Radnor completes magical run; tearful end for seniors
When the Radnor girls’ basketball team discovered PIAA Class AAAA District 12 champion and perennial power Cardinal O’Hara would be its opponent for the opening round of the PIAA Class AAAA state tournament March 6, they had a feeling the odds of a victory were stacked against them.
Then again, for the past month every time they stepped on the court they continued to defy the odds and were hoping they would be able to once again accomplish this feat.
After hanging tough for 3 ½ quarters, the Lions imposed their will to pull away for the 54-36 win in a game played at Lansdale Catholic, ending a dream post-season run for the Red Raiders (20-9).
“This is so memorable,’ said senior Lauren Pacifico, referring to her team’s post-season run. “Basketball is my life. I am just so happy we could make it this far. I believe in my team who got us here today and I just so proud of what we have accomplished this year.’
“This run has been crazy,’ said coach Mark Jordan. “When you look back we played our last regular season game on February 6 and here we are still playing on March 6 against the top team from District 12. We thought we were as good as Strath Haven (our opening round game in the District One tournament) but after that we felt every other team was better than us.’
Playing the underdog role was nothing new to a group that has transcended over the past three season setting school records each year along the way. Paced by a senior class — Katie Jordan, Pacifico, Megan Massimino, Kelsey Lally and Caitlin Connor — the program has ascended to new heights that has included a Central League title in 2012; a PIAA District One Class AAA crown and the first ever appearance in the PIAA Class AAAA state playoffs.
“The seniors have meant so much to this program,’ said sophomore Nicole Massimino, the younger sister of Megan. “They showed us the way and taught us the tradition of Radnor girls basketball. It was fun to play with all of them.’
Jordan added, “The seniors have showed the younger girls the way and they younger players have followed their lead and have tried to emulate their play on the court and the way they lead off the court. It was tough saying goodbye to a great group who I have known and have had the privilege to coach since first grade recreation league ball especially my only daughter – Katie.’
“Katie was our ball handler; Lauren was our shooter (knocking down 50 three-pointers this year); Megan was the heart and soul of the team even though she could not play most of the season due to injury, Kelsey provided help on the boards and was an inside presence and Caitlin Connor who was the cheerleader and mentor for younger kids despite being relegated to the bench after suffering a torn ACL.’
Entering the district one tournament as the 19th seed, Radnor (20-9) opened up with a victory over Strath Haven to put them in the round of 16 and give Radnor two more opportunities to qualify for the Class AAAA state tournament for the first time in school history.
After falling to Mount St. Joseph’s in the second round, the Raiders knew the road to states would consist of them being road warriors. Undaunted with the task, Radnor defeated No. 6 West Chester Rustin and then No. 10 Perkiomen Valley to clinch a state bid before finishing their run off in style defeating top seed Boyertown to clinch the No. 9 seed out of District One for the state playoffs.
Knowing the ultimate goal (a state title) was most likely out of reach, Jordan and the rest of the coaching staff continued to stress the need to enjoy the journey and not the destination.
By following that lead, Radnor made school history once again before saying farewell to a wonderful senior class that led the way on and off the court.
