PIAA boys' basketball playoffs continue Saturday for nine area teams

The PIAA boys' basketball playoffs continue Saturday afternoon with Class 6A, 3A, and A quarterfinal games.

Here is a glance at the contests involving nine local schools, along with our predictions.

Abington vs. Hazleton, at Bethlehem Liberty, 1 p.m. District 2 champ Hazleton is led by forwards Jeffrey Planutis, Da'Mir Faison, Josh Samec, and Joey Grula. Planutis and Faison, both 6-foot-4, netted 21 and 10 points, respectively, as the Cougars topped Pocono Mountain West, 69-50, in the second round. At 6-8, Samec can be a handful inside. Pick: Abington, 70-60.

Lincoln vs. Neshaminy, at Archbishop Ryan, 2 p.m. Neshaminy's Chris Arcidiacono (26.4 ppg.) is coming off a 51-point effort in an 88-87, double-overtime win against Lower Merion. Arcidiacono, who added a scholarship offer from Delaware on Thursday, is supported by wing guard Anthony Papeo, forward Charles Dominick, and 6-8 center Danny Bodine. Lincoln is spurred by guards Sanhei Day, Khalif Meares and Emeul Charleston, and 6-6 forward Jahi Randall. Pick: Lincoln, 65-57.

Central Bucks West vs. Roman Catholic, at Bensalem, 2 p.m. C.B. West advanced Wednesday with a 60-47 OT triumph against defending state champ Reading; Roman rallied from a 15-point deficit to stun Plymouth Whitemarsh, 75-71. The Bucks rely heavily on a senior trio: 6-5 wing Collin MacAdams, 6-3 forward Jake Reichwein, and guard Shane McCusker (41 three-pointers). Junior point guard Jack Mulhearn has drilled 43 treys. Roman has four double-digit scoring threats: 6-6 wing Seth Lundy, floor general Lynn Greer III, and explosive wings Hakim Hart and Allen Betrand. Pick: Roman, 58-51.

Neumann-Goretti vs. Bishop McDevitt, at Jefferson University, 1 p.m. It's a meeting between Catholic League rivals. N-G blasted McDevitt, 81-48, Feb. 4 in Wyncote. N-G's guard-dominated lineup is headed by Christian Ings, Noah Warren (60 threes), and Dymir Montague (46). Marcus Littles, a 6-8 center, is bound for George Washington. McDevitt's catalyst is Robert Smith, a speedy guard who averages 15.8 points. Fellow sophomore Jamil Manigo, a 6-3 forward; junior guard Seneca Willoughby; and senior guard Da'Quane Williams are also in the mix. Pick: N-G, 77-57.

Math, Civics & Sciences vs. Holy Cross, at Bethlehem Liberty, 2:30 p.m. MC&S is seeking a return trip to the semifinals. The Mighty Elephants bowed to Constitution, 73-68, in OT in that round last year. MC&S is fueled by guards Jihad "Squid" Watson (14.9 ppg.), Kwahzere Ransom, and Semaj Mills. The headliners for District 2 titlist Holy Cross are guards Patrick Galvin, Kieran Burrier, Tyler Mozeleski, and Tom Montefour. Pick: MC&S, 74-62.

Constitution vs. Moravian Academy, at Spring-Ford, 1 p.m. Constitution is trying to claim its fourth state crown in the last eight seasons. The Generals fell to Sewickley Academy, 68-63, in last year's final. Constitution's spark plugs are guards Damon Wall (18.3 ppg.),  Jahmir Marable-Williams (13.8), and Keshaun Hammonds (13.7). District 11 champ Moravian Academy is paced by Jordan Holmqvist, a 6-0 junior guard and 1,000-point scorer. Pick: Constitution, 75-51.