CHARLEROI - When Rob Ramsey was a freshman at Belle Vernon Area, his talent was quite visible.
Two years later, the point guard who transferred to Geibel after his freshman season has blossomed into one of the WPIAL's best players.
Ramsey dominated Charleroi Saturday, earning MVP honors while leading Geibel to a 64-40 victory in the Charleroi Federal Holiday Tournament championship game.
Geibel has won seven consecutive games.
"Ramsey obviously deserved the MVP award," Charleroi coach Greg Melvin said. "There is no question that he was the best player on the court."
Ramsey nailed a 3-pointer on Geibel's first possession and never looked back, finishing with 23 points, seven assists, six steals and four rebounds.
Geibel (8-3) led 11-0 before Charleroi finally scored midway through the first quarter.
Charleroi's poor start contrasted with Friday night, when the Cougars (6-5) nailed almost every open shot on their way to a 56-39 win over Frazier.
"Some games we shoot well, and some we don't," Melvin said. "We need to get more consistent."
Greg Trilli (16) and Justin Piot (11) combined for 27 points against Frazier, but struggled mightily with the Gators' defense. Piot was shut out of the scoring column while Trilli managed only one field goal when the game had been decided.
"I thought they had some open looks, especially in the first half," Melvin said. "They just didn't go in."
The Cougars methodically made their way back into the game late in the second quarter. Devaron Ford and reserve Alex Kirtley both led Charleroi with eight points and helped the Cougars get within 12 points at halftime.
But just as he did to start the game, Ramsey nailed a 3-pointer to start the second half, stopping whatever momentum Charleroi had created.
"That was huge," Melvin said. "Those two 3-pointers he made really took a lot out of us."
Ramsey went on to toy with the Charleroi defense for the rest of the third quarter, nailing two more 3-pointers while dishing out numerous assists.
Ramsey set up Kellen Holmes, who finished with 14 points, for a thunderous dunk late in the third quarter that gave Geibel a convincing 45-25 lead.
Melvin was not pleased with his team's play, but was not concerned with the loss.
"This was an important game, but I've made it clear to the kids that our section games are the most important games on our schedule," he said.
NOTES - Joining MVP Ramsey on the all-tournament team were Holmes, Trilli, California's Brian Dunn and Frazier's Steve Erdely and Wayne Lonce...Trilli and Piot were given the Scott Smith award for sportsmanship...Frazier upset California in the consolation game, 58-48, behind Lonce's 21 points. Dunn topped the Trojans with 18 points.
