BUTLER, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College men's basketball team emerged victorious in a defensive battle with the Community College of Allegheny County, defeating the Wildcats 60-50 in the 2026 WPCC/Region 20 championship game Saturday afternoon.
The Black Bears have claimed the Region 20 and Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference title for the second consecutive season after winning the region championship for the first time in program history in 2024-25.
This was Penn Highlands’ fourth conference championship.
With the win, Pennsylvania Highlands will now host the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament, set to take place Feb. 27-29 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Sports Center.
Penn Highlands will take on Region 4’s Joliet Junior College (Illinois) in the first semifinal matchup at 6 p.m. Friday. The tournament winner advances to the NJCAA championships March 11-14 in Herkimer, New York.
Sophomore Desmond Handon Jr. was named most valuable player after compiling nine points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals in the championship game.
Handon matched teammate Ke’Shawn White with a game-high five steals, as Penn Highlands compiled 17 takeaways as a team.
White and Ahmad Boone were named to the all-tournament team alongside Handon. Boone produced 15 points, while White recorded eight points and eight rebounds.
After Allegheny County jumped out to a quick 7-3 lead, Penn Highlands answered with 13 straight points to lead 16-7, highlighted by two buckets from Anthony Ross and a 3-pointer by BJ Lavender, who scored 14 points.
The Wildcats answered with a 14-2 run to move back in front by three points, but the Black Bears tallied three consecutive baskets to go into halftime with a 24-21 lead.
Penn Highlands then opened the second half with three quick baskets, with another trey from Lavender pushing the advantage to 36-27.
The Black Bears reached their largest lead of the game at 53-40 on a steal and layup by Boone.
Boone, Handon, Lavender and Raymond all earned all-conference honors for the Black Bears.