Each league has two teams in the regional finals this weekend, the first time that has happened since the playoffs were expanded to eight qualifiers per region back in 1999.
Just last season, Malvern became the first team from either conference to win three regional games and play in the state semifinals. No other IVC school had ever made it to a regional final prior to that. Now Ridgewood has joined the Hornets in gaining a shot at a regional title.
For the ECOL, this marks the third time that Dover has won two postseason games while Coshocton also is making its third trip to the regional finals.
How far can any of these teams go in 2009? Well, there are no easy games in the third round of the playoffs. Previous success in the postseason helps, but you still need a stellar effort to advance.
Best of luck to the Tornadoes, Redskins, Hornets and Generals this week.
Basketball season may have to wait a little while longer.
