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Today’s PIAA basketball playoff preview capsules

PIAA Class 6A girls second round

North Allegheny (7-1) vs. Altoona (6-2)

Teams: Altoona Lady Lions (21-4) vs. North Allegheny Lady Tigers (26-0).

Site, time: Hempfield High School, Greensburg, 6:30 p.m.

The coaches: Altoona — Miriam Colledge (63-32, four years). North Allegheny — Spencer Stefko (79-7 in three years at North Allegheny, 266-70 in 11 years overall).

Playoff path: Altoona — lost to State College, 42-41, in the District 6 championship; defeated Erie, 56-46, in the District 6-8-10 consolation; defeated Mount Lebanon, 54-33, in the PIAA first round. North Allegheny — defeated Upper St. Clair, 45-25, in the District 7 quarterfinals; defeated Mount Lebanon, 34-20, in the District 7 semifinals; defeated Peters Township, 78-48, in the District 7 championship; defeated Upper St. Clair, 46-21, in the PIAA first round.

Starting lineups: Altoona — G Jess Stevens (13, 5-8 sr., 4.6), G Olivia Hudson (5-10 jr., 13.6), F Caranda Perea (24, 6-2 so., 13.4), F Shaina Lear (5, 6-0 sr., 5.1), F Bridgid Fox (45, 6-1 jr., 14.3). North Allegheny — G Brynn Serbin (3, 5-7 jr., 4.8), G Courtney Roman (13, 5-8 sr., 9.5), F Lizzy Groetsch (32, 5-10 fr., 8.0), F Piper Morningstar (21, 6-0 sr., 10.1), C Madelyn Fischer (55, 5-11 sr., 10.4).

Key reserves: Altoona — G Kayley Burke (30, 5-9 sr., 5.4), F Elizah Wilson (33, 6-0 fr., 2.3). North Allegheny — G Kristen Chomos (4, 5-8 jr., 2.0), G Brooke Barcia (12, 5-7 jr., 2.2), F Katerina Balouris (22, 5-11 so., 1.8), F Audrey Lane (5, 5-11 sr., 2.4), G Dana Manz (11, 5-8 sr., 1.0).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of State College (6-1) and Bethel Park (7-4) in the quarterfinals on Friday at a site to be announced.

Notable: Altoona is in the second round for the first time since 2006. … The Lady Lions have won the last three times they played in this round of the tournament. … Altoona is 3-0 vs. North Allegheny in second-round games and 20-3 in PIAA second-round games overall. … The Lady Lions also have beaten the Lady Tigers twice in the PIAA quarterfinals, giving them a record of 5-0 all-time vs. NA in state tournament clashes. … This is the third time the teams have met this season, and North Allegheny has won the previous two 45-44 (Dec. 10) and 54-43 (Jan. 19). … North Allegheny was the PIAA 6A runner-up last year and lost in the state semifinals the previous season. … All-state guard Rachel Martindale (14, 5-9 jr., 15.1) is out for North Allegheny after she sustained a knee injury in the WPIAL championship game. She played both previous games against the Lady Lions. … Stefko coached Seton LaSalle to the PIAA title in Class 2A in 2014.

PIAA Class 3A girls second round

Bishop Canevin (7-1) vs. Everett (6-2)

Teams: Everett Lady Warriors (22-5); Bishop Canevin Lady Crusaders (21-4).

Site, time: Central Cambria High School, Ebensburg, 6 p.m.

The coaches: Everett — Keith Moyer (250-83, 13 years). Bishop Canevin — Scott Dibble (21-4 in one year at Bishop Canevin; 286-89 in 15 years overall).

Playoff path: Everett — defeated West Shamokin, 50-46, in the District 6 quarterfinals; defeated Central, 52-43, in the District 6 semifinals; lost to Penns Valley, 52-50, in the District 6 championship; defeated Neshannock, 56-53, in the PIAA first round. Bishop Canevin — defeated Laurel, 57-32, in the quarterfinals; defeated Mohawk, 47-30, in the District 7 semifinals; defeated East Allegheny, 56-52, in the District 7 championship; defeated Central Cambria, 62-57, in the PIAA first round.

Starting lineups: Everett — G Elizabeth Jay (2, 5-4 jr., 2.1), G Sydney Reffner (4, 5-6 sr., 13.8), G Kaitlyn Maxwell (14, 5-6 so., 18.3), F Brooke Colledge (3, 5-7 jr., 5.8), F Madison Hicks (13, 5-9 jr., 9.9). Bishop Canevin — G Kasey Kaczorowski (5, 5-7 sr., 6.8), G Gillan Gustine (10, 5-5 jr., 5.6), G Diajha Allen (12, 5-4 so., 7.6), G Brionna Allen (34, 5-7 sr., 15.4), F Shamyjha Price (32, 5-9 jr., 14.6).

Key reserves: Everett — F Gabby Bulger (11, 5-6 so., 2.1), G Kristen Ewing (5, 5-0 so., 1.7). Bishop Canevin — F Lauren Gamble (33, 5-8 sr., 5.3).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of Mohawk (7-3) and Laurel (7-5) in the quarterfinals on Friday at a site to be announced.

Notable: Everett’s making its fifth trip to the PIAA second round. The last time the Lady Warriors made it this far was in 2000, when they were sidelined in this round by Karns City. … Everett won in its previous two visits to the second round, beating Redbank Valley in 1994 and Kennedy Christian in 1992. … Hicks, who is averaging 7.8 rebounds, has scored in double figures in three of the last four games. … Reffner leads Everett with 3.7 assists and also averages 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals. … Canevin was the PIAA runner-up in Class 3A last season. … Dibble was the coach on a pair of PIAA championship teams at Erie Villa Maria. … The Lady Crusaders were the PIAA champs in Class 2A in 2013. … A second-team all-state pick last year, Brionna Allen has yet to pick a college.

PIAA Class 2A girls second round

Bellwood-Antis (6-3) vs. West Middlesex (10-1)

Teams: West Middlesex Ms. Reds (22-4); Bellwood-Antis Lady Blue Devils (24-3).

Site, time: Plum High School, Pittsburgh, 6 p.m.

The coaches: West Middlesex — Mike Williams (94-33 in five years at West Middlesex, 191-154 in 14 years including Mercer boys, 237 wins in 18 years overall). Bellwood-Antis — Jim Swaney (181-32 in eight years at Bellwood-Antis; 459-226 in 26 years overall).

Playoff path: West Middlesex — defeated Cochranton, 68-22, ion the District 10 quarterfinals; defeated Maplewood, 71-35, in the District 10 semifinals; defeated Reynolds, 40-20, in the District 10 championship; defeated Leechburg, 56-40, in the PIAA first round. Bellwood-Antis — defeated Homer-Center, 89-65, in the District 6 quarterfinals; lost to Blairsville, 44-37, in the District 6 semifinals; defeated Penns Manor, 76-48, in the District 6 consolation; defeated Kane, 69-40, in the PIAA first round.

Starting lineups: West Middlesex — G Grace Mild (15, 5-9 so., 6.2), G Karsyn Rupert (11, 5-8 jr., 3.8), G Delaney Dogan (31, 6-0 sr., 16.9), F Mackenzie MacKay (4, 6-0 sr., 12.0), F MaKennah White (4, 6-0 sr., 19.2). Bellwood-Antis — G Riley D’Angelo (10, 5-6 jr., 10.4), G Emilie Leidig (20, 5-6 so., 12.5), G-F Alli Campbell (21, 6-0 so., 26.0), F Tina Hollen (23, 5-7 sr., 6.2), C Sakeria Haralson (22, 6-0 so., 12.8).

Key reserves: West Middlesex — G Lily Slater (12, 5-5 sr., 3.8), G Olivia Franks (3, 5-4 so., 2.9). Bellwood-Antis — G Jaydyn Shuke (11, 5-7 so., 1.4), G Macy Decker (5, 5-6 so., 2.2), F Olivia Musselman (44, 5-9 so., 0.6).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of Bishop McCort (6-1) and Chartiers-Houston (7-2) in the quarterfinals on Friday at a site to be announced.

Notable: This is the third time in four years the Lady Devils have made it beyond the first round of states. … Bellwood’s on a two-game winning streak in second-round PIAA contests. They beat Chartiers-Houston last year en route to the state semifinals. Two years before, they knocked off Burrell to make it to the state quarterfinals. … The Lady Devils are 4-5 in this round of interdistricts. … Bellwood has made 19 3-pointers in its last two games, bringing its season total to 194. Three Lady Devils (Campbell, Leidig and D’Angelo) have 50 or more individually. … All four District 6 teams that made the state playoffs won in the first round. … West Middlesex lost to Bishop Guilfoyle in the second round last year. … Dogan and MacKay are 1,000-point scorers. MacKay will play college ball at Penn State-Behrend. Dogan has a full ride to Gannon; she was held out last game due to injury.

PIAA Class 4A boys second round

Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt (3-2) vs. Huntingdon (6-1)

Teams: Huntingdon Bearcats (22-2); Bishop McDevitt Crusaders (15-12).

Site, time: Mifflin County High School, Lewistown, 7 p.m.

The coaches: Huntingdon — Nick Payne (112-74, eight years). Bishop McDevitt — Mike Gaffey (57-24 in three years at Bishop McDevitt; record unavailable in 16 years overall).

Playoff path: Huntingdon — defeated Central, 57-49, in the District 6 semifinals; defeated Johnstown, 65-48, in the District 6 championship; defeated Lancaster Catholic, 60-58, in the PIAA first round. Bishop McDevitt — defeated Susquehanna Township, 75-73, in the District 3 first round; defeated Lancaster Catholic, 47-43, in the District 3 quarterfinals; defeated Kennard-Dale, 62-53, in the District 3 semifinals; lost to Berks Catholic, 46-26, in the District 3 championship; defeated Danville, 60-45, in the PIAA first round.

Starting lineups: Huntingdon — G Jonathan Price (2, 5-8 sr., 11.7), G Jayton Smith (0, 5-7 sr., 8.9), F Nick Rigby (35, 6-2 jr., 17.9), F Owen Lane (22, 6-1 jr., 7.9), C Will Sulesky (32, 6-2 jr., 5.8). Bishop McDevitt — G Davon Lee (4, 6-0 so., 15.5), G Jake Kelley (1, 6-3 so., 12.6), G Tarajae Davis (5, 5-10 jr., 11.4), F Johnny Ninosky (42, 6-2 sr., 1.4), F Zach Weigl (24, 6-4 sr., 2.6).

Key reserves: Huntingdon — F Jackson Ritchey (5, 6-3 so., 9.4), G Nick Gearhart (13, 6-1 so., 7.3), F Andrew Miller (4, 6-2 so., 3.2). Bishop McDevitt — F Richard Stuart (0, 6-2 sr., 5.2), G Ben Marsico (2, 6-1 so., 2.6), F Jaraud Smith (15, 6-1 jr., 2.6).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of Quaker Valley (7-2) and Hickory (10-2) in the quarterfinals on Friday at a site to be announced.

Notable: Huntingdon is making its first appearance in the second round since 1994. … The Bearcats never have won two games in the state playoff tournament. They made it to the quarterfinals in 1945, but they had a first-round bye. … Rigby also leads Huntingdon in rebounds with 8.0 per contest. … Both District 6 teams are still alive in the tournament: Huntingdon beat Indiana in the first round and plays District 10 cham Sharon tonight. … Gaffey is the son of Bill Gaffey, who coached Bishop Guilfoyle to a state Catholic title in 1967. … Ninosky is the son of former Glendale multi-sport athlete John Ninosky. … McDevitt was the ninth seed entering the district playoffs.

PIAA Class 1A boys second round

Elk County Catholic (9-2) vs. Bishop Carroll (6-1)

Teams: Bishop Carroll Huskies (18-8); Elk County Catholic Crusaders (22-6).

Site, time: Punxsutawney Area High School, 7 p.m.

The coaches: Bishop Carroll — Cosie Aliquo (196-104, 11 years). Elk County Catholic — Aaron Straub (815-235 in 36 years as boys coach; 842-247 in 38 years overall).

Playoff path: Bishop Carroll — defeated Williamsburg, 71-58, in the District 6 quarterfinals; defeated Blacklick Valley, 73-55, in the District 6 semifinals; defeated Saint Joseph’s, 65-55, in the District 6 championship; defeated Imani Christian, 85-76, in the PIAA first round. Elk County Catholic — defeated Oswayo Valley, 69-24, in the District 9 quarterfinals; defeated Cameron County, 46-25, in the District 9 semifinals; lost to Johnsonburg, 36-30, in the District 9 championship; defeated Jamestown, 66-40, in the PIAA first round.

Starting lineups: Bishop Carroll — G Carson Ertter (5, 5-10 jr., 9.4), G Alex Karlheim (3, 5-7 jr., 5.2), G Hamid Rodkey (25, 6-0 so., 2.7), F Alec Ratchford (30, 6-2 sr., 4.2), F Ben Eckenrode (35, 6-2 sr., 10.9). Elk County Catholic –G Logan Hoffman (13, 5-11 sr., 7.9), G Alex Wehler (11, 5-11 jr., 5.3), F Brady Schneider (35, 6-3 jr., 5.7), F Alex Briendel (44, 6-0 jr., 9.2), C Ryan Newton (33, 6-6 sr., 17.6).

Key reserves: Bishop Carroll — G Tristan McDannell (0, 5-9 so., 14.9), C Nolan Burk (32, 6-5 so., 7.7), F Scotty Semelsberger (24, 6-3 so., 3.0), F Massi Rodkey (25, 5-11 jr., 0.5), G Logan Gottshall (21, 6-0 jr., 0.4). Elk County Catholic — F Brennan Klawuhn (23, 6-0 jr., 2.8), F Leo Gregory (32, 6-2 so., 4.6), G Carter Lindemuth (10, 5-7 so., 1.8), G Erick Mader (12, 5-8 sr., 0.5), G Bryce O’Leary (5, 5-11 jr., 2.0), F Joe Aiello (25, 6-2 sr., 1.1).

Who they get: The winner plays the winner of Vincentian (7-1) and Shade (5-1) in the quarterfinals on Friday at a site to be announced.

Notable: Bishop Carroll is in the second round of interdistricts for the fourth time in six years. The Huskies had a two-game second-round winning streak snapped by Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic in 2016. … Bishop Carroll is 5-4 overall in this round of the tournament. … This is a rematch of a 2015 opening-round contest the Crusaders won in overtime, 56-50. … Carroll’s bench accounted for 40 points in the Huskies’ first-round win over Imani. … Elk Catholic won the PIAA championship in 2006. … The Crusaders were eliminated in the quarterfinals last year by eventual champion Kennedy Catholic. … Elk County has been to states 20 times in the last 21 years. … Elk Catholic has struggled lately, dropping three of its last seven games.

— Philip Cmor

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