Mechanicsburg junior guard Chance Yanoski

Chance Yanoski has been going to the Giant Center to watch high school basketball playoff games since he was a little kid.  For the first time, Yanoski got to experience what it's like to leave Hershey with a gold medal.  "It feels great for the team, for the community, and for all the fans that come to support us all year. It's the greatest feeling I've ever felt in my life," he told Paul Roberts of SV Sports.  Yanoski had a game-high 20 points as Mechanicsburg beat top-seeded Hershey 63-47 for the District 3-5A championship.  It's the Wildcats' first District 3 title since 1995 and second overall.  Mechanicsburg jumped out to a 22-9 advantage after the first quarter.  "I think it set the tone from the jump. We were here to play. We weren't gonna mess around," said Yanoski.  Josh Smith gave the Wildcats a big boost by making a shot from the opposite free throw line at the end of the first half.  That incredible heave put them in front 36-26 at the break.  "He's always trying to make everyone better. He brings so much energy to the table. He's one of the best athletes I've ever seen," remarked Yanoski.  Smith, who's an All-State wide receiver, finished with 16 points.  Justin Bardo added 19 including some key 3-pointers.  "He works like crazy. He works as hard as anyone else on the team. For him to step up in a moment like this, is not unexpected," stated Yanoski.  Smith, Bardo, and Yanoski are part of a talented junior class under veteran head coach Mike Gaffey.  Hershey got within 52-45 with less than three minutes remaining, but second-seeded Mechanicsburg answered with an 11-0 run.  The Wildcats will try to carry the momentum into the state tournament.  They host Gateway on Friday at 6pm in the first round.