Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ basketball team in action Tuesday.
Garnet Valley Holiday Tournament
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 60, GARNET VALLEY 41
The Titans jumped out of the gate to a 21-8 lead after one quarter on their way to the no-doubt-about-it win and the tournament title.
“I thought we were consistent with our good decision making,” South coach Beth Mattern said. “The way we played was a little more aggressive than we have been, especially on the offensive end. I think we were a little more consistent and overall played a nice team game at both ends of the court.”
While Taylor Hinkle’s 21-point effort ignited the Titans in Monday’s win over Downingtown East, it was sophomore Yoyo Samayoa who had the hot hand in Tuesday’s title contest. Samayoa was the catalyst in South’s 21-point first quarter, burying four 3-pointers in the frame.
“After last night when Taylor (Hinkle) came out so hot, she garnered a lot of attention today, so Yoyo was open and she knocked down shots, big shots,” Mattern said. “It was great. We needed that.”
The Titans took a 34-19 lead into halftime and extended that lead with a 16-6 third quarter on their way to the tournament title.
“I think it’s nice because this group can say they won something,” Mattern said. “Last year they didn’t get that opportunity because there wasn’t a holiday tournament. This is the first time this group has been able to say – ‘We have a two-game season. Let’s see what we can do.’ It put our focus toward that, and they went out and did it, and they did it convincingly.
“I think that is a great step forward for this team. I feel lucky that we got both games in and we were able to play well and get two W’s. I am concerned about our health because it is that time of year and keeping them healthy – we’re going to make adjustments for the rest of the week, and hopefully, come January, we’re ready to roll.”
Also for the Titans, Sammy Schiesser had 11 points, and Hinkle added nine.
Central Bucks South (5-3, 1-3 SOL) will travel to Pennridge on Tuesday.
Central Bucks South 21-13-16-10 60
Garnet Valley 8-11-6-17 41
Central Bucks South (60) – Megan Schmidt 1 0-0 2; Casey Balkir 0 0-1 0; Taylor Hinkle 4 0-1 9; Alyssa D’Orazio 2 0-0 5; Mackenzie Erb 2 0-0 5; Jenna McCartin 1 0-0 2; Mia Klein 0 1-2 1; Maddie Tantum 2 0-0 4; Sammy Schiesser 4 1-1 11; Yoyo Samayoa 7 0-0 19; Kristen Conway 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 24 2-4 60.
Garnet Valley (41) – Savannah Saunders 0 3-7 3; Layne Zipperlan 1 0-0 2; Kylie Mulholland 0 2-2 2; Haylie Adamski 2 3-3 9; Jordan Daubenberger 0 1-2 1; Carly DiSabatino 4 1-2 9; Emily Olsen 8 0-0 16; TOTALS 15 10-16 41.
3-point goals: CBS – Yoyo Samayoa 5, Sammy Schiesser 2, Alyssa D’Orazio, Mackenzie Erb, Taylor Hinkle; GV – Haylie Adamski 2.
Lancaster Catholic Holiday Tournament
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 73, LANCASTER MENNONITE 21
Emily Spratt has made a name for herself as an elite slasher and scorer who spent games making one trip after another to the foul line. The Jefferson University commit has extended her game this year, a fact that was on display in Tuesday’s win that saw her bury six 3-pointers. Spratt singlehandedly outscored the Lancers, finishing with 26 points.
“We said at our exit interviews – you have to add a 3-ball because this is what we need,” West coach Zach Sibel said. “To make six 3’s – (heck) the most I ever had was five against King’s in college. She came out and banged six, and she didn’t play the end of the third or the fourth quarter.
“She’s shooting the ball really well. She makes a living at the free throw line, she can get to the rim, but now she’s adding the next part of her game. Jefferson has got a steal. They’re getting a well-rounded player who’s only going to get better.”
Tuesday’s win came on the heels of the Bucks’ first loss of the season last Thursday to Central Bucks East.
“We had a stretch where we played six games in eight days, and the girls were feeling that a little bit,” Sibel said. “You have an emotional game like the game against East – you take your punches, you tip your cap and then you move on.
“This is a bounce-back game. It’s good to see the girls get back to the things they’re good at and are building their confidence back. Tonight, we made shots.”
Nobody made more than Spratt, whose 14 first quarter points – which included four 3-pointers – propelled the Bucks to a 26-7 lead. By halftime Spratt had 20 points, and the Bucks led 47-12 on their way to the mercy rule win.
“When you shoot 22 percent against East, it’s nice to see the ball go through the hoop,” Sibel said. “We’ve been looking at more analytics and where we get shots from and the percentages. Tonight, I thought was a really good showcasing of putting that to work, getting good shots and taking shots from places that we’re comfortable.
“Every one of our players scored tonight, so it’s good to get minutes for some girls that may have seen a dip in minutes in the close games we are playing. I think the score is an indication of the girls locking in as much as it is the effort.”
Spratt wasn’t the only West player to come up big, Alexis Castro finished with a dazzling double-double – 19 points and 12 rebounds.
“She was out of her mind tonight,” Sibel said. “In the first half, she was 2-for-2 from the 3-point line and then killed it on the glass.”
Tai Henkels added nine points.
Central Bucks West (7-1, 3-1 SOL) will face Lancaster Catholic in Wednesday’s title game at 7:30 p.m.
Central Bucks West 26-21-14-12 73
Lancaster Mennonite 7-5-9-0 21
Central Bucks West (73) – Tai Henkels 3 1-2 9; Katie Finnan 1 0-0 2; Taylor Madden 1 0-2 3; Emily Spratt 9 2-3 26; Alexis Castro 8 1-3 19; Ava Longo 0 1-2 1; Jenn Christie 2 0-0 5; Gabi Senior 2 0-0 4; Gabby Reichner 2 0-0 4; 28 5-12 73.
Lancaster Mennonite (21) – C. Mann 1 2-2 5; Jayla Rivera 1 0-0 2; Tiana Delgado 2 1-4 6; Rebecca Lane 2 2-2 6; Ramia Santos 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 7 5-8 21.
3-point goals: CBW – Emily Spratt 6, Alexis Castro 2, Tai Henkels 2, Taylor Madden, Jenna Christie; LMHS – Tiana Delgado, C. Mann.
Diamond State Classic
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 50, HAVERFORD 35
The Colonials – once again sparked offensively by Lainey Allen – took an early lead and never looked back on their way to the lopsided win. Allen led the Colonials with 19 points. Erin Daley also finished in double figures with 11 points.
PW led 14-5 after one quarter and extended that to 24-11 by halftime. The Colonials edged the Fords 26-24 in the second half.
Also for the Colonials, Kaitlyn Flanagan had eight points, and Fiona Gooneratne added a pair of 3s in the third quarter for six points.
“(Our) defense was led by Jordyn Thomas,” PW coach Dan Dougherty said. “Collectively, they held Haverford standout Caroline Dotsy to one made field goal through the first three quarters.”
Kaitlyn Flanagan added eight points and Gooneratne contributed six points.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-0, 2-0 SOL) will play their third game in three days at Tatnall School when the Colonials take on Caravel Academy on Wednesday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 14-10-19-7 50
Haverford 5-6-13-11 35
Plymouth Whitemarsh (50) – Azzareya Crumpton 1 0-0 2; Angelina Balcer 1 0-0 2; Kaitlyn Flanagan 2 2-2 8; Fiona Gooneratne 2 0-0 6; Erin Daley 5 0-0 11; Lainey Allen 9 1-5 19; Jordyn Thomas 0 2-2 2; TOTALS 20 5-9 50.
Haverford (35) – Sky Newman 1 1-1 3; Aniya Eberhart 2 0-0 5; Caroline Dotsy 3 8-9 14; Rian Dotsy 1 4-5 6; Mollie Carpenter 1 0-0 2; Maura Dougherty 2 0-0 5; TOTALS 10 13-17 35.
3-point goals: PW – Kaitlyn Flanagan 2, Fiona Gooneratne 2, Erin Daley; Haverford – Aniya Eberhart, Maura Dougherty.
Non-league
SOUDERTON 48, MECHANICSBURG 31
The Indians were without a pair of regulars, but with four starters – Casey Harter, Erin Bohmueller, Taya McConnaha and Alexis Stefanowicz – playing every second of the 32-minute game, the Indians still won in convincing fashion.
Harter and McConnaha led the Indians on the offensive end, combining for 38 points. Harter led all scorers with 20 points while McConnaha was not far behind with 18 points and 14 rebounds in another monster effort.
“We normally have a seven-person rotation, and we only had five today,” Souderton coach Lynn Carroll said. “Brooke (Fenchel) was in a little bit of foul trouble in the first quarter, so we had to go to the bench, and Avery Carroll, who is a swing player for us but up until this point has only played JV, had to play half of the first quarter and the entire second quarter.
“She was great. She hit a shot in the second quarter, she was really just thrown in there at a moment’s notice. We didn’t know until this morning that we were down to five. To get thrown in like that is not easy, and she did a great job.”
The Indians, who trailed 9-7 after one quarter, outscored Mechanicsburg 18-7 to go into halftime with a 25-16 lead. Harter’s 11 points – nine in the second quarter – led the Indians. McConnaha had 10 points in the opening half. The Indians extended their lead to 36-23 heading into the final quarter. The Wildcats never threatened.
“Really the story of the day was our defense,” Carroll said. “There was a very specific way we wanted to defend this team, and our girls really did a good job with it. It required a good amount of focus, and they maintained that focus for the most part throughout the entire game.
“Mechanicsburg is good. They’ll win a lot of games this year. It was kind of a fun battle. The team we put on the court today – we’re very similar. They had one true post player and four guards, which is what we had the whole game. We don’t actually play many teams like that.
“There aren’t many post players anymore. It was a good battle between Teya and their post player. It was a fun game to watch. At a time when you don’t really know if the next game is going to happen, we’re glad we were able to play and pick up the win and play well.”
Also for the Indians, Erin Bohmueller finished with six points, five rebounds and eight assists. Fourteen of 18 Souderton baskets were assisted.
“A lot of Teya’s were assisted and just good looks, especially from Erin – she’s got such a nice touch when she passes the ball,” Carroll said. “Casey creates for herself, getting up and down the court in transition, attacking the rim.”
Souderton (6-2, 3-1 SOL) will host Central Bucks West next Tuesday.
Souderton 7-18-11-12 48
Mechanicsburg 9-7-7-8 31
Souderton (48) – Erin Bohmueller 2 0-0 6; Casey Harter 7 6-7 20; Alexis Stefanowicz 1 0-0 2; Teya McConnaha 7 3-3 18; Avery Carroll 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 18 9-10 48.
Mechanicsburg (31) – Priya Loran 4 2-3 11; Cassie Eager 3 2-2 11; Emma Cartilla 2 2-6 7; TOTALS 10 6-11 31.
3-point goals: Souderton – Erin Bohmueller 2, Teya McConnaha; Mechanicsburg – Priya Loran, Cassie Eager 3, Emma Cartilla.
UPPER DUBLIN 48, BISHOP SHANAHAN 41
It had been a long time between games – 11 days to be exact, and the Cardinals – behind the 17-point effort of Amy Ngo – celebrated their return to the court with a convincing win over the visiting Eagles.
“We woke up this morning thinking we were not going to have three of our players, but because of the CDC changing the rules, everyone was clear, so we were actually at full strength,” UD coach Morgan Funsten said. “We had to postpone two games last week because of some COVID issues we had, and we expected to be shorthanded tonight, but found out this afternoon we were not. We were excited about that.”
The Cardinals might have had an idea it would be a good day when they scored 15 first-quarter points, which included 3-pointers by Geena Sarnoski, Lilli Kleiman and Amy Ngo. They led by just a 15-14 score but added to their lead with a 14-7 second quarter to go into halftime with a 29-21 lead. Ngo led the Cardinals with 11 points. Colleen Klammer had six points – all in the second quarter.
“What set the tone for the day – we shot the ball very well in the first quarter, and we had not shot the ball well all year, so it was great to see the ball go through the basket,” Funsten said. “It relieved some pressure offensively at least.
“We didn’t play that well defensively in the first quarter, but we were much better in the second quarter.”
The Cardinals took a 36-30 lead into the fourth quarter and edged their visitors 12-11 in the final frame. Sarnoski had five points in the quarter. Ngo had six points in the half and Alaina Sanders had all five of her points in the second half.
“Down the stretch, Alaina Sanders made a couple of big baskets,” Funsten said. “Bishop Shanahan had made a little bit of a run towards the end of the third quarter. We got a stop defensively, and Geena Sarnoski made a nice move on the baseline and finished to start the fourth quarter, keeping them at a comfortable distance.
“Bliss Brenner did a great job defending their leading scorer – Alyssa Brown, who had a game high of 33, and she was averaging over 20 points a game. They’re a team that scores a lot of points. They can shoot the ball really well, but overall, I thought the girls defended really well.”
Ngo’s 17 points led the Cardinals. Sarnoski added 12 points, six rebounds and two steals. Klammer was a beast on the boards, pulling down 13 rebounds – five offensive. She also had six points and three blocked shots.
“Colleen Klammer was a monster on the boards,” Funsten said. “She had 13 rebounds and really limited any type of second chances.
“We were nervous going into the game – they shoot so many 3’s that they weren’t going to be conventional rebounds, they were going to be long rebounds. Colleen just had a nose for the ball tonight. She had six points in the second quarter. She had a great game, probably her best game so far.”
Bliss Brenner handed out nine assists.
“She set the tone for us offensively,” Funsten said. “She really ran our offense well. We’ll probably have as similar type challenge (Wednesday) with Mount St. Joe’s. I would say they’re in a similar category to what Shanahan just was. We’re hoping we can come out with a win tomorrow.”
Upper Dublin (3-2, 1-1 SOL) will host Mount St. Joseph Academy in a non-league game Wednesday at 1 p.m., salvaging a pair of games when two teams scheduled to participate in the Cardinals Classic – North Penn and Germantown Academy – were shut down.
“I feel bad for Matt Heiland, our athletic director,” Funsten said. “He’s been a trooper. I would have started ignoring my phone calls if I were him. He did a great job.
“We were not supposed to play Shanahan. We were supposed to play the Mount tonight and the winner/loser of GA/North Penn, but they’re both shut down. Bishop Shanahan lost a game they were supposed to play today in a different tournament. That’s how we got this game.”
Bishop Shanahan 14-7-9-11 41
Upper Dublin 15-14-7-12 48
Bishop Shanahan (41) – Faith Ambrose 3 4-4 11; Abby Wolf 3 0-0 6; Alyssa Brown 1 5-6 7; Alexa Boyko 2 1-4 7; Caroline Sendi 2 2-3 8; Kaitlyn Griffin 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 12 12-17 41.
Upper Dublin (48) – Alaina Sanders 2 1-2 5; Bliss Brenner 0 3-4 3; Aditi Foster 1 0-3 2; Geena Sarnoski 5 1-4 12; Lilli Kleiman 1 0-0 3; Colleen Klammer 2 2-2 6; Amy Ngo 6 2-4 17; TOTALS 17 9-19 48.
3-point goals: Shanahan – Caroline Sendi 2, Alexa Boyko 2, Faith Ambrose; UD – Amy Ngo 3, Lilli Kleiman, Geena Sarnoski.
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 61, ST. HUBERT’S 41
Four players scored in double figures for the Lions, who outscored their visitors 36-19 in the middle two quarters to seize control after a tightly contested opening quarter.
“The score is not indicative – that’s a well-coached team and they’re tough,” NHS coach Polinsky said. “They’re tough girls, they’re intense. That’s why I wanted to play them. They make you do things you don’t want to do. Give them credit.
“We just responded. We’ve had a lot of leads we’ve lost in the last couple of weeks, and today we kept it going, which I was happy about.”
Emily Wilson and Madi Fasti both scored 16 points to lead the Lions’ offensive onslaught. Included in Fasti’s 16 points were four 3-pointers. Reagan Chrencik added 13 points and Izzy Elizondo had 11.
It was Wilson jumpstarting the Lions with eight points in a first quarter that saw NHS edge their visitors 13-12. Fasti had the hot hand in the second quarter, burying three 3-pointers and scoring 13 points for the Lions, who took a 33-21 lead into halftime.
The Lions extended their lead to 49-31 heading into the final quarter on their way to the impressive win.
Polinsky lauded his team’s defensive effort on the Bambies top offensive weapon, Gianna Grassfulli, who scored 11 points.
“Our goal was to hold Gianna Grassfulli under 13 points,” the Lions’ coach said. “Gianna is such good player that I have watched all summer in AAU.
“I felt if we could control her somewhat, we would have a shot. Reagan Chrencik played her and did an exceptional job. Everyone talks about her offense, but her defense and shot blocking is off the charts. She is playing with a lot of swag and she and Madi Fast are playing with a lot of confidence. Madi’s shooting has been incredible, and her leadership and point guard skills have helped us win games.
“Our three freshmen – Wilson, Elizondo and Ella Dudick – play beyond their years. Ella stepped in and had a nice game today. As a team, our ball movement and defense has been good in our last four games.”
The win was the fourth straight for the Lions, and at a time when numerous games are being cancelled, Polinsky was happy to have a game.
“This game was added late,” the Lions’ coach said. “I appreciate Coach Schafer and his team playing us today. They are a very good scrappy team. They showed us different defensive looks that will help us in the long run.”
New Hope-Solebury (4-2, 3-0 SOL) will host Wissahickon in a non-league game on Thursday at 12:30 p.m.
St. Hubert’s 12-9-10-10 41
New Hope-Solebury 13-20-16-12 61
St. Hubert’s (41) – Mia Tobin 1 1-2 3; Kenzie McLaughlin 4 2-3 11; Charlotte Pugh 4 4-4 12; Lexa Price 1 0-0 2; Gianna Grassifulli 4 3-3 11; Kate Patterson 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 15 10-12 41.
New Hope-Solebury (61) – Emily Wilson 6 4-4 16; Izzy Elizando 5 0-0 11; Reagan Chrencik 6 1-1 13; Madi Fasti 6 0-0 16; Ella Dudick 0 2-5 2; Sammi McAndrew 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 24 7-10 61.
3-point goals: St. Hubert’s – Kenzie McLaughlin, NHS – Madi Fasti 4, Izzy Elizondo, Sammi McAndrew.
DELONE CATHOLIC 52, PENNRIDGE 43
Delone Catholic boasts a proud tradition in basketball, and in 2019, the Squirettes captured the PIAA 3A state title and were in line to defend that title one year later when the season was cancelled. Last winter, Delone lost in the state semifinals, and led by two-time all-state selection Giana Hoddinott, the Squirettes appear poised for another postseason run.
The Rams, who trailed 20-10 after one quarter, still found itself on the short end of a 30-18 halftime score, but in the third quarter, the Rams closed the gap, outscoring the Squirettes 17-5 to knot the score 35-35 heading into the final quarter. Ava Fantaskey led the third quarter charge, burying a pair of 3’s.
The Squirettes responded with a 17-8 fourth quarter to close out the game.
“It was close the rest of the game and then we had to foul,” Pennridge coach Mike Elton said. “Number 12 (Hoddinott) had a ton of points, and they were solid at all five positions. This starting lineup has played since 2019.”
Hoddinott – whose 13 first-quarter points ignited the Squirettes – led all scorers with 27 points.
Katie Yoder and Anna Croyle led the Rams with 13 and 12 points respectively. Fantaskey added eight points and Emma Pyne had six.
Pennridge (4-3, 2-2 SOL) will face Boyertown in Wednesday’s consolation game at 7:30 p.m.
Delone Catholic 20-10-5-17 52
Pennridge 10-8-17-8 43
Delone Catholic (52) – Abigael Vingsen 4 1-2 9; Giana Hoddinott 8 8-10 27; Makenna Mummert 4 0-0 9; Maggie Hughes 0 3-6 3; Kaitlyn Schwarz 1 0-0 2; Emily McCann 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 18 12-18 52.
Pennridge (43) – Anna Croyle 4 2-2 12; Katie Yoder 5 0-1 13; Ava Fantaskey 3 0-0 6; Emma Pyne 2 0-0 6; Olivia Poole 2 0-2 4; TOTALS 16 2-5 43.
3-point goals: Delone Catholic – Gianna Hoddinott 3, Makenna Mummert; Pennridge – Katie Yoder 3, Anna Croyle 2, Ava Fantaskey 2, Emma Pyne 2.
CONWELL-EGAN 60, HARRY S TRUMAN 40
Ashida Cooper spent her high school career playing basketball for Don Bogan at Bensalem High School. This year, she has taken over the helm at Truman, and on her staff is her former high school coach. A four-year starter at point guard for the Owls, Cooper is hoping to change the fortunes of a struggling program.
“We’re just trying to get them playing basketball,” Cooper said. “Forget all the plays for a second. Right now, we’re just trying to learn to work together and play basketball on just a basic level, recognizing some things offensively and defensively and learning how to react without it coming directly from the sideline and one of the coaches. Today, honestly, there were a few spurts when they went ahead and did that.”
In Monday’s non-league game, the Tigers found themselves on top 4-1 after Saniya Blount scored on a fast break with an assist from Patricia Monroe. Then came a scoring drought of close to seven minutes. When Mayah Alford broke the drought by burying a shot just inside the arc, the Tigers trailed 14-6, and at halftime, they found themselves on the short end of a 26-10 score.
The Tigers scored 30 points in the second half but never could dig themselves out of their early hole.
“It’s getting better, but I told them – Egan is not a 60-point team, but we helped them out a lot with that,” Cooper said. “We threw the ball away too much, and that’s just nervousness. The girls are getting used to playing with a little bit of pressure on them.
“Right now, the main goal is getting them playing basketball on a fundamental level, recognizing what’s going on. When you’re double teamed, one person on your team is 100 percent open. Just little things like that. They’re starting to pick it up without the coaches and me saying it. That’s all we can really ask for. This 40-point game was our highest point game, so we’re starting to chip away the rough edges and sand them down.”
Sophomore Patricia Monroe’s 12 points led the Tigers, and sophomore Mayah Alford added nine. Junior Saniya Blount had 7 points.
“In the backcourt, I’m relying on Maya Alford, and defensively, she’s been amazing for us,” Cooper said. “She can get a touch up top, and we can even play her down low on the 2-3. I can ask a lot of her, and sometimes I ask her to bring the ball up for me.
“Between Maya and Patricia Monroe – once I get Tricia on the point where she realizes everything is not in her control and you can only take control of what you can do – she will be a way more efficient player. She’s already starting to show glimpses of it. We just have to get her in the mindset you can’t control everything, and she’ll be right up there with them.
“We’ve been getting some quality minutes out of Saniya (Blount). She’s stepping up as a leader by example, which is great. Lastly, I have my bigs – Dahlia (Gumaa) and Secret (McCleve). I even have Shylah (McEleve), Secret’s little sister coming off the bench and able to do some things for me. Another good point is they’re sophomores so I have two more years with them, and they can definitely do something by their senior year especially if they stick together. We’re confident, but we know there’s a long way to go too.”
Harry S Truman (0-4, 0-3 SOL) will travel to Council Rock South on Tuesday.
Conwell-Egan 9-17-16-18 60
Harry S Truman 4-6-11-19 40
Conwell-Egan (60) – Kyliyah Carmichael 3 0-2 6; Katey Brennan 1 0-2 2; Bridget Cannon 1 0-0 2; Brianna McFadden 2 0-0 5; Saniyah Spell 4 3-4 12; Mya Aizen 1 1-2 4; Sara Aschenbrenner 3 0-0 6; Gigi Johnson 5 4-7 14; Brooke McFadden 0 2-4 2; Lily Milewski 3 1-4 7; TOTALS 23 11-25 60.
Harry S Truman (40) – Mayah Alford 3 2-2 9; Saniya Blount 2 3-3 7; Camille Monroe 1 0-0 3; Patricia Monroe 5 2-4; Secret McCleve 0 0-2 0; Yamazjiah Thomas 1 1-1 3; Dahlia Gumaa 3 0-2 6; TOTALS 15 8-12 40.
3-point goals: CEC – Brianna McFadden, Saniyah Spell, Mya Aizen; HST – Mayah Alford, Camille Monroe.
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