Thirteen SOL girls’ basketball teams will be competing in the District 1 Tournament. Check back for game recaps. Photo courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography.
#1 UPPER DUBLIN (Opening round bye)
Upper Dublin
–23-2 overall
–10-0 SOL Liberty Division champion
–Third straight division crown
–SOL Tournament champion for second time in as many years
–Led by a trio of 1,000-point scorers in seniors Megan Ngo (10.9 ppg, 6.5 apg) & Emilia Coleman (12.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and junior Tamia Clark (17.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg). Ngo recently surpassed the 600-assist mark.
–Outstanding supporting cast includes junior Bridget DiMartile (5.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg), sophomores Ella Morris (7.9 ppg) & Lexi Ngo (4.6 ppg).
–Wins over Class 6A #2 CB East (52-48, 56-45), #7 Pennsbury (50-37), #10 Neshaminy (54-32), #11 Conestoga (60-26), #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (58-19, 62-20), Class 5A #2 Villa Maria Academy (50-41)
–Other wins of note include Sidwell Friends (DC) (55-51), Academy of Notre Dame (50-34), McDonogh School (MD) (50-31), Imhotep (69-34)
Coach Morgan Funsten: “We are excited about the postseason. We are trying to continue to get better as individuals and as a team, while making sure we enjoy the ride.”
Up next: Will play the winner of #16 Bensalem/#17 Springfield-Delco
#2 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST (Opening round bye)
Central Bucks East
–21-4 overall
–10-0 SOL Colonial Division champion
–Second division title in as many years.
–SOL Tournament runner-up for second straight year
–The Patriots are led junior point guard Haley Moran (17 ppg, 3 apg), senior guard/forward Jess Lockwood (11 ppg, 7 rpg), senior guard Nat Berndt (11 ppg), and freshman guard/forward Payton Williams (10 ppg, 6 rpg)
–Lockwood recently surpassed the 1,000-point mark.
–The Patriots – who are averaging 12 assists a game – have averaged 56.7 points a game while holding teams to 36.2 points.
–Wins over Class 6A #5 Downingtown East (55-41), #7 Pennsbury (45-41, 45-35), #18 Chester (62-36), #17 Springfield-Delco (44-37), #20 North Penn (59-47, 61-44), #23 Souderton (64-44, 61-28) & Class 5A #3 Gwynedd Mercy (72-50).
Central Bucks East coach Liz Potash: “We’re excited for the opportunity to compete in the postseason and continue to build on the progress that we have made over the last couple of years to put ourselves in a better position to make a deep run. The team had a tremendous season with four starters averaging 10-plus points per game while defending at a high level. We are looking to get our senior class as many games as possible to finish out this special year.”
Up next: CB East will face the winner of the #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh/#18 Chester game.
#7 PENNSBURY (Opening round bye)
Pennsbury
–18-5 overall
–9-1 SOL Patriot Division champion
–Players to watch include Alyssa Thomas (9.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.2 apg), Sammie Haws (13.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.0 apg), Joley Hohman (8.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg), Keira Socha (6.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg, .9 apg)
–Wins over Class A #9 William Tennent (49-39), #10 Neshaminy (24-23, 32-15), #24 Council Rock South (40-27, 32-22) & Class 5A #12 Phoenixville (40-27)
–Split season series with Class A #16 Bensalem (49-27, 35-40)
Pennsbury coach Frank Sciolla: “We are always excited for the district playoffs and pleased to qualify for a home game for the eighth year in a row. We do not take that lightly in relation to the history of our program, and our girls deserve all the credit for maintaining that level. Last year was a new dynamic for so many on our varsity, so we are happy to have that experience. The key for us is whether or not we can keep the main thing the main thing and enjoy this experience as a group and move forward as a group. We are a sum-of-the- parts type of team, and function at our best and have the most fun when we embrace that.”
Up next: Pennsbury will face the winner of #10 Neshaminy/#23 Souderton.
#24 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH at #9 WILLIAM TENNENT (Friday, 6 pm)
William Tennent
–18-6 overall
–7-1 SOL Freedom Division champions
–Program’s first division title in 38 years
–Panthers are led by senior point guard Avery Kocur (16 ppg, 2.8 steals, 4.1 deflections, 3.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds), senior guard Halie Staub (13.2 ppg, 1.5 steals, 2.1 deflections, 2 assists, 5.1 rebounds) and junior forward Megan Volz (9.1 ppg, 6.5 rebounds)
— Kocur & Staub are the first girls’ in 34 years to surpass the 1,000-point milestone
–Wins over Class 6A #20 North Penn (80-64), #22 Upper Merion (55-29), Class 5A #4 Villa Joseph Marie (74-61, 55-42), #7 Lower Moreland (41-36, 70-41) & Class 4A #3 Springfield Twp (63-45, 50-45).
–Split with Class 6A #21 Cheltenham (63-48, 42-43)
Coach Laura Whitney: “We’re excited to be hosting a first-round game this year. Coming into the season, that was one of our primary goals. CR South is a talented, well-coached team, and there’s a lot of familiarity between the programs, so we expect a strong challenge. We’ve had an unbelievable season so far, and we’re looking to continue playing the disciplined, team-first basketball that’s gotten us to this point.”
Senior Avery Kocur: “Being back in the playoffs says a lot about how much our team has grown. Earning a spot as one of the top 10 seeds especially highlights how our hard work has paid off. It brings great recognition to our school and to our girls’ basketball program, and we couldn’t have asked for a better season so far. We’re excited to continue our journey and make a strong statement as we head into the playoffs.”
Council Rock South
–13-9 overall
–5-5 SOL Patriot Division
–Led by senior Salisbury commit Emerson Gunther, who averages 12 points a game.
–Other players to watch include seniors Bella Hettler, who averaged 10 rebounds a game, and Gillian Martin, a double-figure scorer.
–Two sophomores – Carly Conetta and Noelle Lamb – provide a bench spark for the Hawks.
–Wins over Class 6A #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (38-25), Class 5A #7 Lower Moreland (40-37) & Class 4A #3 Springfield Twp (57-41)
–Split with Class 6A #16 Bensalem (41-48, 40-33)
Coach Steve Polinsky: We are looking forward to competing against a well-coached and talented Tennent team. Laura (Whitney) and her team have had a fantastic season, and we are looking forward to playing them.”
Up next: Winner will travel to #8 Garnet Valley.
#23 SOUDERTON at #10 NESHAMINY (Friday, 6 pm)
Neshaminy
–16-6 overall
–7-3 SOL Patriot Division second place
–Players to watch include freshman Nicole Trespalacios (8.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.3 apg), junior Hayley Kolk (9.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg), junior Ashlyn Duffy (6.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg), & junior Mia Raivitch (3.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.3 apg)
–Wins over Class 6A #20 North Penn (51-31), #24 Council Rock South (47-26, 47-42) & Class 5A #2 Villa Maria Academy (43-36)
–Split with Class 6A #16 Bensalem (37-38, 47-33)
Junior Ashlyn Duffy: “Our team as a whole is very excited to have given ourselves an opportunity to prove ourselves in district playoffs. It’s a great way to showcase all the hard work we’ve put into the season and potentially see a very amazing outcome. It’s very important that we use all the valuable lessons we’ve learned from the regular season, play to our strengths, and most importantly, work together.”
Junior Hayley Kolk: “Going into playoffs, we feel good where we are at, and we have had great team chemistry all year which has contributed to our ability to facilitate the ball to open shooters and create opportunities for each other. We are looking forward to potentially qualifying for states, which has been one of our goals all season.”
Souderton
–13-10 overall
–3-7 SOL Colonial Division
–Junior Olivia Herron leads the team in assists and is second in scoring. Junior Kiera Fadden is the team leader in rebounds and steals. She is also the team’s defensive specialist and defends the opponent’s best player. Freshman Maddie Nenstiel leads the team in scoring.
–Wins over Class A #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (37-31), #24 Council Rock South (43-40), Class 5A #7 Lower Moreland (63-39), Class 4A #3 Springfield Twp (55-54) & #4 Villa Joseph Marie (67-45).
Coach Eric Houston: “We’re very excited for the opportunity for this team to go out and play on a high level. The competition that we faced thus far will help us face a lot of different situations. This journey has been exciting, and we are ready for the challenges that face us.”
Up next: Winner will travel to #7 Pennsbury.
#18 CHESTER at #15 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH (Friday, 6 pm)
Plymouth Whitemarsh
–15-8 overall
–8-2 SOL Liberty Division second to Upper Dublin
–Players to watch include junior Eliza Meersman (15 ppg, 9 rpg), senior Kenna Winland (7 ppg, 3 apg, 2 spg), junior Olivia Patete (7.5 ppg, 7 rpg) and sophomore Grace Harvey (6 ppg, 2.5 spg).
–Wins over Class 5A #1 Mount St. Joseph (49-42) and #7 Lower Moreland (34-20)
Coach Dan Dougherty: “We had a great regular season, finishing second to Upper Dublin in our division, knocking off Mount St. Joe’s, and competing with some of the top 6A programs this year. This group has handled a lot of adversity this season to achieve our big goal, hosting a district playoff game.
“Chester is very good. They were hurt in the power rating system because of the records of their league opponents. They have two dynamic guards and an experienced post that guards the rim well. Their freshman has really come on at the end of the season and has provided them with yet another scoring threat. We are going to have to play under control, disciplined basketball in order to compete and hopefully have a chance to win at the end”
Chester
–18-4 overall
–8-0 Delaware Valley Conference champions
–Led by the program’s all-time leading scorer with over 1,400 points, senior Imani Dorsey, who averages 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 4.3 steals.
–Others key players include senior Jordan Dennis (14.1 ppg, 3.5 reb, 2.3 steals), 6-0 senior center/forward Zayana Vann (8.9 ppg, 7.7 reb, 4.4 blocks) & freshman Ah’myah Nayor (5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.5 spg).
–Wins over Class 6A #20 North Penn (49-45), #21 Cheltenham (49-41), #24 Council Rock South (48-41) & Class 5A #7 Lower Moreland (54-42)
Up next: Winner will travel to #2 Central Bucks East.
#17 SPRINGFIELD-DELCO at #16 BENSALEM (Friday, 6 pm)
Bensalem
–17-6 overall
–6-4 SOL Patriot Division
–Led by senior guard and Rowan commit Grace McShane, who averages 19 points, six rebounds and 2.5 steals a game.
–Others to watch include junior forward Jordyn Bell (6 ppg), sophomore point guard Mischa Ellzy (5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg) and senior guard Mary Beck (5 ppg)
–Wins over Class 6A #9 William Tennent (54-44) Class 5A #5 West Chester East (57-46), #7 Lower Moreland (46-29) & #9 WC Rustin 46-34).
–Split with #7 Pennsbury (27-49, 40-35) & #10 Neshaminy (38-37, 33-47).
Coach Steve Johnson: “We’re excited to host a home playoff game. Our girls have put tremendous effort both during the season and offseason with this goal in mind. We can’t wait to compete and show what we’ve worked for all year. This should be a nice night for the Bensalem community.”
Springfield-Delco
–16-6 overall
–12-4 Central League fourth place
–Lil DiTrolio, one of only two seniors and returning starters, leads the young squad.
–Wins over Class 5A #9 WC Rustin (46-31), #10 Bishop Shanahan (44-33)
–Split with Class 5A #4 Marple Newtown (51-24, 31-38), #8 Radnor (40-36, 20-34)
–Won first seven games of the season
Up next: The winner will travel to #1 Upper Dublin.
#20 NORTH PENN at #13 METHACTON (Friday, 6 pm)
North Penn
–14-8 overall
–7-3 SOL Colonial Division second place
–Led by junior Lily Brown (19 ppg, 12 rpg, 3.4 spg), freshman Paityn Debro (12 ppg, 9 rpg) and junior Mehya Godhania (7 ppg).
–Wins over Class A #23 Souderton (57-44, 59-32) & Class 5A #3 Gwynedd Mercy
Coach Bri Cullen: “We’re really looking forward to district playoffs. The girls are really motivated to compete. We have a great mix of experienced leadership this season that has been focused and preparing very hard the whole season.”
Methacton
–14-8 overall
–8-6 Pioneer Athletic Conference
–Led by Ava Wolf (13.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Penny Wolf (10.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.7 apg) & Abby Masotta (5.6 ppg), 5.1 rpg, 2.1 spg).
–Wins over Class 6A #19 Great Valley (43-34), #24 Council Rock South (47-38), Class 5A #12 Pottsgrove (66-50)
–Split with Class 6A #12 Phoenixville (49-56, 48-34), #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (54-35) & Class 5A Mount St. Joseph (48-50, 57-49), Class 4A #1 Pope John Paul II (46-27)
Up next: The winner will travel to #4 Perkiomen Valley for a second round game next week
#21 CHELTENHAM at #12 PHOENIXVILLE (Friday, 6 pm)
Cheltenham
–11-10 overall
–5-3 SOL Freedom Division
–Led by a pair of 1,000-point scorers in senior Maya Simmons – who surpassed the milestone as a junior – and senior Paige Powell, who reached the milestone this season. Simmons averages 15.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 4.0 steals. Powell is averagine 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.2 steals.
–Izzy Brown can also put points on the board and is a force under the backboards.
–Wins over Class 5A #5 West Chester East (48-43) & Class 4A #3 Springfield Twp (67-38, 55-37).
–Split season series with Class 6A #9 William Tennent (63-48, 42-43), Class 5A #7 Lower Moreland (47-43, 33-46)
Assistant coach Chris Manser: “We’ve had some ups and downs this season, but the girls have taken every obstacle in stride, and they show up to play every night. We have been able to rely on the experience and toughness of our senior class, and we’re excited to be back in the postseason.”
Phoenixville
–14-8 overall
–9-5 Pioneer Athletic Conference
–Senior Kayden Barratta surpassed the 1,000-point milestone as a junior and is the undisputed go-to player for the Phantoms.
–Wins over Class 6A #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (41-36), #19 Great Valley (45-37), #22 Upper Merion (45-38), #23 Souderton (58-50) & Class 5A #11 Pottstown (62-36).
–Split with Class 6A #13 Methacton (56-49, 34-48).
Up next: Winner will travel to #5 Downingtown East.
Class 5A
#10 BISHOP SHANAHAN at #7 LOWER MORELAND (Friday, 6 pm)
Lower Moreland
–12-10 overall
–4-4 SOL Freedom Division
–Players to watch include Mady Rossiter (Sr. Forward), Maddie Broderick (Jr. Guard), Emma DiJoseph (Jr. Guard), Mollie Martin (Jr. Guard), Sydney Santora (Jr. PG), Sophia Fey (Sr. Guard)
–Wins over Class 6A #21 Cheltenham (47-43, 46-33)
Up next: The winner will face #2 Villa Maria Academy
Captains Mady Rossiter & Mollie Martin: “We’re really excited to have the opportunity to extend our season into the playoffs. With a new coach and a lot of new players coming into this season, it was definitely a big adjustment for everyone. We’re really proud of how we’ve grown as not only players, but together as a team. What’s best about our team is the close bond that we share on and off the court. We have a very competitive team, and we are going to bring high energy into the playoffs this Friday.”
Coach Andy Krasna: “As I entered the coaching world as a younger man, a very smart coach once told me, ‘People expect they will need to do hard things to reach their goal… but the hard thing they must do to succeed, the challenge they must master, is more often doing small simple things with extraordinary consistency.’ I quickly could see that improving our players’ core skill level with lots of quality repetitions needed to be my focus with our JV and Varsity players. They are starting to better finish at the rim, knock down open shots, defend, rebound and master the fundamentals. We are a work-in-progress. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to guide a very coachable group of student athletes into the district tournament. They are fun to spend time with and in so many ways they do more for me than I could ever do for them.”
Bishop Shanahan
–10-11 overall
–5-7 Ches-Mont National Conference
–Split season series with Class 5A #5 West Chester East (36-45, 41-35)
Up next: Winner will travel to #2 Villa Maria Academy.
Class 4A
#3 MERION MERCY at #2 SPRINGFIELD TWP (Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7pm)
Springfield Twp
–14-7 overall
–4-4 SOL Freedom Division
–Most program wins since 2012
–Led by senior co-captain Ava Culler, who surpassed the 1,000-point mark this season and averages 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds and 4.2 steals a game.
–Others to watch include senior co-captain Caitlin Lewis, senior Keira Brandon, junior MK Garry, junior point guard Julia Guichteau.
–Wins over Class 5A #7 Lower Moreland (53-50, 39-25)
–Fell to #3 Merion Mercy 47-20 on Jan. 24.
Coach Dave Giordano: “Ava is our team leader but not our only threat. Senior co-captain Caitlin Lewis, senior Keira Brandon, junior MK Garry are solid complements with junior point guard Julia Guichteau running the show. We are looking to make some noise in the 4A bracket.”
Merion Mercy
–9-12 overall
–1-7 Catholic Academics League
–Wins over Class 4A #1 Pope John Paul II (41-34) & #3 Springfield Twp.(47-20).
–Split season series with Class 4A #4 Villa Joseph Marie (33-46, 37-33)
Up next: Winner will face winner of #1 Pope John Paul II/#4 Villa Joseph Marie contest.
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