother, senior guard Joszhua Miner, added 10 points with two three-pointers as well. Senior forward Jace McCoy chipped in 7 points, including one three-pointer.
Northwest finished the game shooting 16 field goals and 6-of-13 from the free-throw line, with five made three-pointers.
On the other side, Linville Hill Christian had a balanced offensive attack. Giovanni Sejuste led all scorers with 18 points, going 8-for-8 from the field and 2-for-2 from the line. Derian Peterseim added 16 points, draining five three-pointers and showing why he’s one of the area’s deadliest long-range shooters. Drew Tibbins was also dominant in the paint with 15 points, hitting 4 field goals and going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Stephen Smucker contributed 12 points, with one three-pointer.
Linville Hill Christian was efficient, finishing with 23 field goals, 7 three-pointers, and shooting 15-of-18 from the free-throw line.
The Rangers end their season with several impressive wins, including a 77-40 blowout over Millville and a solid victory against Southern Columbia. Although the loss to Linville Hill Christian stings, the senior leadership of players like the Miner brothers, Tucker Crawford, Brady Shea, and Jace McCoy will leave a lasting impact on the program.
Top Scorers Breakdown:
Tucker Crawford: 16 points (2 FG, 4-5 FT)
Ryan Miner: 12 points (5 FG, 2 3PT)
Joszhua Miner: 10 points (3 FG, 2 3PT)
Jace McCoy: 7 points (3 FG, 1 3PT)
Linville Hill Christian Leaders:
Giovanni Sejuste: 18 points (8 FG, 2-2 FT)
Derian Peterseim: 16 points (5 3PT)
Drew Tibbins: 15 points (4 FG, 7-8 FT)
Stephen Smucker: 12 points (4 FG, 1 3PT)
