Mike Vukovcan It’s been a long time since the Hopewell HS boys’ basketball team qualified for the WPIAL playoffs.
How long ago? Here are some things that were happening 16 years ago, the last time the Vikings participated in playoff basketball.
*Apple Released the First I-Pad
*Ariana Grande was just starting out on Nickelodeon.
*Meghan Markle was having a guest appearance on CSI: Miami
*Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford was the No. 1 overall pick of the St. Louis Rams.
*Toy Story 3 was the No. 1 film in the box offices.
*Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger launch the social media app Instagram.
*Auburn QB Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy.
I could continue but you get the point, it’s been a while since we’ve talked boy’s playoff basketball in Hopewell.
That could all change tonight for Hopewell HC Doug Biega and his program. Despite the weather, the Vikings will return to the court tonight with a road contest at Beaver.
If Hopewell is able to come away with a win, they will clinch a spot in the 2026 WPIAL playoff field.
CLASS 4A/SECTION 2 STANDINGS
Quaker Valley: 6-0
Central Valley: 4-2
Hopewell: 3-3
Avonworth: 3-3
Beaver: 1-5
Ambridge: 1-5
*Note: Top 4 teams qualify for the playoff
Hopewell enters tonight’s game with an overall record of 11-7 and winners of 4 consecutive games and 7 of their last 8. However, it won’t be easy, road section games never are. Plus, when these two teams played earlier this season, Beaver defeated Hopewell, 59-51.
I’m sure Coach Biega and his staff would like to win tonight and turn their attention from qualifying to what place they’ll finish in within their section.
They’ll have that opportunity to do just that this evening. Tipoff from Beaver High School is set for 7:30 PM.
