Don’t Miss the Thrilling WPIAL Sports Action on January 17, 2025: Key Showdowns for First Place!

By: Don Rebel
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 11:18 PM

It’s halfway through the regular season for district boys basketball, and the second half of section play is underway on this frosty Friday.

In Section 1-6A, New Castle (12-1), Fox Chapel (11-3), and Seneca Valley (9-6) are tied for first place, each with a section record of 5-1. Today, Fox Chapel faces off against Seneca Valley, a rematch of their earlier game where Fox Chapel won comfortably, 52-41.

Meanwhile, New Castle will play against North Hills, whose record stands at 3-4 in the section.

Turning to Section 2-6A, a big matchup is set as top-ranked Upper St. Clair (14-1) travels to Central Catholic (9-4). The Panthers are on a nine-game winning streak and looking to extend it after their only loss to Montour last month. Central Catholic is also on a roll, winning four out of their last five games.

Section 1-6A isn’t the only section with a three-way tie. Section 3-5A sees Baldwin, Peters Township, and South Fayette also at 5-1. Baldwin has no game this week, while Peters Township hosts Thomas Jefferson and South Fayette welcomes Ringgold.

In Section 1-4A, Deer Lakes, Knoch, and North Catholic share the lead at 5-1, with games scheduled for Deer Lakes and Knoch, while North Catholic has a bye week.

Similarly, in Section 3-4A, three teams, Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward, and Derry, have one loss each, with Derry set to face East Allegheny.

Now, looking at the Class 2A sections, Chartiers-Houston (12-2) holds a slim lead in Section 3-2A. They recently beat Fort Cherry (7-6) in their last matchup. Today, they’re set to take on the Rangers, who are 5-2 in section play and seeking revenge.

Finally, in Section 4-2A, Neshannock (12-1) and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (10-4) are both strong. Neshannock leads the section at 7-0, riding a five-game win streak. OLSH, with a 5-1 record, will look to challenge Neshannock after a narrow loss to them in December.