MaxPreps does basketball ratings nationwide. It even rates how Pennsylvania high schools are ranked within their division. Of course, the top teams will make themselves known in the state tournament that starts next week. Two teams from this area, Bethlehem Catholic (4A) and Allentown Central Catholic (5A) are rated as within the top ten
In 4A, Bethlehem Catholic is ranked #3. The top ten are Imhotep Charter (Philly), Quaker Valley (Leetsdale), Becahi, Berks Catholic (Reading), Sharon, Hickory (Hermitage), Huntingdon, New Castle, Scranton Prep and Danville
Beca will take on #20 ranked Lower Moreland (Huntingdon Valley) for the District XI 4A title on Friday night, 7 pm, at Freedom High School.
In 5A, Allentown Central Catholic is ranked #7. The top ten are Monsignor Bonner (Drexel Hill), Archbishop Carroll (Radnor), Martin Luther King (Philly), Mars, Mastery Charter North - Pickett (Philly), Abington Heights (Clarks Summit), Allentown Central, Lampeter-Strasburg (Lampeter), Milton Hershey (Hershey) and Archbishop Wood (Warminster).
Allentown Central Catholic takes on #30 ranked Bangor High School tonight at Pleasant Valley High School 7 pm. Though Bangor is ranked #30, it is statistically #1.
In 6A, Pocono Mountain West (ranked #49) will square off against upstart Northampton (ranked #36) for the District final on Saturday night.
In 3A, Valley Forge Military (ranked #14) will face Notre Dame Green Pond (ranked #30) on Saturday night, 8 pm, Council Rock South.
In 2A, Moravian Academy (ranked #25) is pitted against #36-ranked Panther Valley (Lansford) on Friday night, 6 pm, at Freedom High School.
Finally, in 1A, no local teams have made it this year to the District XI championship.
The overall state and national ranking for Allentown Central Catholic, Becahi and Northampton are an indication that there are many good teams out there.
Allentown Central Catholic ranked #25 statewide, and #861 nationally.
Becahi ranked #17 statewide, and #643 nationally.
Northampton ranked #97 statewide, and #2980 nationally.