Warren Goodling likes the way his Hempfield boys' basketball team has rebounded.

And he's not just talking about the admirable work his squad has done on the glass this season.

Their biggest rebound yet could come Saturday night in the opening round of the PIAA Class AAAA playoffs. The Black Knights, 27-1 and District Three's second seed, look to start a new win streak when they face Nazareth (20-6, District11, third seed) at 7 in Hersheypark Arena.

"So far, I think they're doing pretty well," Goodling said of his team, which has dealt with a difficult loss to Reading in the district title game.

"But the real test will come Saturday night."

Indeed. The real test is at hand for the six L-L League boys' teams who have reached the PIAA version of March Madness.

Tonight, district Triple-A finalist Lancaster Catholic (22-5) takes on Pottsgrove (18-9, 1-3) at 8 in Hersheypark Arena.

Also tonight, Lebanon Catholic (15-11, 3-3) meets Homer Center (20-5, 6-2) at 7:30 at Central Cambria High.

Four L-L boys' teams take the court Saturday.

In Double-A, district runner-up Lancaster Mennonite (19-7) meets Devon Prep (18-6, 1-2) at 2:30 p.m. in Hersheypark Arena.

In Quad-A, Warwick (17-10, 3-6) faces Scranton (20-6, 2-1) in a 4:30 p.m. start in Marywood University in Scranton.

Penn Manor (17-10, 3-7) travels to Norristown High to play defending state champ and nationally-ranked Penn Wood (23-3, 1-1) at 3:30.

Of the L-L boys' teams involved in states, none faces a situation as unique as Hempfield's. The reason? The Black Knights are the only one dealing with their first loss of the season.

"We had a banquet Sunday night and I think that was good therapy for them," Goodling said. "I'm impressed with their approach."

Keying the Knights' offense is guard Christian Walck (17.5 ppg.). Taylor McDuffie (13.1), Zach Sheetz (11.6, 53 3-pointers) and Mike Uehlein (9.0) are key contributors. Mark Enoch has the dual role of point guard and defensive stopper.

Nazareth is making its first trip to states since 1982. Meaning current stars Chuck Dibilio and Dan Wilk weren't born the last time the Blue Eagles made it to the PIAA's Big Dance.

Mennonite and Lancaster Catholic are also seeking to rebound from losses in their respective district title games.

"I don't think with something like that, you just forget it and let go," Blazers boss Geoff Groff said. "It's still there. But you have to move forward."

Dean Royal (13.8 ppg., 30 threes), and Phil Yoder (13.4 points, 8 rebounds per game) headline Mennonite's offense.

Senior point guard Jeff Hughes has had an historic season for Prep. He's set a school record for career 3-pointers with 131 and become the first Devon Prep player since 1996 to reach 1,000 career points.

Catholic takes on a Pottsgrove outfit fueled by 6-6 forward Joseph Bell (18.5), power forward Bryce Carter (10.2) and 3-ball specialist Richard Ackah (42).

The Crusaders are led by Tyler Purvis (15 ppg., 35 threes), Phil Wenger (12.6) and Paul Senkowski (11.3, 38 threes).

"I think we proved (against unbeaten Eastern in the district final) that as good as a team is, when you lace them up, anyone can win," Crusaders coach Joe Klazas said.

"This is a good matchup for us. Pottsgrove reminds me of Steel-High. That puts us in a similar situation as districts."

Catholic handled the Rollers 62-44 in their district semifinal.

Penn Manor, paced by Patrick Welsh (15.7) and Jon Brooks (11.3, 47 threes), faces a Penn Wood team fronted by 6-5 forward Aaron Brown (19.6) and guard Will Brown (13.3, 51 threes). The Patriots are 17th in the Xcellent 25 National High School Boys Rankings.

Vince Soto (14.3, 38 threes) and Tim Heckman (9.2) highlight a Warwick attack that looks to slow District Two champ Scranton. Guard Tim Fisch and forward Ian Redetzky lead the Knights.