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Berlin presents challenge

THE SCOOP: There are a lot of signs pointing to Berlin Brothersvalley winning District 5 Class 1A. The Lady Mountaineers have been pretty dominating and consistent all season, mixing winning experience with athletic youth, epitomized by a very good group of forwards, usually a rarity at schools Berlin’s size.

However, there are a couple of teams out there — including defending champion Southern Fulton — that could give Berlin a run for its money. It might be worth noting that seven of the last eight D5-1A girls champs came from the eastern side of the district.

DEFENDING CHAMPION: Southern Fulton

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Berlin Brothersvalley sr. F Claire Spochart, Berlin Brothersvalley fr. F Keira Booth, Shanksville-Stonycreek sr. F Trista Stutzman, Shanksville-Stonycreek so. G-F Lexi Wilt, Southern Fulton sr. F Olivia Mottern, Shade sr. G Natasha Meck, HOPE for Hyndman sr. G Kyler Cosgrove, Fannett-Metal jr. G Ally Hoffmann

MOST INTRIGUING POSSIBLE MATCHUPS: Fannett-Metal at Southern Fulton in the quarterfinals; Southern Fulton at Shanksville-Stonycreek in the semifinals; Southern Fulton or Shanksville-Stonycreek vs. Berlin Brothersvalley in the championship

SLEEPER: Southern Fulton

MIRROR’S TEAM TO BEAT: Berlin Brothersvalley

NUMBER OF TEAMS ADVANCING: Three

WHO THEY’LL PLAY IN INTERDISTRICTS: 5-1 vs. 7-4; 5-2 vs. 6-2; 5-3 vs. 3-2

ANALYSIS: The hinge of this bracket looks like it will be the semifinal on the lower half, which should bring Southern Fulton together with Shanksville-Stonycreek. Shanksville’s been impressive all year, beating Portage midway through the season and administering a 19-point beatdown on Berlin last week.

Southern Fulton, though, might not give the Lady Trojans another shot at the Lady Mounties. They beat Berlin themselves at the beginning of the year. They also hold two wins over Class 2A second seed McConnellsburg, swept Northern Bedford, split with Tussey Mountain and almost won in Everett.

Fannett-Metal only lost to Southern by four in the last game of the regular season, so the Lady Indians can’t afford to fall asleep at the wheel. Shade should defeat Hyndman — it just won handily against it last week — for the right to play Berlin, but the Lady Mounties would be a heavy favorite against either of those teams.

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