By RON PONIEWASZ JR.
rponiewasz@ncnewsonline.com

Lawrence County boys basketball teams are prepared for a final playoff push.

Five games highlight tonight’s docket, four of which have postseason implications.

Neshannock (4-6 section, 9-10 overall) travels to Shenango (4-6, 12-9) in a key WPIAL Section 2-AA encounter. The Lancers can clinch a playoff spot with a victory over the Wildcats, but a loss would eliminate Neshannock.

The Lancers got in the race on the strength of a four-game winning streak, two in section play.

“I told the kids you played yourself into a situation where the game means something,” Neshannock coach Jim Smiley said. “They’ve earned it; we’ve gotten better since the start of the season.”

Shenango is in with a victory. Even if they lose tonight, the Wildcats could claim a playoff spot if they knock off Laurel Friday and Summit Academy beats Neshannock.

“We kind of control our own destiny,” Shenango coach Bob McQuiston said. “We have a tough game against Neshannock and they control their own destiny, too.

“We don’t want to leave it up to someone else.”

Shenango won the first meeting at Neshannock, 54-51.

Union clinched its first playoff berth since 2005, but can still claim a share of the section title if the Scotties beat Lincoln Park at home today. The Leopards host Western Beaver (5-5, 7-12) to close section play on Friday.

“It’s a big one for us,” Union coach Dave Smialowski said. “I told the seniors it’s the last time you’re on this floor, let’s play hard.

“It will be a good atmosphere and the kids are excited.”

Lincoln Park won the first meeting on its home floor with the Scotties, 69-67 on a last-second field goal.

“I feel fortunate to be in this situation,” Smialowski said. “The second half (of the season) was tougher than the first half.

“Lincoln Park is a very athletic team.”

Sewickley Academy (8-3, 10-8) visits Vincentian Academy (2-8, 2-18) on Friday. Union split with the Panthers and could boast the same with Lincoln Park with a victory.

Mohawk (9-1, 12-5) will travel to Section 2-AA foe Summit Academy (6-4, 9-9). The Warriors have clinched a playoff spot, but can still share the section title with Riverside.

“We’re excited to be where we are,” Mohawk coach Kevin Wrona said. “If you’re 9-1, you might be sitting in first place in most sections. Unfortunately Riverside has a perfect season going on to this point.

“I’m happy with where we are and hopefully there is a lot of basketball left for us.”

The Panthers (11-0, 20-1) have just one more section game left — Friday at Mohawk. Riverside will own the crown outright with a Mohawk loss to the Knights or with a head-to-head victory over Mohawk on Friday.

Summit Academy has also clinched a playoff bid so it won’t be an easy task tonight for the Warriors.

“We’ve had some success there the last few years and we know we can win there,” Wrona said. “Anytime you go to Summit, it’s tough.”

In District 10 Region 2-AA action, Wilmington (7-5, 10-10) visits Sharon (10-2, 15-5). The Greyhounds must win three of their last four region games to reach the playoffs. If they win two of the final four, they will need some help.

Laurel (0-10, 1-18) travels to Rochester (2-9, 5-13) for a Section 2-AA clash that has no bearing on postseason play.

All games are set to tip at 7:30 p.m.