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SUNDAY GAMES & HOOP FORECAST (PIAA QUARTERFINALS 3/19/17) by: James Nelson Stewart

SUNDAY GAMES & HOOP FORECAST (PIAA QUARTERFINALS 3/19/17) by: James Nelson Stewart

6A

Reading (3-3 27-3) vs Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-3 25-5)

This is for the last spot for the Final 4 of 6A and the right to play Archbishop Ryan.  What else can be said about these 2 teams except… expect a battle to secure that final spot, 2 teams that use defense to score points, and 2 teams that are relentless and use deep benches to outlast opponents.  One team has a McDonald’s All American, the other team has a potential future All-American. Both have rapid fanbases and history surrounding their programs.  So my prediction is this has the makings of being a VERY GOOD GAME.  I won’t use CLASSIC because the Carlisle/Emmaus game may have raised the bar for that word. Lonnie Walker and Tyrone Nesby vs Ahmad Williams and Ish Horn. Get to the game!!!

5A

Chester (1-5 22-6) vs Abington Heights (2-1 24-3)

Abington Heights is one of the few teams in the field that has as much height as Chester with 7-0 Seth Maxwell.  But Abington Heights had a grueling double overtime victory against King that I think will affect them against Chester.  Chester seems to be the fresher team and has been on a roll since their surprising loss to Upper Merion in the District 1 playoffs.  I have Chester punching their ticket to the Final Four 59-55.

Archbishop Wood (12-1 25-3) vs Spring Grove (3-4 22-8)

Collin Gillespie, Villanova Commit versus Raw Sports All Star Eli Brooks, Michigan Commit is worth the price of admission. PA basketball fans will get to see 2 of the best PGs playing for a right to be in the Final 4. That match up aside, I think that Wood is too deep and too skilled at the other positions and will wear down Spring Grove. Expect a tough game in the 1st half, but Wood overcomes them and wins 75-53

3A

Valley Forge (1-1 22-4) vs Del Val Charter (12-2 22-7)

This game matches the upstarts from District 1 (Valley Forge) against the experienced group from District 12 (Del Val), 2 teams with Division 1 prospects (6-10 Jr Deng from VF and Booty Butler 6-0 Jr PG Del Val). This game I think goes down to the wire but experience pays the bill with Del Val winning 65-63.

Also I predict Neumann/Goretti and Imhotep to win their games and move on to the Final 4, in 3A and 4A respectively.