District 11 boys semifinal forecast: Thank God no snow's in it

We may not agree on much around here, but I bet we can all agree on this -- we've had enough snow this winter.

I know the skiing resorts love it, and some people who don't have to worry about getting around don't really mind it. They probably think it looks pretty outside their window.

But if your life is affected in any way by postponements that change your work schedule -- and mine certainly is -- then you don't want any more bad weather messing things up as was the case last week.

So, with weather not a worry (at least it doesn't appear to be) we'll take a quick look at the eight matchups about to unfold tonight (Tuesday) and Wednesday night as the season culminates with its best games.

Tonight's games

Class 3A

CCHS 59, Saucon Valley 51 -- This is a much closer game than I would have predicted a week ago. Saucon has impressed with their wins over Southern Lehigh and Northern Lehigh, but the Vikings have too many big bodies and inside firepower to throw at the Panthers. As long as CCHS doesn't go stone cold at the line and gets sloppy with the ball, they will have enough to get to the finals. As noted in my story today, if CCHS is in the tourney, they generally make it to the finals. They have qualified for the tournament 22 times over the past 25 years and played in 19 championship games -- earning 13 titles.

Pottsville 48, Jim Thorpe 40 -- The Crimson Tide's lopsided loss to Emmaus late in the regular season still has me questioning how good they are. Those Schuylkill teams -- as I've said many times before -- play scrappy, defensive-oriented basketball. If Pottsville wins, look for Friday's game to be played somewhere in Schuylkill County on Friday night. As the No. 1 seed, the Tide will be livid if they have to come down to the Lehigh Valley to play either CCHS or Saucon. Last year, Pottsville and Southern Lehigh played the 3A final at Northampton, but Pottsville was No. 9 seed and Solehi was No. 3.

Class A

Marian Catholic 53, Notre Dame-ES 50 -- A real good game shaping up at Northern Lehigh. Have great respect for Coach Mullen at ND-ES. Just give a slight edge to the Colts based on the caliber of competition they have faced.

Williams Valley 62, Pius X 57 -- Another good one. Sean O'Neill is the X-factor here. If he plays, the Royals likely win. If he doesn't, they're in a dog fight and the Schuylkill League team and two-time defending champs probably have the edge. O'Neill is the Royals' leading scorer who has missed the last four games as part of a disciplinary action.

Wednesday's Games

Class 2A

Notre Dame-Green Pond 66, PIne Grove 50 -- I write a lot of stuff, so I don't remember where I wrote this -- but I believe these Crusaders are too good not to come away with at least one title this year. ND probably still stewing after that league title game loss to Northern Lehigh and are ready to unleash on somebody.

Catasauqua 58, Tri-Valley 50 -- Not one of the best Tri-Valley teams. The Bulldogs lost to Moravian Academy in the regular season. Again, caliber of competition the teams have played will be a factor as will Josh Case.

Class 4A

Pocono Mountain East 68, Whitehall 60 -- Zephyrs impressed me with the win over West, but this Pocono team is a little more polished and has been pointing to districts all year. They want redemption for last year's loss to Parkland in the D-11 final. They're not only playing for themselves but for the entire MVC. As quick as Whitehall is, I don't think they can run with East. Zephs must try to slow tempo and get big games inside from Beldo, Bet and Astacio. Rivera must be able to handle East pressure. Should be a good one to watch, but Cards have just a little more firepower.

Liberty 59, Nazareth 55 -- Anyone who watched the Blue Eagles dominate and dismantle Liberty in the LVC semis two weeks ago probably thinks I am nuts. But the return of Anthony Gonzalez changes everything. The kid is a winner. He's smart, savvy and of course, one of the best athletes we've ever had around here. He gives Liberty the offensive option they lacked against Nazareth's 1-3-1 last time. The Blue Eagles have been playing remarkably well, but it's very, very difficult to beat the same team three times in a season. The emotional and physical edge favors Liberty. Just like Notre Dame, this team is too good not to get something out of this season.

Remember, the season is not over for the 4A losers. There is a consolation game on Saturday since D11 gets three teams in the 4A classification.

From Keith Groller