Schuylkill League streak comes to an end!!!!

Well, this past weekend saw a streak come to an end. A girls team from Schuylkill League will not have a representative in the PIAA finals for the first time since 1986. From 1987 to 2006 the league has at least sent one team to the finals. Nativity was upended by Bishop Guilfoyle and Marian was beaten by Bishop O'Reilley.

A couple of things took place with the streak ending. With District 12 (Philadelphia) being added District 11 (primary the Schuylkill League) lost a place winner in the state tournament. Also Nativity had to tangle with Guilfoyle. As District 11 is to Eastern A girls basketball, Guilfoyle and Bishop Carrol are usually powers out West in single A. The streak is even more impressive when you go back to 1984 and find out that only 1986 is the only year with a gap. O'Reilley's win over Marian was the one that stands out. Last time a District 2 team reached the final was Bishop Hoban in 2000. Last District 2 team to reach a state final in A was Mid-Valley in 1981.

Ironic?

The streak ends the first year the Bryce Jordan Center is hosting the PIAA championships. The streak is ended by Bishop O'Reilley playing in their final season before a merger next year between themselves, Bishop's Hafey and Hoban.

Teams

Here is a look at the teams that made the finals from the league over that span. The records are not perfect but all have one championships at one time or another:

Mahanoy Area
Lourdes Regional
North Schuylkill
Nativity BVM (Pottsville Nativity)
Marian
Pine Grove

Note: Schuylkill Haven made it and one in 1985. Minersville made some eastern finals but came up short.