In its final season in program history, Youngsville (13-8) will try to win its first District 10 title since 1992 when it plays Erie First Christian in the Class 1A title game in a 7:30 p.m. tip-off at Haggerty Family Events Center in Erie.

Eisenhower will square off with Mercyhurst Prep for a trip to the PIAA Class AA playoffs at 6 p.m. at the same venue.

Youngsville earned the right to play in Friday’s title game with a thrilling 53-45 victory over West Middlesex in the Class 1A semifinals Tuesday. A big night from junior Rodney Rowland highlighted the win — one that was celebrated by the entire town hours later.

“The town was very excited to welcome us back home Tuesday,” said Youngsville coach Jesse Benton. “We had multiple fire trucks escort us into town and we even got a fireworks display. Tuesday was well deserved and needed. The boys are pumped up and playing like we did earlier in the year. It should be a very good game (Friday).”

Submitted photo The Eagles pose for a team photo after winning the Sheffield Sports Boosters Holiday Tournament championship in December.

Youngsville and Erie First Christian (14-7) — also nicknamed the Eagles — are no strangers to one another. They competed twice in the regular season as Region 3 opponents.

The first meeting was a back-and-forth affair at YHS on Jan. 28. Erie First picked up the 68-54 victory, but it was a three-point game with three minutes to play. Avery Collins — one of the most dynamic scorers in District 10 — had 30 points to lead the winners with Ayden Blum adding 21 points. Rylan Benton scored 20 points and David Manning added 15 for Youngsville.

The second game was played how today’s game will be — without injured Youngsville starter Braydon Baker. Youngsville stayed close until the third quarter before Erie First pulled away for an 82-60 victory. Collins and Blum again did the most damage, scoring 29 and 21 points respectively. Manning had a career-best 33 points and Benton finished with 15.

Coach Benton said the game will ultimately come to the basics — and who can execute them the best.

“We need to handle the ball well and make clean passes,” said Benton. “We stayed with them the entire way the first game despite losing Baker and Rylan for parts of the game.”

In order to topple the first-seeded Erie First team, Youngsville will have to slow down Collins and Blum. Collins scored 587 points this season — an average of 28 points per game. Blum finished the season with 17.4 ppg and junior Simon Gonzalez added 12.1 ppg.

Erie First will also need to shake off some rust entering today’s game. They haven’t played in nearly two weeks since a 90-66 loss to Saegertown on Feb. 15.

Youngsville will again rely on the big three of Rylan Benton (18.4 ppg), Manning (14.4 ppg) and Ethan Beers (7.2 ppg). They also wouldn’t mind another huge game from Rowland who scored 17 points in Tuesday’s win — half of his total points for the entire season entering that game (34).

No matter what happens today, Youngsville has already qualified for the PIAA Class 1A playoffs beginning on March 7. Despite not facing elimination today as they did Tuesday, the Eagles are not approaching this game any differently.

“There’s no change in approach,” said coach Benton.“We’re taking it one game at a time and always playing to win.”

IKE BOYS PLAY TONIGHT,

GIRLS ON SATURDAY

The Eisenhower boys and girls basketball teams continue their postseasons this weekend.

The boys will put their 14-9 record against 17-7 Mercyhurst Prep in the District 10 2AA at 6 tonight at Hagerty Events Center in Erie.

The girls (17-6), meanwhile, will play at noon Saturday, also at Hagerty against 20-4 Wilmington.

All tickets must be purchased online. There will be no tickets for sale at the door. Tickets can be found at piaadistrict10hometownticketing.com.

— — —

Steve Younger contributed to this report.