SOL Boys’ Basketball District Preview (2-19-19)

Six SOL boys’ basketball teams will be in action in Tuesday’s District 1 6A second round. Check the preview capsules.

CLASS 6A
No. 17 Downingtown West Whippets at No. 1 Abington Galloping Ghosts (Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.)
Abington Ghosts
The two-time defending District I 6A champions and the senior-laden Ghosts rolled through conference play and a challenging nonleague slate. They enter as heavy favorites to reach Temple again. Led by Villanova-bound Eric Dixon and Penn recruit Lucas Monroe, the Ghosts are as postseason tested as any team in the field. Abington, which went undefeated in its first season in the SOL American, enters the district playoffs fresh off an SOL tournament win.

23-1 overall
14-0 SOL American (Conference champions)
Key wins over District I 6A No. 4 Pennridge (72-61 Dec. 15, 62-52 Feb. 11), No. 9 Cheltenham (67-53 Jan. 15, 69-60 Feb. 7), No. 11 Plymouth Whitemarsh (47-40 Jan. 4, 69-51 Jan. 30), Gonzaga College HS (DC) (58-51 Dec. 7), Episcopal HS (TX) (68-62 Dec. 8), Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter (85-71 Feb. 2)
Senior forward Eric Dixon is program's all-time leading scorer. The 6-foot-7 Villanova recruit has 2,317 career points and is averaging 29 points per game this season.
Senior guard Lucas Monroe reached 1,000 career points in regular season finale. The 6-foot-6 Penn recruit is second all time in assists for the program.
In the team's last 11 games, guard Darius Brown has registered 27 3-point shots. Senior Maurice Henry and junior Manir Waller round out the starting five.

How they got here: First round bye

Downingtown West Whippets

15-8 overall
8-4 Ches-Mont National (third-place finisher)
Key wins over District I 6A No. 19 Downingtown East (59-50 Jan. 15), No. 24 North Penn (58-57 Jan. 12)
Junior Will Howard, a Division I quarterback prospect, is a skilled basketball player as well. The forward is a scorer but also one of the team's best rebounders.
Cam McCole is a capable scorer on the wing while Naseem Roberson is a steady hand at the point guard spot offensively and defensively.

How they got here: In an opening round game against No. 16 Upper Dublin, Downingtown East broke a 38-38 tie with an 18-6 fourth quarter to earn the 56-44 win.

No. 13 Spring-Ford at No. 4 Pennridge Rams (Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
Pennridge Rams
Despite graduating three starters from last year, Pennridge finds itself right back in the top echelon of the District I bracket. Of course, when the returning starters are Sean Yoder and Jon Post, that makes things a little easier. Pennridge saw its school record 17-game winning streak snapped in the SOL title game, but this group is ready to get back on track.

21-3 overall
11-1 SOL Continental (Conference champion)
Key wins over District I 6A No. 10 CB South (53-49 Jan. 4, 71-56 Feb. 4), No. 9 Cheltenham (60-42 Feb. 9), No. 12 CB East (54-48 Jan. 11, 89-60 Feb. 5), No. 13 Spring-Ford (64-54 Jan. 14), District 3 6A No. 3 Reading (51-49 Feb. 2)
Senior Sean Yoder, a Navy recruit, is averaging 20.1 points per game over the team's last six games. The point guard has 1,328 career points, currently second all-time in the program's record book.
Forward Jon Post is averaging 21.3 points per game in last three games. The 6-foot-6 senior can score at the rim but also has a consistent shot and is a rugged interior defender and rebounder.
Guards Luke Yoder, Jon Dominic, Nick Dunn and Jack Gillespie along with forward Trent Fisher round out the rotation for the Rams. Dominic earlier set a school record for 3-pointers made in a single game.

How they got here: First round bye

Spring-Ford Rams

The Rams are three years removed from their last trip to the state tournament. After a 1-3 start, the Rams reeled off five straight wins. They closed out the regular season with six straight wins. Senior Noah Baker, one of the conference’s top players, surpassed the 1,000-point milestone.

16-8 overall
5-5 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Fourth place Liberty Division)
Senior forward Noah Baker averages 15.9 points a game while senior center Robert Bobeck (10.7 ppg) also averages double figures.
Tyler Scilingo (9.2 ppg) is a long-range sniper, connecting on 40 three-pointers.
Tre Medearis (8.1 ppg) and Ryan Hagan (7.2 ppg) also are key contributors.
Key wins over District 1 6A No. 8 Perkiomen Valley (63-33 Feb. 1), No. 10 Central Bucks South (69-65 Dec. 7), District 1 5A No. 11 Phoenixville (56-53 Jan. 10) and No. 13 Pottstown (66-48 Jan. 15).

How they got here: In an opening round game, Spring-Ford defeated No. 20 Council Rock North 59-55. Patrick Kovalski’s 16-point effort led the Rams. Robert Bobeck (13 points) and Ryan Hagan (12 points) also finished the game in double figures.

No. 9 Cheltenham Panthers at No. 8 Perkiomen Valley Vikings (Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
Cheltenham Panthers
First year head coach Patrick Fleury guided the Panthers through a tough nonleague schedule to a second place finish in the SOL American, which included a season sweep of Plymouth Whitemarsh. A solid all-around team with a mix of seniors and underclassmen, the Panthers can score in a number of ways and their athleticism causes issues defensively.

16-7 overall
12-2 SOL American (second place)
Key wins over District I 6A No. 11 Plymouth Whitemarsh (73-56 Dec. 21, 66-57 Jan. 24), No. 16 Upper Dublin (57-54 Dec. 18, 57-42 Jan. 22)
Non-league slate included games against Mastery Charter North, Archbishop Carroll and La Salle College High School
Junior point guard Zahree Harrison is the team's engine. Able to shoot from outside and get to the rim, he also creates plenty of chances for teammates.
Seniors Tim Myarick and Kyin Healey are experienced and solid players. Myarick is team's best outside shooter while 6-foot-7 Healey is strong inside and top interior defender.
Jalen Mickens, Jaelen McGlone, Mike McClain, Justin Moore and Sean Emfinger make up a versatile and athletic group of guards that can fill a variety of roles on both ends of the court.

How they got here: In Friday’s opener, Cheltenham opened up a double-digit halftime lead on its way to a 60-49 win over No. 24 North Penn 60-49. Zahree Harrison led all scorers with 27 points, and Kyin Healey had 13.

Perkiomen Valley Vikings

19-6 overall
7-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division third place
Lost to Methacton 67-42 in the Pioneer Athletic Conference title game.
Led by the Pioneer Athletic Conference’s top scorer, Tyler Strechay, who averages 19.7 points and has 41 three-pointers. Zach Krause averaged 13.6 points with 54 threes.
Vikings average 54.7 points a game and allow 45.6
Regular season wins over District 1 6A No. 5 Norristown (52-50, Jan. 17), No. 7 Methacton (44-39 Dec. 18), No.13 Spring-Ford (59-52 Jan. 5), No. 20 Council Rock North (52-31 Feb. 2), No. 24 North Penn (56-52 Dec. 28) and 5A No. 10 Pottsgrove (66-50 Dec. 20), No. 11 Phoenixville (53-50 Dec. 21), No. 13 Pottstown (65-26 Jan. 14), No. 15 Upper Merion 58-36, Jan. 15).

How they got here: First round bye

No. 10 Central Bucks South Titans at No. 7 Methacton Warriors (Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
Central Bucks South Titans
After dropping their first two games of the season, the Titans – who have eight seniors on their roster – reeled off seven straight wins and won 13 of their next 14 games. They were in the hunt for the SOL Continental title with just one loss after the first go round, but they dropped three games the second time around in conference play but still finished second to Pennridge.

17-6 overall
8-4 SOL Continental (Second place)
Senior Tommy Kuypers, a first team all-league forward as a junior, is a dangerous offensive weapon, and Alex Dietz has also been a consistent force on offense. Ian McCaw has been strong in the middle for a veteran Titan squad.
Seniors Brady and Cole Prezelski and Mark Kannengieszer bring veteran leadership.
Key wins over District 1 6A No. 12 Central Bucks East (54-44 Dec. 18), No. 18 Downingtown East (73-56 Jan. 5), No. 21, Central Bucks West (58-55 Jan. 15), No. 24 North Penn (54-52 Jan. 11, 50-47, Feb. 5), District 1 5A No. 2 Holy Ghost Prep (43-37 Dec. 29) Holy Ghost Prep (56-40 Dec. 22).

How they got here: In an opening round game, Central Bucks South defeated No. 23 Bensalem 56-45. Alex Dietz scored 28 points to lead the Titans while Tommy Kuypers added 17.

Methacton Warriors

20-5 overall
8-2 Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division co-champions with Norristown
Defeated Perkiomen Valley 67-42 to repeat as Pioneer Athletic Conference champions.
Led by three of the top 10 scorers in the PAC in 6-9 center Jeff Woodward (16.4 ppg) and long-range sharpshooters 6-2 guard Erik Timko (15.3 ppg) and 6-3 guard David Duda (14.2 ppg).
Duda was the PAC’s top three-point shooter in the regular season with 69 while Timko had 58.
Winners of 14 straight since a 6-5 start
Warriors average 68 points a game and allow 52
Regular season wins over District 1 6A No. 5 Norristown (87-66 Jan. 22), No. 8 Perkiomen Valley (53-51 Jan. 19) No. 13 Spring-Ford (69-50 Dec. 13, 69-53, Jan. 17), and Class 5A No. 10 Pottsgrove (92-60 Jan. 11), No. 11 Phoenixville (80-62 Jan. 15), No. 13 Pottstown (79-47 Jan. 25), No. 15 Upper Merion (63-47 Feb. 4).

How they got here: First round bye.

No. 11 Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials at No. 6 Chester Clippers (Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.)
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
As expected after graduating five of their six top rotation players from last year's senior-heavy team, the Colonials had their share of ups and downs this season. When healthy, PW has a lineup that it feels can contend with anyone anchored by 7-foot-3 senior Naheem McLeod. If there's a time to peak, this is the best one the Colonials could choose.

15-8 overall
10-4 SOL American (Third place)
Key wins against District I 6A No. 5 Norristown (66-61 Dec. 7), No. 21 CB West (53-42 Dec. 15), No. 16 Upper Dublin (67-49 Jan. 8, 59-51 Jan. 30), Erie Cathedral Prep (59-47 Jan. 18), District I 5A No. 3 Unionville (59-49 Dec. 28)
Played nonleague games against Bonner-Prendergast, Malvern Prep, Sankofa Freedom and Kennedy Catholic
Senior Naheem McLeod, a 7-foot-3 Florida State recruit, is the focal point on both ends of the floor. A towering presence, McLeod is a strong rim protector and rebounder.
Junior Caelin Peters admirably shouldered a much-increased role as the team's lead guard. A capable scorer from the perimeter and in the lane and good passer, the Colonials go as Peters go.
Seniors Jason Cherry, Kyree Pendleton and Anthony Straface battled injuries during the season, but when in the lineup, they fill roles of rebounding, energy and shooting respectively.

How they got here: In an opening round game, PW opened up a 35-8 halftime lead and rolled to a 62-37 victory over No. 22 Haverford. Naheem McLeod (22 points) and Anthony Straface (13 points) led the Colonials.

Chester Clippers

18-4 overall
Delaware Valley champions
Winners of 13 straight to close out the regular season after 4-4 start
Regular season wins over PCL power Bishop McDevitt (60-52 Jan.19), District 1 5A #8 Penn Wood (67-50 Jan. 17, 67-53 Feb. 2) and #9 Academy Park (67-61 Jan. 22, 66-59, Feb. 7).
Led by sophomore forward Karell Watkins, who averages 20 points and double-digit rebounds

How they got here: First round bye

No. 21 Central Bucks West Bucks at No. 5 Norristown Eagles
Central Bucks West Bucks
Last year’s SOL Continental Conference champions lost three key players from that successful squad to graduation. The Bucks – 7-11 after 18 games – appeared to be out of the playoff picture, but they saved their best for last, winning four straight games to close out the regular season, capping off their season with a big win over No. 10 Central Bucks South. The Bucks split their season series with the Patriots.

12-11 overall
6-6 SOL Continental (tied for third place)
Key wins over District 1 6A No. 10 Central Bucks South (64-48 Feb. 8), No. 12 Central Bucks East (59-49 Jan. 18), No. 13 Spring-Ford (54-44 Dec. 8)
Senior guard Jack Mulhearn is the team’s go-to scorer, and along with junior Jack Neri, who has been productive at the forward position, have given the Bucks a reliable one-two punch.
Captains Mulhearn, senior Reed Zerweck & junior Mika Munari provide positive leadership.

How they got here: In Friday’s opener, Central Bucks West beat archrival No. 12 Central Bucks East 63-50. Jack Neri (25 points) and Jack Mulhearn (23 points) both came up big for the Bucks, who led by five at halftime.

Norristown Eagles

18-5 overall
8-2 Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division co-champions with Methacton
Lost to Perkiomen Valley 55-51 in overtime in Pioneer Athletic Conference semifinals
Eagles average 64 points a game while allowing 52
Regular season wins over District 1 6A No. 7 Methacton (58-48 Jan. 3), No. 8 Perkiomen Valley (55-54 Dec. 14), No. 13 Spring-Ford (72-67 Dec. 11, 55-54 Jan. 8), No. 18 Downingtown East (54-47 Dec. 27) and Class 5A No. 9 Academy Park (57-42 Jan. 28), No. 10 Pottsgrove (71-48 Jan. 29), No. 11 Phoenixville (64-43 Dec. 20), No 13 Pottstown (81-50 Dec. 22) and No. 15 Upper Merion (65-46 Jan. 11).

How they got here: Opening round bye

CLASS 5A
No. 12 Upper Moreland Golden Bears at No. 5 West Chester Rustin Golden Knights (Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.)
Upper Moreland Golden Bears

12-10 overall
5-9 SOL American Conference
Young team is led by the team’s lone senior, Christian O’Donnell
Golden Bears face a steady diet of District 1 6A teams in the SOL American, including top-seeded Abington.
Regular season win over District 1 3A No. 1 New Hope-Solebury (47-33 Dec. 8)

West Chester Rustin Golden Knights

15-7 overall
7-3 Ches-Mont American Division tri-champion with Sun Valley & Unionville
Senior Jake Nelson recently became the program’s all-time leading scorer.
Regular season wins over District 1 6A No. 6 Chester (66-64 Dec. 11) and District 1 5A No. 1 West Chester East (56-49 Feb. 2), No. 3 Unionville (48-40 Jan. 24), No. 6 Sun Valley (57-48 Jan. 17) and No. 7 Great Valley (51-44 Jan. 8)

CLASS 4A
No. 3 Springfield Township Spartans at No. 2 Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers (Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.)
Springfield Township Spartans

7-15 overall
1-13 SOL American Conference
Led by seniors Wilson Krewson, Jordan Pauls and Ben Rittenhouse. Senior Max Perry is a defensive catalyst.
Regular season win over District 1 2A No. 4 Church Farm School (73-58 Jan. 26) Class 1A Phil-Mont Christian (79-68 Dec. 8).

Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers

11-11 overall
7-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference Frontier Division champions
PJP averaged 57.4 points while allowing 58.9
Led by Drew McKeon (13.2 ppg), Sean Bustynowicz (11.5), Justin Green (10.3 ppg), Chris White (8.4 ppg) and Tyshere Malachi (7.4 ppg)
Regular season wins over District 1 5A No. 10 Pottsgrove (75-64 Dec. 14, 81-65 Jan. 17), No. 11 Phoenixville (61-58 Jan. 19) and No. 15 Upper Merion (42-41 Jan. 5, 70-57 Jan. 31)