Class 6A

#4 Norwin Knights (15-6) vs. #5 Bethel Park Black Hawks (11-9) Wednesday, February 23rd at Norwin at 7 p.m.

About the Matchup: Norwin scored one of the most impressive wins of the season by knocking off previously-undefeated North Allegheny by 25 points last month, but the Knights dropped their section finale at Penn-Trafford, foiling their chance for a tie atop the section. Senior Bri Zajicek and sophomore Lauren Palangio are among the key contributors for Norwin’s longtime head coach Brian Brozeski.

Up Next: The winner advances to the semifinals to play either top-seeded Mount Lebanon, No. 8 Peters Township, or No. 9 Butler Area on Saturday, Feb 26.

Coach Interview: Brian Brozeski

#6 Penn-Trafford Warriors (12-9) at #3 Upper St. Clair Panthers (18-4) Wednesday, February 23rd at Upper St. Clair at 7 p.m.

About the Matchup: Penn-Trafford edged Norwin 37-36 to cap off the section slate, as the Warriors won their final five games in the section. PT has been streaky, enduring losing skids of four games and three games, and boasting winning streaks of six and five. Senior Maura Suman impacts the game in a variety of ways, while sophomore Olivia Pepple has played beyond her years. John Giannikas is at the helm for Penn-Trafford.

Up Next: The victorious team moves on to the semifinals, and will face either No. 2 North Allegheny or No. 7 Seneca Valley on Saturday, Feb. 26.

Coach Interview: John Giannikas

Class 5A

#7 Greater Latrobe Wildcats (16-3) vs. #10 Mars Area Fightin’ Planets (17-5) Tuesday, February 22nd at Greater Latrobe at 7 p.m.

About the Matchup: Greater Latrobe ended the regular season with four straight wins, and the Wildcats shared the section title with McKeesport Area. The Wildcats also had a nine-game surge earlier in the campaign. Anna Rafferty and Emma Blair provide an interior presence that few teams can match, while sophomore guard Elle Snyder is an emerging player. Mark Burkardt serves as the Wildcats’ head coach.

Up Next: The winner moves on to the quarterfinals to face either No. 2 South Fayette or No. 15 Greensburg Salem on Friday, Feb. 25.

Coach Interview: Mark Burkhardt

#15 Greensburg Salem Golden Lions (15-7) at #2 South Fayette Lions (18-4) Tuesday, February 22nd at South Fayette at 7 p.m.

About the Matchup: Greensburg Salem finished the section ledger on a three-game skid, falling to each of the three teams that finished ahead of them in the standings. The Golden Lions were dealt a setback when sophomore Kait Mankins suffered a season-ending injury, but older sister Abby Mankins, a 1,000-point scorer, has contributed in all phases of the game. Rick Klimchock guides the Golden Lions.

Up Next: The winning squad moves on to the quarterfinals to face either seventh-seeded Greater Latrobe or No. 10 Mars Area on Friday, Feb. 25.

Coach Interview: Rick Klimchock

Class 4A

#2 Southmoreland (17-3) receives a BYE and will play the winner of #7 Highlands vs #10 West Mifflin Friday, February 25th at Southmoreland at 7 p.m.

About the Matchup: Southmoreland overcame an early hiccup against Belle Vernon Area to claim the section title. Seniors Gracie Spadaro and Delaynie Morvosh and junior Olivia Cernuto are focal points for the Scotties. Amber Cernuto is in her second season as the head coach. Southmoreland notched a pair of wins against section opponent West Mifflin during the regular season.

Up Next: The winner moves on to semifinals and will play No. 3 Knoch, No. 6 Montour, or No. 11 Deer Lakes on Tuesday, March 1.

Coach Interview: Amber Cernuto

#9 Belle Vernon Area Leopards (15-7) at Quaker Valley Quakers (11-10) Tuesday, February 22nd at Quaker Valley at 7 p.m.

About the Matchup: Belle Vernon Area dropped its final three games, including two in the section. Earlier this season, the Leopards notched an impressive win against Southmoreland. Viva Kreis, Tessa Rodriguez, and Jenna Dawson are top performers for BVA second-year head coach Kaitlyn Slagus.

Up Next: The victorious team advances to the quarterfinals to play top-seeded Blackhawks on Friday, Feb. 25.

Class 2A

#4 Greensburg Central Catholic Centurions (17-4) vs. #13 Chartiers-Houston Buccaneers (11-10) Monday, February 21st at Greensburg Central Catholic at 7 p.m.

About the Matchup: Greensburg Central Catholic went unblemished through its section slate, and wrapped up the regular season with four straight victories. Bailey Kuhns is the primary scoring option for the Centurions, who are under the guidance of first-year head coach Chris Skatell.

Up Next: The winner moves on to the quarterfinals to play either fifth-seeded Seton-LaSalle or No. 12 Sto-Rox on Thursday, Feb. 24.

Class 1A

#5 Monessen Greyhounds (16-5) vs #12 Riverview Raiders (5-13) Monday, February 21st at Monessen at 7 p.m.

Up Next: The winner advances to the quarterfinals to battle No. 4 Aquinas Academy on Thursday, Feb. 24.