Plymouth Whitemarsh, Roman meet in PIAA semifinal

Jim Donofrio is guaranteeing only one thing heading into his team's showdown with defending state champion Roman Catholic.

"We're not going to play scared," the Plymouth Whitemarsh coach said. "We're not just here to give them a good showing. We're not made that way. We're going to throw all we have at them."

The Colonials (28-2) will take on the Cahillites (25-4) in a PIAA Class 4A semifinal at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Council Rock South.

Donofrio got a glimpse of Chris McNesby's imposing group last summer at Temple. "You could see the raw power, the athleticism, the pace, the size," he said.

PW is trying for its first state title since 2010. That stretch drive included a 54-46 quarterfinal win over Roman at Villanova.

The Colonials have won 11 straight since falling to Central Bucks West, 53-46, in a Suburban One League playoff semifinal on Feb. 6. Their marquee win was a 68-57 triumph over Chester in the District 1 final.

As it has done all year, PW will apply plenty of full-court defensive pressure against the Cahillites.

"We're not going to take a step back and go with a 2-3 zone," Donofrio said. "That's not happening. You don't get to Hershey by playing it safe."

Roman is spurred by a trio of Penn State recruits: 6-foot-4 point guard Tony Carr, 6-7 wing Lamar Stevens, and guard Nazeer Bostick. Paul Newman, a 6-7 center, and guard D'Andre Vilmar round out the starting lineup.

Carr (14.8 ppg.) totaled 26 points, nine assists, and eight boards in Saturday's 73-60 victory over District 11 champ Parkland. Stevens (14.9) was next in line with 24 points and 11 boards.

Donofrio will likely use a three- or four-man rotation to disrupt Carr. "He's so special," the coach said.

PW benefited from 30 Chester turnovers in capturing its first district crown since 1998. "We're fast," Donofrio said. "We move fast. We defend well. And we have to believe we can defend in this one as well."

Xzavier Malone, a 6-3 wing and Rider recruit, averages 19.9 points for the Colonials. The supporting cast includes 6-6 forward Mike Lotito and guards Oakley Spencer and Kevin Ashenfelter.

Malone struggled with his shot while netting 21 points in Saturday's 52-43 defeat of Simon Gratz, going 4 for 16 from the field.

"He's got to be loose and relaxed against Roman," Donofrio said. "I thought he put too much pressure on himself in the last game. Roman is going to try to get into his head. We'll set things up for him to pop free."

Pick: Roman, 74-63.

Here is a look at Tuesday's other semifinals:

Neumann-Goretti (25-4) vs. Imhotep Charter (24-5), 6 p.m. at Philadelphia University.

It's a rematch of last year's semifinal, won by N-G, 75-67.

The Saints are aiming for their sixth title in the last seven seasons. The Panthers are trying for their first crown since 2013 and fifth overall (three in 2A).

N-G is sparked by guards Quade Green and Zane Martin and 6-8 center Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree. Imhotep leans on guards Daron Russell and Jaekwon Carlyle and 6-7 forward Koby Thomas.

Pick: N-G, 68-62.

Mastery North (26-3) vs. Camp Hill (21-6), 7 p.m. at Garden Spot, New Holland.

Rodney Ross and the Pumas must keep close tabs on guard Casey Caruso (15.8 ppg., 50 treys) and 6-4 forward David Fetrow (13.6).

Ross (20 points) and Daeqwon Plowden (29) keyed Saturday's 75-67 ousting of District 3 champ Trinity.

Pick: Camp Hill, 57-56.

Math, Civics & Sciences (14-14) vs. Constitution (19-11), 8 p.m. at Philadelphia University

. Can the Mighty Elephants avenge last year's 87-46 semifinal drubbing at the hands of the Generals?

MC&S is fueled by guards Malik Archer (69 treys) and Kwahzere Ransom and 6-6 forward Edward Croswell. Defending champ Constitution is led by guard Tamir Green (20 ppg.).

Pick: Constitution, 69-61.

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