Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ basketball teams in action Friday. Neshaminy/CR North photos courtesy of Trish Sexton. Check back for a gallery of photos: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f226313402 (CB East/Souderton photos courtesy of Diane Barry/CB East BB) (Neshaminy photo/graphic courtesy of Trish Sexton/Dom Beecher)
SOL Patriot Division
NESHAMINY 51, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 36
Talk about a Senior Night to remember – they don’t get much better than this.
Before the game, the Redskins honored the team’s three seniors - Lola Ibarrondo, Ava Irizarry and Reese Zemitis. When the game began, one of the seniors – Zemitis - added her name in the program’s record books yet again, moving into first place on the list of the program’s all-time leading scorers. Three days earlier, she scored a
program single game record with 35 points.
All of this on the heels of senior Lola Ibarrondo reaching the 1,000-point milestone on Tuesday and then defeating Central Bucks East on Wednesday to secure at least a share of the division crown that now belongs solely to Neshaminy for the second straight year.
“To be able to capture the division title in back-to-back years is an accomplishment,” Neshaminy coach John Gallagher said. “I'm not certain when Neshaminy captured sole possession of the division in back-to-back years.
“Considering the players, coaches and teams in our division, it only magnifies this accomplishment. A great example of that was tonight playing Council Rock North. (Coach) Jack Kelly is calling out every one of our sets, stuff I have not run in five games.”
Zemitis led the Redskins with 27 points – she had 20 points in a dazzling first-half performance with 11 in the first quarter (which included three 3s) and nine more on three 3-poitners in the second half. Behind the senior captain’s effort, the Redskins opened up a 25-14 halftime lead on their way to the win.
Zemitis also pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and had four blocked shots. Ibarrondo added seven boards and six assists. Mia Raivich had six rebounds.
For the Indians, Delaney McCaffery had a hot hand, scoring 23 points in a stellar outing that included four 3-pointers.
“Delaney McCafferty dropped the best opposition performance against us this year,” Gallagher said. “Delaney was so good tonight - we tried three different players to stop her run. Ursinus and Coach Morgan are going to be thrilled with her and Ruth (O’Keeffe) next year.”
Also, for the Indians, Amara Arroyo added eight points.
Gallagher went on to acknowledge the immense contributions of the seniors.
“The most significant aspect of our season is how our seniors welcomed in the 9th grade players and ensured our program welcomed them with open arms,” the Redskins’ coach said. “We celebrated Ava, Lola and Reese tonight in regard to their four high school years and not just one season. After our CR South loss, I saw (coach) Jesse (Krasna) recognize them in the SOL wrap that evening, and it made me smile: ‘Reese (Zemitis) and Lola (Ibarrondo) are stars, but what is more impressive is how classy they are and how they handle themselves regardless of the outcome. Neshaminy has three freshmen playing well in major minutes, and I think that says a lot about Reese and Lola’s leadership to help them along.’
“I appreciate Jesse for this comment and was very impressed that he noticed it and recognized the importance of this aspect of being a team leader. Tonight, we saw 9th grader Mia Raivich step forward with five points and six rebounds, including three on the offensive glass. Freshman Hayley Kolk made her first varsity appearance this year in this game and knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Hayley was injured in our last scrimmage around Thanksgiving and has put in hours of rehab to get back in the court. As a team, we were very solid with the ball, only registering two turnovers. North had played a lot more zone recently than in the beginning of the year. It is effective and (Frannie) Boyle does an excellent job clogging the middle and then you need to account for her in the low post at the offensive end.”
Friday’s game was the fourth in five days for the Redskins.
“Our players and staff are mentally exhausted after this week,” Gallagher said. “The seniors asked for tomorrow off and when I reminded them, we had Bensalem coming up, they backed off that request. We will use Sunday to recharge and start the last third of our season on Monday.”
Zemitis alone at the top
Reese Zemitis spent the season vaulting over one Neshaminy great after another, and with Friday’s 27-point effort, the senior captain – who has represented the program with class for four years - took the final steps, passing both Brooke Mullin (’19) and Heather McGinty (’97)
Zemitis knew she was on the verge of making history and found out just how close after Wednesday’s win over Central Bucks East. She entered Friday’s game against Council Rock North seven points from tying the program mark and eight from breaking it.
It took the senior captain no time at all to take care of business, burying a pair of 3s and scoring her team’s first eight points of the game. She made history on the second 3-pointer.
“I feel like I was so caught up in the moment – I was so into the game I almost forgot that I broke it, but seeing everyone run out onto the court, it was just awesome,” Zemitis said. “It was pretty early on, which was good because then we got to finish out the rest of the game normally and not stress about it.
“Honestly, it’s such a surreal moment, especially with the fact of only having half a freshman year because of the COVID, the fact that I was able to accomplish it and just succeed even still has been awesome. I’m just really proud of all the hard work, and I’m proud of all the teammates and coaches that have put hard work into. Just that dedication to each other each day – it’s awesome.”
This is an accomplishment, according to her coach, that doesn’t just happen.
“For our underclass players and upcoming middle school girls, you may ask ‘How do I become the school's all-time leading scorer?’” coach John Gallagher said, going on to list the things that have played a role in the senior standout’s ascent to the top:
--You make every practice for four years and start every varsity game for four years, which is truly remarkable these days.
--You do not miss one single practice over four years.
--You do not get injured or sick to miss a game or a start over four years. Reese turned her ankle early in the North Penn game in January, but never missed a minute of that game or practice the next day.
--You spend countless hours training, improving your skills, going to strength training to make you a more formidable opponent to play against and reduce injury risk.
--You immerse yourself into the fabric of the school and the community that supports your journey like no other player I have ever seen.
--You surround yourself with teammates and organizations that support your mission, and you fully support that organization and those team members to attain theirs.
--You need to understand when you are advised on how to become a better player, don't get mad at the advice, get mad at yourself and get to work. If she gets mad at the advice, she will never get better as a player. If she gets mad at herself, she will get better.
--Finally, be born into a family that has an undying love for you and what you are pursuing. A family that will put you above all things in the family when it is called for with no hesitation or jealousy.
“We saw tonight what path Reese Zemitis took,” Gallagher said. “Plenty of people are capable of doing all of that, but few are willing.”
Winning the program’s second title in as many years only added to a perfect night.
“Coach Gal was telling us earlier that – from what he has seen - winning back-to-back hasn’t happened since 2008, and being able to accomplish that with such great players and great coaches in the program is just awesome,” Zemitis said. “Being able to experience that two of these years – I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Rock North coach John Kelly had a front row seat to the historic night on the opposing sidelines.
"On behalf of our entire program, we would like to extend our congratulations to Reese Zemitis and the Neshaminy team on her setting the record for most points in a career,” the Rock North coach said. “It is a well-deserved honor - she plays incredibly hard at both ends of the floor, and from my conversations with her, she just stands out as a great kid. Kudos to her for a great accomplishment, and congrats to Coach Gallagher and Neshaminy on their SOL Patriot title.
“We are proud of our players for their incredible effort - unfortunately it was not enough tonight, but there are a lot of positive takeaways from this game.”
Neshaminy (13-2, 17-4 SOL) will host Bensalem on Tuesday to close out its regular season. Council Rock North (9-11, 5-9) will be on the road for a crossover game at Central Bucks East Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and then will close out its season at Pennsbury Tuesday.
Council Rock North 6-8-8-14 36
Neshaminy 11-14-15-11 51
Council Rock North (36) – Skyler Wright 0 0-2 0; Julia Koval 0 2-2 2; Amara Arroyo 3 0-0 8; Delaney McCaffery 8 3-4 23; Ruth O’Keeffe 0 3-4 3; TOTALS 11 8-12 36.
Neshaminy (51) - Ashlyn Duffy 2 0-0 5; Alena Cofield 1 1-2 3; Lola Ibarrondo 2 0-2 5; Ava Irizarry 1 0-0 3; Reese Zemitis 8 5-7 27; Hayley Kolk 1 0-0 3; Mia Raivitch 2 0-0 5; TOTALS 17 6-11 51.
3-point goals: CRN – Delaney McCaffery 4, Amara Arroyo 2; Neshaminy – Reese Zemitis 6, Mia Raivitch, Ava Irizarry, Hayley Kolk, Ashlyn Duffy, Lola Ibarrrondo.
BENSALEM 67, HARRY S TRUMAN 38
The visiting Owls upped their winning streak to seven games, opening up a 22-11 lead after one quarter and extending that to 39-23 by halftime on their way to the big win.
Grace McShane’s 16 points led a balanced Bensalem attack and included two 3s. She was one of three players in double figures. Amber Howard added 13 points, and Ariana Jenkins had 10. Devon Bell, who also had a pair of 3s, finished with eight points, and Peyton Miller had six.
“I’m proud of the way Ariana Jenkins, Mary Beck, Jordyn Bell, and Sydney Daut played tonight,” Bensalem coach Steve Johnson said. “Sydney Daut is coming off an ankle injury and played some great-back-into-it minutes.”
For the Tigers, Yamazjiah Thomas led the way with nine points. Brianna Philemond added eight, which included two 3s, and Erynn Bond had seven.
Bensalem (15-5, 10-4 SOL) will travel to Neshaminy on Tuesday and will close out its regular season with a crossover game at Central Bucks West on Wednesday. Harry S Truman (1-18, 0-15) will host Council Rock South on Tuesday and then will close its regular season Thursday with a non-league game at MaST Charter.
Bensalem 22-17-14-14 67
Harry S Truman 11-12-9-6 38
Bensalem (67) – Grace McShane 4 6-6 10; Mary Beck 2 0-0 5; Jordyn Bell 2 0-0 5; Mikayla Donahue 1 0-0 3; Devon Bell 3 0-1 8; Amber Howard 5 2-2 13; Sydney Daut 1 0-0 2; Ariana Jenkins 3 3-4 10; Peyton Miller 2 2-3 6; TOTALS 23 13-16 67
Harry S Truman (38) – Brianna Philemond 3 0-0 8; Terrion Hurt 1 0-0 2; Erynn Bond 3 1-2 7; Kiera Martinez 1 0-0 2; Shylah McCleve 2 0-0 4; Yamazjiah Thomas 4 0-0 9; Niya Lynch 2 1-3 6; TOTALS 16 2-5 38.
3-point goals: Bensalem – Devon Bell 2, Grace McShane 2, Mary Beck, Mikayla Donahue, Amber Howard, Ariana Jenkins; HST – Brianna Philemond 2, Yamazjiah Thomas, Niya Lynch.
SOL Colonial Division
NORTH PENN 48, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 30
Bri Cullen knows a little bit about winning championships.
The North Penn alum was an important part of both the Knights’ 2013 and 2014 title squads.
“It’s so exciting,” Cullen said. “I knew this feeling as a player for this program, so everything I have done and tried to build here is to get that feeling for them. It’s an indescribable emotion that I knew they deserved to feel at some point in their career.
“This group of girls – especially these seniors – has made it their own.
With one game remaining, the Knights – sparked by the glittering 27-point effort of senior Caleigh Sperling - made it official, clinching sole possession of the SOL Colonial Division crown with a road win at South. It is the program’s first tile since 2017.
“The girls and I knew we had the talent,” Cullen said. “Of course, it was a goal, but this entire season we’ve been telling them – one game at a time. That’s all that we can control.
“It really shows that the culture we’ve been trying to build the last three years – they’ve really bought into it and ran with it and made it their own. I couldn’t have asked for them to do more.”
The Knights and Titans were deadlocked 10-10 after one quarter, but the Knights – behind 10 second-quarter points from Sperling – outscored their hosts 15-7 in the second to go into halftime with a 25-17 lead. Lily Brown also had a big half for the Knights, contributing 10 points before the break.
The Knights outscored the Titans 23-13 to close out the game.
Just three players found their way into the scoring column for the Knights. Included in Sperling’s 27 points were three 3-pointers. Brown also had a big game, finishing with 17.
For the Titans, Ella Wheeler – who had three 3s – led the way with 12 points while Yoyo Samayoa added 10.
North Penn (19-2, 14-1 SOL) will host Central Bucks East to close out its regular season on Tuesday, and Central Bucks South (11-9, 7-7) will host Pennridge on Tuesday and then will close out its regular season at Council Rock South for a crossover game Thursday.
North Penn 10-15-14-9 48
Central Bucks South 10-7-11-2 30
North Penn (48) – Caleigh Sperling 10 4-4 27; Lily Brown 6 3-3 16; Tallie Smink 2 0-0 5; TOTALS 18 7-7 48.
Central Bucks South (30) – Megan Schmidt 0 0-2 0; Ella Wheeler 4 1-2 12; Jules Tropea 2 0-0 4; Yoyo Samayoa 4 0-0 10; Mia Klein 2 0-1 4; Gabby Tropea 0 0-2 0; TOTALS 12 1-7 30.
3-point goals: NP – Caleigh Sperling 3, Lily Brown, Tallie Smink; CBS – Ella Wheeler 3, Yoyo Samayoa 2.
PENNRIDGE 55, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 42
(Box score will be added when it’s received)
Pennridge celebrated its four seniors - Ava Fantaskey, Abby Huskin, Julia Reavy and Nikki Rindone – with a win that was anything but easy.
“It was a real nice win on Senior Night for our girls,” Pennridge coach Jason Rapp said. “All four of them started tonight. Defensively in the first quarter, we did a really nice job.
“We were able to open up a lead in the second quarter. Ella Brown was fantastic. She had eight points in the quarter and ended up with 22. Offensively, she was great.”
The Rams’ coach was most pleased with his team’s balanced scoring. In addition to Brown, Fantaskey and Huskin both had 10 points, and Layla Verbit added nine.
“Emily David chipped in with four, and that’s probably one of the few times this year we were able to get three people in double figures,” Rapp said. “CB West harassed us. They pressed us the whole game, and I think we turned the ball over seven or eight times, and at that pace, I’m super proud of the way they took care of the ball.”
The Rams, who led 11-10 after one quarter, outscored their visitors 17-4 in the second quarter to go into halftime with a 28-17 advantage. Brown, who had 12 points in the first half, had eight second-quarter points.
In the fourth quarter, the Rams sealed the Bucks’ fate at the foul line where they buried 14 of 17 free throws.
“Our kids fought, they competed, and 16-for-21 from the free throw line will help you win games,” Rapp said. “I couldn’t be happier for them on Senior Night.
“The CB West girls – they battle. Their jayvee team and their varsity team played their absolute tails off. It was fun, it was a great crowd. It was a really cool high school basketball game.”
For the Bucks. Aniya McDaniel led the way with 15 points, which included three 3-pointers. Gabby Reichner added 10 points, and Scarlett Baumgardner had eight. Gabi Senior contributed six points.
Pennridge (11-10, 5-10 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks South to close out its regular season Tuesday. Central Bucks West (5-14, 3-11) will host West Chester Rustin in a non-league game Saturday at 1 p.m. The Bucks will host Souderton on Tuesday and then close out their regular season at home with a crossover game against Bensalem on Wednesday.
Central Bucks West 10-7-9-16 42
Pennridge 11-17-11-16 55
Central Bucks West (42) – Gabi Senior 2 2-2 6; Aniya McDaniel 5 2-3 15; Alexis Castro 1 0-0 3; Gabby Reichner 3 4-6 10; Scarlett Baumgardner 3 0-0 8; TOTALS 15 3-8 42.
Pennridge (55) – Ella Brown 8 5-6 22; Ava Fantaskey 3 3-4 10; Emily DeHaven 1 2-3 4; Abby Huskin 2 5-6 10; Layla Verbit 3 1-2 9; TOTALS 17 16-21 55.
3-point goals: CBW – Aniya McDaniel 3, Scarlett Baumgardner 2, Alexis Castro; Pennridge – Layla Verbit 2, Ella Brown, Ava Fantaskey, Abby Huskin.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 49, SOUDERTON 33
The Patriots had three players in double figures in a game they led from the outset. Anna Barry led a balanced East attack with 15 points while Natalie Berndt and Jess Lockwood both had seven points.
At the end of one quarter, the Patriots – sparked by five points from Berndt – led 10-4. They took a 24-10 lead into halftime with Berndt’s eight points leading the way.
The two teams exchanged baskets in the second half. Barry scored 12 points in the second half while Lockwood added six.
For the Indians, Emily Dick’s eight points led the way while Kiera Fadden and Brooke Fenchel both had six.
Central Bucks East (17-3, 11-3 SOL) will host Council Rock North in a crossover game Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and will close out its regular season at North Penn on Tuesday. Souderton (3-17, 1-13) will host Pennsbury in a crossover game Saturday at 1:30 and then close out its season at Central Bucks West on Tuesday.
Souderton 4-6-8-15 33
Central Bucks East 12-12-8-17 49
Souderton (33) – Jacquelyn Bermel 1 2-2 4; Julia Purvy 2 0-0 4; Olivia Herron 0 2-2 2; Madison Bealer 1 0-0 3; Brooke Fenchel 2 2-2 6; Kiera Fadden 2 2-4 6; Emily Dick 4 0-0 8; TOTALS 12 8-10 33.
Central Bucks East (49) – Marley Metz 1 0-0 3; Sydney Ralph 2 1-2 5; Haley Moran 1 0-0 2; Natalie Berndt 4 0-2 10; Anna Barry 5 1-2 15; Jess Lockwood 5 0-0 10; Chantal Van Dongeren 2 0-0 4; TOTALS 20 2-6 49.
3-point goals: Souderton –Madison Bealer; CBE – Anna Barry 4, Natalie Berndt 2, Marley Metz.
SOL Liberty Division
HATBORO-HORSHAM 44, QUAKERTOWN 34
The Hatters won for the third time in as many games, rallying from a 24-14 halftime deficit to defeat the Panthers.
“Quakertown played really hard tonight and really outworked us on the boards, but our defense got much better in the second half,” said Hatters’ assistant Nicole Miletto, whose team was without senior Kitty Randa. “Maddy Patel stepped up and had her third great night in a row.”
Patel ignited the Hatters’ second-half rally. She scored 14 of her game-high 20 points after the break and buried three 3-pointers in the second half. She also was 5-for-6 from the foul line in the fourth quarter.
Freshman Angelica Visceglia scored all 12 of her points in a second half that saw the Hatters outscore their hosts 13-6 in the third quarter and then close it out with a 17-4 fourth quarter.
“Angelica had a solid second half for us, and we had nice minutes from juniors Mya Stevens and Maya Williams,” Miletto said. “Alyssa Tooley played strong defensively and had four steals.”
For the Panthers, Ava Pistone’s 13 points led the way. Her nine first-half points sparked the Panthers to the halftime lead. Truly Heft and Addyson Davis both added six points.
“Our girls started the game with focus and intensity, coming out strong,” Quakertown coach Jillian Martin said. “The second half we had our hearts and effort in the game, but the fatigue from playing three games this week showed both physically and mentally.
“Hatboro made some adjustments defensively at halftime which gave us trouble, and our usual shots were not falling in the third and fourth quarters. Addyson Davis was a presence for us tonight contributing seven rebounds, three steals, and multiple deflections to go along with her six points.”
Hatboro-Horsham (9-10, 6-7 SOL) will travel to Cheltenham for a crossover game on Monday and then will be on the road at Upper Dublin on Tuesday. The Hatters will close out their regular season at Upper Moreland on Thursday for a crossover game.
Quakertown (2-17, 1-13) will travel to Abington Tuesday to close out its season.
Hatboro-Horsham 9-5-13-17 44
Quakertown 15-9-6-4 34
Hatboro-Horsham (44) – Angelica Visceglia 5 1-8 12; Mia Fisher 0 3-6 3; Maddy Patel 6 5-6 20; Gabby Fisher 1 0-0 2; Alyssa tooley 1 3-6 5; Mya Stevens 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 14 12-26 44.
Quakertown (34) – Ambri Dager 1 0-0 3; Paisley Heft 1 0-0 2; Addyson Davis 3 0-0 6; Ava Pistone 4 3-8 13; Carli Maha 2 0-2 4; Truly Heft 2 2-4 6; TOTALS 13 5-14 34.
3-point goals: HH – Maddy Patel 3, Angelica Visceglia; Quakertown – Ava Pistone 2, Ambri Dager.
ABINGTON 59, WISSAHICKON 26
Eleven players contributed scoring for the Ghosts, who opened up a 22-6 halftime lead and extended that in the second half.
“Today I told the girls that I want to see energy and effort on every play when they are on the floor - they did just that,” Abington coach Allison Lawson said. “We moved the ball well, crashed the boards, and communicated with each other on offense and defense.”
Mikiaya Durham led a balanced offensive attack with 12 points, which included three 3s. She also had four rebounds. Piper McGinley, who had a pair of 3s, added 10 points to go along with six assists and three steals. Jordyn Reynolds also had two 3-pointers in her eight points. Kara Slavin chipped in six points. Point guard Maya Johnson finished with five points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals.
For the Trojans, Julia Lettieri’s 11 points led the way.
Abington (15-5, 12-2 SOL) host Quakertown on Tuesday to close out its regular season. Wissahickon (2-17, 1-13) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Tuesday and then will close out its regular at home with a crossover game against Springfield Twp on Wednesday.
Abington 10-12-20-17 59
Wissahickon 3-3-10-10 26
Abington (59) – Ava Teich 1 0-0 3; Maya Johnson 2 1-2 5; Harper McGinley 1 0-0 3; Mikaiya Durham 4 1-2 12; Jordyn Reynolds 2 2-2 8; Piper McGinley 4 2-3 10; Sarah Oleary 0 1-4 1; Kara Slavin 3 0-0 6; Zyn McClain 1 1-4 3; Kaylia Rice 1 3-7 5; Gabrielle White 1 1-2 3; TOTALS 20 12-26 59;
Wissahickon (26) – Julia Lettieri 3 5-7 11; Kirsten DiGiovani 1 0-0 2; Lydia Schultz 2 0-0 4; Kai Potter 2 0-0 4; Ashley Klein 2 1-2 5; TOTALS 10 6-9 26.
3-point goals: Abington - Mikiaya Durham 3, Harper McGinley, Jordyn Reynolds 2, Ava Teich.
SOL Freedom Division
UPPER MORELAND 51, CHELTENHAM 35
Mikel Lancit scored 20 points, and the visiting Golden Bears put a damper on the Panthers’ Senior Night celebration, blowing a close game wide open by closing it out with a 14-4 fourth quarter.
“It was Cheltenham’s Senior night - they had a loud DJ, cheerleaders and a nice crowd, making it a great atmosphere for a game,” UM coach Josh Adelman said. “We jumped on them 10-0, but then they climbed back into the game with some long-range shots from Maya Simmons who made four three pointers.
“We really played great defense, especially in the fourth quarter holding Cheltenham to four points.”
In a 10-4 first quarter tear by UM, Lancit had a pair of 3s, and Holly Gohl added two baskets. The Golden Bears took a 21-19 lead into halftime and led 37-31 heading into the pivotal fourth.
Included in Lancit’s 20 points were four 3-pointers. Lilly Hansen also finished in double figures with 12, Gohl added eight, and Lianna Adames had six points.
“On the offensive side of the ball, we executed our plays and had a nice inside-outside game working,” Adelman said. “Mikel Lancit led us. She was scoring inside, mid-range too. Lilly continued to shoot well. And Holly played a solid game.
“Lianna shut down Maya Simmons with some outstanding defense. It was a very hard-fought game between both teams, and we were happy to walk out with an important win. We just are really playing as a team. I’m proud of them.”
For the Panthers, Simmons led the way with 12 points on four 3s. Jiah Price added eight, and Cassie Bugg and Paige Powell both had six points.
“It was our Senior Night and I really wanted to carry the emotions of that into the game – it just didn’t work out,” Cheltenham coach Ben Bowman said. “We fought our way back after a 10-0 start to the game. Got within two points going into half but come the fourth just ran out of gas.
“Credit to UM, they ran their sets and hit their shots. We have two chances to get our record to 500 next week and that’s our focus.:
Upper Moreland (14-6, 10-4 SOL) will travel to New Hope-Solebury on Tuesday and then will close out its regular season Thursday at Hatboro-Horsham for a crossover game.
Cheltenham (9-11, 5-9) will host Hatboro-Horsham in a crossover game Monday and then will close out its regular season Tuesday at Springfield Twp.
Cheltenham 4-15-12-4 35
Upper Moreland 10-11-16-14 51
Cheltenham (35) – Jiah Price 3 1-4 8; Paige Powell 3 0-0 6; Maya Simmons 4 0-2 12; Ije Ojukwu 1 1-2 3; Cassie Bugg 2 2-4 6; TOTALS 13 4-12 35
Upper Moreland (51) – Mikel Lancit 8 0-0 20; Lianna Adames 2 1-2 6; Marie Meyers 1 0-0 3; Lilly Hansen 5 2-2 12; Makaila Allen 1 0-0 2; Holly Gohl 4 0-2 8; TOTALS 21 3-6 51.
3-point goals: Cheltenham – Maya Simmons 4, Jiah Price; UM – Mike Lancit 4, Lianna Adames, Marie Meyers.
LOWER MORELAND 53, SPRINGFIELD TWP 47
The Lions remained atop the SOL Freedom Division standings, holding onto a one-game lead with two games remaining. This one, according to coach Rich Becker, may not have been pretty, but it was a win for the Lions, who celebrated Senior Night.
“It was an ugly game, and at this time of the year we'll take an ugly win,” the LM coach said. “Both teams had setbacks tonight, and both teams were playing with mix and match rotations.
“We lost Sydney Santora early in the second quarter to an injury, and on her Senior Night, Amelia Brown picked up three early fouls and had to sit. Then early in the third, Briana (McFerran) picked up her fourth foul. Springfield was in a similar situation. Fortunately for us, Ava Culler got into early foul trouble and sat for the second quarter, and in the third quarter, Daniels picked up her fourth foul, and both missed more of the game than I'm sure Dave would have liked.”
The Lions, who led 11-9 after one quarter, took a 29-19 lead into halftime. Dani Brusha and Maddie Broderick – who had three 3s – led the Lions with nine points each before the break.
LM’s lead was trimmed to six heading into the final quarter, and that turned out to be the Lions’ final margin of victory.
“Not surprisingly, it ended up being a very competitive game,” Becker said. “Before the game, we stressed to the girls that we need to come out strong. We beat them by 17 the first time around, but we also shot extremely well that game. Tonight, that was not the case. We were 28 percent from the free throw line and 22 percent from beyond the arc.
“The two bright spots coming out of tonight's game were that we won while shooting poorly and with the injury to Syd and foul trouble with Amelia and Bri. We had two girls come off the bench and give us big minutes. The biggest reason we won was that one of our freshmen, Maddie Broderick, came off of the bench and in her first meaningful minutes in a long time, knocked down three 3s in the 2nd quarter. That gave us some much-needed breathing room. Our other Maddie, Maddie Rossiter, gave us strong minutes in the middle of our defense, which was needed against Cullen.
I can't say enough about Dani Brusha, once again, she was the leader on the court offensively, defensively and as a calming influence. With Syd out and Springfield threatening late in the game, she just settled the team down. I'm hoping that our younger girls watch how she carries herself in these pressure situations and learns from her.”
Brusha led the Lions with 22 points – 13 in the fourth quarter. McFerran added 14 points, and Broderick had nine.
“You always would rather win easier if you could, but I was proud of the way that we were able to close out the game, and hopefully, we can continue to improve as we get ready for the postseason,” Becker said. “I want to give a shout out to Springfield, they've been playing really well recently, and you can see how much well they're playing together. They came out hungry tonight and almost spoiled our Senior Night and that's a reflection of the job Dave is doing with his girls.”
Culler’s 17 points – 15 in the second half, eight in the fourth quarter – led the Spartans. Daniels added nine while Alana Decker had seven and Keira Brandon had six.
“We had four games in five days this week, and I couldn’t have been prouder and happier for the girls,” Springfield Twp coach Dave Giordano said. “They played their best game after basically going through the gauntlet of this stretch this week.
“We didn’t give up. We were down 10 at the half and were within two. The game was closer than the score. We had chances. Unfortunately, we had some untimely turnovers in the fourth, but it could be a good springboard for getting them back on track. They could have easily folded up – we played last night, we played Monday and Tuesday. We’ve been everyone’s Senior Night. We still have some stuff to play for. We’ll see what happens.
Lower Moreland (14-5, 11-3 SOL) will travel to Upper Dublin for a crossover game Monday and then will close out its league season at home Tuesday against William Tennent. The Lions will travel to Jenkintown Thursday for a non-league game.
Springfield Twp (9-11, 4-10) will host Cheltenham on Tuesday and then close its regular season with a crossover game at Wissahickon on Thursday.
Springfield Twp 9-10-11-17 47
Lower Moreland 11-18-7-17 53
Springfield Twp (47) – Alana Decker 3 0-0 7; Hannah Brandon 2 0-0 4; Caitlin Lewis 1 0-0 2; Jayla Daniels 4 0-0 9; Grace Dailey 1 0-2 2; Keira Brandon 2 2-2 6; Ava Culler 6 5-11 17; TOTALS 19 7-15 47.
Lower Moreland (53) – Brian McFerran 6 1-4 14; Dani Brusha 8 5-10 22; Sydney Santora 1 0-2 3; Mollie Martin 0 1-3 1; Emma DiJoseph 1 0-2 2; Nikki Sahl 0 0-2 0; Maddy Rossiter 1 0-2 2; Maddie Broderick 3 0-0 9; TOTALS 20 7-25 53.
3-point goals: Springfield Twp – Alana Decker, Grace Daniels; LM – Maddie Broderick 3, Briana McFerran, Dani Brusha, Sydney Santora.
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 63 WILLIAM TENNENT 61
Izzy Elizondo turned in another torrid offensive performance, and the Lions held off a late Tennent surge for the hard-fought road win.
“This was a great overall team win tonight,” said Lions’ assistant Kalie Soulsby, who was filling in for coach Steve Polinsky. “Izzy Elizondo led out team with 25 points. Emily Willson stepped up tonight and helped keep our girls calm and collected in this competitive game. Our leaders really stepped up tonight. I am very proud of the whole team.”
The Lions – behind eight points, including two 3s, from Elizondo – opened up a 15-10 lead after one quarter. By halftime, Elizondo had 15 points, and the Lions led 33-28. Wilson also had a hot hand in the second quarter, scoring eight points. Morgan Volz had 10 points and Avery Kocur had nine to keep the Panthers close.
“I thought we had another good start tonight, but New Hope made a nice run to close out the first quarter and take the 15–10 advantage into the second,” Tennent coach Laura Whitney said. “It seemed like they kept the momentum, but our girls did a nice job of battling to keep it a five-point game at halftime.
“The second half it was back and forth the entire way. It seemed like every time we’d tie it up or take the lead New Hope came right back and hit a big shot. Credit to Wilson and Elizondo for stepping up and hitting one big shot after another. They really took it personal and willed their team to the win.”
The Panthers outscored the Lions 33-30 in the second half, but they could not overtake the Lions.
“It was a tough loss,” Whitney said. “Our girls played their hearts out and left it all on the court. Unfortunately, we came up a little short, but I’m so proud of the way our girls competed for 32 minutes.
“This is now three straight games that have come down to the wire and have been settled by one or two possessions. It’s been a lot of fun being in those types of games. We weren’t able to pull out the wins in two of the games, but each time we play in those situations we’re gaining valuable experience that’s only going to help us in the long run.
“We had our chances late to tie it up, but just weren’t able to capitalize. This one definitely stings, but we need to find a way to bounce back. We have two games left and we’re looking to finish strong.”
In addition to Elizondo’s 25-point performance, Wilson had 15 and Nina Meixler added 12 while Ella Dudick had nine.
For the Panthers, Volz led the way with 19 points while Halie Staub had 17 – 13 in an inspired second half. Kocur added 15 as three Tennent players finished in double figures.
“Credit to William Tennent who didn't give up tonight,” Soulsby said. “Our girls fought till the buzzer which is something we always ask for. We have been playing multiple back-to-back games and our girls came to play tonight. Coach Steve Polinsky had a family occasion and was not able to attend tonight's game. Coach John Turner and I are so proud of our girls and their hard-fought performance.”
New Hope-Solebury (10-9, 7-7 SOL) will host Abington for a crossover game Monday and then will close out its season Tuesday at home against Upper Moreland. William Tennent (8-12, 6-8) will travel to Lower Moreland on Tuesday and then will close out its regular season Thursday at Plymouth Whitemarsh for a crossover game.
New Hope-Solebury 15-18-18-12 63
William Tennent 10-18-17-16 61
New Hope-Solebury (63) – Emily Wilson 5 3-5 15; Nina Meixler 5 0-2 12; Izzy Elizondo 10 2-2 25; Kayla Fennell 1 0-0 2; Ella Dudick 4 0-0 9; TOTALS 25 5-9 63.
William Tennent (61) – Ella Mednick 1 0-0 2; Avery Kocur 5 3-4 15; Jess Whisler 3 1-1 5; Morgan Volz 8 2-6 19; TOTALS 24 9-16 61.
3-point goals: NH-S – Izzy Elizondo 3, Emily Wilson 2, Nina Meixler 2, Ella Dudick; WT – Avery Kocur, Halie Staub, Jess Whisler, Morgan Volz.
Non-league
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 44, BODINE 37
The Colonials travelled to Philadelphia to the Northern Liberties Rec Center – nicknamed the Terra Dome – for a non-league game against Bodine and needed a second half rally to earn the hard-fought win.
“They were a very tough team,” said PW coach Dan Dougherty, who was once again without a pair of starters – sophomores AJ Avery and Joslyn Perez – but is looking for them to return soon.
PW trailed 12-7 after one quarter and fought back to make it a two-point game at halftime, 23-21.
“We were finally able to adjust to the atmosphere and made a 15-2 run in the third quarter, thanks to a 3 from (Kenna) Winland, steals by (Taylor) Williams and (Olivia) Patete,” Dougherty said. “It was a great experience for our kids today to see how fortunate we are for facilities and circumstances we have every day.”
The team had a taste of Philly when they were treated to authentic Philly cheesesteaks at Del Rossi’s.
Winland led the Colonials with 17 points – which included four 3s, seven rebounds and five steals. Williams also finished in double figures with 12 points while Elize Meersman and Patete both had six points.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (12-8, 7-7 SOL) will travel to Wissahickon on Tuesday and then will close out its regular season at home against William Tennent for a crossover game Thursday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 7-14-15-8 44
Bodine 12-11-6-8 37
Plymouth Whitemarsh (44) – Taylor Williams 4 3-6 12; Olivia Patete 3 0-0 6; Kenna Winland 6 1-2 17; Eliza Meersman 2 2-2 6; Marissa Perez 1 0-1 2; Brooke Peduzzi 0 1-2 1; TOTALS 16 7-13 44
Bodine (37) – Young 4 1-2 10; Garner 3 0-0 6; Smith 2 0-0 4; Farlav 2 0-0 5; Martini 4 0-1 8; Roberts 1 0-0 2; Perez 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 17 1-3 37.
3-point goals: PW – Kenna Williams 4, Taylor Williams; Bodine – Young, Farlav.
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