Predicting state titles for Imhotep, Franklin, Reading Central Cath.
If Catholic League rivals Archbishop Carroll and Neumann-Goretti clash in the PIAA Class AAA state tournament again, it won't be in the quarterfinals, as was the case the last two seasons.
If Catholic League rivals Archbishop Carroll and Neumann-Goretti clash in the PIAA Class AAA state tournament again, it won't be in the quarterfinals, as was the case the last two seasons.
With District 12 getting four AAA state qualifiers instead of three, Carroll, as the No. 3 seed, was moved to the west bracket. Neumann-Goretti, the district No. 1 seed, will again try to conquer the East bracket. That means a possible showdown for top honors March 25 at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center.
In Class AA, Imhotep Charter, with three Division I recruits, is favored to bring home its second crown in the last three years. The Panthers were tripped up by Strawberry Mansion, 49-47, in the semifinals last season.
At the Class A level, Constitution and Church Farm stand as title contenders. A March 22 semifinal meeting between the Generals and Griffins is possible.
Here is a closer look at the AAA, AA, and A tourneys, along with our predictions.
Class AAA
Defending champ N-G, spurred by senior point guard Lamin Fulton and 6-5 junior forward Derrick Stewart, will open Friday with Annville-Cleona. The height-challenged Little Dutchmen have three perimeter scoring threats: Trey Blanding (15.8 ppg.), Alec Wizar (13.5 ppg.), and Josh Henning (11.1 ppg.).
Carroll, the 2008-09 titlist, will start against District 3 runner-up Eastern York. The Patriots and Golden Knights met Jan. 24 in the Kobe Bryant/Philly.com/Rally Classic at Philadelphia University, with Carroll recording a 57-46 win.
Eastern York is spurred by 6-foot-6 forward Andrew Nicholas (21.6 ppg.) and 6-0 guard Austin Tillotson (14 ppg.), both headed to Monmouth. Nicholas, a 2,445-point scorer, has hit 55 three-pointers.
For Octorara, the District 1 winner, it won't be easy against Harrisburg's Bishop McDevitt, District 3's No. 5 seed. The Crusaders' Aaron DeVan, a 6-3 junior guard getting looked at by Northeastern and Mount St. Mary's, averages 21.2 points.
District 1 runner-up Holy Ghost Prep will begin vs. Northeastern. The young Bobcats are paced by Elijah Cooper (13.2 ppg.), Chris Nwandu (12), and Khalid Nwandu (10).
Look for Philadelphia Electrical, District 12's runner-up, to beat Phil-Mont Christian on Friday and take on District 2 champ Holy Redeemer in the second round. The Royals' Peter Alexis, a 6-11, 250-pound senior center, is bound for Penn State.
We think the Chargers will knock off Holy Redeemer, but be eliminated in the quarterfinals by Lancaster Catholic.
Our final four: Lancaster Catholic, N-G, Carroll, and District 10's Franklin. N-G and Franklin, beating Juan'ya Green (21 ppg.) and the Patriots, prevail in the semis. In the final, Franklin surprises the cold-shooting Saints.
Class AA
It would be a major surprise if Imhotep doesn't make it to State College. Swingman Ameen Tanksley (Niagara recruit), wing guard David Appolon (Robert Morris), and 6-9 forward Erik Copes (George Washington) head an imposing lineup.
The other threat to come out of the east bracket is first-time District 3 champion Hanover, which will open vs. Communications Tech. The Nighthawks have four scoring threats, including 5-8 senior point guard Pete Yingst (22.6 ppg., 60 treys).
That said, we like Imhotep and Hanover to meet in the semifinals, with the Panthers winning. We predict Monessen, District 7's champ, will emerge from the west. At Penn State, Andre Noble and Imhotep will reclaim the top spot.
Class A
Constitution's bid for statewide glory is led by rising junior guard Daiquan Walker (18.9 ppg.) and 6-5, 210-pound senior forward Xavier Harris (14 ppg.).
Church Farm relies on 6-0 sophomore Howard Sellars, 6-4 senior Cordell Long, and 5-11 senior Martin Evans.
Constitution's road to Penn State is harder, and we expect Rob Moore's squad to come up short against Reading Central Catholic in the quarters. Church Farm, avenging a 43-35 loss to Greenwood in the second round and then beating Marian Catholic, advances to the semis.
Our projected final four: Reading Central Catholic, Church Farm, Vincentian Academy, and Elk County Catholic.
In the final, Reading Central Catholic, which will merge with Holy Name and become Berks Catholic in the fall, knocks off Vincentian.