KDKA Radio Basketball Super 7 Watch List: Week 11

Obama Academy, Fox Chapel, Deer Lakes, and Waynesburg Central players shine in WPIAL playoff action

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The WPIAL basketball playoffs are underway, and several standout players had impressive performances in Week 11. Obama Academy's Eric James led his team to the Pittsburgh City League title, Fox Chapel's Lyla Jablon had a big game in a playoff win, Deer Lakes' Evan Moore helped pull off an upset, and Waynesburg Central freshman Tess Pauley continued her strong season.

Why it matters

The KDKA Radio Super 7 Awards recognize the top high school basketball players in the WPIAL and Pittsburgh City League each season. Highlighting these players' achievements not only showcases their individual talents, but also the exciting playoff action taking place across the region.

The details

Eric James of Obama Academy scored 19 points to lead his team to the Pittsburgh City League title, Lyla Jablon of Fox Chapel had 24 points, 8 rebounds and 7 steals in a playoff win, Evan Moore of Deer Lakes scored 22 points to help his team pull off an upset in the Class 4A playoffs, and Tess Pauley of Waynesburg Central, a freshman, scored 23 points with 4 3-pointers in a dominant playoff victory.

  • On February 13, Obama Academy defeated Allderdice 64-58 in overtime to win the Pittsburgh City League boys title.
  • On February 10, Fox Chapel defeated Latrobe 60-58 in the Class 5A first round playoffs.
  • On February 10, Deer Lakes upset No. 4 seed Derry 57-46 in the Class 4A first round playoffs.
  • On February 13, Waynesburg Central defeated Deer Lakes 55-28 in the Class 3A first round playoffs.

The players

Eric James

A senior at Obama Academy who led his team to the Pittsburgh City League boys basketball title, scoring 19 points in the championship game.

Lyla Jablon

A senior at Fox Chapel High School who scored 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and had 7 steals in her team's Class 5A playoff win.

Evan Moore

A junior at Deer Lakes High School who scored 22 points to help his team pull off an upset in the Class 4A playoffs.

Tess Pauley

A freshman at Waynesburg Central High School who scored 23 points with 4 3-pointers in her team's dominant Class 3A playoff victory.

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What they’re saying

“It was a golden week for Obama Academy and Eric James.”

— Josh Rowntree, Author (audacy.com)

“After a 4-6 start to the season, Fox Chapel has gone 11-2 down the stretch and will face Thomas Jefferson Wednesday in the quarterfinals.”

— Josh Rowntree, Author (audacy.com)

What’s next

The WPIAL basketball playoffs will continue, with the quarterfinal round taking place on Wednesday, February 15th.

The takeaway

This week's KDKA Radio Super 7 Watch List highlights the exciting playoff action taking place across the WPIAL, showcasing the talents of standout players like Eric James, Lyla Jablon, Evan Moore, and Tess Pauley who are leading their teams on deep postseason runs.