Locals eye district championship, trip to states

The District 1-6A Tournament has boiled down to its final eight.

On Friday evening, four quarterfinal contests will be played, all beginning at 7 p.m. The winners of those advance to Tuesday’s semis and move a step closer to grabbing the lone spot for states out of District 1.

It’s never been harder to advance to the state tournament, given the parameters put in place due to the pandemic. Only one team gets to move on.

Winning the district title and advancing in such a season could make it that much more special for any one of the elite teams remaining in the bracket.

(9) Lower Merion at (1) Cheltenham

Saleem Payne looks to stay hot

for the Panthers, having scored 20 in the Round Two win over Methacton.

Cheltenham edged the Warriors in a classic, 45-43, in what was a down-to-thewire rematch of last year’s district final.

Lower Merion won, 7059, over Downingtown West to make it to the quarters.

Demetrius Lilley, Lower Merion’s 6-foot-9 force around the basket, poured in a season-high 31 points in that victory.

The winner advances to face (4) Garnet Valley or (5) Perk Valley in the semis.

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(18) North Penn at (7) Central Bucks East

Josh Jones is having himself quite a postseason for

the Knights.

The 6-foot-6 senior was a key member of last year’s state-tournament squad and is feeling another trip this winter.

“I was here last year and it’s expected of me to deliver,” Jones said of the postseason. “I’m confident in every shot I take.”

North Penn upset No. 2 Conestoga, 52-45, in the second round while CB East, powered by seniors Joe Jackman and Jack Hamilton,

beat Boyertown, 51-50.

This is a rubber match between the Knights and Patriots, as North Penn won the first meeting, 71-66, and then East won the second, 57-46.

The winner will take on Abington or West Chester East in the semis.

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(14) Abington at (6) West Chester East

The Ghosts are riding a

wave of momentum, having upset No. 3 PlymouthWhitemarsh, 66-48, in the second round.

East beat No. 11 Neshaminy, 66-52, to advance.

Caleb Baker had a big game shooting the ball for the Ghosts in the win over PW.

Point guard Mike Dedda, meanwhile, leads an intense West Chester East defense, which forced 14 turnovers against Neshaminy.

In Class

OTHER BRACKETS >>

4A, No. 1 Pope John Paul II won 45-30 over No. 2 New Hope and will play Tuesday in the PIAA-2A Tournament against an opponent to be determined.

In Class 3A, Dock is preparing for a Wednesday contest against the District XI Champion, to be determined.

And in Class A, No. 2 Jenkintown traveled to topseeded Phil-Mont Christian Thursday night to play for the title.