Wrestling: Garnet Valley’s Marino making name for himself

Posted on 11 January 2016 by ldevlin.

CONCORD >> Garnet Valley junior Matt Marino shot Downingtown East’s Conner Birzes a wry smile after the towel flew in on their 126-pound match. Birzes, at the wrong end of a 16-4 major decision, had taken him down despite the referee’s whistle. Marino’s look was part trash talk, part frustration. After all, Birzes spent much of the bout stalling instead of wrestling.

“It’s definitely difficult. It’s hard to wrestle opponents this year because I’ve been scouted. I’ve been on the radar. Even with my brothers, their accolades and stuff, people are going to wrestle me more cautious,” explained Marino. “It is pretty common for me to see that this year. And it is what it is. I have to go out there and wrestle my best.”

The extra attention comes from a sterling 2015 for Marino. Last winter, he earned a trip to Hershey thanks to a third-place finish at the Southeast AAA Regional Tournament. Earlier this season, he placed fifth at the prestigious Beast of the East, a result that boosted his profile even more.

“I thought that was huge. I lost to a kid from Boyertown earlier this year and I came back and beat him at the Beast,” said Marino. “It definitely opened people’s eyes.”

The youngest of three brothers — Michael graduated from Garnet Valley in 2014, Daily Times Wrestler of the Year Joseph in 2011 — Matthew is looking to leave a lasting impression that could surpass his siblings’ accomplishments. Both Michael and Joseph reached the state championships. Joseph, who wrestled at Harvard, holds the family record with a fourth-place medal. At least for now. The youngest Marino continues to improve as evidenced by his 3-0 day at the Jaguars’ own Rage in the Cage dual meet tournament.

Saturday was only a glimpse of the strides he’s made. Marino is a much more determined wrestler, one filled with more vigor than he showed as sophomore.

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Girls Tennis: All Main Line teams

Posted on 07 January 2016 by ldevlin.

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

Harriton’s Nina Hoog placed fourth in District 1 Singles.

FIRST TEAM
Hannah Ashton, Conestoga – Senior tri-captain posted 18-3 record, was the Pioneers’ co-MVP and made first team All-Central League doubles. Second doubles player was valued for her leadership and intelligent, level-headed play.
Nour Elkassabany, Conestoga – Senior tri-captain posted 18-3 record, was the Pioneers’ co-MVP and made first team All-Central League doubles. Second doubles player was valued for her intelligence and leadership.
Maddie Wood, Conestoga – Sophomore second singles posted 16-5 record, made second team All-Central League singles, and won the Central League doubles tournament. Placed second in the PIAA District One doubles tournament, reached the quarterfinals of the PIAA state doubles tourney and was valued for her never-say-die attitude.
Cassidy Landau, Conestoga – Freshman first singles player won 16 matches, placed third in the Central League singles tournament and reached the second round of the District One singles tourney. A first team All-Central League singles player, she was valued for her boundless energy.

Sophia Sassoli, Harriton – Freshman first singles player was overpowering in Central League play, posting a 9-0 record and winning every set in the Central circuit and making the All-Central League first team for singles.
Connie Richards, Harriton – Freshman second singles couldn’t be beat in Central League play, posting an 8-0 record in the Central loop and winning all but one set. Was one of only four players selected for All-Central League second team singles (first team had four players also).
Nina Hoog, Harriton – Freshman third singles posted a 7-0 record in the Central League, winning every set. She then won the Central League singles championship, was on All-Central League singles first team and advanced to the round of 16 in PIAA state singles tournament.
Simone Burde, Lower Merion – First singles player posted a 13-4 record at the top spot, made first team All-Central League singles, finished second at the Central League singles tournament, and was a qualifier for the PIAA District One tourney.
Grace Hederick, Radnor – Junior first singles was the Red Raiders’ MVP, posting a 13-4 record, and making first team All-Delco as well as second team All-Central League.
Jessica Lin, Radnor – Junior second singles player posted a sterling 14-2 record on strong Radnor squad, and made second team All-Central League.
SECOND TEAM
Conestoga – Julia Herman, senior first doubles; Amy Zhang, sophomore first doubles; Ashley Griffith, freshman third singles.
Harriton – Sofia Kandoussi, sophomore first doubles; Lauren Binnion, freshman second doubles.
Haverford High – Katie Burhop, senior first doubles; Jillian Bernstein, junior first doubles.
Lower Merion – Sarah Lipson, second doubles; Haley Kofsky, second doubles.
Radnor – Alice Lehr, senior third singles; Norah Xiong, senior first doubles; Quinn Flannery, junior first doubles; Kara O’Malley, senior second doubles; Grace Moore, junior second doubles.

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Swimming: Hamilton’s effort seals Conestoga’s sweep

Posted on 06 January 2016 by ldevlin.

RADNOR >> The arithmetic was simple for the Radnor boys Tuesday. Going into the culminating 400 freestyle relay, the Raiders needed to finish first and third to seal a come-from-behind win over rival Conestoga. Put simpler, their ‘A’ team had to beat Conestoga’s “A,” and their “B,” Conestoga’s “B.”

Griffin Hamilton and company had other ideas, though. Hamilton split a career-best 49.97 seconds to peg back an early lead, handing off to Louis Conroy to hold off the advance of Radnor’s Steve Chen on the anchor by 12 one-hundredths of a second and lead Conestoga to a 96-89 win.

The girls meet also came down to the final relay, though with slightly less drama in a 100-86 Conestoga victory, both squads avenging last year’s loss at home that marked a historic sweep for Radnor en route to Central League titles. This time, Conestoga responded in kind. At the halfway mark of the final boys relay, Radnor sat first and third, the “A” squad’s lead fostered by Clayton Bowes and James El-Deiry. But then came Hamilton, a self-proclaimed “mediocre swimmer” whose usual 100 splits resided in the 51- to 52-second range. With the meet’s result hinging on his swim, he uncorked a 49.97 leg to chase down Radnor’s Steve Giannella, then handed off for Conroy to split 49.68, barely out-touching Chen (49.40).

“I didn’t know if I could keep up with (Giannella),” Hamilton said. “Something on that last 50 just kicked in and I was able to keep up. … On the third flip turn, I realized I had to catch up so I was like, ‘let’s leave this all out here.’ I gave it all I had.”

Click HERE to read the full article.

Radnor’s Julia Cullen swims the leadoff leg on the Raiders’ winning 200 medley relay Tuesday. Cullen won the 100 butterfly and 100 back, but Conestoga claimed a 100-86 win. (Times Staff/Robert J. Gurecki)

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Football: All Main Line Teams

Posted on 05 January 2016 by ldevlin.

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

Conestoga's Corey Manning on his 9 yard run against Upper Darby's Naiquan McKenzie during the 1st quarter in Upper Darby, Friday, October 9, 2015. (STEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer)

Conestoga’s Corey Manning on his 9 yard run against Upper Darby, Friday, October 9, 2015. (STEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer)

FIRST TEAM

Pete Jean, Conestoga – Senior linebacker and wide receiver, a first team All-Central League linebacker, made 108 tackles (36 solos, 11 for loss). Winner of a Mini Max award from the Maxwell Football Club for being one of the top players in the area.

Corey Manning, Conestoga – Senior running back, a first team All-Central League selection, gained 1,368 yards on 225 carries, averaging more than six yards per carry, and scored 15 touchdowns.

Jack Donaghy, Haverford High – Senior quarterback, a first team All-Central QB and the All-Delco Player of the Year, led the Fords to their first Central League title since 1995, throwing for a school-record 2,706 yards passing and 33 touchdowns.

Jack Farrell, Haverford High – Junior linebacker, a first team All-Central League and first team All-Delco selection, made 102 tackles and five interceptions.

Jack Wilson, Radnor – Senior wide receiver and defensive back averaged 19.8 yards per catch, grabbing 29 passes for five touchdowns and earning first team All-Central League honors as a receiver. Averaged 8.2 yards per run, carrying the ball 52 times for 428 yards. Earned second team All-Delco honors as a defensive back.

Dario Falcone, Radnor – Senior linebacker was a first team All-Central League and first team All-Delco selection, making 103 tackles in 11 games and forcing five fumbles. His standout defensive play was key to the Red Raiders’ excellent season.

Colin Bradley, Radnor – The senior right tackle’s stellar play on the offensive line triggered a potent Red Raiders’ attack. A first team All-Central League selection, the 6-foot-5, 280-pound senior has a full football scholarship to Lafayette.

SECOND TEAM
Conestoga – Will Gradisek, senior tight end/defensive lineman; Dondre Ross, senior defensive back/wide receiver.
Harriton – Patrick Stewart, senior quarterback.
Haverford High – Billy Farrell, senior defensive lineman; Ethan Samel, senior defensive back; Mike Romanofsky, junior running back; Bob McClure, senior wide receiver; Chris Trainor, junior wide receiver.
Lower Merion – Mike Berg, senior linebacker.
Radnor –Jack Horvath, sophomore running back; Isaiah Coates, junior defensive lineman.

HONORABLE MENTION
Conestoga – Daquan Perry, senior defensive lineman/fullback; Robert Ackerman, senior outside linebacker.
Harriton –Jake Smolenski, senior tight end; Jack Thomas, sophomore defensive back.
Haverford High – Josh Lafferty, senior defensive back; Dennis Spaventa, senior defensive lineman; Kareem Bernard, junior running back.
Radnor – Griffin Monaghan, senior defensive lineman; Patrick McDermott, junior quarterback; Alex Hino, senior defensive back.

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Field Hockey: All Main Line Teams

Posted on 05 January 2016 by ldevlin.

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

Conestoga’s Kiley Allen

FIRST TEAM
Casey Allen, Conestoga – Senior midfielder, a first team All-Central League selection, was the MVP of the Central League champions, tallying 21 goals (including five game-winning goals) and 23 assists in 25 games. Was striker on offensive corners and primary stroker.
Meredith Ross, Conestoga – Junior forward, a first team All-Central League pick, was the Pioneers’ Offensive MVP, tallying 39 goals in 25 games (including two game-winners) and dishing out 11 assists). Was striker on offensive corners and primary stroker.
Kiley Allen, Conestoga – Sophomore defensive midfielder, winner of the Pioneers’ Most Valuable Midfield Player award and an All-Central League selection, was a fine two-way player, tallying eight goals and dishing out 15 assists, as well as performing well as inserter on offensive corners, fly on defensive corners and primary stroker.

Robyn Clark, Harriton – Senior high center midfielder and co-captain, a two-time first team All-Central League selection, was the Rams’ offensive MVP for the second year in a row. She tallied a team-high eight goals and nine defensive saves, and was valued for her great speed, stick skills and ball control.
Haley Morris, Harriton – Senior center defender and captain was the Rams’ defensive MVP for the second year in a row. An All-Central League pick, she was considered the anchor of the Rams’ defense, and was valued for her composure under pressure, great clears, communication skills and ball control.
Laura Lasprogata, Harriton – Senior goalie, the first team All-Central League netminder, recorded 149 saves in 17 games, posting a .730 save percentage. Noted for her strong stick saves and strong clears, she tallied 15 or more saves three times this season.
Emma Ungar, Lower Merion – Senior midfielder and captain, an All-Central League first team selection, helped the Aces to what is believed to be their first-ever appearance in the PIAA District One tourney and is the inaugural winner of the team’s Emma Ungar Award – recognition for superior leadership, citizenship, teamwork, school spirit and a commitment to her team.
Samantha Bruttomesso-Clark, Lower Merion – Junior midfielder was valued for the caliber of her play in the midfield, her ability to create plays and make a difference on the attack for the Aces, and her handling of the center mid position. Provided solid offensive punch, scoring five goals and dishing out 12 assists.

Katie Quinn, Radnor – Senior forward and captain, a first team All-Central League selection and second team All-Delco pick, tallied a team-leading 10 goals and dished out six assists during the season.

SECOND TEAM
Conestoga – Charlotte de Vries, freshman midfielder; Stephanie Hamilton, junior defender.
Harriton – Sophie Grady, junior left midfielder; Carly Adams, senior center forward.
Lower Merion – Leona Fisher, sophomore defender; Ashley Roberts, sophomore forward; Amelia Carpenter, senior defender; Lauren Clark, senior forward.
Radnor – Katie Wakiyama, senior midfielder.

HONORABLE MENTION
Conestoga – Sophie Grove, junior defender; Emma McGillis, sophomore forward; Grace McEvoy, sophomore midfielder.
Harriton – Emma Arronson, junior left forward.
Lower Merion – Eleanor Gaddy, junior defender.
Radnor – Hope Smith, junior defender; Emma Majercak, junior midfielder; Lauren Hemcher, senior forward; Morgan Gryga, senior midfielder.

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Girls Basketball: Ireland’s 1,000th point is reason to celebrate at Garnet Valley

Posted on 04 January 2016 by ldevlin.

CONCORD >> Each time Maddie Ireland shot the ball during the fourth period of Garnet Valley’s 45-27 victory over West Chester Henderson in the championship game of the Garnet Valley Varsity Club Holiday Invitational Tuesday night, a hush fell over the crowd. Thirteen times, the hush was followed by a groan of disappointment as Ireland missed 12 field goal attempts and one free throw during those eight minutes of playing time. Finally, 21.4 seconds before the horn sounded signaling the end of the contest, an Ireland shot prompted prolonged applause from those in the stands — and a sigh of relief from the 5-5 senior captain.

Ireland had made a free throw with 1:55 to play to bring her career points total to 999. She had a number of attempts to reach the 1,000-point mark before her last shot of the game fell through, making her GV’s sixth female 1,000-point scorer. She joins former Jaguars Christy Yarnell (1,305), Cecily Scavicchio (1,291), Amy Tarr (1,221), Coley Ricci (1,201) and Carole Sperone 1,047) in the century club. Ricci, a University of Delaware lacrosse player, was among those in the stands cheering for Ireland.

“I was dribbling down and I guess I missed a shot or lost the ball,” Ireland said of her magic moment. “The other girl hit the ball and it came right back to me and I went in and scored.”

The other girl was Henderson junior Emma Bertrando, who ended up with seven points, five rebounds and one assist for the Warriors and provided a lot of help on Ireland’s big basket. Bertrando’s father, Dr. Marc Bertrando, became superintendent of schools at Garnet Valley three years ago.

“It was such a big relief to have that shot go in,” Ireland said. “I wasn’t nervous all day. I was making my shots in warmups. Then the game started, and I really started struggling.”

Ireland (16 points, four steals, two assists), who was named most valuable player of the tournament, was 2-for-5 from the floor in the first half, scoring five points. Garnet Valley, which didn’t allow a field goal until the third minute of the second period, led by 12 points at the break.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Garnet Valley’s Maddie Ireland drives through the lane en route to her 16 points to eclipse 1,000 career in a 45-27 win over Henderson Tuesday. (Times Staff/Robert J. Gurecki)

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Football: All Southeastern PA teams

Posted on 04 January 2016 by ldevlin.

The following players from the Central League were named to the All Southeastern PA Football teams.

All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Offense

First Team

Isaiah Bruce Upper Darby 5-7 180 Sr. RB

A big-time workhorse for the Royals, Bruce carried 328 times for a single-season school record of 2,450 yards and 34 TDs.

George Lambritsios Marple Newtown 6-0 230 Sr. PK

He went 11 for 15 on field-goal tries, with a long of 45 yards, and boomed 21 touchbacks for the Central League champs.

Second Team

Abel Hoff Marple Newtown 5-9 170 Sr. WR

Third Team

Shawn Page Upper Darby 6-3 255 Sr. L

Jack Donaghy Haverford High 5-9 170 Sr. QB

Dan Archibong Springfield (D) 6-6 250 Sr. TE

All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Defense

Third Team

Tom Becker Springfield 6-0 225 Sr. LB

Dario Falcone Radnor 6-1 200 Sr. LB

Evan Boyce Haverford High 6-3 175 Sr. P

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

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Lower Merion swimmer Sarah Silberg is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

Posted on 04 January 2016 by ldevlin.

The senior swimmer and captain is off to a great start for the Aces. In Lower Merion’s first meet of the season, Silberg won both of her individual events, and made district automatic qualifying times in both events (200 free and 100 fly). Against Haverford, she tallied two more individual victories in the 200 IM and 100 free, earning District One consideration times in both. After the Aces’ first two meets, she has earned two automatic times (100 fly, 200 free) and two consideration times (200 IM, 100 free). She also was a member of the 200 medley relay that shattered the school record (by more than four seconds) and broke the pool record as well. Lower Merion swimming coach Jeremy Byrne said, “Sarah has been a standout swimmer for [Lower Merion] for four years and started her senior campaign with an inspirational performance.”

Fun Facts – Sarah Silberg

Favorite book: The Help.

Favorite author: John Green.

Favorite TV show: Friends.

Favorite movie: 21 Jump Street.

Favorite athlete: Jordan Matthews.

Favorite pre-meet pump-up song: Eye of the Tiger.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite place to visit: The beach.

Favorite pre-meet meal: “Pasta all day, every day.”

Favorite color: Pink.

Person you most admire, and why: “My mom is the most incredible person in my life. She has been the most amazing mom, best friend, supporter and sass master for as long as I can remember and I would be absolutely nowhere in my swimming and high school career without her.”

Birth date: October 24, 1997.

Birth place: Philadelphia.

Family members: sister Sydney, parents (Jon and Karen).

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Radnor forward Allison Lanzone is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

Posted on 04 January 2016 by ldevlin.

The 5-foot-9 junior forward averaged 17 points and nine rebounds per game in a 3-0 week for the Red Raiders, including a career-high 23 points against Interboro. Last winter, she earned second team All-Main Line honors as Radnor advanced to the PIAA Class AAAA state tournament for the first time ever. She is a three-sport athlete at Radnor (basketball, lacrosse and soccer) and vice-president of her junior class.

Fun Facts – Allison Lanzone

Favorite book: Unbroken.

Favorite author: John Green.

Favorite TV show: Scandal.

Favorite movie: We Are Marshall.

Favorite athlete: Abby Wambach.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: My House.

Favorite team: Stanford football.

Favorite place to visit: North Carolina coast.

Favorite pre-game meal: Wawa hoagie.

Birth date: Jan. 23, 1999 in Charlotte, N.C.

Click HERE to read the full interview.

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Girls Basketball: Brotherly guidance secret to Fisher’s success at Strath Haven

Posted on 04 January 2016 by ldevlin.

RIDLEY TWP. >> Katie Fisher remembers attending Strath Haven boys basketball home games to watch her three older brothers play the sport. Pat (Class of 2009), Will (‘13) and Mike (‘14) all were role models to Katie, who would become one of the best female athletes in school history. Fisher used to stare at the gymnasium banner with the names of Strath Haven’s 1,000-point scorers. She dreamed that one day her name would be on that banner, too. When the senior reached the big milestone in a win over Chester at the Ridley Holiday Tournament Tuesday, she let the moment sink in as she thought of the ones who inspired her to play basketball in the first place.

“My older brothers have guided me so much and helped me so much, I pretty much owed it to them as a way to show them all they have done for me,” Fisher said Wednesday following a 47-34 victory over Simon Gratz, one day after becoming the eighth girls basketball player at Strath Haven to reach the 1,000-point mark. “I put in the hard work to get there.”

A four-year starter, Fisher is the shining star for a Panthers team (3-5) that has won three straight games after a slow start to the season. Fisher led all players with 22 points Wednesday on the heels of pouring in a game-high 28 points in Tuesday’s rout of Chester.

Click HERE to read the full article.

One day after recording her 1,000th point, Strath Haven senior Katie Fisher scored 22 points to lead the Panthers to a 47-34 win over Simon Gratz at the Ridley Holiday Tournament.
(ROBERT J. GURECKI – DAILY TIMES)

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PA – Central Athletic League | Archive | January, 2016