It was a rough night for SOL girls’ basketball teams in Friday’s opening round of the PIAA State Tournament. Upper Dublin/Wilson photos provided courtesy of Greg Lindsay. Check back for a gallery of photos.
PIAA 6A opening round
#3-5 WILSON 51, #1-3 UPPER DUBLIN 46
Morgan Funsten didn’t have to look far to figure out what went wrong in Friday’s state opener. The Bulldogs, who had a decided height advantage, outrebounded the Cardinals 39-15, a stat that pretty much told the story of a game that featured runs by both sides.
“I think 46 points should be enough to win a game like this,” Funsten said. “I really liked our chances tonight. I thought it was key that we rebounded the ball defensively, and I thought it was key that we got off to a
good start. Unfortuantely, neither of one of those things happened.”
The Comets had the game’s first run, opening up an 11-3 lead after one quarter and then extending it to 13-3 before the Cardinals came roaring back, outscoring their visitors 21-9 to go into halftime with a 24-22 lead when Lexi Ngo just beat the buzzer on a runner in the paint.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals extended their lead to 32-26 only to watch the Comets answer with a 16-0 tear to go on top 42-32 before Ella Morris drained a 3-pointer to trim Wilson’s advantage to seven entering the final quarter.
With four minutes remaining in regulation, UD pulled to within one after Tamia Clark turned a Lexi Ngo pass into an easy bucket. Wilson freshman Jade Lee had an immediate answer with back-to-back buckets, and just like that, the Bulldogs led 50-43 with 1:28 remaining. The Cardinals would get no closer than five the rest of the way.
“I thought it was a combination of things,” Funsten said of the loss. “I don’t know if after getting down early and fighting back like we did, and then getting up six in the third quarter – I don’t know if the girls relaxed for a moment and lost a little bit of their edge that they had to get back up six. A couple live ball turnovers turned into quick points for them. The girls showed a lot of fight in the third quarter and fourth quarter to get it back to one.”
“The locker room was tough after the game. Obviously, it’s really tough when your season ends. It was a little bit unexpected tonight, but the message to the girls who are returning is – we can’t let teams beat us in a way they’re most comfortable. We have to force them to beat us other ways. Unfortunately, I thought they were too comfortable tonight offensively.”
The Cards – who were once again without SOL Liberty MVP Emilia Coleman (transfer ineligible) – will return their entire starting lineup next year.
Key players: Tamia Clark’s 17 points led the Cardinals. She also had four deflections and three steals. Megan Ngo added 13 points, seven assists, five deflections and three steals. Freshman Lexi Ngo added seven points, four rebounds and two assists. Ella Morris had six points and two steals.
A telling state was Wilson’s 36 points in the paint to just 16 for the Cardinals. Included in Wilson’s 39 rebounds were 17 offensive rebounds while the Cardinals had just four offensive boards.
UD coach Morgan Funsten on the game: “It was a weird game tonight – it was a big game of runs. During the playoffs, we showed flashes of being a very good team, and my comment to other people would be – ‘We can be really
good, but we’re not consistent enough.’ Tonight was the definition of inconsistent in terms of getting out to a slow start and then making a run to go up two at halftime. Making a run at the start of the third quarter, and they made a huge run. I think we lacked consistency. Unfortunately, it’s been a pattern of giving up second-chance points to (Violet) Houck, who averaged about five points a game, and I think she gets all of her points tonight on putbacks.
“It’s frustrating for us and for the girls to give up second chance points like that because I know they’re working, but we have to be better in that category. I really liked our chances.
–Wilson’s defense: “Their size defensively – even if you get past the initial defender, they were doing a good job getting in help side. They basically have three 6-footers on the court at all times.”
The season: Upper Dublin closed a successful season with a 24-6 record overall. The Cardinals were a perfect 8-0 on their way to the SOL Liberty Division title and the SOL Tournament title.
Wilson 11-11-20-9 51
Upper Dublin 3-21-11-11 46
Wilson (51) – Janai Tisdale 1 2-2 4; Violet Houck 10 1-2 21; Ryan Leaman 2 0-0 5; Laura Crocona 1 4-4 7; Kailiani Hardy 3 0-3 6; Jade Lee 4 0-2 8; TOTALS 21 7-13 51.
Upper Dublin (51) – Bridget DiMartile 1 0-0 3; Tamia Clark 6 5-8 17; Megan Ngo 4 4-5 13; Lexi Ngo 3 0-0 7; Ella Morris 2 0-0 6; TOTALS 16 9-13 46.
3-point goals: W – Ryan Leaman, Laura Crocona; UD – Ella Morris 2, Bridget DiMartile, Megan Ngo, Lexi Ngo.
#12-1 ARCHBISHOP CARROLL 61, #1-10 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 42
A season for the program’s record books came to an end for the Golden Hawks, who captured the division title and advanced to the state tournament for the first time in over a decade.
Carroll took control of this one from the outset, opening up a 17-5 lead after one quarter and extending that lead by halftime on their way to the big win.
Emerson Gunther led the Golden Hawks with 14 points, which included four 3-points. Lil Metrick added eight points in a contest that saw the Hawks battle foul trouble from the outset.
Assistant coach Blair Klump on the game: “We are really proud of the effort tonight and how our girls competed. Things didn’t go our way early when Carroll jumped out to 11-0 lead, and as we got our footing a little, we had early foul trouble with Fi and Kat with two each in the first quarter, and eventually, we lost Kat on a foul out in the second quarter. Our girls did a nice job of adjusting to the unexpected, and to their credit, we competed for 32 minutes.
“Carroll is a very, very good team, a lot of length, shooting, physicality, high IQ, and really well coached. They are a team capable of making a very deep run at this. We did a good job executing what we wanted to initially game plan-wise. (The Eberz girls combined for 24, you probably sign up for that). McFillin played very well all-around game for them. Emerson (Gunther) had a great second half for us offensively (11 of her 14) and Bella had a strong showing with more blocks and battling.
–Tribute to seniors: “It was a tough ending for a tremendous group of players and, more so, even more impressive young ladies. Steve (Polinsky) and I have both coached a long time, and we don’t say this lightly or with any disrespect to anyone else we have coached, this was the most enjoyable season either of us have had coaching. That’s because, in large part, to this class. Personally, I’m grateful Steve gave me the opportunity to come back this year with this group. It was a memorable season for the girls, coaches, parents, school staff and all involved.
“This group did everything right from day one until today. Their approach was right from day one, they always put the team first, and it showed daily. That’s so rare, and it speaks volumes to the legacy they left in the program as this year was the first year going back to states in over a decade. Success isn’t an accident and doesn’t happen in a vacuum. They, as a group, had a lot of goals as freshmen. We didn’t hit on every single one this year, but it wasn’t from lack of effort, commitment or teamwork. This is the most selfless group of individuals I’ve ever been around. They will graduate with the second highest winning percentage for a class in South basketball history (boys or girls). This group is so much more than wins and losses. It’s about the impact in the community, approach to the classroom and high academics, doing things the right way day in and day out. When you have a group of players who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, you have a year that has a lot of opportunities like this season did. This isn’t something that can just happen within a season, but these girls can take things they learned in their time here and will be ahead in the game of life. Their parents should be proud because their daughter(s) did it the right way, every day. We are so grateful for the impact they had on the program, the leadership and examples they were for underclassmen, and I, personally, can say I’m a better coach and person for having coached them. And I know Steve is grateful for their daily approach and helping him establish what he wants South basketball to look like. Saying how proud we are and thank you for the memories does not do this group justice. All five girls will be playing NCAA athletics, and it will be fun to follow their respective journeys and see how the underclassmen can follow the tremendous example this group set.”
The season: Council Rock South closed out its season with an overall record of 22-7. The Golden Hawks were 9-1 and captured the SOL Patriot Division title.
Council Rock South 5-9-13-15 42
Archbishop Carroll 17-24-16-8 61
Council Rock South (42) – Sarah Freeman 1 0-0 2; Lil Metrick 3 0-0 8; Maria Freeman 2 0-0 6; Emerson Gunther 5 0-0 14; Kathryn O’Kane 1 2-2 4; Bella Hettler 3 0-0 6; Fiona Reckner 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 16 2-2 42.
Archbishop Carroll (61) -Cate Schumacher 2 0-0 4; Djani Diallo 1 0-0 2; Alexis Eberz 6 2-4 16; Olivia Nardi 3 0-0 8; Madeleine McFillin 6 4-4 18; Bridget Archibald 1 0-0 2; Kayla Eberz 2 4-4 8; Bridget Grant 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 22 10-12 61.
3-point goals: CRS – Emerson Gunther 4, Lil Metrick 2, Maria Freeman 2; AC – Alexis Eberz 2, Olivia Nardi 2, Madeleine McFillan 2, Bridget Grant.
#12-3 CARDINAL O’HARA 48, #1-4 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 28
The Patriots – sparked by six points from Natalie Berndt and five from Jess Lockwood – opened up a 16-14 lead after one quarter. O’Hara answered with a 15-7 second quarter to go into halftime with a 29-23 lead.
The second half belonged to the Lions, who allowed just five second-half points.
“I’m proud of the girls for all they accomplished year,” East coach Liz Potash said.
The season: Central Bucks East closed out it season with a 22-8 record. The Patriots captured the SOL Colonial Division title with a 9-1 record.
Cardinal O’Hara 14-15-11-8 48
Central Bucks East 16-7-4-1 28
Cardinal O’Hara (48) – Brigid Macgillvery 2 0-0 5; Carly Wakefield 2 0-0 5; Leah Hudak 5 0-0 13; Penny Miller 1 0-0 2; Molly Rullo 5 4-4 14; Brigidanne Donohur 3 0-0 7; Catie Doogan 1 0-1 2; TOTALS 19 4-5 48.
Central Bucks East (28) – Sydney Ralph 1 0-0 3; Haley Moran 5 0-0 10; Natalie Berndt 2 0-0 6; Jess Lockwood 3 0-0 8; Hailey Helmsstetter 0 1-2 1; TOTALS 11 1-2 28.
3-point goals: CO – Leah Hudak 3, Brigid Macgillvery, Carly Wakefield, Brigidanne Donohue; CBE – Jess Lockwood 2, Natalie Berndt 2, Sydney Ralph.
#3-1 DALLASTOWN 52, #1-11 ABINGTON 39
The Ghosts knew they would have their hands full against the District 3 champions, who brought a 27-2 record into the game.
The game started out on a promising note for the Ghosts, who – sparked by 11 points from senior point guard Maya Johnson – led 16-11 after one quarter. Dallastown responded with a 17-7 second quarter to go into halftime with a 28-23 lead. They added to their lead in the second half, but the Ghosts walked off the court with their heads held high.
“We were in the game in the first half, but I think towards the end of the third and fourth quarter, their size started to become a problem, and we were not able to get to the rim and our spots easily,” Abington coach Allison Lawson said. “I honestly couldn’t be prouder of how my team played this season. Through every challenge that we faced, they gave their all.
“We fought with heart, played with determination, and supported each other every step of the way. No matter the outcome, we grew together, pushed our limits, and proved what true teamwork looks like. For us this season wasn’t just about the wins and losses—it was about resilience, commitment, and the bond we built as a team.”
Johnson’s 13 points led the Ghosts, who also received 12 points from Aniyah Williams.
The season: Abington closed out it season with a 15-11 record overall, 6-2 in the SOL.
Abington 16-7-12-4 39
Dallastown 11-17-17-7 52
Abington (39) – Ayana Miller 1 0-0 2; Maya Johnson 5 1-3 13; Mikiaya Durham 2 0-0 5; Shya Crafton 1 0-0 2; Hailey Hernandez 2 0-0 5; Aniyah Williams 5 1-2 12; TOTALS 16 2-5 39.
Dallastown (52) – Alonnna Dowell 3 0-0 6; Campbell O’Neill 4 0-0 11; Harper Poff 1 0-2 2; Praise Matthews 6 4-4 16; Ava Jamison 5 2-2 17; TOTALS 19 6-8 52.
3-point goals: A – Maya Johnson 2, Mikiaya Durham, Hailey Hernadez, Aniyah Williams; D – Ava Jamison 5, Campbell O’Neill 3.
#2-1 HAZLETON 82, #1-8 CHELTENHAM 59
Hazleton brought a 26-0 record into Friday’s state opener and added another win to its impressive record. The Cougars opened up a 25-16 lead after a high-scoring first quarter and seized control of the game with a 26-8 second quarter to go into halftime with a 51-24 lead.
The Lady Panthers were once again without Zoe Thompson (injury).
Junior Maya Simmons scored 20 points to lead the Lady Panther, and she also had five assists, five rebounds and four steals. Jiah Price added 15 points and eight rebounds while Paige Powell had eight points, five rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block. Cassie Bugg added six points and five rebounds.
The season: Cheltenham closed out a successful season with a 20-7 overall record. The Lady Panthers were a perfect 10-0 on their way to the SOL Freedom Division title.
Cheltenham 16-8-13-12 49
Hazleton 25-26-21-10 82
Cheltenham (49) – Jiah Price 15, Paige Powell 8, Maya Simmons 20, Cassie Bugg 6
Hazleton (82) – Mariah Marolo 6, Sophia Benyo 16, Sofia Rodgers 2, Kaitlyn Bindas 18, Kayla Lagowy 8, Alexis Reimold 18, Miranda Chupela 2, Sophia Shults 8, Hannah Matyas 2, Julie Tejeda 2
3-point goals: C – Jiah Price 3, Maya Simmons 3; H – Kaitlyn Bindus 2, Alexis Reimold, Sophia Shults.
PIAA 3A opening round
#12-2 WEST CATHOLIC 62, #1-3 NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 50
The Lions trailed by just three after one quarter, but West Catholic extended its lead to 24-15 by halftime on its way to the opening round win.
Senior Izzy Elizondo’s 20 points, which included four 3-pointers, led the Lions. Senior Emily Wilson added 14 points, and freshman Mary Tresler had 12 points.
Friday’s loss brought to an end a special season.
“My assistant coach (Kevin) Gallagher and I recognize when we get to guide a special group of kids,” Lions’ coach Andy Krasna said. “We struck gold when inheriting this team. Our game with West Catholic was just a reflection of their toughness and never give in approach. This is why they are so admired by the New Hope community at large.
“We fought back, and our seniors are especially disappointed, but after a few days of reflection, they will come to cherish our time together and appreciate what we accomplished with our tiny roster. What a fun winter of basketball with this group of special student-athletes.”
The season: New Hope-Solebury closed out its season with a 15-11 record overall, 6-4 in the SOL.
New Hope Solebury 6-9-11-24 50
West Catholic 9-15-25-13 62
New Hope-Solebury (50) – Kayla Fennell 1 0-0 2; Izzy Elizondo 8 0-1 20; Emily Wilson 4 4-5 14; Mary Tresler 5 2-8 12; Ella Dudick 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 19 6-14 50.
West Catholic (62) – Milan Trusty 7 0-0 18; Ciana Blake 5 0-0 10; Brihanna Gardner 2 0-0 6; Jamee Johnson 2 0-0 4; Ny’la Haynesworth 1 0-0 3; Kiajah Henry 2 0-2 4; Ciani Scott 6 0-1 12; Nyla Coleman 3 0-0 6; TOTALS 28 0-3 62.
3-point goals: NH-S – Izzy Elizondo 4, Emily Wilson 2; WC – Milan Trusty 3, Brihanna Gardner 2, Ny’la Haynesworth.
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