PSAC EAST

[Chuck Norris]

They've always done that. Highest seed from one division plays lowest from other division regardless of what initial bracket shows. This is one of the first times I remember both top seeds being knocked put from one division which is why it doesn't happen much. But always been their policy.

No it definitely hasn’t always been the policy. IUP has faced the host team in the semis as the West top seed multiple times. I believe the last time was when Mercyhurst put together a run to grab the region’s #8 seed. That final four was held at West Chester, whom IUP faced in the semifinals. That’s been seven or eight years I think, so they may have changed it longer ago than I realized.

[bballfan03]

No it definitely hasn’t always been the policy. IUP has faced the host team in the semis as the West top seed multiple times. I believe the last time was when Mercyhurst put together a run to grab the region’s #8 seed. That final four was held at West Chester, whom IUP faced in the semifinals. That’s been seven or eight years I think, so they may have changed it longer ago than I realized.

I did some research. PSAC established it post-2016 because IUP AD filed complaint with PSAC because they faced WCU, #2 seed and host team in semis, and lost. Hurst played #4 East seed Ship who upset East #1 Kutz. Effective 2016-2017. PSAC adopted reseeding and not just doing straight bracket.

I knew I'd seen the note about reseeding which seemed like it was always there, but only starting 16-17.

[bballfan03]

No it definitely hasn’t always been the policy. IUP has faced the host team in the semis as the West top seed multiple times. I believe the last time was when Mercyhurst put together a run to grab the region’s #8 seed. That final four was held at West Chester, whom IUP faced in the semifinals. That’s been seven or eight years I think, so they may have changed it longer ago than I realized.

This year was the first time it was needed.

[Scrub]

West Liberty is definite favorite. I fear Gannon won't make it past Strouds.

Unfortunately, similarly to Gannon getting a tough draw in the first round, so too did WLU. Bluefield (coached by former Hilltopper Devin Hoehn who runs a version of "The System") won't be fazed in the least by what WLU does. In fact, they came into the ASRC earlier this year and only lost by 2 points. Both top seeds this year have tough draws. Both "System" teams drew opponents who won't mind the pace one iota. The days of a CIAA patsy (who maybe got in just by winning the conference tourney) being the #8 seed and giving the #1 an easy waltz to round 2 are gone (at least for this year).

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Unfortunately, similarly to Gannon getting a tough draw in the first round, so too did WLU. Bluefield (coached by former Hilltopper Devin Hoehn who runs a version of "The System") won't be fazed in the least by what WLU does. In fact, they came into the ASRC earlier this year and only lost by 2 points. Both top seeds this year have tough draws. Both "System" teams drew opponents who won't mind the pace one iota. The days of a CIAA patsy (who maybe got in just by winning the conference tourney) being the #8 seed and giving the #1 an easy waltz to round 2 are gone (at least for this year).

Bluefield is a total unicorn in the CIAA. That league still plays the rough and physical style similar to the 1990s PSAC. If you get sucked in to a slow game, their top teams are tough.

I don't remember the story ... why didn't the MEC grab Bluefield? I'm also still shocked WV State hasn't bolted yet for the CIAA.

Hoehn has done a fantastic job there. Talk about tough places to recruit. I'd imagine his phone will be ringing here pretty soon. This will definitely get his stock rising. I'd guess some D2's will come calling (ones that can double his salary). I suspect he'll get an MEC or PSAC job here shortly.

[Chuck Norris]

This year was the first time it was needed.

Makes sense. The only times I could recall off hand were when the East top seed got knocked off and IUP was directly affected since they’ve won the West pretty often. I can’t recall the West top seed ever not making it to final four weekend, though it may have happened at some point.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Makes sense. The only times I could recall off hand were when the East top seed got knocked off and IUP was directly affected since they’ve won the West pretty often. I can’t recall the West top seed ever not making it to final four weekend, though it may have happened at some point.

Clarion upset IUP in the PSAC quarters one year. It was a Wednesday night in the Field House. Without looking it up ... it was back around 2000 or 2001. If I recall correctly, IUP recovered and then won the Region the next weekend.

[jrshooter]

It appears Ship is going to replace a Hill with a Rill. Which should thrill.

Donovan Hill is no longer on the Ship roster. But they signed 6-8 Ben Rill from Central York today; he's a quality big for D-II.

[Ship69]

It appears Ship is going to replace a Hill with a Rill. Which should thrill.

Donovan Hill is no longer on the Ship roster. But they signed 6-8 Ben Rill from Central York today; he's a quality big for D-II.

They definitely need to go out and get some height this offseason. The physical mismatch with teams such as Shepherd by season's end was almost ridiculous.

[Ship69]

It appears Ship is going to replace a Hill with a Rill. Which should thrill.

Donovan Hill is no longer on the Ship roster. But they signed 6-8 Ben Rill from Central York today; he's a quality big for D-II.

Well, I see a loaded Roman Catholic team beat Rill's defending champ Central team by 50 points at Reading last night. When are we going to get separate public and private tournaments in this state? This stuff is getting ridiculous.

[jrshooter]

That's an argument I won't leap into. It just leads to bitter feelnigs. All I know is that Roman played one of the most flawless games I've ever seen from a high school team on Tuesday night.

On another note, Ship signed a second Smith from Carlisle today -- Parker, who averaged 24.6 a game in the rough-and-tumble Mid-Penn Commonwealth. I thought he might go this route. Between Ben Rill and Parker Smith, Chris Fite has already landed a recruiting bonanza for 2025-26.

[gman16506]

It appears Ship is going to replace a Hill with a Rill. Which should thrill.

Donovan Hill is no longer on the Ship roster. But they signed 6-8 Ben Rill from Central York today; he's a quality big for D-II.

Just wondering if you know anything about a Gannon signee from the East named Carter Wamsley?

[jrshooter]

Just wondering if you know anything about a Gannon signee from the East named Carter Wamsley?

6-6 kid who I believe is going to be best utilized within sniffing distance of the lane. I saw him 2-3 times with Eastern York. I don't think he's a game-changer for you guys.

[gman16506]

6-6 kid who I believe is going to be best utilized within sniffing distance of the lane. I saw him 2-3 times with Eastern York. I don't think he's a game-changer for you guys.

Thank you and appreciate your observations!

[WarriorVoice]

No it definitely hasn’t always been the policy. IUP has faced the host team in the semis as the West top seed multiple times. I believe the last time was when Mercyhurst put together a run to grab the region’s #8 seed. That final four was held at West Chester, whom IUP faced in the semifinals. That’s been seven or eight years I think, so they may have changed it longer ago than I realized.

It's all archived. You can literally look it up...