Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ basketball teams in action Friday. (Neshaminy/CB West photos provided courtesy of Jesse Garber: https://jsgarber.zenfolio.com/p874286095)
Non-league
NESHAMINY 48, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 25
Alena Cofield jumpstarted the Redskins with a pair of 3-pointers and eight points in the opening quarter, and the Redskins were off and running, opening up a 10-3 lead after one quarter on 
their way to their second win of the week.
Cofield led the Redskins with 14 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists. Grace Weyler had four points, five rebounds and four assists. Ashlyn Duffy had a pair of 3-pointers for six points and also had four rebounds. The Redskins buried nine 3-pointers in the win.
Peyton Cramer’s 10 points – which included three 3s – led the Bucks.
Player of the Game: Hayley Kolk 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks and was also a catalyst on the defensive end as well.
Neshaminy coach John Gallagher on the game: “We got off on another quick start in the first quarter with Alena Cofield hitting two three-point shots and going 2-2 from the foul line. I was really happy with Grace Weyler, who dug inside to grab five rebounds in the first half to ignite our offense.
“As a team, we reduced our turnovers from our very first game and will look to continue to improve in that area. This group really did not have many minutes last year together on the floor; I am hopeful as the season grows longer, a deeper familiarity with each other develops.”
–Props: “Hayley Kolk for the second game in a row was assigned the opponent’s leading scorer and did not disappoint. I am thrilled with the fact I have challenged her with tough defensive assignments, and she has responded. While being charged 
with defending (Scarlett) Baumgardner, who has hurt teams from the perimeter, Hayley’s length forced Scarlett to put the ball on the floor trying to get to the basket. Hayley did a good job playing straight up in the post without fouling and successfully contesting shots.
“Camryn Rodriguez is growing more comfortable within our structure and gave us really good minutes off the bench. Camryn has the ability to knock down shots from the arc and helps us spread the floor.
“Special recognition is in line for freshman Marley Martin who scored her first varsity points in this game. Marley has been playing really well in our JV games and earned her minutes this evening based upon her play.”
Up next: Neshaminy (2-0) is off until next Friday when the Redskins will travel to Council Rock South. Central Bucks West (1-3) will host Abington in a non-league game Tuesday.
Central Bucks West 3-7-8-7 25
Neshaminy 10-17-13-8 48
Neshaminy (48) – Grace Weyler 1 1-4 3; Alena Cofield 5 2-2 14; Ashlyn Duffy 2 0-0 6; Marley Martin 1 0-0 2; Mia Raivitch 3 0-1 7; Hayley Kolk 3 3-4 11; Camryn Rodriguez 1 1-2 4; TOTALS 16 7-13 48.
Central Bucks West (25) – Peyton Cramer 3 1-2 10; Miya McDaniel 0 1-6 1; Marleigh Mallon 1 0-2 2; Audra Lawson 1 0-0 3; Emily Ladley 1 1-2 3; Scarlett Baumgardner 2 0-0 5; Fallon Darrows 0 1-2 1; TOTALS 8 4-14 25.
3-point goals: CBW – Peyton Cramer 3, Audra Lawson, Scarlett Baumgardner; N – Alena Cofield 2, Ashlyn Duffy 2, Hayley Kolk 2, Camryn Rodriguez, Mia Raivitch, Grace Weyler.
Jim Church Classic
SOUDERTON 68, DOCK MENNONITE ACADEMY 36
The Indians advanced to Saturday’s title game with a no-doubt-about-it win over the Pioneers, opening up an early lead and never looking back.
Three players finished the game in double figures led by Emily Dick’s 18 points. Madison Bealer and Liz Word each had four assists.
Key stretch: The Indians controlled this one from the outset, opening up a 32-17 halftime lead.
Players of the game: Emily Dick scored a game-high 18 points. Julia Purvy stuffed a stat sheet with 16 points,11 rebounds, three steals and three assists. Alaina Picard contributed three 3-pointers and had 11 points.
Souderton coach Lynn Carroll: “The story of the game was intensity on the defensive end and people willing to make the extra pass on offense. We had four people with at least three assists – Julia Purvy, Liz Word, Madison Bealer and Avie Sackor. They were all so willing to give up an okay shot for a better one, and it was really exciting to watch.
–A bad break: “We unfortunately found out earlier in the day today that we will be without Kiera Fadden for the foreseeable future. She has been our engine so far this year, and we will need people to step up and find ways to make up for her not being on the court.”
–Picking up the slack: “Several people did that today. Our guards, Julia, Olivia, Liz, Madison and Alaina were making hustle plays. Emily and Avie made some good reads in the back of our press.
–Props: “Offensively, Alaina showed how big of a threat she is from the perimeter by hitting three 3s. Emily did a nice job of elevating over the defense for some tough finishes around the basket. Julia continues to score at all three levels. Erin McGee came in off the bench and was able to fill in at the post position since we’re without Kiera. Mia Morgan and Molly Barndt were able to get their feet wet and clock their first varsity minutes, and Kaitlyn Wotlinski scored her first varsity points. All in all we had contributions up and down the lineup.”
Up next: Souderton (2-1) will face William Tennent in Saturday’s title game at 2:30 pm.
Dock Mennonite 11-5-12-8 36
Souderton 17-15-29-7 68
Dock Menonite (36) – L.Price 2 0-0 6; I.Price 1 0-0 3; Ehst 2 0-0 4; Delamater 7 0-0 16; Mariner 2 0-0 5; Ositcin 1 0-2 2; TOTALS 15 0-2 36.
Souderton (68) – Julia Purvy 5 5-8 16; Olivia Herron 2 2-2 7; Kaitlyn Wotlinski 0 2-2 2; Madison Bealer 3 0-0 7; Liz Word 1 0-0 3; Avie Sackor 2 0-0 4; Alaina Picard 4 0-0 11; Emily Dick 9 0-0 18; TOTALS 26 9-12-68.
3-point goals: Dock – L.Price 2, Delamater 2, Mariner, I.Price; S – Alaina Picard 3, Purvy, Herron, Bealer, Word.
WILLIAM TENNENT 45, PHOENIXVILLE 41
The Panthers earned a spot in Saturday’s title game, using a strong second half effort to defeat the Phantoms.
Tennent outscored the Phantoms 13-4 in the pivotal third quarter. Sophomore Meg Volz led the charge with nine of her 13 points in the frame.
Avery Kocur scored 18 points to lead the Panthers.
Turning point: The Panthers took a 24-22 lead into halftime and then turned up the defensive pressure in the third quarter, outscoring the Phantoms 13-4 to go into the final quarter with a 37-26 advantage on their way to the win.
Players of the game: Avery Kocur’s 18 points – which included two 3s and a 4-for-6 effort at the foul line – led the Panthers.
William Tennent coach Laura Whitney: “Huge win tonight against a really tough Phoenixville team. We showed some first game nerves early on with some sloppy play and rushed shots, but settled down and tied it up to end the first quarter. The second quarter was back and forth.
–Turning point: “The turning point was the third quarter when we were more connected defensively. We were able to force some turnovers and limit their offensive rebounds and held them to just four points. Offensively, we got out more in transition and were more aggressive around the basket.”
–Phantoms don’t go quietly: “We managed to take a seven-point lead into the fourth quarter, but credit to Phoenixville they didn’t quit. We knew with their experience and talent they weren’t going to go away easily. Sure enough, we had a few bad possessions, and our lack of experience started to show. Phoenixville answered and went on a run to take a 39-36 lead with 3:10 remaining.”
–Finishing strong: “We called a timeout to settle everyone down, and our girls responded in a big way. We closed out the game on an 8-3 run to capture our first win of the season.
“I’m so proud of the resiliency and composure our girls showed tonight in a tough physical game. When Phoenixville made that run to take a three-point lead we could have easily quit, but they just kept playing and grinded it out.”
–Props: “Avery Kocur led us in scoring with 18, but even more impressive was the big defensive stops and deflections down the stretch that she came up with to close out the game.
“Halie Staub got us going offensively early on then had to battle through some foul trouble. She came up big late with some clutch free throws. With 45 second left and us up one, she buried two free throws to put us up three. Again. with us up three and 16 seconds left, she made one of two to seal the game.
“Sophomore Meg Volz really stepped up in her first varsity game. She played the entire game and after a slow start offensively made some big baskets the second half.
“Freshman Carissa Malpezzi gave us some quality minutes off the bench and brought great energy.”
Up next: William Tennent (1-0) will face Souderton in the title game of the Jim Church Classic Saturday (2:30 pm).
Phoenixville 15-9-4-13 41
William Tennent 15-7-13-10 45
Phoenixville (41) – Kayden Baratta 7 5-5 21; Emine Ulcay 1 1-4 3; Riley Ford-Bey 1 3-4 5; Ava Gnias 3 0-0 8; Charlie Campbell 0 3-4 3; Allyson Turner 0 1-2 1; TOTALS 12 13-19 41.
William Tennent (45) – Aubrey Lynch 1 0-0 2; Avery Kocur 6 2-6 18; Carissa Malpezzi 1 0-2 3; Halie Staub 1 7-12 9; Meg Volz; TOTALS 14 14-25 45.
3-point goals: P – Kayden Baratta 2, Ava Gnias 2; WT – Avery Kocur 2, Carissa Malpezzi.
Pennridge Tournament
PENNRIDGE 63, WISSAHICKON 28
Behind the torrid offensive effort of Ella Brown, the Lady Rams owned the opening half of Friday’s tournament opener, taking an insurmountable 42-13 halftime lead in Saturday’s tournament opener.
Brown scored 22 of her game-high 27 points in the first half – 15 in a dazzling second-quarter offensive display that saw her bury three 3-pointers and pour in 15 points.
Layla Verbit added 12 points, including a 4-for-4 effort at the foul line.
Player of the game: Ella Brown proved to have the hot hand in Friday’s tournament opener with a game-high 27 points.
Pennridge coach Jason Rapp: “I thought our girls did an excellent job defensively tonight. We were able to disrupt them from getting comfortable in the half court. We were very active and got a lot of deflections.
–Props: “Offensively, Ella Brown had a big night. She was able to convert from inside and out. I thought the girls shared the ball extremely well. They made the extra pass and got their teammates some great looks.
“Sam Murphy hit two early 3s and totaled nine points. Layla Verbit was aggressive and chipped in with 12.
“I’m very proud of the effort tough against a scrappy Wissahickon team.”
Wissahickon coach Kathie Sims: “Tonight’s game against Pennridge was a tough one. The girls hustled and played hard.”
Up next: Pennridge (2-0) will face Villa Joseph Marie on Saturday at 3 pm. Wissahickon (1-1) will play Council Rock North on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Wissahickon 6-7-9-6. 28
Pennridge 22-20-12-9 63
Wissahickon (28) – Julia Lettieri 6 0-2 12; Maura Jacob 3 0-0 8; Katelyn Thomson 1 0-0 2; Kai Potter 1 0-0 2; Lydia Schultz 1 0-0 2; Kristen DiGiovanni 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 13 0-2 28.
Pennridge (63) – Ella Brown 10 3-3 27; Emily DeHaven 2 0-0 6; Samantha Murphy 3 0-0 9; Madison Lapp 1 3-4 5; Peyton Rabinowitz 1 0-0 2; Allie Smith 1 0-1 2; Layla Verbit 4 4-4 12; TOTALS 22 10-11 63.
3-point goals: W – Maura Jacob 2; Pennridge – Ella Brown 4, Samantha Murphy 3, Emily DeHaven 2.
VILLA JOSEPH MARIE 46, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 38
The Indians managed just five points in the opening half, falling behind 18-5 at halftime. They rebounded with a strong second half, trimming that deficit to 10 entering the final quarter and getting as close as six, but they would not get any closer.
Grace Pizzica led Villa Joe with 12 points, Riley Deal had 11, and Lucy Jasionis balanced out the scoring with 9.
Megan Reichenbach led North with 16 points.
Key stretch: VJM jumped out to a 7-0 lead to start the game; CR North responded with a 5-0 run but then went cold for the rest of the half. Villa Joe took an 18-5 lead into halftime.
Council Rock North coach Jack Kelly: “Tough loss to a talented and well-coached Villa Joe team, but I think we can walk away from this game with our heads held high for the fight we showed. We are still working on establishing everyone’s roles, but the one thing you can’t teach is heart, and tonight we were very proud of the heart and no-quit attitude our girls displayed in the second half.”
Up next: Council Rock North (0-2) will face Wissahickon on Saturday at 6 pm.
Villa Joseph Marie 9-9-12-16 46
Council Rock North 5-0-15-18 38
Villa Joseph Marie (46) – L. Jasiunis 2 5-6 9; R. Deal 4 2-3 11; G. Pizzica 3 4-6 12; A Akright 2 7-9 11; V.Hadginallis 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 12 18-24 46
Council Rock North (38) – Skyler Wright 1 0-4 3; Julia Koval 1 1-2 3; Amara Arroyo 4 0-0 11; Brynn Rodgers 1 0-0 2; Alexa Bondra 1 1-2 3; Megan Reichenbach 4 6-10 16; TOTALS 12 8-18 38.
3-point goals: VJM – G.Pizzica 2, R Deal, V Hadginallis; CRN – Amara Arroyo 3, Megan Reichenbach 2, Skyler Wright.
Cheltenham Tournament
CHELTENHAM 53, RENAISSANCE ACADEMY 22
The Lady Panthers – propelled by 10 points from senior guard Jiah Price – raced out of the gate to a 20-6 lead after one quarter and never looked back.
Price led all scorers with 21 points, and Maya Simmons added 11 in a contest Cheltenham led wire to wire.
Players of the game: Senior guard Jiah Price (21 points, 11 rebounds) & junior guard Maya Simmons (11 points, 10 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles.
Cheltenham coach Monique Boykins: “We are putting the pieces together to the puzzle to make a cohesive team. We crawl, we walk, we run.
“We are working hard. We will keep climbing. We have a strong, fast front court, and it showed today. We are building!”
Up next: Cheltenham (1-0) will face Masterman in Saturday’s title game at 7 pm. Masterman defeated Abington Friends 46-11.
Renaissance Academy 6-9-4-3 22
Cheltenham 20-11-9-13 53
Renaissance Academy (22) – Brilan Biesecker 2 0-0 6; Kasira Barber 3 1-4 7; Dallis Stewart 0 2-4 2; Raelyn Jones 2 0-0 4; Aniyah Jones 1 1-3 3; TOTALS 8 4-11 22.
Cheltenham (53) – Jiah Price 8 3-6 21; Paige Powell 2 4-8 9; Maya Simmons 5 0-0 11; Cassie Bugg 2 0-0 4; Marguerite Reimer 1 0-0 2; Zoe Thompson 3 0-2 6; TOTALS 21 7-16 53.
3-point goals: RA – Brilan Biesecker 2; C – Jiah Price 2, Maya Simmons, Paige Powell.
Lower Merion Tournament
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 48, AGNES IRWIN 40
The Colonials advanced to Saturday’s title game with a win that featured a 21-point second quarter, turning a 12-8 deficit after one quarter into a 29-21 lead at halftime.
Eliza Meersman was a catalyst in PW’s second-quarter outburst, scoring eight points, and McKenna Winland added six points in the quarter.
Agnes Irwin trimmed five points off that lead to make it a 38-35 game entering the final quarter. The Colonials – behind seven points from Winland – outscored Agnes Irwin 10-5 in the final quarter to earn the win.
Players of the game: McKenna Winland’s 20 points led the Colonials while Eliza Meersman added 12 and was a key in the pivotal second quarter.
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Dan Dougherty: “This was a game of runs. Agnes Irwin jumped up early by knocking down some open 3s. In the second quarter, Eliza Meersman (8 points), Kenna Winland (6 points) and AJ Avery (4 points) led a furious comeback to give us momentum heading into halftime.”
–The second half: “Agnes Irwin made some adjustments at halftime and made a run at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth, cutting the game to one possession multiple times.”
–Props: “Kenna Winland knocked down a couple of clutch 3s and free throws along with Meersman and freshman Grace Harvey to seal the win.”
–Big on the boards: “Have to highlight the rebounding effort of sophomore Liv Patete, who pulled down 11 rebounds to go with her three points. As a whole, despite a significant size discrepancy, we outrebounded Agnes Irwin 33-23 for the game.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-0) will face Lower Merion in Saturday’s title game at 6 pm.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 8-21-9-10 48
Agnes Irwin 12-9-14-5 40
Plymouth Whitemarsh (48) – Olivia Patete 1 1-2 3; AJ Avery 3 2-4 8; McKenna Winland 5 7-9 20; Eliza Meersman 4 4-4 12; Grace Harvey 2 1-2 5; TOTALS 15 15-21 48.
Agnes Irwin (40) – Simone Harvey 5 0-0 14; Margo Aboud 1 0-0 2; Milan Harvey 2 3-3 7; Jayden Nelson 2 1-2 5; Olivia Lynch 2 0-1 4; Audrey Comly 2 0-0 5; Grace Connelly 1 1-2 3; TOTALS 15 5-8 40.
3-point goals: PW – McKenna Winland 3; AI – S.Harvey 4, Lynch, Comly.
GWYNEDD MERCY 47, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 41
The visiting Monarchs took an 11-7 lead into the second quarter when they outscored their hosts 17-11 to go into halftime with a 28-18 advantage. The Titans never could dig themselves out of that early hole.
Jules Tropea led the Titans with 16 points, which included a 6-for-7 effort at the foul line. Mia Klein added 10 points.
Up next: Central Bucks West (2-2) will travel to Lower Moreland for a non-league game Monday.
Gwynedd Mercy 11-17-12-7 47
Central Bucks South 7-11-13-10 41
Gwynedd Mercy (47) – McCarthy 1 0-0 2; Lapp 4 1-1 9; Balkir 1 0-0 2; McDonald 3 5-6 11; Rose 3 0-0 9; Bazela 1 0-0 2; Ames 0 1-2 1; Evans 2 7-8 11; TOTALS 15 14-17 47.
Central Bucks South (41) – Ella Wheeler 0 3-4 3; Jules Tropea 5 6-7 16; Rylie DiCesare1 0-0 2; Mia Klein 3 3-4 10; Gabby Tropea 1 0-0 3; Anna Granito 1 0-0 3; Morgan McKeever 0 2-2 2; Megan Schmidt 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 12 14-17 41.
3-point goals: GMA – Rose 3; CBS – Mia Klein, Anna Granito, Megan Schmidt.
Downingtown East Tipoff Tournament
DOWNINGTOWN WEST 55, BENSALEM 38
The Owls hung tough for three quarters, trailing by just one entering the fourth quarter (35-34). Then came a fourth quarter that saw the Whippets close out the game with a 20-4 tear on their way to the win.
“It was a great first test,” Bensalem coach Steve Johnson said. “Downingtown West is going to win a ton of games.
“Their height and length got the best of us. We will definitely learn from this game. Glad we get another chance less than 24 hours from now.”
Talia DiMichele and Grace McShane led the Owls attack with 12 points each.
Up next: Bensalem (0-1) will face Downingtown East Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Bensalem 12-9-13-4 38
Downingtown West 9-10-16-20 55
Bensalem (38) – Talia DiMichele 3 4-6 12; Mary Beck 2 0-0 6; Grace McShane 3 4-7 12; Devon Bell 1 0-0 3; Sydney Dowd 1 0-0 2; Ariana Jenkins 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 11 8-13 38.
3-point goals: B – Talia DiMichele 2, Mary Beck 2, Grace McShane 2, Ariana Jenkins, Devon Bell.
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