PIAA Class-A Playoff Preview
Posted: March 8th, 2019, 8:55 am
The Favorite: Sankofa Freedom
Sankofa Freedom played a pretty daring schedule, and while the 13-10 record might not look like much, the competition it faced throughout the season will make them better for it in this tournament. The Warriors are led by 6-foot-6 senior guard Khalil Turner, who is committed to play for Rider next season.
The Challenger: Nazareth Prep
Nazareth Prep really emerged this season after just a 13-10 campaign a year ago. The Saints knocked off traditional power Vincentian for the WPIAL championship and looked very impressive going it. William Taylor and Trey Harvey make for a formidable 1-2 punch.
The Sleeper: Shade
Shade has had some great basketball teams over the years, and this is another good one. The Panthers are led by 6-foot-3 senior guard Brady Fyfe. He averages 21 points per game and is nearing the 2,000 career point mark. He is off to Lock Haven next year to play quarterback.
Don’t forget about: Lourdes Regional
Lourdes Regional made the state title game last season, but was blown out by Kennedy Catholic in Hershey. The Red Raiders have some key pieces back, including 6-foot-6 Thomas Schultz. He has over 2,000 career points and is set to continue his athletic career at Vanderbilt, as a baseball player. This team has title game experience and should be poised for another run.
The Most Important Player: Khalil Turner, Sankofa Freedom
Turner is a legitimate 6’6” guard and can really separate Sankofa from the pack. Rider has been a dangerous mid-major program of late, and if it is recruiting Turner, he must be a pretty good player.
5 other teams to remember
Bishop Carroll: The Huskies made it to the state semifinal last year before losing to Kennedy Catholic. Bishop Carroll is led by a talented backcourt of Tristan McDannell and Caron Errter.
Elk County Catholic: A 26-1 record is hard to ignore. The crusaders have made some runs in this tournament in the past.
Saint John Neumann: This program is always a fixture in the Class-A conversation and the Golden Knights are led by David Hill, a class of 2021 guard that will be a division one player.
Shanksville: Shanksville is built a lot like Shade, but more defensive oriented. The Vikings are led by 6’2” senior Dawson Snyder, who is averaging 21 points, 9 rebounds, and nearly six assists per game.
Vincentian: The Royals lost in the WPIAL title game, but should still be a factor in the state playoffs. This is a young, but talented team.
First Round Picks:
Lancaster Country Day over Sullivan County
Notre Dame ES over Faith Christian
St. John Neumann over Greenwood
Sankofa Freedom over Conestoga Christian
Lourdes Regional over Mount Calvary
Halifax over Berlin
Nativity BVM over Galeton
Girard College over Berks Christian
Nazareth Prep over Johnsonburg
Shade over Union
Bishop Carroll over North Clarion
Monessen over Jamestown
Elk Co. Catholic over Leechburg
Vincentian over Saint Joseph’s
Shanksville over Cornell
Juniata Valley over Clarion Limestone
Sankofa Freedom played a pretty daring schedule, and while the 13-10 record might not look like much, the competition it faced throughout the season will make them better for it in this tournament. The Warriors are led by 6-foot-6 senior guard Khalil Turner, who is committed to play for Rider next season.
The Challenger: Nazareth Prep
Nazareth Prep really emerged this season after just a 13-10 campaign a year ago. The Saints knocked off traditional power Vincentian for the WPIAL championship and looked very impressive going it. William Taylor and Trey Harvey make for a formidable 1-2 punch.
The Sleeper: Shade
Shade has had some great basketball teams over the years, and this is another good one. The Panthers are led by 6-foot-3 senior guard Brady Fyfe. He averages 21 points per game and is nearing the 2,000 career point mark. He is off to Lock Haven next year to play quarterback.
Don’t forget about: Lourdes Regional
Lourdes Regional made the state title game last season, but was blown out by Kennedy Catholic in Hershey. The Red Raiders have some key pieces back, including 6-foot-6 Thomas Schultz. He has over 2,000 career points and is set to continue his athletic career at Vanderbilt, as a baseball player. This team has title game experience and should be poised for another run.
The Most Important Player: Khalil Turner, Sankofa Freedom
Turner is a legitimate 6’6” guard and can really separate Sankofa from the pack. Rider has been a dangerous mid-major program of late, and if it is recruiting Turner, he must be a pretty good player.
5 other teams to remember
Bishop Carroll: The Huskies made it to the state semifinal last year before losing to Kennedy Catholic. Bishop Carroll is led by a talented backcourt of Tristan McDannell and Caron Errter.
Elk County Catholic: A 26-1 record is hard to ignore. The crusaders have made some runs in this tournament in the past.
Saint John Neumann: This program is always a fixture in the Class-A conversation and the Golden Knights are led by David Hill, a class of 2021 guard that will be a division one player.
Shanksville: Shanksville is built a lot like Shade, but more defensive oriented. The Vikings are led by 6’2” senior Dawson Snyder, who is averaging 21 points, 9 rebounds, and nearly six assists per game.
Vincentian: The Royals lost in the WPIAL title game, but should still be a factor in the state playoffs. This is a young, but talented team.
First Round Picks:
Lancaster Country Day over Sullivan County
Notre Dame ES over Faith Christian
St. John Neumann over Greenwood
Sankofa Freedom over Conestoga Christian
Lourdes Regional over Mount Calvary
Halifax over Berlin
Nativity BVM over Galeton
Girard College over Berks Christian
Nazareth Prep over Johnsonburg
Shade over Union
Bishop Carroll over North Clarion
Monessen over Jamestown
Elk Co. Catholic over Leechburg
Vincentian over Saint Joseph’s
Shanksville over Cornell
Juniata Valley over Clarion Limestone