Eight SOL teams will be in action in Wednesday’s District One AAAA second round.
By Mary Jane Souder
The SOL will be well represented in Wednesday’s second round of the District One AAAA Tournament with eight of the remaining 16 teams from the SOL. Six of eight teams in the bottom half of the bracket are from the SOL with only West Chester Rustin and Garnet Valley interrupting the league’s party. Central Bucks West and Souderton are in the top half of the bracket.
Equally interesting is the fact that of those SOL eight teams, five are from the Continental Conference with all five of its teams earning opening round wins. Only Upper Dublin, the tournament’s sixth seed, remains from the American Conference. Neshaminy and Abington represent the National Conference.
“Our conference definitely provided us with tough competition, which helps us get a lot better throughout the season,” CB East senior Karoline White said. “The cool thing about playoffs is you really don’t beat people just by talent. It’s the little things that make the difference.
“That’s where the conference we play in helped us to learn how to fight in those games and how to win those games and really compete.”
The Patriots certainly proved they were battle tested. After finishing fifth in the conference, they pulled off the first round’s biggest upset when they sent 11th-seeded Harriton packing with a 49-36 win.
“We’ve had some ups and downs,” East coach Liz Potash said. “We’ve had some big wins. We’ve had our share of losses, but we don’t have what I consider any bad losses.
“Every loss that we have is within 11 points, and we knew we were playing good competition. It’s a tough league to play in, but it’s also a league that helps prepare you for playoffs. We felt we were prepared.”
The 22nd-seeded Patriots are the lowest seed still alive.
“I don’t ever get wrapped up in numbers,” Potash said. “I’m always happy if we’re giving the best effort we can.
“We ended up 8-6 (in league play), but it’s nice getting a couple of big wins and knowing you can compete with the best teams around.”
East’s roster includes five seniors – White, Courtney Webster, Emily Sebesky, Katelyn Miller and Lindsay Neir, and all five are in the team’s starting lineup.
“We all know it’s our last year, and we want to go as far as possible,” White said. “By having five seniors as starters, we set the tone, and we try to be as positive and motivating as possible.”
The Patriots made the transition to a new coach this season appear seamless.
“I give the kids a lot of credit, especially the seniors,” Postash said. “They didn’t know me. I haven’t coached in that league for years.
“They had no reason to trust me, yet that’s all they’ve done since the first time I worked with them, which is awesome. It’s a great credit to them, and I’m very grateful for it.
“The seniors been the big leaders, and if I didn’t have them on board from the beginning, I wouldn’t have had anyone. They’ve been great. I can’t say enough about their leadership. It makes our job so much easier.”
According to White, the team was very close coming into the season, and from the outset, communication was key.
“She is very open and easy to talk to, and I have a lot of respect for her because she respects us as well, which is an important thing,” the senior point guard said. “I think we all just came together to make this the best season possible.”
White and her teammates will face another difficult test when they take on sixth-seeded Upper Dublin in Wednesday’s second round.
“We’re confident, but we’re never going to underestimate any opponent,” she said. “We’re not really focused on the numbers and the predictions going into the game, we’re focused on the numbers during the game and playing smart, playing hard and playing together.”
Stay tuned. It promises to be an interesting slate of games on Wednesday.
#14 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH at #3 NORTH PENN (Wed., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
North Penn
- 20-3 overall
- 12-2 SOL Continental Conference champions
- Highlights of the season included a 58-43 win over fifth-seeded Central Bucks West to clinch sole possession of the conference crown as well as a 48-36 win over Inter-Ac champion Episcopal Academy
- Only losses have come at the hands of fifth-seeded Central Bucks West (44-36), sixth-seeded Upper Dublin (35-34) and 14th-seeded Central Bucks South (61-53).
- Led by senior tri-captains Vicky Tumasz, Erin Maher and Bri Cullen.
- Won 10 of 11 games to close out regular season.
- Defeated Council Rock South 60-27 in SOL Challenge on Jan. 18.
Players to watch: Vicky Tumasz (Sr., Guard, 14.6 PPG with 46 three pointers), Erin Maher (Sr., Forward, 8.2 PPG, 9.3 rebounds), Sam Carangi (Fr., Point Guard, 9.1 PPG with 38 three-pointers)
How they got here: The Maidens opened up a 39-22 lead over Council Rock South in Saturday’s district opener, going on to earn an 83-51 win. Vicky Tumasz scored a game-high 21 points and surpassed the 1,000-point mark in the third quarter. Erin Maher had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Freshmen Irisa Ye and Jess Huber both had 12 points and freshman point guard Jen Carangi added 10 points. North Penn had a season low six turnovers.
Coach Maggie deMarteleire says: “This will be a tough game, as we have split with CB South this season. The keys will be playing good defense, and working hard on the boards.”
Central Bucks South
- 18-5 overall
- 10-4 SOL, tied for second place in Continental Conference with Souderton and CB West.
- Captured title of season-opening Springfield-Delco Tournament with 72-38 win over 13th-seeded Penn Wood in championship game
- Highlights of season included wins over third-seeded North Penn (61-53) and fifth-seeded Central Bucks West (53-46).
Players to watch: Alysha Lofton (Sr., G/F, 10 PPG), Lauren Mosher (Sr., F, 10 PPG). Lofton and Mosher also are the team’s top rebounders.
How they got here: The Titans used a 22-2 second quarter explosion to go into halftime with a 30-7 lead on their way to a 46-30 win over Plymouth Whitemarsh. Alysha Lofton and Lauren Mosher led the Titans with 12 points each while Jordan Vitelli had nine points.
Coach Beth Mattern says: “I think it’s an interesting matchup in the fact that we’ve already played twice. I think both teams would rather play someone who’s not in our league, but it is the bracket so we’ll play. We’re going to their place, and we’ll do our best. We’re going to obviously have to play solid defense and finish when we have opportunities.”
#12 METHACTON at #5 CENTRAL BUCKS WEST (Wed., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
Central Bucks West
- 18-5 overall
- 10-4 SOL, tied for second in Continental with CB South and Souderton
- Won two of three games at Boo Williams Holiday Tournament against some of Virginia’s top teams.
- Defeated SOL Continental Conference champion North Penn 44-36 in the initial meeting between the two teams
- A highlight of the season was an impressive 68-52 win over perennial state power Mount Lebanon at the Scholastic Play by Play Classic.
- Strong core of juniors provides the nucleus of the team that is led by University of Michigan bound Nicole Munger
How they got here: The Bucks found themselves in a 12-4 hole less than two minutes into their game against Norristown but came back to seize control of the game, earning a 76-48 win. Nicole Munger (17 points), Mackenzie Carroll (15 points) and Makenzie Mason (14 points, 12 rebounds) led the Bucks.
Coach Terry Rakowsky says: “Methacton is a very well-coached successful program/team with two players close to 1000 points. It should a great game.”
Methacton
- 18-7 overall
- 12-2 PAC-10, finished second to Spring-Ford in Liberty Division
- Fell to Spring-Ford 47-35 in PAC-10 title game
- Led by senior wing Kelly Glatthorn (14.6 PPG with 30 three pointers), senior center Jenna Carroll (12.9 PPG) and freshman guard Ryan DeOrio (7.4 PPG with 17 three pointers)
How they got here: The Warriors jumped out to a 14-2 lead after one quarter and took a 45-27 lead into the fourth quarter of Methacton’s 54-46 win over Cheltenham in Saturday’s district opener. Carroll turned in an impressive double-double with 19 points – which included three three-pointers – and 18 rebounds Glatthorn also finished with 19 points.
#22 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST at #6 UPPER DUBLIN (Wed., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
Upper Dublin
- 19-4 overall
- 12-2 SOL American Conference champions
- Overcame a season-ending injury to Kayla McAneney (18 PPG) to capture the program’s second consecutive conference crown.
- Highlight of season was 35-34 win over North Penn at Scholastic Play by Play at Philadelphia University
Players to watch: Regan Gallagher (Sr., F), Larissa Leyes (Sr., G), Jackie Lillo (Sr., F), Taylor Linus (Sr., G), Cate Senior (Sr., G), Julie Cross (Jr., F), Allison Chernow (Soph., G)
How they got here: The Flying Cardinals defeated SOL American Conference rival Upper Merion 27-23, using a 13-3 third quarter burst to erase an 18-9 halftime lead. Taylor Linus was the team’s offensive hero, burying all four of her shot attempts in the second half – all three-pointers. She finished with a game-high 13 points while junior Julie Cross added 10 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots.
Coach Morgan Funsten says: “It is very ironic that we are playing CB East because we played Upper Merion and CB East on consecutive days a week and a half ago. I told my players at the time that it was a great opportunity before playoffs to play a team similar to one that we would match-up with in the first round (Upper Merion) and then be able to play a team similar to a 2nd round opponent (CB East). Little did I know at the time that we would end up playing Upper Merion in the first round and CB East in the second round.
“CB East is going to be a very tough opponent. They have a great point guard in (Karoline) White, and great post in (Courtney) Webster, and a surrounding cast that has been providing balanced scoring for them. They are senior heavy and their experience is a strength for them. We also have some girls that played in big games, and we are excited about playing in front of our home crowd. There should be a lot of energy and we are looking forward to the challenge of earning a state playoff berth.”
Central Bucks East
- 15-7 overall
- 8-6 SOL, fifth place in Continental Conference
- Highlights of season were late season wins over fifth-seeded Central Bucks West (49-48) and sixth-seeded Upper Dublin (29-24)
- Led by strong senior nucleus
Players to watch: Courtney Webster (Sr., C, 14.5 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 blocks), Karoline White (Sr., PG, 6 assists, 2.5 steals, 5 PPG), Katelyn Miller (Sr., G, averaging 9.4 PPG over last five games)
How they got here: The Patriots knocked off 11th-seeded Harriton 49-36. They took a 21-13 lead into halftime and then put the game out of reach with an 18-8 third quarter. The Patriots buried 10-of-15 shots from the foul line in the fourth quarter and 17-of-24 for the game. Courtney Webster led a balanced attack with 14 points. Karoline White and Katelyn Miller both had nine points with White also contributing five steals and six assists. Lindsay Neir had eight points and Emily Sebesky, seven.
Coach Liz Potash says: “At this point in the season, it was kind of nice playing Harriton, a team we didn’t know. In some ways, it’s nice to be familiar with your opponents, but just playing them several weeks ago – it has its positives and its negatives. Upper Dublin is a very good team. We got them last time, and I know they’re going to be ready Wednesday night after we edged them out at the end of the year. They’re going to be at the top of our game, and hopefully, we’ll be at the top of our game as well. We’re confident we can compete with most teams in the district at this point. They’re a real good team, and we know we have to show up and give them our best effort.”
#10 NESHAMINY at #7 WEST CHESTER RUSTIN (Wed., Feb. 19)
Neshaminy
- 18-3 overall
- 13-1 SOL, National Conference champions
- Won first back-to-back championships in program history
- Highlights of season include a pair of wins over Abington (16-39 & 44-36)
- Only losses came at the hands of third-seeded North Penn (41-33), fifth-seeded Central Bucks West (62-39) and Council Rock South (40-39)
Players to watch: Megan Schafer (Sr., G); Sarah Oliveira (Sr., F), Steph Donohue (Sr., F), McKenna Mullin (Sr., G), Maddie Murray (Jr., C), Morgan Goldenbaum (Soph., G/F)
Coach Joe Lally says: “We know Rustin is very good, but everybody still standing is going to be competition.”
West Chester Rustin
- 21-4 overall
- 12-0 Ches-Mont American Division champion
- Only losses came at the hands of Central Bucks West (71-55), Mount St. Joseph (59-42), Archbishop Ryan (42-35) and Archbishop Wood (75-55.
- Led by 6-1 senior forward Adashia Franklin, who has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at St. Joe’s
- Winners of nine straight games
How they got here: Rustin defeated West Chester East 64-34 in an opening round game on Sunday. Four players – Adashia Franklyn (15), Noelle Powell (15), Katie O’Hare (11) and Casey Warley (10) – finished the game in double figures.
#18 ABINGTON at GARNET VALLEY (Wed., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
Abington
- 17-6 overall
- 12-2 SOL, second to Neshaminy in National Conference
- Won nine of 10 games to close out regular season and take a six-game winning streak into district play.
- Led by American University-bound Michael Harris and junior point guard Deja Rawls
Players to watch: Deja Rawls (Jr., G, 14 PPG), Michael Harris (Sr., 14 PPG, 12 RPG), Sammy Lochner (Soph., 8 PPG), Gabby Nolan (6 assists, 3 steals per game), Leah Simmons (8 PPG, 8 RPG)
How they got here: The Ghosts travelled to Downingtown East Monday night and sent the Cougars home for the season. Senior Michael Harris led the Ghosts with a double-double – 15 points and 15 rebounds. Gabby Nolan and Deja Rawls both had nine points, and Leah Simmons had eight points.
Coach Dan Marsh says: “In order for us to be successful, we need to play great team ‘D.’ Garnet Valley is a very dangerous team that can light it up from downtown. We have a size advantage that we have to utilize. If we can contest their jumpers, limit their penetration and finish with rebounds, we may have a shot to pull of the big upset.”
Garnet Valley
- 23-1 overall
- 17-0 Central League champions
- This year’s league title is the first basketball title in school history
- Only loss came at the hands of seventh-seeded West Chester Rustin (65-46) on Dec. 23
- Boast a 16-game winning streak.
- Defeated CB East 54-47 in the season opener for both teams on Dec. 6.
How they got here: The Jaguars jumped out to a 20-9 lead on their way to a 46-28 win over Council Rock North on Monday night. Haley Warden led the way with 13 points, 12 rebounds – five offensive – and five steals. Jordan Ireland added eight points, three steals and two assists.
#17 SOUDERTON at #1 MOUNT ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY (Wed., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
Souderton
- 17-6 overall
- 10-4 SOL, tied for second in Continental Conference with CB West and CB South
- Highlight of the season was a 62-57 win over fifth-seeded Central Bucks West. The Indians also twice defeated 14th-seeded Central Bucks South (29-27 & 45-34)
- Led by senior point guard Bianca Picard (13.0 PPG) and senior guard Allison Gallagher (13.4 PPG)
- Fell to the Mount in the season opener for both teams (43-32) on Dec. 6. Alex Louin scored a game-high 19 points.
Players to watch: Bianca Picard (Sr., G, 13.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.3 APG), Allison Gallagher (Sr., G, 13.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.6 SPG), Sarah Derstein (Jr., F, 8.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.5 blocks), Katie O’Connor (Sr., G, 6.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.2 APG), Devon Boehm (Sr., G/F, 5.5 PPG)
How they got here: The Indians received a game-high 14 points from Allison Gallagher and 12 points and 16 rebounds from Sarah Derstein in Monday’s 50-42 win over Boyertown. The Indians led 21-18 at halftime and outscored the Bears 14-9 in the third quarter on their way to the win.
Coach Lynn Carroll says: “We're excited about the opportunity to achieve a major season goal and qualify for states. We're looking forward to the challenge of playing a #1 seed. We've improved a lot since the first game of the season and we're eager for another opportunity to see how we match up against one of the best teams in the district. We're not just happy to be playing in the second round, we plan on going to the Mount and being competitive.”
Mount St. Joseph Academy
- 23-2 overall
- Catholic Academies champions for second consecutive year
- Led by Villanova-bound senior Alex Louin
- Only losses came at the hands of Bonner-Prendergast 55-46 on Jan. 19 and Villa Maria (35-25) on Dec. 17.
- Bring a 10-game winning streak into Wednesday’s game.
How they got here: The Magic defeated Great Valley 64-30. Senior Alex Louin scored a game-high 30 points, including 14 in a first quarter that saw the Mount open up a 23-8 lead. She also had six assists, six rebounds and three steals. Carly Monzo added 15 points and five rebounds.
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