Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ basketball teams in action Saturday. Abington/Cheltenham photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for a gallery of photos. (CB East/GMA photos courtesy of Diane Barry/CB East basketball). CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports’ GIRLS’ BASKETBALL GALLERIES.
SOL non-league crossover
ABINGTON 55, CHELTENHAM 43
Aniyah Williams was unstoppable in the opening quarter, scoring 12 points and leading the Ghosts to an early 21-12 lead. Abington took a 35-23 lead into halftime on its way to the win in Saturday’s rivalry game.
Key players: Aniyah Williams led the Ghosts with a double-double, finishing with 23 points and 15 rebounds in a standout 
effort. Shya Crafton had 11 rebounds, and Nora Luskin was a defensive catalyst with seven steals.
Paige Powell’s 20 points – which included four 3s – led the Lady Panthers. Isabella Brown had 14 points.
Abington coach Allison Lawson:
–Props: “It was a great team win against our rival Cheltenham. We knew we had to play strong defense to win, and Nora did a tremendous job guarding Simmons and limiting her touches. Aniyah and Shya were beasts inside, going after every rebound, and Aniyah also had a great offensive game for us.”
Up next: Abington will travel to Central Bucks East for an SOL non-league crossover game on Monday, and Cheltenham will be on the road at Central Bucks South for a non-league crossover game Tuesday.
Cheltenham 12-11-9-11 43
Abington 21-14-10-10 55
Cheltenham (43) – Isabella Brown 3 6-6 14; Paige Powell 4 2-4 20; Kaylyn Washington 1 0-0 3; Maya Simmons 2 1-2 5; Aniyeh Wallace 0 1-2 1; TOTALS 14 8-12 43.
Abington (55) – Rhyane Rogers 3 1-4 8; Asalya Ortiz 1 0-0 3; Nora Luskin 1 2-2 4; Shya Crafton 4 2-2 8; Caleigh Fitzgerald 3 2-4 9; Emma Felix 0 0-2 0; Aniyah Williams 9 4-5 23; TOTALS 20 11-19 55.
3-point goals: C –Paige Powell 4, Isabella Kimble 2, Kaylyn Washington; A – Rhyane Rogers, Shya Crafton, Caleigh Fitzgerald, Aniyah Williams.
WILLIAM TENNENT 70, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 35
Avery Kocur and Halie Staub combined for 51 points to lead the Panthers to their fifth win in as many games, a no-doubt-about-it victory over the Indians.
The Panthers led 14-9 after one quarter but then erupted for 20 points in the second quarter to go into halftime with a 34-17 lead on their way to the win. Kocur had 16 points by halftime in a torrid offensive performance.
Key players: Avery Kocur’s 29-point effort included one 3 and a 6-for-8 effort at the foul line. Halie Staub added 22 points.
Julia Koval led the Indians with 14 points while Ella Carroll had 12 points.
William Tennent coach Laura Whitney:
–The game: “Another great team win today. Playing back-to-back games are always tough, but I was really pleased with the energy we came out with and how well we executed the first half. I thought our defensive effort was really good again, and we continue to show improvement with our rebounding.
“Credit to CR North and Coach Kelly. He does a great job of preparing his girls and they really competed today. Even when we tried to open the game up, they continued to show some fight and never quit. North has some good young talent, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make big strides next year.
“We’re hoping to keep the momentum going. We have a big week coming up with some key crossover and non-league matchups that we’re looking forward to.”
–Props: “Avery was unstoppable today. What’s been so impressive is how she continues to take big leaps each year and just continues to get better. It’s a testament to how hard she works. She impacts the game in so many ways and this year especially she hasn’t been settling for those outside shots and has found other ways to score and expand her game. It’s been a lot of fun to watch.
“Staub had a bounce back game today. She was really good in every facet of the game. Whether it was being a pest on defense, getting big rebounds or attacking downhill. She played with a lot of composure and did a nice job of taking what the defense gave her and finished plays.”
Up next: William Tennent will travel to Pennridge for an SOL non-league crossover game Tuesday, and Council Rock North will host Quakertown Tuesday in a non-league crossover game.
Council Rock North 9-8-11-7 35
William Tennent 14-20-19-17 70
Council Rock North (35) – Tori Smith 1 0-0 2; Lauren Smith 1 0-2 3; Brynn Rodgers 0 3-6 3; Alexa Bondra 6 2-4 14; Julia Koval 0 1-2 1; Ella Carroll 5 2-4 12; TOTALS 13 8-18 35.
William Tennent (70) – Devon MacDonald 0 2-2 2; Madisyn Rodebaugh 1 0-0 3; Aubrey Lynch 1 2-2 5; Avery Kocur 11 6-8 29; Halie Staub 9 2-2 22; Giada Cosenza 2 1-2 5; Hannah Wang 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 25 15-18 70.
3-point goals: CRN – Lauren Smith; WT – Halie Staub 2, Madisyn Rodebaugh, Aubrey Lynch, Avery Kocur.
BENSALEM 44, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 41
In a game that came down to the wire, it was the Owls – who trailed by as many as six – using a big fourth quarter to eke out the win. Grace McShane was the catalyst in the fourth, scoring nine points while Mischa Ellzy buried 5 of 6 at the foul line, allowing the Owls to outscore the Titans 14-11.
Bensalem – sparked by 10 points from McShane – took a 23-22 lead into halftime, and the two teams were deadlocked at 30-30 heading into the final quarter.
Key players: Grace McShane’s 20-point effort led the Owls.
For the Titans, twins Gabby and Jules Tropea combined for 29 points with Gabby leading the charge with 18 points.
Bensalem coach Steve Johnson:
“We knew going into this game it was going to be a grind. Coach (Beth) Mattern does a phenomenal job, and the Tropea twins are the real deal. They both crushed us. I think we did a great job of not getting frazzled when South took the lead to six. We did a nice job in the fourth quarter.
–Props: “Sydney Daut rebounded the ball phenomenally for us. Mary Beck had a big-time drive for two. Jordyn Bell battled all game with both twins. Mischa Ellzy hit some clutch free throws late in the fourth. Kamiya Alexander played very strong for us. Grace McShane had a big time fourth quarter for us – great drives and decisions. We get a much-needed rest tomorrow.“
Up next: Bensalem will host Hatboro-Horsham in an SOL non-league contest Tuesday, and Central Bucks West will host Cheltenham on Tuesday in a non-league contest.
Central Bucks South 8-14-8-11 41
Bensalem 10-13-7-14 44
Central Bucks South (41) – Jules Tropea 4 2-2 11; Riley Campbell 2 0-0 5; Rylie DeCesare 2 1-2 5; Gabby Tropea 5 7-10 18; Anna Granito 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 14 10-14 41.
Bensalem (44) – Kamiya Alexander 2 2-6 6; Mary Beck 2 0-0 4; Mischa Ellzy 0 5-8 5; Grace McShane 9 1-2 20; Gianna Creque 1 0-0 2; Jordyn Bell 1 0-0 3; Sydney Daut 2 0-0 4; TOTALS 17 8-16 44.
3-point goals: CBS – Jules Tropea, Riley Campbell, Gabby Tropea; B – Grace McShane, Jordyn Bell.
Non-league
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 72, GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY 50
Haley Moran torched GMA for 22 first-half points, leading the Patriots to a 42-25 halftime lead on their way to the convincing non-league win.
Key players: Haley Moran stuffed a stat sheet with 27 points, five rebounds, three steals and seven assists. Natalie Berndt
scored 14 points and also had three steals. Jess Lockwood added 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists, and Payton Williams also finished in double figures with 10 points and five rebounds. As a team, East had 18 assists.
Central Bucks East coach Liz Potash:
–The Game: “We played really good team basketball today. Haley Moran had a huge first half scoring 23 of her 18. In the second half, when the ‘D’ tightened, she distributed the ball well and finished with seven assists. Jess Lockwood had a solid game with 13 points and nine rebounds. Payton Williams got two fouls early, and we got great minutes off the bench, especially from Hailey Helmstetter. Really proud of the high basketball IQ we showed on offense today.”
Up next: Central Bucks East will host Abington in an SOL non-league game on Monday.
Central Bucks East 21-21-18-12 72
Gwynedd Mercy 16-10-9-15 50
Central Bucks East (72) – Delaney Long 0 0-2 0; Haley Moran 8 9-10 27; Emma Penecale 1 2-2 4; Natalie Berndt 5 0-0 14; Payton Williams 5 0-0 10; Jess Lockwood 5 2-3 13; Hailey Helmstetter 2 0-0 4; TOTALS 26 13-17 72.
Gwynedd Mercy (50) – Chloe McCarthy 7 0-0 18; Carey Brooks 1 0-0 2; Bailey Balkir 3 2-2 9; Claire Ross 2 0-0 5; Shelby Stefan 1 1-2 4; Brooke Evans 4 2-2 10; Ava Lauren Begley 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 19 5-6 50.
3-point goals: CBE – Natalie Berndt 4, Haley Moran 2, Jess Lockwood; GMA – Chloe McCarthy 4, Bailey Balkir, Claire Ross, Shelby Stefan.
UPPER DUBLIN 69, IMHOTEP 34
Tamia Clark scored nine points in the opening quarter, leading the Cards to a 21-8 lead after one quarter of action. By halftime, the junior standout had 22 points, and the Cardinals had an insurmountable 48-21 lead on their way to the big win.
Key players: In yet another dazzling performance, Tamia Clark scored a team-high 24 points, connecting on 10 of 14 shots from the field. She also had five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Point guard Megan Ngo added 15 points, seven assists and two steals, and Emilia Coleman added 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists and five steals. Bridget DiMartile finished with eight points.
Upper Dublin coach Morgan Fusnten:
–The game: “We played Imhotep in an offseason event and lost to them, so we knew going in that they were talented and explosive. Our girls really came ready to play today. We knew that they primarily played zone and had a great couple of practices leading up to the game. We were patient on offense and got great shots all game. We shot 77 percent (20-26) from two-point range. We also committed zero turnovers in the first half and only two through three quarters.
“We are happy with where we are at this time but will definitely face some adversity this week with Pennsbury, CB East, and Audenried, all on the road. We are excited for the upcoming challenges.”
–Props: “Everyone played well, but Tamia Clark was on fire again, scoring 24 points on 14 shots in 22 minutes. She had 22 at halftime. Megan Ngo knocked down some shots while also sharing the ball with seven assists. Emilia Coleman did a great job of moving around against their zone and also rebounded the ball really well and was in passing lanes all day with five steals. Her basketball IQ helps our team so much when we go against zone.
Up next: Upper Dublin will travel to Pennsbury for an SOL non-league crossover game Tuesday.
Upper Dublin 21-27-16-5 69
Imhotep 8-13-2-11 34
Upper Dublin (69) – Bridget DiMartile 2 3-4 8; Tamia Clark 10 3-4 21;Megan Ngo 5 2-2 15; Lexi Ngo 2 0-1 4; Emilia Coleman 5 0-0 10; Ella Morris 2 0-0 6; Julia Scullen 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 27 8-11 69.
Imhotep (34) – A.Kenyatta 1 0-0 3; T.Linton 3 4-8 11; J.Willis 0 2-4 2; M.Johnson 2 0-0 5; G.Hawthorne 5 1-2 11; C.Hawthorne 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 12 7-14 34.
3-point goals: UD – Megan Ngo 3, Ella Morris 2, Bridget DiMartile, Tamia Clark; I – A.Kenyatta, T.Linton, M.Johnson.
LOWER MORELAND 45, INTERBORO 26
Talk about a change of fortunes.
The Lions trailed 12-8 after one quarter but quickly turned the tide in the second, ramping up their defensive pressure and outscoring their visitors 14-0. They never looked back, outscoring Interboro 23-14 in the second half.
Key players: Sydney Santora led a balanced Lower Moreland attack with 14 points. Emma DiJoseph and Mollie Martin both had 10 points.
Lower Moreland coach Andy Krasna:
–The game: “A wise former college basketball coach once said to me after a defeat, ‘You lost the game, don’t lose the lesson.’ Such great advice. After losing to Plymouth Whitemarsh 14 hours before playing Interboro, I thought that our team could learn from how PW took us away from the things we do well. Offensively, they were patient and made us play defense for long stretches. Their shot selection was calculated and always high percentage. They defended us with incredible energy, sped us up, and trapped us into forcing ill-advised passes.
“Our team talked about trying to defend Interboro the same way PW defended us. We also wanted to be patient and get unrushed shot opportunities.
“We were unfocused through the first eight minutes, getting burned my Interboro’s Madie Mae and allowing her to get free with ease, scoring 10 of their 12 first quarter points. We made an adjustment and had Mollie Martin guard Mae, and Mollie did a super job containing her and making her uncomfortable. Mae only scored two points the rest of the way, both on free throws.
“We also ramped up our zone pressure which helped to get our offense going. We trapped with a purpose and began to jump passing lanes. Freshman Ella Fey and junior Sydney Santora anticipated so well in the back of our zone and came up with some big steals.
“Our scoring was balanced. Sydney had the hot hand that helped us extend the lead. Mollie and Emma DiJoseph were attacking space and not settling for early perimeter shots, both scoring in double figures. Sophia Fey was very key for us with two timely baskets that helped us get some added separation from Interboro. Maddie Broderick added 5 points, and her big third quarter 3-pointer helped us get some added insurance points.”
Up next: Lower Moreland will be on the road at Souderton for a non-league SOL crossover game Tuesday.
Interboro 12-0-6-8 26
Lower Moreland 8-14-13-10 45
Interboro (26) – Bella Carroll 1 0-2 2; Riley Dockery 1 0-0 2; Maddie Mae 4 3-6 12; Jaziah Victor 1 0-0 2; Peyton Sardeuth 1 2-2 4; Keira Audrelazy 1 0-0 2; Giana Knuckles 0 2-2 2; TOTALS 9 7-12 26
Lower Moreland (45) – Maddie Broderick 2 0-0 5; Mollie Martin 5 0-0 10; Emma DiJoseph 4 2-2 10; Sydney Santora 6 1-2 14; Sofia Fey 2 0-0 4; Olivia Fey 0 0-2 0; Haylee Huber 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 20 3-6 45.
3-point goals: I – Madie Mae; LM – Maddie Broderick, Sydney Santora.
PENNSBURY 55, STRATH HAVEN 16
Ten players contributed scoring for the Falcons in a contest they owned from the outset, opening up an 18-5 lead after quarter and extending that to 32-10 by halftime on their way to the non-league win.
Sammie Haws led a balanced attack with 11 points while Alyssa Thomas, Shea Quenzer and Keira Socha each had eight points.
Pennsbury coach Frank Sciolla:
–The game: “We got to meet Strath Haven‘s head coach, Brandi Johnson, last May when she came to a coaching clinic that we ran for Coaches vs. Cancer, and we were happy to come out and play them here.
“They had some terrible luck six days before the start of the season when their best player and point guard tore her ACL, and we were able to give them trouble with ball pressure and at times they had a hard time getting into their offense
“Today we really wanted to focus on moving the ball and playing with pace, and I thought that our forwards did a good job running the floor. It’s been a focus for us and today they were much better at it.”
–Props: “Grace Schaufler, Emily Panaro and Bella Stewart were very active and engaged and gave us some scoring and rebounding.”
Up next: Pennsbury will host Upper Dublin Tuesday in an SOL non-league crossover game.
Pennsbury 18-14-18-5 55
Strath Haven 5-5-2-4 16
Pennsbury (55) – Emily Panero 2 0-0 5; Grace Schaufler 2 0-0 4; Bella Stewart 1 0-0 2; Adrianna Oberto 1 0-0 2; Sammie Haws 4 1-2 11; Alyssa Thomas 3 12 8; Shea Quenzer 1 0-0 2; Joley Hohman 3 0-0 8; Keria Socha 3 0-0 8; Milan Reaves 2 0-0 5; TOTALS 22 2-4 55.
Strath Haven (16) – Kennzie Fanning 1 0-0 3; DiNazio 0 0-2 0; Kerr 1 0-0 2; Alyssa Bisordi 3 0-2 7; Elle O’Connor 1 2-3 4; TOTALS 6 2-7 16.
3-point goals: P – Sammie Haws 2, Joley Hohman 2, Keira Socha 2, Emily Panero, Alyssa Thomas, Milan Reaves; SH – Kenzie Fanning, Alyssa Bisordi.
WISSAHICKON 43, CENTRAL 31
Sparked by the superb 27-point effort of Katelyn Thomson, the Trojans earned the non-league win over visiting Central. Maura Jacob also finished in double digits with 12 points.
“We came out with great energy and maintained our composure throughout the game,” Wissahickon coach Kathie Sims said. “I was extremely proud of the girls’ hustle and team-first mentality. They earned this win, and I couldn’t be happier for them.”
Up next: Wissahickon will travel to Harry S Truman Tuesday for a non-league SOL crossover game.
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