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2018 PIAA Tournament Preview: Class 3A

03/08/2018, 11:45am EST
By CoBL Staff

Chris Ings (above) and Neumann-Goretti are going for eight titles in the last 10 years. (Photo: Mark Jordan/CoBL)

CoBL Staff (@hooplove215)
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The final segment of the 2017-18 Pennsylvania high school basketball season is upon us.

Six different brackets of 32 teams each get underway this weekend in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state playoffs, the second year since the expansion from four classifications to six brought even more excitement to March in high school gyms around the Keystone state.

The CoBL staff will be going in-depth on each of the six classifications to preview the state tournament, with favorites, contenders, dark horses and players to watch.

Here’s a look at the Class 3A bracket (district-seed, record in parenthesis); all first-round games will take place Saturday, March 10. The full bracket, with times and locations, can be found here.
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The Favorites
Neumann-Goretti (12-1, 18-6)
In the nine years that Neumann-Goretti has been in the PIAA, the Saints have won the state championship seven times. That means in the nine, they have lost only two games in state tournament play. Like almost every other year, it’s going to be nearly impossible to dethrone the Saints. Because the Saints lost to St. Joe’s Prep in the Catholic League semifinals, they didn’t qualify for the final four, but then beat Dobbins Tech 78-49, for the 3A city title. The senior trio of Marcus Littles, Dymir Montague, and Noah Warren have been terrific all season for the Saints. Junior Chris Ings, an explosive 6-2 guard has done most of the ball handling, and is a lockdown defender. Carl Arrigale’s group also includes 6-4 junior Ja’Cor Smith, 6-1 sophomore Ahmad Fair, and 6-6 freshman TaQuan Woodley.

Lincoln Park Charter (7-1, 19-6)
May have lost several productive performers from last year’s run to the state final — including Bowling Green freshman and WPIAL point machine Nelly Cummings — but Mike Bariski has a big squad in place that could be poised to make another memorable run. Two of those players — 6-3 junior Keeno Holmes and 6-6 junior Thomas Melonja — logged quality minutes in last year’s state final. Holmes went into the WPIAL title game averaging 24.3 ppg in postseason play, then dropped 14 in the Leopards’ 62-47 conquest of Seton-La Salle in the WPIAL final. Melonja and 6-4 sophomore Andre Wilder paced Bariski’s club with 18 points apiece. Other regulars include 6-2 senior Gildas Kodjo and 6-7 sophomore Tanner Mathos.
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The Contenders
Fairview (10-1, 22-3)
After falling to Greenville in the past two District 10 championship games, Fairview finally broke through against the Trojans and claimed a 46-29 result. Pat Flaherty’s big three of 6-10 senior Sam Parini, 6-1 Nick Franos and 5-11 Jamison Cook cashed in, sharing 40 of Fairview’s 46 points in the final. Those three, on average, provide the Tigers with nearly 40 points per outing — so right on schedule. Fairview, which opened the season 19-1, also will trot out 5-8 junior Matt Niland and 6-0 senior defensive stopper Andrew Morosky.

Trinity (3-1, 20-5)
Yet another of those state tournament fixtures, the Shamrocks of Larry Kostelac Jr. are back in the PIAA playoff field after pocketing their fifth consecutive District 3 crown. ‘One for the thumb’ aside, Kostelac’s latest group is balanced, big, flashes terrific ball movement, and really gets after people. Although Lafayette-bound 6-11 senior Sean Good (13.5 ppg) is the lone player averaging in double digits, Kostelac’s rotation has five others who typically get the Shamrocks seven points or more. That dependable group includes powerful 6-7 junior Kalen Veres (9.9), 6-5 senior Jack Bucher (8.6), 6-0 junior Matt Long (8.0), 6-0 senior Mike Scarpelli (7.7) and 6-3 junior Patrick Walker (7.5). Shamrocks also get quality minutes from 6-1 senior Tresjon Ruiz and 6-1 junior Ben Gnall. By the way, Kostelac’s next win will be the 697th of his career.

Westinghouse (8-1, 17-6)
Since Eugene Wilson’s Bulldogs already have one state victory tucked away — Westinghouse ousted District 5 champ Chestnut Ridge 70-58 on Tuesday night in a play-in game — they’ve had a chance to work out some kinks and erase the inevitable jitters. Obvious centerpiece on this squad is 6-11 senior James Ellis, who entered state play averaging 21 points per game and promptly dropped 25 on Ridge. Additional offensive help comes from 5-8 junior Rodkeem Byrd (11.7), 6-2 senior Cam Gloster (10.2), 6-4 sophomore Troy Lanier (9.8) and 6-1 soph reserve Rafeik Sirmons (7.7). Junior Jaymir Jackson (4.0), a 5-7 blur, is the usual fifth starter. Five of Westinghouse’s six losses have come against state qualifiers, including three against Allderdice.

Valley Forge Military Academy (1-1, 23-5)
Francis Bowe’s group made it all the way to the state quarterfinals last year before losing to the now-defunct Del-Val Charter. But the Trojans return the majority of the talent from a year ago, and it starts with 6-10 senior Abraham Deng and his classmate, 6-2 guard Arion Lewis. Also look for 6-9 big man Marius Ntwari to contribute, as well as 6-8 senior Will Colleran, and 6-3 junior Rye Ahronson. If the Trojans can get hot, don’t be shocked to see them alive towards the end of the tournament.

Wellsboro (4-1, 26-1)
Intriguing bunch sitting just south of the New York state line that’s riding into the state tournament on a 25-game winning streak after defeating Loyalsock 53-47 for its first District 4 title in 66 seasons. By the way, Loyalsock was the only team to defeat the Green Hornets and that loss came in the second game of the season — without 6-4 senior Dalton Prough (15.4 ppg/6.0 rpg). Prough operates up front alongside 6-4 junior Brandyn Tuttle (15.2 ppg/11.3 rpg), who has posted 19 double-doubles in 27 outings. Rest of Todd Outman’s regulars feature 5-11 senior Quinn Henry (9.2 ppg), 5-10 senior Nic Ingerick (5.5 ppg) and 6-2 senior widebody Collin Pietropola (7.2 ppg). Quality defensive squad that yields just 34.4 ppg.
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The Dark Horses
Bishop McDevitt (12-3, 14-10)
Although the Lancers are known for being at the bottom of the Catholic League, first year head coach Will Chavis led his team to a record of 14-10, and a spot in the state tournament for the first time since 2012. Don’t be surprised if you hear from this McDevitt team in the coming years, as the majority of this year’s team includes underclassmen. 6-foot guard Robert Smith leads the team with 15 points per game, and 6-3 sophomore Jamil Manigo, 6-5 junior Cameron Gardner, and 6-1 junior Seneca Willoughby all contribute. It’s still unknown how the Lancers will matchup against the rest of the teams in the state, but they should be battle-tested from going through the Catholic League.

Notre Dame-Green Pond (11-1, 18-8)
Winners of the District 11 tournament, Notre-Dame Green Pond lost to Valley Forge in the combined District 1/11 championship game. The Crusaders lost in the first round a year ago, part of an eight year slump going back to 2010, when they made the second round. The Lehigh Valley program is anchored by juniors Filippo Baldo and Zach Defoe. Three more juniors, Jaden Cunningham, Chris Omick, and David Sanders, have played big parts in the Crusaders’ success this year. ND-GP graduated a sizable senior class a year ago, so most guys on this team don’t have a ton of postseason experience.

Seton-La Salle (7-2, 19-6)
Mark “Knobby” Walsh’s senior-heavy Rebels may have been turned away in their bid for WPIAL supremacy by western Pennsylvania power Lincoln Park, but a Seton program that played for state gold several years back may be ready to dig in and respond. A pair of 6-3 seniors, Jakob Richardson (15.5 ppg) and George Mike IV (13.5), shared 30 points in the Rebels’ 62-47 loss to Lincoln Park. Those two get plenty of help from 6-1 Matt Banbury, 5-8 Nick Deanes and 6-4 Kaleb Krebs.
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The Stars
Joe Batt, Greenville
Returning all-state selection who certainly shouldered more than his share of the Greenville load by averaging 21-plus points per game for the District 10 runners-up. The Trojans’ all-time career points leader certainly came through in the D-10 semis — Batt is a 6-2 senior who can get to the hole and strike from deep — scoring 41 points.

Abraham Deng, Valley Forge Military Academy
One of the most physical big men in the whole state, Deng stands at 6-10 and about 220 pounds. He’s got a soft touch around the rim; that is, when he’s not dunking the ball. He can also stretch it out of the paint and it the mid-range jumper. A D-1 prospect, Deng can make an impact with his size and length around the basket.

James Ellis, Westinghouse
Just another of the sizable big men hoping to lead their squads to state championship gold in Hershey, the 6-11 Ellis is a double-double machine who began the Class 3A playoffs averaging 21 points, 12 boards and six blocks per contest. Opened with 25 points, 12 rebounds and six swats as Westinghouse sidelined Chestnut Ridge 70-58 in Tuesday’s play-in round. Likely to stay home to play by signing with Duquesne.

Sean Good, Trinity
Headed for Lafayette once he receives his high school diploma, the 6-11 Good is the only Trinity player averaging in double figures (13.5 ppg). A four-year starter, he’s also averaging 9.4 boards and 4.4 blocked shots per contest. Will finish his high school career with more than 1,000 career points, more than 1,000 career rebounds and more than 500 blocked shots.

Matt Holsinger, Central Cambria
A hammer in the middle for Adam Stephan’s Red Devils, the 6-6 senior is averaging 21,8 points and 13.8 rebounds heading into the state playoffs. A returning all-state player, Holsinger has posted 22 double-doubles thus far for District 6’s third-seeded squad. Packaged 23 points and 15 rebounds into CC’s 65-47 win over Mount Union in D-6 third-place game.

Lorencz Jean-Baptiste, Kutztown
Talented 6-3 junior wing was frustrated by Trinity in the District 3 championship game — three Shamrocks took turns and limited the Kutztown standout to nine points — Jean-Baptiste is the go-to guy for a Cougars squad that hadn’t played for District 3 gold since 1963. Long, agile and extremely mobile, Jean-Baptiste averages 20.5 points per game for Ted Snyder’s squad.

Dymir Montague and Noah Warren, Neumann-Goretti
Both quick 6-3 guards, Montague and Warren have won three state championships in their careers, and have their sights set on number four. Montague is best attacking the hoop and getting out in transition, while Warren thrives beyond the arc. Warren is being pursued by small-college programs, and Montague is bound for D-II Holy Family (Pa.).

Marrek Paola, Ligonier Valley
Quality big man who has rung up some big numbers for a Ligonier Valley outfit that is heading into states sporting a 15-game winning streak, the 6-6 Paola is averaging 24.4 points and 13.6 boards per game. Paola, in fact, has posted 21 double-doubles in 24 games. Smacked Homer-Center with 29 points and 26 boards in a 67-62 regular-season victory.

Sam Parini, Fairview
Productive senior post player that averages just over 16 points per contest for the District 10 champions, the 6-10 Parini will continue his hoops career in the Patriot League at Army. His last outing was typical, as Parini racked up 16 points and 13 rebounds in a 46-29 triumph over two-time champion Greenville in the D-10 title game.
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First-Round Games to Watch
Kutztown (20-4) vs. Bishop McDevitt (14-10)
While Lorencz Jean-Baptiste is averaging 20.5 ppg, Ted Snyder’s Cougars have a productive rotation also featuring 6-2 senior Brayden Eck (13,5), 5-11 junior Dane Fegely (7.2), 6-3 senior Matt Angstadt and 6-2 senior Ivan Fegely that ran off 15 straight victories at one point. McDevitt may have an edge, however, since the Royal Lancers had to slug it out nightly against a Philly Catholic League slate that offered stern tests. Those experiences also will help ease McDevitt into its first state tournament outing in six seasons.

Ligonier Valley (20-4) vs. Lancaster Mennonite (17-9)
Carrying a 15-game winning streak and a District 6 title into state play, Ligonier Valley skipper Todd Hepner and his Rams will face a tough out in a Lancaster Mennonite program that last season advanced to the state quarterfinals before falling to eventual champ Neumann-Goretti. While 6-6 junior Marrek Paola gets plenty of attention from opponents and lots of buckets, 5-10 sophomore Michael Marinchak (18.6) and 6-3 senior Andrew Pleskovitch (10.1) also can go off at any time. Mennonite’s Geoff Groff will counter with a productive backcourt featuring 5-10 senior Carter Hurst (13.2) and 6-1 senior John Gillespie (12.8). Those two, along with 5-9 soph Elijah Terry (8.8), have combined for 86 3-pointers.

Richland (21-4) vs. Aliquippa (17-7)
Denied a District 6 title for the second straight season, Greg Burke’s Richland Rams hope to make it out of the opening round after falling to Washington a season ago. Balanced squad that has four players averaging in double figures — 6-2 senior Tyler Zimmerman (14.8), 6-3 junior Collin Instone (14.4), 6-0 sophomore Caleb Burke (11.8) and 6-4 senior Trevy Hardison (11.6). Playing at Johnstown High, just minutes from Richland’s campus, may prove favorable, too. Dwight Hines’ Quips reached the WPIAL semis when 6-4 junior William Gipson canned a 30-footer at the horn in a 53-50 victory over Riverside, then lost several days later as eventual champ Lincoln Park rallied for a 59-57 success. So, these guys have been in a bunch of close games and that usually bodes well in March. Gipson, 6-0 junior M.J. Devonshire and 6-3 soph Zuriah Fisher are the usual offensive protagonists for the perennially powerful Quips.


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