Donegal will take on Imhotep Charter in a PIAA Class AAA boys' basketball state semifinal game Tuesday night. - (DAN GLEITER | PennLive.com)

LANCASTER - All 16 PIAA basketball state semifinal games - boys and girls - will be played out tonight.

Eight boys games and eight girls games will be contested across the state, with the winners advancing to the state championships, set for Friday and Saturday in Hershey's Giant Center.

One of the state semifinal games tonight pits Donegal against Imhotep Charter in a Class AAA boys' game at Reading High's Geigle Complex.

Tip time is 7:30 p.m.

Keep it here for game updates, plus your questions and comments, when Donegal, the District 3 third-seed, takes on Imhotep Charter, which has won three of the last four PIAA Class AA state titles.

Mark Pieters is Conestoga Valley's new head varsity football coach. - (CVBUCKS.COM photo)

LANCASTER - Mark Pieters has gained school board approval and has been named Conestoga Valley's head varsity football coach.

The school confirmed Pieters' hiring with a press release Tuesday afternoon.

“I am very excited to get started,” Pieters said in the release. “I think there is a lot of potential here at CV. This is a great opportunity, and I am honored to serve as the head football coach at Conestoga Valley High School.”

Pieters, a math teacher at CV, spent the last 14 years with the Buckskins; he served as the CV's defensive coordinator last season under Tom Nichols, who resigned his post on February 13 after four years coaching his alma mater.

The Buckskins went 19-24 under Nichols, who is heading back to Coatesville, where he is employed, to work on Matt Ortega's football staff.

Nichols took CV to the District 3 playoffs two times.

Pieters previously served as Solanco's head coach, from 1993-98. The Golden Mules went 13-28-1 over that clip. Prior to that, he served as Penn Manor's head coach from 1991-93, and he was an assistant coach at Yale, North Carolina State and William & Mary at the college level, and an assistant coach at Lancaster Catholic and at Lafayette (Virginia) at the high school level.

Pieters played football for Mansfield University, where he was an All-PSAC linebacker and defensive end.

“Mark is a well-respected member of the CVHS faculty who has a wealth of football knowledge and a diverse coaching background,” CV athletic director Zac Kraft said in the release.

“Mark understands the culture here at Conestoga Valley, and his commitment to pursuing victory with honor and integrity will complement the mission and vision of CV Athletics very well. We are thrilled to have him on board, and I look forward to seeing the football program continue to grow under Mark’s leadership.”          

REINHART ON TWITTER: @JeffReinhart77

Madelyn Veith and Meaghan Raab - (Photo by Lloyd Reigel)

The Hershey girls' swim team didn't falter in the PIAA Class AAA championship meet March 15-16 at Bucknell University.

Coach Greg Fastrich's team set a state record by accumulating 292 points to overpower runner-up North Allegheny, 292-165. Hershey broke its previous record of 265.5, set two years ago.

Junior Meaghan Raab again led the Trojans with a gold medal in 100 free and two relay gold medals, with junior Madelyn Veith accounting for Hershey's other individual gold in the 50 free. Veith out-touched Ali Rockett of Wilson, 23.15 to 23.25. Both train year-round under Fastrich with the Hershey Aquatic Club.

Raab, however, suffered her first loss in a PIAA race when Oakland Catholic's Leah Smith passed her in the final meters of the 200 free. Smith, a University of Virginia recruit, who sat out her junior year of high school swimming, was named the female swimmer of the meet, unseating Raab, who won it the previous two years.

For the Hershey boys, Michigan-bound senior Vinny Tafuto captured the 50 free to lead Hershey to a second-place finish behind LaSalle College, 163-130. Tafuto was also part of Hershey's gold medal winning 200 relay team, along with Austin Doss, Shota Nakano (Penn State) and Jeremy Bauchwitz.

The Hershey girls also got a gold medal from the 200 medley relay team of Ari Waitkavicz, Carly DiLiberty (Towson State), Gabi Broschard and Collette Robinson. Raab teamed with Vivi Tafuto, Veith, DeLiberty and Robsinson in the 200 and 400 free relays.

Geoff Morrow. - (PennLive.com, file)

The PIAA high school basketball championships continue tonight with semifinals in all boys' and girls' classes.
PennLive writers Geoff Morrow and Michael Bullock continue their series of weekly chats on PennLive.com today at 2 p.m.
Come back in time for the chat or send an email reminder by using the option below. Between now and then, get the latest scores, stats and standings on PennLive.com.

Trinity's Josh Trumpy gets a step on Loyalsock's Roger Wilson during the Shamrocks' 73-68 overtime win on Saturday afternoon. - (Sean Simmers, PennLive.com, 2013)

BIG MAN ALERT -- AGAIN:  Even as Trinity’s beaming Shamrocks celebrated their 73-68 victory over Loyalsock Saturday at Pottsville’s emptying Martz Hall, thoughts were beginning to stray toward Tuesday night’s contest.

Some of those post-game thoughts centered on approaching opponent Holy Cross and its talented 6-7 big man Josh Kosin, a remarkably productive senior who a year ago landed first-team all-state honors after leading Al Callejas' Crusaders to the PIAA Class AA semifinals.

Although Holy Cross dropped a 37-35 decision to eventual Class AA champ Imhotep, the Crusaders returned four of their top six from last year's club and are back in the state semifinals.

Kosin, however, is the guy carrying the biggest load.

Not only is he averaging 27 points per game in the state tournament -- Kosin rang up 31 points in each of the Crusaders' last two victories -- but Kosin's also yanking down 10-plus rebounds per outing.

“Another big guy,” said Trinity coach Larry Kostelac Jr. “He’s a great player. They have a nice team. Al does a super job with them.”

Considering Trinity already has dealt with Meyers’ 6-6 Rasheed Moore, William Sayre’s bulky Antwan James and Loyalsock’s smooth 6-5 Roger Wilson already – and won each of those games -- the Shamrocks’ long-yet-seasoned junior tandem of 6-5 Brandon Kuntz and 6-6 Josh Trumpy should be ready to go.

Yet again.

Kuntz popped a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) in the OT win over Loyalsock. Trumpy added 14 points and seven boards.

They’ve already seen plenty of film on Holy Cross – especially since the meticulous Kostelac and his assistants spent the regular season and even the postseason amassing a sizable video library – so they have a mighty good idea what’s coming from Kosin and his teammates.

“We’ve had to face a lot of athletic and strong big men,” said Kuntz, who is averaging 9.0 ppg and nearly nine rebounds per in the state tournament.

“I don’t think Josh and I will back down from this challenge either.

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CHAMPIONSHIP WATCH: With Neumann-Goretti’s string of three consecutive Class AAA crowns now over, only Chester has the chance to defend the Class AAAA title it won last year in State College.

Actually, let’s rephrase that by saying Larry Yarbray’s Clippers have the chance to defend the titles they collared each of the last two years at Penn State University’s Bryce Jordan Center.

While two-time Class AA champion Imhotep Charter still has an opportunity to win a third straight state title, Andre Noble’s Panthers will need to win at the Class AAA level to make that happen.

Since 2012 champ Constitution also made a classification jump – from Class A to Class AA – a new winner will be crowned in Class A.

Lower Merion (AAAA), Montour (AAA), Beaver Falls (AA) and Lincoln Park (A) – which last season took home silver medals following losses in their respective title games – have reached the state semis.

So, with victories Tuesday, each of those aforementioned runners-up could return to a state title game for the second straight year.

Should Montour and/or Lincoln Park prevail, those programs will be playing in state finals for the third year in a row.

BRILLIANT … OR NOT???: If the PIAA’s decision to schedule all eight of its semifinal-round games on Tuesday was based on wanting to schedule twinbills – previously, Tuesday and Wednesday dates were used -- the folks in Mechanicsburg failed miserably.

Here’s some evidence.

Of the eight games scheduled to be played Tuesday night, only one is paired with another. That’s the Donegal-Imhotep Charter scrap, which will share the marquee at Reading’s Geigle Complex with the Class AA girls’ game between York Catholic and St. Basil.

All seven of the other contests set for Tuesday night are being played as single games at their respective sites.

Oops!

Now, if the PIAA’s intent was to build in a buffer for potential weather problems, that’s a splendid idea. Especially given the wintry mix that pestered the Harrisburg area all day Monday.

Seriously, before the PIAA can consistenly place multiple games at a particular site one round before its championships are contested, the tournament’s logistics must be overhauled.

Regionalized play must be strongly considered – especially since the potential for too many of those long-distance, east-west matchups a round or two before the final exists – and these tournament brackets allocated by the number of schools in each district scrapped.

For instance:

*Archbishop Carroll-Chartiers Valley in Chambersburg.

*Archbishop Carroll-Montour in Chambersburg.

*Lower Merion-New Castle in Williamsport.

Or, bring the Final Fours to the championship site. While that would require a different type of logistical adjustment – like different venues or different weekends for the boys and girls – it’s a thought.

CLASS AAAA QUARTERFINAL-ROUND REWIND: Popping four players into double figures – Raheem Hall (16), B.J. Johnson (14), JaQuan Johnson (12) and Yohanny Dalembert (12) – Lower Merion nipped Harrisburg 63-62 at Reading’s Geigle Complex. Dalembert also pulled down 15 boards and blocked six shots for the Aces, who sealed the victory on B.J. Johnson’s flush and freebie with seconds remaining. Shaquon Sheppard’s 15 points paced the ‘Burg. … Malik Hooker led a parade of players into double figures by scoring 23 points as New Castle outran Erie Cathedral Prep 80-70. Shawn Anderson (20), Anthony Richards (15) and Brandon Domenick added a combined 49 points for the Red Hurricanes. Sheldon Zablotny dropped in 24 points for Prep. … Rondae Jefferson racked up 16 points and Richard Granberry popped a double-double (11 points, 11 boards) as Chester eased past Great Valley 55-42. Mikal Bridges pocketed 14 points for Great Valley, Chester’s 77^th consecutive Pennsylvania victim. … Stephen Vasturia poured in 31 points as St. Joseph’s Prep used a 15-0 spurt at the start of the fourth quarter to pull away from Coatesville 67-43. Emmett Hunt’s 13 points paced the Red Raiders.

CLASS AAA QUARTERFINAL-ROUND REWIND: Matt Foltz dropped in 20 points and Martin Dietrich tacked on 19 as Donegal upended three-time state champ Neumann-Goretti 55-50, snapping the Saints’ state tournament win streak at 17 games. Ja’Quan Newton’s 16 points topped Neumann-Goretti. … Brandon Austin, Abraham Massaley and Basil Thompson shared 39 points as Imhotep Charter turned back Abington Heights 61-50. Jason Bamford and J.C. Show hooked up for 25 points to lead Abington Heights, which led 43-42 when the fourth quarter began. … Derrick Jones banked eight of his 15 points in the fourth quarter as Archbishop Carroll staved off fast-closing Chartiers Valley 49-46. Ernest Aflakpui chipped in 13 points and Yosef Yacob added 11 for the Patriots. Michael Boulos netted 13 points and Spencer Casson popped a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) for Char Valley. … Dylan Wilson chalked up 13 points as Montour edged General McLane 42-40. Jaymon Mason led the losing Lancers with 22.

CLASS AA QUARTERFINAL-ROUND REWIND: Dominick Antonelli rang up 18 points – including the game-tying trey with one second to go in regulation – as Trinity escaped Loyalsock 73-68 in overtime. Dylan DeFrank (16), Brandon Kuntz (14) and Josh Trumpy (14) also reached double figures for the Shamrocks, who were trailing 62-59 when Antonelli connected from about 25 feet. Roger Wilson potted 22 points and grabbed nine boards for ‘Sock. … Josh Kosin registered 31 points for the second straight game and Corey Joyce chimed in with 14 as Holy Cross downed Constitution 75-61. Floyd Preito poured in 28 for the Generals, the 2012 Class A state champs. … Drew Cook banked 19 points and Elijah Cottrill posted 14 as Beaver Falls authored a 56-44 victory over Lakeview. Dalton Boggs netted 16 points and Casey Greggs 15 for the Sailors. … Matt Dogan racked up 28 points and Trey Staunch pitched in with 16 as West Middlesex stopped Conemaugh Twp. 60-46. Dillon Boyer’s 16-point salvo paced Conemaugh.

CLASS A QUARTERFINAL-ROUND REWIND: Amir Butler booked 17 points and Lester Mattox dropped in 14 as Vaux held off Church Farm 68-64. Tyler Ofray’s 17 points topped the Griffins. … Jeremiah “Lump” Worthem poured in 25 points and Britton Lee collected 15 as Math, Civics & Science outdistanced Sankofa Freedom 71-59. Anthony Wright-Downing led Sankofa with 16. … Elijah Minnie unleashed a monster effort, scoring 42 points and grabbing 20 rebounds as Lincoln Park outgunned Bishop Carroll 86-84. Maverick Rowan added 23 points for the victorious Leopards, while Brandon Martinazzi and Scott Ranck combined for 54 points to lead Carroll. … Cole Peterson, Cameron Grumley and Frank Kocjancic hooked up for 39 points as Johnsonburg eliminated Smethport 54-43. Clay Schuler led Smethport with 16 points, one more than teammate Zach Smith.

DISTRICT-BY-DISTRICT UPDATE: After three rounds of state play, here’s what each PIAA district has accomplished thus far and what ‘s left.

District 1: 15-14 ... Two teams remaining (two in AAAA)

District 2: 6-6 ... One team remaining (one in AA)

‪District 3: 11-19 ... Two teams remaining (one in AA, one in AAA)

‪District 4: 5-9 ... No teams remaining

‪District 5: 4-3 ... No teams remaining

‪District 6: 5-9 ... No teams remaining

‪District 7: 20-18 ... Four teams remaining (one in A, one in AA, one in AAA, one in AAAA)

‪District 8: 0-2 ... No teams remaining

‪District 9: 6-5 ... One team remaining (one in A)

‪District 10: 9-9 ... One team remaining (one in AA)

‪District 11: 4-9 ... No teams remaining

‪District 12: 28-10 ... Five teams remaining (two in A, two in AAA, one in AAAA)

QUOTABLE PART ONE: "I was going to try to get to the basket. But B.J.'s man was hugging him. We made eye contact and the back door was right there, and it was a tremendous finish." – Lower Merion’s Raheem Hall to Philly.com, describing the play that led to B.J. Johnson’s game-clinching dunk with seconds remaining in the Aces’ 63-62 win over Harrisburg.

QUOTABLE PART TWO: “He’s a great player. We threw doubles at him. We tried all kinds of things. He made Leroy [Hoggard] work really hard defending him, and tired him out. We switched and put [Andre] Boggs, who isn’t as big, on him early in the second half and he immediately when right down and posted him up and scored. The kid can do it all.” – Coatesville coach Rick Nelms to the West Chester Daily Local, describing the play of St. Joseph’s Prep’s Steve Vasturia. Vasturia scored 31 points in Prep’s 67-43 victory.

QUOTABLE PART THREE: “We battled back after a second period where we did not do anything right. But to play one of the top three or four teams, regardless of classification, in the state without our best player in Aondofa [Anyam] and battle back to lose by four, I could not be prouder of this group.

“This senior class won three District 1 titles, went to the state quarterfinals three times and was 23-6 this year with a very tough non-league schedule. They are a special bunch.”– Church Farm coach Marc Turner to the West Chester Daily Local following Friday’s 68-64 loss to Vaux.

QUOTABLE PART FOUR: “I don’t think we cooled off. I thought we played pretty well all the way. But Chester really just turned it up to another level. That’s just what they do. They know how to turn it on late and close out games. The loss stings, but we lost to the best.” – Great Valley big man Mikal Bridges to the West Chester Daily Local following Saturday’s 55-42 loss to Chester.

QUOTABLE PART FIVE: "If we were running backs in football, we wouldn't be three yards and a cloud of dust. We might have some empty possessions here and there, but, eventually, we'll break a big one." – New Castle coach Ralph Blundo to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, describing his Red Hurricanes’ explosiveness.

MICHAEL BULLOCK:mbullock@pennlive.com

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Trinity's Dominick Antonelli - (Sean Simmers | PennLive.com, 2013)

Trinity is the last Mid-Penn boys' basketball team left in the PIAA playoffs. They will look to advance to the March 23 state AA final game tonight at Pottsville's Martz Hall. The Shamrocks' opponent is District 2 champ Holy Cross. 

» Click here for game updates and to take part in the live chat.

Tip time is 7 p.m.

For more on the game check out this in-depth preview from PennLive.com's Michael Bullock and Geoff Morrow.

Mike Gobrecht coached Trinity High School's swim team for the past 12 seasons. - (The Patriot-News File, 2012)

After helping to guide Trinity to a sixth place finish at the PIAA Class AA boys' swimming championships, Mike Gobrecht will step aside from the high school scene after 12 years in charge of the Shamrocks' program.

"I'll miss it," said Gobrecht.

"I think after 12 years I've certainly left Trinity swimming and diving in a better place than where I found it.

"But it's not like I'm going anywhere. I'll still be around and I'll still be a part of it, and I might still be a part of it in the future assisting in some way. There is certain kind of energy here that you can't duplicate, even at national meets."

Gobrecht will continue to coach at West Shore YMCA and he'll continue to develop his swimming website - paswimming.com.

This past season, Trinity and Camp Hill entered into a co-op for swimming and diving and the move paid huge dividends for the programs. In addition to adding standout swimmers like Ian DiCarlo and Henry Tanguay to the program, Trinity was also able to qualify three relay teams for the state meet.

That meant DiCarlo, Tanguay, Alex Diaz, Mark Panas, Lucas Haywood and Nate Dubbs all got to experience the atmosphere at Bucknell University's in Gobrecht's last season. Trinity also picked up some huge team points when freshman Bradley Buchter captured the Class AA boy's diving title, breaking the state record in the process.

HERSHEY'S ROLE PLAYERS

A lot was written last week about Hershey's Class AAA girls' team title at Bucknell.

The Trojans' were led by some standout performances from Meaghan Raab, Maddy Veith, Carly DeLiberty and Vivian Tafuto.

But Greg Fastrich's team doesn't pull away from runner-up North Allegheny without some of the other swimmers that came to the forefront. Freshman Collete Robinson anchored the state record 200 medley relay, led off the state record 200 free relay and medaled in the 50 free.

Ari Waitkavicz and Gabi Broschard swam lifetime best splits in the medley, while sophomore Maggie Lee medaled in two events and Meghan Miller came back for a second swim on the first night.

GUTSY PERFORMANCE

Can't say enough about the performance the past two weeks of Cumberland Valley junior Sabrina Mortell.

I'm still not sure how she was she was able to drop enough time in the 500 freestyle at the District 3-AAA meet in order to qualify for states. She admitted she wasn't sure, either.

If you had seen how fatigued and drained she was from a recent illness, you'd be amazed too.

Nevertheless, Mortell dropped another six seconds last Saturday and swam to a bronze medal at the state meet in the distance swim.

KEEP AND EYE ON ... 

Northern freshman Becca Luft. The Polar Bears' standout made it to the medal stand four times at the Class AA girls' meet.

Luft picked up two individual medals - a bronze in the 100 butterfly and a sixth place medal in the 100 freestyle. She also helped Northern's 200 medley relay finish sixth and 200 freestyle relay finish eighth.

Hershey senior Elbert Mets will step into the number one singles slot. - (Chris Knight, Pennlive.com)

The Keystone Division welcomes a pair of newcomers in Palmyra and Susquehanna Twp. this season. Despite the new blood in the division, the road to the title still looks like it will go through Chocolate Town.

Teams are previewed in order of their projected finish.

Hersheyenters the 2013 season sporting the division crown. The defending champions return almost their entire lineup from a season ago. Senior Elbert Mets will step into the number one singles spot for the departed Sebastian Callejas. While Mets will asked to be carry the load atop the roster, the Trojans biggest strength is depth.

Juniors Ben Wagner and Ben Gette will round out a solid singles lineup. Coach Mic Wallace’s group also boasts one of the area’s strongest doubles corps.

Not far behind the defending champions is an intriguing bunch at Mechanicsburg. Senior Josh Ringquist, a Mid-Penn semifinalist in 2012, returns to the top of the singles’ depth chart for the Wildcats. Coach Pat Smith’s troops will have a little extra Keystone motivation as it was the Trojans who knocked them out of the team playoffs last season.

Depth and continuity in the doubles’ slots will be key in Mechanicsburg’s quest for a division title. Seniors Joel Eisenhower, Kevin Koch and Matt Strauch will provide a strong leadership on the doubles courts.

Palmyra’s adjustment to their new surroundings will be made easier by having senior Pearce Clary in the number one singles hole.

Coach Abbie Mahaffey’s group won the Colonial Division a season ago but the Cougars lost four seniors to graduation. Seniors John Griffin and Tyler Shank are the other two starters to return from last season.

Mahaffey’s group will need their newcomers to learn on the job in order to keep pace with the upper echelon teams in the Keystone.

For a Commonwealth preview click here.

For a feature story on Camp Hill's Paxton Fitzpatrick, click here.

One team certain to improve on their 2012 performance is Lower Dauphin. Coach Peggy Long, one of the longest tenured coaches in the mid-state, has a young team to work with this time around.

Junior Nathan Carl returns to provide the only experience in the singles lineup for the Falcons. Freshman Josh Carl and Beck Wiles will lineup at second and third singles respectively this season. LD will some experience with three juniors on the doubles courts.

Susquehanna Twp.has a bevy of experience atop their singles lineup as they look to make a smooth transition into the Keystone. Coach Riz Soulliard will be hoping that her three seniors can hold down the top three singles slots.

Jake Debross and Gabe Freedman will lead the Indians at first and second singles.

Coming off of a middle of the pack finish in 2012, Gettysburg could challenge for another .500 season this time around.

The Warriors do have some experience in the singles’ slots this time around, with three seniors looking to fill the void of last year’s number one singles player Cameron Moore.

Brady Rodgers singles lineup will be led by Cody Keifer and Jacob Schneckloth.

Led by a pair of juniors, Northern will likely be a better team in April than they will be in March. Ryan Boucher and Patrick Daggs will line up at first and second singles respectively.

The Polar Bears have good experience at the doubles spots with two seniors and two juniors.

For more spring sports previews, click here.

Ben Kunkel is back to lead Red Land. - (Mark Pynes, Pennlive.com)

With the addition of Mifflin County and State College; the perennial powerhouse that is the Commonwealth got a little bit stronger this season. While Red Land enters as the defending champions, look for a three-team horse race to the finish.

Teams are previewed in the order of their projected finish.

Cumberland Valleyis frequently among the class of the Mid-Penn and 2013 appears to be no different. The Eagles are soaring early in the season, defeating their three opponents by a combined 15-0 score.

Senior Ethan Lynn is as strong as anyone at number one singles and is followed by junior John Gaspich at second singles.

Veteran coach Nick Mallos also has a go-to first doubles team featuring junior Luke Clahane and senior Gregg Ballew.

It’s unlikely that State Collegewill make any friends in their inaugural season in the Commonwealth.

The Little Lions haven’t lost a regular season regular season dual match since 2007. Coach Jane Borden has a pair of highly decorated players atop her lineup in seniors Cooper Josephs and Edward Budding. Both have won district doubles titles in the State College area.

Their matchup with CV might qualify as must-see action.

The third team in the Commonwealth triangle will be the defending champions from Red Land.

The Patriots will once again be led by senior ace Ben Kunkel. Kunkel is coming off of a Mid-Penn championship at number one singles a season ago. The senior is a virtual lock atop the singles ladder.

Coach Randy Bixler’s group is a top-heavy bunch that will require a lot of production out of their singles players. Peter Landis and Mike Bacior round out the singles lineup that will often need to go 3-for-3 against the top teams in the area.

For a preview of the Keystone Division click here.

For the rest of the spring sports previews click here.

For a feature story on Camp Hill's Paxton Fitzpatrick, click here.

To project the rest of the Commonwealth you may as well put names in a hat.

CD East is coming off of a middle of the pack finish in 2012 and looks like they can settle into the fourth spot in the division.

Nate Beachy sits atop the depth chart for the Panthers followed by David Wilson.

Chambersburg is also coming off of a.500 finish in the division and boasts one of the more exciting players in the area.

Senior exchange student Moritz Pietz has established himself as a force at number one singles for the Trojans. Behind Pietz is fellow senior Brendan Bittle.

Coach Gary Hocker also possesses some doubles experience with seniors Charlie Scanzello and Alex Williams.

Central Dauphinis one of the younger teams in the conference and may have some growing pains early in the season.

Last season’s number doubles team of Aidan Henken and Ryan Seibert will step into first and second singles this spring. Coach Jere Bender will need the two sophomores to learn the ropes quick to keep pace in the Commonwealth.

In his first season in the division Coach Glenn Kyle is hoping that Mifflin Countycan reach the .500 mark.

Junior Connor Saltzer sits atop Kyle’s depth chart, just in front of sophomore Matt DeBenedetto. The Huskies will be a bit of a wild card and Kyle hopes that they can find consistency in the early stages of the season.

Carlisle should certainly improve on their winless campaign in 2012. Coach Seng Pham is looking for leadership at number one singles from senior John Heffernan.

Nick Wagner, another senior, will make the jump from the doubles courts to man the number two singles slot this season.

Cedar Cliff is led by a collection of juniors, highlighted by Conner Gill and Seth Wilson.

Coach Pat Gahr likes his balance from the first to fourth spots, but a lack of singles experience will make for some tough sledding early on this season.

Paxton Fitzpatrick is not, by his own admission, your classic can't-miss tennis talent.

Coming in at a gangly 140 or so pounds on a 6-foot-1 frame may have more than a little to do with that.

"My form is awkward. My shots and serves are not what you would consider classic form. Nobody's going to say about me, 'wow, that's a really nice serve'," he said.

But what isn't awkward is the Camp Hill sophomore's mind. No, sir. What Fitzpatrick lacks in obvious physical gifts he more than makes up for with a high court IQ – an innate sense of when to attack, when to lay back, what angles to play.

Fitzpatrick's freshman season a year ago peaked when the 15-year old stunned favored Jara Welker of Bishop McDevitt in the Mid-Penn AA singles tournament final.

Wasn't a run from nowhere. But nobody exactly had Fitzpatrick winning the thing last March, either.

"I definitely surprised myself," the subject said. "Jara is a great guy as well as a great player. He killed me in the regular season."

"Paxton plays a lot in the off-season," Camp Hill coach Greg Herb said. "He's got a good head on his shoulders. He's got poise. He knows what shots he wants to make.

"I didn't see it coming [the win over Welker]. But he kept his composure so well during that match. And so much of the high school game is about keeping your composure."

PennLive spring sports previews

Adding an intriguing layer to the story is that, until last spring, Fitzpatrick had never played competitively outdoors. He grew up a child of the West Shore Tennis Club and had, since the age of 5, played the sport (competitive matches) almost exclusively indoors.

So upon his arrival at Camp Hill, the outdoor high school game -- with all its winds gusts and late winter-early spring frigid temps -- required a major, not to mention quick, adjustment on the fly.

"I've been playing for 10 years now, and mainly throughout that time I would play was at indoor clubs," Fitzpatrick said. "It was a big change for me. For at the least the first half of last season, I had to adjust my game to the elements. I had a real problem keeping a point going more than 4 or 5 shots. I was used to going on runs [indoors] and I found out pretty quickly I couldn't do that.

"I got better at reeling in points. High school tennis is as much about not missing, as it is making the big shots and winning points. It's almost about not losing the point as it in hitting winners."

TWITTER: @Jeff_Dewees

Camp Hill senior Matt Leach anchors the Lions' top doubles tandem. (file photo) - (Sam Getty, Sam Getty Photos)

The Colonial Division of the Mid-Penn Conference will sport a different look this spring, as both defending champ Palmyra and Susquehanna Twp. got the boot up to the Keystone Division. That opens the door for a loaded Camp Hill squad to finally grab the team title in the division.

The Camp Hill Lions, featuring defending Mid-Penn AA singles champion and district qualifier Paxton Fitzpatrick, will get a team boost this spring with the departure of Palmyra to the Keystone Division. The unbeaten (8-0) Cougars nipped the Lions (7-1) for the Colonial crown a year ago.

Coach Greg Herb has Fitzpatrick, a sophomore, returning to the lineup, as well as No. 2 Patrick Yang, a junior-eligible returnee who has skipped a grade and will graduate this spring, a year early. Troy Getty holds down the third spot.

Camp Hill's biggest challenge in the division might come from James Buchanan. The Rockets are a senior-laden squad coming off a solid season a year ago. Coach Terri Beegle has everyone back and all are seniors. Grant Strawoet, a district qualifier in singles and doubles last season returns as No. 1. Garrett Malanka, Strawoet's doubles partner in the postseason, holds down the second spot, with Andrew Rupert doing the same at third singles. The Rockets have yet to drop a match in two contests played as of Tuesday.

Bishop McDevitt has a new coach Christina Lacey, but is still playing at the HACC courts while the team awaits completion of on-campus courts at the new McD. The Crusaders return senior and PIAA qualifier Matthew Fulponi at top singles. Steven Lacey played doubles a year ago, but has moved to No. 2 singles this spring. Alex Metro, another doubles player last year, will be slotted in the No. 3 slot. The doubles teams will originate from a combo of Tom Wu, Chris Mixon, Nick Longson and Andy Tran.

Tony Cooper -- girls' coach in the fall -- takes over the boys' squad at Trinity. Cooper has senior Mark Moore at top singles, while sophomore George Herbst slides into the two-hole after playing doubles in 2012. Emory Gustall, a junior, will be at third singles. Louis Guyer and Chase Ketterman, both seniors, will be the Shamrocks' top doubles tandem. Trinity has had three early postponements due to weather (surprise), but did manage to get a match in last week, a 5-0 loss to Camp Hill.

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A dozen or so years ago, East Pennsboro's Pat Forsburg had 29 players in the pipeline. Starting this season last week, the longtime head coach had four, causing a court forfeiture in the Panthers' opener. There are players on the way, but promising sophomore Phil Alsher decided to go out for track this spring. Junior Erik Etter, a district qualifier in singles and a doubles silver medalist last spring, is back at No. 1. He's joined by senior Matt Price -- his doubles partner at districts -- at No. 2. Freshman Gabe Petrovic will play at third singles. The Panthers have plenty of talent, witness their six postseason medals among the squad last year. Now it's a matter of strengthening the numbers to the point of staying competitive on the team tennis side of the ledger.

Middletownhas most of its key players back from last season, as the Blue Raiders look to better last year's one-win campaign. Joe Harkins is coach Bill Fair's No. 1, followed by D.J. Brinton at second singles. Both reprise their roles from a season ago. Harry Kapenstein, a sophomore, moves up to third singles. Junior Alex Mosher and freshman Eric Elles will be the top doubles pairing.

The Susquenitaboys' program plays on-campus for the first time in three years, thanks to finally-renovated courts at the high school. Coach Alice Cook has junior Ryan Peterson at top singles, up a slot from a year ago, and senior Dalton Mabius at No. 2. Chance Swartz checks in a No. 3 singles. Maybe some home cookin' can get the Hawks, who were winless in 2012, off the schneid.

TWITTER: @Jeff_Dewees

Greenwood's Kent Houser, shown during the 2012 District 3-A championship game at Giant Center, was tagged the Tri-Valley League's coach of the year after leading the Wildcats to their fifth straight TVL title. - (The Patriot-News files)

Junior guard Nick Lorenz, who helped lead East Juniata to within one win of the PIAA Class AA tournament, recently was named the Tri-Valley League's most valuable boys' basketball player.

The 6-1 Lorenz averaged 21.0 points per outing for Brock Anders' Tigers (19-6) -- he also buried 44 treys -- who tumbled to Lewisburg in the District 4-AA third-place game. A win there would have put EJ in states.

EJ also established a single-season school record for victories, breaking the previous mark of 18 set just last year.

Greenwood's Kent Houser, who piloted the Wildcats (21-5) to their fifth consecutive Tri-Valley League championship, was tagged coach of the year.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FINAL TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE STANDINGS

CLICK HERE FOR THE TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE WEBSITE

FIRST TEAM

Nick Lorenz, East Juniata -- 6-1 jr -- 21.0 ppg

Bailey Coder, East Juniata -- 6-6 jr -- 11.8 ppg

Ryan Kerstetter, Greenwood -- 6-1 sr -- 11.8 ppg

Josh Ferguson, Greenwood -- 6-0 sr -- 12.2 ppg

Ian Buffington, Upper Dauphin -- 6-0 sr -- 13.7 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Tyler Fegley, Greenwood -- 6-2 jr -- 10.2 ppg

Hunter Hilinski, Halifax -- 6-3 jr -- 12.2 ppg

Cole Rickert, Line Mountain -- 6-3 sr -- 15.2 ppg

Bill Breinich, Line Mountain -- 6-0 sr -- 14.6 ppg

Austin A. Weaver, Upper Dauphin -- 6-2 sr -- 12.7 ppg

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Nick Lorenz, East Juniata

COACH OF THE YEAR

Kent Houser, Greenwood

MICHAEL BULLOCK: mbullock@pennlive.com

BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n

Bishop McDevitt's Matt Fulponi returns a shot at the District 3 tournament at Hershey Racquet Club. May 3, 2012. - (John C. Whitehead, The Patriot-News/PennLive (file photo))

Here's a team-by-team look at the Mid-Penn Colonial Division:

Camp Hill Lions

2012: 12-5, 7-1 Colonial

Head coach: Greg Herb

The Lions are loaded, with the strongest squad to-to-bottom in the division. MPC singles champ Paxton Fitzpatrick and No. 2 Patrick Yang, both Patriot-News all-stars last year, lead the way. Prohibitive team favorites.

Key returnees: Paxton Fitzpatrick, so.; Patrick Yang, sr. (jr.-eligible); Troy Getty, jr.; Matthew Leach, sr.

James Buchanan Rockets

2012: 9-5, 4-4

Head coach: Terri Beegle

The Rockets will throw a talented bunch of seniors at the rest of the division and see if they stick. Biggest threat to Camp Hill. Tops in the brigade are Grant Strawoet, Garrett Malanka and Andrew Rupert. Strawoert made D-3 in singles and doubles (alongside Malanka).

Key returnees: Grant Strawoet, sr; Garrett Malanka, sr.; Andrew Rupert, sr.; Aubrey Brown, sr.

Bishop McDevitt Crusaders

2012: 7-5, 5-3

Head coach: Christina Lacey

The Crusaders are paced at top singles by senior Matthew Fulponi and coached by newcomer Christina Lacey. The loss of 10 players from a year ago means McD is one giant question mark, frankly. That may prevent a team run at the likes of Camp Hill and JB.

Key returnees: Matthew Fulponi, sr.; Steven Lacey, jr.; Alex Metro, jr.

East Pennsboro Panthers

2012: 5-6, 4-4

Head coach: Pat Forsburg

Where have all the kids gone? Longtime head coach of a formerly robust program, Forsburg started the season last week with four rostered players -- but expects to secure the service of three more this week. Still ... "It should be interesting," he said. The Panthers have Erik Etter at top singles, a junior and district silver medalist in doubles alongside No. 2 Matt Price. Freshman Gabe Petrovic is slated for the third singles slot.

Key returnees: Erik Etter, jr; Matt Price, sr.

Trinity Shamrocks

2012: 2-9, 2-6

Head coach: Tony Cooper

Cooper, the girls' head coach, takes over the boys' squad this spring. He'll have Mark Moore, a senior, at the top of the playlist, followed by sophomore George Hempt at second singles. Louis Guyer and Chase Ketterman hold down top dubs as soon as No. 3 singles player Emory Gustall gets his eligibility paperwork squared away. A .500 team campaign would be considered a successful spring.

Key returnees: Mark Moore, sr.,; George Hempt, so.; Emory Gustall, jr.

Middletown Blue Raiders

2012: 1-10, 1-7

Head coach: Bill Fair

The Blue Raiders have squad stability at the top, led by Joe Harkins and D.J. Brinton at first and second singles same as 2012. Sophomore Harry Kapenstein slides into the No. 3 singles slot. Freshman Eric Elles joins junior Alex Mosher at one doubles. Coach Bill Fair hopes another year of experience carries over and the results are better season than a year ago, when the squad won one match.

Key returnees: Joe Harkins, sr.; D.J. Brinton, jr.; Alex Mosher, jr.

Susquenita Blackhawks

2012: 0-10, 0-8

Head coach: Alice Cook

Ryan Peterson, a junior, is elevated to top singles from second last season as the Hawks finally return home to campus courts christened by the girls' team last fall. Dalton Mabius sits at No. 2. Cook has 11 players, good numbers for the club. Having a true home again might help Nita snap a team match winless streak dating back more than year.

Key returnees: Ryan Peterson, jr.; Dalton Mabius, sr.

INDEPENDENT

Harrisburg Academy Spartans

2012: 4-8

Head coach: April Gift

The Spartan boys will be paced by seniors Greg Gaudio, Nick Schmidt and Nathan Waldorn at 1-3 singles. Gift considers Gaudio and Schmidt as Nos. 1 and 1-A. Nick's twin brother Nate Schmidt, Phillippe Rivera and C.J. Porterfield will be part of the doubles field for HA.

Key returnees: Greg Gaudio, sr.; Nick Schmidt, Sr.

TWITTER: @Jeff_Dewees

Harrisburg Christian's Connor Shroyer, shown during the District 3-A playoffs, was a first-team CCAC West all-league selection. - (Paul Chaplin, PennLive.com)

Four players from Harrisburg-area schools -- two from Bible Baptist and one each from Harrisburg Christian and Covenant Christian -- recently were named to the Commonwealth Christian Athletic Conference's West Division all-league boys' basketball team.

Bible Baptist's two selections were Meritt Raup and Mitch Raup, who led the Bobcats to an 18-8 and a berth in the District 3-A tournament.

Josiah Lowe of Covenant Christian was a key cog in the Falcons' 14-5 run, which ended in the District 3-A playoffs.

And Connor Shroyer topped Harrisburg Christian in just about every statistical category. Shroyer's play fueled Dave Shroyer's Knights (12-15) to a fourth-place finish in the 3-A playoffs and a state tournament berth.

Mount Calvary's Jason Kuntzelman also landed on the CCAC West team.

All five of the CCAC West's first-team selections are underclassmen.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FINAL CCAC WEST STANDINGS

CLICK HERE FOR THE FINAL CCAC EAST STANDINGS

CCAC WEST FIRST TEAM

Jason Kuntzelman, Mount Calvary, jr

Josiah Lowe, Covenant Christian, jr

Meritt Raup, Bible Baptist, so

Mitch Raup, Bible Baptist, jr

Connor Shroyer, Harrisburg Christian, jr

HONORABLE MENTION

Tyrae Bryant, Mount Calvary, jr

Scott Gaffey, Harrisburg Christian, jr

Josh Hennigh, Hershey Christian, sr

CCAC EAST FIRST TEAM

Jeffrey Day, Dayspring Christian, sr

Josh Gehman, Lititz Christian, so

Brandon Herr, Conestoga Christian, jr

Jesse King, Lancaster County Christian, sr

Shawn Kessler, Veritas Academy, jr

HONORABLE MENTION

Trey Conrad, Berks Christian, jr

Nate Hertzog, Lancaster County Christian, sr

Jeremy Royer, Conestoga Christian, jr

MICHAEL BULLOCK: mbullock@pennlive.com

BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n

Josh Kosin (00) scores two of his 27 points in Tuesday night's PIAA Class AA semifinal victory over Dylan DeFrank (22) and Trinity. - (DAN GLEITER, PennLive.com, 2013)

PIAA CLASS AA CHAMPIONSHIP

Saturday at Giant Center, Hershey

2 p.m. tip.

CLICK HERE FOR A PIAA CLASS AA TOURNAMENT BRACKET

BEAVER FALLS TIGERS (27-3, top seed out of District 7)

Probable starters

0 Javon Turner 5-9 so

2 Cadee Akins 5-7 sr

3 Elijah Cottrill 6-3 jr

10 Drew Cook 6-2 sr

12 Dan Stratton 6-2 jr

Top reserves

1 Zachary Miller 6-0 sr

5 Micoy Mason 5-9 sr

Head coach: Doug Biega

How they got to Giant Center:

Defeated Bald Eagle Area 92-48 in first round

Defeated Mercyhurst Prep 53-39 in second round

Defeated Lakeview 56-44 in quarterfinals

Defeated West Middlesex 59-47 in semifinals

Tigers notes: Lost to Imhotep Charter 56-54 (overtime) in last year’s Class AA state final. … In his 14^th season at the Beaver Falls helm, Biega also piloted the Tigers to state finals in 2005 and 2006. Beaver Falls defeated York Catholic 71-59 to win the 2005 Class AA title, then fell to Prep Charter 82-51 in the ’06 championship game. … Beaver Falls is looking for its third state title, having won in 1970 (AAA) and 1994 (AAA). … No. 1 in the latest PennLive.com/Patriot-News rankings. … Have won 17 consecutive games, the last 13 by 10 points or more. … Only Cook and Cottrill were in the Tigers’ eight-man rotation last season. … Turner (12), Miller (12) and Stratton (10) reached double figures in Beaver Falls’ 59-47 win over West Middlesex. … Cottrill is averaging a team-high 16.5 ppg, while Cook checks in at 15.8 ppg. … Cottrill and Cook are averaging 17.0 ppg and 13.8 ppg, respectively, in state tournament play. … All seven players in Beaver Falls’ guard-heavy rotation are capable of connecting from deep.

HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS (25-5, top seed out of District 2)

Probable starters

00 Josh Kosin 6-6 sr

13 Connor Callejas 5-9 jr

22 Kerry Kearney 5-8 sr

24 Corey Joyce 6-1 sr

35 Casey Gaughan 6-2 sr

Top reserves

3 Erik Nelson 5-8 jr

33 Connor Jones 6-3 sr

Head coach: Al Callejas

How they got to Giant Center

Defeated Lewisburg 60-55 in first round

Defeated Delaware Valley Charter 70-54 in second round

Defeated Constitution 75-61 in quarterfinals

Defeated Trinity 53-39 in semifinals

Crusaders notes: Playing in school's first state championship, though Holy Cross, located in Dunmore, has reached the PIAA tournament every season since the school formed in July 2007 as a merger between Bishop Hannan and Bishop O'Hara. ... Previously, the Crusaders' furthest venture into the state tournament was last year, when they lost 37-35 to eventual champion Imhotep Charter in the semifinals. ... Also reached the quarterfinals in 2010 and 2008. ... Kosin is the star, averaging 19.4 ppg for the season and, incredibly, 27 ppg in the state tournament. He totaled 27 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks in the semifinal win over Trinity. ... Kosin is as of yet undecided for college, though he may try to walk on at a Division I school like Maryland or Penn State. He's interested in pursuing an aerospace or mechanical engineering major. His dad, Tom, was a standout at the University of Scranton in the early 1980s. ... Callejas, a very quick ball-handler, averages 10.6 ppg and scored 17 vs. the Shamrocks. ... Defeated Meyers 59-45 in the District 2 championship and enters this game on a nine-game winning streak.

THE PICK: BEAVER FALLS (Bullock), HOLY CROSS (Morrow)

BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n

MORROW ON TWITTER: @RageAgainstGMo

Point guard Juli Weber leads Tri-Valley into Saturday's Class A final against WPIAL rep Vincentian. - (Pennlive.com photo)

GIRLS' A FINAL

TRI-VALLEY VS. VINCENTIAN ACADEMY

NOON, SATURDAY, GIANT CENTER (PCN)

VIEW: PIAA Class A Bracket

TRI-VALLEY

27-3, District 11 champions

Coach: Robert Felty Jr.

PROBABLE STARTERS

No. Name Ht/Cl/Pos Pts/G

10 Juli Weber 5-7 sr G 14.5

15 Kylie Spickler 5-5 jr G 7.0

30 Taylor Troutman 5-9 sr F 12.4

34 Chelsea Stutzman 5-7 sr G 5.0

35 Tara Nahodil 6-4 sr C 18.0

TOP RESERVES

31 Carla Ney 5-11 jr C 2.2

21 Brittany Smeltz 5-5 jr G 3.4

ABOUT THE DAWGS: Following its impressive takedown of two-time defending state champion Steel-High (73-72) in the quarterfinals, Tri-Valley whipped District 5 challenger Southern Fulton 82-45 Tuesday at East Pennsboro High. The Dawgs were 10-for-12 from the floor in the initial eight minutes and coasted to their first championship appearance. … Point guard Weber, headed to the University of South Florida on a softball scholarship, pumped in 29 points against the Indians. … Nahodil chipped in 25 points against Southern Fulton. The Seton Hall recruit also knocked down the game-winning shot that sank the Rollers at Reading's Geigle Complex. Chipped in 17 caroms and six blocks against the Rollers. … Banked fourth consecutive District 11-A title by defeating Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg 65-31 on March 2. … Very similar to Vincentian's fast-paced approach, Dawgs are averaging 66.1 points and 15.7 steals per game. … Troutman, Tri-Valley's unsung hero, is averaging nearly 14 points and eight rebounds in the postseason.

VINCENTIAN

29-1, WPIAL champions

Coach: Ron Moncrief

PROBABLE STARTERS

No. Name Ht/Cl/Pos Pts/G

4 Torrieonna Cash 5-7 fr G 4.9

12 Ally Bartoszewicz 5-11 jr F 5.4

14 Kayla Key 5-6 jr G 6.8

15 Abbey Bartoszewicz 5-6 sr G 6.6

50 Brenna Wise 6-1 so F 22.3

TOP RESERVES

23 Maia Joiner 5-5 fr G 5.1

25 Kiersten Elliott 5-10 fr F 4.8

ABOUT THE ROYALS: Only Quad-A Gateway, back on Feb. 11, has been able to solve the Vincentian riddle so far. What Moncrief brings to the table is an up-tempo, flash offense paced by sophomore Wise, the Royals' jack-of-all trades. Vincentian's top scorer also posts more than 11 rebounds and three blocks per game. Swift, penetrating guards Cash and Key, alongside Ally and Abbey Bartoszewicz, helped steer the Royals past senior-laden Bishop Guilfoyle in the semifinals. … Motivated by a semifinal loss to North Catholic last season, the Royals' pressure has produced 627 steals and nearly 63 points per game. … Wise has posted 30 or more times five times this season, including 32 in that loss to Gateway. … Abbey Bartoszewicz chipped in 14 points, 10 rebounds and four steals against Bishop Guilfoyle. … Vincentian is making its first championship appearance since 2002, when Trinity clipped the Royals 67-58 in the Class AA finals.

THE PICK: Tri-Valley

On Twitter: @threejacker

Lower Merion's Yohanny Dalembert (40) has been a double-double machine (points and rebounds) throughout the PIAA playoffs. - (PAUL CHAPLIN, PennLive.com, 2013)

PIAA CLASS AAAA CHAMPIONSHIP

Saturday at Giant Center, Hershey

8 p.m. tip.

CLICK HERE FOR A PIAA CLASS AAAA TOURNAMENT BRACKET

CHESTER CLIPPERS (28-3, top seed out of District 1)

Probable starters

1 Conrad Chambers 6-0 jr

2 Darius Robinson 6-1 sr

10 Rashan DeJarnette 5-9 sr

23 Rondae Jefferson 6-7 sr

32 Richard Granberry 6-7 sr

Top reserves

22 James Kirksey 6-4 sr

4 Isaiah Warren 5-8 sr

30 Mike Williams 6-0 sr

42 Khalil Williams 6-5 sr

40 Diamonte Reason 6-2 sr

Head coach: Larry Yarbray

How they got to Giant Center:

Defeated Cumberland Valley 74-43 in first round

Defeated Williamsport 67-50 in second round

Defeated Great Valley 55-42 in quarterfinals

Defeated St. Joseph’s Prep 62-53 in semifinals

Clippers notes: Captured the last two PIAA Class AAAA championships, defeating Mount Lebanon 72-60 (in overtime) in 2011 and Lower Merion 59-33 last season. … Chester, which also won state championships in 1983, 1989, 1994, 2000, 2005 and 2008, will be playing in its 18^th title game. … Rematch of 2012 Class AAAA championship game and last two District 1-AAAA finals. … Yarbray’s Clippers, No. 1 in the latest PennLive.com/Patriot-News Class AAAA rankings, have won 18 consecutive games. Chester also has defeated 77 straight Pennsylvania opponents. … Jefferson, Pennsylvania’s 2012 Class AAAA player of the year, signed in November with Arizona. … Granberry, Chambers and Robinson also are receiving plenty of interest from Division I programs. … Jefferson, Granberry, Chambers and Robinson combined for 56 points in Tuesday’s victory over St. Joseph’s Prep. … Jefferson (17.0 ppg) and Granberry (13.5 ppg) are averaging in double figures in state tournament play. … Chambers was a Class AA all-state selection (second team) last season at Friends Central, where he played alongside Duke freshman and two-time Pennsylvania Class AA player of the year Amile Jefferson.

LOWER MERION ACES (31-3, 2nd seed out of District 1)

Probable starters

1 JaQuan Johnson 5-10 jr

5 B.J. Johnson 6-7 sr

25 Justin McFadden 6-3 jr

34 Raheem Hall 6-2 sr

40 Yohanny Dalembert 6-8 sr

Top reserves

11 Corey Sherman 6-0 so

12 Jule Brown 6-5 so

20 Baird Howland 6-5 sr

Head coach: Gregg Downer

How they got to Giant Center

Defeated Carlisle 77-36 in first round

Defeated Martin Luther King 63-50 in second round

Defeated Harrisburg 63-62 in quarterfinals

Defeated New Castle 67-63 in semifinals

Aces notes: From the District 1 championship onward, this season has thus far played out as a repeat of the 2012 season. Again, the Aces lost to Chester in the D1 final (this time 60-46), and again the Aces rebounded to plow through the Western half of the state bracket en route to a rematch with the Clippers. However, Downer's group is hoping for a different result this time, as Chester beat Lower Merion 59-33 in last year's title game in State College. ... The Aces have plenty of history on their side, claiming 15 District 1 championship and 26 PIAA playoff berths, including championships in 1933, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1996 and 2006, the latter two under Downer. Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant headlined the 1996 title run. ... Lots of college talent on the floor, with B.J. Johnson committed to Syracuse, schools like Niagara, Villanova and Temple checking out Dalembert, and Penn, Princeton and Colgate spying McFadden. Hall is also a tremendous talent and arguably the team's catalyst as a gifted scorer, passer and defender. ... In the semifinal win over New Castle, it was B.J. Johnson (24 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) and Dalembert (15 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks) leading the way. ... Dalembert is the younger brother of former 76ers and current Milwaukee Bucks center Samuel Dalembert. ... Losses this year are to Neumann Goretti on Dec. 7, Imhotep Charter on Jan. 19, and Chester in the March 1 district title game.

THE PICK: CHESTER (both Bullock and Morrow)

BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n

MORROW ON TWITTER: @RageAgainstGMo