☛ WPIAL Class 2A

1. Aliquippa (19-9) — As usual, the Quips might get off to a slow start because most of their players are on the football team that played for a WPIAL title Friday. But the basketball team will have five returning starters from a team that made it to the PIAA Class 3A championship last year before dropping down to Class 2A. Senior guard D.J. Walker (14 ppg) and junior guard Cameron Lindsey (12 ppg) were all-section.

2. Bishop Canevin (25-4) — A lot is new with the Crusaders since they won WPIAL and PIAA titles last season. They moved up to Class 2A, their coach, Gino Palmosina, left for Moon, a few top players graduated and two other top returnees transferred. Now, Tim McConnell takes over after he won nine WPIAL titles at Chartiers Valley (six with boys and three with girls). Even though much has changed, there is enough for the Crusaders to be among the best in this classification.

3. Fort Cherry (24-4) — The Rangers had a memorable 202122 season, making it to a championship game for the first time since 1961. Three starters return, including 5-10 senior guard Owen Norman (17 ppg), who made all-section.

4. Greensburg Central Catholic (19-5) — The Centurions made the WPIAL championship game in 2021 and the semifinals last year.

5. Serra (11-11) — Serra and Greensburg Central might battle for the Section 3 title. Serra has 6-1 senior guard Joey DeMoss (16 ppg).