Monaghan helps Bonner-Prendie move on this time

UPPER DUBLIN — One of these years, Bonner-Prendergast was bound to avoid Bethlehem Catholic in the first round of the PIAA Class AAA tournament.

That’s not to suggest the Pandas would have backed down to the same team that ended their season two years running… but, come on, can’t B-P catch a break?

While they didn’t draw the District 11 champions this time, the Pandas were tasked with facing another formidable foe in Gwynedd Mercy, which captured the District One title.

It’s March. It’s the state tournament. It’s pick your poison.

“We knew coming in what they would be like,’ senior guard Alyssa Monaghan said. “They’re a tough team.’

The Monarchs stalked Monaghan, the two-time All-Delco, reigning Catholic League MVP and arguably the best player in Southeastern Pa. She couldn’t dribble without being hounded, but the great Monaghan worked her magic in the second half.

Monaghan scored 14 of her game-high 21 points after halftime and senior center Shalina Miller dominated the paint as the Pandas stormed back to defeat Gwynedd Mercy, 48-39, Saturday afternoon at Upper Dublin High.

The third time was the charm for the Pandas, who picked up the program’s first state tournament victory. The Pandas, who earned third place in District 12, play District Three third-place finisher West York in the second round Wednesday.