While the Times News area basketball teams were shut out from winning a district title, five clubs did earn the right to play in the upcoming state playoffs.

Both Weatherly teams, as well as the Marian and Palmerton girls, and the Northwestern boys, will be in action this weekend during the first round of the PIAA postseason.

First-round games are held on one of the team’s home floors while the remaining rounds will be at neutral sites.

Five wins are needed to capture a state title, with the championships being held March 19-21 at the Giant Center in Hershey.

The Northwestern boys, whose loss to Central Catholic in the district title game snapped an 11-game winning streak, will host District 2 runner-up Dallas on Friday in Class 4A play.

The Tigers, coached by Patrick Wanamaker, are now 21-6 and are returning to state action for the second straight season.

The Weatherly boys will also be playing a home game on Friday when they entertain Plumstead Christian, the third-seeded team out of District 1.

The Wreckers, coached by Luke Medico, posted a dramatic overtime win over Nativity in the district semifinals to guarantee them a spot in the 1A state playoffs before falling to powerful Bethlehem Christian in the D-11 championship contest.

All three area girls teams will be traveling to the Philadelphia area for their first-round matchups.

Marian, the D-11 runner-up in Class 2A after coming up short against Williams Valley in the finals, take on the District 12 No. 2 team — Vaux — Friday night at Philadelphia High School for Girls.

The Fillies, under the guidance of Jeff Onushco, are 14-11 and won their final four regular-season games before entering the postseason.

The Weatherly girls are another area district runner-up. The Wreckers, with a record of 8-16, are scheduled to play District 12 champion Motivation at Lincoln High School in Philadelphia.

Coming off a loss to Bethlehem Christian in the district 1A final, Jason Kane’s club qualified for states by virtue of their D-11 semifinal win against Notre Dame of East Stroudsburg.

The Palmerton girls, the third seed out of District 11, held off North Schuylkill in the 4A consolation game to punch their ticket to the PIAA postseason.

The Bombers, coached by Jeremy Coleman, are making a return trip to states. They will travel to West Philadelphia High School to take on District 12 runner-up Audenried.

Second-round games are scheduled for March 10 and 11.