Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ basketball teams in action Tuesday. Souderton/CB West photos provided courtesy of Karla Donohoe. Neshaminy/CR North photos courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for galleries of both games.
SOL Patriot Division
PENNSBURY 45, BENSALEM 43 (OT)
The Falcons won a thriller, edging the visiting Owls in an overtime thriller.
It took clutch plays by a rookie and veteran to eke out the win. The Falcons tied it when freshman Keira sank a pair of foul shots with a minute remaining in OT, and then it was Ava Jordan connecting on the game-winner with four seconds remaining.
“We weren’t sure whether or not we’re at a point where we would be able to win a game like this,” Pennsbury coach Frank Sciolla said. “We were hoping to drag them into deep water and have a chance, and that’s what happened. Crazy things often happen at the Nest.”
Key players: Ava Jordan 12 points, including the game-winner in OT. Freshman Alyssa Thomas added 10 points, and Samie Hawes had eight. Emily Panero was a beast on the boards with 12 rebounds.
For the Owls, Ariana Jenkins led the way with 11 points while Talia DiMichele had 10, and Grace McShane had nine. The Owls connected on nine 3-pointers.
Pennsbury coach Frank Sciolla:
--The game: “Just like Saturday, Sammie Haws got us started with a couple quick jump shots, and she rebounded the ball well in the first half. Obviously, we did not want to let Grace McShane go crazy like she did on Friday night, but that’s easier said than done because DiMichelle does such a good job getting into gaps, and she plays with her head up and puts the ball on her teammate’s hands in their shooting pocket. We made a decision to leave some of their players, and Ariana Jenkins absolutely made us pay for it with some big-time drives and jumpers. She has really improved. She’s another reason why I think they have the potential to be really good.
“Emily Panaro grabbed 13 rebounds for us tonight and was outstanding on the back line and helping us against pressure. Ava Jordan again was sensational up top with her hand activity, and it seemed like she deflected everything. She also got some big buckets for us as she continues to grow with her confidence. Keira Socha might only be a freshman, but she plays with such poise and she secured a big time loose ball for us and then when we were down two points in overtime with under a minute ago, she hit two free throws without touching the rim and tied the game up and gave us a chance because Ava had fouled out earlier in overtime.
“We didn’t want to let them get the last shot, so after Socha made the second free throw, we called a timeout and decided to come out and pressure with the hopes that maybe we could keep the ball out of the DiMichelle‘s hands and create a turnover, and the girls did a fantastic job executing that. We ran the clock down and took a timeout, and there was no doubt that it was going to go to Maggie Burns because she’s absolutely outstanding at getting to her spots and elevating, and we were able to get her a touch with the lane open and she got to her scoring area and made a shot that she has made about a half dozen times already this year.”
--Props: “I told Alyssa Thomas before the game tonight that she has already seen a number of incredible challenges, and tonight she would be going up against a senior that is all-league, but Alyssa is different. She’s obviously talented and intelligent and plays with a great deal of humility. At times, perhaps too much humility, but tonight she let herself go and showed her scoring ability in addition to her outstanding playmaking and ball handling.”
--Credit to the Owls: “There’s no question that no program in our league has improved more over the last three years than Bensalem . And honestly, I like their team this year better than any team that they’ve had. That’s a credit to the job that Coach Johnson has done and he has a really good experienced back court in DiMichele, McShane and Bell.”
Up next: Pennsbury (4-3, 2-0 SOL) will travel to Neshaminy on Friday, and Bensalem (1-3, 1-1) will be on the road at Harry S Truman Friday (3:30 pm).
Bensalem 5-8-15-11-4 43
Pennsbury 11-6-15-7-6 45
Bensalem (43) – Talia DiMichele 4 0-2 10; Mary Beck 0 2-2 2; Grace McShane 3 1-2 9; Jordyn Bell 2 0-0 6; Devon Bell 1 0-0 3; Sydney Daut 1 0-0 2; Ariana Jenkins 4 1-1 11; TOTALS 15 4-6 43.
Pennsbury (45) – Emily Panaro 1 3-4 5; Bella Stewart 2 0-1 4; Maggie Burns 2 0-0 4; Sammie Haws 4 0-0 8; Alyssa Thomas 3 3-6 10; Ava Jordan 4 3-4 12; Keira Socha 0 2-2 2; TOTALS 16 11-17 45.
3-point goalls: B – Talia DiMichelle 2, Grace McShane 2, Jordyn Bell 2, Ariana Jenkins 2, Devon Bell; P – Ava Jordan, Alyssa Thomas.
NESHAMINY 33, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 24
The Indians led by three after one quarter, but the Redskins answered with a 12-6 second quarter to go into halftime with a 19-16 lead. Neshaminy went on to outscore the Indians 15-8 in the second half on their way to the win.
Hayley Kolk’s 11 points led the Redskins. Grace Weyler added eight points, Alena Cofield had seven points, six rebounds, three assists and five steals.
Amara Arroyo’s seven points led the Indians.
Key stretch: The Redskins outscored the Indians 26-14 over the final three quarters.
Player of the Game: Hayley Kolk 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks
Neshaminy coach John Gallagher on the game: “After starting each of our previous three games with a fast start and a lead, it was CR North who commanded the first quarter. Megan Reichenbach was a huge catalyst in the first half. In the second quarter, we were able to grab a lead we never gave back.
“Our defense was ‘sleepy’ as assistant coach Megan Gallagher noted at halftime. Auslyn Wilkins gave us very good minutes off the bench this evening and was part of some important baskets and defense. Her versatility allows her to gain additional minutes as she is astute of what we are doing from multiple positions on the floor. 
“Hayley Kolk was a bright spot for us, not only scoring but defending the low post area and being a strong rebounder. Hayley has been our most consistent player through our first four games on both ends of the floor."
--Props: “You have to give Council Rock North players and coaches some props. They have not started the season as well as they would have liked, but you could never tell by their demeanor throughout warmups and into the final seconds of the game. They will make some noise inside our division as the year progresses.”
Up next: Neshaminy (4-0, 2-0 SOL) will travel to Lansdale Catholic for a non-league game Wednesday, and Council Rock North (1-6, 0-2) will travel to Council Rock South Friday (5:30 pm).
Council Rock North 10-6-3-5 24
Neshaminy 7-12-6-8 33
Neshaminy - (33) - Weyler 3 2-2 8, Cofield 3 1-1 7, Duffy 2 0-0 6, Raivitch 0 1-2 1, Kolk 4 1-2 11; TOTALS 12 5-7 33.
CR North - (24) - Skyler Weighl 1 0-0 3, Julia Koval 0 1-2 1, Amara Arroyo 2 1-2 7, Addie Martin 1 0-0 2, Bryn Rogers 0 1-2 1, Alexa Bondra 2 0-0 4, Megan Reichenbach 3 0-0 6; TOTALS - 9 3-6 24.
3 point goals - N - Duffy 2, Kolk 2. CRN - Weighl, Amara Arroyo 2.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 72, HARRY S TRUMAN 22
The Golden Hawks took a 27-6 lead after one quarter and never looked back.
Key stretch: “After a bit of a sluggish start and an early timeout, the girls responded well and turned up the tempo that led to a 27-point opening quarter. We hit five 3s in the frame (Maria Freeman and Fi Reckner two each and Gill Martin had one).
Council Rock South assistant coach Blair Klumpp: “Our depth has really showed the last two games, and the girls are getting a little more comfortable with how we want to play and I think what is expected of them. Coming into a three-game week and being down Lil (Metrick), we didn’t expect one girl to replace what Lil gives us offensively, defensively or leadership-wise, but we knew some girls would respond positively to opportunity.
“Today, our starters did a good job setting the tone early with pace of play after our timeout a minute or so into the game. I thought Fiona, in particular, responded well on both ends after the timeout and showed great leadership.
“And the bench girls have done a really good job the last two nights of providing valuable contributions. Maria Freeman has been playing very well on both ends of the court and playing to her strengths. She’s embraced her role and is playing very well and thriving in it. Gill Martin has been very solid the last two games and played well vs Pennridge. And Annabelle (Kushch) has responded to Coach P looking for more rebounding and physicality.
“Before the season, we felt we could go 9-10 deep, and the girls are showing a great job to buying into what we want to do. The special thing about this group is they are connected from seniors down to freshmen, and I think the upperclassmen as a whole do a great job with that at both varsity and JV.
“We finish out our week with a rivalry game with North heading into winter break - it should be an awesome atmosphere."
--Credit to Tigers: “I also want to point out and give credit to Truman’s new coach. It was obvious she prepared for our players and had a plan; she coached them really well the entire game and the girls played hard. From past experiences, that has not always been the case there, and I thought she did a really good job. Hopefully, her approach is appreciated, and the staff and girls see some growth and results as the year progresses.”
Special shoutout: “With Lil (Metrick’s) injury, it has expanded some roles and minutes and given some opportunities to others, and the girls have all responded. The bench has played really well, and our depth has been what we expected it to be. Three girls scored their first varsity points today - Kacie Donahue, Ruby Bross and Carly Conetta. Our seniors/upperclassmen do such a great job of celebrating and recognizing this, so it was a good moment for this three.”
Up next: Council Rock South (4-3, 1-1 SOL) will host Council Rock North on Friday (5:30 pm), and Harry S Truman (0-4, 0-2) will host Bensalem on Friday.
Harry S Truman 6-7-5-4 22
Council Rock South 27-15-12-18 72
Harry S Truman (22): Niya L 2 0-0 5; Shy M 4 1-3 9; Natune 1 0-0 2; Mckensie 1 0-0 2; Kiera 1 2-2 4; TOTALS 9 3-5 22.
CR South (72): Bella Hettler 4 2-2 10; Sarah Freeman 1 0-0 3; Emerson Gunther 2 0-0 6; Kathryn O’Kane 1 2-2 4; Fiona Reckner 5 0-0 12; Maria Freeman 5 0-0 15; Gillian Martin 3 0-0 8; Ruby Bross 2 0-0 4; Anabelle Kushch 2 0-0 4; Kacie Donahue 2 0-0 4; Conetta 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 28 4-4 72.
3-point goals: HST – Niya; CRS - M. Freeman 5, Gunther 2, Reckner 2, Martin 2, S. Freeman.
SOL Colonial Division
NORTH PENN 46, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 44
Talk about an impressive comeback – this was it.
The Knights trailed for the better part of Tuesday’s game. They were on the short end of 28-19 score at halftime and trailed by as many as 13 in the third quarter.
“South was beating us the whole game,” NP coach Bri Cullen said. “Our first half was pretty ugly.
“We made adjustments on defense, we started to attack the basket a little more. I think our youth sometimes stands out in the fact that we’re just a little nervous. It shows when we’re scared to attack, scared to take shots because we don’t want to miss. I think we put that aside in the second half, and that was nice.”
The Knights allowed just 16 points in the second half while they scored 27. Lily Brown’s nine points led the Knights in the half. The Knights scored 17 points in the fourth quarter – they were 12-for-17 at the foul line in the frame.
“We were attacking hard, but also, it came down to (them) fouling towards the end,” Cullen said.
Players of the Game: Lily Brown’s 16 points led the Knights while senior point guard Cam Crowley added 14, which included six in the fourth quarter and a 4-for-4 effort at the foul line.
North Penn coach Bri Cullen: “I think the biggest piece was everybody bought in. We kind of changed the intensity, and that was our message at halftime – ‘You have to buy in, you have to play with heart and hustle, and you have to have intensity.’ That’s the only thing you can control in the game, so they came out and they did it. It wasn’t just the girls on the court – it was the entire team, and that was a nice adjustment to see.
“I’m so proud of them. This type of experience you can’t provide any other way.”
--Crowley provides leadership: “Cam Crowley, who has been in these situations multiple times in her four years, knew exactly what to do. She stepped up huge as a senior, and everyone just followed that lead.”
Up next: North Penn (3-3, 2-0 SOL) will host Pennridge on Friday, and Central Bucks South (3-4, 0-2) will host Central Bucks West on Friday.
Central Bucks South 16-12-9-7 44
North Penn 13-6-10-17 46
Central Bucks South (44) – Ella Wheeler 3 0-0 6; Jules Tropea 3 4-8 10; Mia Klein 4 4-6 13; Gabby Tropea 3 3-4 9; Anna Granito 1 0-0 3; Megan Schmidt 1 0-0 3; 15 11-18 44.
North Penn (46) – Cam Crowley 4 5-6 14; Lily McGee 0 3-4 3; Lily Brown 5 4-6 16; Leah Mikulski 2 2-3 6; Jadyn Sperling 0 1-2 1; Lailani Williams 1 0-0 2; Tallie Smink 1 1-2 4; TOTALS 13 16-23 46.
3-point goals: CBS – Mia Klein, Anna Granito, Megan Schmidt; NP – Lily Brown 2, Cam Crowley, Tallie Smink.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 49, PENNRIDGE 38
The Patriots – behind 10 points from Jess Lockwood – opened up a 16-7 lead after one quarter and took a 31-17 lead into halftime.
The Rams – sparked by nine third-quarter points from Ella Brown - didn’t go down quietly, outscoring the Patriots 17-7 in the third quarter to pull to within four, 38-34. The Patriots turned up their defense in the fourth quarter, holding the Lady Rams to just one field goal and four points while they scored 11. Haley Moran had six points, including a 4-for-4 effort at the foul line. Emma Penecale added five points, including a clutch 3-pointer.
Key stretch: The Patriots set the tone with a big first quarter.
Key players: Jess Lockwood led the Patriots with 15 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Haley Moran added 14 points and six steals. Emma Penecale had a pair of baskets in the pivotal fourth quarter.
Pennridge’s Ella Brown led all scorers with 26 points – 15 in the second half.
Central Bucks East coach Liz Potash: “We’re happy to get a win tonight after a third quarter comeback from Pennridge. Ella Brown is so tough to defend but proud of our grit to dig down and pull out the win tonight.”
--Props: “Jess Lockwood, Haley Moran, and Emma Penecale led us offensively and Jess was very disruptive in our full court pressure. Haley (Moran) had six assists with some timely passes to set teammates up for layups. She’s doing a tremendous job leading us.”
Pennridge coach Jason Rapp: “We got down early - their press gave us some issues. They forced us into 10 turnovers, and Lockwood hit a few 3s on the other end and we gave them some easy buckets.
“Third quarter we came out with some more toughness and were able to cut it to four at the end of the third. Unfortunately, in the fourth, we were 1-for-8 from the floor and couldn’t get any closer.
--Credit to Patriots: “East is a really good team. Give them credit. Liz and her staff always have them prepared and they some really talented players.”
Up next: Central Bucks East (4-1, 2-0 SOL) will travel to Souderton Friday, and Pennridge (4-2, 1-1) will be on the road at Faith Christian Academy for a non-league game Thursday.
Central Bucks East 16-15-7-11 49
Pennridge 7-10-17-4 38
Central Bucks East (49) – Sydney Ralph 1 0-0 2; Haley Moran 5 4-4 14; Emma Penecale 4 1-2 10; Natalie Berndt 3 0-0 6; Savannah Hayes 1 0-0 2; Jess Lockwood 6 0-0 15; TOTALS 20 5-6 49
Pennridge (38) – Ella Brown 10 4-7 26; Emily DeHaven 1 0-0 3; Samantha Murphy 1 2-2 5; Layla Verbit 1 2-5 4; TOTALS 13 8-14 38.
3-point goals: CBE – Jess Lockwood 3, Emma Penacole; P – Ella Brown 2, Emily DeHaven, Samantha Murphy.
SOUDERTON 46, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 45
For the second time in as many days, the Indians won a nail biter, and this one was special, representing Souderton’s first win in SOL Colonial Division play in two years.
“We didn’t win a single game in the Colonial Division last year – we were 0-10,” Souderton coach Lynn Carroll said. “They’re so thrilled, they’re so excited, and they should be. They deserve it.
“They worked really hard since last season. To be here at 6-2 a few weeks into the season given where we were last year, I’m just really happy for them.”
The Indians trailed by four at the end of one quarter, and it was a 24-21 game at the intermission. Souderton took the lead with a 14-8 third quarter to go on top 35-32 heading into the final frame. Sophomore Julia Purvy was the catalyst, scoring nine points in the frame that included a 3-pointer.
“It came down to foul shots, for sure, and we made just enough,” Carroll said. “At one point, we stretched it to six.
“We got scoring from both Julia Purvy and Emily Dick throughout the game, but Julia kind of took over in the second half. She was just dribbling between people, finishing at the basket, weaving in and out, finding space where there didn’t appear to be space. She was getting banged round, beaten up, but she played tough, very tough.”
The Indians led by four when – with time winding down – the Bucks buried a 3-pointer to trim their lead to one.
Key players: Julia Purvy led the Indians with 15 points while Emily Dick added 12 points and four rebounds.
By the numbers: Madison Bealer had six rebounds and five assists. Olivia Herron had three assists.
For the Bucks, Peyton Cramer led the way with 12 points while Addy Fay added 11, and Audra Lawson had nine.
Souderton coach Lynn Carroll: “It was one of those games where we got enough stops and we made enough foul shots, but it was close from start to finish. We did start to pull away, but West battled back and forced us to turn the ball over a few times, and they converted on a couple of those turnovers, and they cut it to two with under a minute.
“Julia (Purvy) got fouled and made 1 of 2, then Liz got fouled and made 1 of 2.”
--Dick provides leadership: “They’re young, but we have leadership like Emily Dick. She is consistently scoring for us, she’s turned into a really good leader for this team. We don’t win all these games without what she’s given us on the court every night. And what Julia is given us on the court every night.
“Up and down the roster, we’re getting contributions. These wins are a group effort for sure. I’m happy for them.”
--Bealer gets defensive: “Madison Bealer play (Scarlett) Baumgardner for most of the game and held her to four points. I really like that kid – I think she can play, and Madison battled all game with her.”
--Props: “Liz (Word) again had a great game for us off the bench. She hit a 3 in the first half. In the fourth quarter, she had a steal and converted the layup.
“At the end of the game, she was fouled. We were in the bonus. We were up three, and she made 1 of 2 to put us up four with six seconds left to put the game away. Then they hit a 3 at the buzzer.”
Up next: Central Bucks West (1-6, 0-2 SOL) will be on the road at Central Bucks South Friday, and Souderton (6-2, 1-1) will host Central Bucks East Friday.
Souderton 8-13-14-11 46
Central Bucks West 12-12-8-13 45
Souderton (46) – Julia Purvy 4 6-10 15; Olivia Herron 2 1-1 5; Madison Bealer 1 0-0 2; Liz Word 2 1-2 5; Alaina Picard 2 0-0 6; Emily Dick 5 2-2 12; TOTALS 16 10-15 46.
Central Bucks West (45) – Erica Madden 2 0-0 4; Peyton Cramer 5 0-0 12; Addy Fay 5 0-0 11; Audra Lawson 4 0-0 9; Scarlett Baumgardner 2 0-0 4; Janelle Blokker 0 2-2 2; TOTALS 18 2-2 45.
3-point goals: S – Alaina Picard 2, Julia Purvy, Liz Word; CBW – Peyton Cramer 2, Addy Fay, Audra Lawson.
SOL Liberty Division
UPPER DUBLIN 67, ABINGTON 45
The Cardinals led by just two after one quarter but extended that to 30-20 at halftime.
Emilia Coleman scored 14 of her game-high 22 points in the pivotal third quarter that put the game out of reach.
Key players: Emilia Coleman (22 points, 10 rebounds), Tamia Clark (18 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists), Ella Miller (12 points – four 3s, 5 assists), Megan Ngo (8 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists), Bridget DiMartile (8 rebounds, 3 blocks).
For the Ghosts, Maya Johnson had 17 points and 10 assists while Aniyah Williams had 16 points and four rebounds.
Upper Dulbin coach Morgan Funsten: “Any time we play Abington, we know it’s going to be a big rivalry game, and we came and played with great energy all night. Our decision making was a bit off in the first half, and we had nine turnovers at halftime. We cleaned things up.”
--Props: “Emilia got hot in the third quarter with 14 points in the quarter. She also defended (Mikiaya) Durham, and she’s a girl who hurt us a ton last year, and I thought Emilia did a great job of getting in her space.
“Tamia was a monster on the boards and has played really well these last couple of games. Ella Morris is a perfect complement to the surrounding players and went 4-for-4 from 3-point range.
“Megan Ngo is looking more healthy each game and it’s fun to watch her get more comfortable out there. Great team win and another balanced scoring effort.”
Abington coach Allison Lawson: “We played really well in the first half, communicating on defense and finding the open spots and players on offense.
“We came out flat in the third quarter and Coleman found her shot and couldn’t miss. I think we did a good job containing her and Ngo the first half.
“I am proud of the way we played today, even if it’s not the outcome we hoped for.”
Up next: Upper Dublin (5-1, 2-0 SOL) will be on the road at Lower Moreland for a non-league game Thursday, and Abington (2-4, 1-1) will host Wissahickon on Friday (1:30 pm).
Abington 13-7-11-14 45
Upper Dublin 15-15-29-8 67
Abington (45) -Maya Johnson 7 1-5 17; Mikiaya Durham1 1-3 3; Shya Crafton 2 0-1 4; Hailey Hernandez 1 0-0 2; Vanessa Griffin 1 0-0 2; Arianna Lipford 0 1-2 1; Aniyah Williams 5 4-4 16; TOTALS 17 7-15 45.
Upper Dublin (67) – Bridget DiMartile 1 0-0 2; Tamia Clark 6 6-6 18; Megan Ngo 2 3-4 8; Lexi Ngo 1 0-0 2; Emilia Coleman 7 3-4 22; Kaitlyn Zacharia 1 0-0 3; Ella Morris 4 0-0 12; TOTALS 22 12-14 67.
3-point goals: A – Maya Johnson 2, Aniyah Williams 2; UD – Emilia Coleman 5, Ella Miller 4; Kaitlyn Zacharia, Megan Ngo.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 54, WISSAHICKON 16
The Colonials led 12-10 after one quarter and then limited the Trojans to just six points the rest of the way. A 16-4 second quarter sent the Colonials into halftime with a 28-14 lead, and they allowed just two points in the second half.
Key players: Eliza Meersman led the Colonials with 18 points and six rebounds. AJ Avery added 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Plymouth Whitemarsh Dan Dougherty: “Another sloppy start by us, but the girls got it together in the second quarter. Eliza Meersman’s three 3-pointers were a big lift. In the second half we shortened the rotation a little, kept the pressure and tempo up and didn’t allow a point until under a minute to go. The whole team played great; total team win.”
Wissahickon coach Kathie Sims: “The girls played hard against a tough PW team. They never gave up. Our shots just weren’t falling tonight. Julia Littieri and Lydia Schultz each had four points, and Maura Jacob had five rebounds.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-0, 1-0 SOL) will travel to Hatboro-Horsham on Thursday, and Wissahickon (2-5, 0-2) will be on the road at Abington on Friday (1:30 pm).
Wissahickon 10-4-0-2 16
Plymouth Whitemarsh 12-16-24-2 54
Wissahickon (16) – Katelyn Thomson 1 1-2 3; Kai Potter 10-0 2; Julia Lettieri 2 0-0 4; Lydia Schultz 2 0-0 4; Ava Stout 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 7 1-2 16.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (54) – Joslyn Perez 1 5-6 8; Olivia Patete 0 1-2 1; AJ Avery 4 3-4 12; McKenna Winland 1 1-2 3; Mia Baron 2 0-0 5; Eliza Meersman 7 1-2 18; Brooke Peduzzi 0 4-4 4; Grace Harvey 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 16 15-20 54
3-point goals: W – Ava Stout; PW – Eliza Meersman 3, Joslyn Perez, AJ Avery, Mia Baron, Grace Harvey.
SOL Freedom Division
CHELTENHAM 65, WILLIAM TENNENT 37
Maya Simmons was on fire.
The Lady Panthers’ guard erupted for 27 points, leading Cheltenham to a decisive win that underscores the fact that the Lady Panthers will be heard from this season.
Simmons had plenty of help. Jiah Price added 14 points and 10 rebounds whil Zoe Thompson also had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Key stretch: The Lady Panthers, who led 14-9 after one quarter, took a 26-16 lead into halftime, and then blew the game wide open with a 27-15 third quarter burst.
Key players: Maya Simmons (27 points, 3 assists), Jiah Price (14 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals), Zoe Thompson (12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 steals), Cassie Bugg (8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists), Paige Powell (6 points, 3 assists, 4 steals, 1block).
For Tennent, Avery Kocur had 14 points and six rebounds.
Cheltenham coach Monique ‘Mo’ Boykins: “The girls are playing together, they’re learning to buy in and trust.
“Paige (Powell) and Maya (Simmons), our front court, is really, really good. We have a really good front court defense.
“Zoe Thompson is a really good defender for us. She’s a forward and played very strong. Jiah (Price) – our bigs really got after it.
“Today Jiah, Marguerite (Reimer) and also Zoe – they bought into what I’m selling, and they dug deep and boxed out. They worked hard and communicated with each other.
“No one played selfishly, and the biggest thing is the buy in – getting them to understand that every last person is valuable on their team. I really enjoy coaching them. Today, I really loved watching them develop. I love coaching them every day, but today it really showed the growth and mindset, and everybody is starting to dig deep.
“Our conditioning is starting to get better. We shot the ball with no fear today, not second guessing. We also played disciplined and just did what it takes to get a team win. Our bench was very explosive. We had a lot of energy from the bench, which I call the sixth man. Our forwards – I call them the sanitation crew because they’re the bigs, and they pick up the trash. They weren’t afraid today to pick up the trash and get some big putbacks for us.”
Up next: William Tennent (2-3, 1-1 SOL) will host MaST Charter in a non-league game Thursday (5:30 pm), and Cheltenham (3-1, 2-0) will travel to Upper Moreland on Thursday.
Cheltenham 14-12-27-12 65
William Tennent 9-7-15-6 37
Cheltenham (65) – Jiah Price 14, Paige Powell 6, Maya Simmons 27, Cassie Bugg 8, Zoe Thompson 10.
William Tennent (37) – Megan Catoni 2, Aubrey Lynch 2, Linsey Catoni 5, Olivia Urban 3, Avery Kocur 14, Halie Staub 4, Megan Volz 7.
3-point fiel goals: WT – Avery Kocur 2, Lindsey Catoni, Olivia Urban; C – Maya Simmons.
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 40, UPPER MORELAND 29
It was another war between a pair of teams who are used to battling it out in the SOL Freedom, and it was the Lions earning the win, their fifth of the season without a loss.
It wasn’t one big quarter that was the difference but rather the Lions’ consistency in winning all four quarters.
New Hope-Solebury, which had an 8-5 lead after one quarter, took a 17-11 lead into halftime. Izzy Elizondo’s eight points – which included a pair of 3s – led the Lions in the half. NH-S added to its lead with a 14-10 third quarter. Again, Elizondo was a catalyst, scoring seven points. The Lions closed it out with a 9-8 fourth.
Players of the game: Izzy Elizondo’s 17 points, which included three 3s, led the Lions. Emily Wilson had nine points, and Kayla Fennell had eight.
UM’s Mike Lancit shared game scoring honors with Elizondo, scoring 17 points – 12 in the second half.
New Hope-Solebury coach Andy Krasna: “It was a strong defensive effort from both teams this afternoon, but in the end, we were able to convert some timely shots to keep Upper Moreland at bay.
“Mikel Lancit was outstanding on both ends of the floor for Upper Moreland. We had no answer for her even when sharpshooter Lianna Adames got into foul trouble and was off the floor. However, our overall defensive effort allowed us to maintain a small lead in the first half. Our patience in the second half, coupled with good decision making extended the lead in the third quarter and gave us some breathing room.
--Props: “Izzy Elizondo was feeling it today, and we did a great job of finding her quickly for open shots. She finished with 17 points and played with tremendous confidence and poise.
“Emily Wilson had the difficult assignment of covering Lianna Adames, holding her to three points, which was key to our game planning. Emily saw lots of double teaming and full court pressure, but she changed her speed and direction on a dime, so defenders found it hard to turn her over.
“Junior Kayla Fennell was super today too. She is playing under control and making huge contributions. She sank two timely free-throws in the fourth quarter to help extend our lead.
“Freshman Danielle Wilson came into the game late when the full court pressure was intense, and her composure was impressive. We saw her athleticism during the field hockey season, but today we saw it on the hardwood. It was fun seeing two Wilsons on the floor together. I joked at a timeout that two Wilsons playing at the same time is better than one.”
Up next: New Hope-Solebury (5-0, 2-0) will travel to Lower Moreland Friday (3:30 pm), and Upper Moreland (5-3, 0-2) will host Cheltenham Thursday.
Upper Moreland 5-6-10-8 29
New Hope-Solebury 8-9-14-9 40
Upper Moreland (29) – Mikel Lancit 8 0-0 17; Charlie Clemens 2 0-0 4; Hailey Kramer 0 1-4 1; Lianna Adames 1 0-0 3; Marie Myers 2 0-0 4; TOTALS 13 1-4 29
New Hope-Solebury (40) – Danielle Wilson 1 0-0 2; Kayla Fennell 3 2-2 8; Izzy Elizondo 5 4-4 17; Emily Wilson 3 1-2 9; Jamies Gugger 0 1-2 1; Mary Tresler 0 1-2 1; Ella Dudick 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 13 9-12 40.
3-point goals: UM – Mikel Lancit, Lianna Adames; NH-S – Izzy Elizondo 3, Emily Wilson 2.
LOWER MORELAND 79, SPRINGFIELD TWP 51
Scoring points was not a problem for either team in Tuesday’s SOL Freedom matchup as the two teams combined for 130 points.
The Lions, who led 19-15 after one quarter, took a 36-24 lead into halftime. Dani Brusha jumpstarted the Lions with 11 first-quarter points, which included three 3-pointers.
It was more of the same in the second half. The two teams exchanged baskets in the third quarter, and the Lions put the finishing touches on the big win with a 23-point fourth quarter.
Key stretch: The Lions took a double-digit lead in a 17-point second quarter and never looked back.
Key players: Dani Brusha’s 20 points – which included five 3-pointers – led a potent LM attack that put three players in double figures. Briana McFerran added 18 – 9 points in each half and was tasked with doing battle with Springfield’s Ava Culler. Emma DiJoseph had a breakout game, burying three 3-pointers and scoring 17 points.
Springfield junior Ava Culler led all scorers with 26 points – 15 points in a 19-point third quarter.
Lower Moreland coach Rich Becker: “There's something about playing at Springfield that brings out the best in our shooting and competitiveness. This is the second straight year we've scored over 70 at their gym. Tonight, we won 79-51, last year it was 76-61. It was also the second year in a row that the game was MUCH more competitive than the final score would indicate. The difference in the game was that we were able to go on a run in both the second and fourth quarters.
Compliments to Springfield: “They really battled us. Other than runs in the second and fourth quarters, it was back and forth. Dave (Giordano) has them playing well, they're a tough matchup.
“Even at full strength, we're undersized. This is our third game in a row without Mady Rossiter, our starting center. Knowing that Ava Cullen is an absolute beast, we made the decision to take advantage of our guard play and force the tempo, and that seemed to work for us. We were able to get shots in rhythm. and we were fortunate that our perimeter shots were falling.”
--Key moments: “In the second and fourth quarters, our tempo started to take its toll, and we were able to force some turnovers.”
--Props: “Emma DiJoseph was able to get on track offensively. To start the year, her shots were straight and looked good, they were just a little off. Last game, she made a few, and tonight she was back to the player we expect her to be.”
--More props: Briana McFerran really played tough inside. Ava Cullen is a tough match up, and despite her 26 points and probably just as many rebounds, Bri continued to battle.
Up next: Lower Moreland (3-2, 1-1 SOL) will host Upper Dublin in a non-league game Thursday, and Springfield Twp (2-4, 0-2) will host William Tennent on Friday.
Lower Moreland 19-17-20-23 79
Springfield Twp 15-9-19-8 51
Lower Moreland (79) – Brianna McFerran 8 1-2 18; Dani Brusha 6 3-3 20; Emma DiJoseph 7 0-0 17; Mollie Martin 3 0-0 8; Maddy Rossiter 0 1-2 1; Nikki Sahl 1 0-0 3; Maddie Broderick 1 0-0 2; Keira Huber 2 1-1 5; Haylee Huber 1 0-0 3; Olivia Fey 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 30 6-8 79.
Springfield Twp (51) – Julia Guicheteau 0 2-2 2; Keira Brandon 4 3-3 11; Ava Culler 11 4-8 26; Chloe Kaczor 2 0-0 4; Caitlin Lewis 1 2-2 4; Olivia Beck 1 0-0 2; Karly Hartman 1 0-0 2; 20 11-15 51.
3-point goals: LM – Dani Brusha 5, Emma DiJoseph 3, Maddy Rossiter 2, Brianna McFerran, Nikki Sahl, Haylee Huber.
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