Souderton and Central Bucks South will be in action in the District One 6A semifinals on Wednesday at Bensalem. Six other SOL teams will be in action in playback games. Check back for recaps.
Eight SOL teams will take the court on Wednesday night with top-ranked Souderton and second-seeded Central Bucks South headlining the group with semifinal games at Bensalem High School. Souderton will take on fourth-seeded Garnet Valley at 7:30 p.m. That game will be preceded by Central Bucks South facing third-seeded Spring-Ford at 6 p.m.
The district schedule also includes three All-SOL games with Council Rock North traveling to Abington and Neshaminy on the road at Plymouth Whitemarsh as the four teams battle it out for fifth through eighth place. Upper Dublin will host Central Bucks East with the winner punching its ticket to states and the loser still alive with a must-win game for 11th place on Friday.
CB South’s Haley Meinel reaches 1,000-point milestone
Haley Meinel has spent her high school career blowing by opponents for easy baskets.
“Her first step and her speed is so hard to match,” coach Beth Mattern said. “She’s one of the few players that literally can rebound a ball on the defensive end, outlet it to someone up the court and get a layup.
“You just can’t match her speed, and her speed is what gives her that great advantage.”
The Jefferson University-bound senior surpassed the magical 1,000-point milestone in South’s second round district game against Great Valley when a cutting Meinel turned a pass from teammate Alexa Brodie into the historic basket. The basket – in traffic – was anything but easy.
“I definitely wouldn’t be here without Alexa’s passes,” Meinel said. “We’ve become really strong friends throughout the years, so I think the strong chemistry just correlates with our play on the court.”
Meinel has known since the end of last season that the milestone was in her reach but never allowed that to be her focus. She entered the game against Great Valley needing 11 points and took care of business late in the first half.
“It was definitely nerveracking,” Meinel said. “I missed my first two layups, and I just knew I had to shake it off, just play my game and let everything fall into place.
“First I missed a foul shot that would have given me a thousand, but then Alexa got me down low, and I hit a layup getting me to 1,001. Maddie McShane came over and hugged me right away and so did the team. It didn’t feel real at first. Everyone was cheering. It was just an awesome experience.”
Meinel became just the third female in South program history to reach the milestone, following in the footsteps of Colleen Christian (’07) and Jordan Vitelli (’16).
“There weren’t really many people who’ve accomplished this, and watching Jordan do it and how exciting it was and how big of a milestone it was, I wanted to do it myself,” Meinel said. “This has been a big goal of mine ever since I came in as a freshman. I’m so relieved now. I just feel like I can focus on getting further into states.”
According to coach Beth Mattern, Meinel is an example of hard work paying off.
“There are a lot of kids out there who say they work hard and want to work hard, and then there are kids who put the time in when nobody else is watching,” the Titans’ coach said. “Haley is putting the time in when no one else is watching and that deserves to be rewarded.
“She’s a thousand point scorer, she’s scored over 400 points this season, and that’s fantastic. That’s what you need out of a team leader, and she’s doing it.”
Mattern goes on to recount a story that underscores Meinel’s work ethic.
“The great thing about Haley is – she’s really developed herself,” Mattern said. “At the end of her sophomore year, she had an awful hitch in her jump shot.
“Two to three weeks after the end of that season, it was gone because she just went out into her driveway and worked and worked until it wasn’t there. Just her whole persona is so great and makes her successful on the court because she has a drive to succeed.
“She makes herself work hard, but she’s also not cocky. She’s just going to go out there and play and give it her all, and that’s what makes her so fun to coach. You know every night you’re getting whatever she has to give you.”
Meinel has been playing basketball since she was seven years old. She also played soccer and softball but gave up those two sports in favor of basketball, which has always been number one. She competes on the AAU circuit for the Newtown Rebel Academy. Prior to that, she played for the Lady Running Rebels.
As a junior, she committed to take her talents to Jefferson University.
“I always wanted to play basketball in college because I love the sport so much,” Meinel said.
Meinel and her teammates will be competing in their third district semifinal game in three years when the Titans take on Spring-Ford at Bensalem High School (6 p.m.). A win would give the Titans their first trip to the district title game.
DISTRICT ONE 6A SEMIFINALS
#1-1 SOUDERTON vs. GARNET VALLEY at Bensalem High School (Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.)
Souderton
- 24-2 overall
- 11-1 SOL Continental Conference champions
- Won program’s first conference title since 2004
- SOL Tournament champions with 48-25 win over #2 Central Bucks South
- Balanced attack directed by point guard Tori Dowd and led offensively by Alana Cardona (11.5 ppg), Kate Connolly (10.8 ppg), Megan Walbrandt (10.2 ppg) and Megan Bealer (8.0 ppg)
- Winners of 16 straight games heading into district tournament
How they got here: In Saturday’s quarterfinal contest, Souderton edged #8 Council Rock North in each of the four quarters on its way to a 49-39 win. Megan Bealer and Megan Wabrandt led the Indians with 11 points each. Alana Cardona had 10 points – all in the second half.
In a second round game, Souderton opened up a 24-5 halftime lead on its way to a 46-25 win over #16 Haverford. Finishing the game in double figures were Alana Cardona (17 points), Kate Connolly (16 points) and Megan Bealer (10 points).
Opening round bye
Garnet Valley
- 22-3 overall
- 17-1 Central League regular season champions
- Fell to Springfield-Delco 51-46 in Central League title game
- Juniors Emily McAteer and Brianne Borcky provide a dangerous one-two punch for the Jaguars.
- McAteer surpassed the 1,000-point milestone in early January.
- Regular season wins over #13 Conestoga (49-33), #15 Great Valley (48-36) and #16 Haverford (49-31, 44-31).
How they got here: In Friday’s quarterfinal, Garnet Valley defeated #5 Abington 56-48. Emily McAteer did it all for the Jaguars, scoring 13 first-quarter points and propelling Garnet Valley to a 21-12 lead. McAteer finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and five steals. Brianne Borcky added 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Nicole Barnes had eight rebounds.
In a second round game, Garnet Valley defeated #13 Conestoga 43-33. Brianne Borcky had 11 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and three assists. Madi McKee had 10 points.
Opening round bye
#1-2 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH vs. #3 SPRING-FORD at Bensalem High School (Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.)
Central Bucks South
- 23-3 overall
- 10-2 SOL Continental Conference second place
- Fell to #1 Souderton 48-25 in SOL Tournament title game
- Led offensively by Jefferson University-bound senior Haley Meinel (15.0 ppg) and junior point guard Alexa Brodie (12.5 ppg).
- Opened season with 13 straight wins
How they got here: In Saturday’s quarterfinal game, Central Bucks South rallied from a 28-20 third quarter deficit to defeat #10 Neshaminy 43-39. Alexa Brodie led all scorers with 15 points, and Haley Meinel added 12.
In second round action, Central Bucks South – which opened up a 29-8 halftime lead – rolled to a 44-28 win over #15 Great Valley. Haley Meinel , who led all scorers with 17 points, surpassed the 1,000-point milestone. Mackenzie Ehresman contributed 13 points and Alexa Brodie had 12.
Opening round bye
Spring-Ford
- 24-2 overall
- 9-1 Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty regular season co-champs with Perkiomen Valley
- Defeated Perk Valley 54-45 in PAC title game
- Led offensively by forward Abby Goodrich (10.5 ppg), freshman point guard Lucy Olsen (9.7 ppg) and guard Rachel Christman (7.5 ppg)
How they got here: In Friday’s quarterfinal contest, Spring-Ford edged #6 Plymouth Whitemarsh 53-50. Abby Goodrich led the way with 19 points and Ali Higgins added 11.
In a second round game, Spring-Ford defeated #19 Boyertown 47-37. Abby Goodrich (16 points) and Cassie Mart (13 points) led the Rams.
Opening round bye
DISRICT ONE 6A PLAYBACK (5-8)
#1-8 COUNCIL ROCK NORTH at #1-5 ABINGTON (Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m.)
Abington
- 18-7 overall
- 10-2 SOL National Conference tri-champions with Council Rock North & Neshaminy
- Junior Kassondra Brown leads the Ghosts in scoring (18.2 ppg) and under the backboards (11.4 rpg).
- Point guard Britney James averages 6.3 assists a game while directing an offense that includes Millersville-bound Sam Brusha (16.4 ppg) and Cam Lexow (8.9 ppg).
How they got here: In Friday’s quarterfinal contest, Abington lost to #4 Garnet Valley 46-48. Kassondra Brown and Sam Brusha each had 13 points to lead the Ghosts.
In a second round game, Abington defeated #12 Central Bucks East 59-48. Sam Brusha (19 points) and Kassondra Brown (17 points) led the Ghosts, who received a huge lift from Tamia Wessels (nine points) off the bench.
Opening round bye.
Council Rock North
- 18-6 overall
- 10-2 SOL National Conference tri-champions with Abington and Neshaminy
- Led by senior point guard Becca Margolis, who surpassed the 1,000-point mark this season and averages 12.0 points a game.
- Junior Dana Bandurick (11.7 ppg) and senior Mackenzie Tinner (11.0 ppg) are key contributors offensively as well as under the backboards
- Split regular season series with Abington (57-50, 48-54).
- Won 11 of 12 to close out regular season.
How they got here: In Saturday’s quarterfinal game, Council Rock North fell to #1 Souderton 49-39. Becca Margolis and Mackenzie Tinner led the Indians – who had foul woes – with 11 points each. Dana Bandurick added nine points.
In a second round game, Council Rock North edged #9 Upper Dublin 37-34. Becca Margolis and Dana Bandurick led the Indians with 10 points each.
Opening round bye
1-10 NESHAMINY at #1-6 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH (Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m.)
Plymouth Whitemarsh
- 21-4 overall
- 14-0 SOL American Conference champions
- Second consecutive undefeated American Conference season for Colonials, who have won 28 straight games in conference play.
- Program’s first back-to-back conference titles since 1978 & 1979.
- Led offensively by a pair of 1,000-point scorers – Bucknell-bound and first team all-state selection Taylor O’Brien (23.0 ppg) and Lauren Fortescue (11.0 ppg)
- The Colonials, who won 18 of first 19 games, had a 15-game winning streak snapped late in the season by #5 Abington.
How they got here: In Friday’s quarterfinal round, Plymouth Whitemarsh fell to Spring-Ford 53-50 as the Rams held off a late comeback attempt by the Collonials. Taylor O’Brien (16 points) and Lauren Fortescue (11 points) led PW.
In a second round contest, Plymouth Whitemarsh took a 29-8 lead into halftime on its way to a 58-27 win over #11 Downingtown East. Taylor O’Brien exploded for 32 points, which included five three-pointers. She also had 11 rebounds. Lauren Fortescue and Ali Diamond both had 12 points and combined for five three-pointers.
Opening round bye.
Neshaminy
- 18-6 overall
- 10-2 SOL National Conference tri-champions with Council Rock North & Abington
- Redskins have won a share of conference title in four of last seven years
- Led by captains Brooke Mullin, Allison Harvey and Kristin Curley.
How they got here: In Saturday’s quarterfinal contest, Neshaminy led for the better part of three quarters but was outscored 30-19 in the second half in a 43-39 loss to #2 Central Bucks South. Olivia Scotti (13 points) and Brooke Mullin (12 points) led the Redskins.
In a second round game, Neshaminy upset #7 Perkiomen Valley, opening up a 30-13 halftime lead and never looking back. Allison Harvey (15 points), Kristin Curley (14 points) and Brooke Mullin (11 points) led the Redskins.
In the opening round, Neshaminy opened up a 49-16 halftime lead on its way to a 59-19 win over #23 Cheltenham. Four players – Olivia Scotti (14 points), Allison Harvey (12), Kelli Kowalick (11) and Brooke Mullin (10) – finished the game in double figures.
DISTRICT ONE 6A PLAYBACK 9-11
#1-12 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST vs. #1-9 UPPER DUBLIN (Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m.)
Upper Dublin
- 20-5 overall
- 12-2 SOL American Conference second place behind Plymouth Whitemarsh
- Young Cardinals’ offense led by sophomore Jackie Vargas (12.6 ppg), senior Nicole Kaiser (11.3 ppg) and freshman Dayna Balasa (7.9 ppg)
- UD ranked in top 10 of the district in five of six seasons under coach Morgan Funsten
How they got here: In Saturday’s playback game, Upper Dublin rolled to a 52-19 win over #16 Haverford, racing out of the gate to a 23-4 lead and never looking back. Nicole Kaiser’s 14 points led the Cardinals and Dayna Balasa had 13.
In a second round war, Upper Dublin took a 34-32 lead with just over five minutes remaining but did not score again, falling to #8 Council Rock North 37-34. Nicole Kaiser led the Cardinals with 11 points.
In an opening round game, Upper Dublin defeated #24 Pennsbury 54-24, racing to a 35-6 halftime lead and never looking back. Nicole Kaiser’s 14-point effort led the Cardinals. Freshman Dayna Balasa had 12 points on four threes while Meg Barbera (9 points) and Jackie Vargas (8 points) also contributed.
Central Bucks East
- 16-9 overall
- 7-5 SOL Continental Conference tied for third place with Central Bucks West
- Led offensively by senior Sophia Mancusco (10.7 ppg), senior Bailey McManus (10.5 ppg), junior Elyse Shine (8.0 ppg) and senior Gina Russo (7.0 ppg)
- Won seven of eight games after 0-2 start with squad that lost four starters and seven seniors from last year’s successful team.
How they got here: In Saturday’s playback game, Central Bucks East defeated #13 Conestoga 56-33, opening up a 14-2 lead after one quarter and rolling to the win. Caroline Pla led the Patriots with 14 points, which included four threes. Bailey McManus had 11 points.
In a second round game, Central Bucks East fell to #5 Abington 59-48. Sophia Mancuso’s 14 points led the Patriots.
In an opening round contest, Central Bucks East defeated #21 Pennridge 51-39. Junior Elyse Shine scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Patriots, scoring 13 in a third quarter that saw East outscore the Rams 18-5. Bailey McManus added 10 points and Sophia Mancuso, nine points.
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