Before we get to the predictions, follow @PGVarsity Xtra on Twitter tonight for score updates and notes about the WPIAL semifinals. If you have a score or note, tweet it to with #wpial
As for the semifinals tonight and tomorrow, four teams in the boys semifinals have not been in the final four in at least 10 years. They are Kiski Area (last time was 2002), Uniontown (2002), Central Valley (this is only the fourth year of existence for the school) and Seton-LaSalle (last time was 2000). On the other side, shoutout to Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic coach Dave Long, who has his team in the semifinals for the sixth year in a row.
Now, for predictions.
BOYS
In the WPIAL quarterfinal round and with the City League boys championship, record was 15-2. Postseason record is now 50-14 (.781 percentage)
CLASS AAAA
North Allegheny vs. Hampton - Like last year, these two are meeting in the semifinals. Like last year, it is at Chartiers Valley. Like last year, they split two regular-season games. And like last year, Hampton wins. I really hate to go against North Allegheny because the Tigers are really playing well. There is a part of me that thinks North Allegheny wins this game, but ... Winner: Hampton
New Castle vs. Kiski Area - Seedings and matchups are extremely important in this tournament. Just ask Kiski Area. Sure, the Cavaliers were seeded 13th, but they didn't have to play any of the Section 3 teams in the first two rounds. But now they do. And from the did-you-know department: Saturday's victory against Bethel Park gave New Castle coach Ralph Blundo (pictured during last year's WPIAL championship) his 100th victory in only four seasons. He is 100-10 with a 12-1 WPIAL playoff record. Winner: New Castle.
CLASS AAA
Chartiers Valley vs. Uniontown - I know Chartiers Valley coach Tim McConnell is worried about this game. He should be. Uniontown is good. But good enough to knock off Char Valley? This isn't one of McConnell's best teams, but it still could end up with a championship. Matty McConnell and Jerrad Tuite need to continue their stellar play for CV. Winner: Chartiers Valley
Thomas Jefferson vs. Central Valley - I waffle back and forth from day to day on this one. Yesterday, I said TJ on Varsity Xtra video. But I picked Central Valley at the start of the playoffs. Winner: Central Valley
CLASS AA
Beaver Falls vs. Seton-LaSalle - Seton-LaSalle is the No. 1 seed. I took Beaver Falls on Varsity Xtra video, but is there any way to edit that? I guess not. Winner: Beaver Falls.
Greensburg Central Catholic vs. Aliquippa - As long as Greensburg Central Catholic keeps Aliquippa away from any "runs," GCC moves on. Winner: Greensburg Central Catholic.
CLASS A
Lincoln Park vs. Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic - North Catholic seems to be playing well, but not well enough to win this one. Winner: Lincoln Park
Vincentian vs. Monessen - A Monessen win should not be considered an upset. The Greyhounds are that good. But Vincentian should come through in the fourth quarter. Winner: Vincentian
GIRLS
CLASS AAAA
Fox Chapel vs. Penn-Trafford - Fox Chapel has 6-foot-3 Duke recruit Erin Mathias. But it's not how Mathias plays that will be the key to this game. It's how her teammates play. Penn-Trafford has never been to the semifinals. Does their dream season continue? Winner: Penn-Trafford
North Allegheny vs. Hempfield - North Allegheny is the No. 1 seed and Hempfield hasn't been to the semifinals since 2001. North Allegheny's defense will be key. NA coach Sherri McConnell will get the chance to coach at Duquesne's Palumbo Center, the same place she played college basketball. Winner: North Allegheny.
CLASS AAA
South Park vs. Elizabeth Foward - South Park's Allison McGrath has been superb in the playoffs, averaging 29 points a game. The rest of her team is pretty good, too. Winner: South Park.
Blackhawk vs. West Mifflin - Scott Stephenson is West Mifflin's athletic director. But he also is the Titans' girls coach and has done a tremendous job in getting the unheralded Titans to the semifinals. But Blackhawk is awfully good. Winner: Blackhawk.
CLASS AA
Seton-LaSalle vs. Bishop Canevin - Seton-LaSalle has already defeated Bishop Canevin twice. What's that old adage that it's tough to beat a team three times? I never believed it. Winner: Seton-LaSalle.
Burrell vs. Greensburg Central Catholic - Ready for some history? Burrell's girls have never played in a WPIAL championship game. Winner: Burrell.
CLASS A
Vincentian vs. Quigley - If I'm playing pickup at the playground, I want Vincentian's Brenna Wise (pictured) on my team. Quigley will have trouble with her. Now, will it be two years in a row with the Vincentian boys and girls in the WPIAL championships? John Fedko (Vincentian Prez) should be smiling. Winner: Vincentian.
Serra vs. California - California has never been to the WPIAL semifinals. Kudos to the Trojans for an unforgettable season. But it's time to think about the PIAA playoffs. Winner: Serra.
PIAA PLAYOFFS
Just a reminder that all teams that make it to the WPIAL semifinals automatically qualify for the PIAA playoffs. Some quarterfinal teams also qualify.
Here are the number of teams that qualify for the PIAA playoffs in each class.
B0YS - Class AAAA 5, Class AAA 6, Class AA 7, Class A 4
GIRLS - Class AAAA 5, Class AAA 6, Class AA 7, Class A 5