What to watch for in WPIAL sports on Dec. 19, 2024: Last batch of girls basketball section openers to tip off – TribLIVE.com

By: Don Rebel
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 10:30 PM
North Allegheny’s Rae Shanahan battles Hempfield’s Ashley Hosni and Mia Shipman for a loose ball Feb. 9 at North Allegheny.
While girls basketball teams in Class 5A, 4A, 3A and A have at least two section games under the belt, Thursday marks the section openers for teams in Class 6A and Class 2A.
There are three games in Section 1-6A highlighted by perennial power North Allegheny (1-4) visiting Seneca Valley (4-3).
The Tigers are trying to snap a rare four-game losing streak while the Raiders have won three straight games, including two wins in the She Got Game Classic in Springfield, Va.
In Section 2-6A, there are three openers, including undefeated Hempfield (6-0) visiting Mt. Lebanon (3-3).
The Spartans have won all six games by double-digit points with the closest contest being a 12-point victory at North Hills. The Blue Devils ended a three-game skid with a win in their most recent contest at Bethel Park.
In Section 1-2A, only three of the six teams have a record of .500 or better and two of them collide when Neshannock (4-1) hosts Laurel (3-3).
The Lancers had a four-game winning streak end in their last game, a loss to Seneca Valley, while the Spartans have won their last two and three of four following a slow start.
In Section 2-2A, Carlynton (3-3) visits Fort Cherry (4-2) in a section lid lifter.
The Cougars have dropped two straight after winning three in a row, and the Rangers are on an upswing with wins in their last two games.
In Section 3-2A, half of the teams remain winless coming into section play, but Chartiers-Houston (5-1) hosts Beth-Center (4-3) in a battle between the only two teams in the section with winning records.
The Buccaneers won their first four games before splitting their last two contests while the Bulldogs fell in their most recent game to 5A New Castle.
Finally in Section 4-2A, Jeannette (2-3) travels to Riverview (4-2).
The Jayhawks ended a three-game losing streak Monday with a win over Northgate while the Raiders have won three games in a row.
Strolling to South Park
Three girls basketball teams sit atop Section 4-4A with perfect 2-0 section records with the first head-to-head matchup among the three taking place Thursday.
Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward and South Park were all winners of their first two section contests with part of the three-way tie set to be broken when the Leopards visits the Eagles.
Following back-to-back losses, Belle Vernon opened up section play with wins over Ringgold and Yough.
South Park split its first two games before section triumphs over Laurel Highlands and Mt. Pleasant.
While those two square off, Elizabeth Forward will be hosting winless Mt. Pleasant (0-6).
In the most recent Trib HSSN girls basketball rankings, South Park entered the Top 5 at No. 3 while Elizabeth Forward was bumped from the rankings.
Away before the holidays
While everybody hopes to be home for the holidays, three WPIAL boys basketball teams are getting away before the holidays.
Defending WPIAL 6A champion Upper St. Clair (6-1) is in the Tar Heel state taking part in the Gil Raynolds Classic in Burlington, N.C.
The Panthers open up tournament play Thursday morning against Prince George’s Christian from Maryland.
Two district teams are participating in the KSA Pre-Holiday Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida.
Uniontown (5-1) opens up against Milken Community School in California and McGuffey (5-0) takes on Munday from Texas.
Both Florida games tip off at 10 a.m.

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