PA – Central Athletic League | Archive | December, 2022

All Delco Football Teams

Posted on 22 December 2022 by ldevlin.

Congratulations to the following football players from the Central League who were named to the All Delco teams.

First Team Offense

Tommy Wright, Haverford: The senior quarterback had an incredible three-year run with the Fords. Wright was a team captain who earned All-Central League first team honors. He completed nearly 65 percent of his passing attempts for 1,525 yards and 14 touchdowns this year. The 6-3, 205-pound dual threat also rushed for 536 yards and seven TDs. Wright passed for 4,225 yards and 45 TDs and ran for 943 yards and 12 scores in roughly 2 ½ seasons as the Fords’ QB1. He is the 16th quarterback from Delaware County to throw for 4,000-plus yards in a career.

Ethan Mahan, Haverford: The senior was one of the best wide receivers in Delco for two straight years. He set the Haverford single-season (12) and career (22) records for receiving touchdowns. In 2022, Mahan hauled in the most catches (64) of any player in Delco. His 812 yards and 12 TDs were good for second in the county. Mahan will graduate from Haverford with the most receiving yards (1,661) in school history. He is committed to play baseball at Rhode Island.

Anthony Crawford, Strath Haven: The senior running back had an explosive season for the Panthers, who went 12-1 and earned a share of the Central League championship. Crawford broke the school’s single-season rushing record with 2,087 yards. His 3,029 career yardage is third and his 28 touchdowns ranks second all time in Haven history. Crawford earned All-Central League honors as a running back and linebacker. He racked up 86 tackles, including 8.5 for a loss.

Matt Wiesendanger, Garnet Valley: The senior was the leader of an offensive line unit that paved the way for a run offense that averaged 288 yards per game. The 6-1, 230 pound Wiesendanger showed his versatility by playing guard, tackle and center this season. He also played every down as a defensive tackle. With Wiesendanger opening running lanes and stuffing opposing rushers, the Jaguars finished 13-1 overall, captured their fifth straight Central League championship and won the District 1 Class 6A title for a second year in a row.

Tyler Klambara, Springfield: One of the most physically imposing players in Delco, the senior tackle dominated for the Cougars. He protected the blind side for senior quarterback Jake Rama, who set the program’s career passing record with 3,890 yards. Klambara’s performance on the offensive line enabled the Cougars to an eight-win season ending in the quarterfinal round of the District 1 Class 5A playoffs. He also earned All-Delco honors in track and field last spring. An All-Central League honoree, Klambara recently committed to Army, where he will play football and throw for the track and field program.

 

First Team Defense

Kieran Gallagher, Garnet Valley: The senior was a key cog on the offensive and defensive lines for the Central League and District 1 Class 6A champions. Gallagher (6-0, 250) did the dirty work on defense, oftentimes facing double teams to allow Jaguars linebackers to attack the line of scrimmage. Thus, Gallagher didn’t have the most gaudy statistics, registering 35 tackles and three tackles for loss .Coach Eric Van Wyk called Gallagher the “keystone to the defensive line.” He was named to the All-Central League team on defense. Gallagher was a starting guard for an offensive line unit that averaged 288 yards rushing per game.

Drew Van Horn, Garnet Valley: The senior linebacker was a playmaker on both sides of the ball for the Jaguars, who finished 13-1 and advanced to the PIAA Class 6A semifinal round for a second year in a row. An All-Central League selection, Van Horn posted 51 tackles, including eight for loss, two sacks and two fumble recoveries. He was the primary target for quarterback Matt Mesaros in the passing game, hauling in 21 catches for 532 yards and nine touchdowns. Van Horn will play baseball at Misericordia University, where he was recruited to play football as well.

Jack Westburg, Garnet Valley: The senior is the third of three Westburg brothers to shine for the Jaguars in recent years. Like Nick and Alex, Jack was an excellent defensive back for the Central League champions. He was the captain of the secondary as a safety, Westburg had 53 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries. On offense, Westburg ran for 337 yards and six TDs and made 16 catches for 220 yards and three scores. He scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the Jags’ 30-27 decision over Spring-Ford in the District 1 Class 6A tournament.

Amir Byrd, Radnor: The senior was one of the most explosive players in the county and the definition of an all-purpose threat. He had close to 600 yards rushing and more than 300 yards receiving, returned kicks and punts, and was a lockdown cornerback for the Raptors, who earned a berth in the District 1 Class 5A tournament. Byrd was named to the All-Central League first team as a running back and second team as a defensive back. He has an offer on the table from Lock Haven University.

Sam Milligan, Strath Haven: The senior was the heart of a Panthers team that won a share of the Central League title and advanced to the semifinals of the District 1 Class 5A tournament. Milligan was the starting quarterback and leader of the defensive secondary in each of the last two seasons and guided the Panthers to a district title last year. While unable to play quarterback due to a hand injury early this season, Milligan remained a force on defense and was an interception machine. He eventually returned to his role as QB1 in Haven’s run-heavy Wing-T offense, rushing for 632 yards and 10 touchdowns. The All-Central League selection recorded six interceptions, 61 tackles, one forced fumble and two punt/field goal blocks. Milligan will continue his football career at Bucknell University.

Khameen Powell, Ridley: The junior athlete was a factor on offense, defense and special teams for the Green Raiders, who finished 8-4 overall. Powell was named first team All-Central League after catching 45 balls for 715 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added 227 yards rushing and has been the top kick and punt returner in Delco since his sophomore year. Powell produced more than 1,500 all-purpose yards. As a cornerback he often blanketed the opposing team’s top wide receiver.

Second Team Offense

OL – Vincent Manna, Sr., Garnet Valley
ATH – Montez Ellis, Sr., Upper Darby
SP – Tim Styer, Sr., Strath Haven

Second Team Defense

DL – Jake McGowan, Jr., Marple Newtown
DL – Ben Farabaugh, Sr., Strath Haven
LB – Joe Checchio, Sr., Garnet Valley
LB – Bob Fooskas, Sr., Strath Haven
DB – Ben Fleming, Sr., Haverford
DB – Kimir Stephenson, Sr., Ridley
DB – Mike O’Donnell, Sr, Springfield
ATH – Paul Jackson, Sr., Ridley

Honorable Mention

Quarterback: Matt Mesaros (Garnet Valley), Dave Bertoline (Marple Newtown), Sean O’Donnell (Penncrest), Ryan Carroll (Ridley), Jake Rama (Springfield).

Running Back: Jason Bernard (Garnet Valley),Brian Box (Marple Newtown), Matt Ferry (Penncrest), Owen Bosak (Ridley), Lavar Jackson (Upper Darby).

Receiver: Bryan Bogan (Marple Newtown), Paul Defruscio (Marple Newtown), Aidan Kreydt (Springfield).

Offensive Line: Dylan Bledsoe (Garnet Valley), Zach Myers (Garnet Valley), Burke Julien (Haverford), Jimmy Hally (Marple Newtown), Andrew Kirlin (Marple Newtown), Josh Tiger-Wesley (Marple Newtown), Dom Deluca (Penncrest), Dom Laudicina (Radnor), Keaton Monaghan (Radnor), Anthony Berry (Ridley), Hayden Brown (Ridley), Gus Bryan (Springfield), Bill Brown (Strath Haven), Carter Law (Strath Haven).

Specialist:  Ryan Van Dusen (Radnor), Sean Williams (Springfield).

Athlete: Tommy DeShan (Radnor).

Defensive Line: Dom DiLuzio (Marple Newtown), Anton Skvortsov (Radnor), Ryan Johnston (Springfield), Mike Miller (Springfield), Austin Conner (Strath Haven), Kamar Perlote (Upper Darby).

Linebacker: Logan Hamilton (Garnet Valley), Jake McDowell (Garnet Valley), Justin Marciano (Haverford), Jake Snell (Haverford), Jason Bennett (Marple Newtown), Connor Eustice (Radnor), Connor Kelly (Ridley), Ethan Marshall (Springfield), Jason Bateman (Upper Darby).

Defensive Back: Tyler Lassik (Garnet Valley), Kai Lopez (Garnet Valley), Luke Mingioni (Garnet Valley), Aidan Roselle (Radnor), Stephen O’Donovan (Ridley), James Fisher (Strath Haven).

Strath Haven’s Anthony Crawford runs for a first down in the first half Saturday, as the Panthers went on to defeat Springfield in District 1 Class 5A semifinal. (Pete Bannan – MediaNews Group)
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Field Hockey All Delco Teams

Posted on 21 December 2022 by ldevlin.

Congratulations to the following field hockey players from the Central League who were named to the All Delco teams.

First Team

Alex DeCain, Radnor: Just a sophomore, DeCain already is a two-year starter for the Raptors and a two-time, first-team All-Central League selection. A tough, aggressive player, she spearheaded an attack that powered Radnor to a third-place finish in the Central League and the District 1 Class 2A tournament, which earned the Raptors their first trip to the PIAA playoffs since 2009. DeCain led Radnor with 33 goals and 11 assists and was named as one of the top 100 players to watch in the Class of 2025 by Max Field Hockey.

Riley Gallagher, Garnet Valley: A four-year varsity starter who did not come off the field for the Jaguars. The senior midfielder played mainly on the right side but did see some time on the left side. Earned first-team All-Central League honors for the third year in a row and also first-team Class 3A All-State recognition. Gallagher was the primary hitter on corners and finished the season with 10 goals and 10 assists to lead the Jags to a second-place finish in the league. She has committed to play field hockey at Temple.

Alana Poole, Garnet Valley: Drexel is getting a good one in Poole. The senior and three-year varsity performer was a rock in the cage to help the Jaguars (16-4, 10-1 Central League) finish second in the league behind perennial heavyweight Conestoga. Poole posted a 0.61 goals against average during the regular season and a 77 percent save rate. She was even better in the postseason, stopping 87 percent of the shots sent her way in the District 1 Class 3A tournament. Poole finished the season with an overall save percentage of 80.73, stopping 88 of 109 shots.

Second Team

Theresa Ricci, Garnet Valley Sr. MF/F
Nicolette Saccomandi, Garnet Valley Sr. MF
Kayla Snyder, Garnet Valley Sr. D

 

Honorable Mention

Haverford: Brooke Parker, Morgan Elliott.
Marple Newtown: Kassie Kelly, Grace Haggerty, Maria Kaltsidis.
Penncrest: Karley Stephens, Kyra Curci, Violet King.
Radnor: Fiona Ryan, Meghan Dole, Sadie Schultz, Gracie Bookbinder.
Springfield: Karli Henderson.
Strath Haven: Violet Barton, Laura Conner.
Upper Darby: Casey McGee.

Garnet Valley goalie Alaina Poole makes a save in a District 1 game last season. (DFM file)

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GV’s Sniras shows hot hand in win over Upper Darby

Posted on 21 December 2022 by ldevlin.

UPPER DARBY — Any given night, as a young Garnet Valley core has coalesced, any of four or five players could be the one to shoulder the offensive load.

Tuesday afternoon, two key members of that group hadn’t made a basket by halftime. Yet the Jaguars still entered the break with a lead over Upper Darby.

“It can be anyone’s night at any time,” sophomore Jake Sniras said. “We just like to support each other.”

Tuesday was Sniras’ night, the sophomore scoring 26 points on 11-for-16 shooting in outlasting the Royals, 71-68, in an engaging Central League affair.

Sniras scored 15 points in the first half to keep the Jaguars (5-1, 3-1 Central) afloat, though they didn’t get a made basket from Logan McKee or Max Koehler in the opening 16 minutes. Sniras hit five straight baskets in the second period, then connected on his last five looks from the field, including nine vital points in the fourth to hold off the Royals’ late charge. He drained a triple with less than 10 seconds left in the first quarter, then hit a floater at the horn in the third quarter to make it 46-40 after three.

Sniras drained four of his five 3-point attempts. But his ability to get to and knock down mid-range spots made the difference.

“I was just in a rhythm,” Sniras said. “I tried to feed off my teammates. It was just one of those days, I guess.”

Koehler would come around in the second half, scoring 15 points to go with four assists. He was 9-for-12 from the line as the Jags held on in the fourth. McKee was held to six points but grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Jags went ahead for good when Jack Krautzel hit a pair of 3-pointers early in the third. Krautzel scored 15 points. McKee had all six of his points in third quarter. Drew Van Horn supplied five fourth-quarter points, including a coast-to-coast and-1 to give the Jaguars their largest lead at nine, 60-51.

Yet Upper Darby (3-2, 1-2) kept coming. Yassir Joyner had a tremendous game, tallying 27 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. He hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to make the final margin closer, though the comeback attempt ran out of time.

Early, it was Nadir Myers doing the work. The point guard scored 17 of his 26 points in the first half. His defense, with a team-high four steals, contributed to nine first-half turnovers by the Jags and 14 for the game.

“Just taking what the defense gives me in how I read the defense,” Myers said. “And I’m trying to push the pace because I knew they want to get in their set defense and try to get everybody good shots.”

Click HERE to read the full article.

Garnet Valley’s Jake Sniras, shooting in a playoff game against Methacton last year, scored 26 points in a win over Upper Darby Tuesday. (MediaNews Group staff file)

Garnet Valley’s Jake Sniras, shooting in a playoff game against Methacton last year, scored 26 points in a win over Upper Darby Tuesday. (MediaNews Group staff file)

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All Delco Boys Soccer Teams

Posted on 20 December 2022 by ldevlin.

Congratulations to the the following boys soccer players from the Central League who were named to the All Delco teams.

First Team

Nick Dignazio, Strath Haven: The senior center back is also an All-Delco defenseman in hockey, and his ability to read the game and find spaces or matchups to exploit translates across sports. Paired with an outstanding worth ethic and a knack for positioning, Dignazio ended up with five goals and five assists in 14 games this season for the eight-win Panthers. He tallied assists in wins over Marple Newtown and Garnet Valley and scored twice in a wild 7-4 win over Penn Wood. He and his sister, Annie, are both All-Delcos this fall in soccer.

Jacob Shalev, Radnor: The winger was the focal point of the Raptors’ midfield creativity, with his ability to beat defenders one-v-one and cross quality service into the box. He helped Radnor win 14 games before falling in the District 1 Class 3A semifinals, a season that included a win at Conestoga. Shalev tallied four goals and four assists, and his movement in the Raptors’ tactical system was vital to open lanes for others. Shalev set up the game-winner in a 1-0 decision with Penncrest, had a goal and an assist in beating Marple Newtown and tallied in league wins over Garnet Valley and Upper Darby.

Okafor Norkeh, Haverford: The senior midfielder was one of the more technically skilled players in the Central League, with his passing ability, movement off the ball and sheer difficulty of trying to dispossess him. Norkeh scored two goals to go with seven assists, exploiting his connection with Sean Boyle by playing him service through the lines into the path of the forward. His one-v-one ability also opened space for teammates. Among his goals was the only marker in a 2-1 loss against Radnor. Norkeh is fielding Division I and Division II interest.

Sean Boyle, Haverford: Last year’s Player of the Year is on the All-Delco team for a second straight season. All the attention his sensational junior season inspired meant Boyle was repeatedly man-marked during the run of play or bracketed with double or triple coverage on set pieces, but he still worked his way to 15 goals. He added two assists, though the Fords finished with a sub-.500 record. Boyle tied the program’s single-scoring record with 20 goals in 2021. He’s a two-time All-Central pick and was on the first team All-Southeast PA this season. Boyle will continue his career at Bucknell.

Brayan Chavez-Lopez, Radnor: The junior forward was one of the leading scorers for the Raptors, tallying five goals and three assists for the top seed in the District 1 Class 3A field. His movement off the ball and creativity with the ball opened space for others, as the Raptors tended to spread the goal-scoring burden around evenly. Chavez-Lopez tallied a hat trick against Penn Wood and scored in league wins over Strath Haven and Marple Newtown. The junior was a first-team All-Central selection.

Yoni Lindo, Ridley: The electric forward drew praise from coaches across the area for his speed and finishing ability, compiling 21 goals for a team that won 11 games. Lindo added five assists on the season. He tallied hat tricks early in the season against Chichester and Garnet Valley (the latter a 3-1 win) and scored in a 2-1 loss to Radnor. Lindo is the Green Raiders’ first team All-Delco in boys soccer since goalie Pat O’Neill in 2013.

Second Team

Shane Soley, Sr. GK, Upper Darby
Papi Harris, Sr. D, Haverford School
Michael Savadove, Jr. D, Radnor
James Mulholland, So. D, Penncrest
Cole Kline, Sr. D, Episcopal Academy
Briyan Aben, Sr. M, Marple Newtown
Legend Russell, Sr. M, Haverford
Simon Muther, Sr. M, Strath Haven
Jack Bonner, Sr. M, Episcopal Academy
Andrew Kirwan, Sr. M, Haverford School
Alex Corsones, Sr. M, Springfield
Nick Vavala, Sr. F, Delco Christian

 

Honorable Mention

Academy Park: Lawrence Buigbo, Alvin Deegan, Alex Willie
Archbishop Carroll: Jack Gallagher
Bonner & Prendergast: Steve Small
Cardinal O’Hara: Kyle Coleman
Chichester: Nassem Altayeb, Trevor Bartholdi, Dominic Nardini, Maz Sayed
Christian Academy: Noah Gray, Colton Haseltine
Delco Christian: Cody Dill, Jake Johnson, Ben Norbury
Episcopal Academy: Alex Barrist, Akira Heath, Evan MacFarland, Billy McSwain, Dylan Vengoechea
Garnet Valley: George Kuney, Zach Northey, Cole Woolard
Haverford: Robert Priestly
Haverford School: Will Burfeind, Ryan DiRocco, Wells Flinn, Z Nekoumand, Joey Pennenwill
Interboro: Gerardo Hernandez, Mouad Kerrouchi, Mike Northrop
Marple Newtown: Marko Dimter, Gerasimos Filipatos, Dean Giovanopoulos
Penncrest: Conor Connolly, Jackson Meile, Leo Ouyang
Penn Wood: Farouk Grabamassi, Yusuf Jalloh, Mohamed Kamana
Radnor: Aidan Damiani, Nate Lucchesi, Dean Moon, Danny Rosenblum
Ridley: Chris Capozzoli, Luke Gordon, Chase Lamplugh, Henry Mendoza-Cadalzo, Nick Verlinghieri
Springfield: Shane McCaffrey
Strath Haven: George Pezecca, Jack Santee, Beckett Young
Sun Valley: Justin Hickman, Seamus McGroary, John Nolek, Ethan Wunder
Upper Darby: Julian Alviar, Zulkefal Shakir, Ayela Sullivan

Haverford’s Sean Boyle heads home a goal against Strath Haven, one of 15 the senior forward scored this season. (Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group)

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All-Delco Volleyball Teams

Posted on 19 December 2022 by ldevlin.

Congratulations to the following volleyball players from the Central League who were named to the All Delco teams.

First Team

Maddie Wood, Garnet Valley Sr. S
Sarah Wood, Garnet Valley Fr. OH
Kelly St. Germain, Garnet Valley Sr. RS

Second Team

Sydney Jones, Haverford Jr. OH
Liz Kurcon, Penncrest Sr. OH
Sara Weins, Garnet Valley Sr. MH
Klaira Zakarian, Garnet Valley Sr. OH

Honorable Mention

Garnet Valley: Abby Houpt, Isabella Tront, Maddie Snelgrove, Morgan Murray, Abby Hendrixson
Haverford: Ava DiPlacido, Kiera Hornug, Maggie McShea
Marple Newtown: Heidi Reller
Penncrest: Maddie Bachovchin, Kay Wimberly
Radnor: Bryn Carrigan, Samantha Gasnik, Delaney Flynn
Ridley: Julia Solomon, Katie Cecchini, Julianna Orr, Jackie Borcky
Springfield: Bianca Brown, Carolyn Kirsch, Katie Bachetti, Ana Karas
Strath Haven: Lauren McGinn, Aislin O’Neill, Amelia Andrews Sullivan, Jillian Surkis.
Upper Darby: Rachel Fitzpatrick

Garnet Valley’s Sarah Wood contests a ball at the net during a PIAA Class 4A semifinal game against Parkland. (Pete

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All-Delco Volleyball: Maddie Wood’s leadership set stage for Garnet Valley’s ‘dream season’

Posted on 19 December 2022 by ldevlin.

CONCORD — Everyone sees the hitters in volleyball. The big swings are what brings the oohs and aahs from the crowd as well as the players on both teams.

Setters, though, are the players who set the tone. They make those big hits possible. They’re the quarterback, point guard and leader, and Garnet Valley had the best setter in Delaware County over the last three seasons, maybe ever, in Maddie Wood.

The 5-foot-7 senior was the engine that made the Jaguars go and as her game grew so did her leadership skills.

Wood learned that you can’t deal with every player the same. She admits to being a yeller earlier in her career but learned that method doesn’t always work. Players have to be handled differently. Some responded to an aggressive approach. You can yell at them, get in their face. Others have to be handled a little more delicately.

“It comes with maturity,” Wood said. “As a freshman, I pushed my teammates. I held my teammates to a very high standard. That hasn’t changed but I’ve found a form of communication that works better than a more aggressive form of communication. Lately, I will see what each player needs, if they need to have a private conversation or if I can just say it out to them. I’ve used different forms of communications with my teammates to help them grow.”

Garnet Valley coach Mark Clark credited Wood’s leadership as much as her physical skills as the driving forces behind the Jaguars’ playoff run that resulted in a District 1 Class 4A title and a berth in the PIAA Class 4A final, where Garnet Valley dropped a 3-1 decision to six-time champion North Allegheny.

“Her leadership was off the charts, especially in the playoffs,” Clark said. “She really stepped up her leadership game in the postseason. She’s really honed her skills and learned how to get the most out of her teammates.”

For that, Wood is the Daily Times Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

Joining Wood on the All-Delco team are her sister, Sarah and Garnet Valley teammate Kelly St. Germain; Notre Dame’s Margo Kemp, Sacred Heart’s Emily McKenna, Sun Valley’s Jenna Jones and Cardinal O’Hara’s Jasmine Sullivan.

Maddie Wood is a three-time, first-team All-Delco selection. St. Germain, Kemp, McKenna and Jones are repeat picks. Maddie Wood, St. Germain, Kemp and McKenna are seniors, Jones and Sullivan are juniors, Sarah Wood is the only freshman on the All-Delco team, which was selected by the Daily Times sports staff after consultation with county coaches.

Maddie Wood put up phenomenal numbers for the Jaguars. She posted 1,017 assists as a senior to bring her career total to an astonishing 2,806 helpers. The Daily Times does not keep county records for volleyball but it’s hard to believe that anyone had more career assists than Wood, especially when you consider one of those seasons was the COVID year of 2020, when the Jaguars only played 12 matches. She had only 28 errors in 466 service attempts for a .939 serve percentage.

 

Click HERE to read the full article.

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Cross Country: The All-Delco Teams

Posted on 16 December 2022 by ldevlin.

Congratulations to the Central League Cross Country runners named to the All Delco teams.

First Team

Olivia Cieslak, Haverford: Runner of the Year

Patrick Lawson, Haverford: Runner of the Year

Loralei Golembiewski, Upper Darby: The junior teamed with Gabriella Fralin to give the Royals a solid 1-2 punch. Golembiewski enjoyed an outstanding season, qualifying for the PIAA Class 3A championships for the first time, the first Upper Darby runner to qualify for states since Megan Cook in 2018. She finished fourth at Delcos, seventh at the Central League championships, 32nd at the District 1 championships and 81st in Hershey. She recorded the best time of her career (18:51.10) at the 48th Paul Short Run. She was fifth at the Six Flags Wild Safari Invitational.

Avery Lustgarten, Garnet Valley: One of the top freshmen in the state, Lustgarten capped a strong rookie season with a 35th-place finish (20:19.90) at the PIAA Class 3A championships, the second-highest finish among freshmen at the meet. Lustgarten was the first Garnet Valley runner to compete at states since Erica Kent in 2018. She turned in her best time of the season at the District 1 championships (18:57.20) for 26th place. Lustgarten was 30th at the PIAA Foundation meet and sixth at both Delcos and Centrals.

Zoe Margolies, Radnor: The junior was the first Radnor female runner to qualify for states since Ariane Abadi in 2012. Margolies turned in her best time of the season with a 19th-place finish at the District 1 championships (18:48.70). She had a strong championship season, taking third at the Delco Championships, fifth at Centrals and 39th at the PIAA Class 3A championships. She also was 28th in the Brown Race at the Paul Short Run.

Camryn McGeehan, Haverford: Just a sophomore and already a two-time All-Delco and a two-time PIAA Class 3A qualifier, she medaled at states this season in 21st place. McGeehen was a key contributor to the Delco and Central League champion, the Fords finishing fourth at the District 1 Class 3A championships and eighth at states. She took second at Delcos and Centrals, then turned in her best time of the season (17:51.70) to secure sixth at districts.

Hannah Prokup, Strath Haven: The latest in the Panthers’ long line of outstanding distance runners, Prokup overcame an ankle injury at the Delco Championships to finish the season strong and earn All-Delco honors for the second year in a row. Prokup took fourth at Centrals, 25th at the District 1 Class 3A meet and 58th at the PIAA championships. The junior recorded the best time of her career, good for 27th in the Brown Race at the Paul Short Run (18:48.60). She was fourth at the Briarwood Invitational, 17th as the PTXC 13 and 32nd at the PIAA Foundation Invitational.

Luke Bodden, Radnor: The junior earned All-Delco honors for the second year in a row after qualifying for the PIAA Class 3A championships for the second time. Bodden turned in his best time (15:37.80) to finish sixth at the District 1 championships. He finished 28th at states and closed his season with a 26th-place at the Garmin RunningLane Championships in Huntsville, Ala. He also placed fourth at Delcos and was sixth in the White Race at the Paul Short Run.

Gavin Mogck, Penncrest: The George Mason-bound senior was solid all season but at his best in the championship meets to earn All-Delco honors for the second straight year. Mogck led Penncrest to second at Delcos, Centrals and the District 1 Class 3A championships and third at the PIAA meet. Mogck placed third at Delcos and Centrals. He turned in a personal-best time of 15:27.40 to take fourth at districts. He followed with a fourth-place finish at states meet to earn second-team all-state honors from the PTFCA. He finished 10th at the Garmin RunningLane Championships to close out the season.

Quentin Ryan, Haverford: Ryan teamed with Lawson to form the top 1-2 punch in the county and was an easy choice for a second straight All-Delco honor. Ryan took second at Delcos and the Central League meet, third at the District 1 Class 3A championships and 12th at states. He recorded the best time of his career in finishing seventh in the Brown Race at the Paul Short Run in 15:10.10. He received second-team all-state honors from the PTFCA and will continue his athletic career at Columbia.

Second Team

Chloe Browne, Strath Haven Jr.
Gabriella Fralin, Upper Darby Sr.
Kelly Murray, Haverford Sr.
Lexi Patterson, Springfield So.
Olivia Thompson, Haverford Sr.
Michael Colavito, Garnet Valley Jr.
Brendan Hefferan, Penncrest Jr.
Ricky Lee, Marple Newtown Jr.
Dan Wuenchel, Strath Haven Jr.

Honorable Mention

Haverford: Carlo Buonviri, Ryan Dankanis, Logan Eagles, Teddy Foster, Mackenzie Gillespie, Anastasia Harmon, Gabriel Zwilling
Marple Newtown: Matt DeAngelo, Lizzie Getz, Madilyn Impriano
Penncrest: Caitlin Crumlish, Nick Fante, Evanthia Greco, Shane Hall, Rory McAfee, Edomias Mulugeta, Hannah Puckett, Kadin Salaria, Ruby Schwelm
Radnor: Curtis Connor, Emma Hyde
Ridley: Joe Lanci, Jackson Kane, Natalie Turner
Springfield: Lahidjia Dominio, Sarah Emch, Sophia Kurtis
Strath Haven: Alex Falsone, Matt Lund, Sophie Jackson, Audrey Stevens
Upper Darby: Amber Fienagha, Josiah Saddick

Haverford’s Camryn McGeehan medaled at states as a sophomore this season. (Submitted Photo)

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Girls Soccer: The All-Delco Teams

Posted on 16 December 2022 by ldevlin.

Congratulations to the following Central League girls soccer players who were named to the All Delco Teams.

 

First Team

Mollie Carpenter, Haverford: The senior center back showed the athleticism that informs why she’ll continue her basketball career at Catholic University. She’s physically imposing at 6-foot, but her ability to see the game and her mobility to clear danger earns her the spot on the first team. Her Fords won nine games, made the District 1 Class 4A playoffs and allowed just 20 goals in 18 games. Their tight results included a 2-1 loss to Conestoga. Carpenter played 90 percent of her minutes in defense, but she still managed to make fruitful cameos at forward. She finished second on the team with six goals and added two assists. Carpenter was a first team All-Central pick.

Mia Zebley, Garnet Valley: The senior midfielder is on the All-Delco team for the second straight season, her dynamic two-way presence bridging the gap to a cohort of talented sophomores and leading the Jaguars to the second round of the District 1 Class 4A tournament. Zebley scored four goals and six assists. Her poise in midfield provided the platform upon which talented youngsters, like second-teamers Ella Bryan and Maddie Smith, could excel in the attack. It contributed to 11 wins and six clean sheets. She assisted on the game-winner in a 1-0 decision over Methacton and had two assists in a wild 4-3 win over Harriton. A defensive midfielder in lacrosse, the All-Central pick will play at Elon University.

Selah Koleth, Radnor: The Raptors lost plenty from last fall’s run to the PIAA Class 3A final, but Koleth was one of the players who proved she could pick up the slack. The junior midfielder led Radnor with nine goals and an assist before missing the end of the regular season due to injury. She shouldered tremendous responsibility as a box-to-box presence, getting up and down the field and helping construct an entirely new midfield that was particularly hard hit by graduation. Koleth’s on-ball skills are undeniable: She’s one of the flashiest players around, with her beguiling array of skills, but the All-Central pick added more of a finishing touch this season, as a threat to shoot from 30 yards and in.

Coryn Silberstein, Springfield: The senior midfield string-puller is on the All-Delco for a second straight year, before she continues her soccer career at Longwood University. Most of the Cougars’ positives on offense ran through Silberstein, who finished second on the team with eight goals and led the way with six assists for a team that qualified for the District 1 Class 4A tournament. Her ability to pick a pass through the lines or take on a defender one-v-one opened doors for the Springfield attack. She scored in a 3-2 overtime win over Ridley, set up Liv Gutowski’s icer against Penncrest and added braces against St. Hubert and Faith Christian.

Annie Dignazio, Strath Haven: The sophomore fireball ignited a significant turnaround for the Panthers, going from five wins in 2021 to 12 this season and a spot in the District 1 Class 3A tournament. She did much of the goal-scoring, with nine goals and eight assists, showing how valuable she was after missing much of her freshman season due to injury. Dignazio is a multi-sport standout, playing hockey (with her All-Delco brother Nick on the boys team) and lacrosse, where she contributed as a freshman. On the pitch, Dignazio scored against Conestoga, a game in which the Panthers pushed the Pioneers to overtime and one of just seven goals Conestoga allowed in the regular season. She added two goals and an assist in a 3-2 win over Radnor and two goals in a 2-0 win over Upper Merion. She earned All-Central recognition from coaches.

Adria Kitzinger, Ridley: Kitzinger was voted the Central League player of the year despite the Green Raiders finishing ninth in the standings. That’s some indication of the high regard the electric forward was held in, landing on the All-Delco team for a second time. Kitzinger scored 29 goals to go with 13 assists, having a hand in 42 of the team’s 56 goals as the Green Raiders slipped into the District 1 Class 4A playoffs as the 28th and final seed. With 59 career goals, she leaves as the school’s all-time leading scorer. The Seton Hall signee’s numbers, in any other year, would’ve been worthy of the player of the year mantle, a testament to the county’s talent this season. Among her achievements were hat tricks in 3-0 wins over Harriton and Cardinal O’Hara and the overtime game-winning goal plus an assist in a win over Garnet Valley.

 

Second Team

Maggie Allison, Sr. D, Penncrest
Kierstyn Finn, Jr. M, Marple Newtown
Ella Bryan, So. M, Garnet Valley
Maddie Smith, So. F, Garnet Valley
Deegan Mack, Sr. F, Haverford
Liv Gutowski, Jr. F, Springfield
Ivy Chaskelson, So. F, Radnor

Honorable Mention

Garnet Valley: Anna Goldkamp, Jenny Green, Liv Perry
Haverford: Nora Burns, Alyssa Seavey, Tessa Weideman
Marple Newtown: Sophia Foschi, Lauren Gura
Penncrest: Veronica Lutz, Sophie Phillips, Taryn Tagtmeir
Radnor: Olivia Jacobs, Sydney O’Shea, Mallory Toomey
Ridley: Macie Clark, Rachael Jarman, Ella O’Doherty, Jenna Prum
Springfield: Alexis Aaron, Sara Bean, Anabel Kreydt, Mia Valerio
Strath Haven: Maeve Hanifin, Lily Ostiguy, Laura Shea, Julia Steere
Upper Darby: Chishaundra Jones, Aubrey Patterson, Gurleen Virk, Kylah Ward

Strath Haven’s Annie Dignazio, right, and Radnor’s Selah Koleth collide in a midfield duel Tuesday night. Dignazio’s Panthers won in overtime, 3-2. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)

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All-Delco Cross Country: Haverford’s Cieslak, Lawson on similarly stellar trajectories

Posted on 15 December 2022 by ldevlin.

HAVERFORD — The similarities between Haverford teammates Olivia Cieslak and Patrick Lawson are myriad.

Both started running at an early age under the guidance of their parents. Both enjoy being part of the Fords’ strong team culture, one of the factors that brought Cieslak to Haverford after spending part of her freshman year at Friends’ Central.

Both also possess an intense desire to succeed, and did so at the highest level this cross country season, even if both prefer competing on the track.

Neither runner was beaten by a Delco athlete in any of the major races in which they entered. Both won Delco titles and medals at the District 1 and PIAA Class 3A championship (for Lawson, it was his second state medal in cross country).

And both are easy selections as Daily Times Cross Country Runners of the Year.

Cieslak is the first Haverford girl to earn the honor since Tess Meehan in 2012. Lawson is the second straight Haverford athlete named boys Runner of the Year and the fourth since 2009.

Joining Cieslak and Lawson on the All-Delco cross country first team are Haverford teammates Camryn McGeehan and Quentin Ryan; Dakin Ebmeyer, Aidan McHugh and Michael Woolery from Episcopal Academy; Radnor’s Zoe Margolies and Luke Bodden; Garnet Valley’s Avery Lustgarten; Therese Trainer of Notre Dame; Hannah Prokup from Strath Haven; Gavin Mogck from Penncrest and Upper Darby’s Loralei Golembiewski.

Lawson, McGeehan, Ryan, Bodden, Trainer, Prokup and Mogck are repeat selections. Trainer is the only senior on the girls portion of the first team. Golembiewski, Margolies and Prokup are juniors. Cieslak and McGeehan are sophomores. Lustgarten is the only freshman on the squad. Woolery, a junior, is the only underclassman on the boys team.

The All-Delco team was selected by the Daily Times staff in consultation with county coaches.

“They’re just two good kids who are very coachable and love the sport,” said Ryan Comstock, who coaches the boys track teams at Haverford and is a cross country assistant.

Cieslak has her parents to thank for introducing her to running in kindergarten or first grade. Her dad, Macin, was a professional basketball player in Poland. Her mom, Aga, was a runner in Europe before they moved to the United States.

“They just kind of brought me into sports,” she said.

Cieslak said she took to running right away and has enjoyed success at every level, mainly in track, where she is ranked No. 2 in Pennsylvania and No. 14 nationally in the Class of 2025. After finishing fourth in the 800 at the PIAA Class 3A Track & Field championships last season, Cieslak won the freshman mile and was the top ninth-grader in the 800 (12th overall) at the New Balance Nationals at Franklin Field last June.

The victory in the mile was her third national title. Earlier that year, she won the 1,500 and the mile at the Nike Indoor Nationals.

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All eyes on him, Jauregui comes through at end again for Strath Haven

Posted on 14 December 2022 by ldevlin.

NETHER PROVIDENCE — It’s becoming a bit of a thing for Jaden Jauregui this season.

Once already on the young campaign, Strath Haven has given the senior guard the ball with the game on the line in the final seconds. With 32 seconds left and Tuesday’s meeting with Marple Newtown tied at 46, it was no mystery whose number the Panthers would call.

Nor was it a shock when Jauregui came through.

Jauregui’s runner in the lane spun around and down as he was fouled with 2.3 seconds left, completing Strath Haven’s comeback from a 17-point deficit for a 48-46 win.

“I like it. I don’t know what to say there,” Jauregui said. “I get excited. Everyone pretty much knew from last game, and I had to do it again.”

Jauregui, who hit a shot at the buzzer to beat Upper Merion on Saturday, was a one-man show in a win tinged with controversy. He scored a game-high 22 points. He had 13 points in the fourth quarter; while no other participant had more than 10 for the game.

Thus Strath Haven (4-1, 1-1 Central) was able to win on a night where second-leading scorer Jack Edwards was held scoreless, where the Panthers were 0-for-9 from 3-point range and where Marple Newtown (1-2, 1-1) led by 12 after three quarters.

The rally got an illicit boost from the scorer’s table. With 3:21 to play, Matt Gardler was whistled for what the home book ruled was his fifth foul, despite Marple Newtown’s bench (and this reporter’s stats) having him at four. After an acrimonious exchange, Gardler was forced out, with Haven leading by six.

The absence of the slick-shooting sophomore had much to do with the Tigers scoring just seven points in the final eight minutes, disturbed by a high 3-2 Strath Haven zone. It was also a symptom of a Marple team, whistled for 14 second-half fouls to Strath Haven’s seven, that never coped with the game’s physicality. Strath Haven shot 14 free throws in the final frame; Marple shot just 14 for the game.

Jauregui pressed that advantage repeatedly. His drives off the bounce were the only sustainable source of offense for Haven. Going 10-for-14 at the free-throw line, he kept hammering the ball into the paint.

“I’m still going to play my game, but in this kind of situation, I’m still going to look for shooters,” Jauregui said. “But I knew I had to get in there and play a little more toward the hoop than looking for a shot.”

Until the late-game struggles, Marple Newtown got the shots it wanted. With PJ Esposito and Ryan Keating returning from injury, the Tigers looked to be a more complete offense. They led by 10 at half, then proceeded to run their patient motion offense to get wide-open 3-point looks on five of their first six possessions of the second half. They only hit one, but a Gardler putback and a Corrado Fischetti leaner put them up 35-18 three minutes into the third.

They couldn’t sustain it, however, not in the face of a 4-for-24 shooting day from 3-point land, however quality the looks. Gardler led the way with 10 points but was 2-for-10 from 3-point range. Steve Hamson provided a huge boost with 10 first-half points, but he didn’t score after the break. He grabbed nine rebounds. And an uptick in turnovers meant Marple attempted only five field goals in the fourth, making both of their twos and missing all three 3s.

Steven Tansey added nine points. Esposito had five, though he took just three shots.

Blayke Reid was 3-for-3 from the field for eight points for Haven. He fueled a 9-2 run between the third and fourth quarters with a four-point possession, rebounding Jordan Draine’s missed and-1 and putting it back while being fouled, though he’d also miss his free throw.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Strath Haven Jaden Jauregui goes to the basket and draws the foul in the first quarter against Marple Newtown Tuesday night. (PETE BANNAN/DAILY TIMES)

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