Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ basketball teams in action Friday. Bensalem/Pennsbury photos provided courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports' GIRLS' BASKETBALL GALLERIES.
To view the latest SOL standings, click on the following link: https://suburbanonesports.com/standings/16
SOL Patriot Division
BENSALEM 40, PENNSBURY 35
It was a good night to be an Owl.
The visiting Owls did what no Patriot Division team had done this season when they handed the Falcons their first loss in division play.
“This is gnormous – it’s really big,” Bensalem coach Steve Johnson said. “The story of the game was never giving up. One possession at a time. Previous successes, previous failures do not determine what’s going to happen on the next play.
“Honestly, just to show that we can compete – we don’t have to win. Just to show we can put an effort in that could give us
a chance to win in the fourth quarter. Years past, I don’t think that was really the case, but our girls are starting to believe.”
The Falcons – sparked by 10 points from Sammie Haws – led 18-16 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Owls made their move. Grace McShane buried a pair of 3-pointers and scored eight points as the Owls outscored their hosts 13-7 to go into the final quarter with a 29-25 advantage.
They sealed the win with some clutch foul shooting, burying 6 of 7 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter. McShane had eight points in the quarter, which included a three-point play and a two-for-two effort at the foul line. Mary Beck was 2-for-2 at the line, and Mischa Ellzy connected on 1 of 2, and the Owls had the big win.
Key players: On a night when points were not easy to come by for either side, Mary McShane stole the spotlight, leading all scorers with 23 points, which included four 3s. She had 16 points in the second half.
For the Falcons, Sammie Haws and Joley Hohman both had 12 points.
Bensalem coach Steve Johnson:
--Props: “Kamiya Alexander had a monster game. She’s a sophomore who comes off the bench for us, and she had a tremendous game defensively – help defense, on-ball defense. She had a huge 3 in the third quarter, a tremendous shot. Mary Beck had a couple big foul shots in the second half.
“Jordyn Bell’s game won’t show up in the box score. She played about 30 minutes, and she does all the little things that help a team be successful – talking on defense, picking your teammates up when they miss a shot or have a turnover. She’s just the ultimate team player, and I’m so happy I get to coach her for another year.
“Sydney Daut, a junior, got timely buckets along with huge rebounds. Same thing with her – she had really strong rotations on defense. The last two days of practice, we really just focused on defense, forcing them to drive and kick, kind of taking away the drive because in our previous game, they
killed us with points in the paint.
“Mischa Ellzy is another sophomore – her defense was insane. She played great defense and had two big foul shots in the fourth quarter. She played great on-ball defense, she did her assignments in help defense. She played really, really strong for us.
“And last but not least, Grace McShane. I don’t know what else to say about Grace McShane. She is aces. That’s really all I can say. She stepped up as a senior leader to show our girls that we can win these games. She made huge buckets throughout the game and two foul shots to seal the game at the end. I’m really proud of her. Her leadership skills continue to flourish as the season progresses. We were talking to the team at halftime, and she kind of took over. The last couple minutes of the halftime, she took over and talked to the girls about where they should be defensively.
“As a coach, I let it happen because that’s just a beautiful thing to see. I’m a big believer in peer-to-peer leadership over coach-to-kid leadership, and she showed that. Grace is stepping up as a leader. That just means so much to me seeing her grow from a from a lanky freshman to a still lanky senior, but her basketball skills have grown, her leadership skills from junior to senior year have taken a huge leap. And I’m just really proud of her and our team in general.”
--Tip of the hat to Pennsbury: “I’ve got to give kudos to Pennsbury. They run a beautiful program. It was LFE (Lady Falcons Elite) Night, which is their feeder program night, and it was a tremendous atmosphere. I probably counted 50 LFE girls that are going to be future Pennsbury basketball players. They come into their high school program, and they know how to play.
“It’s just a great environment for the girls, playing in front of all those kids. All those little girls look up to the high school kids like they’re superstars. It was an awesome atmosphere to play in front of.”
--Shoutout to the bench: “I’m really proud of our team in general. Our bench energy – we had girls who played zero seconds in that game, and you would have thought they played 32 minutes. Not one person on the bench that was upset they didn’t get in the game. Every coach says you have to be bought in from the bottom girl to the top. But truly, all of our girls were bought in from the last person off the bench to our last JV player in the rotation to our top girls. It’s truly a beautiful thing to see.”
Pennsbury coach Frank Sciolla:
--The game: “Great win by Bensalem tonight coming into a great atmosphere. We were absolutely concerned because they knew we knew they were playing very well, and we have had a difficult time against teams like this shooting the ball. We’d practiced exclusively against zone the past 2 days with the belief they would play it. And they did and they executed.
“As coaches, we absolutely have to be the ones that take the blame for so many things we continue to struggle with, and to Bensalem‘s credit they were extremely patient, and Grace McShane did a good job finding her teammates.
“Tonight, we lost her on two big occasions on two wide open 3-pointers at the end of 3 quarters. and she made us pay both times.
“Ultimately, that is on us as coaches to be better with that and make the team more comfortable in executing in those situations. To be honest, we have not been good with it all year and it starts with me. I’ve let it happen in ways that I never would in the past. I talked about something at length right before the game tonight, and it happened again early in the game, and again, I’ve let it happen over and over again without recourse so that’s on me 100 percent.”
--Credit to the Owls: “Ultimately, it was a great win tonight for Bensalem . They really deserved it. They have a goal in mind, and that is their main focus, and you can really see them going after it. They’re hungry as a team, and it’s really cool to see.”
Up next: Pennsbury will travel to Neshaminy on Tuesday, and Bensalem will be on the road at Harry S Truman Tuesday.
Bensalem 7-9-13-11. 40
Pennsbury 10-8-7-10. 35
Bensalem (40) – Kamiya Alexander 2 0-0 5; Mary Beck 0 2-4 2; Mischa Ellzy 1 3-4 6; Grace McShane 8 3-4 23; Sydney Daut 2 0-0 4; TOTALS 13 8-12 40
Pennsbury (35) – Sammie Haws 4 2-2 12; Alyssa Thomas 0 2-2 2; Joley Hohman 4 2-2 12; Keira Socha 1 0-0 3; Mylee Vazquez 1 0-0 3; Milan Reaves 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 11 6-6 35
3-point goals: B Grace McShane 4, Kamiya Alexander, Mischa Ellzy; P – Joley Hohman 2, Sammie Haws 2, Keira Socha, Mylee Vazquez, Milan Reaves.
NESHAMINY 57, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 18
Ashlyn Duffy had herself a quarter to remember, burying six 3-pointers in an inspired effort in the third quarter of Friday’s win.
The Redskins, who led 16-9 after one quarter, took a 30-14 lead into halftime on their way to the win. Grace Weyler’s 10 points led the ‘Skins in the opening half.
By the numbers: Ashlyn Duffy stole the spotlight with her 22-point game that included seven 3-pointers. Nicole Trespadocios added 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Grace Weyler had 10 points and five assists while Brynn Klukososki had eight. Mia Raivitch contributed five rebounds and three steals.
Ella Carroll’s seven points led the Indians.
Neshaminy coach John Gallager:
Key players: “Ashlyn Duffy who played less than 15 minutes was able to score 22 points including six 3-point baskets in the third quarter alone. Grace Weyler scored 10 points in the first half as we made a concerted effort to get Grace more involved offensively. Grace missed several games due to an injury and upon return was easing her way back into the flow of our offense.”
--The game: “As a group of players and coaches, we recognized that we had not played our best in the last three games. We pointed out that in our last game against CR South, we took positive strides forward and felt we were approaching an upswing in our play. We spoke about how we all felt better about ourselves after South, and we each felt ready to play a strong game on our homecourt.
“Senior Camryn Rodriguez had a timely three-point basket late in the first quarter to give us some breathing room and then freshman Brynn Klukososki notched six points in the second quarter as our bench players were big contributors tonight.
“Even at halftime, we all acknowledged that what we felt going into the game was now happening. In the locker room, I asked the girls are we at a point now where we can expect a full four quarter effort and they assured me we could.
“At halftime, we also spoke about how we could defend better in the second half and pointed out some areas to clean up on that end of the floor. The defensive items we discussed were put into action and our second half defense was very good. Freshman Bella Gautier led us in deflections and added a couple of steals in the second half, and we proved to ourselves we were capable of playing a full game when we commit to it.
“While the players and fans were enamored with watching Ashlyn Duffy knock down six baskets beyond the arc in just the third quarter, I was more pleased with how well her teammates recognized what was occurring and found her repeatedly in that third quarter.
“We had three different players with at least five assists and of the 20 field goals we scored, there was an assist on each of those baskets, which I have never seen before.”
Up next: Neshaminy will host Pennsbury Tuesday, and Council Rock North will be on the road at Council Rock South Tuesday.
Council Rock North 9-5-4-0 18
Neshaminy 16-14-25-2 57
Council Rock North (18) – Bryn Rodgers 4, Alexa Bondra 5, Julia Koval 2, Ella Carroll 7.
Neshaminy (57) – Grace Weyler 10, Ashlyn Duffy 22, Nicole Trespalacios 12, Brynn Klukososki 8, Hayley Kolk 2, Camryn Rodriguez 3.
3-point goals: CRN – Ella Carroll; N – Ashlyn Duffy 7, Grace Weyle 2r, Nicole Trespadocios 2, Brynn Klukososki, Camryn Rodriguez.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 61, HARRY S TRUMAN 27
The Golden Hawks – behind 10 points from Anabelle Kushch – led 18-2 after one quarter, and they led the rest of the way.
Key players: In a game that saw 11 Golden Hawks score points, Emerson Gunther led the way with 11 points, which included three 3s. Anabelle Kushch added 10 points, and Ashley Graff had eight, including a pair of 3s.
Julianna Romer’s 10 points led the Tigers. Brie Philemond added seven.
Council Rock South coach Steve Polinsky:
--The game: "We really shot the ball well tonight against Truman. It was nice to get off to a fast start and keep it going. We had great energy coming off our bench with Kacie Donahue and Ashley Graff leading the way.
“It was important to play well before we play North and Bensalem next week. I thought our defense and ball movement were excellent tonight, with Emerson Gunther scoring 11 points and Anabelle Kushch adding 10 points. All in all, we played the right way, and everyone worked hard.”
Props: “Ashley Graff had her best game of the season tonight scoring eight points, Meadow Walker scored her first varsity points tonight. Our bench was really into the game with a ton of energy.”
Up next: Council Rock South will host Council Rock North on Tuesday, and Harry S Truman will travel to MaST Community Charter on Tuesday.
Harry S Truman 2-12-2-11 27
Council Rock South 18-18-11-14 61
Harry S Truman (27) – Julianna Romer 10, Kylee Ennis 7, Kaylin Ream 2, Brie Philemond 2, Natane Smith 6.
Council Rock South (61) – Ruby Bross 3, Gillian Martin 5, Emerson Gunther 11, Anabelle Koshch 5, Katie Donahue 5, Ashley Graff 8, Carly Conetta 4, Noelle Lamb 5, Jules Bachmann 6, Eve Murray, Meadow Walker 2.
3-point goals: HST – Julianna Romer 2; CRS – Emerson Gunther 3,Jules Bachman 2, Ruby Bross, Gillian Martin, Anabelle Kushch, Ashley Graff, Noelle Lamb.
SOL Colonial Division
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 46, SOUDERTON 38
The Bucks opened the game with a 13-7 first quarter. It turned out to be an omen of good things to come.
Four players contributed points with Erinn McCusker’s five points leading the way. They took a 26-16 lead into halftime. Marleigh Mallon’s seven points led a balanced West attack in the half.
The Indians – sparked by eight points from Maddie Nensteil – outscored the Bucks 16-8 in the third quarter to pull to within two, 34-32. The Bucks answered with a 12-6 fourth quarter that was highlighted by Scarlett Baumgardner’s eight points, which included a 4-for-4 effort at the foul line.
Central Bucks West coach Syd Ott:
Key players: Scarlett Baumgardner’s 14 points led the Bucks. Audra Lawson added 11.
Souderton was led by freshman Maddie Nenstiel’s 12-point effort. Kiera Fadden added 10 points.
--The game: “Tonight was a tough, hard fought team win. Second time around we knew Souderton was coming with full heat like they always do. What I liked about our performance as a team was the grit and effort they displayed. We knew it was going to be a battle. It's a game of runs, but I have to give my girls all the credit for sticking together and getting it done.”
Props: “Our seniors have been doing a tremendous job being leaders on the floor and pulling the team together. Audra, Scarlett and Erinn help set the tone and communicate what is needed out there. I love how each of them has grown into their role.”
Up next: Central Bucks West will travel to Methacton for a non-league game Saturday (1:30pm), and Souderton will be on the road at Perkiomen Valley for a non-league game Saturday (12:30pm).
Souderton 7-9-16-6 38
Central Bucks West 13-13-8-12 46
Souderton (38) – Maddie Nenstiel 12, Madison Bealer 5, Kiera Fadden 10, Avie Sackor 5, Alaina Picard 6.
Central Bucks West (46) – Amber Madden 2, Erinn McCusker 5, Addy Stromberg 1, Marleigh Mallon 9, Leah Cipollo 4, Audra Lawson 11, Scarlett Baumgardner 14.
3-point goals: S – Madison Bealer, Kiera Fadden, Avie Sackor, Alaina Picard; CBW – Einn McCusker, .
NORTH PENN 54, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 44
The Knights and Titans battled to a 12-12 tie after one quarter, but the Knights outscored their visitors 12-4 in the second quarter and 24-10 in the two middle quarters combined. Lily Brown had six points in the second quarter and 11 points in the first half to lead the Knights.
The Knights took a 38-22 lead into the fourth quarter when the Titans erupted for 22 points.
Key players: Junior Lily Brown led the Knights with 22 points, which included two 3-pointers. Mehya Godhania finished in double figures with 10 points and also had a pair of 3s.
For the Titans, Gabby Tropea’s 17 points – 10 in the fourth quarter - led the way. Rylie DiCesare added 11.
Up down: North Penn will host Pennridge Tuesday, and Central Bucks South will host Central Bucks West on Tuesday.
Central Bucks South 12-4-6-22 44
North Penn 12-12-14-16 54
Central Bucks South (44) – Jules Tropea 3 1-3 7; Rylie DiCesare 3 3-4 11; Alex Tropea 0 1-4 1; Riley Campbell 1 0-0 3; Gabby Tropea 5 5-11 17; Anna Granito 2 0-0 5; TOTALS 14 10-22 44
North Penn (54) – Saniah Hammond 2 0-0 6; Ava Wood 2 2-2 6; Paityn Debro 3 2-3 8; Lily Brown 9 2-3 22; Mehya Godhania 3 2-2 10; Tallie Smink 0 2-2 2; TOTALS 19 10-12 54.
3-point goals: CBS – Rylie DiCesare 2, Gabby Tropea 2, Riley Campbell, Anna Granito; NP – Saniah Hammond 2, Lily Brown 2, Mehya Godhania 2.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 62, PENNRIDGE 30
The Patriots moved one step closer to clinching a share of the division title they own. With three division games remaining, the Patriots have a two-game lead over second place North Penn.
They wasted little time before seizing control of Friday’s contest, opening up a 15-1 lead after one quarter and taking a 32-12 advantage into halftime. Haley Moran’s nine points led East in the half while Jess Lockwood had seven and Natalie Berndt, six.
Key players: Haley Moran led the Patriots with 19 points, five steals and four assists. Jess Lockwood added 16 points and 11 rebounds for an impressive double-double. Natalie Berndt buried four 3-pointers for 12 points, Emma Penecale had five assists.
For the Lady Rams, Sam Murphy had nine points on three 3s, and Madison Lapp added eight.
Central Bucks East coach Liz Potash:
--The game: “It was a nice team effort tonight to get the win over a Pennridge team that is playing well and competing at a high level. They are a team that is capable of putting up points, so we were happy with the defensive effort to limit their scoring opportunities. We did a nice job keeping them off the offensive boards and finding each other in transition & on kick outs.”
Up next: Central Bucks East will host Downingtown East in a non-league game Saturday (12:30pm), and Pennridge will travel to North Penn on Tuesday.
Central Bucks East 15-17-22-8 62
Pennridge 1-11-6-12 30
Central Bucks East (62) – Laney Long 1 0-0 3; Haley Moran 9 0-0 19; Natalie Berndt 4 0-0 12; Payton Williams 2 1-2 6; Jess Lockwood 6 2-3 16; Hailey Helmstetter 2 2-2 6; TOTALS 24 5-7 62.
Pennridge (30) – Julia Lenox 0 1-2 1; Sam Murphy 3 0-0 9; Madison Lapp 2 2-2 8; Megan Mallon 2 0-0 6; Reese Hopkins 2 0-0 4; Laney Brown 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 10 3-4 30
3-point goals: P – Sam Murphy 3, Madison Lapp 2, Megan Moylan 2; CBE – Natalie Berndt 4, Jess Lockwood 2, Haley Moran, Laney Long, Payton Williams.
SOL Liberty Division
UPPER DUBLIN 83, ABINGTON 37
(Check back for a follow-up article about coach Morgan Funsten’s milestone win)
Emotions ran high long before the tipoff of Friday’s Liberty Division contest as coach Morgan Funsten – with family, friends and former players showing up in force – was recognized for win number 300 of his remarkable career.
“There was a lot of planning that went into making the night extra special,” the UD coach said. “I’d like to thank the booster club, players, coaches, and my family and friends for an unforgettable night.”
That emotion from a special pregame clearly carried over onto the court where the Cardinals put on a remarkable offensive display, burying 17 3-pointers and putting up 55 points in the opening half.
For the game, the Cardinals connected on 17 of 37 shots from beyond the arc.
Key players: Tamia Clark led the charge with 22 points (3 3-pointers), 5 rebounds, four assists, eight steals and one blocked shot. She did most of her damage in the first half when she scored 20 points – 13 in the second quarter. Ella Morris added 15 points, which included four 3-pointers (all in the third quarter). She also had three steals. Megan Ngo added 13 points with three 3-pointers – all in the first half. She also handed out nine assists and had five steals. Adding eight points each were Bridget DiMartile (4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block), Lexi Ngo and Emilia Coleman.
Upper Dublin coach Morgan Funsten:
--The game: “We shot the ball incredibly well. We made 17 threes in the first 3 quarters. I haven’t confirmed but I’m pretty sure it is a school record.”
Up next: Upper Dublin will travel to Quakertown Tuesday, and Abington will be on the road at Wissahickon on Tuesday.
Abington 12-4-16-5 37
Upper Dublin 30-25-22-6 83
Abington (37) – Ryane Rogers 3 0-0 7; Asaliya Ortiz 1 0-0 3; Nora Luskin 0 1-2 1; Shya Crafton 3 3-5 9; Caleigh Fitzgerald 1 0-0 2; Aniyah Williams 5 5-5 15; TOTALS 13 9-12 37.
Upper Dublin (83) – Bridget DiMartile 3 0-0 8; Tamia Clark 9 1-2 22; Megan Ngo 5 0-0 13; Lexi Ngo 3 0-0 8; Emilia Coleman 3 0-0 8; Ella Morris 5 1-2 15; Julia Scullen 2 0-0 4; Ryniah Sharpe 2 0-0 5; TOTALS 32 2-4 83.
3-point goals: A - Ryane Rogers, Asaliya Ortiz; UD – Ella Morris 4, Megan Ngo 3, Tamia Clark 3, Bridget DiMartile 2, Lexi Ngo 2, Emelia Coleman 2, Ryniah Sharpe.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 36, WISSAHICKON 27
The Colonials – sparked by three 3-pointers from Kenna Winland – led 16-10 after one quarter, and they upped that lead to 27-15 by halftime. Eliza Meersman had 10 first-half points.
A low-scoring second half saw the Trojans edge the Colonials 12-9.
Key players: Eliza Meersman led the Colonials with 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. She connected on 6-of-11 shots from the floor and was 4-for-4 at the foul line. Kenna Winland added nine points.
Katelyn Thomson’s 17 points led the Trojans. Maura Jacob added seven in a contest that saw just three Wiss players score.
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Dan Dougherty:
--The game: “It was a good win over Wiss tonight. Kenna Winland hit three 3-pointers to start the game; the whole team was executing offensively very well in the first half. We had seen film of their zone recently, and the girls did great job of working the ball, getting open shots/drives.
“Second half, I got a little too conservative with some of the offensive calls, resulted in us losing our rhythm. Just trying to save something for important game vs. Phoenixville tomorrow afternoon.”
--Props: “Eliza Meersman had another wonderful all-around game; she’s been such a breakout player for us this year. I have to give credit to Olivia Patete, Brooke Peduzzi, and Mia Baron; All three did phenomenal job defensively.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh will host Phoenixville in a non-league game Saturday (2:30pm), and Wissahickon will host Abington on Tuesday.
Wissahickon 10-5-5-7 27
Plymouth Whitemarsh 16-11-3-6 36
Wissahickon (27) – Maura Jacob 3 0-2 7; Katelyn Thomson 7 2-3 17; Julia Lee 1 0-0 3; TOTALS 11 2-5 27.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (36) – Olivia Patete 2 1-2 5; Kenna Winland 3 0-0 9; Eliza Meersman 6 4-4 16; Grace Harvey 2 1-6 6; TOTALS 13 6-12 36.
3-point goals: W – Maura Jacob, Katelyn Thomson, Julia Lee; PW – Kenna Winland 3, Grace Harvey.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 51, QUAKERTOWN 16
The Hatters seized control of this game from the outset, opening up a 16-6 lead after one quarter and extending that lead by halftime.
Ten players contributed scoring for the Hatters.
Key players: Angelica Visceglia and Mia Fisher led the Hatters with 13 points each. Visceglia scored all of her points in the first half. Natalie Linn added seven points.
Maeve Henry’s seven points led the Panthers.
Hatboro-Horsham associate head coach Nicole Miletto:
--The game: “Tonight we came out and played two consistent quarters, and that put us in good position to take control of the game. We wanted to try to take the ball to the basket and get on the foul line. We haven’t gotten to the foul line much, and we were able to be aggressive and get to the line. We still need to work on finishing those free throws, but it was nice to get on the line more than two or three times.”
--Props: “Senior Mia Fisher and junior Angelica Visceglia led the team in scoring for us. They each had 13. Everyone who played tonight contributed. We were able to get everyone in and lots of girls scored.
“Senior Natalie Linn has been making a difference each time she gets in. Her effort is there whether we are up by 10 or down by 10. She hit a couple of big shots for us and always gives us some energy coming off the bench. Sophomore Sarah Gleason didn’t score a lot for us tonight, but she is always dependable and is a great defender.
‘Sophomore Ciara Lacey was a nice presence underneath for us and had some key rebounds and a couple of blocks. She’s getting better each game. It was nice to get this win after a hard fought battle last night.”
Up next: Hatboro-Horsham will host Plymouth Whitemarsh Tuesday, and Quakertown will host Upper Dublin Tuesday.
Hatboro-Horsham 16-18-10-7 51
Quakertown 6-1-5-4 16
Hatboro-Horsham (51) – Angelica Visceglia 4 3-3 13; Madison Duggan 1 0-0 3; Mia Fisher 5 1-2 13; Madison Siegfried 1 0-0 2; Sarah Gleason 2 0-2 5; Natalie Linn 3 0-2 7; Bella Lowande 0 1-4 1; Alaina Daniels 1 0-0 2; Ciara Lacey 1 1-2 3; Mary Conaway 1 0-0 2; TOTALS 19 6-17 51.
Quakertown (16) – Alexa Seneca 0 0-2 0; Aleena Flores 0 2-8 2; Alexa Reich 1 0-0 3; Paisley Heft 1 1-3 4; Maeve Henry 3 0-0 7; TOTALS 5 3-13 16.
3-point goals: HH – Angelica Visceglia 2, Mia Fisher 2, Madison Duggan, Sarah Gleason, Natalie Linn; Q – Alexa Reich, Paisley Heft, Maeve Henry.
SOL Freedom Division
CHELTENHAM 43, WILLIAM TENNENT 42
Isabella Brown split a pair of foul shots with 4.7 left in the fourth quarter, giving Cheltenham a hard-earned win while handing William Tennent its first loss in the SOL Freedom division.
The win avenged an early defeat to Tennent on the Lady Panthers’ home floor.
Cheltenham was sparked by its fourth quarter defense, erasing a 41-34 lead with three minutes left to close the game on a 9-1 run.
Key players: Senior Paige Powell paced Cheltenham with 18 points while senior Maya Simmons added 16 points that included the game-tying three in the final minute of regulation.
William Tennent was paced by 16-point efforts from seniors Halie Staub and Avery Kocur. Kocur had a 10-point third quarter that included a 3 that gave the Panthers a 35-34 lead heading into the final quarter.
Cheltenham assistant coach Chris Manser:
--The fantastic finish: “Cheltenham was down seven with 2:48 left. With 40 seconds left, Maya Simmons rebounded a 3-point miss and stepped outside the arc to hit a three to tie the game at 42.
“Staub missed a contested lay-up with eight seconds left, and Tennent fouled Izzy Brown who rebounded the miss. She hit the second of two free throws to seal the win.
“Cheltenham played an excellent game on the defensive end, using a tight man-to-man to hold a physical and talented Tennent team to 42 points.
“Autumn Kimble-Kent, who did not play in the first matchup, and Aniyah Wallace-Solomon did an excellent job guarding (Hannah) Wong, and Maya Simmons blanketed (Megan) Volz. The two combined for 28 points in the first matchup but only had five tonight.”
Up next: William Tennent will travel to Springfield Twp on Tuesday, and Cheltenham will host Chester on Saturday for a non-league game at 1:30 pm.
Cheltenham 11-11-12-9 43
William Tennent 9-12-14-7 42
Cheltenham (43) - Paige Powell 7 2-4 18, Maya Simmons 6 2-7 16, Isabella Brown 2 1-4 6, Autumn Kimble 1 0-0 2, Aniyah Wallace 0 1-2 1. Totals: 16 6-17 43
William Tennent (42) - Halie Staub 6 3-5 16, Avery Kocur 6 1-3 16, Carissa Malpezzi 1 2-4 4, Megan Volz 1 1-2 3, Hannah Wong 1 0-0 2, Aubrey Lynch 0 1-2 1. Totals: 15 8-16 42
3-point goals: C - Powell 2, Simmons 2, Brown; WT - Kocur 3, Staub
SPRINGFIELD TWP 39, LOWER MORELAND 25
The Spartans – in a span of three days – showed they could win an offensive or defensive battle. Two days after scoring 74 points in a non-league win over Pennridge, the Spartans found themselves in a defensive battle, and they excelled, erasing a 12-8 deficit after one quarter by holding the visiting Lions scoreless in the second.
Springfield Twp – which led 14-12 after a low-scoring first half - found its offense in the second half, outscoring the Lions 25-13. Ava Culler’s eight points led the Spartans in the half.
Key players: Ava Culler led the Spartans with 12 points with six from the foul line. Mary Kate Gary added eight points while Keira Brandon had seven.
For the Lions, Emma DiJoseph’s eight points led the way.
Springfield Twp coach Dave Giordano:
“If you like defensive basketball, when you were at Springfield's gym Friday night, you saw a good game. Both teams played a pretty good defensive style with long possessions and timely turnovers. Both teams played hard. I think we may have had a little edge or advantage based on Lower Moreland coach Andy Krasna, but I have to also give credit to our girls for playing some outstanding defense against a team that shoots very well from the field. I couldn't be happier with the defensive stops. They did a great job in the second quarter, holding the team that's strong from the field to zero points.
“The second half was a continuation of long possessions and good defensive stops. The game was closer than the score, and we were lucky enough to take care of the ball in the fourth and make some foul shots at the end.”
--Props: “Shoutout to Caitlin Lewis, Mary Kate Garry, Julia Guicheteau, Keira Brandon and, of course, Ava Culler for all chipping in and doing the little things you need to do to play good defense.”
Up next: Lower Moreland will travel to Villa Joseph Marie for a non-league game Tuesday, and Springfield Twp will host Merion Mercy in a non-league game Saturday (1:30pm).
Lower Moreland 12-0-4-9 25
Springfield Twp 8-6-14-11 39
Lower Moreland (25) – Mady Rossiter 1 0-0 2; Maddie Broderick 2 0-0 5; Mollie Martin 2 1-2 5; Emma DiJoseph 3 2-2 8; Sydney Santora 2 0-2 5; TOTALS 10 3-6 25.
Springfield Twp (39) – Caitlin Lewis 2 0-0 4; Chloe Kacor 1 0-0 2; Mary Kate Garry 3 0-0 8; Keira Brandon 2 0-0 4; Julia Guicheteau 1 5-8 7; Ava Culler 3 6-12 12; Karly Harman 0 2-2 2; TOTALS 12 13-22 39.
3-point goals: LM – Maddie Broderick, Sydney Santora. S - Mary Kate Garry 2.
- Log in to post comments
