Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ basketball teams in action Friday. Souderton/CR South photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Wissahickon/Springfield photos courtesy of Kim Supko, and New Hope-Solebury/Quakertown photos courtesy of Karla Donohoe. Check back for galleries of all three games: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f884733941 (Hatboro-Horsham photo provided by Diane Waeltz/HH basketball)
SOL Patriot/Colonial crossover
SOUDERTON 52, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 45
For the second time in as many games this week, the Indians found themselves in a contest that came down to the wire. According to their coach, the players may as well get used to finding themselves in a dogfight.
“Every game has been, and they’re all going to continue to be,” Souderton coach Lynn Carroll said.
Casey Harter once again came up huge for the Indians, scoring a game-high 25 points. The Northwestern-bound senior scored 16 points in a first half that saw the two teams battle to a 25-25 halftime tie.
Harter was on fire out of the gate, scoring 12 points and leading the visitors to a 15-12 lead.
“Casey was very, very good from start to finish and was really getting to the basket, scoring on offensive rebounds, receiving the ball in the low post, and she was finishing on some tough (shots),” Carroll said. “Rock South is tough to guard. Those kids play hard, they attack the basket with aggression. They all can shoot. They’re a tough team to defend. We made enough plays down the stretch to win it, but they wouldn’t go away. We would stretch it to five, and they would cut it back to two or three.”
The Indians took a 38-34 lead into the fourth quarter after outscoring the Golden Hawks – behind eight points from Teya McConnaha – 13-9 in the third quarter, but the game was far from over.
“It wasn’t until the last few minutes of the game that we put it out of reach,” Carroll said. “Under two minutes, it was a one-possession game – we were up three. They only had four or five team fouls, and they had to play a little catchup and finally sent us to the line. Casey made some foul shots, Teya (McConnaha) made some foul shots, and we got stops on the defensive end.”
The Indians – clinging to a 46-43 lead – were the beneficiary of an intentional foul call against the Golden Hawks late in the game.
“They fouled Casey, and she made both foul shots. We got possession, and obviously, that was big,” Carroll said. “I don’t know if it was the right call or not, but that was a big factor down the stretch, for sure.”
Harter and McConnaha both had six points in the fourth quarter the Indians won 14-11.
McConnaha scored all 14 of her points in the second half. She also had 10 rebounds to complete another double-double. Brooke Fenchel had seven rebounds and Erin Bohmueller had five assists.
“We got some pretty good looks in the first half,” Carroll said. “We were getting the ball down low to Teya (McConnaha), and the only difference between her first half and her second half was that she finished in the second half.
“She was getting some really good looks, and they just weren’t falling. I think she left 8-10 points on the rim in the first half. The difference maker in the second half was her finishing.”
The Golden Hawks once again had remarkably balanced scoring. Katie Purpura’s 11 points – eight in the second half – led the way. Cam Gregory added nine points, which included a three and a 6-for-7 effort at the foul line. Kathryn O’Kane and Karissa Smedley both had six points.
“This was a good win, and once again, we have no choice but to show up every night and play our best basketball because our schedule is brutal, and we have a quick turnaround tomorrow, playing Perk Valley at 12 o’clock,” Carroll said. “But it’s what makes you play well, and in March, you’re battle tested in January and February, and it helps you play your best basketball down the stretch. This was a hard-fought battle, for sure, and we’re very happy with the outcome.”
Souderton (14-2, 10-1 SOL) will travel to Perk Valley for a non-league battle on Saturday at noon against a Viking squad that is the third seed in the District 1 6A power rankings. Council Rock South (8-5, 6-5) will host Imhotep Charter in a non-league contest Saturday at 1 p.m.
Souderton 15-10-13-14 52
Council Rock South 12-13-9-11 45
Souderton (52) – Erin Bohmueller 1 3-4 5; Mikayla Mcgillian 2 0-0 4; Casey Harter 10 4-5 25; Grace McDonough 2 0-0 4; Teya McConnaha 5 4-4 14; TOTALS 20 11-13 52.
Council Rock South (45) – Kathryn O’Kane 3 0-1 6; Lil Metrick 1 0-0 3; Lily Bross 2 0-0 4; Katie Purpura 3 2-2 11; Cam Gregory 1 6-7 9; Fiona Reckner 2 0-0 4; Karissa Smedley 2 2-4 6; Jess Mangini 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 15 10-14 45.
3-point field goals: Souderton – Casey Harter; CRS – Lil Metrick, Katie Purpura 3, Cam Gregory.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 35, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 28
Don’t be fooled by the final score.
Listening to East coach Liz Potash tell it, the Patriots were just glad to escape with a win.
“This was not a seven-point win, this was a one-possession game the whole time,” the Patriots’ coach said. “I was happy that we got out of there with a win tonight. They made us earn it, they made us scratch and claw for everything, and it’s exactly what we expected.
“They’re playing teams tough. We kept saying to the girls – ‘This team is better than their record shows. You’ve got to be really ready.’ (First-year coach Jack Kelly) has got them playing defense, and whenever you defend, you can keep yourself in games.”
The loss came on a night when Rock North recognized its five seniors.
“Tonight, we honored our seniors – Claire Pirkle, Kiera Katz, Lizzie Lustig, Ella Cairone, and Jaden Wan – and the impact that they have had on our program,” Kelly said. “They have provided us with tremendous leadership, even through some tough times. They have shown what it means to be resilient, play with energy and effort, and be good teammates.
“We are devastated we couldn’t come out with a win for them, but credit to CB East and Coach Potash – they made key plays down the stretch. We are right there, and we are going to keep working hard to finish the season strong.”
And just how close was Friday’s game?
“We were down one at the half, we were up three going into the fourth,” Potash said. “I know we won by seven, but that was a couple of foul shots at the end, Chantal (Van Dongeren) had a steal to make it seven with a layup with no time left.
“If you look at their scores – they lost to Neshaminy by four, Pennsbury by five, and they played Souderton close through the fourth quarter. After we saw them play live last Saturday against Gwynedd (a 46-37 win), once we got past Neshaminy, we said to the girls, ‘This is a team you have to be ready for. It’s going to be a dogfight,’ and it was.”
The Indians, who trailed 8-5 after one quarter, took a 15-14 lead into halftime. The Patriots held the Indians to just three points in the third quarter and took a 21-18 lead into the final quarter. The outcome was not decided until the game’s closing seconds. Erin LeRay and Anna Barry came up big in the fourth quarter. LeRay buried a 3 and was 4-for-6 at the foul line, connecting on four straight after missing her first two. Barry also connected on a 3 and was 2-for-2 at the foul line.
LeRay’s 10 points led the Patriots while Barry had eight.
For the Indians, Jaden Wan had a game-high 11 points.
“Delaney McCaffery is a really nice player, and I thought Anna Barry did a really good job on her defensively,” Potash said. “She held her to two (points), and she got her two late in the game. I think that was a big key to keeping them where we needed to because she can score the ball.
“Jack (Kelly) is doing a really nice job. His assistant Danielle Oxley – Danielle Matulis, who played for us at North – they’re just doing such a great job. Selfishly, as someone who spent so many years coaching there, I couldn’t be more thrilled, seeing them playing the way they are. It makes me really happy to see it.’
Central Bucks East (12-3, 8-3 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks West on Tuesday for a 5:30 p.m. contest. Council Rock North (6-10, 2-9) will be on the road at Wissahickon Monday for a non-league game.
Central Bucks East 8-6-7-14 35
Council Rock North 5-10-3-10 28
Central Bucks East (35) – Erin LeRay 2 5-7 10; Natalie Berndt 1 1-3 4; Shayne LeRay 1 0-0 3; Anna Barry 2 2-2 8; Chantal Van Dongeren 2 0-0 5; Kendall Gregor 1 0-0 2; Jess Lockwood 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 10 8-12 35.
Council Rock North (28) – Claire Pirkle 1 0-0 3; Kiera Katz 0 2-2 2; Lizzie Lustig 2 0-0 5; Delaney McCaffery 1 0-0 2; Jaden Wan 5 1-2 11; Ruth O’Keefe 2 0-1 5; TOTALS 11 3-5 28.
3-point goals: CBE – Anna Barry 2, Erin LeRay, Natalie Berndt, Shayne LeRay, Chantal Van Dongeren, Jess Lockwood; CRN – Claire Pirkle, Lizzie Lustig, Ruth O’Keefe.
PENNSBURY 39, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 22
The visiting Falcons threw some serious defense at the Titans, limiting them to just 11 points over the final three quarters. This after allowing 11 points in a first quarter that saw their hosts take an 11-10 lead after one quarter.
“We flipped some defenses and locked down,” Pennsbury coach Frank Sciolla said. “Defense always travels, and Nevaeh (Dash) and Layla (Matthias) were really active there. Emily Panaro is so smart and disciplined in the middle, and Presley Foote changed the tempo on D as well.”
By halftime, the Titans’ tenuous lead was gone as the Falcons – behind eight points from Sofia Vitucci – outscored the Titans 10-3 to go into halftime with a 20-14 lead. Vitucci’s 11 first-half points led the Falcons, who went on to outscore the Titans 19-8 in the second half to earn win number 13 of the season against just four losses.
“Our group of my mighty mites is on some type of ride,” Sciolla said. “I always thought that our 2012 Bristol boys’ team would never be approachable when it came to a team that squeezes every single ounce out of what they have.
“But so far this year, this group is doing it. Through an extremely weird quirk in scheduling, we had three consecutive Friday night road games. That might not be a big deal to some people, but because of the Home Court advantage that we have, it’s a different dynamic playing at home only on Tuesdays. Friday nights are so fun, and we are glad that we’ve been able to experience community nights and cool events.”
Vitucci’s 19 points, which included three 3s, led the Falcons. Nevaeh Dash and Layla Matthias both added seven points, and Daniella MacDonald had six points on a pair of 3s.
“Offensively, we moved the ball well, slipped screens and were effective with corner-to-corner ball reversal,” Sciolla said. “And Sof… well Sof was Sof. She’s stone cold and whip smart. It was good to see Daniella MacDonald bang some 3s.
“Our team operates with very little margin for error. And while we realize that, we still come in really loose. These kids recognize what they are doing and compete really well together. Tonight, we did a better job, making shots and that made the game easier for us, but ultimately it comes down to defense. That’s been the calling card for a long time. This is the fourth consecutive crossover game that we have held the other team to 25 points or less. During the past four games, defensively, we’ve been able to (hold) the other team’s leading scorer to: Souderton -2 points. (CB) East- 0, (CB) West- O and tonight – seven.”
Making the Falcons’ 13-4 start so remarkable is that they have 12 players and regularly use all 12.
“Our girls are so good with preparation,” Sciolla said. “They do a fantastic job, taking the other team out of the primary looks and taking the primary scorer out of the equation. To hear them talk on the bus, in the locker room, and at timeouts and on the floor is an incredible feeling because they are so locked in to what the other team is doing.
“They’re fantastic kids. They study, laugh, support each other. I’ll learn from them.”
For the Tians, Jules Tropea’s eight points led the way. Yoyo Samayoa added seven points.
A highlight of the evening occurred before the two teams took the court when South coach Beth Mattern was recognized as the Athletes Helping Athletes Person of the Year.
“That’s an incredible honor,” Sciolla said. “I’ve seen her work with South’s unified track team, and as good as she is on the sideline in basketball, she’s even better on the field with the unified kids.
“It’s back to the other side (of the schedule) now. Here we go.”
Pennsbury (13-4, 8-3 SOL) will travel to Neshaminy to begin the second go round in Patriot Division play on Tuesday, and Central Bucks South (6-10, 2-9) will be on the road at Souderton Tuesday.
Pennsbury 10-10-11-8 39
Central Bucks South 11-3-4-4 22
Pennsbury (39) – Layla Matthias 3 1-3 7; Sofia Vitucci 8 0-0 19; Daniella MacDonald 2 0-0 6; Nevaeh Dash 2 2-2 7; TOTALS 15 3-5 39.
Central Bucks South (22) – Ella Wheeler 2 1-2 5; Jules Tropea 4 0-1 8; Yoyo Samayoa 2 2-2 7; Gabby Tropea 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 9 3-5 22.
3-point goals: Pennsbury – Sofia Vitucci 3, Daniella MacDonald 2, Nevaeh Dash; CBS – Yoyo Samayoa.
NESHAMINY 48, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 37
Reese Zemitis scored a game-high 19 points and Lola Ibarrondo added 17, and in a game that saw the Redskins connect on nine 3-point baskets and just seven two-pointers, the duo combined for five 3s. Taylor Gursyh added a pair in a first half that saw the visitors open up a 25-13 lead.
“We spent considerable time at practice Thursday going over zone offense versus different fronts,” Neshaminy coach John Gallagher said. “When CB West came out in a 1-3-1, we were able to rotate the ball around and inside out of the zone to get good looks at the basket.
“Reese found soft spots in the mid-range area and also attacked the offensive glass early in the game. We made some extra passes before halftime that resulted in Taylor Gurysh hitting back-to-back three pointers.”
In addition to leading the ‘Skins in scoring, Zemitis had 12 rebounds to complete her double-double. She also had six assists and two blocked shots in a stellar outing.
“Each game our team asks so much of Reese Zemitis on both ends of the floor,” Gallagher said. “However, in this game, Reese exceeded what a team should expect from any one player. Reese led us in scoring, rebounds, assists, it was her most complete game of the year and that is saying something.
In addition to scoring 17 points, Ibarrondo also had five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
“In an effort to slow Lola’s downhill play, West clamped down and took away some driving lanes,” Gallagher said. “Lola showed her maturity and ever-expanding skills by knocking down three baskets beyond the arc.”
Lindsay Little had a pair of second-half 3s for her six points.
“Lindsay Little leads the team in 3-point percentage, and as coaches, we need to do a better job of getting her more minutes and shots,” Gallagher said. “This paid off for us in the second half as Lindsay knocked down two long-range shots to open our lead to 15 at one point.”
The Bucks were led by Tai Henkels (12 points) and Katie Finnan (11 points). Ava Longo had seven points and Gabi Senior, six points.
“Senior, Henkels, and Finnan had us on our toes throughout the game,” Gallagher said. “Finnan made a joke of the high school three-point line and hit us three times from way beyond that line. Each of those players have the ability to put 15 points on you in any one game. As we extended on them, Ava Longo was able to score seven points from the field and free throw line.”
The Redskins were 5-1 in crossover games.
“Our crossover games with the Colonial Division have helped us improve our team,” Gallagher said. “We learn how other teams try to attack us and what they try to take away from us. This only helps us as we take on PCL Champ and 5A state champ Cardinal O’Hara on Sunday. It also makes us better for our second trip around our own division.”
Neshaminy (12-3, 9-2 SOL) will face Cardinal O’Hara Sunday at Jefferson University as part of the Maggie Lucas Classic at 4:30 p.m. Central Bucks West (6-9, 5-6) will travel to Governor Mifflin Saturday for a non-league game at 1 p.m.
Neshaminy 11-14-11-12 48
Central Bucks West 8-5-9-15 37
Neshaminy (48) – Lola Ibarrondo 5 4-5 17; Taylor Gurysh 2 0-0 6; Reese Zemitis 7 3-3 19; Lindsay Little 2 0-0 6; TOTALS 16 7-8 48.
Central Bucks West (37) – Gabi Senior 1 3-3 5; Tai Henkels 4 3-3 12; Katie Finnan 3 2-4 11; Ava Longo 2 3-6 7; Janelle Blokker 1 0-0 2 TOTALS 11 11-16 37.
3-point goals: Neshaminy – Lola Ibarrondo 3, Taylor Gurysh 2, Lindsay Little 2, Reese Zemitis 2; CBW – Katie Finnan 3, Tai Henkels.
PENNRIDGE 58, BENSALEM 30
The Rams wrapped up a successful run in crossover play with their fifth win in six games – their seventh in eight games overall. Katie Yoder turned in another glittering performance for the Rams, scoring a game-high 21 points that included three 3-pointers.
“Pennridge moved the ball phenomenally well,” Bensalem coach Steve Johnson said. “They are playing really well right now and look like they have no plans on slowing down anytime soon. They’ll be a handful come playoff time.”
The Rams, who led 15-10 after one quarter, took a 31-17 lead into halftime. Yoder set the tone, scoring 10 points to lead the Rams. It was a 46-30 game heading into the final quarter that saw the visiting Owls go scoreless.
In addition to Yoder, Ella Brown had 15 points, which included a perfect 5-for-5 effort at the foul line. Olivia Poole and Anna Croyle both added seven points.
For the Owls, Mikayla Donahue, Amber Howard and Kylie Smith each had six points.
Pennridge (12-5, 7-4 SOL) will host North Penn Tuesday, and Bensalem (6-10, 2-9) will host New Hope-Solebury in a non-league game Saturday at 2:45 p.m.
Bensalem 10-7-13-0 30
Pennridge 15-16-15-12 58
Bensalem (30) – Grace McShane 1 0-0 3; Talia DiMichele 1 0-2 2; Mikayla Donahue 2 0-0 5; Devon Bell 2 1-1 6; Sydney McCoy 1 0-0 2; Kylie Smith 2 2-2 6; Amber Howard 2 2-2 6; TOTALS 11 5-7 30.
Pennridge (58) – Ella Brown 5 5-5 15; Grace Rosica 2 0-0 5; Anna Croyle 3 0-0 7; Katie Yoder 8 2-2 21; Ava Fantaskey 0 1-2 1; Emily DeHaven 0 0-1 0; Olivia Poole 2 3-3 7; Samantha Murphy 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 21 11-13 58.
3-point goals: Bensalem – Grade McShane, Mikayla Donahue, Devon Bell; Pennridge – Kaite Yoder 3, Grace Rosica, Anna Croyle.
SOL Liberty/Freedom crossover
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 49, QUAKERTOWN 47
In a game that came down to wire, the Panthers – trailing by two – had the ball with 10 seconds remaining, but their shot for the tie came up short. The Lions came up with the rebound to preserve the lead and give them the Senior Night win in a nailbiter.
“We had four fouls to give, and we just tried to stop their momentum by fouling them right away,” New Hope-Solebury coach Steve Polinsky said. “It came down to the wire, and it should have because they came to play, and I thought we played well. Both teams played really well.
“It was a good win for us on our Senior Night. Reagan (Chrencik) had a great game. I was proud of her.”
Chrencik led all scorers with 17 points, which included three 3-pointers. She also pulled 11 rebounds for a double-double. Sparked by the senior captain’s seven points and five points from freshman Gabby D’Agostino, the Lions opened up a 12-7 lead after one quarter. They took a 25-17 advantage into halftime with Chrencik accounting for 14 of those points.
“It was a very tough battle tonight,” Quakertown coach Brittany Bamford said. “New Hope shot very well from the 3-point line, and, for the most part, shot well on the foul line.
“Reagan played really well tonight, which I’m very happy for her as it was their Senior Night. She had some beautiful quick moves down the middle. In the second quarter, we had some nice flurries defensively with our pressure.”
Senior Carolyn Sipprell kept the visiting Panthers within striking distance, scoring nine of her 15 points in the opening half.
“That Sipprell kid is the real deal – she can flat out play and is fun to watch,” Polinsky said. “She could be the most underrated player in the area. It’s amazing what a good player she is. She can do a lot of things on the court to help her team. She makes her teammates better, which is very refreshing in basketball.”
The Lions took a 35-28 lead into the final quarter when the Panthers came roaring back, outscoring their host 19-14. Katie Catalano and Ava Pistone each had a pair of 3s in the quarter. Wilson had six points for the Lions, who also received a 5-for-7 effort at the foul line from Izzy Elizondo in the fourth quarter.
“Reagan had a lot of points in the first half, and the second half she cooled off, but the other girls – Emily Wilson had 14 points and hit a huge three near the end of the fourth quarter,” Polinsky said. “Izzy Elizondo didn’t score in the first half, but she was 7-for-9 with clutch foul shooting, which was huge for us.
“Their (defensive) pressure is really tough, and Gabby (D’Agostino) did an incredible job breaking the press and not turning the ball over when you have Carolyn Sipprell at the top of the press. I think she only had one turnover against a lot of pressure. I was proud of how we played as a team. It was a good game.”
In addition to Sipprell’s 15 points, Pistone had a team-high 16 points, which included four 3-pointers – all in the second half. Kayla Sicher added eight points and Catalano had six. Addyson Davis, who earned the starting nod, recorded 11 rebounds and also had four assists.
“In the fourth quarter, Ava hit some 3s that kept us in it as well as Kayla Sicher’s putbacks,” Bamford said. “To get us within one and two points, we did the same play two times in a row, and both times Katie Catalano knocked down the 3s.
“Carolyn Sipprell made a beautiful spin move with three girls around her. We just made too many mistakes with shot selection and then not boxing out on their missed foul shots, which gave them second chance opportunities. This one hurt as New Hope is a good team, but if we are looking to make playoffs this year, we need to win against these teams.
“Steve (Polinsky) does such a great job with preparing his team. They did a nice job collapsing on Carolyn in the paint, making her work for every basket.”
Polinsky tipped his hat to Bamford.
“I have so much respect for Brittany,” the Lions’ coach said. “They’re really well coached, and what she gets out of her kids is really impressive. She runs some really good stuff – she does different things with presses, she does a 2-2-1 and a 1-3-1. She just throws different things at you, and you’ve got to be ready for it. You scout her, and all of a sudden, she throws something totally different at you. She’s doing a really nice job.”
New Hope-Solebury (9-6, 8-3 SOL) will be on the road at Bensalem for a non-league game Saturday at 2:45 p.m. Quakertown (9-7, 6-5) will host Upper Dublin Tuesday.
Quakertown 7-10-11-19 47
New Hope-Solebury 12-13-10-14 49
Quakertown (47) – Carolyn Sipprell 6 3-6 15; Katie Catalano 2 0-0 6; Ava Pistone 5 2-2 16; Kayla Sicher 4 0-0 8; Addyson Davis 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 18 5-8 47.
New Hope-Solebury (49) – Ann Charr 1 2-2 4; Izzy Elizondo 0 7-9 7; Emily Wilson 4 1-5 14; Reagan Chrencik 7 0-1 17; Gabby D’Agostino 3 0-0 7; TOTALS 15 10-17 49.
3-point goals: Quakertown – Katie Catalano 2, Ava Pistone 4; New Hope-Solebury – Emily Wilson 5, Reagan Chrencik 3, Gabby D’Agostino.
WISSAHICKON 46, SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 33
Kaitlyn McGeary was just seven points away from the 1,000-point milestone entering Friday’s home game against the Spartans. She wasted little time before taking care of business, scoring seven
points in the opening quarter and going on to contribute 26 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots in a stellar outing.
“Kaitlyn is the seventh girl to reach 1000 points at Wissahickon,” coach Kathie Sims said. “The last girl to do it was in 2006.
“She needed seven points going into tonight’s game and did it at the end of the first quarter. Kaitlyn is a dedicated, hard worker who has earned this prestigious honor. We are so very proud of her.”
The Trojans led 12-7 after one quarter and took a 19-15 lead into halftime. The Spartans trimmed three points off that lead and trailed by just one entering the fourth quarter, 30-29, when the Trojans outscored their visitors 16-4 to put the game away.
“Springfield played hard and shut us down in the second quarter,” Sims said. “We had to fight to get the lead back but once we got it, we held on.”
In addition to McGeary, Eva Schools had seven points and two rebounds while Kylie Friedman added five points, six rebounds and two steals. Julia Lettieri had a pair of steals.
Wissahickon (5-10, 3-8 SOL) will host Council Rock North Monday in a non-league game, and Springfield Township (3-11, 0-11) will travel to William Tennent on Tuesday.
Springfield Township 7-8-14-4 33
Wissahickon 12-7-11-16 46
Wissahickon (46) – Kaitlyn McGeary 26, Eva Schools 7, Kylie Friedman 5, Julia Lettieri 4, Claira Baldasano 4.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 48, CHELTENHAM 27
Leah Harrington had herself a Senior Night to remember
The senior guard buried six 3-pointers and finished with a season-high 21 points to lead the Hatters to the decisive Senior Night win.
“It was nice to have a home game and a good crowd to support our seniors,” HH assistant coach Nicole Miletto said. “They all contributed. It was a whole team effort. If someone wasn’t scoring, they were playing good defense and rebounding. If we turned the ball over, we hustled back on defense. The bench was great and added to the energy of the night.
“Senior Leah Harrington started our offense, hitting two threes in the first quarter, and she wasn’t done. She led all scoring tonight with a season high 21. Senior Maggie Smith was finally back, and she was solid on defense and was rebounding and blocking shots like she hadn’t missed a game.
“Seniors Allie Hewish and Caroline Shegogue both added five points. Hewish was aggressive on defense, and Caroline Shegogue managed the game with confidence and handled the ball well under pressure. Senior Abby Waeltz did what she does and just rebounded and played great defense. Junior Kitty Randa got hot in the third quarter and added eight points.”
Behind a pair of Harrington 3s, the Hatters led 8-3 after one quarter and extended that to 20-8 by halftime. Harrington’s 10 points led the Hatters.
The Hatters outscored their visitors 19-5 in the third quarter to go on top 39-13. Harrington buried three 3-pointers in the quarter, and Randa had six points. The Hatters spent the fourth quarter taking trips to the foul line.
In addition to Harrington, Randa had eight points.
“I was happy with our performance tonight,” HH coach Eric Glemser said. “It was a good team win. Cheltenham plays tough – they always do. They are aggressive, but we were able to match their intensity most of the game. We kept all their players in single digits. (Maya) Simmons is a real nice player for them. She drives and creates offense. We tried to limit her points and we did. She got most her points from the foul line.”
Maya Simmons was held to just seven points on one field goal and a 5-for-7 effort at the foul line. Cassie Bugg added six points.
“We were down key players, but I need to be better for this team,” Cheltenham coach Ben Bowman said. “I need to help us find ways to win instead of settling for losses.”
Hatboro-Horsham (6-10, 4-7 SOL) will host Wissahickon on Tuesday, and Cheltenham (5-10, 2-9) will be on the road at Jenkintown for a non-league game Monday.
Cheltenham 3-5-5-14 27
Hatboro-Horsham 8-12-19-9 48
Cheltenham (27) – Maya Simmons 1 5-7 7; Arianna Davis 2 0-0 4; Ije Ojukwu 2 1-3 5; Cassie Bugg 2 2-6 6; Marguerite Reimer 1 0-0 2; Tori Simmons 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 9 9-18-27.
Hatboro-Horsham (48) – Caroline Shegogue 1 3-5 5; Abby Waeltz 1 1-2 3; Maggie Smith 0 2-4 2; Kitty Randa 4 0-0 8; Allie Hewish 2 1-4 5; Leah Harrington 6 3-4 21; Maddy Patel 1 1-4 4; TOTALS 15 11-23 48.
3-point goals: HH – Leah Harrington 6, Maddy Patel.
UPPER DUBLIN 49, LOWER MORELAND 22
It’s easy to forget that Colleen Besachio and Megan Ngo are freshmen.
Opponents certainly wish they weren’t as they’ve already proven to be impact players.
In Friday night’s crossover win, the duo combined for 37 points. Besachio’s 21 points led all scorers. She also had eight rebounds, four assists, three deflections, two steals and two blocks. Ngo added 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The duo set the tone for a big night in a first quarter that saw UD open up a 15-0 lead. Besachio, who had a pair of 3s, had 10 points while Ngo had five. By halftime, the Cardinals led 33-9. Besachio had 17 points and Ngo had 14.
Also for the Cardinals, Sanders had five rebounds, three assists and two points.
Amy Ngo saw 11 minutes of action but was rested the remainder of the game.
Brianna McFerran’s 12 points led the Lions.
Upper Dublin (10-5, 8-3 SOL) will take on Garnet Valley Sunday at noon in a non-league game at Jefferson University as part of the Maggie Lucas Classic. Lower Moreland (4-11, 2-9) will be on the road at Upper Moreland on Tuesday.
Upper Dublin 15-18-13-3 49
Lower Moreland 0-9-3-10 22
Upper Dublin (49) – Alaina Sanders 1 0-0 2; Megan Ngo 6 0-0 16; Lilli Kleiman 1 0-0 2; Sofia Machado 1 0-0 2; Maisie McGarvey 1 1-6 3; Colleen Besachio 9 1-1 21; Nora Brady 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 20 2-7 49.
Lower Moreland (22) – Brianna McFerran 6 0-1 12; Maddy Rossiter 1 0-0 3; Nikki Sahl 0 1-2 1; Keira Huber 1 0-0 2; Alexis MacPhee 1 2-4 4; TOTALS 9 3-7 22.
3-point goals: UD – Megan Ngo 4, Colleen Besachio 2, Nora Brady; LM – Maddy Rossiter.
ABINGTON 83, WILLIAM TENNENT 46
The visiting Ghosts put on an impressive display of long-range shooting, burying 11 3-pointers and putting 83 points on the board.
Cire Worley led the charge, connecting on four 3-pointers and scoring a team-high 24 points in three quarters. Abril Bowser also had her shooting touch, finishing with 15 points – which included three 3s – in three quarters. Maya Johnson was the third Ghost in double figures with 10 points and two 3-pointers. She also had five assists and three steals. Mikiaya Durham and Jordyn Reynolds both added six points.
Freshman Florence Ajunwa was impressive off the bench, contributing eight points and six rebounds.
“She played great,” Abington coach Dan Marsh said.
The Ghosts, who led 16-10 after one quarter, took a 37-24 lead into halftime and then exploded for 29 points in the third quarter to go on top 66-41 on their way to the convincing win.
Morgan Volz (16 points) and Avery Kocur (14 points) led the Panthers, who also received eight points from Halie Staub.
“It wasn’t the result we were hoping for, but I was pleased with our energy and effort tonight,” Tennent coach Laura Whitney said. “I thought the first half we did a great job of matching their intensity. Even when Abington went on a run early in the second quarter to go up 31-16, we continued to battle and responded with our own 8-0 run to cut the lead to 31-24. Unfortunately, we lost Worley on back-to-back possessions in the final minute of the half for open 3s to give them a 13-point lead at halftime.
“We talked at halftime about being ready for their adjustments and expecting them to change up their full court press. Unfortunately, we weren’t as disciplined against the press the second half and had some turnovers to start the third quarter. On top of that, Abington got hot and it seemed like they didn’t miss many. Their talent took over the second half and they were a little too much for us.
“Despite some struggles in the second half, I was proud of how hard the girls continued to play. I have to believe that the tough competition we faced this week will help us immensely in the final stretch of the season.”
Abington (15-2, 10-1 SOL) will face an undefeated Haverford team in Sunday’s Maggie Lucas Class at Jefferson University at 1:30 p.m. William Tennent (7-9, 4-7) will host Springfield Township Tuesday.
Abington 16-21-29-17 83
William Tennent 10-14-17-5 46
Abington (83) – Cire Worley 9 2-2 24; Maya Johnson 4 0-0 10; Harper McGinley 2 0-0 5; Abril Bowser 6 0-0 15; Mikiaya Durham 3 0-0 6; Jordyn Reynolds 2 1-1 6; Piper McGinley 1 3-3 5; Sarah O’leary 1 2-2 4; Florence Ajunwa 4 0-0 8; TOTALS 32 8-8 83.
William Tennent (46) – Ella Mednick 1 0-0 2; Avery Kocur 4 5-5 14; Halie Staub 3 1-2 8; Alyssa Lewicki 1 0-0 2; Hailey Lorenzon 0 0-1 0; Haley Dickson 1 0-0 2; Jess Whisler 1 0-0 2; Morgan Volz 8 0-0 16; TOTALS 19 6-8 46.
3-point goals: Abington – Cire Worley 4, Abril Bowser 3, Maya Johnson 2, Harper McGinley, Piper McGinley; WT – Avery Kocur, Halie Staub.
Non-league
UPPER MORELAND 42, THE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 29
Sparked by scoring contributions from six players and 3-pointers from three of them, the Golden Bears jumped out to a 17-6 lead after one quarter on their way to the non-league road win.
The win came less than 24 hours after a hard-fought loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh.
“After tough losses, you always wonder how a team will respond,” UM coach Matt Carroll said. “Tonight’s game had a weird feel. It was a 5 pm varsity only game and we arrived around 4:35. The whole pre-game routine that everyone is used to was thrown off.
“I give our girls credit because they came out red hot and ready. We created some turnovers early, moved the ball, and made the extra pass for easy baskets. We jumped out early in the first quarter but then kind of took our foot off the gas. They made some good adjustments defensively and we didn’t respond well to it.”
TCA all but played the Golden Bears even after the opening frame. UM took a 24-14 lead into halftime and then outscored their hosts 18-15 in the second half.
Amber Bullard – who had 12 first-half points – led all scorers with 16 points.
“Bullard for TCA is very disruptive,” Carroll said. “She’s every bit of 6”4’ with long arms, and she’s very patient in the lane. Her length made their zone challenging because they put good pressure and jumped passing lengths because they knew they had help behind them.
“(Teah) Mack for TCA is a really solid guard and very intelligent on both sides of the ball. Mikel (Lancit) played great defense against her and made it hard for them to get into rhythm offensively. Offensively we went into a cold spell in spurts but made enough plays to get the win.:
EmmyFaith Wood’s 15 points – 10 in the first half with three 3s – led the Golden Bears. Mikel Lancit added nine – seven in the second half. Holly Gohl had six points.
Upper Moreland (14-2, 9-2 SOL) will host Lower Moreland on Tuesday.
Upper Moreland 17-7-9-9 42
The Christian Academy 6-8-8-7 29
Upper Moreland (42) – Mikel Lancit 3 2-2 9; Alyssa Wiley 1 0-0 3; EmmyFaith Wood 6 0-0 15; Lilly Hansen 2 0-0 4; Holly Gohl 3 0-0 6; Marie Meyers 1 0-0 2; Allie LaRocco 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 17 2-2 42.
The Christian Academy (29) – Amber Bullard 7 2-4 16; Lea Sareyka 2 0-0 5; Gabi Sith 3 0-0 6; Teah Mack 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 13 2-4 29.
3-point goals: UM – EmmyFaith Wood 3, Alyssa Wiley, Mikel Lancit, Allie LaRocco; TCA – Lea Sareyka.
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