Long wait over
Rockets make return to PIAA tournament
Brandon Lawless has been busy checking off boxes this season.
The Jefferson-Morgan coach has guided his senior-laden team to its finest season since 2000 and it has snapped several droughts along the way.
The 2025-26 Rockets have accomplished for the first time in 26 years:
— A section championship
— A WPIAL playoff win
— A spot in the PIAA tournament
— 23 wins.
The year’s edition will strive to match one more achievement by that Rockets team of 26 years ago.
The 2000 squad — coached by Jim Romanus with a roster that included three players who would score over 1,000 points in Calvin Wilson, Tommy Curtis and Tyrone Wilson — defeated Forbes Road in the first round of the state playoffs before falling to eventual Class A champion Kennedy Christian.
Lawless’ Rockets will take aim to potentially scratch that box off the list with a PIAA Class 2A first-round game against Redbank Valley at New Bethlehem on Saturday at 1 p.m.
The Rockets (23-3) earned a share of the Section 3-2A championship before defeating Springdale, 49-35, in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs. After falling to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 41-28, in the quarterfinals, J-M split two consolation games, beating Winchester Thurston, 43-39, and losing to Eden Christian, 58-39.
“It’s been a great season,” Lawless said. “I have enjoyed this group of young men and have valued and cherished the extended time they have worked so hard to get towards and have earned.
“To be playing in March is an opportunity we have been fortunate enough to have and I’m grateful we get to compete this deep into the season. I think it speaks a lot about the guys we have in the locker room and their resiliency.”
Lawless pointed out the great backing his team has received.
“The administration, staff, fans and community have all been supportive and it’s just been great to see everyone come together through these guys and be able to cheer together as one,” Lawless said.
Jefferson-Morgan’s probable starting lineup will consist of seniors Dayten Marion, Brayden Ellsworth, John Woodward, Jaymison Robinson and Jeremiah Robertson.
The game against Redbank will end a nine-day layoff for the Rockets, but Lawless has used that extended time to his advantage.
“After the WPIAL playoffs and the consolation games, we took a little step away to reset and got back to work this week,” Lawless said. “We are attacking this week day by day and focusing on the little details that play a major impact. We have had some issues down the stretch scoring and are working through those problems.
“The rest gave us time to watch film, reflect and reset, to help us get back on track.”
The Bulldogs (18-7) last played on Feb. 28 when they defeated Clarion Area in the District 6 final, 46-35.
The winner of Saturday’s game will face either Jeannette or Northern Cambria in the second round on Wednesday.