Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery teams hoping map leads to Hershey as PIAA Tournaments begin

This is it.

Starting Friday night or Saturday, the PIAA basketball tournament begins for the remaining Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery squads as the final two weeks of the season get underway. At this point, there are no second chances or resets so every game matters even more.

For some teams, it’s familiar territory while others are either getting a first real look at states or trying to  script a longer stay. Regardless of where they enter, the quest to reach the Giant Center at HersheyPark and come home with a title still requires five more wins.

CLASS 6A

BOYS

(1-1) Methacton
Opponent: (3-7) Harrisburg.
Time/Place: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Norristown.
Key Players: Jeff Woodward (Sr/C), Erik Timko (Sr/G), Brett Eberly (Sr/PG), Owen Kropp (Sr/G).
Overview: The District 1 champions enter as hot as anybody and have legitimate designs on contending for state hardware. In the past few years, this game has always been a challenge for the district champion as whichever District 3 team emerges hungry for a big upset to open the tournament.
Methacton’s handled all sorts of looks and challenges this year and the Warriors’ team approach led to a dominant district run. The Cougars, under veteran and respected coach Kirk Smallwood, are tough and tested with John McNeil and Davon Lee among their key players.

(1-7) Pennridge
Opponent: (2-1) Wilkes-Barre Area.
Time/Place: 4 p.m. Saturday at Wilkes University.
Key Players: Trent Fisher (Sr/F), Christian Guldin (Sr/PG), Luke Yoder (Jr/G), Colin Post (Jr/F)
Overview: This time last year, the Rams were about to embark on a stirring run to the state finals. Now, a team heavy on senior and juniors will look to script its own last chapter while relying on the same rugged defense and unselfish play that helped them repeat as SOL Continental champions.
It’s been an uneven season for the 16-10 Wolfpack, but they seemed to get things right during the District 2 postseason and are essentially playing a home game on Saturday having won 11 of 13 games. Guards Saquan Portee and Brandon Hall push the pace for Wilkes-Barre with Blake Masker a presence inside.

(1-10) North Penn
Opponent: (3-1) Wilson.
Time/Place: 4 p.m. Saturday at Kutztown University.
Key Players: Kolby Barrow (Sr/G), Rob Carangi (Jr/F), Josh Jones (Jr/F), Matt Swanson (Sr/F).
Overview: The Knights certainly earned their way in, playing road warrior as the 24th and final team into the District 1 field. Waiting for them is a powerhouse Bulldogs squad led by one of the state’s best players in junior guard Stevie Mitchell.
Wilson has plenty of strong supporting players and should have a strong crowd behind them, but the Knights have been playing with confidence and house money for a few weeks. North Penn will have to shoot well from the outside while establishing an interior game with Jones, Carangi and Swanson.

(1-2)  Cheltenham
Opponent: (11-4) Easton.
Time/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday at Council Rock South.
Key Players: Jaelen McGlone (Sr/G), Justin Moore (So/G), Sean Emfinger (Sr/F), Brandon Scott (Sr/F).
Overview: It’s a safe bet the Panthers are eager to get back on the floor and take out some frustrations after falling to Methacton in the District 1 title game. Losses have been rare for Cheltenham this season and the program has bounced back well when they’ve come, letting an aggressive defense set the tone on turning the page.
The Red Rovers’ style could look familiar to the Panthers as the District 11 crew leans on a pressuring defense to create fastbreaks and up-tempo offense. As’ad Brown and DeSales recruit Ryan Boylan are catalysts for an offense that averages nearly 68 points per game.

GIRLS

(1-1) Central Bucks West
Opponent: (3-7) Hempfield.
Time/Place: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Council Rock South
Key Players: Maddie Burke (Sr/G), Jess Broskey (Sr/F), Olivia Irons (Sr/G), Emily Spratt (So/G).
Overview: All season, the Bucks have focused on checking off goals and now find themselves with just one to go. A first-round exit ended West’s season a year ago but this group has tried to turn potential into results and will be eager to do it a few more times.
Defense has carried the banner for the Bucks, but Hempfield can claim the same mantra. The Black Knights won the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section I title and Lindsey Durkota can make anybody pay if they give her the chance.

(1-6) North Penn
Opponent: (11-2) Freedom.
Time/Place: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Easton Middle School.
Key Players: Valerie McGriff (Sr/F), Alli Lindsay (Jr/G), Carley Adams (Sr/G), Alaina Mullaly (Sr/G).
Overview: After two years out of the last dance, the Knights are back in the mix with a senior-heavy starting lineup not ready to end it yet. A quality schedule has toughed up North Penn and the Knights have been able to lock down on defense in big moments and often seem to find a run when they’re down. Getting McGriff going inside early will be key, as it opens up space for the team’s outside shooters.
The Patriots have won at least one state game the past two years, and at the expense of a District 1 first-round opponent both times. Jenn Kokolus has been on a roll, with the senior forward averaging 19 per game during districts.

(1-8) Methacton
Opponent: (3-2) Central York.
Time/Place: 6 p.m. Friday at West York.
Key Players: Nicole Timko (So/G), Sydney Tornetta (Sr/G), Sydney Hargrove (Sr/F), Caroline Pellicano (Sr/F).
Overview: The Warriors stumbled a bit to close the district tournament, losing three straight and struggling at the foul line. If they can recover their regular season form which saw a stout and athletic defense lead to some efficient offensive efforts, this group has the ability to extend its season.
Central York’s been in its share of tight games this season and the Panthers played a little above expectations. Confidence is high for a group relying on upperclassmen like Emily Prowell and Sarah Berman along with underclassmen like freshman Bella Chimienti.

(1-10) Souderton
Opponent: (12-1) Cardinal O’Hara.
Time/Place: 5 p.m. Friday at Bonner & Prendergast.
Key Players: Mikaela Reese (Sr/F), Casey Harter (Fr/G), Jordan Zimmerman (Jr/G), Olivia Schneider (Jr/G).
Overview: Few teams have surprised more than the Indians this season, as a roster with one senior not only played its way into the postseason but earned a state playoff position as well. Reese, the only senior and returning starter, has been a terrific leader and stat-stuffing contributor and this a game that will pay off plenty in the long run.
Souderton’s strong defense faces a difficult task in a Lions team that brought back almost everyone from last season’s state playoff run. All-PCL sophomore Sydni Scott leads a group including Amaris Baker and Maggie Doogan that’s dynamic offensively and tough on the defensive end.

(1-3) Plymouth Whitemarsh
Opponent: (11-4) Pocono Mountain West.
Time/Place: 6 p.m. Friday at Souderton Area HS.
Key Players: Anna McTamney (Jr/F), Gabby Cooper (Jr/G), Kaitlyn Flanagan (So/G), Jordyn Thomas (So/F).
Overview: The Colonials aren’t just happy to be here this year, they’re looking to make an extended stay in a deep 6A bracket. With all juniors or younger on the roster, don’t mistake the group for inexperienced as PW’s core group have all been mainstays the past two seasons.
PM West plays a similar fast-paced game that lets defense turn into offense but they’re a more experienced group with the likes of Aiyanalee Owens, Caroline Weirich and Taliyah Malone. The effort and intensity will be there from the Colonials, it could be a matter of who takes advantage of the most opportunities.

(1-5) Upper Dublin
Opponent: (3-3) Cumberland Valley.
Time/Place: 8 p.m. Friday at Central Dauphin East HS.
Key Players: Jackie Vargas (Sr/C), Jess Polin (Jr/G), Kara Grebe (Sr/F), Dayna Balasa (Jr/G).
Overview: Upper Dublin is no stranger to this time of year, with a core group of players owning a state title and another final four gearing up for their last run together. Lehigh recruit Vargas leads a rigid Cardinals defensive team hoping an offensive uptick in the district playbacks carries over into states.
The Eagles have plenty of state playoff experience of their own under longtime coach Bill Wolf. Guard Julie Jekot carries the banner for the first family of CV girls’ hoops but UD’s size will test a frontcourt missing Hannah Sauve and leaning heavily on Abbie Miller.

CLASS 5A

BOYS

(12-1) Archbishop Wood
Opponent: (1-6) Strath Haven.
Time/Place: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Bonner & Prendergast.
Key Players: Rahsool Diggins (Jr/G), Marcus Randolph (Jr/G), Daeshon Shepherd (Jr/F), Jaylen Stinson (Jr/G).
Overview: The Vikings want to finish the task this year after falling in the state title game last season. While the starting five is all juniors, it’s a group stacked with talent behind PCL MVP Diggins. Offensively, they can put up points but committing to defense will determine if Wood’s goal becomes reality.
The Panthers, under coach Chris Conlan, have put together a terrific breakout season with forward Robbie Guliday hoping to keep that turnaround rolling.

GIRLS

(1-2) Mount St. Joseph vs. (12-3) Archbishop Carroll
Time/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday at Methacton.
Mount Key Players: Grace Niekelski (Jr/F), Lauren Vesey (Sr/G), Kelly Rothenberg (Sr/F).
Carroll Key Players: Erin Sweeney (Sr/G), Grace O’Neill (So/G), Karli Dougherty (Sr/G).
Overview: Carroll went all the way to Hershey last season, falling in the state title game while the Mount reached the second round. Both squads have plenty back from those runs, with Sweeney and O’Neill the catalysts for a smooth-operating Patriots offense and Niekelski leading a Magic squad that’s been good on both ends of the floor.

(12-1) Archbishop Wood
Opponent: (3-7) Berks Catholic.
Time/Place: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Archbishop Ryan.
Key Players: Kaitlyn Orihel (Jr/G), Ryanne Allen (So/F), Izzy Larsen (Sr/F), Lindsay Tretter (Sr/G).
Overview: A quarterfinal loss to Archbishop Carroll ended the Vikings’ season earlier than usual last year so they’re pretty determined to get back to the Giant Center. Senior addition Larsen has made the pieces fit and Wood had plenty of firepower to back up a defense that can really get after it.
Senior point guard Sophie Emkey may not be all that tall but she plays her biggest in the Saints’ toughest games and will give her team all she has.

CLASS 4A

GIRLS

(12-1) Lansdale Catholic
Opponent: (3-5) Bermudian Springs.
Time/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday at Archbishop Wood.
Key Players: Timaya Lewis-Eutsey (Jr/G), Riley DeVitis (Sr/G), Gabby Casey (Fr/F), Lauren Edwards (So/F).
Overview: LC’s played just once since Feb. 13 but the Crusaders will plenty ready to get after it when their state tournament starts Saturday. Lewis-Eutsey has averaged nearly 25 points per game while embracing a role as an interior scorer.
DeVitis, who scores near 15 a game, has been a strong second option and both have a knack for drawing fouls. LC will look to parlay that into easy points against an Eagles team in states for the second straight year led by Hannah Chenault, Bailey Oehmig and Skylar West.

(1-1) Gwynedd Mercy
Opponent: (12-4) Carver Engineering & Science.
Time/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday at Neshaminy HS.
Key Players: Sarah White (Sr/G), Kaylie Griffin (Jr/G), Sofia Coleman (So/F), Bianca Coleman (So/F).
Overview: The Monarchs are in a familiar spot as they enter states off a district championship. White has had a career year shooting the ball and Griffin is an equally lethal outside shooter. GMA doesn’t have a ton of size, but the Monarchs are a tenacious defensive team and know how to win this time of year.

CLASS 3A

BOYS

(12-3) Bishop McDevitt
Opponent: (3-2) Camp Hill.
Time/Place: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Milton Hershey HS
Key Players: Jamil Manigo (Sr/F), Robert Smith (Sr/G), Ahmir Harris (Sr/G), Glenn Smith (Sr/G)
Overview: A tough draw for both teams as both sides in this one are very good. For the Royal Lancers’ senior class, this is their last run together as they try to take one more step after falling in the state semifinals a year ago. Manigo and Smith are both 1,000 point scorers and the entire class has helped rebuild McDevitt’s program in just three years.
Of Camp Hill’s (17-7) losses, three have come to defending state champ Trinity. The Lions have a pair of 1,000-point scorers in Jake Perry and Connor Trumpy who combine for 34 points per game.

GIRLS

(1-1) Saint Basil
Opponent: (12-3) Neumann-Goretti.
Time/Place: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Lower Moreland HS.
Key Players: Denae Carter (Jr/F), Lizzie Deal (Sr/F), Kelly Grant (Sr/G), Shannon Remolde (Jr/G).
Overview: Arguably the best first round matchup in any classification, boys or girls, one of the state’s top teams will have to go home early. The Panthers are used to seeing PCL teams early in states, including the first round against West Catholic last year. A rigid defensive team as always, St. Basil will need to be at its sharpest if it wants to navigate a difficult bracket quadrant that also includes West Catholic and Dunmore.
The Saints will be tough to slow down behind standout senior Diamond Johnson, who has multiple games of 30 or more points and NBA range as a shooter. Mijhae Hayes and Sierra Bermudez help create space for Johnson.

CLASS 2A

BOYS

(1-1) Dock Mennonite
Opponent: (12-3) Strawberry Mansion.
Time/Place: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Neshaminy HS.
Key Players: Darius Ellis (Sr/C), Ralph Saint-Fleur (Sr/G), Steve Martin (Jr/G), Devon Jainlett (Jr/F).
Overview: The Pioneers won their first district title in 28 years and returned to states after missing out last year. Center Darius Ellis, who hit 1,000 points in districts, anchors the middle on both ends for coach Mike Fergus. Dock has a little more firepower this season but it’s always defense-first for Fergus and that rings even louder at the state level.

GIRLS

(12-2) Bishop McDevitt
Opponent: (2-2) Holy Cross.
Time/Place: 5:30 p.m. Friday at Archbishop Wood.
Key Players: Caroline Cunnane (Sr/G), Sianii Posey (Jr/F), Amiyah Dixon (Sr/G).
Overview: It’s a rebuilding year for the Royal Lancers so any extra game experience is a positive. With just two seniors, most of the roster should return next year and Posey earned All-PCL honors this season.

CLASS 1A

GIRLS

(1-1) Jenkintown
Opponent: (3-5) Halifax.
Time/Place: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Council Rock South HS
Key Players: Molly Walsh (Jr/G), Carly Mulvaney (Jr/G), Lauren Brockwell (Jr/G), Katie McGrath (So/G)
Overview: The Drakes enter states with a 27-0 record, BAL and District 1 tournament titles and plenty of returners from last year’s trip to the state final four. With no seniors on the roster, this group has relied on experienced juniors like Walsh and Mulvaney to lead but don’t expect much to deviate from years past.
Offensively, the ball moves and there are plenty of shooters for it to find and on defense, the Drakes don’t give up much and always have their press ready in the back pocket. Junior forward Montana Paul has put together a strong season for the Wildcats, averaging 19.8 ppg and seven rebounds.

(1-3) Faith Christian
Opponent: (4-1) Northumberland Christian.
Time/Place: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Milton HS.
Key Players: Sydney Heller (Jr/G), Bianca Acevedo (So/G), Karleigh Garber (Sr/F), Joy Hissner (So/G).
Overview: The Lions find themselves in the same spot on the bracket as last year facing the District 4 champion. Faith tries to have defense turn to offense and is a good transition offense team when it gets stops or turnovers.
Emily Gervin, a sophomore, leads a young Northumberland squad that still managed to repeat as district champion.