Tennent, Bensalem, Neshaminy & PW were winners in Friday’s opening round of the District 1 6A Tournament. Tennent/CR South photos courtesy of Jon Sklut, Neshaminy/Souderton photos provided by John Gleeson and PW/Chester photos provided courtesy of Larry Small and Michael Rice Photography. Check back for galleries of all three games. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports’ GIRLS’ BASKETBALL GALLERIES.
Class 6A
#9 WILLIAM TENNENT 40, #24 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 34
It wasn’t a masterpiece.
Look no further than the foul line where the Panthers – who emerged victorious – were 1-for-11 before senior Avery Kocur sank two of the last three foul shots she took in her team’s hard-fought win. Not the kind of numbers that typically translate into a win.
“I feel like I never miss my free throws, and obviously, it counts at the end, so it was very frustrating and not very much to our liking,” the Tennent senior said. “But a win is a win.”
And at the end of the day, that’s all anyone will remember about Friday’s game in what has been a historic season.
“This is huge,” Kocur said of the win. “I feel that Tennent doesn’t get a lot of recognition for sports, and it’s almost like we’ve been famous at school. People are going around saying, ‘Great job,’ and it’s been awesome
“And our student section – it’s been great. They’ve left our boys’ games and come to our games. It’s been really cool – it’s just a neat experience.”
The Panther fans didn’t have a whole lot to cheer about in a first quarter that saw Tennent manage just four points. The Golden Hawks – sparked by a pair of Gillian Martin 3-pointers – opened up a 12-4 lead after one quarter.
Then came a second quarter that belonged to the Panthers and featured a whole lot of Kocur, who scored 12 of her team’s 16 points that sent Tennent into the locker room with a 20-17 advantage.
The Golden Hawks were in the game till the end and battled until the final whistle, but the Panthers held on for the win.
“It’s been really awesome,” Kocur said. “I feel like coming in as a freshman, I probably was not expecting this.
“And this year – I could not have asked for a better senior year. Winning the division and winning a home playoff game. It’s just been great, and I hope to continue it.”
Key players: Avery Kocur’s 20 points led the Panthers and included a pair of 3-pointers. Megan Volz added 10 points.
For the Golden Hawks, Gillian Martin’s 9 points led the way and included three 3-pointers. Emerson Gunther added eight points.
William Tennent coach Laura Whitney:
–The game: “At this time of the season, it’s survive and advance. We didn’t have our best stuff today, but credit CR South. I knew they were going to be prepared, and they came in, and the defense they prepared for us made it tough for us to get into our rhythm and run what we normally run, so we had to adjust on the fly.
“I thought our girls did a great job of adjusting and being patient and letting the game come to them. We had our struggles, but we found a way.”
–The second quarter: “I think offensively, we just started being a little bit more patient. Early on, the shots weren’t falling, and we saw how they were defending us. They were leaving certain girls wide open, almost daring them to shoot, and our girls weren’t used to that, so I think we just really played kind of tight and tense, but we got a little better ball movement, tried to use a little bit more screening action.
“Our defense, I thought the whole game was good. It was just a matter of getting ourselves on track offensively. Once that happened, it gave us more confidence and we settled down.”
–Props: “I thought Aubrey (Lynch) off the bench really gave us a lift, just her defensive energy. Even in the second quarter, she was huge in getting some offensive rebounds for us to give us some second possessions.
“(Halie) Staub didn’t have her normal performance, but she and Avery have been sick this whole week, so trying to play through it wasn’t easy, and also, they had to guard the other team’s best players.”
–Historic season continues: “It’s been a historical season on just so many levels, and just the school community, the support we’ve had – our student section, I’m really excited for our girls. They deserve this. Their hard work is paying off, and to see us get rewarded, it means a lot.”
Council Rock South coach Steve Polinsky: “I thought we played a good game. Kudos to Laura (Whitney) and her program. Avery (Kocur) is a great player and the rest of them. Best of luck to them the rest of the year.”
Up next: William Tennent will travel to #8 Garnet Valley for a second round game Wednesday. Council Rock South closed out its season with a 13-9 overall record.
Council Rock South 12-5-5-12 34
William Tennent 4-16-7-13 40
Council Rock South (34) – Ruby Bross 1 2-8 4; Gillian Martin 3 0-0 9; Emerson Gunther 3 0-0 6; Carly Conetta 2 0-0 4; Noelle Lamb 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 11 8-15 34.
William Tennent (40) – Aubrey Lynch 2 0-0 5; Avery Kocur 8 2-6 20; Halie Staub 0 0-2 0; Hannah Wong 2 1-6 5; Megan Volz 5 0-0 10; TOTALS 17 3-14 40.
3-point goals: CRS – Gillian Martin 3, Noelle Lamb; WT – Avery Kocur 2, Aubrey Lynch.
#10 NESHAMINY 55, #23 SOUDERTON 40
The Redskins – behind eight points from freshman Nicole Trespapacios – opened up a 17-11 lead after one quarter and took a 27-20 lead into halftime. Trespapacios accounted for 14 of her team’s points.
A 19-7 third quarter featured seven points from Trespapacios and six from Hayley Kolk and all but put the game out of reach.
By the numbers: Nicole Trespapacios led the Redskins with 21 points through three quarters. Hayley Kolk added 13 points, including three 3s, as well as six rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Ashlyn Duffy added eight points. Grace Weyler had eight rebounds and seven assists.
For the Indians, Alaina Picard led the way with 14 points, which included four 3s. Maddie Nenstiel added 13 points – nine points in the fourth quarter.
Neshaminy coach John Gallagher:
–Key players: “Freshman Nicole Trespalacios continues her stellar play by scoring a team high 21 points and playing excellent defense. Junior Grace Weyler continues to rack up team leads in rebounds (8) and assists (7). Seven assists in one game is a huge accomplishment and shows Grace’s unselfishness and ability to see the floor.”
–The game: “The staff and our players recognized that we did a very good job this evening 
against a well-coached Souderton team. It was important to us to start the game strong, and we did that by scoring 17 first quarter points. Assistant coach Meg Gallagher told the team before the game that we wanted to win each quarter and put four quarters together. We were able to do that through the first three quarters and led 46-27 entering the fourth quarter.
“Nicole jumpstarted us in the first quarter and then did it again in the third quarter. Nicole in the last several games for us has led us with her scoring, ball handling, defense and, more importantly, her maturity. Joining a lineup that had very established roles and playing time, Nicole has been able to carve out her place in the minds of the more varsity experienced players due to her great attitude and endearing spirit.
“Souderton was led early by #20 (Alaina Picard) who drained four three-point baskets on just those four shots. She had 12 of their 20 first half points, and it was a very efficient shooting display early on. Grace, Ashlyn, and Camryn did a much better job in the second half taking turns on her and 
limiting her shots.
“Hayley Kolk was the beneficiary of several of the Grace Weyler assists. Hayley had another strong performance on the defensive end and had some crushing three-point baskets that kept the Souderton Indians at arm’s length, while notching four assists.
“Despite early foul trouble, Ashlyn Duffy was able to contribute to the scoring column with eight points including five in the first quarter.
“Souderton shot 10-10 from the free throw line while several of our starters were limited with fouls.”
Up next: Neshaminy will face a familiar opponent in Wednesday’s second round when the Redskins will travel to #7 Pennsbury. Souderton closed out its season with a 13-10 record overall (3-7 SOL).
Souderton 11-9-7-13 40
Neshaminy 17-10-19-9 55
Souderton (40) – Maddie Nenstiel 4 4-4 13; Liv Herron 1 2-2 5; Kiera Fadden 2 2-2 6; Avie Sackor 0 2-2 2; Alaina Picard 5 0-0 14; TOTALS 12 10-10 40.
Neshaminy (55) – Grace Weyler 2 1-2 5; Ashleyn Duffy 3 0-0 8; Mia Raivitch 0 1-2 1; Nicole Trespalacios 9 1-2 21; Brynn Klukososki 1 0-0 2; Hayley Kolk 5 0-0 13; Camryn Rodriguez 2 1-2 5; TOTALS 22 4-8 55
3-point goals: S – Alaina Picard 4, Liv Herron, Maddie Nenstiel; N – Hayley Kolk 3, Nicole Trespalacios 2, Ashlyn Duffy 2.
#15 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 28, #18 CHESTER 25
Olivia Patete took just four shots. Her fourth – with the final seconds ticking off the scoreboard clock in a tie game – hit nothing but net for the game-winner in Friday’s thrilling district opener.
“You couldn’t ask for a better kid to hit the shot – she’s such an unsung hero of our team,” PW coach Dan Dougherty said of Patete. “I’ve said this a lot over past couple of weeks, but I just couldn’t be prouder of this group.
“They have accomplished so much despite a tremendous bout of adversity. They have been enjoyable to coach, they are enjoying the experience with one another and have embraced roles within the team so well.”
From the outset, it was clear that points were going to be hard to come by. The Colonials – sparked by 3-pointers from Eliza Meersman and Grace Harvey – led 8-6 after one quarter. They took an 11-9 lead into halftime, and it was a 16-16 game heading into the final quarter when Patete delivered.
“To win a playoff game in front of a large home crowd is such a thrill, something we don’t take for granted,” Dougherty said. “We know we have a difficult path ahead, but this group will embrace it.”
In a contest that saw the two teams combine for 53 points, the defense from both sides made scoring a challenge. The Colonials connected on 11-for-32 from the field while Chester was 11-for-44.
Key players: Eliza Meersman led the Colonials with 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Grace Harvey added eight points, and Liv Patete had seven points, five rebounds – all offensive.
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Dan Dougherty:
–The game: “What a game tonight! We were up 6-2 a couple minutes into the game, and that was the biggest lead either team had all night. Up 11-9 at halftime in a true defensive battle, both teams were just playing outstanding defense. Every possession was 30-40 seconds long, every shot was contested – just couldn’t get an open look.
“Eliza Meersman was able to knock down a 3 right before half for our only points of the second quarter and give us a lift.
“In the second half, it was more of the same. It was 16-16 after three and neither team was able to go up by two scores. In the fourth quarter, Eliza Meersman and Grace Harvey were finally able to get good looks on drives to the basket, and Kenna Winland knocked down a three to give us a lead; only to have Chester come right back and tie the game again.
“With about a 1:15 left on the clock, we had the ball and called timeout. Talked to the girls about running a motion to see if we could get Chester to make a mistake, and if not, we’ll just keep running until we get a last shot. Our girls were executing perfectly, and as the clock got to 20(ish) seconds, Olivia Patete slipped open. Kenna Winland saw it, and no hesitation – Liv just caught, 
squared, and let a three fly, (hitting) nothing but net. Chester sprinted the ball up the floor, and after a few seconds called timeout to set up a last play. We forced a turnover, won the game.”
–Props galore: “Lots of praise to go around, starting with Patete. She has been such a reliable force for us all season. Plays 32 minutes every night, scores, rebounds, defends, takes care of the ball. So, it was fitting for her to be the one to hit that shot tonight.
“Kenna Winland also played 32 minutes tonight, handled Chester’s pressure all night, was able to run, direct the offense and defense up and down the floor, everything you hope for from a senior captain. Kenna was able to draw two offensive fouls tonight, routinely putting herself in harm’s way.
“Eliza Meersman did not have her best stuff tonight, but she just kept grinding and got buckets when we desperately needed them.
“Biggest props of the night go to Mia Baron and Grace Harvey. They limited Chester’s leading scorer (Imani Dorsey) to 10 points on 4 of 14 from the floor, and their second leading scorer (Jordan Dennis) to five points on 2 of 14 shooting. They contested every shot, every possession. We knew for us to have a shot tonight we’d have to slow those kids down. They average 35 points per game combined – we held them to 15. It was absolutely the difference. Combine that with not giving them any points off turnovers, and it made for a winning recipe.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh will travel to #2 Central Bucks East in Wednesday’s second round.
Chester 6-3-7-9 25
Plymouth Whitemarsh 8-3-5-12 28
Chester (25) – Ah’Myah Naylor 1 0-0 2; Imani Dorsey 4 1-2 10; Zayana Vann 4 0-2 8; Jordan Dennis 2 0-0 5; TOTALS 11 1-4 25.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (28) – Olivia Patete 3 0-0 7; Kenna Winland 1 0-0 3; Eliza Meersman 4 0-0 10; Grace Harvey 3 0-0 8; TOTALS 11 0-0 28.
3-point goals: C – Imani Dorsey, Jordan Dennis; PW – Eliza Meersman 2, Grace Harvey 2, Olivia Patete, Kenna Winland.
#16 BENSALEM 36, #17 SPRINGFIELD-DELCO 29
Sparked by 16 points from senior Grace McShane, the Owls delighted the home crowd, defeating the Cougars in a hard-fought opening round district game.
“Man, am I proud of our girls!” Bensalem coach Steve Johnson said. “It’s been a long time coming, and our girls deserve every second of it.
“None of the girls in our program ever experienced a home playoff game, let alone a playoff win. The pressure they probably felt tonight cannot be described. We gave out 50 tickets this morning, and they were taken within 10 minutes.”
The Owls – who received a 3-pointer from both Mischa Ellzy and Grace McShane – led 8-7 after one quarter, and they took a 17-12 lead into halftime.
Bensalem added to its lead with a 9-4 third quarter to go into the final frame with a 26-16 advantage. The Cougars put 13 points on the board in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late.
Key players: Grace McShane led the Owls with 16 points, which included three 3-pointers. Mischa Ellzy added nine points, and Sydney Daut had eight.
Bensalem coach Steve Johnson:
–Props: “It’s been a pleasure coaching these girls this season. No moment is too big or too small. Grace has been our leading scorer majority of the year, but we don’t win this game without the efforts of junior Sydney Daut and sophomore point guard Mischa – who didn’t play like an underclassman. I couldn’t be happier for the two of them. They are wonderful kids. I see them every day in the halls. After a huge win, after a tough loss, they are a delight to be around. Sydney was a monster on the glass. Complete aces from start to finish.
“Mischa is a sophomore point guard, and I’ll be the first person to say I put a lot of pressure on her, which at most of times is unfair, but she handled it like an upperclassman tonight and all season long. She is an awesome kid. Always gives me eye contact and lets us coach her up. She’s our energy.
“Jordyn Bell and Mary Beck played their hearts out. Jordyn hit a big time shot when shots were limited for us. Mary Beck may not have scored but was tenacious on defense.”
–The win: “Listen…at this time of year, a win is a win. It doesn’t matter if we win by 50 or by five. The majority of high school teams are already on to spring sports. We are here. We advanced. We get more time together. We now get the opportunity to play the best team in the state and the best coach in the state. We are going to give Upper Dublin everything we got.”
Up next: Bensalem will travel to #1 Upper Dublin for a second round game on Wednesday.
Springfield-Delco 7-5-4-13 29
Bensalem 8-9-9-10 36
Springfield-Delco (29) – Adalina Ditrolia 3 0-0 7; Aly Clark 0 1-2 1; Delaney Kearney 1 0-0 3; Abby McFarland 3 0-0 7; Alice Murphy 5 0-0 11; TOTALS 12 1-2 29
Bensalem (36) – Mischa Ellzy 4 0-0 9; Grace McShane 5 3-4 16; Jordyn Bell 1 0-0 3; Sydney Daut 3 2-2 8; TOTALS 13 5-6 36.
3-point goals: B – ; S-D – Adalina Ditrolia, Delaney Kearney, Abby McFarland, Alice Murphy; B – Grace McShane 3, Mischa Ellzy, Jordyn Bell.
#13 METHACTON 71, #20 NORTH PENN 63
The Knights gave the Warriors all they could handle and – after trailing by six after one quarter – took a 40-37 lead into halftime. Freshman Paityn Debro led the Knights in the opening half with 11 points.
North Penn still led 52-51 heading into the final quarter when the Warriors closed it out with a 20-point quarter to earn the win.
“I am so incredibly proud of this team for the season they had,” NP coach Bri Cullen said. “We learned a ton of hard lessons, but we grew so much over the last few months. We lose some really amazing seniors, and they are going to be so missed. We are already eager to get back at it for next year.”
Debro’s 19 points led the Knights while Mehya Godhania added 13 points, including three 3s, and Tallie Smink had 10 points, including a pair of 3s. Lily Brown added eight points.
North Penn closed out its season with a 14-8 record overall (7-3 SOL).
North Penn 21-16-15-11 63
Methacton 15-25-11-20 71
North Penn (63) – Saniah Hammond 3 2-2 11; Ava Wood 0 1-4 1; Paityn Debro 8 3-8 19; Lily Brown 2 4-5 8; Taysia Lee 0 1-2 1; Mehya Godhania 5 0-0 13; Tallie Smink 4 0-0 10; TOTALS 22 11-21 63.
Methacton (71) – Avery Kenney 1 0-0 3; Penny Wolf 11 0-0 22; Lila Cingiser 3 1-2 9; Abby Masotta 4 4-5 12; Ava Wolf 4 4-9 13; Janna Goodley 4 1-1 10; Emily Taylor 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 28 10-17 71
3-point goals: NP – Saniah Hammond 3, Mehya Godhania 3, Tallie Smink 2; M – Lila Cingiser 2, Avery Kenney, Ava Wolf, Janna Goodley.
#12 PHOENIXVILLE 57, CHELTENHAM 35
Class 5A
#10 BISHOP SHANAHAN 49, #7 LOWER MORELAND 30
The Lions, who trailed by three after one quarter, were still very much in the game at halftime, trailing the visiting Eagles 20-16. Any thoughts of a comeback suffered a setback when the Lions were outscored 17-10 in the third quarter and trailed 37-26 heading into the final quarter. LM managed just four points in the fourth quarter as the Eagles went on to earn the win.
“Bishop Shanahan has great size, speed and length,” LM coach Andy Krasna said. “They are hard to guard because of their three prolific scorers; Ambrose, Foster, and Garrity who can score in multiple ways.
“We matched their intensity on the boards in the first half and had many good offensive possessions, some of which we converted. In the third quarter, we had many unforced errors and were outscored by seven points but still in striking distance. The final eight minutes, Shanahan extended their lead shooting the ball well and we couldn’t buy a basket, only scoring four points.”
Mollie Martin’s 11 points led the Lions. Sydney Santora added 8 points and Emma DiJoseph, seven points.
“A big thank you and congratulations to our special senior class of Sofia Fey, Mady Rossiter, and Haylee Huber who played in their final high school basketball game,” Krasna said. “All three were positive role models for our underclassman and were first-rate in representing Lower Moreland High School and the Huntingdon Valley community at large.”
The Lions closed out their season with a 12-10 record overall (4-4 SOL).
Bishop Shanahan 9-11-17-12 49
Lower Moreland 6-10-10-4 30
Bishop Shanahan (49) – Abby Garrity 3 3-4 10; Lauren Foster 3 1-2 10; Carmel Ambrose 7 2-3 18; Taylor Bollenbach 3 1-4 7; Anna C Pinto 2 0-0 4; TOTALS 18 7-13 49.
Lower Moreland (30) – Mady Rossiter 1 0-0 2; Maddie Broderick 1 0-0 2; Mollie Martin 4 2-5 11; Emma DiJoseph 3 0-0 7; Sydney Santora 2 2-2 8; Ella Fey 0 0-2 0; TOTALS 11 4-7 30.
3-point goals: BS – Lauren Foster 3, Carmel Ambrose 2; Abby Garrity; LM – Sydney Santora 2, Emma DiJoseph, Mollie Martin.
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