MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Lewisburg's Cortland Michaels (0) shoots around Bishop McDevitt's Ridi Mabiala (31) in the second quarter of the PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinal game at Pottsville's Martz Hall Friday.

Devon Prep (8-18) vs. Lewisburg (24-4) at Hazleton, 7:30 p.m.

Devon Prep road to Final 4: In District 12, lost to Murrell Dobbins Tech, 65-53; In States, beat Allentown Central Catholic, 68-47; Valley View, 61-41, and Scranton Prep, 62-55

Devon Prep notes: Do not let the record fool you, Devon Prep is the defending state champion and captured 3A state titles in 2022 and 2024 before moving up to 4A. The Tide graduated all five starters from last year and had some growing pains while playing in the loaded Philadelphia Catholic League, but used those experiences to start peaking at the perfect time. Highlighting the team’s development, Devon Prep avenged an early-season 15-point loss against Scranton Prep in Friday’s quarterfinals. Jaden Craft scored 25 points against Scranton Prep, draining four 3-pointers in the first four minutes of the third quarter to help Devon Prep build a double-digit lead. The Tide finished with eight 3-pointers. John Doogan scored 17 points and was the team’s leading scorer in the first two state tournament games. Braeden Fisher added 10 points and Dillon Johnson six against Scranton Prep. The Tide is a balanced team with six players averaging 5.3 points per game or more. Craft is at 9.8, Doogan 8.0, Cooper Fairlamb 7.9, Owen Raymond 6.6 and Fisher 5.7.

Lewisburg road to Final 4: In District 4, beat Mount Carmel, 58-42, and Montoursville, 56-53; In States, beat Big Spring, 70-54; Pope John Paul II, 64-59, and Bishop McDevitt, 60-58

Lewisburg notes: Lewisburg has made history its last two games, reaching the Elite 8 and the Final 4 for the first time. Nazir Meredith scored a go-ahead basket late against Bishop McDevitt Friday and the Green Dragons won their 19th straight game. They have captured HAC-II, Heartland Conference and district championships and their 24 wins are a program high this decade. Lewisburg made an eight-win improvement last season and a 10-win climb this year. All five starters average more than nine points per game. LJ Tucker has surged during states and scored 23 points against Bishop McDevitt as Lewisburg built an 18-point third quarter lead. Meredith had 13 points and Rebira Jemana. Tucker, Cooper Mowry and point guard Cortland Michaels form a strong backcourt, while Meredith and Jemana have had terrific seasons in the post. Tucker, Mowry and Meredith were first team HAC-II all-star selections and Jemana and Michaels second teamers. Jemana was named Defensive Player of the Year for a second straight season. He scored 19 points in the second round win against Pope John II as Lewisburg overcame a 10-point second quarter deficit. Lewisburg has avenged two of its four losses during its 19-game winning streak, downing 3A quarterfinalist Warrior Run and Southern Columbia at the HAC Tournament.

Winner plays: Either Carver Engineering and Sciences or Obama Academy

By CHRIS MASSE