WPIAL boys, girls basketball teams clinch PIAA playoff berths

By: Don Rebel
Friday, March 1, 2019 | 11:47 PM

825731_web1_ptr-cv-nc08-030219 — Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

North Catholic’s Dani Short scores over Central Valley’ Kaelyn Underwood during the 4A girls WPIAL Championship at Petersen Events Center.

While district basketball gold is being determined this weekend at Pitt, the Road to Hershey is scheduled to tip off next weekend.

The WPIAL will send a handful of teams from each class into the PIAA postseason field, ranging from five to seven teams.

While all four semifinalists have clinched state playoff berths, some teams that fell in the quarterfinals have clinched or will learn their fate this weekend.

Once again this season, the district is using the follow-the-winner format to determine some of the representatives.

Classes with five qualifiers, the four semifinalists and the team that loses to the champion in the quarterfinals qualify.

Classes with six qualifiers, the four semifinalists and the two teams that lost to the finalists in the quarterfinals qualify.

Classes with seven qualifiers, the four semifinalists, the two teams that lost to the finalists in the quarterfinals and the team that lost to the team in the quarterfinals that lost to the team in the semifinals of the eventual champion.

Here is the list of teams that have qualified for the PIAA basketball playoffs through Friday, with updates on Class 5A and 2A boys and Class 4A and A girls.

The number next to the class is the number of WPIAL teams that will participate in the PIAA playoffs.

The number in front of the team is the seed that team will be from the WPIAL.

Boys Class 6A (5)

If Butler wins, Upper St. Clair is in; If Mt. Lebanon wins, Fox Chapel is in.

Boys Class 5A (6)

1. Mars

2. Moon

3. Chartiers Valley