Bubble watch: Boys’ basketball teams fighting for final District 1 playoff spots

The PIAA District 1 high school basketball schedule ends Feb. 10, with the committee meeting on Feb. 11 to finalize the boys’ and girls’ brackets, which are decided by the district power rankings.

There are 24 spots in the Class 6A field and 12 in the Class 5A bracket. While there isn’t a school that has officially locked a spot, the final games of the regular season will certainly hold more value to some teams compared to others in ensuring that their seasons continue.

Here’s a breakdown of which boys’ basketball teams are holding onto the final spots and others that are trying to make the cut.

A handful of teams could be in the mix for the final few spots in the tournament. No. 20 William Tennent (12-6) and No. 21 Avon Grove (10-8) look like they have enough separation to solidify themselves in the field. If No. 22 Springfield-Delco (9-9) can get by Strath Haven on Tuesday, the Cougars should join them even with tough Central League games against Penncrest (Thursday) and Radnor (Feb. 6). The margin for error starts to narrow with No. 23 Pennsbury (9-10) as the Falcons close their season against Council Rock South (Friday) and Council Rock North (Feb. 6).

At No. 24, Norristown (9-10) is firmly on the bubble. The Eagles finish with division games against Boyertown (Tuesday) and Owen J. Roberts (Thursday), both of which Norristown has beaten this season, before concluding with a crossover contest against a dangerous Pottstown team.

Nipping at Norristown’s heels is No. 25 Souderton (9-9). Souderton still has four games left against North Penn (Tuesday), Central Bucks East (Friday), C.B. West (Feb. 6), and Council Rock North (Feb. 8). Souderton’s game Tuesday could be a factor in the postseason race as No. 26 North Penn (8-9) is right behind. The Knights, who are coming off a state playoff appearance last season, follow with games against Bensalem (Thursday), C.B. South (Friday), C.B. East (Feb. 6), and Faith Christian (Feb. 8).

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No. 9 Sun Valley (11-7) and No. 10 Holy Ghost Prep (9-9) are neck-and-neck. The Vanguards finish their season against Freire Charter (Tuesday), Delco Christian (Wednesday), SLA-Beeber (Saturday), and No. 1 Unionville (Feb. 5), while the Firebirds close against Radnor (Tuesday), Pope John Paul II (Saturday), Upper Merion (Feb. 5) and Interboro (Feb. 7). So there’s still some work to do.

No. 11 Pottsgrove (11-9) has two games left for its playoff push. The Falcons haven’t been to the tournament since a semifinal run in 2019, but they have two tough division games in Upper Merion (Tuesday) and Phoenixville (Thursday).

A four-point loss to Springfield-Delco spoiled a good week for No. 12 Marple Newtown (9-9) after capturing wins over Conestoga and Strath Haven. The Tigers have to navigate a stretch that includes Radnor (Tuesday), Harriton (Friday), Ridley (Sunday), and Penncrest (Feb. 6) as they try to hold onto their district playoff spot while also fighting for Central League postseason position as well. The Tigers are fourth in the league.

No. 13 Chichester (9-9) is right behind Marple with four games left as well. The Eagles finish off the Del-Val League schedule against Penn Wood (Tuesday), Academy Park (Thursday), Chester (Feb. 6), and Oxford (Feb. 10). The Oxford game on the last day of the regular season could be one to monitor.

No. 14 West Chester East (9-9) still has a good chance to clinch a spot with games against Bishop Shanahan (Tuesday), Downingtown West (Thursday), Avon Grove (Saturday), and Chester Charter (Feb. 5) left on the schedule.

This story was produced as part of a partnership between The Inquirer and City of Basketball Love, a nonprofit news organization that covers high school and college basketball in the Philadelphia area while also helping mentor the next generation of sportswriters. This collaboration will help boost coverage of the city’s vibrant amateur basketball scene, from the high school ranks up through the Big 5 and beyond.