North Penn will do battle with West Chester Rustin in Wednesday’s District One AAAA semifinal at Harriton. Check out preview capsules for all six SOL teams in action.
By Mary Jane Souder
There’s nothing, according to senior Erin Maher, quite like playing basketball for the Lady Knights.
“It’s so fun to play North Penn basketball,” the senior captain said. “I just cannot imagine a better atmosphere in a basketball program. That’s one of the reasons we don’t want it to end. We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure it doesn’t.”
The Lady Knights have already ensured themselves a spot in the state tournament, and only a win over seventh-seeded West Chester Rustin in Wednesday’s district semifinal stands between them and a spot in Friday’s District One AAAA title game at Villanova University.
An impressive accomplishment by any standard but even more impressive when taking into account that the team lost all-state senior Lauren Crisler to graduation and returned just four players from last year’s varsity.
The natural progression for most teams would be to fill in the vacated roster spots with junior varsity players, but the Lady Knights are not most teams. Three freshmen – starting point guard Sam Carangi and reserves Irisa Ye and Jess Huber - have stepped into key roles, and this year’s squad, which features a rotation of seven players, has made the rebuilding process look effortless.
“Freshmen usually come out and become really comfortable halfway through the season, but we couldn’t do that,” Maher said. “They’re just about half our team, so that needed to be done right away.
“In the summer, we had to become as comfortable as possible. That really called on us to step up as leaders and bring everyone together. From last year to this year, we lost Lauren Crisler - those are huge shoes to fill, but I don’t think we tried to fill them. We just became a whole different kind of team.”
And in this case, different has turned out to be even better. The Lady Knights captured sole possession of the SOL Continental Conference title, earned the district’s third seed and boast a 22-3 record, and they accomplished all of this in a transition season.
“I feel like we have more talent than we did last year on this team,” senior Vicky Tumasz said. “Since we’re all so close, we work well together as a team. We know how to talk to each other, we know how to push each other at practices. When we step on the court, we know how to get it done.
“Nobody thought of us as league champs or getting the number three seed. We had a secret weapon. We had Sam, Irisa and Jess. We knew we needed them to step up. We pushed them, but we didn’t force them to do anything they didn’t want to do. We knew we had to get them comfortable with us. The way we’ve been playing together has just been incredible.”
According to their coach, there are three reasons why the Lady Knights were so successful – Maher, Vicky Tumasz and Bri Cullen, the team’s three senior captains.
“Their expectations for themselves and their team are very high,” coach Maggie deMarteleire said. “They set high goals. They don’t just accept that somebody else is better than us.
“I think their attitude has permeated through the whole team. They expect to be the best. That’s the way I was raised, and that’s the way (assistant coach) Lauren Budweg was raised. Some people when we say what our goals are will say, ‘You’re crazy,’ but if you don’t think you’ll win every game, then what are you doing?
“I believe their attitudes and the way they carry themselves and the way they work in the offseason has just been a very positive thing for North Penn girls’ athletics.”
While Maher and Tumasz have been teammates and friends most of their lives, Cullen was a newcomer to the team last year after transferring from Germantown Academy.
“Coming from GA to here – they were two completely different programs,” Cullen said. “Last year I was getting comfortable with the team and growing with the team.”
In her first season with the Lady Knights, Cullen was thrust into a role that was not a natural fit.
“She played point guard last year, and that just wasn’t her thing,” deMarteleire said. “She’s so much more comfortable this year, and the role I have for her is so much more fitting for her skill set.
“I put her on Nicole Munger when we played CB West the second time. Munger had killed us the first time on the offensive boards. That was instrumental in our win because they didn’t get nearly as many rebounds as they did the first time, and Bri was a huge part of that.”
It was the same story when the Lady Knights defeated Central Bucks South in a second round district game.
“She did the same thing against (Alysha) Lofton,” deMarteleire said. “We lost to them the last time because we couldn’t keep her off the boards.”
Cullen is not only an integral part of the team on the court, she has developed close friendships with her teammates.
“It was a lot different for Bri because when you get somebody new to the team – they’re usually a freshman,” Maher said. “Bri was ahead of everybody, but at the same time, she had a lot to learn about the program and the way we play.
“It was probably a tough transition for her, but she’s very coachable, and she’s become such a big contributor to the team.”
While Cullen has been doing the little and not-so-little things that don’t show up in boxscores, Tumasz and Maher have been the headliners. Tumasz, who surpassed the 1,000-point mark this season, is the team’s top scorer while Maher, the team’s top rebounder, has been a presence in the paint.
“Vicky has developed into someone who can attack the basket, someone who can shoot off the dribble, and she really has developed her offensive game,” deMarteleire said. “Erin’s attitude is like – we’re not losing, we’re just not losing, and they will do whatever it takes to make sure we don’t lose.
“The three of them – each of them has improved since last year, and that’s what makes you a better team. It just sets a great example for the younger kids.”
And the younger players have responded by contributing in a big way when called upon.
“They understand they play such a huge role,” Cullen said. “They’re basically not freshmen anymore.
“They can’t have those nerves. They have to go out and play like they’ve been on the team four years.”
“They handle the pressure so well,” Maher added. “I feel like all seven of us together – we’ve done a great job of making that age gap not a weakness.”
“It’s one of our strengths,” Tumasz said. “We’re literally a family now.
“We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In practice, we go 150 percent. We all push each other to the best of our ability, and it shows on the court.”
In addition to the three seniors and three freshmen, the Lady Knights’ band of seven also includes sophomore starting forward Mikaela Giuliani, who played for the varsity last season.
“People would think seven players would be a weakness, but it’s forced us to build up a lot of endurance,” Maher said. “It forces us to be smarter because we know we can’t get in foul trouble. I don’t see it as a weakness at all.”
“A team is not one good person or two good people,” Cullen said. “It’s five people working together on the court.
“Our huge benefit is that we work together so well. If one person is not playing well on offense, they make up for it on defense. If their defense is lacking, we’ll say something and pick each other up.”
It’s been a winning combination for the Lady Knights, who will face their toughest challenge of the postseason when they take on a West Chester Rustin squad that is coming off back-to-back wins over a pair of SOL teams – Neshaminy and Abington.
“We’re going to buy into the game plan that our coaches have put out for us and we have been working on the past two days,” Maher said. “When we do the things she asks us to do – generally, that’s when we win.”
Stay tuned.
#3 NORTH PENN vs. #7 WEST CHESTER RUSTIN at Harriton (Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m.)
North Penn
- 22-3 overall
- 12-2 SOL Continental Conference champions
- 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 and have won 13 of 14 games heading into district semifinals.
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)
Coach Maggie deMarteleire says: “West Chester Rustin is a very talented team, and they are playing very well right now. In order for us to win, we will need to rebound, protect the paint on defense, and take care of the ball. My girls have done a great job following instruction during this post-season, and I expect them to do the same in the semis.”
How they got here: The Lady Knights earned an 83-51 win over Council Rock South in their district opener. Vicky Tumasz scored a game-high 21 points and surpassed the 1,000-point mark. 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 Sam Carangi added 10 points. North Penn had a season low six turnovers. In their second round 43-40 win over Central Bucks South, Maher had 11 points and eight rebounds, and Mikaela Giuliani had nine points and 10 rebounds. Carangi added eight points. In the Lady Knights’ 55-43 win over Central Bucks East in quarterfinal action, Maher (14 points, six assists, five rebounds), Tumasz (14 points), Bri Cullen (10 points) and Giuliani (six rebounds) all made important contributions.
West Chester Rustin
- 23-4 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).
- Senior forward Adashia Franklyn has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at St. Joe’s.
- Franklyn, a 6-1 forward, and Noelle Powell are both 1,000-point scorers and provide an impressive one-two punch for the Golden Knights.
- Winners of 12 straight games
How they got here: Rustin defeated West Chester East 64-34 in an opening round game. Four players – Adashia Franklyn (15), Noelle Powell (15), Katie O’Hare (11) and Casey Warley (10) – finished the game in double figures. In second round action against Neshaminy, the Golden Knights turned a 21-20 halftime lead into a 56-26 win. Franklyn scored 16 of her game-high 25 points in the second half and Powell scored 16 of her 20 points after the intermission. The Golden Knights opened up a 25-14 halftime lead on their way to a 65-46 win over Abington in a quarterfinal game on Saturday. Franklyn (22 points) and Powell (15 points) were once again unstoppable.
#8 BISHOP SHANAHAN at #5 CENTRAL BUCKS WEST (Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.)
Central Bucks West
- 19-6 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 opening round game against Norristown but came back to earn a 76-48 win. Nicole Munger (17 points), Mackenzie Carroll (15 points) and Makenzie Mason (14 points, 12 rebounds) led the Bucks. In West’s 59-47 second round win over Methacton, Munger had 20 points while Corrinne Godshall had 14 points and nine rebounds. The Bucks fell to Spring-Ford 53-52 in Saturday’s quarterfinals. Munger (16 points), Godshall (14 points) and Caroll (11 points) all finished the game in double figures.
Bishop Shanahan
- 20-6 overall
- 9-3 second place behind Downingtown East in Ches-Mont National Conference
- Win over Haverford in opening round of districts was the program’s first ever postseason win.
- Earned program’s first ever trip to the state tournament.
- Led by sophomores Ciara Forde and Grace Phillips
How they got here: Shanahan defeated Haverford 40-27 in an opening round game. Ciara Forde (12 points) and Grace Phillips (11 points) led the way. Forde also had a career-high eight steals. In a 38-31 second round win over Ridley, Phillips had 14 points and Kathleen Wirshup had 12. Top-seeded Mount Saint Joseph opened up a 38-16 halftime lead on its way to a 61-26 win in a quarterfinal game on Saturday. Forde led Shanahan with seven points.
#12 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH at #2 GARNET VALLEY (Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.
Central Bucks South
- 19-6 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.
Coach Beth Mattern says: “As we look ahead to Wednesday night's game at Garnet Valley, we are excited to see what we can do against a very athletic two seed in the tournament. One of our team goals for the season has been to qualify for the state tournament, and we are one win away. We are excited to get on the court and see what we can do.”
How they got here: In an opening round game, 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. The Titans fell to North Penn in a second round game. Vitelli led the way with 12 points while Mosher added 10 and Taylor Dunn, nine points. In a playback game Saturday, the Titans defeated Upper Dublin 35-32. Emma Gardy led a balanced attack with eight points while Vitelli added seven.
Garnet Valley
- 24-2 overall
- 17-0 Central League champions
- This year’s league title is the first basketball title in school history
- Only regular season 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 in an opening round game. 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. In a second round 38-33 loss to Abington, Warden led the Jaguars with 10 points and seven rebounds. Ireland had nine points. Garnet Valley defeated Neshaminy 44-40 in a playback game Saturday. Ireland had 10 points, and Warner had six points and 13 rebounds.
#17 SOUDERTON at #12 METHACTON (Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.)
Souderton
- 18-7 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)
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)
Coach Lynn Carroll says: “Going into the season we were hoping to be one of the best teams in the district, and we're excited to have an opportunity to go out and prove it against a consistently talented and successful Methacton team. We were disappointed to miss out on States last year, so we're glad that we've earned a chance to accomplish that goal this year.”
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 their 50-42 opening round win over Boyertown. Souderton fell to top-seeded Mount Saint Joseph 52-36 in a second round game. Bianca Picard, who surpassed the 1,000-point mark, had 10 points while Katie O’Connor had nine and Gallagher, seven points. The Indians rebounded to defeat Ridley 57-52 in a playback game. Bianca Picard, who scored the game winner with under a minute to play, had 14 points. Devon Boehm (12 points), Gallagher (11 points) and Derstein (11 points) also finished in double figures.
Methacton
- 19-8 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 earned a 54-46 win over Cheltenham in their 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. Methacton fell to Central Bucks West 59-47 in a second round game. Glatthorn led the Warriors with 18 points. In Saturday’s playback game, Methacton earned a 53-51 overtime win over Penn Wood. Carroll, who has 987 career points, had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Tejarra Ellis had 16 points and nine rebounds.
#22 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST at #18 ABINGTON (Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.)
Abington
- 18-7 overall
- 12-2 SOL, second to Neshaminy in National Conference
- Won nine of 10 games to close out regular season.
- Saw their eight-game winning streak snapped in loss to Rustin Saturday.
- 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)
Coach Dan Marsh says: “We are looking forward to the challenge of CB East. They have played a battle-tested schedule and have beaten and played well against some of the best teams in the area. We know they play great defense and have a legitimate post game with guards to get them the ball. We need to play our game and get all our girls going. If we do this it will be a fun game to be a part of.”
How they got here: The Ghosts travelled to Downingtown East for their district opener 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. The Ghosts continued to work their road magic with a 38-33 win over second-seeded Garnet Valley in a second round game. Rawls led the Ghosts with 15 points while Harris had nine points and 12 rebounds. Gabby Nolan had eight rebounds, and Sammy Lochner, eight points. In Saturday’s quarterfinals, Abington fell to Rustin 65-46. Rawls scored 20 points – 19 after the intermission – and surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her career. Simmons added 14 points.
Central Bucks East
- 16-8 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)
- All five starters are seniors.
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)
Coach Liz Potash says: “We're looking forward to having the opportunity to bounce back from Saturday's game and get the best seed we can entering the state playoffs. We have similar strengths to Abington at the point guard and center positions so it should be a good match up.”
How they got here: The Patriots knocked off 11th-seeded Harriton 49-36 in an opening round 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. In second round action, the Patriots fell behind sixth-seeded Upper Dublin 8-1 after one quarter but came back to take a 10-8 lead at halftime. They went on to earn an 18-15 win. White led the Patriots with seven points. In Saturday’s 55-43 quarterfinal loss to North Penn, the Patriots fell behind 20-5 after one quarter but rallied to make it a seven-point game in the second half. Webster led East with 14 points while White and Neir each added eight.
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