And Rodney Rowland can probably run for mayor.

Rowland scored a career-high 17 points, Rylan Benton added 15 and the Eagles extended their season by at least two games with a 53-45 victory over West Middlesex in the District 10 Class 1A semifinals Tuesday at the Hagerty Family Events Center in Erie.

With the win, Youngsville advances to the D-10 Class 1A championship Friday against Erie First Christian. The location and time of the game will be announced today.

For 24 hours, the Eagles are going to enjoy this one — a win that secures Youngsville’s first PIAA berth since the 2019-20 season.

Times Observer photo by Steve Younger Youngsville’s Ethan Beers, left, attempts a shot during Youngsville’s 53-45 victory over West Middlesex in the District 10 Class 1A semifinals Tuesday at the Hagerty Family Events Center in Erie.

“That was exactly what I expected from West Middlesex — very scrappy and they sure let us play tonight,” said Youngsville coach Jesse Benton. “The boys played very well. They wanted it and did not give up. We had some moments of error and frustration that allowed them to stay with us, but we cleaned it up and held on for a huge win.”

The Eagles got offense in spurts to start out Tuesday’s game as Rylan Benton, Ethan Beers and then Rowland each scored six straight points as second-seeded Youngsville built a 20-11 lead over the third-seeded Big Reds.

Youngsville started the second quarter on an 11-5 run and back-to-back 3-pointers from Rowland and David Manning made it 31-16 and forced a West Middlesex timeout with 3:45 left in the first half.

The timeout was just what the Big Reds needed as five quick points from Shawn Hoffman were part of a 9-0 run to close the half with Youngsville on top 31-25.

After going nearly four minutes without a point to close the opening half, Youngsville scored the first two buckets of the second half to push the lead back to double digits. Benton scored first — his first bucket since early in the first quarter — and Rowland hit his fourth 3 of the game moments later.

The Big Reds (8-15) slowly carved into the Youngsville lead over the next four minutes and the fourth quarter began with the Eagles holding a 39-33 advantage.

Youngsville (13-8) continued to cling to a lead in the fourth quarter as a bucket by West Middlesex’s Roman Golub made it 41-39. Moments later — with 4:05 to play — Youngsville big man Cash Moore fouled out, forcing valuable minutes from sophomore Josh Pikna.

The teams traded buckets until the final 1:07 of the game when Youngsville — up 46-43 — put together one final push for the victory.

Beers and Benton made free throws and Rowland provided the dagger — his fifth 3-ball of the game — to push the lead to nine and help Youngsville close out it’s 13th win of the season.

“I mentioned Rodney earlier this week and he surely didn’t disappoint,” said coach Benton. “He is a hard-working kid that doesn’t quit. I’m extremely proud of him and all these boys.”

Rowland led the winners with a game-high 17 points, Benton finished with 15, Beers added 12 and Manning chipped in 9.

Rowland said after the game he was glad he could fill the role of injured starter Braydon Baker and hoped he put on a performance Baker would enjoy.

“Being down a guy, I knew I was going to have to step up offensively,” said Rowland. “My shot felt really good early, and the guys played well around me. I’m glad I could do my job for the team.”

The team’s regular season leading scorer Rylan Benton also praised Rowland’s performance.

“Props to Rodney, what a game,” said the sophomore. “It feels really good to extend the season. We haven’t been to the state playoffs in a while and I’m glad to be part of the team to do it.”

Next up for the Eagles are another set of Eagles. Youngsville dropped its previous two meetings with Erie First Christian (68-54 on Jan. 28 and 82-60 on Feb. 14) but this one is for the District 10 Class 1A championship. Youngsville will be looking for its first D-10 title since 1992.

WEST MIDDLESEX (45)

Koncar 5 0-0 10, Golub 6 7-10 19, Puskar 0 2-2 2, Partridge 3 0-0 7, Vogan 1 0-0 2, Hoffman 2 0-0 5. Totals 17 9-13 45.

YOUNGSVILLE (53)

Benton 4 6-7 15, Beers 5 2-3 12, Rowland 6 0-0 17, Moore 0 0-0 0, Manning 3 0-0 9, Pikna 0 0-0 0, Haight 0 0-0 0. Totals 18 8-10 53.

3-point goals–Partridge, Hoffman, Rowland 5, Manning 3, Benton.

West Middlesex 13 12 8 12 — 45

Youngsville 20 11 8 14 — 53