Mercury-Area Girls Basketball Preview 2019-20

(In order of projected division finish)

PIONEER ATHLETIC CONFERENCE LIBERTY DIVISION

Spring-Ford

Coach: Mickey McDaniel, 7th season

Last year’s record/accomplishments: 10-0 PAC Liberty, 16-0 PAC, 24-5 overall, PAC champion, District 1-6A semifinalist, PIAA 6A second round

Players to watch: Seniors Skylar Sullivan, G; Alyssa Yuan, F; Gabs Alessandroni, G;. Juniors Lucy Olsen, G; Emily Tiffan, G; Abbey Boyer, G; Hailey Hudak, F; Mac Maloney, G.

Outlook: The past two seasons have seen the Rams win the PAC championship, reach the District 1 semifinals and qualify for the PIAA tournament. There’s every reason to believe Spring-Ford can keep the trend going. Whether it can improve on those results is the main question. Working in its favor is the return of Mercury All-Area Player of the Year Lucy Olsen, returning for her junior year after scoring 15.1 points per game and making the All-State third team as a sophomore. She’s joined by junior guard Emily Tiffan, an All-Area second team choice in 2018-19, and seniors Skylar Sullivan and Alyssa Yuan, all of whom were in the main rotation a year ago. The Rams did graduate two starters, including All-Area first team wing Cassie Marte, whose outside shooting will be missed. With another handful of returnees who played valuable minutes, depth will not be an issue, a key element of the Rams’ high-pressure style. “An additional year’s worth of experience gained will enable us to continue the positive growth in the program and the players who have stepped up to varsity this year allow us to play with depth that is important to our style of play,” coach Mickey McDaniel said. Favorites to make it a three-peat in the PAC, the Rams head to Orlando for the KSA Classic in two weeks, part of a challenging non-league schedule that should prime them for another long postseason.

Methacton

Coach: Craig Kaminski, 18th season

Last year’s record/accomplishments: 7-3 PAC Liberty, 13-3 PAC, 23-8 overall, PAC runner-up, District 1-6A 11th place, PIAA first round

Players to watch: Seniors Sydney Tornetta, G; Sydney Hargrove, F; Caroline Pellicano, F. Junior Allie Hazlett, F. Sophomores Nicole Timko, G; Tori Bockrath, F. Freshmen Cassidy Kropp, G; Mairi Smith, F.

Outlook: Methacton enters the season feeling as good as any area team with what is in place. The Warriors return two Mercury All-Area first team players in senior Sydney Tornetta (11.3 ppg in 18-19) and sophomore Nicole Timko (12.3 pgg), the sharpshooter who set the school’s 3-point shooting record as a rookie. With frontcourt starters Caroline Pellicano and Sydney Hargrove also back and a handful of returning and new pieces that will be in the rotation, Methacton has as much quality and depth as anyone in the area. Coach Craig Kaminski is encouraged by the experience gained from last year’s postseason run. “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,” Kaminski said. “They know it will not be an easy task and it will require a lot of hard work.” If any team has what it takes to unseat Spring-Ford, it’s Methacton. With shooting, size and experience, the Warriors look primed for a long and successful winter.

Owen J. Roberts

Coach: Jeremy Mellon, 12th year

Last year’s record/accomplishments: 7-3 PAC Liberty, 12-4 PAC, 19-7 overall, District 1-6A second round

Players to watch: Seniors Hannah Clay, G; Olivia LeClaire, F; Brooke Greenawald, C; Maddi Koury, G; Emily Schall, F. Juniors Kianna Daye, G; Allie Iyoob, C. Sophomore Avery White, G. Freshmen Alexa Vogelman, G; Gabrielle Koury, G.

Outlook: On the back of tying the school record for wins in a season with 19 last year, the Wildcats can reasonably target breaking that mark in 2019-20. With only one key departure (All-Area second team wing Diana Rantz), the bulk of OJR’s team returns. That group is led by two-time All-Area first team forward Olivia LeClaire (14.8 ppg), plus returning starters Avery White, Hannah Clay and Maddi Koury. “Returning four starters and four reserves from last year’s team will be a strength for us. Also, the ability to work in other sophomores, juniors, and even freshmen will be a possibility for us,” coach Jeremy Mellon said. Mellon made defensive pressure and rebounding a point of emphasis in the preseason, needed elements to combat a daunting PAC Liberty led by favorites Spring-Ford and Methacton. It may not be simple, but the Wildcats have the quality make runs in the postseason and contend for a spot in the PIAA playoffs.

Boyertown

Coach: Jason Bieber, 11th season

Last year’s record/accomplishments: 3-7 PAC Liberty, 7-9 PAC, 8-14 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Amber Marburger, G; Julia Smith, G; Avery Sweisfort, F. Juniors Ashley Kapp, G; Mikayla Moyer, G.

Outlook: Boyertown returns its entire lineup from a year ago and hopes the carryover has positive effect. The Bears look to have senior guard Julia Smith, who is closing on 100 career 3-pointers, and junior Ashley Kapp leading the way. Boyertown will bank on its shooting to offset an undersized roster. We will be a very good shooting team, and our speed will be tough for other teams to match,” said coach Jason Bieber, who is 10 wins from 200. “It is important that everyone fills their role on the team. We will not be that tall this year so the entire team must box out to limit opportunities for the other team to score.” The Bears have the tough task of playing in a stacked PAC Liberty Division, but should benefit from the competition if they can earn league and district playoff places.

Perkiomen Valley

Coach: Kelly Sorber, 2nd season

Last year’s record/accomplishments: 3-7 PAC Liberty, 7-9 PAC, 8-14 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Gabby Marinacci, G; Kylie Monaco, F; Lily Sherman, F; Grace Ramsey, F. Juniors Naiya Daisey, G; Anna Hallissey, G/F. Sophomores Emma Miley, G; Jen Beattie, G; Hailey Quoos, G/F.

Outlook: It was a transitional year at the end of a boom period at PV in Kelly Sorber’s first season in charge last winter. The Vikings graduated All-Area second team Kelly Owens but return most of the roster, including A-A honorable mention Gabby Marinacci. Most of all, Sorber believes her team is hungry to qualify for the postseason. “The team is ready to do whatever it takes to get wins and accomplish their team goals set at the first practice. While generally undersized, we are a quick team and we have really focused on our defensive philosophies in the off-season,” Sorber said. “(Our goals are) to improve our defensive game as well as make PACs and district playoffs.” Achieving those goals would mean it was an extremely successful season, especially while navigating a challenging non-league and PAC Liberty schedule.

Norristown

Head coach: Richard Fisher, 4th season

Last year’s record: 0-10 PAC Liberty, 2-14 PAC, 3-19 overall

Players to watch: Juniors Tiann Byrd, F; Nahtavia Dunlap, F; Tay Wright, G; Amairi Wise, G. Sophomores Sudan Wray, G; Sai Evans, C; D’Monae Daniels, F. Freshman Ryan Morse, F.

Outlook: Norristown features a largely inexperienced roster and has the unenviable position of playing in a top-heavy PAC Liberty. Juniors Tiann Byrd and Nahtavia Dunlap will serve as team captains for the Eagles. “The girls are still in the early stages of learning how to win,” said coach Richard Fisher. “If we can pull off a win against one of the better teams, that could be a turning point for our program. The girls must understand it takes hard work each practice and every game to achieve that goal.”

Pioneer Athletic Conference Frontier Division

Pottsgrove

Coach: Mike Brendlinger, 18th season

Last year’s record/accomplishments: 9-1 PAC Frontier, 13-3 PAC, 17-7 overall, Frontier Division champion, District 1-5A qualifier

Players to watch: Seniors Neena Hunter, G; Summer Walker, G. Juniors Kyleah Holmes, F; Rachel Ludwig, F; Jaimi Makins, G; Sydney Mowery, F; Sierra Potts, G; Riley Simon, G.

Outlook: Pottsgrove took a big step forward a year ago by winning the PAC Frontier Division and earning the No. 4 seed for the District 1-5A playoffs, all with a large group of sophomores leading the way. That core returns as juniors with All-Area second team point guard Riley Simon and honorable mentions Sierra Potts and Sydney Mowery looking to build on past success. The Falcons will also be pushing for greater postseason success after falling in the first round of the PAC and District 1 playoffs in 2018-19. Longtime coach Mike Brendlinger noted the need for greater consistency on offense, which could go quiet for stretches in the past. “The girls have worked hard over the summer looking to build on what they accomplished last year. They have upgraded their non-league schedule and with the improvement of teams in both divisions they have to come prepared to play every night,” Brendlinger said. “They hope to be able to advance further in both the league and district playoffs.”

Pope John Paul II

Coach: TJ Lonergan, 2nd season

Last year’s record/accomplishments: 9-1 PAC Frontier, 10-6 PAC, 16-13 overall, PAC semifinals, District 1-5A quarterfinals, PIAA 5A first round

Players to watch: Junior Kallan Bustynowicz, F. Sophomores Tess Crossan, G; Amelia Kennedy, G

Outlook: Pope John Paul II’s 2018-19 season was high on drama: PJP made a strong run in the PAC Frontier, had a massive win over Owen J. Roberts in the PAC playoffs, had the entire team suspended a game later over the online posting of an offensive video, then persevered through the District 1-5A playoffs to qualify for the PIAA 5A tournament. It’s hard to think TJ Lonergan’s second season could be any more dramatic than his first. But can PJP match the success? Going against it is the graduation of two multi-year starters, guards Elise Sylvester (All-Area second team) and Lauren Ciuba (HM). But sophomore Tess Crossan showed the ability to lead a backcourt last year and junior Kallan Bustynowicz is capable of being a top-tier forward in the PAC. “We are hoping to continue with the momentum we gained from last season,” said Lonergan, who praised the team’s backcourt depth. “ We want to also continue with the tradition that we started last season by having our program known for playing tough, physical defense. We want that to be our program’s calling card.” The Golden Panthers should again be a leader in the PAC Frontier, but will need to fill some gaps to match last year’s postseason success.

Phoenixville

Coach: Brian Grashof, 1st season

Last year’s record: 6-4 PAC Frontier, 8-8 PAC, 12-12 overall, PAC Final Six, District 1-5A first round

Players to watch: Senior Marlee Brown, G. Juniors Aubrie Breisblatt, G; Angelina Williams, G; Nailah Green, F.

Outlook: Brian Grashof, formerly the boys’ head coach at Kennett, takes the helm at Phoenixville, succeeding Mike Behnke. A top order of business will be finding a solution to the scoring loss of graduated Ameerah Green’s PAC-best 16.5 points per game. Junior Aubrie Breisblatt scored 12.3 points per game as a sophomore while Angelina Williams gave the team a boost in a 2-0 start at the Phantoms’ tip-off tournament. “I am looking to establish a new atmosphere consisting of hard work, accountability, fun, and family togetherness,” Grashof said. “We are a young team with players stepping into new roles.” Expected to be in the middle of the Frontier, any postseason qualification would be a good mark for the Phantoms.

Upper Merion

Coach: Shawn Wheeler, 1st season

Last year’s record: 4-6 PAC Frontier, 6-10 PAC, 6-16 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Katie Frey, F; Hannah Foster, G; Leila Borghaei, G; Aaliyah Parson, G. Junior Isabella Legendre, F. Freshmen Riley Anderson, F; Skye Omoqui, F.

Outlook: Upper Merion is now under the direction of Shawn Wheeler, who replaced Leah Shumoski. The team returns senior guard Hannah Foster, one of seven seniors, All-Area honorable mention forward Isabella Legendre, a junior, and adds ‘some promising young athletic talent’ according to Wheeler. Wheeler praised the athleticism of his group: “(We) have a number of athletic players and will play an aggressive, structured, defensive-minded style of play.” Upper Merion will hope defensive intensity can help it climb back up the standings toward a winning record.

Pottstown

Head coach: Matt Morton, 2nd season

Last year’s record: 2-8 PAC Frontier, 2-14 PAC, 2-20 overall

Players to watch: Junior Kailyn Jarrett, F. Sophomores Trinell Watson, G; Calista Daye, G; Jailyn Hampton, F. Freshman Tamaya Jarrett, G.

Outlook: Coach Matt Morton returns to lead a young roster that may not end up with a winning record but will make the most of its opportunities. Sophomore Trinell Watson got off to a strong start with a 26-point game during the Trojans’ tip-off tournament. “We are young and will learn from the good and bad. We just have to keep moving forward,” Morton said. “Our hustle and willingness to compete will be a position of strength.”

Upper Perkiomen

Coach: Matt Bowe, 1st season

Last year’s record: 0-10 PAC Frontier, 0-16 PAC, 1-21 overall

Players to watch: Not available

Outlook: Matt Bowe takes over at Upper Perk, replacing Kathryne Vetter (one season). Upper Perk hasn’t won a league game since 2014-15, a trend that will require some good fortune to halt this season.

Others

Daniel Boone

Coach: Kyle Tranovich, 1st season.

Last year’s record: 1-9 Berks II, 7-15 overall

Players to watch: Allyson Velez, G; Nicole Brown, G; Ally Boyer, G; Lyndsay Surkosky, G.

Outlook: Kyle Tranovich takes over as head coach of the Blazers, who have only one league win in the past three seasons. Boone graduated top scorer Courtney Gabbett, who averaged 13.3 ppg last year. The Blazers are largely inexperienced and will have their hands full in a Berks II division expected to be led by Berks Catholic and Fleetwood.

The Hill School

Coach: Jennifer Weissbach, 5th season

Last year’s record/accomplishments: 15-11 overall, PAISAA second round, MAPL semifinalist

Players to watch: Postgrad Eve Nealon, G. Juniors Cynthia Williams, C; Tess Gray, G; Elena Mendez, G. Sophomore Aine Farrell, G.

Outlook: The Hill graduated six seniors, including All-Area first team Qiana Vigo and postgrad standout Olivia Matto. It makes for a bit of a reboot for the Blues in 2019-20. Hill is a work in progress in the early going, but could get a major boost in January with the addition of currently-injured guard Eve Nealon, a postgraduate guard from Ireland who is a member of the U18 national team. For the time being, Hill, which started 1-4, weathers the storm of a tough non-league schedule with the knowledge it will be better for it in the long term when it is trying to contend in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League and make noise in the PAISAA tournament. “As a young team, we must learn how to handle pressure quickly and use each game as a learning opportunity,” said coach Jen Weissbach. “We will be a gritty team and will pride ourselves on our toughness and ability to overcome adversity thrown our way. We have built an incredibly strong culture in our locker room and the girls are ready to battle for each other.”