Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ basketball teams in action Tuesday. Pennsbury/Abington photos courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography. Check back for a gallery. (Neshaminy photo courtesy of Jesse Garber: https://jsgarber.zenfolio.com/p992818237 )
Non-league
PENNSBURY 43, ABINGTON 33
Defense has been a calling card for the Falcons under coach Frank Sciolla.
The names and faces change, but the suffocating defense Pennsbury throws at its opponents does not.
That defense was on full display in the second half of Tuesday’s home opener.
The visiting Ghosts led 14-7 after one quarter and took a 27-23 lead into halftime – sparked by the 10-point efforts of both Maya Johnson and Mikiaya Durham. Both had a pair of 3-pointers.
Then came a second half that belonged to the Falcons, whose oppressive defense did not allow the Ghosts to score a point in the third quarter and just six in the entire second half.
Senior Maggie Burns provided an offensive boost in the second half, scoring 10 of her career-high 16 points after the intermission.
Freshman Alyssa Thomas added nine points for the Falcons.
Johnson and Durham both led the Ghosts with 12 points each.
Turning point: Look no further than a 15-0 third quarter tear by the Falcons.
Player of the game: Senior Maggie Burns scored a game-high 16 points and led the Falcons’ second half charge and included eight points in their 15-0 third quarter.
Pennsbury coach Kaitlin Kelly on the win: “We always know Abington will be a tough and aggressive team. We got off to a slow start in the first quarter, and they took full advantage of that.
“After talking at halftime, the girls flipped a switch. Defensively, we played fantastic, holding them to only six points in the second half.
–Props: “We rebounded really well as a team. Sammie Haws really did well, pushing through a rough shooting night by being really active on the backboards and pulling down seven rebounds.
“Maggie Burns really stepped up as a senior tonight with a career high 16 points and six rebounds. We also continue to be impressed by our freshmen, with all five playing and giving us really good minutes.
“Everyone did a really good job rebounding. Emily Panaro had six rebounds, and Alyssa Thomas added five rebounds, four assists and nine points.”
Abington coach Allison Lawson: “Mikiaya Durham and Maya Johnson played great on both ends of the floor.
“Our defense is getting better each game. The girls who have not had varsity basketball experience are learning as we go, and they came off the bench to give us good minutes defensively.”
Up next: Pennsbury (1-2) is off until next Tuesday when the Falcons will travel to Agnes Irwin for a non-league game at 4 pm. Abington (0-2) will host Garnet Valley in a non-league game Thursday.
Abington 14-13-0-6 33
Pennsbury 7-16-15-5 43
Abington (33) – Maya Johnson 4 2-2 12; Mikiaya Durham 4 2-2 12; Hailey Hernandez 2 0-0 4; Aniyah Williams 2 1-2 5; TOTALS 12 5-6 33.
Pennsbury (43) – Emily Panaro 2 2-4 6; Grace Schaufler 1 0-0 2; Maggie Burns 7 2-4 16; Sammie Haws 0 3-4 3; Alyssa Thomas 3 3-6 9; Ava Jordan 1 2-4 4; Keira Socha 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 15 12-22 43.
3-point goals: Abington – Maya Johnson 2, Mikiaya Durham 2; Pennsbury – Keira Socha.
LOWER MORELAND 39, VILLA MARIA ACADEMY 38
Talk about an exciting season opener – this was it as the Lions rallied from nine points down after three quarters to eke out the heart-stopping win.
Lower Moreland led 19-17 at halftime, but Villa used a 15-4 third quarter burst to go on top 32-23 heading into the final frame. The Lions returned the favor in the fourth quarter, closing out the game with a 16-6 tear.
Key stretch: Start of the fourth quarter when the Lions were able to get a few steals and change the tempo of the game
Players of the game: Dani Brusha and Briana McFerran. Both had 16 points. “Bri was a beast on defense, double digit rebounds and was so disruptive on defense. Dani hit a big 3 with about 90 seconds remaining to give us the lead. After they tied it, Bri made a free throw that ended up being the game winner.”
Lower Moreland coach Rich Becker: “Going into the first game of the year, you’re always nervous. We only had one scrimmage this preseason and were playing a well-coached team that already had two games under their belt, and offensively, it was obvious that we’re not where we need to be, but I was impressed that the girls did not let their offensive struggles impact their defense.
“We turned a two-point halftime lead into a nine-point deficit to start the fourth. To start the fourth, we gave them a different look on defense and picked up the intensity, and the girls just kept competing and we were able to get the win.”
Up next: Lower Moreland (1-0) will travel to Interboro Thursday for a non-league contest.
Lower Moreland 14-5-4-16 39
Villa Maria Academy 12-5-15-6 38
Lower Moreland (39) Briana McFerran 6 3-11 16; Dani Brusha 6 2-4 16; Emma DiJoseph 0 5-8 5; Mody Rossiter 0 1-2 1; Maddie Broderick 0 1-2 1; TOTALS 12 12-27 39.
Villa Maria (38) – Tay 3 2-2 8; Romeo 0 1-1 1; Coft 3 3-3 10; Vicks 1 0-0 2; Abby 2 1-2 6; Sophia 0 2-2 2; Erin 3 3-6 9; TOTALS 12 12-17
3-point goals: LM – Dani Brusha 2, Briana McFerran; VMA – Coft, Abby.
NESHAMINY 37, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 23
The Redskins roared out of the gate to a 16-4 lead after one quarter.
Senior Alena Cofield was the catalyst with six of those points. Neshaminy took a 22-14 lead into halftime and led by nine heading into the fourth quarter on their way to the win.
Both teams were impressive from the foul line with the Redskins burying 13 of 16 while the Titans connected on 8 of 11.
Gabby Tropea’s 11 points led the Titans.
Players of the game: Alena Cofield (15 points, 13 rebounds, 7 steals), Mia Raivitch (6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks)
Neshaminy coach John Gallagher on the game: “Entering the game against a team with two games already under their belts and a senior heavy lineup gave me cause for concern against CB South. I expected a slow start and was proven wrong when we jumped out to an 18-4 lead early in the second period.
“CB South got their legs under them at that point and went hard to the basket in the second quarter, drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. The fouls allowed us to test our bench, and the staff was very happy with the minutes we got off the bench from Auslyn Wilkins, Camryn Rodriguez and Sydney Snyder. Our defense was strong, only allowing seven field goals, but at the same time, South was able to draw fouls from us and didn’t allow us to extend the lead beyond the 22-14 halftime lead. A Grace Weyler basket early in the fourth quarter saw our lead grow to 29-18. South never went away, and in the last few minutes, we were able to close it out going 8-10 from the free throw line.” 
–Props: “Hayley Kolk was assigned CB South’s leading scorer through their first two games. Hayley did an excellent job with this assignment and was able to hold Jules Tropea to only one point (from the foul line). Hayley is an intelligent player and had the length to match Jules’ length around the rim. The other half of the Tropea twins, Gabby, had five of the seven CB South team field goals. I was impressed with Gabby and her growing ability to get to the rim with her left hand, which was evident in both of the twins’ improvement over the last couple years.
“ Alena Cofield had herself a game, leading us in points, rebounds, and steals and setting the tone for the game from the opening tip.”
Up next: Neshaminy (1-0) will host Central Bucks West in a non-league game Friday, and Central Bucks South (2-1) will host Gwynedd Mercy in a non-league game Friday.
Central Bucks South 4-10-4-5 23
Neshaminy 16-6-5-10 37
Central Bucks South (23) – Ella Wheeler 0 1-2 1; Jules Tropea 0 2-2 2; Mia Klein 1 4-4 6; Gabby Tropea 5 1-3 11; Megan Schmidt 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 7 8-11 23.
Neshaminy (37) – Grace Weyer 1 5-6 7; Alena Cofield 6 3-4 15; Ashlyn Duffy 1 0-0 3; Mia Raivitch 1 4-6 6; Hayley Kolk 3 0-0 6; TOTALS 12 12-16 37.
3-point goals: CB South – Megan Schmidt. Neshaminy – Ashlyn Duffy.
SOUDERTON 42, FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 29
The visiting Indians raced out of the gate to a 15-6 lead after one quarter. They took a 21-13 lead into halftime and then put the game out of reach with a 16-8 third quarter.
“It was a good team win,” said Souderton coach Lynn Carroll.
Julia Purvy and Emily Dick led the Indians with 10 points each. Both players helped jumpstart the Indians with five first-quarter points.
In the pivotal third quarter, Olivia Herron scored seven of her nine points.
Kiera Fadden led the Indians under the backboards, pulling down a team-high 11 rebounds to go along with eight steals, seven deflections and four assists in an all-around strong outing.
Key stretch: The Indians set the tone early in this one, taking a nine-point lead after one and leading the rest of the way.
Souderton coach Lynn Carroll:
–Props: “Kiera Fadden and Madison Bealer really set the tone early. Kiera was all over the place – it seemed like she was everywhere. Madison worked incredibly hard to contain their point guard, Aubrey Sauers, and really did a nice job on her. Olivia Herron stepped up offensively for us and made some nice plays. She was making good reads off of ball screens and had a big third quarter.
“There was a stretch in the 4th quarter when we had some difficulty finishing, and Emily hit two big buckets for us. Julia continues to be a solid floor general and has led us in scoring for the second game in a row. I thought Avie Sakor and Liz (Word) gave us great minutes off the bench. Liz sees the floor so well and had a great drive and finish in the third quarter. Avie is just scratching the surface with what she’s capable of. She’s only going to get better and better as the season goes on.”
Up next: Souderton (1-1) will face Dock Mennonite Academy in Friday’s Jim Church Classic (5 pm).
Souderton 15-6-16-5 42
Faith Christian 6-7-8-8 29
Souderton (42) – Julia Purvey 4 1-2 10; Olivia Herron 4 0-0 9; Madison Bealer 2 0-2 6; Liz Word 1 0-0 2; Kiera Fadden 1 2-4 4; Avie Sakor 0 1-2 1; Emily Dick 4 2-2 10; TOTALS 18 6-12 42.
Faith Christian (29) – Garlick 3 6-7 13; A Sauers 3 0-0 6; Robinson 2 1-5 6; Sebastain 1 0-1 1; C Sauers 1 0-0 2; Voytko 0 1-4 1; TOTALS 10 8-17 29.
3-point goals: S – Julia Purvy, Olivia Herron, Madison Bealer 2; FC – Garlick
GREAT VALLEY 44, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 39
The visiting Indians lost a close one in Tuesday’s non-league opener.
They trailed by three after one quarter and trimmed that to two at halftime. It was still a two-point game heading into the fourth quarter when the Patriots held a 12-9 edge.
Skyler Wright and Amara Arroyo each led North with 11 points, and Megan Reichenbach had 10. Wright buried three 3-pointers.
“Congratulations to Great Valley and Coach (Todd) Frederick on a well-played game,” Rock North coach Jack Kelly said. “We are proud of our players for being resilient throughout, and we felt we had great energy.
“Unfortunately, we made too many mistakes that you simply can’t make against such a well-coached team. That doesn’t take away from how proud we are of our overall effort. We have to get back to work tomorrow to get things fixed.”
Up next: Council Rock North (0-1) will face Villa Joseph Marie in Friday’s Pennridge Tipoff Tournament (8 pm)
Council Rock North 10-10-10-9 39
Great Valley 13-9-10-12 44
Council Rock North (39) – Skyler Wright 4 0-0 11; Amara Arroyo 4 2-2 11; Addie Martin 1 0-0 3; Alexa Bondra 1 0-2 2; Megan Reichenbach 3 3-4 10 Josie Boyle 10-0 2; TOTALS 14 5-8 39.
Great Valley (44) – Catherine Borger 2 0-3 4; Lauren chain 1 0-0 2; Kate Weikert 3 4-8 10; Reilly Lackman 5 6-9 16; Kalee Magee 3 3-3 12; TOTALS 14 13-23 44.
3-point goals: CRN – Skyler Wright 3, Amara Arroyo, Addie Martin, Megan Reichenbach; GV – Kalee Magee 3.
HARRITON 60, HATBORO-HORSHAM 25
Down a pair of starters, the Hatters struggled out of the gate in Tuesday’s opener.
“We just couldn’t generate much offense,” Hatters’ assistant Nicole Miletto said. “Senior Maddy Patel pretty much ran the show for us. She had 12 but really couldn’t get good looks.
“Sophomore Madison Siegfried had eight and hit a couple of big 3s, but it wasn’t enough. Junior Mia Fisher added four.
“We have lots to work on, and I think we’ll continue to grow. We’re a young team and we’ll see what we’re made of these next couple of games and hopefully we won’t be without some of our starters for long.”
Up next: Hatboro-Horsham (0-1) will travel to Upper Moreland for a non-league game Thursday 6 pm
Hatboro-Horsham 7-5-9-4 25
Harriton 23-16-13-8 60
Hatboro-Horsham (25) – Mia Fisher 1 2-2 4; Maddy Patel 4 2-2 12; Madison Siegfried 3 0-0 8; Olivia Grant 0 1-2 1; TOTALS 8 5-6 25.
Harriton (60) – Tilly May 2 0-0 5; Julia Cognett 1 0-0 2; Maddie Nielson 2 3-4 7; Madie Becine 4 0-0 12; Addi Levenstein 4 1-2 9; Ella Ross 1 3-3 6; Anna Chimento 7 2-2 16; Chelsea Poli 0 3-4 3; TOTALS 21 12-15 60.
3-point goals: HH – Maddy Patel 2, Madison Siegfried 2; H – Madie Becine 4, Tilly May, Ella Ross.
PENNRIDGE 66, QUAKERTOWN 3
Nine players contributed scoring in the Lady Rams’ season opener. Senior Ellal Brown’s 17 points led the way.
Pennridge (66) – Ella Brown 6 2-2 17; Arianne Lauf 3 0-0 6; Julia Lnox 2 2-3 6; Emily DeHaven 2 0-0 5; Samantha Murphy 3 0-0 7; Peyton Rabinowitz 3 1-1 7; Maggie McCreary 1 0-0 2; Allie Smith 4 0-0 8; Layla Verbit 1 6-8 8; TOTALS 25 11-14 66.
3-point goals: P – Ella Brown 3, Emily DeHaven, Samantha Murphy.
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY 53, NORTH PENN 33
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