Methacton clinches PAC Liberty title on Spring-Ford’s floor

ROYERSFORD >> With 16 wins in 17 games, it wouldn’t seem like the Methacton girls basketball team should have anything to prove.

But Tuesday night’s trip to Spring-Ford – a venue that has been the scene of a lot of letdowns throughout every Warrior’s scholastic career – there was a desire to prove something … maybe most of all to themselves.

“This was a game that would show who is top in the PAC and it was a big game to prove ourselves,” said senior guard Nicole Timko. “Especially with so close of a score, we had to keep our composure and stay ahead. It definitely did (feel like a playoff game).”

Even after seeing their 10-point lead whittled to one with 35 seconds remaining, Methacton’s composure didn’t desert it.

It’s what allowed the Warriors to hold the Rams without a shot attempt in two final possessions that preserved a 47-44 victory that clinched Methacton the Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division regular season title.

“After losing to them every time on their court, this was a big one,” said Timko, who had 14 points and five rebounds.

“It was definitely important for us to beat them on their home court. It showed that we are really No. 1 in the PAC,” said junior point guard Cassidy Kropp, who also scored 14.

Methacton (9-0 Liberty, 12-0 PAC, 17-1 overall) can only hope a celebration of the Rams’ floor is a prelude of things to come – the PAC championship game will be played at Spring-Ford on Feb. 16.

Spring-Ford (6-3, 9-3, 14-5), which got 14 points from Anna Azzara and 11 from Siena Miller, will lament an opportunity missed against their top rival.

“After each game we all feel like we can be there, that we can beat any team. It’s going to get there eventually,” said sophomore point guard Azzara.

It’s a transitional year for the Rams after the graduation of the Class of 2021, featuring three-time All-Area Player of the Year Lucy Olsen (Villanova), led the program to last year’s District 1 championship and PIAA title game. Yet the youthful Rams have navigated it very well with a 14-5 record and No. 12 ranking in District 1-6A.

“It’s fun. It’s a challenge and we all like the challenge,” said Azzara of building a new identity.

Methacton led 20-16 at halftime, grew the lead to 35-29 after three quarters and built its biggest lead at 41-31 after a Reana Torres 3-pointer (8 points) with 4:34 to play.

Spring-Ford’s comeback was sparked by Aaliyah Solliday’s back-to-back baskets – an in-stride offensive rebound and putback and a circus shot layup in transition – that got the margin within two possessions through the final 2:06.

Kropp, who was 8-for-10 at the free-throw line, put the Warriors up five at the line but Solliday’s layup put S-F within 45-42 with 40.5 seconds left. Kropp missed the front of a 1-and-1 and Azzara followed with a couple free throws to get the Rams within one, 45-44, with 35.5 left.

A 1-for-2 trip to the line for Kropp gave S-F the ball trailing by two (46-44) with 25 seconds left, but the Methacton defense, which kept Spring-Ford uncomfortable all night, made its best stop of the night, forcing the Rams into a turnover before ever getting a shot off.

“I always felt like we had the game under control,” said Timko.

Timko noted the absence of senior starter Tori Bockrath, who was a huge factor in Methacton’s 70-59 win over Spring-Ford on Jan. 11. Bockrath missed her sixth straight game with an injury but is expected to return later in the week.

Junior forward Mairi Smith’s presence in the paint was a big influence on defense and helped turn Spring-Ford reliant on shooting 3s.

Offensively, the sharpshooting Timko and slasher Kropp are the keys for the No. 4 ranked team in District 1-6A. They’ve been top options the last three seasons and have only gotten better – and more multi-dimensional – with age. 

“We’re a duo. We work really well together,” said Kropp. “I can always see Nicole on the 3-point line, she can find me. We always have that drive and kick; everything works out on offense between us two.”