Check out all the results for SOL girls’ basketball teams in action on Tuesday. To view photos of the Springfield/Upper Merion, please visit the Photo Gallery. Check back later this week for a featured story about Cheltenham sophomore Ashley Jones’ historic accomplishment.
American Conference
CHELTENHAM 60, PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 33
Ashley Jones made history on Tuesday night.
The Lady Panthers’ super sophomore did what no other basketball player in Cheltenham’s storied history had done when – despite being fouled – she scored on a drive midway through the second quarter to become the first player to surpass the 1,000-point milestone as a sophomore.
Jones needed nine points entering the game to reach the magical plateau.
“It was actually an and-one,” coach Brendan Nolan said of the play. “She made the bucket that put her over the top, so they stopped the game before her free throw. Everyone came out and congratulated her, and then she turns around and buries the free throw. She’s really unique, she really is.
“Once she makes a couple, they just seem to keep going in.”
Jones, who scored 11 points in the first half, led all scorers with 26 points. She had 10 points in the third quarter and 15 in a second half that saw her bury three three-pointers.
The Lady Panthers led this one from wire-to-wire, opening up a 16-7 lead after a first quarter that saw Gabrielle Wright score six in the frame while Jones and Amarri Trueheart both had four points. Monet McGorda also had a basket.
By halftime, the Lady Panthers led 28-13, and for good measure, they outscored the Colonials 24-9 in the third quarter to go on top 52-22.
“We played really, really well defensively,” Nolan said. “Their three guards – (Alynna) Williams, (Taylor) O’Brien and (Khadijah) Hickson – can be tough to match up with, but I put the challenge out to Jones, Trueheart and McGorda – if anyone should be able to match up with the three of them, it should be the three of you.
“I put that out there to them. They took the challenge on, and defensively, we did a really nice job.”
Three Lady Panthers finished the game in double figures. In addition to Jones, Trueheart had 16 points, which included a pair of three’s, and Wright added 12.
“Early in the game, we missed a ton of opportunities that should have been layups,” Nolan said. “We were up, but it was one of those games where we felt we should have been up more, but we were that close to them hitting a couple of three’s and suddenly it’s a close game when it shouldn’t be. But those big shots never came for them, and we kind of opened it up and put it away early.”
Williams led the Colonials with 14 points while Lauren Coscia added six.
“Lauren Coscia was the lone bright spot for PW tonight,” coach Daniel Dougherty said.
According to the PW coach, freshman Taylor O’Brien sprained her ankle two minutes into the game.
“She tried to tough it out but was not able to,” Dougherty said. “PW was not able to handle the rowdy Senior Night crowd at Cheltenham and mentally collapsed against Cheltenham’s pressure and composure.
“We congratulate Ashley Jones on reaching the 1000-point milestone. We tried our best to make her earn the first nine points, and she did.”
With the win, the Lady Panthers upped their record to 11-2 in league play (16-5 overall) while the Colonials are 8-5 in the league (12-9 overall).
Plymouth Whitemarsh 7-6-9-11 33
Cheltenham 16-12-24-8 60
Plymouth Whitemarsh (33) – Taylor O’Brien 3, Alynna Williams 14, Alison Spinelli 3, Lauren Coscia 6, Laurel Suchsland 3, Ragan Ebersole 4.
Cheltenham (60) – Monet McGorda 4, Gabrielle Wright 12, Ashley Jones 26, Amarri Trueheart 16, Dejah China 2.
SPRINGFIELD (MONTCO) 55, UPPER MERION 50
Coach Bill Krewson called it a ‘total team win,’ and anything less would not have been enough to defeat the Vikings on their home court on Senior Night.
“If you asked the seniors, it’s probably their most exciting win in four years,” coach Bill Krewson said. “We mixed up our defenses, and we kept them off-balance.
“The other big part and what I love about this team is they’re fighters. They don’t really ever quit. There are moments of down time for individuals, but for the most part, they know they can play and they can be in there, so they hang around and stay in the game as long as they can.”
The Spartans served early notice that they would not go down without a battle, opening up a 12-9 lead after one quarter, but the Vikings rallied to knot the score 27-27 at halftime. Springfield took a tenuous 41-40 lead into the final quarter when they outscored their hosts 14-10 to earn the dramatic win.
“Most of our contributions tonight were from our seniors,” Krewson said. “I like the fact that Savanna Shackleford stepped up and made a couple of big shots.
“Caroline Pape stepped in and made a huge shot. To me, that’s what you live for – the total team win. It’s very exciting.”
Shackleford finished with six points while Pape had four. Molly Dugan once again was the offensive leader for the Spartans, finishing with a game-high 18 points. Maura Ryan, who has been coming on in recent outings, added 15 points.
“The first quarter of the season – a little slow, and she’s now turning stronger with the ball, being more comfortable and shooting,” Krewson said of Ryan. “She’s been a huge help too.”
Jayla Greene added six points for the Spartans.
For the Vikings, seniors Regie Robinson and Eryn Brady led the way with 15 points each while Tatiana Pleasant added eight.
Both teams are 6-7 in conference play with one game remaining. The Vikings are 12-9 overall, and the Spartans stay above .500 with the win (11-10).
Krewson tipped his hat to his assistants – Laurie Kristiniak and Jenni Lynn Checchia.
“I’m grateful for all the hard work they put in and for the great communication that also had an impact on the win,” the Spartans’ coach said.
Springfield 12-15-14-14 55
Upper Merion9-18-13-10 50
Springfield (55) – Jayla Greene 6, Bailey Krewson 3, Jewell Ringgold 5, Maura Ryan 15, Molly Dugan 18, Caroline Pape 4, Savanna Shackleford 6.
Upper Merion (50) – Anna Davis 2, Katie Valeri 5, Jordan Wilson 5, Regie Robinson 15, Tatiana Pleasant 8, Eryn Brady 15.
UPPER DUBLIN 60, WISSAHICKON 14
The Flying Cardinals made it official, clinching sole possession of their third straight conference crown with a win over the visiting Trojans. The Cardinals owned this one from the outset, opening up a 19-4 lead after one quarter and taking a 35-10 lead into halftime.
Julie Cross had another huge game for the Cardinals, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, six steals, four blocks and three assists. Josie Barrett added 11 points and three assists, and Allison Chernow had nine points and six assists. Freshman Maggie Weglos had nine points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Flying Cardinals are a perfect 13-0 in league play (16-4 overall) while the Trojans are 2-11 in the league (2-19 overall).
Wissahickon 4-6-4-0 14
Upper Dublin 19-16-12-13 60
NORRISTOWN 52, UPPER MORELAND 35
The Eagles led 13-8 after one quarter and blew the game wide open with a 21-5 second quarter tear to go into halftime with a 34-13 lead over their visitors.
Tatiana Dewalt led a balanced Eagles’ attack with 16 points while Brianna Schools added 10. Lauren Fortescue, Jen Kennedy and Tatiana Jones each added six points.
Jenna Getz led the Golden Bears with 16 points.
The Eagles are 6-7 in conference play (10-11 overall) while the Golden Bears are 0-13 in the league (1-19 overall).
Upper Moreland 8-5-14-8 35
Norristown 13-21-8-10 53
Norristown (53) – Tatiana Dewalt 16, Patti Fortescue 4, Brianna Schools 10, Lauren Fortescue 6, Devon Moore 4, Jen Kennedy 6, Tatiana Jones 6.
CHELTENHAM 51, NORRISTOWN 45 (Monday, Feb. 2)
The Lady Panthers led 15-12 after one quarter, thanks to a balanced attack that was led by the six-point effort of Gabrielle Wright. Cheltenham took a 29-26 lead into halftime. In the second quarter, it was Monet McGorda sparking the Lady Panthers with eight points, which included a pair of treys. Ashley Jones – who needed 23 points to reach the 1,000-point milestone as a sophomore – had just three points in the first half.
Jones was a force in the third quarter, scoring nine points, but the Eagles – led by eight points from Brianna Schools – outscored the Lady Panthers 17-16 and trailed by just two heading into the final quarter (45-43). The Lady Panthers took the air out of the basketball in the fourth quarter, scoring just six points – all from the foul line. The Eagles managed only two points on a bucket by freshman Tatiana Jones.
Four Lady Panthers finished the game in double figures – led by Jones and McGorda with 14 points each. Amarri Trueheart added 11 and Wright had 10.
For the Eagles, Jones led the way with 14 points. Schools also finished in double figures with eight points while Tatiana Dewalt and Patti Fortescue both had nine.
Cheltenham 15-14-16-6 51
Norristown 14-12-17-2 45
Cheltenham (51) – Ashley Jones 14, Monet McGorda 14, Amarri Trueheart 11, Gabrielle Wright 10, Nashira Brown 2.
Norristown (45) – Tatiana Dewalt 9, Patti Fortescue 9, Brianna Schools 10, Lauren Fortescue 3, Tatiana Jones 14.
Continental Conference
NORTH PENN 37, SOUDERTON 33
The Lady Knights found themselves staring at an eight-point deficit midway through the third quarter (33-25) but closed out the game with a 12-0 run.
“Every single one of my five starters just stepped up and really played well,” North Penn coach Maggie deMarteleire said. “Mikaela Giuliani had a really good game. It was 35-33, and Souderton had the ball, and Mikaela had a big steal and went the length of the court and made a layup. That was pretty big.
“Irisa Ye had three blocked shots in the fourth quarter. Also, when (Marissa) Sandone hit the three to make it 33-25, Irisa came down and hit a three.”
Giuliani led all scorers with 15 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to finish with another double-double. Jess Huber added 15 points while Taylor Thames had four assists.
For the Indians – who were without one of their starters (Olivia Kaunert) because of illness, junior Marissa Sandone and freshman Sami Falencki both scored nine points while Sarah Derstein added six.
“What a difference Derstein makes for them,” deMarteleire said. “You have to pay so much attention to her, and that leaves other things open. They had some nice interior passing between her and (Noelle) Noble. It was a good game.”
The Lady Knights improved to 10-3 in the league (16-5 overall) while the Indians are 6-7 in league play (8-13 overall).
North Penn 12-4-8-13 37
Souderton 5-12-11-5 33
North Penn (37) – Irisa Ye 4, Taylor Thames 2, Mikaela Giuliani 15, Jess Huber 8, Sam Carangi 5, Bri Hewlett 3.
Souderton (33) – Tori Dowd 2, Krista Schneider 3, Noelle Noble 4, Marissa Sandone 9, Sami Falencki 9, Sarah Derstein 6.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 67, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 37
Looking every bit the part of the champions they are, the Bucks showcased their offensive and defensive prowess in a convincing win over their neighboring rival. It turns out none of them had forgotten last year’s one-point loss at East late in the season.
“We did not forget one bit,” senior Nicole Munger said.
The Bucks made sure there would be no reruns, doing just about everything right en route to a 25-3 lead after one quarter. They played suffocating pressure defense, turning steals into easy baskets, and to make life more miserable for the young Patriots, they made their outside shots. On consecutive possessions, Munger buried three-pointers – first from one baseline and then the other, spotting the Bucks an 8-0 lead. A three-point play by Meghan Tillger – set up by Munger’s penetration into the paint – was followed by a Peyton Traina three-pointer, this one the result of Mackenzie Carroll’s dish after driving.
“When we make a couple of outside shots, it just makes our energy so high,” Traina said. “Whether Mackenzie or one of our bigs comes out and makes a three, it’s not even the three that’s a big deal – it’s just the fact that our team gets super excited for that moment, and it generates that defense and that next play, and it really carries over into the rest of the game.”
A three-point play by Corrinne Godshall late in the quarter after an offensive rebound put the Bucks on top 23-2. By halftime, the Bucks had connected on six three-pointers and led 46-17.
“Coach said – I think it was my freshman or sophomore year at North Penn, and it just resonated with me – when teams are hitting shots, just having to take the ball out of the rim and throwing it in back-to-back-to-back, it’s really hard to do,” Munger said. “I remember the game we had to do that, so I get excited when we make shots.”
Coach Terry Rakowsky credited his team for its defensive performance.
“If you challenge a shooter, that’s good defense,” he said. “They’re going to make shots, but if you do that consistently, you’ll do pretty good, and we were.
“We were only giving up one shot, which is also a recipe for success.”
Munger led a balanced West attack with 16 points to go along with eight rebounds. Godshall added 11 points while Carroll had 10. Maggie Rakowsky had eight points, which included two three-pointers. She did all of her damage in the second quarter. Traina – who also had a pair of treys – and Makenzie Mason both added six.
For the Patriots, sophomore Bridget Birkhead had another big night. She finished with 17 points, which included an 8-of-9 effort at the foul line and three three-pointers.
The Bucks are a perfect 13-0 in conference play (20-1 overall) while the Patriots are 6-7 in league play (11-10 overall).
Central Bucks West 25-21-18-2 67
Central Bucks East 3-14-9-11 37
Central Bucks West (67) – Mackenzie Carroll 10, Peyton Traina 6, Corrinne Godshall 11, Nicole Munger 16, Maggie Rakowsky 8, Meghan Tillger 5, Makenzie Mason 6, Abby Spratt 3, Laura Roth 2.
Central Bucks East (37) – Bridget Birkhead 17, Megan Browne 2, Bailey McManus 1, Briana Talbot 5, Abby Charlton 2, Kyra Scaliti 5, Grace Stewart 3, Maggie Vetter 2.
PENNRIDGE 65, HATBORO-HORSHAM 57
Devan Rimmer scored 19 points, which included an 8-for-9 effort at the foul line. She also added three assists, three rebounds and one steal to lead the Lady Rams. Senior Shelby Schoonover added 12 points, three rebounds and two steals. Lydia Konstanzer collected a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds while Kaeli White also added 11 points, two assists, two steals and two rebounds.
The Lady Rams raced out of the gate to a 21-14 lead after one quarter and took a 43-25 lead into halftime. It was still a 53-36 game heading into the final frame when the Hatters outscored their hosts 21-12.
Junior Cassidy Quattro led the Hatters with 17 points while Bergen Sims also finished in double figures with 10. Julia Thornton added nine points, Hannah Mallon had eight and Rachel Helton added seven points to a balanced Hatter attack.
The Lady Rams are 5-8 in league play (12-9 overall) while the Hatters are 1-12 in the league (6-15 overall).
Hatboro-Horsham 14-11-11-21 57
Pennridge 21-22-10-12 65
Hatboro-Horsham (57) – Rachel Helton 7, Bergen Sims 10, Haley Seifert 4, Amanda Brett 2, Hannah Mallon 8, Julia Thornton 9, Cassidy Quattro 17.
Pennridge (65) – Gillian Anderson 2, Monika Brill 2, Ashley George 3, Lydia Konstanzer 11, Devan Rimmer 19, Shelby Schoonover 12, Kaeli White 11, Kate Wycheck 5.
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 48, QUAKERTOWN 24
Twelve players found their way into the scoring column for the Titans in Tuesday’s win. Senior Emma Gardy led a balanced attack with nine points while Jordan Vitelli added eight for the Titans, who led 13-6 after one quarter. South took a 30-9 lead into halftime on their way to the big win.
For the Panthers, Marina Cooke led the way with eight points while Jill Martin added six.
The Titans are 10-3 in conference play (16-4 overall) while the Panthers are 1-12 in the league (3-17 overall).
Quakertown 6-3-9-6 24
Central Bucks South 13-17-8-10 48
Quakertown (24) – Makenna Kressley 4, Olivia Morano 4, Marina Cooke 8, Meghan Klee 2, Jill Martin 6.
Central Bucks South (48) – Kaley Smith 3, Taylor Dunn 2, Chloe Entenberg 2, Melissa Veal 2, Meghan Kuypers 5, Tricia DeCesare 3, Haley Meinel 2, Jordan Vitelli 8, sam Clevenstine 4, Emma Gardy 9, Courtney Dietzel 4, Mackenzie Ehresman 4.
National Conference
ABINGTON 64, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 51
The night belonged to the Ghosts, who raced to a 19-10 lead after one quarter and extended that to 42-23 by halftime on their way to a win that clinched sole possession of first place. The Ghosts took a 52-30 lead into the fourth quarter when they were outscored by the Indians 21-12.
After the game, the Ghosts cut down the net to celebrate sole possession of their first conference crown since 2008. Only a win over Harry S Truman on Friday separates the Ghosts from a perfect conference season.
“We played really well today – I’m really proud of them,” coach Dan Marsh said. “They made a run in the fourth quarter, but we were up big. It was a complete team effort. This championship has been a total team effort. From 1-12, everybody has contributed. It’s been great.”
The Ghosts displayed their depth and balance, putting four players in double figures while another finished with nine. Liz O’Leary led the way with 14 while Bre Bermel and Deja Rawls both added 12. Gabby Nolan had 10 points and Sammy Lochner added nine. Leah Simmons chipped in six points.
“Liz (O’Leary) and Bre (Bermel) played great on the boards,” Marsh said. “Teams come in and they try and box-and-one on Deja.
“We literally have kids on this team that can play. Lizzie (O’Leary) had nine points in the first quarter because they tried to box-and-one Deja. I think what I was most proud of was our ball movement and our defense.
“We had 30 deflections. Our hands were all over the place, which made it really difficult for them. To be honest, at times we passed the ball too much because they were so unselfish. We were moving the ball and getting it to the right person. It was a total team effort.”
For the Indians, Michaela Finneyfrock had a huge game, leading all scorers with 21 points to go along with nine rebounds, four steals and one block. Jessica Gerber added 13 but had just five heading into the fourth quarter. Madison Attanasio added six points, five rebounds, four steals and one assist.
The Ghosts improved to a perfect 13-0 in conference play (18-3 overall) while the second place Indians are 10-3 in league play (14-6 overall).
Council Rock North 10-13-7-21 51
Abington 19-23-10-12 64
Council Rock North (51) – Becca Margolis 6, Jessica Gerber 13, Michaela Finneyfrock 21. Madison Attanasio 6, Megan Haggerty 3, Hannah Weller 2.
Abington (64) – Gabby Nolan 10, Sammy Lochner 9, Liz O’Leary 14, Bre Bermel 12, Deja Rawls 12, Taylor Deal 1, Leah Simmons 6.
NESHAMINY 62, HARRY S TRUMAN 50
The Redskins took early control of Tuesday’s game against Truman and never looked back. They led 21-7 after one quarter and took a 31-20 lead into halftime. A 19-8 third quarter put the ‘Skins on top 50-28 before the Tigers closed it out with a 22-12 fourth quarter burst.
Morgan Goldenbaum had another big day for the Redskins, finishing with 15 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Maddie Murray led all scorers with 20 points while Devon Storms was the third Redskin player in double figures with 12. Emily Alexis pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.
For the Tigers, Jayda Campbell led the way with 17 points while Daeja Moore added 10.
The Redskins are in third place in the conference standings with a 9-4 record (14-6 overall) while the Tigers are 1-12 in the league (6-15 overall).
Harry S Truman 7-13-8-22 50
Neshaminy 21-10-19-12 62
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 31, PENNSBURY 20
The Golden Hawks led 11-3 after one quarter and took a 19-10 lead into halftime. They allowed just one point in the third quarter while opening up a 26-11 lead on their way to the win.
“It was a good defensive effort,” coach Monica Stolic said.
Allison Taub contributed a double-double to lead the Golden Hawks, scoring 11 points while pulling down 13 rebounds. She also had four assists. Shannon Taub added nine points.
The Golden Hawks are 8-5 in league play (11-10 overall) while the Falcons are 4-9 in the league (7-12 overall).
Council Rock south 11-8-7-5 31
Pennsbury 3-7-1-9 20
WILLIAM TENNENT 45, BENSALEM 36
Sophomore Kyla Gibson scored 17 points while senior Angie Pomponio added 14 to lead the Panthers to the win.
Tennent led 14-7 after one quarter and took a 25-12 lead into halftime. The two teams played to an 8-8 draw in the third quarter before the Owls outscored their visitors 16-12 in the final frame.
“We played very well,” Bensalem coach Don Bogan said. “We played tough defense in the second half.”
Rachael Ebert added eight points for the Panthers. For the Owls, Lyric Lewis scored a game-high 20 points while Kelsey Long added six.
The Panthers are 6-7 in league play (12-9 overall) while the Owls are 1-12 in the league (4-16 overall).
William Tennent 14-11-8-12 45
Bensalem 7-5-8-16 36
William Tennent (45) – Angie Pomponio 14, Kyla Gibson 17, Rachael Ebert 8, Alyssa Christiansen 2, Sarah Richie 2, Kelly Scipione 2.
Bensalem (36) – Lyric Lewis 20, Kelsey Long 6, Breanna Buechner 3, Candus Kamara 4, Nicole Wajda 3.
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