Congratulating the Groller-Zambelli Challenge winners and offering Weds. night predictions

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

First, a look back at the final weekly winner and overall winner of the Groller-Zambelli Basketball Challenge.

The last weekly winner was Robert Dotterer of Catasauqua, who was 9-for-10.

And the overall winner was Stephen Herschman of Northampton, who got 34 out of 47 predictions correctly. Herschman will receive 10 tickets to an IronPigs in the Morning Call suite at Coca-Cola Park.

Unfortunately, some of the games on the contest this year had to be taken off because they couldn't be played in a timely fashion because of the bad weather.

Other weekly winners this season were John Vangeli, Jason Bogden, Marc Corsi and John Hrebik.

Thanks to all for playing and hopefully, the contest will return for next football season.

Now on to Wednesday night's predictions:

4A BOYS

Liberty 61, Whitehall 58 -- These two teams have been difficult to figure all season. Neither team has had anything longer than a three-game win streak. And yet, I still think that whoever wins this game has a chance to get on a roll. I can't get Whitehall's dismal effort against Parkland in the regular season finale out of my head. I also think that not having KJ Williams might actually galvanize the Hurricanes and make them a better team. Also, Liberty having to scrap and claw just to get into the tournament might provide some momentum. But with these two, who really knows?

Allen 64, Easton 59 -- Another pair of unpredictable teams. Some of my toughest interviews of this season have been with Canaries coach Doug Snyder after absolutely agonizing losses. There have been some great wins as well. The Red Rovers beat Allen 59-52 on Jan. 14, but that was one night after the Canaries had a three-OT win over Pocono Mountain West and might have experienced a letdown. It all comes down to Allen's outside shooting. If the Canaries are on, they might win in a blowout. If not, Easton could roll. I just have a feeling Allen has at least one more big performance left.

3A BOYS

Tamaqua 63, Lehighton 57-- With Brett Kosciolek back in the lineup, the Raiders have multiple offensive weapons and defense is not the strongsuit of the Indians. This matchup will become one of the feature attractions of Lehighton's Schuylkill League schedule next year. I am sure they won't miss those dates with Pocono Mountain West. Expect a great crowd at Lehighton. Winner gets Pottsville on Friday night.