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Lancaster County High School Basketball Tournaments Underway

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 22:59 GMT by WGAL
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

LANCASTER, Pa. - February 27th, 2026 - The intensity is rising across Lancaster County as the District 3 high school basketball tournaments for both boys and girls are in full swing. Local gyms are packed, student sections are roaring, and the dreams of a state championship are very much alive for several teams. The annual tournaments, a cornerstone of the winter sports season, are drawing significant attention from fans and college scouts alike. This year's competition appears particularly fierce, with several previously underdog teams making a strong push for the coveted District 3 titles.

From the opening round games to the nail-biting quarter-finals, the tournaments have already delivered several upsets and thrilling performances. The level of play has been exceptional, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the student-athletes throughout the season. Coaches are praising the sportsmanship displayed, even amidst the high-stakes competition. The sense of community surrounding these games is palpable, with local businesses reporting increased foot traffic as fans flock to support their hometown teams.

Competition is divided into three classifications - AAA, AA, and A - for both boys and girls, ensuring a level playing field based on school size. This allows smaller schools to compete for championships amongst their peers, while larger schools battle it out in the AAA bracket.

Boys' Tournament Highlights:

In the AAA bracket, defending champions Central Dauphin High School appear vulnerable after a surprisingly close first-round game. Several challengers, including Manheim Township and Wilson High School, are looking to capitalize on any weaknesses. The AAA tournament has been traditionally dominated by a handful of powerhouses, but this year's field is surprisingly deep, with multiple teams capable of making a run to the finals.

The AA bracket is proving to be a wide-open affair. York Catholic and Lancaster Catholic are consistently strong contenders, but schools like Eastern York and Littlestown are making strong cases for a championship appearance. The AA tournament often features fast-paced, high-scoring games, and this year is no exception.

The A bracket often showcases incredible individual talent, and this year's tournament is no different. Several smaller schools boast exceptional players who are capable of carrying their teams deep into the playoffs. Trinity High School and Columbia High School are currently the teams to watch.

Girls' Tournament Highlights:

The girls' tournaments are equally compelling. In AAA, Cumberland Valley is the team to beat, having dominated the regular season. However, they face stiff competition from North Lebanon and Harrisburg High. The AAA bracket is known for its physicality and strategic gameplay.

The AA bracket features a fierce rivalry between Wyomissing and Bishop Shanahan. These two teams have battled for supremacy in recent years, and their potential matchup in the finals is highly anticipated. Other teams to watch in AA include Lancaster Country Day School and Lebanon Catholic.

The A bracket is characterized by intense defensive play and team-oriented basketball. Delone Catholic and Millersburg Area are considered favorites, but several smaller schools, like Lititz Christian, are poised to make a splash.

Staying Up-to-Date:

For those unable to attend the games in person, WGAL is providing comprehensive coverage of the District 3 tournaments. Live score updates and detailed brackets are available online at [ https://www.wgal.com/sports/high-school/district-3-boys-basketball-tournament-brackets/ ] with dedicated pages for each classification: [ AAA ], [ AA ], and [ A ] for the boys and [ AAA ], [ AA ], and [ A ] for the girls. WGAL's sports team is also providing regular updates on social media.

The excitement is set to build as the tournaments progress towards the championship games. With several teams battling for glory, the District 3 basketball tournaments are providing a thrilling spectacle for fans throughout Lancaster County and beyond.