Central Bucks South and Upper Dublin will meet in an All-SOL PIAA 6A state title game on Tuesday in Hershey. Check back for a complete recap of all the action.
When Central Bucks South defeated Upper Dublin 30-24 in the season opener for both teams on Dec. 8, it’s a safe bet no one anywhere would have predicted that the two teams would meet again on the final day of the season with a state title at stake.
But that’s exactly what happened, and in a testament to the unpredictability and beauty of sports, two teams that did not win a championship during the regular season - Central Bucks South and Upper Dublin - will be meeting in Tuesday’s PIAA 6A state title game at the Giant Center in Hershey (6 p.m.).
“You’re going to have two hungry teams on Tuesday night,” UD coach Morgan Funsten said. “Whoever loses this game is going to look back on this season as a historic season, and there’s no arguing that whoever loses, this is going to be a season none of us ever forgets, but if you want to be mean about it, you could say whoever loses this game won nothing this year, and for that reason, both of these teams are going to be hungry.”
The two squads have something else in common, something more important than the drive for a title, and that something is good chemistry. The players genuinely like each other and it shows in their teamwork on the court, and for those who think chemistry doesn’t matter, both squads insist it is one of the main reasons they are still playing.
Flying Cardinals soaring to new heights
Upper Dublin’s season was hanging in the balance after a 37-34 loss to Council Rock North in the second round of the District One 6A Tournament. It was do or die for the Cardinals, and coach Morgan Funsten, for one, wasn’t ready to see the season end.
“Going into the season, we thought we had one of the most talented teams ever,” the Cardinals’ coach said. “Going through the regular season and not winning any close games – we didn’t win any game by single digits. In four of our five losses this season, we had fourth quarter leads. We were just unable to close out games.”
That included the Cardinals’ loss to Council Rock North, so Funsten called a meeting with his coaches and senior captains Maggie Weglos and Nicole Kaiser.
“We pretty much decided that we needed to play for each other more than we had,” Funsten said. “We thought there were times we were playing for ourselves and individual accolades.”
That meeting with coaches and captains was followed by a team meeting – led by Weglos and Kaiser – that changed everything.
“We talked to our team and put the game and our season in perspective,” Weglos said. “We just told them this (Haverford playback game) could possibly be our last game of the season, and for us seniors – all four of us – it’s our last game playing ever.
“We just said we needed to play with all we had and give everything we got, and I think that really clicked with the girls. Not to mention all the hard work we do in practice just preparing for everything. I think it just made them want it more because we told them we have a real special team and this season was probably one of our most talented teams.”
The Cardinals went out and thumped Haverford 52-19, marking the beginning of the team’s magical postseason run. They went on to defeat Central Bucks East (55-34) and Perk Valley (47-44) to finish ninth in the district. And that was just the beginning.
“At the time, we hadn’t qualified for states,” said Funsten, whose UD squad finished second to Plymouth Whitemarsh in the SOL American Conference. “But these two captains who had qualified for states their first three seasons and they had a ton of success – they were part of two league championships and made the second round of states twice in their three years, so they kind of knew what it took to get to where we needed to be.
“I thought that was the time we became one team, and no longer did we worry about the individual stuff.”
The Flying Cardinals roster boasts an interesting mix of veterans and rookies with a pair of freshmen – Dayna Balasa and Jess Polin – playing major roles.
“We always try and do a lot of bonding stuff, and I think as the season went on we were with each other six days out of the week, and we just really like hanging out with each other,” Weglos said. “All the girls are so easy to get along with, and we just genuinely like to hang out with each other.
“Nicole and I both know coming from being freshmen on varsity it’s a really hard transition so to have older people who know the game and know how things go – for them to help the younger girls get better situated and make them feel more welcome is just making the experience better.”
For those who think chemistry is overrated, Weglos would beg to differ.
“I think that’s the difference between a good team and a great team,” the UD captain said. “If your girls are all together and you have good team chemistry, that’s what makes it so much more enjoyable, and that’s what makes you want to work even harder and keep going farther.
“Our team - we don’t base each other on points scored or who does what. We’re all just really for each other. We’re all really happy for whoever does well that night. We know everyone’s strengths. The bench this year has been amazing. They’re so supportive, they give everything they’ve got, and they’re just as prepared as the people that do play.
“We all just get along really well, and I think that’s all you can ask for. It’s made this season so much more special because of how close we are. This run in states has been amazing, but it’s not only the girls that play, it’s also the bench and the coaches and our fans especially. They come to everything. They’ve been amazing.”
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Nicole Kaiser didn’t plan to spend her Tuesday – or any day this week - in Hershey. The senior captain was scheduled to be in the United Kingdom as part of a British Exchange program.
“That’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but she would never miss this game,” Weglos said. “She just has put in so much time and so much effort, and she’s developed so much as a player. She deserves this.”
Kaiser has rescheduled her flight plans will leave for the UK on Wednesday.
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It’s safe to say that Funsten and his players have a little score to settle with CB South, and it’s not just the season-opening loss the Cardinals will be looking to avenge.
“In my six years at Upper Dublin, we are 0-6 against CB South,” Funsten said. “We’ve seen them a ton, and we’ve had no success, but at the same time, I’ve never rooted for a team that’s beaten us up as much as CB South has because I think they play the game the right way.
“They don’t have a cockiness about them. Some teams have a cockiness about them, but they just play, and they play really well. Their role players are so good at performing their roles. Some teams are going to look at their role players and say – how is this team as good as they are? They just go out and play.”
Titans’ enjoying a postseason to remember together
Spend a few minutes with the Titans away from the basketball court, and it’s abundantly clear – this is a team that enjoys each other’s company. A whole lot.
“They just really truly like each other,” coach Beth Mattern said. “They’re good friends and just have a (1).jpg)
chemistry that is fantastic.
“There’s laughter at practice. Their inside jokes don’t get old. They love to tell their stories. They’re just so much fun to be around, and they just enjoy being with each other.”
With a few minutes to kill before practice begins on Monday, the players are huddled around a laptop, watching a video senior Maddie McShane made that was intended for Sunday night’s end-of-season banquet. Often they burst into laughter, and as if on cue, they break into song.
It’s called good chemistry, and it’s apparent to even the most casual observer.
“It’s just amazing,” said junior Alexa Brodie. “You can’t really put it into words. This team has been so close ever since the first day of practice, really the first day of open gyms.
“A year from now we’re not going to remember individual games, individual practices. We’re going to think about those little moments that made you laugh, and with this team, we’re laughing a lot, so there’s a lot to remember about this team. That’s the biggest takeaway from this year. We still have a huge opportunity ahead of us, and we’re going to try and make the most of it, but there’s a lot to take away from this year. It’s been a really special one.”
The season has not been without its disappointments – three of the Titans’ four losses came at the hands of Souderton, forcing them to settle for second place behind the Indians in the battle for the SOL Continental Conference crown, the SOL Tournament title and the District One championship. The district title game – a 52-48 loss in triple overtime – was especially heartbreaking.
But this is a team with remarkable powers of recovery.
“We were sad on the bus ride for 15 minutes, and then after that, we were laughing and singing,” McShane said.
It’s all part of a unique camaraderie the players share.
“Our chemistry has played a huge role in our success this season,” senior Mackenzie Ehresman said. “We are definitely best friends on and off the court. If someone is having a bad day, you know someone else is going to pick them up.
“We just play every game as a team, and we support each other. No matter what’s going on – say you have a bad game or you’re not doing your best. You always know your teammate is going to be there to pick you up. We know every time we step on the court each and everyone of us is going to give all that we have for each other.”
“I think the secret is it’s just engrained in the girls themselves,” Mattern said. “This group of seniors – it’s two, three years in a row that we’ve had this same kind of senior leadership.
“I think that has passed down from generations, but then you also have these genuinely nice, great kids who have those same qualities and together they are just a special bunch. They truly accept each other for who they are. Their flaws, their greatness – whatever it may be as individuals and players, they are okay with it, they accept it and just know how to work with it, and they just love each other for it.”
The Titans’ roster boasts an unusual mix with three of its players – McShane, Ehresman and Lindsay Scott - key members of the soccer team. McShane also plays softball.
“A lot of people when you’re younger are like – choose one,” said Ehresman, who has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Saint Joseph’s University. “I was young and I loved them both. I’m so glad I continued with it because I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“It’s unbelievable. Sometimes there are no words that you can even think of. A lot of people have dreamed of this opportunity, and it’s no different for me and my teammates. It’s always in your mind thinking, ‘We just want to keep going the furthest we can,’ and to actually be happening is unreal. It’s once in a lifetime.”
The Titans’ season didn’t have a turning point, and the players could have been discouraged with their runner-up finishes, but they never were. At least not for long.
“They do things that teams that are on the same page do,” Mattern said. “Is there talent there? Absolutely.
“That combination of talent and athleticism is a great starting point, but I think what’s setting them apart from teams in the past is the special bond they have with each other.”
On Tuesday, the Titans will board a charter bus for Hershey. Natalie DiSandro will have her UE Boom wireless speaker charged, and they will listen to the five songs that are a must-play before every game. It will be a lot like every road trip they’ve taken before, but this will be their final trip together, a fact that is beginning to hit home.
“It actually hit me last night that tomorrow is our last game,” senior Haley Meinel said. “I Snapchatted with Maddie (McShane), and I was crying.
“It hit me – oh my god, tomorrow is our last practice.”
And much like their opponents, the Titans’ only regret is that a special season is coming to an end.
(1-2) CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH vs (1-9) UPPER DUBLIN at Hershey (Tuesday, March 27, 6 p.m.
Central Bucks South
- 28-4 overall
- 10-2 SOL Continental Conference second place
- Lost to Souderton 48-29 in SOL Tournament title game
- District One 6A runner-up after falling to top-ranked Souderton 52-48 in triple overtime.
- Program’s first ever trip to the state final
- Three of four losses this season were to Souderton
- Led offensively by Jefferson University-bound senior Haley Meinel (14.7 ppg) and junior point guard Alexa Brodie (12.6 ppg). Meinel, who surpassed the 1,000-point mark, is the program’s all-time leading scorer.
- Titans defeated Upper Dublin 30-24 on Dec. 8.
- Coach Beth Mattern says: “I think it’s fun and speaks volumes for the Suburban One League that we have two teams in the state finals. It’s going to obviously be a great challenge because they play great defense, and we pride ourselves on our defensive effort. We’ll see who breaks first.”
- How they got here: In last Monday’s state semifinal, Central Bucks South upended District 7 champion North Allegheny 52-49. Alexa Brodie’s 22 points led the Titans while Haley Meinel and Lindsay Scott both added 11. All of Scott’s points came in the fourth quarter.
- In a quarterfinal game, Central Bucks South raced out of the gate to a 12-0 lead on its way to a 60-40 win over #11-4 William Allen. Haley Meinel, who had 11 first-quarter points, ignited the Titans with 25 points. Lindsay Scott added 11.
- In a second round game, Central Bucks South defeated #1-7 Council Rock North 48-31. Alexa Brodie led the Titans with 16, and Haley Meinel added 13 points.
- In an opening round game, CB South defeated #3-5 Cedar Cliff 43-40. Hailey Meinel, who became the program’s all-time leading scorer, led the Titans with 18 points. Alexa Brodie added 11 points.
Upper Dublin
- 25-5 overall
- 12-2 SOL American Conference second place behind Plymouth Whitemarsh
- Young Cardinals are led by sophomore Jackie Vargas (11.4 ppg,, 7.0 rpg ), senior Nicole Kaiser (10.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and freshman Dayna Balasa (8.6 ppg)
- Balasa has 69 three-pointers while Maggie Weglos (27), Jess Polin (23) and Kaiser (17) also can burn teams from long range.
- Program’s first ever trip to state finals
- Coach Morgan Funsten says: “Their best qualify as a team is their defense, and I would probably say the same about our team, but if you look at our styles of defense, our styles are very different. I would say both of us pride ourselves on our defense. They’re leaning a lot on their senior leadership as are we. I think we have a little more balance offensively than they do, but you’re talking about the all-time leading goal scorer (Haley Meinel), and I really do think Alexa Brodie is the best player in the state because of everything she brings. She’s just such a winner. I’m telling my younger guards – just watch her. Number one, so we can get her tendencies down for our game Tuesday night, but also so they can learn how to be a better leader and how to control the game.”
- How they got here: In last Monday’s semifinal, Upper Dublin upset #1-1 Souderton 26-25. The Indians scored just 14 points over the final three quarters after scoring 11 in the first. Jackie Vargas led all scorers with 11 points.
- In a quarterfinal contest, Upper Dublin edged #1-5 Abington 36-31. The nine-point effort of Jackie Vargas led the Cardinals, who connected on 10-of-11 from the foul line.
- In a second round contest, Upper Dublin knocked off #1-3 Garnet Valley 39-29. The Cardinals used a 17-0 second-half tear to turn a 22-16 deficit into a 33-22 lead. Dayna Balasa buried four threes and led the Cards with 14 points. Jackie Vargas added 10.
- In an opening round shocker, Upper Dublin defeated #12-1 Cardinal O’Hara 42-35 in double overtime. Senior Maggie Weglos (13 points) and freshman Jess Polin (12 points) led the Cardinals.
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