In a rematch of last season’s WPIAL semifinal game, the Baldwin boys basketball team defeated Mt. Lebanon 64-50 on Tuesday night.
“It feels really good to beat them because they have beaten us a lot through high school. So it’s nice to return the favor,” senior Gabe Barakat said. “They have a really good coach and their players are all usually tough.”
In last year’s WPIAL semifinal game, the Highlanders defeated Lebo 54-52. That game was in the back of players’ mind on Tuesday night.

“There was a lot of tension between us because of the game from last year, but I think we overall showed them what kind of team we are,” senior Nate Wesling said.
The game was even throughout the first half, and then Baldwin pulled away in the second half.
“We got up 10 late in the third,” Wesling said.
Barakat said senior Matt Schenk played a good game because he was so difficult to guard down low. He also praised the team’s defense skills.
“I think we played really good defense and did a good job not forcing shots,” Barakat said.
Wesling thinks the team could have a stronger first half and start faster. Barakat said he is grateful that when someone has an off day, the other players will pull their weight.
“I didn’t do too well, but the nice thing is other people step up when someone has an off game,” Barakat said.
The boys next game is 7:45 p.m. tonight away at Penn-Trafford.