Shorthanded Bulls Battle In Defeat To Steel Valley

The 2021-2022 HS Basketball season got underway in Western Pennsylvania on Friday afternoon and Three Rivers Broadcasting was on location at the Keystone Oaks Tip Off Tournament for the game between Steel Valley and Brashear from the Pittsburgh City League.

The first quarter was a see-saw feeling out process, with Makhai Valentine leading the way for Steel Valley by tossing in 9 points and Rasheed Saunders leading Brashear with 5.

The second quarter saw much of the same, and was plagued by rushed possessions on both sides. Valentine kept pouring in the points, ending the half with 15. Thanks to the athleticism of Saunders defensively, Brashear kept it close, down 23-22 at the break.

The game remained cagey through three with Cruce Brookins pushing his way into double digits for Steel Valley. A close affair until midway through the fourth, when Steel Valley went on a 9-0 run to break open a 42-33 lead and did not falter the remainder of the way as the sealed out a season opening 57-47 victory.

Valentine led all scorers with 24 points, followed by his teammate Brookins with 17. Titus Gillett led Brashear with 11 points, while Saunders and Jahmien Kidd each finished with 10.

Brashear played the game and will play the entire season without Tamere Robinson, who would have been the favorite for player of the year award in the City League, due to his injury sustained in football season.

Three Rivers Broadcasting will provide in depth analysis, coverage and live broadcasts of Pittsburgh City League contests throughout the season.