Pennridge contains Coatesville, clinches first-ever PIAA berth

EAST ROCKHILL — It was the only thing that rivaled the sound of the Pennridge crowd Wednesday night. The crashing of the Rams Joe Molettiere to the hardwood was heard by all and the only thing that could silence the stands.

Molettiere went up for a rebound in the second quarter of the District 1-AAAA second round game, but only came down with a bad knee after an awkward landing. Coatesville continued to play to its height advantage, feeding big-bodied Justius Martinez, especially with the Rams’ top rebounder rightfully hesitant around the rim for the remainder of the contest.

“I got it wrapped, felt a lot better,’ Molettiere said. “It was hard to bend, but I felt like I could benefit the team if I could get back in.’

The third-seeded Rams never backed down. With the first ever state playoff appearance on the line for the Suburban One League Continental Conference champs, the Rams rose above the taller 14th-seeded Red Raiders, even with banged up Molettiere. The 53-47 win pushed the Rams into the PIAA playoffs and the elite eight of the district tournament.

A meeting with either Abington or Chester awaits them in the quarterfinal, back at Pennridge 7 p.m. Friday.