Esports nearly sweeps conference finals

Auri Tarabishy placed first, Jack Schalk finished third, followed by Sam Donahey and Ricky Crawford in fourth and fifth, respectively.  

The Conference Finals were held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Robert Morris University. Upper St. Clair students competed against individual Smash players from Belle Vernon, Albert Gallatin and McDowell high schools.  

“The top eight players from the region were invited to compete,” Monica Erwin, USCHS Esports adviser, said. “Our Super Smash Brothers team made the grand championship bracket and will start that competition soon, competing for the PIEA state title.”

All four USC players now advance to the PIEA Grand Championship finals where they will compete individually as well as in the Smash team competition. The USC Super Smash Bros. team includes Auri, Jack, Sam and Ricky along with Chance Miles.

In addition, the three-person Super Smash Bros. team of Auri, Jack and Sam advanced to the finals in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League (PSEL). The USCHS team defeated the No. 1 ranked Cocalico team on Wednesday, April 23. The title match is set for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Harrisburg.

“USC Esports were the underdogs in the PSEL semifinals; but we pulled it out,” Mrs. Erwin said.

In its fifth year, USCHS Esports has had success. The Super Smash Bros. team reached the state semifinals and in the individual competition, Auri placed second and Jack finished 11th in the state finals last year. 

All regular season esports competitions are played virtually. The varsity-level semifinals and finals for the PIEA tournament are held in-person.