Eastern, Steel-High on collision course?

HERSHEY -- We knew coming into Friday that Eastern York was a district title contender. The top-seeded Golden Knights further proved that with a convincing, 74-55 victory against Susquehanna Township.

What we didn't know was, who was going to challenge them? The Indians, a team coach Larry Fisher said caused him sleepless nights, weren't able to.

Steel-High, however, might have given us an answer.

The sixth-seeded Rollers looked very impressive in their 55-47 win against York Suburban at Giant Center Friday. The pervading reason for that was the return of 6-foot-8 forward Jeff Davis, who had missed the previous four games with disciplinary issues. Davis is clearly a game-changing force, and with him Steel-High can play with just about anybody.

But can the Rollers take down Eastern? We might just find out.

No. 7 Lancaster Catholic took down second-seeded Hershey on Friday -- undoubtedly the biggest upset so far in the boys' Class AAA bracket. That would seem to open the door even more so for Steel-High to get back to the district finals.

A Rollers-Golden Knights matchup would indeed be tantalizing. How will Eastern possibly cope with Davis' ability to dominate inside? Would Steel-High's press be able to phase Eastern the way it phased Suburban? Can the Rollers defend well enough to limit this explosive Eastern offense, capable of opening up a game in the blink of an eye?

Of course, we have to get there first. Lancaster Catholic played inspired basketball against Hershey, and Eastern will have to contend with No. 5 East Pennsboro, narrow winners against West York on Friday. But it would seem both Eastern and Steel-High will be prohibitive favorites in their respective matchups.

And if the Golden Knights and Rollers do meet, we could be in for quite a game.