Cheltenham, CB West, CB South & PW were winners in Friday’s opening round of the District 1 6A Tournament. Cheltenham/North Penn photos provided courtesy of Kathy Leister Photography. Upper Dublin/Downingtown West photos courtesy of Geanine Jamison. CLICK HERE for photo galleries of both games.
#1-9 Cheltenham 60, #1-24 North Penn 49
Cheltenham clamped down on defense in the middle two quarters Friday night, and it paid off in win over visiting North Penn in the opening round of the PIAA District One Class 6A tournament.
The Panthers, seeded ninth, trailed by a point after one quarter (13-12) before limiting the Knights to just five points in the second quarter and 11 in the third to take a commanding 47-29 advantage into the final eight minutes.
“Playing for each other,” Cheltenham coach Patrick Fleury said. “I was telling them – we can’t really care about anything else except the last score, and I think the guys did that.
“Jaelen McGlonne is one of our better scorers, and he ended up with three points tonight, but defensively, he was amazing.”
Cheltenham received a game-best 27 points (and five assists) from Zahree Harrison, whose 11 third-quarter points ignited an 18-11 frame. Teammate Kyin Healey had 13 points and collected 12 rebounds.
“Zahree was multi-faceted for us,” Fleury said. “A lot of our guys – Brandon Scott, Justin Moore and Mike McClain – came in, and there’s not a lot on the stat sheet, but they got a lot of extra possessions. They did a lot of the dirty work, and that allowed us to get extra possessions.”
The 24th-seeded Knights, who saw their season end with the loss, received a team-high 18 points from senior Tali McIver. Matt Swanson and AJ Mitchell both had eight points.
“North Penn is very good – they beat Methacton, and they’re a top 10 seed, so we were lucky to have this one,” Fleury said. “They’re not a 24 seed. They’re good.”
Cheltenham (16-7, 12-2 SOL) will travel to No. 8 Perkiomen Valley for Tuesday’s second round contest. North Penn closed out its season with a 9-14 mark overall (4-8 SOL).
North Penn 13-5-11-20 49
Cheltenham 12-17-18-13 60
North Penn (49) – Tali McIver 18, AJ Mitchell 8, Chris Caputo 3, Joe Larkins 6, Mike Chaffee 2, Rob Carangi 4, Matt Swanson 8.
Cheltenham (60) – Zahree Harrison 27, Jalen Mickens 7, Tim Myarick 5, Justin Moore 4, Brandon Scott 1, Jaelen McGlonne 3, Kyin Healey 13.
#1-10 Central Bucks South 56, #1-23 Bensalem 45
It took host Central Bucks South a little time to get going, but once the Titans did, they were able to knock off Bensalem and advance in the PIAA District One Class 6A tournament Friday night.
“We lost in the first round (of the tournament) last year to Neshaminy and they didn’t want to see that happen again,” Central Bucks South coach Jason Campbell said.“We started off a little slowly, but once we settled in we were able to play like we wanted to play. We played pretty good defense, we rebounded well, set good screens and moved well without the ball.
“Overall, I’m very pleased with how we played.”
The Titans grabbed the lead at the start of the second quarter with a 5-0 run and never let go of it.
They led by five points at halftime (29-24) and kept that margin through three quarters (39-34) before pulling away over the final eight minutes. Thirteen of their 17 fourth-quarter points came at the foul line, including eight free throws from junior Alex Dietz.
Dietz would finish with a career-best 28 points while senior-teammate Tom Kuypers contributed 17.
“We won 14 games last year and this gets us to 17 so far this season,” Campbell said. “That’s a credit to how hard these kids have worked.”
Senior Lamont Hasker paced the Owls with 13 points while senior Nasir Williams and junior Shane Simmons each had 10.
The win moved the 10th-seeded Titans (17-6, 8-4 SOL) into Tuesday’s second round against host No. 7-seed Methacton. The loss ended the season for the 23rd-seeded Owls (13-10, 8-4).
Bensalem 12-12-10-11 45
Central Bucks South 11-18-10-17 56
Bensalem (45) – Lamont Hasker 13, Nasir Williams 10, TJ Igielski 2, Shane Alexander 4, Aaron Sanders 6, Shane Simmons 10.
Central Bucks South (56) – Brady Prezelski 2, Alex Dietz 28, Tommy Kuypers 17, Ian McCaw 4, Mark Kannengieszer 3, Brock D’Aulerio 2.
#1-11 Plymouth Whitemarsh 62, #1-22 Haverford High 37
Plymouth Whitemarsh dominated right from the start en route to thumping Haverford High in the opening round of the PIAA District One Class 6A tournament Friday night.
“I’m just happy for these kids tonight,” coach Jim Donofrio said. “They went into an opening playoff game, and everyone except for (Naheem McLeod) never experienced one, and they just played not nervous but more about having something to prove for the season they’ve had.
“That means they’re growing up, that means they’re starting to understand the responsibility of how hard you have to play every possession. Caelin Peters is a whole different player defensively. They have two kids averaging 30 points combined, and with two minutes to go, their best scorer (John Seidman) had one point. He’s a sophomore, and he’s had some very nice moments, and for the first time all season, we literally played the defense we’ve seen from PW teams the last five years – following a game plan, understanding tendencies and taking it seriously every possession until the end.”
The Colonials, seeded 11th, put this one away early, and in impressive fashion, by building a 19-2 lead after just one quarter and a 35-8 bulge by halftime. They were not threatened the rest of the way.
“I’m happy they got to play on their home court in front of a really nice crowd,” Donofrio said. “Unfortunately for us, if you check our record for the last four years alone, our student body has been spoiled. ‘We’re going to Temple, right?’ It’s not that easy. So when they don’t see a 21-1 team, you don’t quite get the crowds. We’ve spoiled everybody.
“Tonight the crowd came back because it was the playoffs. It felt like the last four years. The performance was at that level. They needed to know what we’re talking about, and they did it and did it with consistency through the middle of the fourth.”
The Colonials were not in the Suburban One League Tournament this year, and, according to Donofrio, the time off was a big help.
“I kind of enjoyed the way it timed out,” the Colonials’ coach said. “It gave guys a chance to heal a little more. It gave us five good practices to get the mindset right, sharpen up some defensive and offensive ideas, re-establish some goals and bring the team together. They were the five best practices of the season.
“It’s just the most interesting team I’ve coached in a long time. They’re very unpredictable. They’re very unique in their approach to competing – they’re happy souls. I’ve had to kind of adjust to say, ‘Okay, this is their personality. Don’t take it personally. Don’t think they don’t want to play hard or win just because they’re inexperienced and a little relaxed.’ So I’ve spent way too much time this season kind of comparing them to their ‘older brothers,’ and you’ve got to stop that.”
Naheem McLeod, the 7-foot-3-inch center and Florida State University-commit, was simply too much for Haverford High as he delivered a game-high 22 points and was a dominating presence on the defensive end.
Anthony Straface – back in the lineup after being sidelined with an injury – was next for the Colonials with 13 points and Jason Cherry had eight.
“A lot of it has to do with Anthony Straface who has just struggled getting confidence in his (injured) ankle,” Donofrio said. “I think we’re there now. I was really happy for him to be 28 minutes on the floor tonight and walk out of the gym without limping and feeling good and starting the game off with two NBA range threes, which opens the floor for Naheem (McLeod).
“Next thing you know Caelin Peters doesn’t have as much work on him, and Kyree Pendleton has been playing better and better and Jay Cherry. Now this is what it was supposed to be. Better late than never.”
Although the Colonials had a full roster Friday, the injuries are not necessarily a thing of the past.
“Really, Naheem (injured foot) and Anthony Straface have only done spot practice time in the last week, so you’re playing Russian Roulette with that, which isn’t good,” Donofrio said. “That just goes to show how talented they are because they went out defensively and just really followed a plan and took away everything you needed to take away, made everything difficult. You’d rather grow up late than never grow up at all.
The victory moved the Colonials (15-8, 10-4 SOL) into Tuesday’s second round against sixth-seeded host Chester. The loss ended the season for the Fords.
How far can the Colonials, who have a rich post-season tradition, go?
“Straface missed 90 percent of the season, Jay Cherry missed four games due to a concussion,” Donofrio said. “We’ve had guys in and out, and now Naheem is hobbling. I know from experience you can’t accomplish a deep playoff run if your main guys aren’t practicing together and healthy. You just can’t.
“We’ve been heartbroken so many times in the past. Jalen Bond got hurt in the state quarterfinals against Red Land in 2011, and we were the defending state champions. I’m pretty sure we were going back-to-back if he doesn’t get leveled on a play that was questionable. In 2016, Mike Lotito comes down with a 104-degree fever and the virus at the worst time. All teams have to survive that stuff. Alan Glover gets hit in the head by Ahmin Williams last year. It’s not sour grapes, it’s reality. God forbid, Joel Embiid goes down for the Sixers. You can talk all you want, but it’s a different animal. It just is.
“That’s the price everybody pays, so I’m happy these guys have finally met each other in the 23rd game of the year. If we could make the state tournament, I think it’s a very good accomplishment for a whole lot of young guys and some seniors who have had to overcome consistency due to injury. I’m not talking about what we can do because I don’t know. I don’t know how they’re going to react to this. I hope we use it as momentum and not relax."
Haverford High 2-6-13-16 37
Plymouth Whitemarsh 19-16-13-14 62
Haverford High (37) – Seidman 1, Roe 14, Schivert 3, Curry 9, Nerzella 1 Deprince 3, Giensky 6.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (62) – Anthony Straface 13, Jaden Pryce 2, Ray Tomasetti 3, Caelin Peters 3, Naheem McLeod 22, Trevor McGee 2, Kyree Pendleton 5, Luke Diccianno 2, Jordan Evans 2, Jason Cherry 8.
#1-21 Central Bucks West 63, #1-12 Central Bucks East 50
Central Bucks West picked the best part of the season (right now) to be playing its best basketball, and it showed on Friday night as the visiting Bucks upended archrival Central Bucks East on the Patriots’ home court in the opening round of the PIAA District One Class 6A tournament.
The victory, which was the fifth straight for Central Bucks West, moved the 21st-seed Bucks into Tuesday’s second round against No. 5 seed Norristown at Norristown.
“We’re excited to be in the next round,” Central Bucks West coach Adam Sherman said. “We’re hitting our stride at the right time.”
Friday’s win ensured the Bucks at least two more games as 10 of 16 remaining teams earn berths in the state tournament.
“This was huge,” Sherman said. “It takes a little bit of pressure off. Now you’re playing for the opportunity to go to states. You’re one win away from being one of the few teams left. It’s an exciting time, and you’re hoping you’re playing your best basketball now.”
The Bucks, who won just seven times last season and were 7-11 five games ago, picked up their 12th win thanks in large part to the efforts of Jack Neri and Jack Mulhearn. They combined for 48 points. Neri had a game-high 25 with five rebounds while Mulhearn, who had 23 points, collected a game-high 11 rebounds. Mika Munari had six boards.
The game was close through two quarters as Central Bucks West led by just five at intermission (35-30) before limiting the 12th-seeded Patriots to just 20 points after halftime
“Neither team could stop the other team in the first half,” Sherman said. “In the second half, we were able to get a series of stops together and then were able to score on the offensive end. We got separation in the third quarter and went into the fourth up 15.”
Nick Roggio led 12th-seeded Central Bucks East with 15 points and Ben Markowitz added nine.
Central Bucks East closed out its season with a 15-8 record overall. They were 6-6 in conference play.
Central Bucks West 23-12-15-13 63
Central Bucks East 19-11-10-10 50
Central Bucks West (63) – Connor Briece 4, Jack Mulhearn 23, Mika Munari 2, Jack Neri 25, Reed Zerweck 6, Owen Haney 3.
Central Bucks East (50) – Ben Markowitz 9, Jason Markowitz 6, Tyler Young 2, Leo Masterson 6, Jack Hamilton 4, Joe Jackman 8, Nick Roggio 15.
#1-14 Conestoga 58, #1-19 Pennsbury 56 (OT)
Pennsbury and Conestoga battled all the way into overtime before the Pioneers were able to escape with a win in a first round PIAA District One Class 6A tournament game Friday night.
“We could not stay in front of their guards, and they scored a layup with 3 1/2 seconds left (to win it in overtime),” Pennsbury coach Bill Coleman said.“It was a heartbreaker, but the guys fought. The turnover bug caught us. There were unforced turnovers that were more troublesome. It is what it is.
“The guys fought, and one thing no one will ever take away from them is they’re Suburban One National champions for 2019. They should be proud of their effort."
Pennsbury senior standout Gary Francis, who led all scorers with 25 points, scored the tying basket in regulation to force the extra session.
“Gary kind of put us on his shoulders in overtime,” Coleman said. “There are mixed emotions when you lose a game like that. You put everything in as a coaching staff. I speak for every coach probably – I hardly sleep during the season. You put a game plan in and you hope they execute it.
“You’ve seen them grow from seventh and eighth graders, and they’re leaving as men. Hopefully, you’ve set them on a course to be successful in life.”
Coleman bids farewell to Francis and Luke Della Grotte.
“It was fun to watch Gary grow,” the Falcons’ coach said. “Gary matured right front of our eyes his senior year. It was fun to watch Luke – who would have ever thought four years ago he would be in this spot. I’m very proud of those guys.”
The loss ended the season for the 19th-seeded Falcons (14-10, 11-1 SOL) while the 14th-seeded Pioneers advanced and will face No. 3-seed Lower Merion in Tuesday’s second round at Lower Merion.
“We have a lot of players coming back next year, a lot of guards,” Coleman said. “Hopefully, they learned from their mistakes this year and continue to grow."
Pennsbury 12-11-17-8-8 56
Conestoga 10-11-12-15-10 58
Pennsbury (56) – Kyrie Miller 6, Collin Connor 15, Gary Francis 25, Xavier Barron 3, Cooper Arnold 3, Evan Reichard 4.
Conestoga (58) – Scott 6, Martin 3, Robinson 18, Rush 2, Lezanic 14, Medley 7, Brace 8.
#1-13 Spring-Ford 59, #1-20 Council Rock North 55
Council Rock North stayed with Spring-Ford nearly every step of the way before falling in a PIAA District One Class 6A tournament first-round game Friday night. Last season, Council Rock North won just eight games and did not qualify for the post-season.
“For us, this season wasn’t really a surprise because we saw how committed our seniors in particular but also our underclassmen were right after our season ended last year – how eager they were to get back into this game and how hungry they were to improve, and I think that’s kind of what this group was all about,” coach Jess Krasna said. “They were just so committed to doing whatever it took to win all year.
“Usually when you coach a team, you’re the one that’s trying to instill values and show the kids how to win, but they really taught me and our staff a lot about how much you can get from yourself and your team when you really commit yourself and when you genuinely care about the guy to your left and to your right and you want to succeed for them.
“Every single time that we saw them they were focused on becoming more skilled and stronger. Our seniors were obsessed with the weight room in the offseason and even throughout the season. We had to convince them not to lift on game days. They were just so hungry. This group of kids is so much fun to coach because they loved being around each other and they loved working hard. We never had to get on them about taking practice seriously or dogging it in practice. They were just a pleasure to coach.”
Despite the loss, Krasna had nothing but effusive praise for his team, especially his six seniors – DJ Mischak, James Duffy, Griffin Popescu, Josh Fisher, Beckett Thompson and Zach Saifer.
“Our seniors we’re going to miss them, but they definitely left behind a legacy that’s going to be visible for years to come,” the Indians’ coach said. “We’re going to be talking about this group with the next wave of Council Rock North basketball players because they put Council Rock North basketball back on the map. I know their parents are proud of them. Their community has a renewed sense of pride in Council Rock North basketball, and their coach is certainly proud of them too.
“It was just such a fun ride. You never want it to end, but with this group of guys, I think they’re going to stay together and stay in touch for years because you could just see how they interact with each other on a daily basis. They just love each other, and that’s why we were able to have the success we had this year."
As for the game, the teams were tied at 44-44 after three quarters before Spring-Ford was able to seal things over the final eight minutes.
Saifer led the Indians with a team-high 13 points while Duffy added a dozen. Mischak and Luke Vliet also finished in double figures with 10.
Council Rock North (7-5 SOL) closed out its season with a 14-9 record.
Council Rock North 10-17-17-11 55
Spring-Ford 13-15-16-15 59
Council Rock North (55) – DJ Mischak 10, Luke Vliet 10, Hunter Wan 7, James Duffy 12, Josh Fisher 3, Zach Saifer 13.
Spring-Ford (59) – Fitzgerald 6, Schilling 5, Hagan 12, Kovaleski 16, Baker 7, Bobeck 13.
#1-17 Downingtown West 56, #1-16 Upper Dublin 44
Upper Dublin saw its season come to an end against visiting Downingtown West in the opening round of the PIAA District One Class 6A tournament.
The Cardinals, seeded 16th, fell behind early (they trailed 16-9 after one quarter) before rallying in the second quarter to tighten things up by halftime. They trailed but just four at the intermission, 29-25, and, in the third quarter, Upper Dublin battled back to forge a tie at 38-38. Jason Williams scored five points in a quarter that saw the Cardinals hold a 13-9 advantage.
However, the 17th-seeded Whippets, who will face top-seeded Abington on Tuesday in the second round, outscored the Cardinals 18-6 over the final eight minutes to secure the victory.
Brian Klammer led the Cardinals with nine points while Mike Slivka, Williams and Drew Stover each added eight points.
Upper Dublin closed out it season with a 14-9 record (7-7 SOL).
Downingtown West 16-13-9-18 56
Upper Dublin 9-16-13-6 44
Downingtown West (56) – Roberson 8, Kaiser 5, McCole 23, Howard 20.
Upper Dublin (44) – Stover 8, Watkins 2, Brady 7, Williams 8, Klammer 9, Slivka 8, Bootman 2.18
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