District 12 eyes 4 state basketball titles

HERSHEY, HERE COMES District 12!

Since the PIAA moved from three to four basketball classifications in the 1983-1984 season, four times has one district competed for each championship, according to tedsilary.com.

The fifth such occurrence takes place this weekend at the Giant Center when District 12 sends La Salle, Ss. Neumann-Goretti, Constitution and Math, Civics and Sciences Charter to the AAAA, AAA, AA and A title games, respectively.

Here is a brief look at the key factors and players for each team:

No. 3-seeded La Salle vs. District 7 No. 1-seeded New Castle, tomorrow, 8 p.m.

The Explorers (23-6) entered this season with a dearth of experience after losing seven seniors to graduation. However, this year's team has coalesced at the perfect time, winners of five consecutive games, which includes back-to-back playoff wins against perennial powers Lower Merion and Chester.

New Castle (30-0) makes its first title trip since 1998, led by senior guard Malik Hooker, who averages 22 points per game.

Led by a feisty group of juniors, success for La Salle starts on the defensive end. Junior guards Najee Walls and Shawn Witherspoon are the team's best ball bloodhounds. David Krmpotich, a 6-7 junior forward, is an offensive presence down low who leads La Salle in scoring (333 points in league play and playoffs). Seniors Jalen Herdsman and Sean Greenberg provide needed support for a squad whose offensive strength is a balanced attack.

If La Salle can create offense from its defense, the Explorers have a great chance at the district's first AAAA title.

No. 1 Neumann-Goretti vs. District 3 No. 1 Susquehanna Township, tonight, 8 p.m.

The Saints (26-4) are looking for their fourth state title since 2010 after last season's quarterfinal defeat. After capturing its sixth consecutive Catholic League crown, N-G looks for more, led by senior guard Ja'Quan Newton, the all-time CL scoring leader (1,939).

Susquehanna Township (23-7) is led by the guard tandem of brothers Nehemiah (sophomore) and Gabriel Mack (senior).

Success for N-G usually begins on the defensive end. However, with Newton, senior guard Troy Harper and junior guard Lamarr "Fresh" Kimble, the Saints are more than offensively capable. Senior forwards Jamal Custis and Tony Toplyn patrol the paint, while Vaughn Covington (sophomore) and Quade Green (freshman) bring toughness and defense off the bench.

If the Saints' defense is disruptive, that could help them hoist title No. 4.

No. 1 Constitution vs. District 7 No. 1 Seton-La Salle, tomorrow, 2 p.m.

The Generals (27-5) seek their second state title after claiming Class A gold in 2012. A few current juniors, who were freshmen then, are stalwarts this go-round.

Ahmad "J.R." Gilbert (forward) and Kimar Williams (guard) stir the drink offensively, while Chad Andrews (forward) and Akeem King (guard) provide defensive support. King was the only freshman in 2012 to earn significant minutes.

Seton-La Salle (29-1) last won a PIAA title in 1988 (Class AAA) and is led by 6-6 senior forward Levi Masua on the inside.

The Generals like to push the pace and create offensive opportunities from defensive pressure. Controlling the tempo without fouling could mean celebration time for ConHigh.

No. 1 Math, Civics and Sciences Charter vs. District 7 No. 1 Lincoln Park, today, 2 p.m.

The Mighty Elephants (15-14) last won the Class A title in 2011 and are back after an up-and-down campaign this season.

MC&S is headlined by junior guard Samir Doughty, who hung 45 points on Delaware County Christian in Round 1. Mike Watkins, a 6-9 Penn State commit, is a force down low, while junior guard Tyreese Hester and senior Louis Myers help on the perimeter.

Lincoln Park (29-1) is led by sophomore guard Maverick Rowan and 6-9 senior forward Elijah Minnie, who scored 32 and 10 points, respectively, in the Leopards' semifinal victory.

The loss of sophomore forward Terquin Mott (shoulder) hurts the Elephants, but the return of sophomore guard Nazeer Bostick helps. Talent is the main currency for MC&S, but effectively blending personalities has been a challenge the team has openly accepted. When the Mighty Elephants are committed to defense, and each other, they are difficult to stop on both ends.