Mountain View Soars Past Canton in PIAA Class 2A First Round, 50-32
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | March 7, 2025 | Photo courtesy Andrea Mecca (Borden Photography)
Mountain View, PA – March 7, 2025
The Mountain View Lady Eagles started their PIAA Class 2A state playoff run in dominant fashion Friday night, using a balanced offensive attack and relentless defense to secure a 50-32 victory over Canton in the first round of the tournament.
District 2 champion Mountain View (22-4) set the tone early, taking control of the game with an 11-4 first-quarter lead and never looking back. The Lady Eagles’ trio of Emily Trichilo, Addison Kilmer, and Ryleigh Kilmer powered the offense, each reaching double figures to keep Canton at bay. Trichilo and Addison Kilmer both finished with 12 points, while Ryleigh Kilmer added 10, including two clutch three-pointers.
Mountain View’s defense was a major factor, stifling Canton’s scoring opportunities and limiting the District 4 No. 3 seed to just 14 made field goals on the night. The Lady Eagles built their lead quarter by quarter, outscoring Canton 16-10 in the second period to enter halftime up 27-14.
Despite a gritty effort from the Warriors, who were led by Cailyn VanNoy’s 11 points, Mountain View’s depth and execution proved too much. Riley Turner contributed eight points for the Lady Eagles, while Aubrey Sanders added six, including a three-pointer.
Canton struggled to find an offensive rhythm against Mountain View’s aggressive defense. Kendall Kitchen led the Warriors with 10 points, including two three-pointers, while Danah Wesneski chipped in six. However, Canton managed just three total three-point makes compared to Mountain View’s five, making it difficult to close the gap.
By the end of the third quarter, Mountain View had stretched its lead to 42-23, sealing the game before a slow-paced fourth quarter wrapped up the victory.
With the win, the Lady Eagles advance to the second round, where they will face District 1 champion Renaissance Academy. Renaissance secured its spot in the next round with a 50-35 win over Belmont Charter on Friday. The site and time for the matchup are yet to be determined, but Mountain View will look to carry its momentum forward as it continues its state title pursuit.
For Canton (17-10), the loss marks the end of a hard-fought season. The Warriors showed flashes of brilliance throughout the year and battled to earn a state tournament berth, but Mountain View’s depth and efficiency proved too much in the opening round.
As the Lady Eagles move on, they’ll aim to keep their championship dreams alive in the PIAA Class 2A playoffs. With their balanced scoring attack and tough defense, they have the tools to make a deep run.
