Reporter/Montgomery/Times Herald girls basketball teams bring plenty of talent into season
Every team enters a new season optimistic and eyeing big things.
In the Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media area, there’s a common theme among girls basketball teams preparing to start the 2019-20 season. With a staggering amount of talent returning to the ranks across all six PIAA classes and PAISAA programs locally, numerous teams are looking for extended stays into the February-March portion of the calendar.
A couple independents will already have a game or two to their name by Friday, but for everyone else, it’s the starting bell on what should be a year of formidable competition.
Two area teams have drawn some national preseason attention. Germantown Academy, fresh off a glistening 30-1 season that ended with a PAISAA title, opens the year with a No 13 national ranking from MaxPreps. The Patriots, led by a Division I trio of seniors in Elle Stauffer (Harvard), Maddie Vizza (Northeastern) and Jaye Haynes (La Salle), finally got over the hump last year in winning the PAISAA title and will look to use their deep and potent roster to go back-to-back and look to add another Inter-Ac title along the way.
Not far behind is Archbishop Wood, which picked up a No. 17 national ranking. The Vikings finished second in the PCL last year to Archbishop Carroll and saw their season end earlier than usual after a 5A state quarterfinal loss to the same Patriots team. Wood’s roster got bigger since last season, with senior Izzy Larsen (Northeastern) and junior Dana Kiefer joining a deep squad led by junior first team all-state pick Kaitlyn Orihel, senior Lindsay Tretter (Holy Family) and sophomore Ryanne Allen.
Carroll isn’t getting the same national attention, but they have the PCL title from last year plus a state title game appearance and a lot back as well. Senior Erin Sweeney (Drexel), the PCL MVP and super sophomore Grace O’Neill lead a Patriots team looking to try and defend the PCL title and finish what they fell a win short of last year.
The state semifinal round proved cruel to area teams last year, with Jenkintown and Upper Dublin both losing in the final four and coming a win short of repeat trips to Hershey. The Drakes have to replace the do-it all twin pair of Natalie and Mia Kolb but a junior-heavy roster will try to keep the team’s streak of Class A district titles going and make another run in states.
A benefit to winning a state title with a team of mostly underclassmen is they tend to stick around a few more years. Upper Dublin’s core is still there with seniors Jackie Vargas and Kara Grebe along with junior guards Jess Polin, Dayna Balasa and Sarah Eskew looking to go further in the district tournament and contend for another state title.
Wood is no stranger to the Nike Tournament of Champions held annually in Arizona just before Christmas while Upper Dublin will also be making a trip out to the desert this month for the event.
UD isn’t the only team in Suburban One with a well-stocked roster. American conference rival Plymouth Whitemarsh has its entire starting five back and all still underclassmen off a state playoff appearance. On the flip side, American co-champion Abington has just one starter back in sophomore Khalis Whiting and will have very young and very inexperienced team trying to peak by February.
In the always-tough Continental, Central Bucks West’s senior class is looking for a big send-off. Penn State signee Maddie Burke leads a talented crew under first-year coach Zach Sibel eager to contend for conference, district and state trophies.
Life in the Continental is tough, with six of the seven members making the District 1-6A tournament last year and North Penn, Pennridge, Central Bucks East and South and even Souderton – which has a lot of new faces stepping in – aren’t going to let CB West just walk to a title.
The AACA has built a nice hold on a bulk of the District 1 championships. Last year, the league captured the 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A titles and in the 5A game, had two league members battle for the championship. Defending league champion St. Basil lost standout Casey Remolde to Kutztown but younger sister Shannon, junior Denae Carter and seniors Kelly Grant and Lizzie Deal are back to try and keep the Panthers’ run of three straight league and district titles going.
St. Basil will get stiff competition from Villa Maria Academy while local squads Mount Saint Joseph and Gwynedd Mercy also have plenty of experience back in the fold.
Methacton authored a terrific 2018-19 season that saw the Warriors play for a PAC title and make the state tournament. With a majority of their rotation back, including senior Sydney Tornetta and sophomore Nicole Timko, Methacton should be right back in the mix.
It’s one thing to have talent on the roster but another to test it. Luckily, coaches in the area aren’t afraid to put their teams to the test and outside of conference play, several local squads will meet during the regular season. Wood and GA are slated to meet at the end of the Blue Star showcase in early January while Upper Dublin and GA will face off early next week and the Cardinals will host CB West later in the campaign among other notable contests.
ABINGTON
2018-19 Record: 26-5, 13-1 SOL American
Coach: Dan Marsh
Players Lost: Kassondra Brown (Rhode Island), Cam Lexow (Virginia soccer), Miranda Liebtag (Cabrini), Tamia Wessels (Gwynedd Mercy)
Players to Watch: Khalis Whiting (So/PG), Becca Pohle (Sr/G), Amanda Jackson (Jr/G), Cire Worely (Fr/G), Jada Helm (Fr/F), Krysten Brown (So/F), Ally Holden (Jr/F)
Outlook: “The super-young Lady Ghosts will to compete all year long and be ready to roll come playoff time. The Ghosts are looking at a starting lineup of two freshmen, two sophomores and one junior. We have lots to learn in a tough conference and nonconference schedule. But this group works hard and is looking to keep up the Ghost tradition of being tough to beat in February.”
ABINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL
2018-19 Record: 21-7, 7-1 Friends School League
Coach: Jeff Bond
Players Lost: Siana Wynn, Natasha Holloway, Mihjae Hayes, Cire Worley
Players to Watch: Paige Mott (Northwestern University signee), Kendall Hodges (Montclair St. signee), Zaniyyah Ross-Barnes, Aniyah Hayward, Kyleigh Kilpatrick, Aby Camarou, Ty’Lah Washington, Phoebe Mixon
Outlook: “AFS loses some key components from last year’s Friends Schools League runner up and PAISAA final four team due to graduation, transfer and injury. Though our depth took a hit, we still have enough experience and talent on our roster to be competitive in and out of the FSL if we commit to working hard consistently and continue to develop our team chemistry. Our goals remain the same as every year: to get better individually and collectively throughout the season and to compete for the Friends Schools League and Pennsylvania Independent Schools titles.”
ARCHBISHOP WOOD
2018-19 Record: 17-12, 9-3 PCL
Coach: Mike McDonald
Players Lost: Annie Whalen, Mia Andrews, Ryleigh Parsons, Liz Fasti, Shelby Henches
Players to Watch: Kaitlyn Orihel, Ryanne Allen, Lindsay Tretter, Izzy Larsen, Noelle Baxter, Dana Kiefer, Caroline McSorley, Bri Bowen, Shannon Morgan, Alyssa D’Alessio, Allie Fleming, Delaney Finnegan
Outlook: “MaxPreps ranked us 17th nationally. We have a great number of varsity capable players that should create a competitive practice environment as players will need to earn it every day. We expect to compete for the Philadelphia Catholic League and State Championships again this season. We are once again challenging our team with a nationally competitive schedule including the Nike Tournament of Champions, where we hope to be entered into the best bracket of teams against other nationally ranked programs. We will also play Nationally Ranked GA January 5th as the cap to the Blue Star Showcase at Jefferson U. Additional showcases include the Art Turner Memorial, She Got Game Classic, Diane Mosco Shootout, Hoops for Hope, Scholastic Play by Play Classic.”
BISHOP MCDEVITT
2018-19 Record: 8-12, 4-8 PCL
Coach: Dan Greenberg
Players Lost: Dana Mizelle (East Stroudsburg), Nyah Johnson (Robert Wesleyan College)
Players to Watch: Seniors Amiyah Dixon, Caroline Cunnane (key returning), Juniors Kate McNally, Sianni Posey and Sophomore Kelly Roache are players to watch
Outlook: “With the loss of two All-Catholic players in Johnson and 1000pt scorer Mizelle, the Lady Lancers will need Dixon and Cunnane to step up and lead the young and inexperienced Lady Lancers. We have a lot of younger players in the program, but they have been working hard to get ready for the season. Several girls have little or no experience at the Varsity level, so our season will be a work in progress.”
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
2018-19 record: 16-8, 9-3 SOL Continental
Coach: Zach Sibel
Players Lost: Tori Abelson, Izzy Treon
Players to Watch: Maddie Burke, Emily Spratt, Jess Broskey, Oliva Irons, Paige Gilbert, Lilly Evans
Outlook: “This is a very senior-lead team with a lot of leadership. Seniors Maddie Burke (Penn State commit), Oliva Irons, Jessica Broskey, and Maddy McGarry bring experience and leadership to this squad as they round out their final year at West. Sophomore Emily Spratt and junior Paige Gilbert bring energy to the team and look to have big seasons as well.”
CHELTENHAM
2018-19 Record: 3-19, 1-13 SOL American
Coach: Ben Bowman
Players Lost: Kai Williams, Madison Rorer, Kelia Holmes, Shannon Nichols
Players to Watch: Umaryah Sulayman, Maycie Cedeno, Mikahila Leighton, Taylor Johnson
Outlook: “We want to compete from beginning to end, develop positive mindsets and work ethic and show that hard work and effort leads to success.”
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
2018-19 Record: 30-1, 12-0 Inter-Ac
Coach: Sherri Retif
Players Lost: Rachel Balzer (George Mason)
Returning Players/Others to Watch: Sr Jaye Haynes, Sr Elle Stauffer, Sr Maddie Vizza, Sr Maddie Burns, Sr Sarah DiLello, Sr Caitlyn Priore, Jr Becca Booth, Jr Jessica Moore, Jr Charlotte Dilello, Soph Lilly Funk, Fr Kendall Bennett
Outlook: “Experience, chemistry and depth bode well for the defending 2019 PAISAA State Champions. The Patriots return All-State honorees Jaye Haynes(LaSalle) and Elle Stauffer(Harvard). All- league selection Maddie Vizza(Northeastern) returns as the floor general while Junior Becca Booth rounds out the returning starters. Additional seniors; Maddie Burns(Michigan Lacrosse), Sarah DiLello (Ursinus) and Caitlyn Priore (returns from ACL) are just as gifted with athleticism and are expected to be impact players. Other players to watch include 6′ guard, Jessica Moore, Sophomore Lilly Funk and Freshman Kendall Bennett. While the Patriots play the toughest schedule in the area, In December they will travel to Virginia and Naples, Florida. Coach Retif’s Patriots offer a high octane offense and will be an exciting team to watch.”
GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY
2018-19 Record: 16-11, 7-6 AACA
Coach: Tom Lonergan
Players Lost: Alyssa Martin (Ursinus), Carly Bachinsky
Players to Watch: Kaylie Griffin (Jr/G), Bianca Coleman (So/G), Regan Flannery (Sr/G), Mollie Hanson (Sr/G), Sofia Coleman (So/G), Maddie Newell (So/G)
Outlook: The Monarchs again look to be a guard-heavy squad but one that brings plenty of firepower from last season’s District 1-4A title. Junior Kaylie Griffin was a first-team AACA pick last year with quality shooters around her and it’s a safe bet GMA will be tough defensively.
HATBORO-HORSHAM
2018-19 Record: 10-12, 6-8 SOL American
Coach: Dennis Steinley
Players Lost: Kylie Halko, Maddie Throne, Kara Kaminski, Sarah Mahoney, Logan Cummings
Returning Players/Others to Watch: Sr Cam Ryan, So Alice Hall, So Emily Thomas, Sr Sydney Kemp, Sr Graceanne Griffis, Sr Hallie Anderson, Sr Jada Mills, Jr Ava McKinney, Jr Jess Howard, So Sam Hollish, Fr Caroline Shegogue
Outlook: “We have a lot of new faces who haven’t played together so our success will depend on how quickly we develop cohesion on the court. The SOL American is always challenging so finishing in the top half would be improvement on last season. Our three returning starters (Ryan, Hall and Thomas) are providing strong leadership – after missing the playoffs by one spot last year they are determined to get there this year”.
JENKINTOWN
2018-19 Record: 29-2, 12-0 BAL Constitution
Coach: Jim Romano
Players Lost: Mia Kolb, Natalie Kolb
Players to Watch: Molly Walsh (Jr/G), Carly Mulvaney (Jr/G), Lauren Brockwell (Jr/F), Cady Westkaemper (Jr/G), Katie McGrath (So/G), Sarah Cummings (So/G)
Outlook: “First goal is always to stay healthy. We want to be competitive with in the division and league as a whole, compete for a district title and earn a spot in the state tournament.”
LANSDALE CATHOLIC
2018-19 Record: 16-11, 5-7 PCL
Coach: Eric Gidney
Players Lost: Jenna Babb, Maile Erwin, Kristina Finkelston, Emily Smith
Players Watch: Riley DeVitis, Caitlin Rosenberger, Mia Rosenberger, Kelly Sabolsky, Timaya Lewis-Eutsey, Autumn Weber, Lauren Edwards, Erin Clark, Cassidy Saulino, Sam McHugh, Gabby Casey
Outlook: “The Lady Crusaders return many key pieces from last season’s team that made it the Sweet Sixteen of the PIAA 4A Championship Tournament. Lewis-Eutsey (15.7 ppg/8.3 rpg) and DeVitis (12.9 ppg) were Second Team All Philadelphia Catholic League selections last season and look to build on last season’s personal and team success. Seniors Caitlin Rosenberger (7 rpg/3 blocks per game) and Mia Rosenberger also return from last season’s team. Lansdale Catholic should also see significant contributions from sophomore forward Lauren Edwards, freshman guard Gabby Casey and junior forward Autumn Weber. The Lady Crusaders averaged 58 ppg last season and are looking to increase their offensive efficiency while stressing individual and team improvement on the defensive side.”
LOWER MORELAND
2018-19 Record: 20-9, 11-1 BAL Independence
Coach: Richard Becker
Players Lost: Nicole Castor; Allison Asman; Kerri Kennedy; Macy Morozin
Players to Watch: Ceili Courduff, Phoebe Lynch, Maggie McGarry, Riley Malone and Alexandre Krutsinger
Outlook: “Injuries and players committing to year round sports have hurt our depth and numbers. When healthy we have a solid starting five. Coming off of the bench, we have a lot of inexperienced players that we are excited to see compete at the varsity level. If we stay healthy and our bench players do what we hope they are capable of doing, we have a chance to make a run at the league and district championships again.”
METHACTON
2018-19 Record: 23-8, 13-3 PAC
Coach: Craig Kaminski
Players Lost: Abby Penjuke
Players to Watch: Sydney Tornetta (Sr/G), Nicole Timko (So/G) Sydney Hargrove (Sr/F), Caroline Pellicano (Sr/F), Tori Bockrath (So/F) Allie Hazlett (Jr/F), Cassidy Kropp (Fr/G), Mairi Smith (Fr/F)
Outlook: “The Lady Warriors come into the 2019-20 season with high expectations. The team returns a solid nucleus from a team that gained a lot of experience last season in our PAC, District and State playoff runs. We return four starters from last season, which includes three very experienced seniors this year. Other players that will be counted on this year could easily be in the starting lineup. The players returning enjoyed the run to the PAC, District and State playoffs last year, so they saw that excitement and are eager to return to it. They know it will not be an easy task and it will require a lot of hard work. Our goals are always to qualify for the league, district and state playoffs. In the PAC, every game in the league will be tough as we play a 16 game league schedule. Our league is one of the toughest in the area and you must come ready to play every night in this league. We also have a challenging nonleague schedule so we must be ready every game to have a successful season.“
MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY
2018-19 Record: 14-15, 8-5 AACA
Coach: Matt Feeney
Players Lost: Lauren Cunningham, Caitlin Iadonisi, Maggie Zipfel
Players to Watch: Audrey Bryce, Grace Morrow, Grace Niekelski, Kelly Rothenberg, Maura Scanlon, Taylor Sistrunk, Lauren Vesey
Outlook: “With seven returning players and six seniors this will be a veteran team that knows what it takes to compete in the league. As the coaching staff is all new it may take some time for the team to adapt to a new system.”
NORTH PENN
2018-19 Record: 12-13, 6-6 SOL Continental
Coach: Jen Carangi
Players Lost: Cayla Sharkey, Alayna Faison
Players to Watch: Carley Adams, Val McGriff, Alaina Mullaly, Alli Lindsay, Kate Early, Abby Plaugher, Ali Johns
Outlook: “We have an experienced group returning, with 5 seniors, so our goals are to challenge for the Conference championship, qualify for district playoffs again this year, and get back to state playoffs. This team is a nice balance of experience and youth, and they have worked very hard in the off-season to prepare. We can’t wait to get the season started!”
PENNRIDGE
2018-19 Record: 10-15, 2-10 SOL Continental
Players Lost: Sammy Muredda, Emilee Cramer
Player to Watch: Julia Kreider
Outlook: The Rams returned to the postseason and won a first round game before being ousted in the playback bracket. Although Pennridge graduated some key pieces from last season, improving the record in conference play is vital if the Rams want to get back in the postseason hunt and find an easier path through the brackets.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
2018-19 Record: 21-7, 10-4 in SOL American
Coach: Dan Dougherty
Players Lost: Sydney Kesselman (Cabrini)
Returning Players/Others to Watch: Jr Anna McTamney, Jr Gabby Cooper, So Kaitlyn Flanagan, So Lainey Allen, So Jordyn Thomas, Leah Kaye, Fiona Gooneratne, Ally Zolty, and LilyBelle McGrorty, Erin Daley, Chloe McGrorty, Abby Sharpe, Deja Evans.
Outlook: “The entire starting five returns. Trying to build on the experience gained in last year’s playoff run so we can attempt to compete for the American Conference and SOL titles. Development of the younger players will hopefully add some much needed depth for the season.”
SOUDERTON
2018-19 Record: 22-5, 11-1 SOL Continental
Coach: Lynn Carroll
Players Lost: Megan Walbrandt, Megan Bealer, Curran O’Donnell, Megan O’Donnell, Erica Stephens
Returning Players/Others to Watch: Mikaela Reese, Olivia Schneider, Jordan Zimmerman, Hayley Fenchel, Hannah Alderfer, Casey Harter
Outlook: “With only two returning players who saw consistent minutes last season, there will be a lot of new faces on the court. There’s a lot of talent and potential, it’s just a matter of how hard we’re willing to work and focus to reach that potential.”
SPRINGFIELD-MONTCO
2018-19 Record: 4-18, 1-13 SOL American
Coach: Dave Giordano
Players Lost: Grace Barraclough, Sydney Hannings
Players to Watch: Rilegh Serroni, Maddie Yoder, Emily Smith, Emily Guicheteau, Annie Coll
Outlook: “We have an athletic group of players who have been working hard in the pre-season. We need to continue our positive attitude and things will change. We can be competitive in most games if we stay together. We had a few games last year that should have gone differently. The girls are working hard toward better results.”
SAINT BASIL ACADEMY
2018-19 Record: 27-1, 13-0 AACA
Coach: Terry Mancini
Players Lost: Casey Remolde (Kutztown)
Players to Watch: Kelly Grant (Sr/G), Shannon Remolde (Jr/G), Lizzie Deal (Sr/F), Denae Carter (Jr/F), Riley Scannell (Jr/G), Sam White (So/G), Maria Storck (Sr/G)
Outlook: “We won the Catholic Academy League for the 3rd straight year as well as District 1 Title for the 3rd year in a row. Key player lost is Casey Remolde, who will be hard to replace and is having a great start to her college career at Kutztown. We are excited for the upcoming season as we return four starters and have two key reserves that will fill the 5th spot. We are led by Junior Denae Carter, who is getting a lot of Division 1 interest. Junior Shannon Remolde is primed for a breakout season filling the void left by her sister Casey. “
UPPER DUBLIN
2018-19 Record: 25-6, 13-1 SOL American
Coach: Morgan Funsten
Players to Watch: Kara Grebe (Sr/F), Jackie Vargas (Sr/C), Anajae Smith (Sr/F), Dayna Balasa (JR/G). Jess Polin (Jr/G), Sarah Eskew (Jr/G), Bliss Brenner (So/F)
Outlook: “The 2019-20 Upper Dublin girls’ basketball team returns its top seven players last season that achieved a 25-6 record, an American Conference Championship and a state final four appearance. The team is led by returning starters Jackie Vargas (2x First Team All-State), Dayna Balasa, Jess Polin, Kara Grebe and Sarah Eskew. Anajae Smith and Bliss Brenner will provide great depth to a very talented roster. The team knows what it takes to be successful and will rely on their experience to push each other and accomplish their goals. The team is aiming to have another strong showing in the postseason and contend for the SOL American Conference title.”
UPPER MERION
2018-19 Record: 6-16, 6-10 PAC
Coach: Shawn Wheeler
Players Lost: Madelyn Harvey; Nicole Tyler; Megan Gebhart
Players to Watch: Isabella Legendre (Jr.); Katie Frey (Sr.); Hannah Foster (Sr.); Jenna Foster (Sr.); Morgan Donovan (Sr.); Leila Borghaei (Sr.); Aaliyah Parson (Sr.); Ty Stanton (Sr.), Riley Eaton (Jr.); Riley Amderson (Fr.); Skye Omoqui (Fr.)
Outlook: “The Upper Merion Lady Vikings Basketball program is now under the direction of first year Head Coach Shawn Wheeler. The team returns seven seniors to the roster for the 2019-2020 season and has added some promising young athletic talent. The 2019-2020 team will be led by junior forward Isabella Legendre (2018-19 PAC Pioneer All-League 2nd Team) and senior guard Hannah Foster. The Lady Vikings have a number of athletic players and will play an aggressive, structured, defensive-minded style of play. The team is focused on week over week improvement and will be playing our best basketball by season’s end.”
UPPER MORELAND
2018-19 Record: 14-9, 8-6 SOL American
Coach: Matt Carroll
Players Lost: Phoebe Longstreth
Players to Watch: Bean Hughes
Outlook: “We return seven of our top nine from last year’s district playoff qualifier, including four starters and add a few underclassmen who had great offseasons and are ready to take the next step. From our seniors all the way down to our freshmen, this is our most talented group since our coaching staff took over four years ago. This year we can go as deep as 10 girls with full confidence in each of those 10 to contribute when asked.”
WILLIAM TENNENT
2018-19 Record: 5-17, 2-10 SOL National
Coach: Laura Whitney
Players Lost: Haley Crossley, Jenna Rodebaugh
Players to Watch: Hannah Reimel, Erin Hart, Courtney Bragen, Emily Thran, Kailyn Hansen
Outlook: “Due to the loss of several key players to graduation and some deciding not to return, we will be relying on a handful of sophomore and juniors to step into much bigger roles this year. Our goal is to stay competitive and continue to get better every day.”
WISSAHICKON
2018-19 Record: 8-15, 4-10 SOL American
Coach: Rodney Cline
Player to Watch: Anna Schools
Outlook: The Trojans were a District 1-5A qualifier a season ago and will look to make it back-to-back playoff appearances. Finding consistency early will be key; as will picking up a few more wins in conference play.
