The championship euphoria is over!

Now it’s back to business for this band of Marian Fillies, as they step into the next round of postseason play.

The 2022 PIAA State Class 1A tournament opens for Marian Wednesday at 7 p.m. on its home court against Neumann Academy of District 4 - a Williamsport area team that comes in to this opening round with a deceiving 12-11 record.

The Fillies will be looking for a victory to extend their postseason ride to Saturday, because at this at this stage of the PIAA’s version of March Madness, it comes down to survive and advance or lose and go home.

Some onlookers may have had questions when the season got underway about how good the 2021-22 Fillies could be coming off a COVID-impacted, five-win season a year ago. But Marian boys basketball coach John Patton was not among the doubters. Patton predicted during preseason practice that his former assistant coach Damian Fritz - in his first season as the girls head coach - would guide the Fillies to a District 11 championship.

Fritz and the Marian players proved him right.

The Fillies made it official Friday night when they usurped two-time defending titleholders Pottsville Nativity, 44-20, in the 1A championship game. It marked the first district championship since 2014 for the Fillies.

But even though Marian sports an impressive 20-4 record - and has a Schuylkill League Division 3 championship on its resume in addition to the district title - Fritz says his team has yet to hit its high-water mark.

“Yes, we are playing our best basketball of the season, but I know that we still haven’t reached our potential,” he said.

Fritz addressed his team Sunday about exactly that. Telling them it’s been a great season, but that he believes they are just starting to peek.

“We’re playing better right now; we continue to grow and develop and mature,” Fritz said. “Our play is getting better and better.

“But the most important thing is that we are believing in ourselves.”

As well as Marian has played - especially as of late - it will have to be at the top of its game against a Neumann team that can cause problems both offensively and defensively.

Fritz pointed out the opponent plays a traditional 3-2 zone, with its size in the frontcourt being a potential issue.

“We need to find some openings, and wear them down,” Fritz said. “We want to get into a running game; I feel like we will be more effective playing that way, than letting them sit in the half-court.

“Don’t let their record fool you; they’ve got skill. We’ve got to be ready for the challenge.”

The Golden Knights’ offense revolves around a trio of scorers, led by the rangy and tall Shaina Tutler. The junior averages 14.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The other inside player to watch is Giyannah Parlante, a sophomore who averages 12.3 boards and 12.2 points. Guard Lily Reid directs the offense and scores 7.3 points per contest.

Marian is no slouch, either, and has rallied around a number of players. In the last two postseason wins, Frankie Martinelli has come up huge, with 29 and 18 points, respectively. Toss in the superb play of veteran junior Ashley Pleban and sophomore Carly Minchhoff, along with the sudden rise of Sophia Lombardo, and this collective group can be the dagger.

Marian should also get a boost from the return of Aliya Tikhtova, a sophomore who suffered an ankle injury back in January and was just recently cleared to play.

Marian and Neumann Academy have played one common opponent - South Williamsport. The Golden Knights fell twice to South Williamsport in league play by scores of 51-30 and 60-39. Meanwhile, the Fillies dropped a nonleague game to SW, 55-35.

“We’re looking forward to the matchup, and the challenge,” Fritz said. “We’re all excited ... the school, our parents, our fans and our entire team. We’re ready to enjoy the ride.”