Boys and girls hoops: Group AAA semis

Counting down to the Group AAA boys and girls basketball semifinals today at VCU ...

GIRLS

Princess Anne vs. Oakton, 2 p.m.

Lake Taylor vs. West Springfield, 7 p.m.

BOYS

Chantilly vs. Norcom, 3:45 p.m.

Petersburg vs. Patrick Henry, 9 p.m.

For live updates on all three games involving local teams, come back regularly to 757teamz.com and pilotonline.com. For live updates on girls basketball, this is the place. For boys basketball, click on Larry Rubama’s blog.

In the meantime, here’s a little basketball history lesson to get you ready.

Girls basketball

* The Eastern Region has dominated Group AAA girls basketball this decade: six of the past nine champs – and each of the past three winners – are from the Eastern Region.

* Princess Anne won titles in 2002, 2006 and 2009. James Robinson has the most girls state titles with six, and PA could become the 13th team to win back-to-back crowns if the Cavs win this year. No team has won three straight.

* Lake Taylor would be the first Norfolk girls basketball team to reach the championship game. Only one other Eastern District team has made it to the final: Wilson lost to Forest Park in 2004.

Boys basketball

* The Eastern Region has won six state titles this decade, including four of the past six. King’s Fork won last season.

* Norcom could be the first Portsmouth team to win a Group AAA state title – and the first Portsmouth team to reach the Group AAA final. Wilson won a IA crown in 1965 – before the Virginia High School League moved to three classifications.

* Martinsville has the most boys state titles with 13.

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