Spartans, Red Knights paired in second-round PIAA doubleheader

Reading High boys basketball coach Rick Perez and Wyomissing girls basketball Aaron Anders have forged a relationship over the years through basketball and by working together at River Rock Academy.

They talk basketball all the time. They can often be seen at the other’s games. They shared the same stage at Santander Arena Feb. 17 when each won a league championship.

They’ll be able to watch each other’s team play in the second round of the PIAA Tournament Wednesday as the Spartans and Red Knights have been paired in a doubleheader at Coatesville High School.

Wyomissing meets Neumann-Goretti at 6, Reading High plays Upper Darby at 7:30.

One night earlier the Exeter and Muhlenberg boys continue their state playoff journeys in Class 5A.

The District 3 champion Eagles play Mechanicsburg at Manheim Township at 7:30. Mechanicsburg, the fourth-place finisher out of District 3, opened state play with a 56-52 win over North Hills. The Eagles opened with a 62-57 win over Fox Chapel.

Muhlenberg, which finished fifth in the District 3 Tournament, meets District 12 champ Imhotep Charter at Bethlehem Freedom at 7:30. The Muhls advanced with a 64-54 win at Unionville. Imhotep laid out Holy Ghost Prep 85-33.

The District 3 champ Spartans opened states Saturday by clobbering Parkway Center City 69-24. They’ll get a tougher test in the next round against Goretti, a 66-63 winner over North Schuylkill.

The District 3 champion Red Knights had an easy time in their state opener, as well, shooting down overmatched Haverford 74-43. Upper Darby, the sixth-place finisher out of District 1, needed overtime to get past Bethlehem Liberty 66-64.

Tuesday’s winners advance to the state quarterfinals on Friday; Wednesday’s winners play again on Saturday.