Will Chester or Lower Merion prevail?

Lower Merion is seeking a big breakthrough. Chester is planning to stay the course.

As expected when the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA boys' hoops tournament tipped off on Feb. 17, the Aces and Clippers will clash for the championship at 9 p.m. Friday at Villanova's Pavilion.

Lower Merion (25-2) is trying for its first district crown since 1996, when Kobe Bryant, with 34 points and 11 rebounds, powered the Aces to a 60-53, come-from-behind victory over Chester.

Chester (26-0) is primed to defend its title and take top honors for the ninth time in the last 11 seasons. The Clippers won seven straight championships from 2002 to 2008.

It's the matchup everyone wanted: No. 2 seed (Lower Merion) vs. No. 1 seed. And from the way both teams have performed lately, it has the makings of a classic.

Of course, on paper, Chester, with its overall quickness and depth, is the favorite. The Clippers' average margin of victory in districts is 33 points.

The Del-Val League titlists are led by junior wing guards Rondae Jefferson and Darius Robinson. Inside, 6-foot-4 senior Erikk Wright and 6-7 junior Richard Granberry do the bulk of the work.

"Our guys have stepped up to the challenge," Chester coach Larry Yarbray said. "They like playing in the big games. That's why we play the type of schedule we do."

Lower Merion, with 6-5 junior guard B.J. Johnson and 6-7 senior center Darryl Reynolds spearheading the attack, has won 19 straight games.

"It's exciting to get to play on a stage like this," longtime Aces coach Gregg Downer said. "Hopefully, we can be competitive."

Key for the Aces will be handling the all-out pressure that Chester will throw at them. Sophomore floor general Ja'Quan Johnson and junior wing guard Raheem Hall must find ways to get the Central League champs into their half-court sets.

Against Abington in the semifinals, Reynolds netted 18 points, grabbed 12 rebounds (eight on offense), and blocked five shots. He'll need another strong all-around effort, while pitted against Wright and Granberry.

And the Aces have to keep the Clippers from consistently thriving in transition. Yes, easier said than done.

While it's tempting to switch gears, we're sticking with our pretournament prediction. Lower Merion, slowing the pace and defending the interior well, earns redemption for an overtime loss to Chester in the 2006 final.

Pick: Lower Merion, 67-63.

What: PIAA District 1 Class AAAA boys' basketball championship game.

When, where: 9 p.m. Friday at Villanova's Pavilion.

Records: Lower Merion, 25-2; Chester, 26-0.

Winning streaks: Lower Merion, 19; Chester, 52.

District titles: Lower Merion, 15; Chester, 20.

Last district title: Lower Merion, 1996; Chester, 2011.

Last meeting: The Aces defeated Chester, 49-48, in overtime in December 2006.

Coaches: Lower Merion, Gregg Downer (22d season); Chester, Larry Yarbray (fourth season).

Scoring updates: @ozoneinq on Twitter.

Internet: Live and on-demand at www.icblivetv.com/show/scholasticpbpnetwork

Projected Starting Lineups

LOWER MERION            CHESTER         

Name    Pos.    Ht.    Yr.   Name   Pos.    Ht.   Yr.   

Ja'Quan Johnson   G   5-10   So.   Kareem Robinson    G    5-7    Sr.

Raheem Hall    G    6-2    Jr.   Darius Robinson    G    6-1    Jr.

Darryl Reynolds    C    6-7    Sr.   Richard Granberry    F   6-6    Jr.

B.J. Johnson    G-F    6-5    Jr.   Erikk Wright    F    6-4    Sr.

Justin McFadden    F    6-3    So.   Rondae Jefferson    G    6-3    Jr.

- Rick O'Brien

Here is a look at this weekend's other playoff contests.

No. 2 seed Octorara (23-3) vs. No. 1 Holy Ghost Prep (26-1), 6 p.m. Saturday at Haverford College. The Firebirds, featuring a balanced scoring attack, must keep a close eye on Octorara senior guard Charles Cooper (17.5 ppg, 48 treys).

Pick: Octorara, 55-50, in OT.

No. 3 Faith Christian (23-3) vs. No. 1 Church Farm (19-5), 5 p.m. Friday at Villanova. In a rematch of last year's final, Howard Sellars (17.5 ppg, 42 treys) helps the Griffins keep the first-place hardware.

Pick: Church Farm, 66-49.

Bartram (10-14) vs. St. Joseph's Prep (20-5), 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln. The Hawks' Steve Vasturia (54 treys), Miles Overton (50), and Gene Williams (44) pummel the Braves from downtown.

Pick: Prep, 57-42.

Boys' Latin (22-5) vs. Neumann-Goretti (22-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Southern. The Warriors' upset bid is headed by speedy guards Maurice Watson and Yahmir Greenlee.

Pick: N-G, 69-50.

Communications Tech (18-9) vs. Bishop McDevitt (10-11), 3 p.m. Saturday at St. Joe's Prep. The Phoenix have too much firepower for Brahieme Jackson (18.9 ppg) and the Lancers.

Pick: Communications Tech, 66-48.

Del-Val Charter (13-11) vs. Devon Prep (11-13,) noon Saturday at St. Joe's Prep. The Warriors, with Fateem Brockington leading the way, triumph and gain a berth in the state tournament.

Pick: Del-Val, 53-43.