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Williamsport basketball teams headed to districts this week

The District 2-4 Class AAAA girls basketball playoffs begin tonight with fourth-seeded Williamsport (10-10) taking on fifth-seeded Scranton (4-16) at Berwick at 7.

The Lady Millionaires improved their record by five wins this season and are looking to get to the district final for the first time since 2011. Williamsport is big inside with forwards Jaynell Robinson (12.7 ppg) and Jahnae Hall-Gaddy (10.3) and will look to dominate the paint with its size. Guard Amy Southard (10.5 ppg) has been a nice compliment to Robinson and Hall-Gaddy. Scranton is led by Katie Hart (8.9 ppg), but has struggled as of late losing its final two regular season games by double-digits.

Tonight’s winner will play first seeded Wallenpaupack (19-3) Friday. Wallenpaupack has won eight straight and has one of the better scorers in Bridgette Mann (15.9 ppg).

The other play-in game is third seeded Wyoming Valley West (13-7) playing sixth seeded Delaware Valley (4-17) at Pittston. Delaware Valley has lost its last seven and Wyoming Valley West has lost five straight.

Valley West is led by Megan Kane (10.7 ppg) and Cheyenne Reese (8.7 ppg). The winner will play second seeded Hazleton Area (17-5) Friday. Hazleton could have the best duo in districts in Alyssa Sitch (17.3 ppg) and Mackenzie Yori (11.9 ppg).

The championship game will be played Feb. 25 at a time and place to be announced.

The boys side gets under way Thursday night when fourth seeded Delaware Valley (9-11) takes on fifth seeded Wallenpaupack (9-13) at North Pocono at 6. The other play-in game features third-seeded Scranton (8-12) and sixth seeded Wyoming Valley West (6-16), which will be played at Dunmore at 6. The winner of Wallenpaupack/Delaware Valley will play first seeded Hazleton (19-4) on Saturday and the winner of Scranton/Valley West wil play second seeded Williamsport (11-11), also Saturday.

Wallenpaupack and Delaware Valley played twice in the regular season, with each team winning on its own court. Delaware Valley comes in with winning two of its last three and is led by Shane Fowler (14.7 ppg) and three-point threat Joe Raniero (13.5 ppg). Wallenpaupack is led by Rashawn Battle (11.2 ppg).

Scranton and Valley West played once in the regular season and Scranton prevailed, 60-52. Scranton is led by Sean Padden (13.1 ppg) and Sadeed Johnson (11.9 ppg) while Wyoming Valley has three players average in double-figures and is led by Jamie Galloway (18.7 ppg).

Hazleton is the favorite heading into Districts and is led by all-state player Sal Biasi (26.1 ppg) and is looking to lead Hazleton to its first district title since 2009.

Williamsport is again in the mix for the district title as it has won the last two district championships. Williamsport has lost a lot of talent from last years district title team but still has Penn State-bound and all-state guard Isaiah Washington. Washington averages 22 points a game despite being opposing teams primary focus every game. If Williamsport can get contributions from Maleak Benjamin (10.4 ppg), Nyric Gosley and Tyler Gardner, Williamsport could again be in the mix for a third straight title.

The championship game will be played Feb. 26 at a time and place to be announced.

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