Eight SOL teams will be in action in Wednesday’s second round of the District One AAAA Tournament. Check back for recaps of all the games.
By Mary Jane Souder
Sometimes we all need reminders that basketball is and always will be just a game.
On Wednesday night, Souderton will be playing its biggest game in Lynn Carroll’s nine-year tenure at the helm when the Indians take on archrival North Penn in a District One AAAA second round contest. While pulling off an upset of the sixth-seeded Maidens is the Indians’ primary goal, the outcome, in this case, just might be secondary to the effort, an effort that will be dedicated to assistant coach Tom Welch.* The Indians’ assistant was diagnosed with bone cancer on Jan. 14 – three days prior to Souderton's last North Penn game.
On Saturday, Welch was placed in hospice care at Grand View Hospital.
“Without a doubt, he is always in the back of our minds,” senior Courtney Day said. “He is the nicest man you will ever meet. You don’t have to be around him a lot to know that there’s just not a bad bone in his body. His presence is irreplaceable because he always had a smile on his face. If you got hurt, he was the first person to come to you to ask if you were okay, to ask if you needed ice, to ask if you needed anything. On the bench, he was always encouraging. He always had a smile on his face. It seemed like he never had a bad day.
“It was so hard to find out that a coach – any age, any coach – has cancer. Right now I just don’t have words. You look up to these people, and you see them as healthy adults and that nothing bad is ever going to happen to them. It’s so hard.”
Hard effectively describes the four-week span since the Indians received word of Welch’s diagnosis.
“Our coach first told us that he was diagnosed with cancer before we started to practice,” senior Libby Wetzler said. “Then she said that we had to go practice. It seemed so insignificant compared to everything.
“None of us was expecting it, so it was a total shock. In the same light, I don’t know if you’d say it was therapeutic for us, but we’re all going through this together. That’s what teams are for. We’re all lucky to have each other because we’re a very tight-knit team.”
A tight-knit team that is deriving inspiration from its coach.
“When you’re practicing, sometimes it’s tough, but you think – this is for someone else, and it pushes you and it motivates you to know what our coach is going through and that we are bringing him joy and giving him hope,” Wetzler said. “That makes it worth it.”
Welch has been part of the program since Carroll took over nine years ago. Initially, he was the ninth grade coach, compiling a 68-14 record in seven years. When the ninth grade program was dropped, Welch became an assistant for the jayvee and varsity.
“We joke that he’s the winningest coach in Souderton history because almost every season his team was undefeated,” Carroll said. “He’s the kind of person who was constantly asking – what else can I do. He completely ran our summer league program at the jayvee level. When he was coaching the ninth grade team, he would drive the girls in a van to an away game, coach the game, come back to the high school and meet us at our game, go scout for us. He just never stopped.”
Last Friday, the Indians won a district playoff game for the first time in Carroll’s tenure when they defeated Central Bucks South.
“This has been the best and worst season since I have been here,” Carroll said. “This season has been our winningest season. We won our first playoff game in nine years, and this situation just so puts things into perspective.
“As much as he loved this team – and this has been such a bright spot for Tom and his family in a very difficult time - it felt like while winning a game wasn’t all that important, but at the same time, it felt like the most important thing because we knew how much joy it would bring him and his family.”
Providing the team with added inspiration was the presence of Welch’s family at Friday’s game against South. His daughter not only videotaped a portion of the game, she also taped personal messages to Welch from the players.
“Since Saturday, that video has been playing continuously in his room – over and over and over again,” Carroll said. “Any time anyone talks to him about basketball, through all of this, that’s when he’s the most animated.
“It’s hard to really express what this program has meant to him and what he’s done for me and the program. Other than his family, this team has been the most important thing in his life. He is one of the best people I have ever met. He really is.”
The players wore t-shirts with Welch’s initials TW emblazoned on the back for the first time Friday night, and after the game, Welch’s wife visited the team in the locker room.
“She gave us all hugs,” Wetzler said. “It was such an emotional moment. It was so powerful. To be dealing with that kind of reality but to make time to be with us just to show us how much he cares about us and how much we matter, that was really, really amazing. It was something I don’t think I will ever forget.”
According to Day, Welch will be at the forefront of everyone’s mind heading into Wednesday’s district playoff game at North Penn.
“Not only are we going to play with 110 percent, we’re going to do whatever we can do to win it for him,” she said. “Although he may not be there, he’s in our hearts, he’s in the back of our heads. He’s there emotionally with all of us.
“Our emotions are going to be so high because we all wish he could be there even if it’s only for five minutes. People have no idea how much that would just make our day.”
Whatever the outcome on Wednesday night, the Indians will be fighting. For themselves and for their coach.
*Tom Welch passed away on Wednesday morning.
#14 ABINGTON at #3 UPPER DUBLIN
Upper Dublin
- 14-0 SOL, 22-1 overall
- SOL American Conference Champions under first-year coach Morgan Funsten
- Only loss was in season opener to Central Dauphin East (56-62) at the Upper Darby Royal Classic
- Highlights of season include a convincing non-league win over #31 Bensalem (63-37) and topping 17th-seeded Norristown by double-digits twice
- Take a 22-game winning streak into Wednesday’s second round.
- Defeated 30th-seeded Ridley 46-32 in Saturday’s opening round. Crutrena Goff (18 points, four assists), Lauren Rothfeld (11 points, four steals) and Regan Gallagher (seven points, seven rebounds, four assists, four blocks) had big games for the Cards.
Players to watch: Curtrena Goff (14.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.6 assists, 2.2 steals), Brianna Spector (7.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 assists), Lauren Rothfeld (6.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.6 steals), Regan Gallagher (10.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.3 steals), Kayla McAneney (6.2 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals)
Coach Morgan Funsten says: “We are looking forward to the challenge of playing an Abington team that is very dangerous. They have great speed and great size and have really improved as the season has gone on. They are playing their best basketball of the season right now, so we are going to have to come ready to play in order to advance.”
Abington
- 11-3 SOL, 16-7 overall
- Finished second to Neshaminy in National Conference
- Highlights of the season included league victories over fourth-seeded Neshaminy (50-46) and 13th-seeded Council Rock South (42-37)
- Won six of their last seven games
- The Ghosts defeated 19th-seeded Perk Valley 53-42 in Saturday’s opener. Sophomore Deja Rawls led the way with 26 points, which included four three’s and a 6-for-8 effort at the foul line. She also had six assists. Michael Harris had 13 rebounds and eight points.
Players to watch: Deja Rawls (14.8 PPG), Michael Harris (9.7), Sammy Lochner (8.6)
Coach Dan Marsh says: “We’re looking forward to the local rivalry. All these kids know each other, and it should be a lot of fun. They’re very good, and we know that. They’re the favorite – we like coming in as the underdog. It should be a good crowd and a lot of fun. I know Morgan (Funsten), I know his dad from coaching volleyball. I’m looking forward to playing against them.”
#20 PENNSBURY at #4 NESHAMINY
Neshaminy
- 12-2 SOL, 19-3 overall
- SOL National Conference champion
- Highlights of season include defeating 14th-seeded Abington (46-45) for the first time in nine years to break a tie for first and claim the title outright and a victory over 8th-seeded CB West (58-53) in the Redskins’ season opener
- Boast a seven-game winning streak
- Defeated 29th-seeded Penn Wood 60-47 in Saturday’s opening round. Leading the Redskins were Lori Paulitz (19 points), McKenna Mullin (16 points, six steals), Sarah Oliveira (11 points) and Megan Schafer (10 points, six steals).
Coach Joe Lally said: “Beating the same team three times can be difficult. We split with Pennsbury during the regular season. They were pretty equal games, and I think it will be a very good game on Wednesday. I know everyone gets into the rivalry, but we’re just (looking) to win the basketball game. I’m not letting the kids buy into the rivalry thing. It’s a basketball game we need to win.”
Pennsbury
- 8-6 SOL, 13-10 overall
- Finished fourth in National Conference
- Highlights of the season include a pair of league wins over 13th-seeded Council Rock South (45-28) and fourth-seeded Neshaminy, handing them one of only two league losses (52-42)
- Won five in a row to start the 2012-2013 season
- Upset 13th-seeded Council Rock South 54-48 in Saturday’s district opener. Junior Sajanna Bethea turned in a stellar 30-point, 19-rebound effort that included four three-pointers, including a trey to knot the score in regulation.
Players to watch: Starters: Sajanna Bethea (16.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG), Kaitlin Kelly (9.0 PPG, 39 three-pointers), Carly Kovin, Courtney Kruscavage, Alexa Lukas, Key reserves: Taylor Ferguson, Catherine Silvernail, Emily Edwards, Sarah McDonald
#11 SOUDERTON at #6 NORTH PENN
North Penn
- 12-2 SOL, 20-3 overall
- Co-champs of SOL Continental Conference for the first time since 1996
- 2012 District 1 AAAA runner-up to Spring-Ford
- Highlights of the season include winning the championship of their own tournament and a key victory over 8th-seeded CB West to clinch a share of the league title (69-62)
- Opened the season 10-0
- Defeated Upper Merion 47-28 in Saturday’s opening round. Lauren Crisler led the Maidens with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Vicky Tumasz added 10 points.
Players to watch: Lauren Crisler (15.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG), Vicky Tumasz (11.5 PPG, 38 three-pointers), Mikaela Giuliani (7.0 PPG), Erin Maher (6.2 PPG), Jenn Halcovage (4.5 PPG)
Coach Maggie deMarteleire says: “This is going to be very tough. Souderton has been playing exceptionally well towards the end of the regular season and did the same in their first round versus CB South. They have a very balanced attack with guards that can score from both the perimeter and they can attack the basket. Their post players are strong as well. We need to be very active on defense and make good decisions on offense for us to be successful.”
Souderton
- 11-3 SOL, 17-6 overall
- Third in the Continental Conference behind co-champs CB West and North Penn
- Defeated CB South twice in regular season (46-45 and 44-39)
- Highlights of the season included a come-from-behind victory over eighth-seeded CB West 44-41 and non-league wins over fourth-seeded Neshaminy (38-31) and 19th-seeded Perk Valley (41-38)
- Won seven of their last eight games
- Downed Central Bucks South 51-37 in an opening round game Friday night. Junior Bianca Picard scored 22 points, which included 14 in the first half. Junior Allison Gallagher added 14 points, six steals and four rebounds.
Players to watch: Bianca Picard (11.9 PPG), Allison Gallagher (12.0), Katie O’Connor (6.2), Libby Wetzler (5.8), Sarah Derstein (7.4)
Coach Lynn Carroll says: “We have been playing well lately and need to continue to do so if we hope to be successful in round two. North Penn presents a difficult challenge of finding ways to limit Lauren Crisler and defend the perimeter at the same time. We’re looking forward to what should be a very competitive game in front of an energetic crowd.”
#24 SPRINGFIELD (DELCO) at #8 CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Central Bucks West
- 12-2 SOL, 17-5 overall
- Co-Champions of SOL Continental Conference for first time since 1999
- Highlights of the season include winning the Abington Lady Ghosts Tournament after defeating 17th -seeded Norristown (49-36) and 14th-seeded Abington (51-43) as well as victories over 6th-seeded North Penn (58-47) and 11th-seeded Souderton (47-44)
- Defeated #25th-seeded Great Valley 62-30. Mackenzie Carroll (14 points) and Nicole Munger (13 points) led the offense. Maggie Gratz added eight points and eight rebounds, Cait Mautz had seven points and Corrinne Godshall added six points and 11 rebounds.
Players to watch: Seniors: Kat Bahner (4.2 PPG), Calypso Carty (4.5), Maggie Gratz (8.1), Cait Mautz (4.0), Katie McLaughlin (injured reserve), Junior: Taylor Moylan, Sophomores: Corrinne Godshall (6.4), Mackenzie Carroll (11.6), Nicole Munger (11.4), Peyton Traina (6.3)
Coach Terry Rakowsky says: “You work hard during the season to build some wins up to get a higher seed (and home games). I don’t know much about Springfield. Obviously, Upper Darby being the higher seed we were watching film about them. We’ll watch some film and see what they bring.”
Springfield (Delco)
- 14-9 overall
- Fourth place team from Central League
- Won seven of nine to close out season
- Led by senior Alex Poplawski, who is averaging a double-double and will be taking her talents to Stanford where she will play lacrosse.
- Highlight of regular season included early win over Central Bucks South
- Upset ninth-seeded Upper Darby in opening round.
#18 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST at #2 MOUNT ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY
Central Bucks East
- 8-5 SOL, 16-7 overall
- Finished fourth in the Continental Conference after winning title for the past six seasons
- Highlights of the season include beating 6th-seeded North Penn (44-37) and 10-seeded Garnet Valley (32-30) in East’s season opener
- Defeated 18th-seeded Conestoga 52-40 in an opening round game Saturday. Senior Morgan Kelly had the hot hand for the Patriots, scoring a game-high 20 points, which included five three-pointers. Courtney Webster added 13 points and 10 rebounds while Karoline White added 10 points. Freshman Kyra Scaliti had nine rebounds.
- East faced the Mount in a second round district game last year after the Patriots knocked off Conestoga in the opening round. The Mount won that game 36-27.
Assistant coach TJ Lonergan says: “Wednesday night isn’t going to be an easy game by any stretch. As well as we played against Conestoga on Saturday, we are going to have to play even better on Wednesday. Mount is a very good team and is a hard place to play at, but the girls have practiced hard the past few days. They are focused, and thanks to playing in such a tough conference, I think they are battle tested. And come playoff time, that is all you can ask for!”
Mount St. Joseph’s
- 22-2 overall
- Highlights of the season include win over Merion Mercy in the Catholic Academies semi-final (45-40)
- Only losses have come at the hands of top-seeded Spring-Ford and Cumberland Valley
- Led by the dangerous duo of Alex Louin and Meg Geatens
- Defeated Villa Maria 57-41 Wednesday to win Catholic Academies title
- Downed 31st-seeded Bensalem 73-37 in Saturday’s opening round. Geatens (23 points) and Louin (18 points) led the way.
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