Check out the preview capsules for SOL boys’ basketball teams competing in the District 1 Tournament. Check back for game recaps.
Class 6A
#5 Plymouth Whitemarsh (First-round bye)
---17-7 overall
---7-3 SOL Liberty (second place)
Key players: Jr. G Mani Sajid, Jr. C Michael Pereira, So. G Buddy Denard, Jr. G Terron Davis, Jr. G Jack Hayes
Top wins: Bensalem (74-42), Wissahickon (52-44 and 78-43), CB East (59-48), Neshaminy (69-63), Cheltenham (59-54), Abington (80-58), Neumann-Goretti (72-64), Methacton (59-54).
Coach Jim Donofrio said: “It has been a continuous classroom for our guys. It is time we apply what we have learned and experienced and graduate into a confident, tight-knit team if we want to make any real noise into March.
“(Sajid), we need him to continue to evolve as the go-to-guy. (Pereira) is becoming a force. (Denard, Davis and Hayes) are our high-energy foundation. (Micah Thompson and Ehab Ahmed), need to reinforce our size advantage when needed.”
Next up: PW will host the winner of #21 Neshaminy and #12 Abington in the second round on Tuesday.
#6 Central Bucks South (First-round bye)
---18-6 overall
----8-2 SOL Colonial (second place)
Key players: Sr. F Brett Barrett (12 points, 6 rebounds per-game), Sr. F Ben Harrison (11 ppg, 3.5 rebounds), Jr. C Leo Medwid (7 ppg, 5 rebounds).
“They have been strong for us all year in scoring and rebounding, as well as being a presence on defense,” said coach Louie Ditri. “Brett and Ben usually guard the other teams’ best players and Leo usually guards the other team’s big man.”
Top wins: Souderton (51-50 and 50-40), Central Bucks East (61-37 and 53-43), Upper Moreland (64-60), Neshaminy (59-34)
Next up: Will host the winner of #22 Penn Wood and #11 Cheltenham in the second round on Tuesday.
“For our opponent, don’t know much about Penn Wood yet,” Ditri said. “Cheltenham will be a tough game. We have some common opponents, and theyu did well against them. Still need to watch film on both squads.”
#7 Souderton (First-round bye)
---17-6 overall
---9-1 SOL Colonial Division champions
Key players: Jr. Chanse Salone (12 points per-game, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals), Jr. Nate Rusike (12 ppg, 4 rebounds), Sr. Nolan Watkins (10 ppg), Sr. Trey Bui (7 ppg, 3 rebounds, 3 assists)
Top wins: Council Rock South (61-57), CB South (55-50), Central Bucks East (57-52 and 57-51), Abington (80-70), Perkiomen Valley (45-30).
Coach Okateh Sackitey said: “It’s our first time in districts, but we know we can compete with anyone. Whoever wins between Spring-Ford and Wissahickon will be a tough team and will be good competition for us, but we’re excited for the challenge. We’re looking to continue playing hard, smart and together.”
Next up: Will host the winner of #23 Wissahickon and #10 Spring-Ford in the second round on Tuesday.
#8 Central Bucks East (First-round bye)
---14-9
---5-5 SOL Colonial (third place)
Key players: Sr. G Nolan Behm (16 points, 6 rebounds per game), Sr. G Shane O’Hara-Jamison (13 ppg, 43 3-pointers), Sr. G AJ Molnar (9 ppg, 3 rebounds), Sr. F Graham Smith (7 ppg, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 27 3-pointers).
Top wins: Council Rock South (59-49), Monroe, Wash (46-44 and 63-61), Pennsbury (56-55), William Tennent (81-74)
Next up: Will host the winner of #24 William Tennent and #9 Phoenixville in the second round on Tuesday.
Coach Erik Henrysen said: “We've started preparing as a staff for Phoenixville and Tennent, and we will be there at the game Friday to get a close-up look. We are very familiar with both programs. We saw Phoenixville quite a bit during the off season, and we know Tennent well with them being right down the road and having played them earlier in the year. Both teams pose similar challenges with guys that shoot the ball well. We are fortunate to be in the position we are in with the bye and plan on taking advantage of the extra prep.”
#17 Pennsbury at #16 Great Valley, Friday, 6 p.m.
Pennsbury
---12-10 overall
---7-3 SOL Patriot (second place)
Key players: Sr. G Grayson Gozum, Sr. G Mike Roccograndi, Fr. G Pat Jajua, Jr. F Max Manga, So. F Sean Breslin
Top wins: Council Rock South (60-59 and 68-61), Neshaminy (75-55 and 51-44), Souderton (53-44)
Coach Wes Emme said: “An interesting new unfamiliar matchup for us that we are excited for. They have an emerging group coming off a great season, led by stretch forward Chris Woodard, that has had an outstanding year in the always competitive Ches-Mont.
“Our team will always go as our three-headed backcourt go. Seniors Grayson Gozum and Mike Roccograndi as well as freshman Pat Jajua combine to average 36 points per game, and account for most of our playmaking as well.
“Forward Max Manga will key on the backboard and defending at the rim. Will need Sean Breslin, an emerging player for our team, to continue to contribute by stretching the floor and rebounding.”
Great Valley
---15-7
---8-2 Ches-Mont American (second place)
Key players: Jr. G Chris Woodard, Sr. F Henry Person, Sr. G Tyler Markowski
Top wins: Council Rock South (65-62), Sun Valley (50-44), Bethlehem Freedom (56-55)
Next up: Winner will play at #1 Lower Merion in the second round on Tuesday.
#24 William Tennent at #9 Phoenixville, 1 p.m., Saturday
William Tennent
---11-11
---6-4 SOL Liberty (third place)
Key players: Sr. Jaydon Bright, Jr. Tre Stracuzzi, Sr. Luke Torok, Sr. Tony Pople
Top wins: Springfield Twp (69-36 and 59-40), Bensalem (58-57), MaST Charter (53-45),
Coach Robert Mulville said: “We are looking to make the most of our opportunity. We have great senior leadership and good team chemistry. A very unselfish team that shares the ball. A nine-man rotation with only one player averaging double figures, Jayden Bright at 10 points per game.
“As a team, we are averaging 56 points per game. These players are more concerned that the team scores than they are with their individual scoring. A great group of young men to coach.”
Phoenixville
---17-7 overall
---8-1 PAC Frontier champions
Key players: Sr. Deacon Barrata, So. Keron Booth, Sr. Trey Lear
Top wins: Pottsgrove (74-70 OT), Great Valley (55-40), Owen J. Roberts (48-46, 59-53, 71-46)
Next up: Winner will play at #8 CB East in the second round on Tuesday.
#20 Owen J. Roberts at #13 Bensalem, Friday, 7 p.m.
Bensalem
---14-9 overall
---8-2 SOL Patriot champions
Key Players: Amir Drummond (19.5 points, 4 rebounds, 4.3 assists per game), Aidan Mayfield (10.5 ppg, 4.6 rebounds), Jahmir Chatman (6 ppg, 5.9 rebounds).
Top wins: Neshaminy (57-52 and 66-65), Abington (69-61), Pennsbury (57-39 and 56-50), Cheltenham (57-54).
Coach Ron Morris said: “We are happy to have accomplished one goal of winning our league. We are not content with just making districts as we want to make a run and qualify for states. Our guys have been working really hard and staying focused as we get ready for Friday.”
Owen J. Roberts
---12-11 overall
---6-7 PAC Frontier (fourth place)
Key players: Jr. G Danny Walker, Sr. F Elijah Cline, Jr. F Gavin Winnick
Top wins: MaST Charter (49-41), Pottstown (51-37 and 48-47), Coventry Christian (56-49)
Next up: Winner will play at #4 Garnet Valley in the second round on Tuesday.
#21 Neshaminy at #12 Abington, Friday, 7 p.m.
Neshaminy
---10-12 overall
---4-6 SOL Patriot (tied for fourth)
Key Players: Sr. F Max Currie (12 points, 89 rebounds, 3 blocks per-game, 62 percent FG); So. G Logan Gale (15 ppg, 3 rebs, 3 assists), Jr. G Jason Leiva (10 ppg, 3 assists)
Top wins: CB East (67-62), CR South (50-49), Holy Ghost Prep (70-67)
Coach Mark Tingle said: “Abington is a good program that has had a good season. We look forward to going there and competing in a tough first-round playoff matchup.”
Abington
--14-8
---6-4 SOL Liberty (third place)
Key players: Xander Grasty (15 points per game), Jake Manigualt (12 ppg), Skit Garland (10 ppg, 4 assists), Paul Glants (9 ppg, 4 assists, 6 rebounds)
Top wins: Plymouth Whitemarsh (66-64), Cheltenham (60-58), Pennsbury (54-48), Upper Moreland (61-58), Chester (59-57), Wissahickon (59-47)
Coach Dan Marsh said: “Neshaminy has a tough squad with good guards, we need to be fully prepared for a battle.”
Next up: Winner will play at #5 Plymouth Whitemarsh in the second round on Tuesday.
#23 Wissahickon at #10 Spring-Ford, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Wissahickon
---11-11
---5-5 SOL Liberty (fourth place)
Key Players: So. G Nico Vacchiano (18.6 points per-game), Sr. G Ben Schwartz (12.3 ppg), “And we have guards like Chris Lee and Mason Stelzer that help carry the scoring load,” said coach Kyle Wilson.
Top wins: Springfield Twp (67-37), Abington (60-54), Bensalem (57-38)
Coach Kyle Wilson said: “We know that as a much lower seed we have our work cut out for us, but we know the tough schedule we play has us somewhat prepared for tough opponents. (Spring-Ford’s) shooting guard, Jacob Nguyen, is one of the best shooters in the area, and their player Tommy Kelly is a handful in multifaceted parts of the game. We have to play at our best and understand that playing on the road means playing through calls and being tough enough to keep our poise.”
Spring-Ford
---17-7
---10-2 PAC Liberty champions
Key players: Sr. F Tommy Kelly, Sr. G Jacob Nguyen, Jr. G Syaire Barnes
Top wins: Pope John Paul II (68-62), Reading (65-61), Phoenixville (57-54 and 59-53), Owen J. Roberts (48-46), Methacton (65-51)
Next up: Winner will play at #7 Souderton in the second round on Tuesday.
#19 Council Rock South at #14 Methacton, Friday, 7 p.m.
Council Rock South
---13-9
---6-4 SOL Patriot (third place)
Key players: Jr. G Ryan Delp (15 points per-game, 4.5 rebounds), So. G MJ Thompson (17 ppg, 5 rebounds, 3 assists), Jr. G Ray Haglund (4 assists per game, 3-1 assist/turnover ration), Sr. Ryan Wekluk (8 ppg, 3.5 rebounds)
Top wins: William Tennent (59-45), Phoenixville (64-45), Bensalem (53-49 and 72-55), Wissahickon (48-45), Neshaminy (65-61).
Coach Andrew Rogers said: “Our guys have continued to put in the work and are excited to have another opportunity to play with each other. For a lot of our guys, this is their second year playing in the district playoffs, and they are excited to have another chance to play with and for each other.”
Methacton
---16-6
---8-3 PAC Liberty (third place)
Key players: Sr. G Sam Iemmello, Jr. G Mason Conrad, Jr. F Wes Robinson, So. G Jack Lineen
Top wins: Hazleton (65-64), Spring-Ford (62-46), Wissahickon (68-65), Owen J. Roberts (74-35), Phoenixville (56-52), Pope John Paul II (35-34)
Next up: Winner will play at #3 Conestoga in the second round on Tuesday.
#22 Penn Wood at #11 Cheltenham, Friday, 7 p.m.
Cheltenham
--15-7 overall
---9-1 SOL Freedom co-champions
Key players: Sr. Osei Johnson (14.7 points), So. Kamal Mason (5.4 assists), Jr. Tyree Martin (6.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks), Sr. Salim Kelly (1.9 steals)
Top wins: Wissahickon (63-58), William Tennent (73-59 and 58-51), Neshaminy (62-51), CB East (56-51), Chester (63-56), Upper Moreland (55-53)
Coach Patrick Fleury said: “The 2025 Panthers are excited about the opportunity ahead in the postseason. Our team has grown stronger through the challenges of the regular season, and we are eager to put forth our best efforts in this exciting tournament. Senior Osei Johnson, sophomore Kamal Mason and senior Salim Kelly has been key contributors to our half-court attack, but the Panthers are led not by one player, but by the collective strength of the entire team. Our defense and the bond we share will be what we rely on in the toughest moments, and together we will be what we need to succeed.”
Penn Wood
---10-11 overall
---5-3 Del Val second place
Key players: Fr G Bellvin Smith, Sr. G Taj Cobbs, Sr. F Malik Edwards
Top wins: McCaskey (61-59), Great Valley (69-50), Chichester (53-52 and 44-41)
Next up: Winner will play at #6 CB South in the second round on Tuesday.
Class 5A
#1 Upper Dublin (First-round bye)
---24-1 overall
---10-0 SOL Liberty champions
Key Players: Sr. F Ryan Mulroy (16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 58 percent FG), Sr. G Idris Rines (11.1 ppg, 4.8 rebounds), Sr. G Kobe Bazemore (6.7 ppg, 4.6 assists), Sr. Justin Ragsdale (8.5 ppg, 4.6 rebounds)
Top wins: Coatesville (66-53), Upper Moreland (69-48 and 55-53), Plymouth Whitemarsh (65-44, 73-55, and 57-43), Cheltenham (68-42 and 66-44), Abington (75-46), Wissahickon (46-35 and 68-33), Bensalem (67-39), Spring-Ford (59-56), William Tennent (74-52), Souderton (59-42), Downingtown West (58-37), La Salle (57-50)
Next up: Will play the winner of #8 Sun Valley and #9 Chichester in the second round on Wednesday.
Coach Derek Brooks said: “We are playing either Sun Valley or Chichester. Two teams that we do not see very often. We do have some familiarity with Sun Valley as we played them last year in Districts.
“Keys for us will be to dictate our pace. Ryan Mulroy and Kobe Bazemore typically do that with their play in transition. Sun Valley is known for their 1-3-1 zone, so it will be important for us to make sure we share the ball and find open guys. Justin Ragsdale will be important finishing , and Idris Rines will be asked to knock down some perimeter shots as well as be an interior presence. Chichester is known for playing a physical style of ball. We'll need to make sure we take care of the ball against them.”
#4 Upper Moreland (First-round bye)
---20-5 overall
----1 SOL Freedom co-champions
Key players: Sr. Colson Campbell (12 points per-game, 4 assists, 7 rebounds, 49 percent FG, 70 percent FT), Sr. Jadon Cybok (12 ppg, 53 3-pointers, 40 percent 3-point FGs); Jr. Larry Hughes (10 ppg, 8 rebounds, 65 percent FG), Jr. Nate Best (7.5 ppg, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 52 percent FG, 3.0 assists/turnover ratio)
Top wins: CB South (40-39), CB East (80-73), Cheltenham (64-59), William Tennent (53-45 and 56-32), Pennsbury (56-49), Souderton (38-35), Neshaminy (63-40), Wissahickon (65-49), Owen J. Roberts (61-44), Potttsgrove (39-35)
Next up: Will play the winner of #12 Strath Haven and #5 Marple Newtown in the second round on Wednesday.
Coach Dan Heiland said: “Earning a bye for the first round of playoffs is always nice to have. Allows us a few extra days to regroup and prep, especially coming off our SOL tournament run where we played three games in four days. We know we have a tough opponent in either #5 Marple Newtown or #12 Strath Haven. Both teams play in the Central League which is made up of very tough and talented teams. They have (7) teams representing their conference in the PIAA District One playoffs between (6A and 5A). Either way we know it’s going to be a challenge and that we will have to play well in order to win.”
#10 Springfield Twp at #7 Holy Ghost Prep, Friday, 7 p.m.
Springfield Twp
---12-10
---4-6 SOL Freedom (fourth place)
Key players: Bob Hartman (12 points per game), Brandon Thompson (10 ppg), Aiden Hood (10 ppg, 6 rebounds)
Top wins: Calvary Christian (56-45), Morrisville (54-52), CR North (63-62)
Coach Rob Fasaro said: “This has been a special team for our basketball program this season. They have fully bought into doing all the things required to be a competitive varsity basketball program as a whole group. We have had the most successful season with a 12-10 record that any team has had at Springfield. It has been fun to see the players and my staff's hard work over our five years here take a program that had 0 wins to 12 wins and make Springfield Township a competitive varsity basketball program. This group of seniors have been an amazing group since they were in eighth grade, and I’m really proud to see them having the success they are having.”
Holy Ghost Prep
---14-8 overall
Key players: Sr. G Adrien Varella, Sr. F Robbie Segarich, Sr. G Zak Sharlin, Sr. C Tommy Nahill
Top wins: CB South (67-62), Bensalem (70-52), Pennsbury (65-59), Penn Wood (53-32), CR South (91-85)
Next up: Winner will play at #2 Penncrest in the second round on Wednesday.
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