FRANCONIA >> On Friday night against rival Central Bucks East, Souderton took care of business and cut down the net.
Big Red, which had clinched the Suburban One League Colonial Division on the road against North Penn on Tuesday, followed up with a solid 41-34 home victory over the Patriots and cut down the home net in celebration of capturing the league crown.
Souderton raised its impressive record to 18-3, including a sparkling 14-1 mark in the Colonial.
“We wanted to play well tonight,” said coach Lynn Carroll, who has her squad currently in the No. 4 spot in the District 1-6A standings. “East always makes things difficult for us. We wanted to feel good about being able to be successful against teams that are well coached and are trying to take away our strengths. And I thought our girls did that tonight.”
Big Red began the second half with a 7-0 run to build its lead to double digits and led comfortably for most of the second half. Souderton goes into its regular-season finale against CB West on Tuesday at home riding a four-game win streak.
“It’s just really good to have all of this on the same night,” said senior Erin Bohmueller, speaking of a winning Senior Night for Big Red. “It’s a bright future for us. Our season’s just starting really so we’re really excited for the postseason.”
Bohmueller hit a pair of threes and scored 11 points. Casey Harter scored a game-high 16 and Mikayla McGillian added eight as Souderton continued its march towards the playoffs.
“We’re really trying to keep that pregame energy and come out strong every time,” Bohmueller said of their surge.
Teya McConnaha (22) and her Souderton teammates cut down the net in celebration of their division title. (Kev Hunter/MediaNews Group)
Souderton held off a strong East squad, which hit seven 3-pointers, including a pair each by Shayne Leray (six points) and Aubrey Van Dongeren (8 points). Kendall Gregor added seven points for East (14-6, 10-5 Colonial), which hosts Mount St. Joe’s on Monday.
Bohmueller’s shooting touch kept Souderton on pace.
“Any time it leaves her hand, I’m happy,” Carroll said. “We need her taking more shots, especially from three. When she’s shooting well, it takes some of the pressure off of Casey and Teya (McConnaha) to have to create.”
Mikayla McGillian’s persistence on the offensive glass was also key for Big Red. Souderton took an 11-point lead into the fourth and led by nine at the four-minute mark when McGillian’s layup capped a fast break.
“Our third-quarter defense was very good. And we made things difficult for (East),” Carroll said. “And to be able to do this on Senior Night makes it an even more special night. Those are six seniors who have given a tremendous amount to this program over the last four years, all in different ways. I couldn’t be happier that this is the way they get to end their night.”
Souderton 41, Central Bucks East 34
CB East 8 12 3 11 – 34
Souderton 13 11 10 7 – 41
CB East: 11 Erin Leray 2 1-2 5, 21 Natalie Berndt 1 0-0 3, 25 Shayne Leray 2 0-0 6, 30 Anna Barry 2 0-0 5, 34 Aubrey Van Dongeren 3 0-0 8, 42 Kendall Gregor 1 4-6 7. Totals 11 5-8 34.
Souderton: 5 Erin Bohmueller 4 1-2 11, 11 Mikayla McGillian 4 0-2 8, 12 Casey Harter 6 3-5 16, 15 Grace McDonough 2 0-0 4, 22 Teya McConnaha 0 2-5 2. Totals 16 6-14 41.
3-pointers: C-Berndt, S. Leray 2, Barry, Dongeren 2, Gregor; S-Bohmueller 2, Harter.
