PIAA Class-AAA Playoff Preview
Posted: March 5th, 2019, 7:25 pm
The Class-AAA field is basically Neumann-Goretti, and everyone else. It will be interesting to see if anyone can knock off the five-time defending champion.
The Favorite: Neumann-Goretti
Neuman-Goretti has won five state titles in a row, and a sixth is certainly expected. The Saints are led by a dynamic backcourt with senior Christian Ingals and junior Hakim Byrd. It might not be the best Neumann-Goretti team over the past five years, but this program is still at the top of this class.
The Challenger: Lincoln Park
The WPIAL champ has an experienced team that has made some runs in the PIAA playoffs before, and could be poised for another one this season. Senior point guard Keeno Holmes is a really good high school player.
The Sleeper: Bishop McDevitt
Bishop McDevitt was maybe a step below in the Philadelphia Catholic League from the top teams, but the Lancers certainly hung with the elite teams down the stretch. McDevitt kept it within 10 points against Roman Catholic, LaSalle, and Neumann-Goretti.
Don’t forget about: Richland
Richland may have surpassed some people last season by making the state championship game. The Rams lost three starters from that team, but the two ones they bring back are good ones. Collin Instone is a New Hampshire football recruit as a defensive tackle, and he’s a load to deal with in the middle. Caleb Burke is a slick point guard that runs the show.
The Most Important Player: Christian Ings, Neumann-Goretti
Christian Ings has won three-straight state championships. He’s always been a supporting cast member, but this year it is his team. He averages 18.5 points per game, 5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Ings is off to Rider next season.
5 other teams to remember
Aliquippa: The Quips features two power-five football recruits: MJ Devonshire (Kentucky) and Will Gipson (Pitt). These guys handle themselves quite well on the hardwood.
Ligonier: Don’t sleep on Ligonier. The Rams feature 6-foot-8 Seton Hill recruit Marrek Paola and the Marinchak brothers. Michael, a junior, and Matthew a freshmen are two good high school guards.
North Catholic: The Trojans were pretty dominant throughout most of the regular season. They have multiple scoring threats and should be a threat to win some games in this bracket.
Science Leadership Academy at Beeber: This is a new team, but they are fronted by four juniors, so this could be a team to remember next season.
Trinity: Chance Westry…remember that name. Perhaps the best freshman in the state. He is supported by a well-coached veteran team capable of making some noise.
First Round Picks:
Neumann-Goretti over Lancaster Mennonite
Wyoming Seminary over String Theory
Bishop McDevitt (D12) over Camp Hill
Loyalsock Township over Palmerton
New Hope over Dobbins
SLA Beeber over Kutztown
Wellsboro over Holy Redeemer
Trinity over High School of the Future
Richland over Mount Carmel
Seton LaSalle over Sharpsville
Aliquippa over Fairview
Lincoln Park over Bellwood-Antis
Brookville over Deer Lakes
North Catholic over Forest Hills
Ligonier over Beaver Falls
Sharon over Washington
The Favorite: Neumann-Goretti
Neuman-Goretti has won five state titles in a row, and a sixth is certainly expected. The Saints are led by a dynamic backcourt with senior Christian Ingals and junior Hakim Byrd. It might not be the best Neumann-Goretti team over the past five years, but this program is still at the top of this class.
The Challenger: Lincoln Park
The WPIAL champ has an experienced team that has made some runs in the PIAA playoffs before, and could be poised for another one this season. Senior point guard Keeno Holmes is a really good high school player.
The Sleeper: Bishop McDevitt
Bishop McDevitt was maybe a step below in the Philadelphia Catholic League from the top teams, but the Lancers certainly hung with the elite teams down the stretch. McDevitt kept it within 10 points against Roman Catholic, LaSalle, and Neumann-Goretti.
Don’t forget about: Richland
Richland may have surpassed some people last season by making the state championship game. The Rams lost three starters from that team, but the two ones they bring back are good ones. Collin Instone is a New Hampshire football recruit as a defensive tackle, and he’s a load to deal with in the middle. Caleb Burke is a slick point guard that runs the show.
The Most Important Player: Christian Ings, Neumann-Goretti
Christian Ings has won three-straight state championships. He’s always been a supporting cast member, but this year it is his team. He averages 18.5 points per game, 5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Ings is off to Rider next season.
5 other teams to remember
Aliquippa: The Quips features two power-five football recruits: MJ Devonshire (Kentucky) and Will Gipson (Pitt). These guys handle themselves quite well on the hardwood.
Ligonier: Don’t sleep on Ligonier. The Rams feature 6-foot-8 Seton Hill recruit Marrek Paola and the Marinchak brothers. Michael, a junior, and Matthew a freshmen are two good high school guards.
North Catholic: The Trojans were pretty dominant throughout most of the regular season. They have multiple scoring threats and should be a threat to win some games in this bracket.
Science Leadership Academy at Beeber: This is a new team, but they are fronted by four juniors, so this could be a team to remember next season.
Trinity: Chance Westry…remember that name. Perhaps the best freshman in the state. He is supported by a well-coached veteran team capable of making some noise.
First Round Picks:
Neumann-Goretti over Lancaster Mennonite
Wyoming Seminary over String Theory
Bishop McDevitt (D12) over Camp Hill
Loyalsock Township over Palmerton
New Hope over Dobbins
SLA Beeber over Kutztown
Wellsboro over Holy Redeemer
Trinity over High School of the Future
Richland over Mount Carmel
Seton LaSalle over Sharpsville
Aliquippa over Fairview
Lincoln Park over Bellwood-Antis
Brookville over Deer Lakes
North Catholic over Forest Hills
Ligonier over Beaver Falls
Sharon over Washington