Capers returns for Chartiers Valley

By Mike White | Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, 11:25 a.m.

We will have a live blog on the WPIAL basketball playoffs later today, starting around 4. We'll include notes on playoff games around the area. Check it out later.

Chartiers Valley already was a strong team. This week, the Colts got a little stronger with the return of an injured player.

That's because Wayne Capers is playing again for Chartiers Valley. Capers is a sophomore who saw playing time last year as a freshman. He probably would have been one of Char Valley's top players this season.

But Capers also is a talented football player (quarterback-defensive back) who suffered a broken foot in the middle of football season. He had surgery and did not play the rest of the season. Capers, pictured to the left, has been on the bench for all Chartiers Valley basketball games (not in uniform). Now he's playing again. Capers played in a three-team scrimmage this week against Mt. Lebanon and South Fayette. I know one person who saw the scrimmage and said Capers looks fully recovered.

It will be interesting to see how Char Valley coach Tim McConnell will use Capers, a 6-foot-1 guard.  But you better believe the kid is going to play a good amount, if healthy. He's that good. He can slash to the basket, but also is a fairly decent shooter. He also has excellent jumping ability.

Chartiers Valley is the Post-Gazette's No. 1-ranked Class AAA team and its first playoff game is Tuesday against the winner of Indiana and Valley.