Ambridge, Quaker Valley girls to play for playoff berth Thursday night

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | 10:45 PM

Win and you’re in.

It might be stressful for players and coaches, but it’s an early playoff gift for girls basketball fans.

That will be the case Thursday in Section 2-4A when Ambridge hosts Quaker Valley.

Both teams are tied for fourth place with 4-7 records, trailing co-leaders Blackhawk and Central Valley, along with third place Keystone Oaks.

The Bridgers won the earlier meeting Jan. 14, 49-46.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. and can be heard on the TribLive High School Sports Network.

Slipping away?

Mohawk has been in the top four of the Section 1-3A standings all season with Neshannock, Avonworth and Beaver.

However, that could change as the regular season winds down this week.

While the Warriors are 6-6 and two games ahead in the loss column on Ellwood City (5-8) and Beaver Falls (5-8), a spot in the postseason is not a given.

Mohawk hosts Neshannock on Thursday, then hosts Beaver Saturday afternoon, needing only one win to clinch a playoff spot.

If they lose both, that opens the door for Ellwood City and Beaver Falls.

The Wolverines visit Riverside on Thursday while the Tigers host Beaver.

If Mohawk loses both games and both Ellwood City and Beaver Falls win, Ellwood City would win the head-to-head tiebreaker after splitting with Mohawk and sweeping Beaver Falls. The Wolverines would clinch and the Warriors and Tigers would be out.

Hershey mats

Five WPIAL wrestling teams are in Hershey as the first round of the 2019 PIAA playoffs continue at the Giant Center on Thursday.

Once teams lose a match, they are bumped into the consolation bracket. When they lose a second dual, it’s time to pack the bags and head back to Southwestern Pa.

In Class AAA, WPIAL champion Kiski Area will face the third-place team from District 1, Owen J Roberts, while Canon-McMillan battles District 3 champion Cedar Cliff. Both matches slated for 8 p.m.

Also in Class AAA at 6 p.m., WPIAL runner-up Seneca Valley faces District 6 champion Mifflin County.

In Class AA, WPIAL champion Burrell takes on District 3 runner-up Newport at 4 p.m,, while District 7 runner-up Freedom squares off with District 5 champion Chestnut Ridge at 2 p.m.

Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TheDonRebel.

Tags: Ambridge, Canon-McMillan, Freedom, Kiski School, Mohawk, Neshannock, Quaker Valley, Seneca Valley