PIAA basketball playoffs 2026: Breaking down North Catholic vs Knoch boys fourth meeting in 2nd round
Left standing are the two teams that have provided some of the most entertaining basketball games of the season.
Knoch takes on North Catholic for a fourth and final time this season in the second round of the PIAA Class 4A boys basketball tournament. The Knights hold a 2-1 series lead in 2025-26, with the most recent win setting the stage for their eventual first WPIAL championship last month.
Here’s what to know about the matchup between section rivals with a state quarterfinal berth on the line:
Livestream: Many games will be livestreamed on the NFHS Network ($13.99 for a monthly subscription), but some will be broadcast by local or regional media outlets. This will be updated as streaming information for each game is made available.
Tickets: According to the PIAA, tickets can be purchased for $9 in advance on hometownticketing.com and for $10 at the door
Brackets: See the latest PIAA tournament brackets for all classifications here
Site/time: Plum HS, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Up next: Winner of 2-2 Dallas vs. 12-5 Carver E&S
Trojans’ key player: Knoch coach Joe Lafko said “the first person you think of when you think of North Catholic is (Jason) Fredericks. He’s such a dynamic scorer and he shoots the ball from very deep.”
Knights’ key player: Senior swingman Derek Lang is a rare blend. His length allows him to disrupt on defense, while he can shoot the lights out, as well. He helped the Knights jump out to an early lead the last time these teams played. To do so again would be a big help.
Knoch wins if ... it forces North Catholic to take outside shots like it did in the Knights’ WPIAL semifinal win. It’s hard to get past Lang and fellow big man Liam Avon down low.
North Catholic wins if ... Fredericks and fellow senior guard Jude Rottmann get hot. The Trojans have shown they can keep up with the Knights before.
