The Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media 2023-2024 Girls Basketball Season Preview

Lansdale Catholic had a season for the ages, the Crusaders winning their first Philadelphia Catholic League and PIAA titles behind a record-breaking year from Gabby Casey. Archbishop Wood secured its second state championship three-peat while Archbishop Carroll went on an underdog run for its first state title in more than a decade. Individual milestones and records got piled up in bulk too.

That was last year, now it all starts anew for teams in The Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media area.

Wood has won three straight state crowns twice, but the Vikings have never won four in a row. That’s the mission in Warminster as Wood takes on a bit of a new look after graduating seven seniors. Ava Renninger and Emily Knouse are back as starters, Alexa Windish and Lauren Greer are primed to step up but coach Mike McDonald will otherwise be looking to plenty of younger players to round out the rotation through a difficult schedule.

LC said goodbye to Gabby Casey, off to a strong start at St. Joe’s, and Jaida Helm so the Crusaders will have some work to do entering their first title defense. Olivia Boccella, Sanyiah Littlejohn and Nadia Yemola are back to lead LC, but the PCL looks as tough and competitive as ever around them.

Carroll lost three starters to graduation, but the Patriots got some new faces and a few returners that look ready for their turn. After an up-and-down regular season, Carroll showed the value of a challenging schedule with a remarkable run through the state playoffs. They’ll not only have to worry about LC and Wood, but Neumann-Goretti has plenty of talent and Cardinal O’Hara will be tough competition both in the PCL and PIAA 6A level.

It’s a new era at Germantown Academy, Lauren Power taking the helm after Sherri Retif stepped down following a 25-year run of unparalleled success. Power, who knows GA well from her time at Notre Dame, inherits an experienced and deep team that wants an Inter-Ac title but will have to go through reigning champ Penn Charter and Power’s former team in the Irish to do it.

There’s a lot of change in the Suburban One League. Abington not only graduated its all-time leading scorer in Cire Worley, but coach Dan Marsh took over the boys program as assistant Allison Lawson takes over a program that hasn’t dropped its always high expectations thanks in part to experienced returners.

Sisters lead the way for Upper Dublin, Amy and Megan Ngo teaming with senior twins Nora and Brighid Brady along with a couple promising newcomers as the Cardinals look to continue their standard of success.

Abington and Upper Dublin both have some key pieces back in the SOL Liberty while Plymouth Whitemarsh shifts into a rebuilding mode. The Colonials, who have won the last four division titles, have two sophomores back in Kenna Winland and AJ Avery but experience is thin behind them.

Upper Moreland also has a new coach, Josh Adelman returning to the coaching ranks replacing Matt Carroll. He takes over a Golden Bears team that’s been in contention for the SOL Freedom title and finally saw the light of the state playoffs last year.

The Golden Bears will have to fend off annual rival New Hope-Solebury while Lower Moreland and William Tennent are both hoping their young teams can learn quickly and get in the mix.

The SOL Colonial is always a grind and it looks to be more of the same. Souderton, the reigning champion, has Brooke Fenchel back but also plenty of new faces and inexperience around her.

CB South, CB East, CB West, North Penn and Pennridge all have at least a couple key players back and it could be one of those years where the division winner isn’t decided until the final few games of the season.

Over in the SOL Patriot, Neshaminy, Pennsbury and Council Rock South seem primed to duke it out, while Bensalem is aiming to put a wing into the table as well. Their crossover games with the Colonial may be the difference in how the standings shake out for both divisions.

ABINGTON2022-23 Record: 25-7, 14-2 SOL LibertyCoach: Allison LawsonPlayers to Watch: Maya Johnson (Jr.), Piper McGinley (Sr.), Jordyn Reynolds (Sr.), Sarah Oleary (Sr.)Outlook: “We have a mix of veterans and younger players in this group, I believe this season will be a good year for us. They’re fun to be around. They’re really about winning. They’re about one another. Although our team lost a lot with the departure of Cire Worley (UMASS-Lowell) and Abril Bowser (Mansfield University), the mix of solid returners and some hungry newcomers is shaping together to become a special team.”

ARCHBISHOP CARROLL2022-23 Record: 17-13, 7-3 PCL.Coach: Renie ShieldsPlayers to Watch: Brooke Wilson (Sr.), Alexis Eberz (So.), Felicity McFillin (Sr.)Outlook: The Patriots were the surprise of last year’s state playoffs, taking down an impressive list of opponents on their way to a PIAA 6A title. There’s been some turnover, but senior Brook Wilson has one more season in Carroll colors with a deep and eager supporting cast around her. The Patriots will play another gauntlet of a schedule, but don’t be surprised if they’re still around when the calendar finally says March.

ARCHBISHOP WOOD2022-23 Record: 25-5, 9-1 PCL.Coach: Mike McDonaldPlayers to Watch: Ava Renninger (Sr.), Alexa Windish (Sr.), Lauren Greer (Sr.), Emily Knouse (Jr.)Outlook: The Vikings may have some new faces filling out the rotation, but their four co-captains bring plenty to the table and will set a good foundation as the team navigates a typically challenging schedule.An offseason injury means transfer Colleen Besachio is out for the season, but with Renninger and Knouse back and a bevy of players ready to take on new roles, the Vikings should have some depth and options.

CENTRAL BUCKS EAST2022-23 Record: 16-9, 10-6 SOL ColonialCoach: Liz PotashPlayers to Watch: Anna Barry (Sr.), Natalie Berndt (So.), Chantal van Dongeren (Sr.)Outlook: “The team is looking to compete for the top spot in the Colonial Conference and has the potential for a successful season. The team has good speed and athleticism along with some outside shooting threats. There is a good combination of experience and young talent and we’re excited for another opportunity to compete at a high level.”

CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH2022-23 Record: 8-14, 3-13 SOL ColonialCoach: Beth MatternPlayers to Watch: Yoyo Samayoa (Sr.), Casey Balkir (Sr.), Juliana Tropea (So.), Ella Wheeler (Jr.), Mia Klein (Jr.), Gabby Tropa (So.)Outlook: “We are excited to return our starting line- up from last season.  There has been a lot of work put in to build our overall skill and our team chemistry has made the gym a really fun place to be this preseason.”

CENTRAL BUCKS WEST2022-23 Record: 7-15, 5-11 SOL ColonialCoach: Zach SibelPlayers to Watch: Gabi Senior (Sr.), Gabby Reichner (Sr.), Alexis Castro (Sr.)Outlook: “The team looks to compete in a tough SOL league and SOL crossover games. West will rely on physical defensive play and athleticism to get things going on the court. Senior returners have filled the shoes of great leaders from last year with lessons learned and things to prove. The team is looking to build on momentum gathered this fall and have a collective approach to every practice, drill, and game. This group is excited to take on the new challenges of a new season and compete at a high level.”

CHELTENHAM2022-23 Record: 7-15, 3-13 SOL FreedomCoach: Ben BowmanPlayers to Watch: Maya Simmons (So.), Paige Powell (So.), and Jiah Price (Jr.)Outlook: “Coming off a year where we finished strong, can we build off that and get some much-needed wins this season? We want to play hard from beginning to end, and finally turn our hard work into competing for the league title.”

FAITH CHRISTIAN2022-23 Record: 23-7, 11-0 BALCoach: David ForkerPlayers to Watch: Autumn Landis (Jr.)Outlook: The Lions graduated an extremely successful senior class headlined by Bella Forker, but they’ve been one of the most consistent small-school programs not only in the area but District 1 for a while. Expect this group to improve over the course of the season and have a say come the BAL and district tournaments.

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY2022-23 Record: 19-11, 9-3 Inter-AcCoach: Lauren PowerPlayers to Watch: Jess Aponik (Sr.), Isabella Casey (Sr.), Sam Wade (Sr.), Gabby Bowes (Jr.), Jess Kolecki (Jr.)Outlook: There’s a new face on the Patriots sideline this year as Lauren Power takes over following the retirement of Sherri Retif. Power knows GA well from her years coaching at Notre Dame Academy and a veteran team has taken to her just as quickly. GA’s got plenty of guards and almost as many seniors who don’t want to leave without an Inter-Ac championship.

GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY2022-23 Record: 21-8, 7-3 AACACoach: Tom LonerganPlayers to Watch: Dylan Burke (Sr.), Emilia Coleman (So.), Bailey Balkir (So.)Outlook: The Monarchs will need to replace AACA MVP Hannah Griffin but have plenty of pieces back to try and do it. One of the youngest teams in the area last season, GMA still managed to be a stout defensive team and that shouldn’t change this time around. Finding some more scoring from the returning underclassmen will be a main focus as the Monarchs look to get back to the top of the AACA and District 1 conversations.

HATBORO-HORSHAM2022-23 Record: 8-14, 6-10 SOL LibertyCoach: Eric GlemserPlayers to Watch: Kitty Randa (Sr.), Maddy Patel (Jr.)Outlook: “With only one senior, the Lady Hatters are looking to senior Kitty Randa who committed to Kutztown University and junior Maddy Patel to lead this year. This is only Kitty’s third year playing, and she has made a noticeable impact on our program being the anchor of our team both offensively and defensively. Maddy adds a nice balance to our defense as well as becoming a more consistent scorer and play maker.”

LANSDALE CATHOLIC2022-23 Record: 29-2, 9-1 PCLCoach: Eric GidneyPlayers to Watch: Olivia Boccella (Sr.), Sanyiah Littlejohn (Jr.), Nadia Yemola (Jr.), Grace McDonough (Jr.)Outlook: The Crusaders will have some things to figure out early in the season as they adjust to life without Gabby Casey, but there’s still a strong core left over. LC has three starters back and still has expectations of pushing for PCL and PIAA titles once everyone gets used to their new roles. With a solid schedule, LC will be well-tested come late February.

LOWER MORELAND2022-23 Record: 8-14, 5-11 SOL FreedomCoach: Richard BeckerPlayers to Watch: Briana McFerran (Sr.), Amelia Brown (Sr.), Dani Brusha (Jr.)Outlook: “We have a young group that has a lot of upside. This will be the first year since I’ve been at Lower Moreland where we have a core group of eight players that play year round. The biggest question we have coming into the season is how will our young players adjust to the speed and size of the HS game.”

MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY2022-23 Record: 13-15, 6-4 AACACoach: Matt FeeneyPlayers to Watch: Audrey Kukla (Sr.), Emily Birmingham (Sr.)Outlook: The Magic are re-tooling after graduating a large senior class, several of them multi-year varsity starters. Seniors Audrey Kukla and Emily Birmingham do have plenty of experience, but they’ll need some teammates to step up around them as the Mount gets into AACA play.

NORTH PENN2022-23 Record: 13-12, 10-6 SOL Colonial.Coach: Brianna CullenPlayers to Watch: Caleigh Sperling (Sr.), Olivia Stone (Sr.), Cameron Crowley (Jr.), Kelly Donnelly (Sr.)Outlook: “We are looking to continue to build our culture by making every game competitive. We have several key returners that are looking to have a successful season.”

PENNRIDGE2022-23 Record: 16-8, 11-5 SOL ColonialCoach: Jason RappPlayers to Watch: Ella Brown (Jr.), Ava Fantaskey (Sr.)Outlook: “We look to build on a successful season from last year and make another postseason berth in the ultra-competitive SOL.”

PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH2022-23 Record: 23-4, 15-1 SOL LibertyCoach: Dan DoughertyPlayers to Watch: AJ Avery (So.), McKenna Winland (So.), Joslyn Perez (So.), Taylor Williams (Jr.)Outlook: “Coming off of a historic run: 6 division championships in 7 years (all outright), 4 district final fours, 3 district championship appearances, 2 SOL tournament championships, 1 district and state championship (171-26 overall, 92-6 in SOL). This year’s team is laying groundwork for what we hope will be another historic run. Our goal is to be competitive night in and night out. By the end of the season, we want to qualify for the District 1 playoffs and put a scare into whomever we draw in the bracket.”

SOUDERTON2022-23 Record: 23-7, 15-1 SOL ColonialCoach: Lynn CarrollPlayers to Watch: Brooke Fenchel (Sr. G), Jacqueline Bermel (Jr. G)Outlook: “There’s not a lot of varsity experience on the roster, but there’s a lot of potential. Led by lone senior Brooke Fenchel, returning players will be stepping into bigger roles and a talented freshman class will contribute right away. We expect some growing pains early in the season, but we’re excited to push each day to get to a point where we’re competitive with any team we face.”

UPPER DUBLIN2022-23 Record: 18-11, 11-5 SOL LibertyCoach: Morgan FunstenPlayers to Watch: Brighid Brady (Sr.), Nora Brady (Sr.), Amy Ngo (Sr.), Megan Ngo (So.), Tamia Clark (Fr.), Bridget DiMartile (Fr.)Outlook: “The 2023-2024 Upper Dublin girls’ basketball team returns four starters from last season that achieved an 18-11 record.  The team is led by returning all-league players in Amy Ngo and Megan Ngo, and will rely on Brighid Brady and Nora Brady to help continue the momentum gained from last year’s postseason run.  The team gets a big boost from a pair of versatile and athletic freshmen in Tamia Clark and Bridget DiMartile.  The team is aiming to have another strong showing in the postseason and contend for the Suburban One Liberty Division title.”

UPPER MORELAND2022-23 Record: 21-7, 13-3 SOL FreedomCoach: Josh AdelmanPlayers to Watch: Holly Gohl (Sr.), Mikel Lancit (Jr.), Marie Meyers (Jr.), LiAnna Adames (Jr.), Lillian Hansen (Jr.), Olivia Meakim (Sr.)Outlook: “The previous coaching staff and graduating players have set the bar very high for the Upper Moreland girls’ basketball program.  The girls have a lot of pride, talent and desire to compete.  We are excited to start the season and see our returning players and key reserves from last year step up and make bigger contributions to the team this year.  Having Holly Gohl returning with all her leadership and basketball skills, and Mikel Lancit returning for her third season as a starter, really gives our team a lot of confidence.  Several girls on the team have spent a lot of quality hours playing competitively in the spring, summer and fall.  As many of the coaches have mentioned in our conference, it will be extremely competitive, and we feel that we will be in the mix in our division and working hard to extend our season into the playoffs.”

WILLIAM TENNENT2022-23 Record: 9-13, 6-10 SOL FreedomCoach: Laura WhitneyPlayers to Watch: Morgan Volz (Sr.), Avery Kocur (So.), Halie Staub (So.)Outlook: “We’re looking to build off of our success from last year and compete for a league title and a playoff berth.”

WISSAHICKON2022-23 Record: 5-17, 3-13 SOL LibertyCoach: Kathie SimsPlayers to Watch: Ashley Klein (Sr.)Outlook: “Although losing Kaitlyn McGeary (East Stroudsburg) is quite significant to our team, we are looking forward to our young team coming together with players who showcase different strengths in the game of basketball. We hope we can improve overall by having a positive outlook on the season and adjusting things as we go.”