New Castle pulled away from Highlands with a strong third quarter en route to a 74-58 WPIAL Class AAA first round victory. The third frame saw the 'Canes outscore the Rams 21-7.
Ralph Blundo's group improves to 23-0 as New Castle will now move on to play Mars on Friday in the quarterfinals.
Corey Eggleston led New Castle with 22 points.
The Hurricanes lost to Highlands in the 2010 Play-In Game, 93-82.
The Golden Rams (9-15) had lost five of their final six regular season contests before defeating South Moreland, 56-48, in the preliminary round. Future Drake Bulldog Micah Mason ended his historic career by leading the Rams in scoring with 30 points. Mason ranks 12th in scoring all-time in the WPIAL.
Leading Scorers
Highlands
Micah Mason, 30
New Castle
Corey Eggleston, 22
Anthony Richards, 17
Shawn Anderson, 15
Malik Hooker, 14
