PIAA Tournament Preview: Paolino back in the flow for experienced O’Hara
MARPLE >> When Molly Paolino injured her foot, the Cardinal O’Hara sophomore guard didn’t get down on herself. She was excited to see other players fill her place, and a quick rehab had her back in no time.
A broken bone cost Paolino a month. She’s returned to full health as O’Hara begins the PIAA Class AAAA tournament Friday night against Abington at Archbishop Carroll.
“It was definitely frustrating watching my friends play and not being out there with them,” Paolino said at practice Wednesday. “But it’s all about
(Daily Times Files Photo)
teamwork and we all have to pull together. Lauren (Leicht), Bridgette (Hoy) and Emily (Helms) filled in and did really well. They are doing great.”
A two-year starter, Paolino’s presence was missed for 10 straight games (she returned in time for the Catholic League quarterfinals). Paolino brings stability to the Lions’ backcourt with her outstanding defensive skills and keen awareness.
“I’m getting back into it,” Paolino said. “At first I was having a hard time, but now it’s a lot better. It’s like (getting back into) a flow.
“It’s scary (because) you don’t want to reinjure it. The second game back, I felt more confident.”
That’s good news for the Lions (22-3).
After bowing to Archbishop Wood in the Catholic League semifinals last month, O’Hara went after the consolation — the District 12 title — and won by 39 points over an inferior Public League team.
Now the Lions face their first real competition since Feb. 16. O’Hara is one of the favorites to win the state title.
Abington defeated Penn Wood to secure ninth place out of District One. Sammy Lochner led the way with 14 points, while Lizzie O’Leary had 13 points and 13 rebounds in the victory.
“They’re big,” Paolino said. “We have to adjust to their height because we’re such a guard-oriented team”
O’Hara has had a tough time against teams with height. All-Delco Mary Sheehan, the Lions’ tallest starting player at 5-foot-11, often is tasked with covering the opposing team’s bigs.
“We’re going to have to shoot well and play good defense,” Paolino said.
Last year the Lions advanced to the state quarterfinals before they were tripped up by Palmyra. All five starters in that game — Paolino, Sheehan, Hannah Nihill, Kenzie Gardler and Maura Hendrixson — are back for another taste.
The experience, Paolino believes, will serve the Lions well.
“We’re hungry to win,” Paolino said. “Mary and Hannah (Nihill) are such great leaders. It’s so great to have them be our two captains on this team. We have a lot of confidence with them leading us.”
In other PIAA Class AAAA first-round action:
Arch. Carroll vs. Upper Dublin, at Cheltenham, 6
The Patriots (11-13) last played in the Catholic League semifinals Feb. 16, losing to Neumann-Goretti, 60-34. They earned a bye to states as District 12’s third-place squad.
Despite an up-and-down season, the Pats have received steady production from guards Molly Masciantonio (10.7 ppg) and Bella Sorrentino (10.3 ppg).
Upper Dublin (21-6) claimed fourth place in District One after it lost to eventual champion Perkiomen Valley by one point in the semifinals. Led by guards Josie Barrett and Ashley Barber, the Cardinals are a defense-minded team, as they allowed 31.6 points over five district playoff games.
Garnet Valley vs. Governor Mifflin, at Garden Spot, 6
The Jags (24-5) earned sixth place after falling to District One top seed North Penn in playbacks. Senior guard Maddie Ireland is averaging 15.6 points in the postseason, while freshman Emily McAteer checks in at 14.4.
Governor Mifflin (27-2) fell to Cumberland Valley in the District Three title game. The Mustangs are led by sophomore Kyra Hartman, who dumped in 18 points in the loss to Cumberland Valley. Senior Madison Koehler scored her 1,000th career point in the same game.
Penn Wood vs. Cumberland Valley, at Carlisle HS, 7:30
The Patriots (19-8) are in the state tournament for the first time in program history. They overcame a second-round loss in districts to win two playback games and take 10th place. All-Delco senior Dahnye Redd is averaging 22.2 points in five playoff games.
Cumberland Valley (24-3) won its second straight District Three crown and is the reigning PIAA Class AAAA champion. Villanova recruit Kelly Jekot, the 2014-2015 Gatorade State Player of the Year, is a 2,000-point scorer. ESPN.com lists Jekot as the nation’s 49th-ranked college recruit.
In a PIAA Class AAA first-round game Saturday:
Bonner & Prendergast vs. Gwynedd Mercy, at Harriton, 3
The Pandas (16-8) are in the state tournament for a fourth consecutive season and play the Monarchs in a repeat of last year’s first-round contest. Caroline Manfre and Princess Clemons, both seniors, are Prendie’s top weapons along with sophomore Maggie McPeak and freshman Maeve McCann.
Brigit Coleman tossed in 17 points to help Gwynedd Mercy claim its second consecutive District One title with a 54-37 rout of Villa Maria.
In a PIAA Class A first-round game Saturday:
Delco Christian vs. Mahanoy Area, at Martz Hall (Pottsville), 3
The Knights (20-7) are in the state tournament for the first time since 2012, when they won their third District One title. Last week they fell to Jenkintown in the District One final, 43-33. Senior guard Siani McNeill is averaging 17.2 points per game for the Knights, while junior guard Claudia Norton is averaging 10.3 points in the playoffs.
Mahanoy Area (19-5) won its first District 11 title since 1998 with a 36-32 decision over Tri-Valley. Megan Bisco and Megan Babinsky are key contributors for the Golden Bears.
