SPRINGFIELD >> Prior to coaching Springfield’s Central League home game Tuesday night,  Ky McNichol stopped by Academy of Notre Dame in Radnor to visit her mother, Mary Beth, who was being honored for 25 years coaching Irish basketball.

“I gave her a quick hug and — this is how great my mom is — she said, ‘Thanks for coming, now go beat Garnet Valley,’”  McNichol said.

She didn’t let her mom down. The Cougars, who won just six games a season ago, did something that no team in the Central League had accomplished since February 2013. They defeated Garnet Valley, 50-37. As sweet as it was for Ky McNichol, a second-year varsity head coach who earned her stripes with the AAU Comets, she would be the first to tell you it’s about her players, who erased an eight-point halftime deficit with stingy defense and clutch shooting down the stretch.

“It’s what I always tell them: Believe in you, believe in us,” she said.

Including playoff games, Garnet Valley had won 38 consecutive games against Central League opponents. That streak ended Tuesday night.

“It’s what the coaches said to us at halftime, that they believe in us so much,” said junior Maggie O’Connell, who played a strong all-around game with eight points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. “We have wanted to beat Garnet Valley for so long. They’ve been an undefeated team since 2013, and it’s a big accomplishment. I think everyone really played their hardest and the 1-3-1 defense really helped us out.” A 5-0 burst to begin the third quarter put the Cougars (4-2, 4-1) in motion.

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Kylynn McNichol directs Springfield during her first year as the head coach last season when the Cougars won only six games. Tuesday night, the second-year coach watched the Cougars beat Garnet Valley, 50-37, handing the Jaguars their first loss in a Central League game in nearly three years. (Times File Photo)

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CONCORD >> The known entities contributing to Garnet Valley’s intriguing start to the season are quickly gaining their reputations. But Tuesday night, in a game that was at times scrappy and unflattering, two under-the-radar sources of offense came to the fore. Brandon Starr scored a career-high 15 points, and the usually hot-shooting Jaguars relied on the deep ball as a decoy to propel a 64-43 win over Springfield. Starr’s 15 points didn’t exactly come out of nowhere; he’s been in double-figures five of the last six games. But the fact that it was fueled by three 3-pointers on a night where the usual suspects’ shooting touch was uncharacteristically chilly helps to confound opponents’ attempts at game-planning for the Jags (5-2, 3-2 Central).

“It’s huge because he’s more of a tweener-type guy,” guard Andrew Louden said of Starr. “He can get to the basket, he gets rebounds, but he can also step back and hit 3s. And a lot of times, there are mismatches on him because he can hit the 3.”

Starr’s, well, star turn was pertinent Tuesday when Garnet Valley’s principal deep threats misfired. Louden, Carl Tienabeso and Austin Laughlin entered averaging a combined seven 3-pointers per game. Against Springfield, they managed just four on 16 attempts, including a 2-for-11 day from the field for Tienabeso. That created the need for Starr to step up and, with the matchups thrown his way, he delivered.

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Garnet Valley’s Ryan McCrossan, left, has his layup attempt blocked by Springfield’s Nick Fox during the Jaguars’ 64-43 victory in a Central League game Tuesday night. (Times Staff/Tom Kelly IV)

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With 2:25 left in the third quarter and the Radnor girls basketball team trailing host Marple Newtown 28-24, the Raiders decided it was time to turn up the temperature on defense. Thanks to frenetic man-to-man full court press, Radnor forced many turnovers that led to a 22-3 run to close the game giving Radnor the 46-31 come from behind win.

“Our full-court press defense is really important,” said junior Nicole Massimino, who finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals. “Our defense causes turnovers which leads us to get easy baskets.”

Senior co-captain Kristin Hamill who finished with finished with a game-high 14 points and four rebounds added, “Our full court press creates many turnovers and gets the team pumped up. It sparks a fire and gets everyone energized.” After trailing 8-1 to start the game, Radnor clawed its way back to take a 14-10 lead after one thanks in large part to Hamill and senior Fallon Quinn who combined for nine of the 14 points. Doubling their lead early in the third quarter with the game seemingly turning in their direction, Marple Newtown came right back with Halle Robinson leading the charge before Julia Lynch capped off the 16-0 run with a three-pointer from the wing setting up Radnor’s answer to end the game.

Radnor (4-2; 3-1 Central League) has now posted three consecutive victories including impressive wins over league rivals Harriton and Upper Darby along with non-league foe Interboro.

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Radnor’s Nicole Massimino.

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The 6-foot-4 junior guard has played a big role in Lower Merion’s exciting early-season run (three overtime wins in a row, all at Bryant Gymnasium). Jones scored 27 points, including four second-half 3-pointers, in Lower Merion’s home opener as the Aces defeated Penncrest in triple overtime. Three days later, with Lower Merion trailing 43-40 with one minute left, he buried a deep three-pointer to tie the score, and the Aces went on to win. The following day, he tallied a career-high 34 points (including 15 free throws) in a 68-63 overtime win against Shipley. 

Fun facts – Terrell Jones
Favorite book: Tuesdays With Morrie.
Favorite TV show: The Flash.
Favorite movie: Creed.
Favorite athlete: Kevin Durant.

Favorite team: Philadelphia 76ers
Favorite pre-game meal: “Any kind of pasta.”
Favorite color: Blue.
Person you most admire, and why: “Definitely my mom, Cheryl Jones. She’s hands down the hardest-working person I know.”
Birth date: July 15.

Lower Merion’s Terrell Jones is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

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RIDLEY TWP. >> The Haverford High girls basketball players could tell their Central League game at Ridley Friday night was something special for coach Bridget DiCave.

“She was very excited about it,” senior guard Mollie Reynolds said. DiCave played for the only Ridley girls basketball team to win a district championship, the 1975-76 squad, which was coached by Linda Hill-MacDonald, who went on to coach at Temple University and the University of Minnesota as well as in the WNBA.

“I was just thinking about how it’s always a tough game playing here,” DiCave said. “They always have a tough, scrappy team.” Both teams played tough, both were very scrappy, and the visiting Fords (4-2 overall, 3-1 Central League) survived a Ridley comeback in the second half and earned a 45-41 decision.

Ashley Murphy’s 3-point field goal with 59.9 seconds to play capped a five-point Fords run after Haverford had fallen behind by three points a minute earlier. Reynolds (18 points, three steals, three assists, two rebounds), who was 4-for-4 from the foul line in the first half, missed two of three before going 2-for-2 with 36.6 seconds left. Hailee Mayer (six points, nine rebounds, two steals, one assist) tossed in a 3-pointer for the Green Raiders (3-3, 2-2), but both teams turned the ball over before Reynolds iced the decision with a layup for her last bucket.

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Haverford coach Bridget DiCave, center, slaps hands with Fords center Hannah O’Reilly (32), left, during a timeout at Ridley High School. DiCave led the Fords over her alma mater, 45-41, Friday. (Times Staff/Rick Kauffman)

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The following players from the Central League were named to the All Main Line Teams.

FIRST TEAM

Alice Regan, Conestoga – Senior captain and midfielder moved to the backline because of injuries to most of Conestoga’s defenders, and was the Pioneers’ MVP, as well as a first team All-Central Leagie pick. Noted for her tenacity, toughness, intelligence and work ethic.

Claire Coyle, Harriton – Senior keeper and co-captain, a first team All-Central League pick and three-time Rams MVP. Set four Harriton goalie records, including career goals-against average. Also scored four goals and dished out four assists, and was noted for her ability to create scoring chances from free kicks.

Samantha Bigham, Harriton – Senior striker and co-captain, a first team All-Central League pick, scored 15 goals in 18 games and dished out five assists, while setting four school records (goals and points in a season, and career). Noted for her ability to produce quality opportunities from a strong work rate.

Morgan Rees, Harriton – Sophomore midfielder scored seven goals and dished out five assists during the season, but what made her particularly valuable was her knack of coming up with big goals at key moments, such as the Rams’ first district win.

Hannah Dodds, Haverford High – Senior outside/center back, a first team All-Central League and first team All-Delco selection, was the Fords’ MVP for defense and was instrumental in Haverford’s nine shutouts. Noted for her speed on the outside.

Abby Ritterband, Lower Merion – Senior center mid, a first team All-Central League selection, finished in front of every Aces’ run, and was particularly valued for her work ethic, ability to make the players around her better, and unselfish play.

Maura Holst, Radnor – Junior midfielder, a first team All-Central League pick (was second in the voting for league MVP) and a first team All-Delco selection, was Red Raiders’ top goal scorer. Also was an all-state selection.

Abby Lord, Radnor – Senior defender, a first team All-Central League pick and a first team All-Delco selection, was the central defender on a Red Raiders squad that conceded the fewest goals of any Central League team.

Radnor’s Maura Holst

SECOND TEAM

Conestoga – Sammy Silverstein, senior midfielder.
Harriton –Filippa Graneld, freshman midfielder.
Haverford High – Josie Schultz, senior center back; Greta Ungvary, senior outside attacker.
Lower Merion – Louisa Ebby, senior defender.
Radnor – Alison Lanzone, holding midfielder; Fallon Quinn, defender; Emily Games, senior central midfielder.

HONORABLE MENTION

Conestoga – Monica Borzillo, senior forward; Rachel DiRico, sophomore forward; Amelia Kinzle, sophomore forward; Julianna Horning, senior goalie.
Harriton – Reilly Short, freshman defender; Daniella Milani, junior defender; Juliet Milani, junior defender.
Lower Merion – Lexie Sutton, junior forward; Mo McConnell, senior goalie; Julia Utkus, junior defender.

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RIDLEY TWP. >> Frances Resweber isn’t the only one feeling a little déjà vu these days. Soon, the rest of the Central League boys swimming coaches will, too. There’s a new Resweber on the scene, Strath Haven freshman Will Resweber. And if Wednesday’s meet against Ridley is any indication, the fourth of the swimming Reswebers will flow seamlessly into the high expectations set by the storied lineage. Will Resweber won the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle, helping Strath Haven claim a 112-88 Central League win over Ridley, while Frances did her usual 200/500 free double to help the girls to a 105-79 triumph. The Resweber family knows the drill by know. Drew, a junior at the Air Force Academy, and Clay both preceded Will through Dina Dormer’s boys team. Frances, a two-time All-Delco and the county record holder in the 200 free, will join Clay, a sophomore, at Davidson College next fall.

So the path that Will is following has been traveled before. That eases some of the pressure on his quest to be an impact freshman. “I’ve been watching the meets from the stands for a while now, and now that I get to swim in them, I’m really excited,” Will said.

The roles have been reversed for Frances, right down to Drew and Clay’s old SUV that she’s now entrusted with to ferry the Resweber clan to and from practices. She was a freshman when Drew was a senior leader on the Panthers. Three years later, she’s the big sister — literally, for Will, and symbolically to many of the 106 members of the Panthers’ gargantuan squad — and senior in charge.

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Ridley’s Gene Gibbons scored 246.70 points to win the boys diving competition against Strath Haven Wednesday afternoon. (Times Staff/Tom Kelly IV)

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SPRINGFIELD >> David Moore pointed to his brother Devon’s match as a sign of the positive changes taking place on Strath Haven’s wrestling team. The younger Moore earned a technical fall against Springfield’s Mike Psenicska at 152 pounds to help the Panthers to a 44-27 win. But it was how that bout started that defined Haven’s victory.

“You saw it. (Devon) got taken down, but he got right back up and he tapped his chest to the bench. He said ‘My bad. I got this,” David Moore said. “He goes on to get the tech fall. Five points instead of four. That makes a difference. That’s not about technique. That’s mental toughness.”

After two Cougars forfeits to start the match, David Bagirov and Vince DiMichele got the hosts back on track with back-to-back wins at 120 and 126. The Panthers, though, displayed the mental toughness the older Moore spoke of in taking back control of the dual meet. Sasha Reiger defeated Tyler Forbes 7-6. Max Sokoloff followed with a pin in 5:13 of Mike Finsterbush. Up 24-9, John Crawford turned in Haven’s performance of the night. He outlasted previously unbeaten Jon Fogel to earn a 5-4 decision.

“We’re young but we wrestle hard,” said David Moore. “Brett Burns, our usual guy at 145, didn’t wrestle tonight, but John Crawford stepped in and won. We’re pushing each other.”

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Strath Haven’s Max Sokoloff, right, got the best of Springfield’s Jared Finsterbusch en route to a pin in the 138-pound match during the Panthers’ 44-27 Central League win Wednesday. (Times Staff/Tom Kelly IV)

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The following players from the Central League were named to the All Delco teams.

The All-Delco Offense

First Team

In addition to Daily Times Player of the Year Jack Donaghy of Haverford High, the rest of the All-Delco offensive football team from the Central League includes:

Isaiah Bruce, Upper Darby: The senior enjoyed the greatest season for a running back in Delco history, breaking several school and county records. In leading the Royals to a 10-3 record, Bruce set the county mark for most yards (2,450) and touchdowns (37) in a season. He ran for seven touchdowns and 337 yards in Upper Darby’s 59-34 victory over Council Rock North in the first round of the District One Class AAAA playoffs. It was the first district playoff win in program history. Bruce produced 203 yards and two touchdowns in his final game, the epic Thanksgiving showdown with Haverford, in which the Royals fell, 49-42. Bruce is the only running back in county history to notch a pair of 300-yard games in the same year. His outstanding season earned him runner up honors for Daily Times Player of the Year.

Derrick West, Garnet Valley: A downhill running back with power, the senior was a catalyst in a Jaguars offense that ranked among the highest scoring in the county. West improved upon a junior season in which he rushed for 1,325 yards and 18 touchdowns. Despite missing one game this year, West averaged more than 100 yards over 10 games, finishing with 1,083 yards and 19 touchdowns. His best effort was a 245-yard, three-touchdown output in a loss to Upper Darby in Week 9.

Abel Hoff, Marple Newtown: A two-time All-Delco, Hoff broke his county record for most receptions in a season, which he originally set last year, and led the Tigers to their first District One Class AAA victory in program history. One year after registering 70 catches, Hoff finished a stellar senior campaign with 72 catches and 1,119 yards with 10 touchdowns. He was the only receiver in Delco in 2015 to post a 1,000-yard season. Hoff is only the fifth county receiver all-time to post more than 2,000 yards for a career and ranks second with 150 career receptions.

Shawn Page, Upper Darby: The senior two-way lineman was a major force on both sides of the ball. An All-Central League selection for his offense and defense, Page was widely considered one of the best players at his position in Delco. His dominant, hard-nosed play helped the Royals win 10 games and advance to the second round of the District One Class AAAA playoffs. Page played virtually every snap for the Royals this year, posting 60 tackles and 5½ sacks. As an offensive lineman, he paved the way for Isaiah Bruce, who rushed for a county-record 2,450 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Justin George, Garnet Valley: The senior was a monster at center for the Jaguars. George’s work in the trenches keyed the Jags’ 8-4 season and helped the team qualify for the District One Class AAAA playoffs for the fifth straight year. George, a 6-foot-1, 240-pounder with flawless technique, played a big part in helping All-Delco running back Derrick West to a 1,000-yard season. Said coach Mike Ricci: “Justin was the captain of our offensive line. He never missed an assignment, great on both double teams and getting to the next-level defenders. We considered him one of our most valuable offensive players. He also set pass protection to perfection.”

George Lambritsios, Marple Newtown: The clear choice for All-Delco kicker, Lambritsios was on-point all season for the Tigers, who reached the semifinal round of the District One Class AAA playoffs and posted a 9-3 record. A standout soccer player, Lambritsios flashed a powerful leg on kickoffs. He converted 11 of 15 field goal attempts, including a long of 45 yards. The All-Central League selection made 84.6 percent of his extra-point kicks and recorded 21 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Upper Darby’s Isaiah Bruce (17) finished his career owning several county and school rushing records. (Times Staff/Robert J. Gurecki)

Second Team
WR – Brandon Morton, Sr., Upper Darby
WR – Bob McClure, Sr., Haverford
WR – Chris Trainor, Jr., Haverford
OL – Matt Cipolloni, Sr., Ridley
OL – Sergey Plokhov, Jr., Garnet Valey
OL – Matt Cella, Sr., Springfield
AP – Christoff Minott, Sr., Upper Darby

Honorable Mention

Quarterback:  Anthony Paoletti (Marple Newtown); Matt Hamby (Garnet Valley);  Pat McDermott (Radnor); Cade Stratton (Ridley).

Running Back: Mike Romanofsky (Haverford);  Jack Horvath (Radnor); Malik Young (Ridley).

Wide Receiver/Tight End: Matt Corbett (Haverford);  Marcus Weathers (Marple Newtown); Kyle Long (Springfield); Justin Durbin (Upper Darby); Tyler George (Upper Darby).

Offensive Line: Colin Bradley (Radnor); Matt McCue (Radnor); Matt Rigolizzo (Radnor); Denis Kennedy (Ridley); Charlie Carbin (Springfield); Justin Shields (Springfield); Sam Petrovitch (Strath Haven); Mazen Malak (Upper Darby); Zeno Temple (Upper Darby).

All-Purpose/Specialist: Jacob Buttermore (Garnet Valley); Evan Boyce (Haverford); Shane Breckenridge (Penncrest); Ryan Kinnard (Penncrest); Jamie Fisher (Ridley).

The All-Delco Defense

First Team

Tim Bradley, Garnet Valley: An All-Central League snub, Bradley was a major force at defensive end for the Jaguars. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior was a relentless pass rusher with a high motor who was in the middle of so many of his team’s biggest plays on defense. GV coach Mike Ricci said of Bradley: “He had a ridiculous year. One of the best defensive players we’ve ever had.” Bradley recorded 48 tackles, including six for loss, four sacks, 14 hurries, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

Dario Falcone, Radnor: The senior linebacker and two-time All-Delco was a big reason why the Raiders enjoyed their best season under longtime coach Tom Ryan. Falcone was Radnor’s MVP on defense for a second year in a row. A standout lacrosse player, Falcone (6-1, 210) continued to make a name for himself on the gridiron. The All-Central League honoree racked up more than 80 tackles with five sacks on the way to helping the Raiders to a 7-4 record.

Jack Farrell, Haverford High: There was no bigger playmaker on the Fords defense than Farrell, a junior linebacker who flourished on a team that won its first Central League title in 20 years. Farrell, whose senior brother, Billy, was a standout lineman for the Fords, recorded the most interceptions by a Delco linebacker this season (five). Moreover, Farrell notched more than 100 tackles with four fumble recoveries, nine pass deflections and three forced fumbles.

Tom Becker, Springfield: Becker made an impact in his first and only season donning Cougars blue and gold. A standout linebacker at Bonner-Prendergast, where he earned All-Catholic League AAA honors as a junior, Becker fit in with the rest of Springfield’s hard-hitting LBs. En route to earning All-Central League honors, Becker registered 98 tackles and an interception as the Cougars advanced to the District One Class AAA playoffs, where they gave eventual champion Academy Park all it could handle in the quarterfinal round. One Central League coach said of Becker: “He’s the best defensive player we saw all year.”

Calvin Fielding, Upper Darby: The junior safety was the backbone of Upper Darby’s defense and also chipped in on offense at wide receiver. He ranked second on the team with 116 tackles, including 14 for a loss, while notching three interceptions, 10 pass deflections and one sack. Fielding had a knack for finding the ball and made his presence known on the majority of pass plays called against the Royals defense. Fielding’s all-around outstanding play, which earned him All-Central League honors, helped the Royals to a 10-win season and the program’s first district playoff win.

Naiqjuan McKenzie, Upper Darby: An All-Central League snub, McKenzie was excellent in his first season as a defensive player. Ranking second in the county with seven interceptions, the senior cornerback earned high praise from Ryan Stover, who quarterbacked Upper Dublin to the District One Class AAAA championship. Stover said, following Upper Dublin’s win over the Royals in the district playoffs, that McKenzie was an “amazing” defensive back. McKenzie’s interception total is believed to be an Upper Darby school record. He finished with 42 tackles, 12 pass deflections and one sack.

Garnet Valley’s Tim Bradley (94) returns one of his two fumble recoveries. The defensive end was a relentless pass rusher, recording four sacks and 48 tackles. (Times Staff/Tom Kelly IV)

Second Team

DL – Noah Turner, Sr., Marple Newtown
DL – Antonio Petril, Sr., Ridley
LB – Ricky Sterling, Sr., Springfield
DB – Jack Wilson, Sr., Radnor

Honorable Mention

Defensive Line: Brendan Granahan (Garnet Valley); Rob Monachello (Garnet Valley);  Billy Farrell (Haverford); Denis Spaventa (Haverford); Luke Lozowicki (Marple Newtown); Matt Trainor (Marple Newtown); Isaiah Coates (Radnor); Pete Deeb (Strath Haven); Derrick Korboi (Upper Darby).

Linebacker: Shane Donegan (Garnet Valley); Gino DiCamillo (Marple Newtown); Chris Dunn (Ridley); Ryan Gricco (Ridley); Shane Mulhern (Strath Haven); Dane Burke (Upper Darby); Tyler George (Upper Darby); Scott Mellet (Upper Darby).

Defensive Back: Zach Conner (Garnet Valley); Ryan Manbeck (Garnet Valley); Josh Lafferty (Haverford); Carmen Christiana (Marple Newtown); Zack Kout (Penncrest); Gene Gibbons (Ridley); Alex Hino (Radnor); Kyree Fuller (Strath Haven); Tyheim Dodson (Upper Darby); Prosper Saydee (Upper Darby).

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