Aces Beat 29-0 Team, Return to State Final

Lower Merion High School's boys' basketball team beat unbeaten New Castle in the state semifinals Tuesday night to gain a second straight berth in the title game, according to reports from the PIAA and AcesHoops.com.

In Williamsport, the Aces (27-3) prevailed, 67-63, over the undefeated Red Hurricanes, a team from near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border.

Meanwhile, in the other semifinal Tuesday night, the Chester High School Clippers (28-3) beat St. Joseph's Prep, 62-53, in Coatesville.

So for the second year in a row, the top-division boys' basketball championship for the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be contested between schools that are roughly 15 miles apart. Tip-off is 8 p.m. Saturday in Hershey.

Even considering the ultimate stakes of a state title game, Lower Merion could scarcely have more motivation to win this one.

Last year, Chester beat Lower Merion, 59-33, for its second straight championship. Both last year and this year, the Clippers also topped the Aces in the District 1 title game.

For coverage and photos of Tuesday game, as well as ticket information for the championship game, visit AcesHoops.com.