PA – Central Athletic League | Archive | December, 2023

RIDLEY — You might not look at what Ridley’s boys basketball team had endured the last two years and expect them to come up with winning plays away from home.

But the underclassmen that toiled through a five-win season last year and a 2-18 campaign in 2021-22 are better for those tribulations. And with a change of voice, a program that won just one of its last 32 Central League games the last two years already has two this young season.

Behind Austin McCaughan’s shooting and Luke Showalter’s half-court headiness, Ridley outlasted Upper Darby, 66-61, Thursday in a battle of teams finding their footing early.

There’s still plenty on that to-do list for Ridley (2-4, 2-3 Central) under first-year head coach Allen Brydges. But the Green Raiders’ ability to navigate a fourth quarter in which neither team led by more than one possession and overtime without a turnover speaks volume to the value of experience.

Brydges, the long-time head coach at Academy Park and a former assistant of Upper Darby boss Bob Miller, only took over in the fall, with little time to install new concepts. Much of the early development owes to a refreshed mindset and strengthened bonds in a senior-laden huddle, in a league where most teams are building anew.

The offense showed the cohesion. McCaughan led the way with 21 points, including 5-for-5 from 3-point range, the senior a bright shooting talent who didn’t always stand out as an underclassman. Showalter tallied 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, including eight points and two assists in the fourth. Chris Sizemore, a sophomore point guard, added nine points. Jake Bovell had five points and five assists, and Bryant Cauthorn paired seven points with nine rebounds. Ridley dished 16 assists on 24 made baskets against just seven turnovers.

It’s high-level stuff from a team for which that was in short supply last year.

“We’ve gotten older, we’ve played together a long time,” Showalter said. “We have a good feel for each other on the court.”

Defense remains a challenge on both sides. Ridley shot 11-for-20 from 3-point range, most of the attempts quality looks. Short of TJ Jackson, Upper Darby’s shot-blocking big, the offenses had their way. Even with Jackson, Showalter was proactive at attacking him off the bounce.

“He’s a great player and a good shot blocker, but you always try to figure out a way to finish around him,” Showalter said. “Luckily I did today.”

Upper Darby, which lost 92 percent of its scoring from last year’s 21-win states-qualifying team, is likewise reconfiguring. Gary Bonner, as an early scoring threat, is out with injury. Defensive sparkplug Lovo Mulbah, the only significant returning contributor, is slowed by an ankle injury.

That’s a recipe for the kind of uneven start that includes wins over Garnet Valley and Conestoga and losses to Ridley and Interboro (the latter sans Mulbah and Elijah Gunther).

“We can be one of the best teams,” guard Alex Brown said. “Other teams all have their hype and their seniors, but we’re young and we’re hungry.”

Click HERE to read the full article.

Ridley’s Luke Showalter, left, runs up court after a basket against Upper Darby in a game last season. (Pete Bannan – MediaNews Group)

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Congratulations to the following athletes from the Central League named to the All Delco teams.

First Team

Sydney Jones, Haverford: The senior outside hitter was under consideration for Daily Times Player of the Year honors. Jones had an amazing senior campaign as she guided the Fords to a share of the Central League championship and trip to the second round of the PIAA Class 4A tournament. Jones was selected to the All-Central League team and named all-state by the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association. Also a track and field All-Delco, she will further her career at Penn State.

Jillian Surkis, Strath Haven: The senior outside hitter excelled for a 15-5 Panthers team that advanced to the quarterfinal round of the District 1 Class 4A playoffs. Surkis averaged 13.4 kills per match (282 total). An All-Central League honoree, Surkis added 121 digs and 43 aces. Haven coach Mary Kirchner said Surkis was, “a team captain and key to our success this year.” She will continue her career at Franklin & Marshall.

Second Team

Keira Horning, Sr. MB, Haverford
Lauren McGinn, Jr. OH, Strath Haven
Julia Solomon, Sr. OH, Ridley
Isabella Tront, Sr. OH, Garnet Valley

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The sophomore ice hockey forward is leading the Central League (as of Dec. 16) in scoring, with 18 goals and 12 assists. Four of his goals have been game-winners, including two overtime game-deciding goals. Lower Merion boys’ ice hockey head coach Dan Harkins said, “He’s been so good, that he has become a target of the opposition to try and shut him down offensively, but the league has been largely unsuccessful in doing so. Doing what Sam has done as only a sophomore, and with such a big target on him every night has been remarkable.”

Fun facts – Sam Flood

Favorite book: Charlotte’s Web.

Favorite author: Suzanne Collins.

Favorite TV show: Outer Banks.

Favorite movie: Miracle on Ice.

Favorite athlete: Conner Bedard.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Godzilla by Eminem.

Favorite team: Boston Bruins.

Favorite place to visit: Boston (lots of family there).

Favorite pre-game meal: Bananas.

Person I most admire, and why: “Conner McDavid because his grit and love for the sport is nothing I’ve ever seen.”

Family members: parents Dan and Jennifer, older sister Emma (University of Rhode Island).

Click HERE to read the full interview.

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

First Team

Grayson Buono, Radnor: The senior defensive center midfielder had eight goals and four assists. Her versatility was a key factor in helping the Raptors advance to the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class 2A tournament. An All-Central League selection, Buono was lauded by head coach Gretta Ehret for being “a physically dominant player, who uses her field and game sense to help control the speed and tempo of the game. A vocal leader whose vision and distribution was essential for us in the midfield.” Buono was named to the Pa. Field Hockey Coaches Association all-state first team earlier this month. She will continue her career at the University of Delaware.

Erin Coyle, Haverford: The senior forward was the offensive MVP of a 15-win team that advanced to the quarterfinals of the District 1 Class 3A tournament. She scored 15 goals and supplied six assists on the way to earning All-Central League honors. Fords coach Christa Taylor described Coyle as someone “who plays with explosive speed.” Coyle will further her playing career at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Alex De Cain, Radnor: The junior attacking center midfielder is one of the best players in the area and was a Player of the Year candidate. A National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) all-region honoree, De Cain is a top-50 college recruit. She powered the Central League second-place finishers with 27 goals and eight assists. De Cain’s excellence helped lead the Raptors to the District 1 Class 2A final, which turned out to be a double overtime loss to Villa Maria, and the state quarterfinal round, a double overtime loss to Hershey. She was named to the PHSFHCA all-state first team and is committed to Boston College.

Maria Kaltsidis, Marple Newtown: The senior goalie was the best at her position in 2023. Kaltsidis was named to the All-Central League first team following a season in which she recorded an 85.4 save percentage (217 saves on 254 shots), including a memorable 26-save performance against Radnor She made 24 saves in a second-round playoff loss to eventual District 1 Class 2A champion Villa Maria. With Kaltsidis commanding the cage, the Tigers finished with a winning record (10-9-1) and won a district tournament game. Marple coach Caroline Coladonato said of Kaltsidis: “As a senior captain, Maria is our rock. She kept us in numerous games and her voice in the backfield helps organize our defenders.”

Regan Leydig, Garnet Valley: The sophomore forward/midfielder was the points leader for the Jaguars with nine goals and 15 assists. She was the best player on a young team that posted a 12-8 record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the District 1 Class 3A tournament, falling to eventual champion Conestoga. Leydig was named All-Central League first team and PHSFHCA all-state honorable mention. GV coach Michaela DelSordo said of Leydig: “She is our primary hitter and receiver on offensive corners and our primary flyer on defensive corners. (A) very quick player with dynamic elimination skills and speed.”

Brooke Parker, Haverford: The junior defender/midfielder was overall MVP on a Fords team that won 14 of its final 16 games and placed third in the Central League. A two-time all-league selection, Parker registered three goals and two assists. Haverford coach Christa Taylor lauded Taylor for being the best all-around player on the team and someone who “controls the field, also plays middle, (has the) best stick skills and passing on the team, plays with absolute composure and poise, and a key player on defensive and offensive corners.” Parker is committed to Bucknell University.

Second Team

Olivia Dwyer, Sr. F, Marple Newtown
Elise Martin, So. G, Ridley
Ella Toll, Sr. D, Radnor

Honorable Mention

Garnet Valley: Noelle Fogarty, Elsie Gupta, Maggie Ioannou, Addison Troy.
Haverford: Lauren Cascarina, Caroline Cassidy, Riona O’Neill, Darcy Quaile.
Marple Newtown: Abby Brasch, Kyra Brennan, Riley Mattson, Adriana Stowman.
Penncrest: Karley Stephens.
Radnor: Katelyn Anderson, Marissa DeMitis, Marin Mooney.
Ridley: Elise Martin, Caitlyn Senkow.
Springfield: Geena Augello, Macy Gougler, Maddie Kane.
Strath Haven: Violet Barton
Upper Darby: Casey McGee.

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Congratulations to the following soccer players from the Central League named to the All Delco Teams.

First Team

Michael Savadove, Radnor: The senior defender and lacrosse All-Delco is a consummate winner with defensive instincts that translate across sports. Savadove won a District 1 Class 5A basketball title last year and is part of the two-time reigning PIAA Class 3A lacrosse champions, adding a District 1 Class 3A boys soccer title this year. Across his last six seasons, Savadove’s teams have posted a 131-17-3 record. On the soccer pitch, he anchored a backline that allowed just eight goals in 23 games and posted 18 clean sheets on the way to 18 wins and the PIAA Class 3A semifinals. Savadove also scored three goals and added eight assists, mainly with his long throw ability. Savadove is a Harvard lacrosse signee.

George Pezzeca, Strath Haven: The senior midfielder has been a fixture in the Panthers’ squad since his sophomore season. His poise then in controlling the game from deep in midfield was beyond his years, and he’s matured there, leading vocally and with his play. Pezzeca added more goal contributions this year, with eight goals and five assists, helping the Panthers win 11 games and qualify for the District 1 Class 4A tournament. He had a goal and a helper in a win over Kennett, the winner in a 1-0 decision over Great Valley and a goal in a league win over Ridley. Pezzeca was one of only four Delco players to make the All-Central first team.

Brayan Chavez-Lopez, Radnor: On the All-Delco team for the second time, Chavez-Lopez was the invisible hand that ran the Raptors, on the way to 18 wins, a District 1 crown and a state semifinal. His positional awareness and technical skill on the ball in central midfield helped the Raptors remain so compact, fueling the 18 clean sheets and eight goals allowed. He was one of the team’s primary chance creators, with a team-high 11 assists and countless more dangerous moments spurred by his superlative field vision. He was voted All-Central by league coaches. Like Savadove, Chavez-Lopez was one of the tactical pillars around which Radnor rotated the lineup, due to injuries and tactical adjustments, to get the most out of the squad.

Andrew Marino, Radnor: The junior forward is not just skilled but has a knack for the clutch moments. Marino was the one who set up Nate Lucchesi’s goal in the first half of the District 1 Class 3A final and finished the game off with a worldie of a top-corner goal in the second. He tied the state semifinal against Springfield-Montco with seven minutes to play, Radnor ultimately falling in the shootout. Those were among the most important of his 12 goals and eight assists, a tally reflective of both quality and quantity. His attacking verve, whether running the channels as a forward or pulled out wide to the wing, helped Radnor win 18 games and cash in all the structural soundness of their midfield and defense.

Nate Lucchesi, Radnor: The senior forward was the main piece in the tactical musical chairs that changed the Raptors season. When coach Joe Caruolo moved Lucchesi from central midfield to center forward, Radnor took off like a shot, thanks in part to Lucchesi’s 15 goals and 10 assists. Lucchesi was voted the team MVP and a first team All-Central pick. Lucchesi scored the game-winning goal in the District 1 final. He had two goals and an assist in the first round of both districts and states. Lucchesi, like Savadove a two-time lacrosse state champ, will play lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania.

Funsia Donzo, Upper Darby: Donzo was one of the few players in the Central League who consistently stood out to opposing coaches, in a year where only four players from the Delco schools were recognized as All-Central alongside the powerbrokers from Conestoga, Lower Merion and Harriton. Donzo was one among them, a speedy and technical forward who dictated matchups and forced opponents to change tactics. He led the Royals with eight goals and added two assists. Upper Darby went 6-12, though they started 4-5 before struggling through the middle of the campaign. Donzo is just a junior.

Second Team

Will Hall, Sr. G, Strath Haven
Aidan Damiani, Sr. D, Radnor
James Mulholland, Jr. D, Penncrest
John Teehan, Jr. D, Ridley
Jake Bowman, Jr. M, Radnor
Zach Northey, Jr. M, Garnet Valley
Beckett Young, Sr. M, Strath Haven
Omar Warthen, So. F, Ridley

Honorable Mention

Archbishop Carroll: Sean Goodridge, Thomas Malloy
Bonner & Prendergast: Ayo Kuponiyi
Cardinal O’Hara: Mike Foster
The Christian Academy: Judah Gray, Jackson Haseltine
Delco Christian: Judah Cooper, Matthew Levis, Jake Matthews, Judah Sacks, Cameron Vavala
Episcopal Academy: Michael McGonagle, Ryan Sewell
Garnet Valley: Nate Bourogiannis, Mike Medici, Owen Zweier
Haverford: Tristan Hevener, James Laniak, Owen Mulhern
Marple Newtown: Bennett Cox, Benk Gahler, Josh McMenamin, Dante Scarduzio
Penncrest: Dante Cholmeley-Jones, Connor Connolly, Anders Kristiansen, Leo Ouyang
Radnor: Jake Barber, Jack Ennis, Commerce Fisk
Ridley: Chris Capozzoli, Jonathan Daniels, Brandon Nguyen
Springfield: Jackson Bennett, Colm Mulholland, Shane McCaffrey
Strath Haven: Gabe Broome, Andrew Deppen, Nico Taylor
Upper Darby: Alphonso Murvee, Minh Cuong Nguyen, Zulkifal Shakir

Radnor’s Andrew Marino, right, with the ball as Springfield Montco’s Nicholas Marino defends during the District 1 Class 3A final on Nov. 2 at Norristown Area High School. (Mike Cabrey – MediaNews Group)

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Congratulations to the following Central League soccer players named to the All Delco teams.

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Congratulations to the following Central League Runners named to the All Delco teams.

First Team

Second Team

Michael Colavito, Sr., Garnet Valley
Nick Fante, Jr., Penncrest
Brendan Hefferan, Sr., Penncrest
Joey Lanci, Jr., Ridley
Ricky Lee, Sr., Marple Newtown
Matt Lund, Sr., Strath Haven
Keeley Aiken, Sr., Penncrest
Lizzie Getz, Jr., Marple Newtown
Micah Haskins-Kyer, Jr., Haverford
Anastacia Milana, Jr., Springfield
Hannah Prokup, Sr., Strath Haven
Audrey Stevens, Sr., Strath Haven

Honorable mentions

Garnet Valley: Alexander Gursahaney, Emmanuel Velez, Felicia Grimmelbein, Avery Lustgarten
Haverford: Carlo Buonviri, Logan Eagles, Sean Lawson, Alyssa Bloxton, Ryan Dankanis, Pru Frein, Mackenzie Gillespie, Anastasia Harmon
Marple Newtown: Julian Bothma, Sarah Koh, Allie Pavone
Penncrest: Andrew Hausch, Sean Holst-Rightley, Jackson Polin, Kadin Salaria, Gwen Chorney, Caitlin Crumlish
Radnor: Joseph Garzio, Nate Halberstadt, Emma Hyde
Ridley: Nick Gdowick, Jesufifunmi Olugbenga, Donovan Washington, Brooke Schmidt
Springfield: Chris Cardie, Sarah Emch, Mara Fallon
Strath Haven: Sam Fritz, Anya Agha, Mara Carey, Casey Conway, Sophie Jackson,
Upper Darby: Jack Ford, Loralei Golembiewski, Alissa Joseph

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Congratulations to the Central League Football players named to the All Delco Teams.

First Team Offense

David Bertoline, Marple Newtown: The senior quarterback and leading passer in Delco had a stellar career for the Tigers. A three-year starter, Bertoline passed for 2,311 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. His performance helped the 10-3 Tigers reach the quarterfinals of the District 1 Class 5A tournament. He completed 65 percent of his attempts. He ended his career with 5,452 yards, 46 touchdowns and a 64 completion percentage. His career yardage ranks fourth in Delco history and third in Marple lore behind Tigers coach Chris Gicking (5,897) and Anthony Paoletti (6,944). Bertoline is committed to play lacrosse at High Point.

Mike Turner, Springfield: The senior running back was a workhorse in his first season as the Cougars’ No. 1 running back. A candidate for Player of the Year honors, Turner was the focal point on offense throughout the Cougars’ 11-2 campaign. The second-leading rusher in Delco accumulated 1,463 yards and 17 touchdowns. He ran for 197 yards in a 20-7 win over Marple Newtown in the District 1 Class 5A quarterfinals and did everything he could in the Cougars’ loss to Strath Haven in the semifinals, amassing 128 yards and a score. The All-Central League selection also had one kick return for touchdown.

Khameen Powell, Ridley: The senior wide receiver was among the most feared playmakers in Delco. A three-year starter, Powell scored 22 touchdowns (16 receptions, five rushes, one kick return) in 2023. Ridley had trouble finding ways to get him the ball in the first month of the season, but Powell eventually got his touches and made defenses pay. He totaled five TDs in the Green Raiders’ first win, a 55-26 trouncing of Lower Merion. He ended the season as the county’s top pass catcher with 951 yards en route to earning All-Central League honors. In addition, Powell garnered All-Delco distinction for a second consecutive year.

Andrew Kirlin, Marple Newtown: The senior lineman was the biggest lineman in the Central League and his outstanding performance helped the Tigers enjoy a 10-win campaign and advance to the District 1 Class 5A quarters. The 6-6, 290 pound tackle was named to the All-Central League first team. He is garnering interest from several Football Championship Subdivision programs.

Gus Bryan, Springfield: The senior lineman was undoubtedly the most unique character in Delco, a force of nature who led with his voice and play. A mean and talented two-way tackle, Cougars coach Chris Britton called Bryan “the best lineman in the league and a team leader.” Bryan received the most points of any lineman in All-Central League voting. Bryan allowed no sacks on 85 passing attempts and was a huge reason why the Cougars accumulated 3,163 yards on the ground and won a share of the Central League championship.

Bill Brown, Strath Haven: The senior tackle was the anchor of the best offensive line unit in the county. Due in large part to the 6-5, 300-pounder’s dominance, the Panthers earned a share of the Central League championship and captured the program’s 13th District 1 championship under legendary coach Kevin Clancy. With Brown bullying defenders, the Panthers’ run offense accrued a staggering 4,087 yards and 52 touchdowns.

First Team Defense

Mike Miller, Springfield: The senior defensive end was the top player at his position in the Central League and a key reason why the Cougars won a share of the league title. Miller recorded 47 tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 5.5 sacks and 16 TFLs. Springfield coach Chris Britton said: “He would project to 90 tackles if we left him in the game. Best DE in the league.”

Nate Romano, Springfield: The junior linebacker was an impact player on both sides of the ball for a Cougars team that finished 11-2 and advanced to the semifinal round of the District 1 Class 5A tournament. The 6-2, 215-pounder registered 74 tackles and 3.5 sacks, but was frequently pulled in the second half due to the lopsided nature by which the Cougars won the majority of their games. Springfield coach Chris Britton said Romano projected to have 140 tackles and is garnering interest from several Division I schools. As a bruising fullback, Romano ran for 830 yards and 14 touchdowns, the thunder to All-Delco running back Mike Turner’s lightning.

Connor Kelly, Ridley: The junior linebacker was a constant for a Green Raiders team that endured ups and downs in 2023. A fierce competitor who has a nose for the ball, Kelly amassed 111 tackles q(11 per game) on the way to earning All-Central League accolades. Ridley’s team leader on defense also had 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. He also excelled at fullback and in the receiving game.

Marco Kaufman, Strath Haven: Nobody wrapped up more often and with better efficiency than Kaufman. The senior middle linebacker was one of the team leaders and MVPs for the District 1 Class 5A and Central League champions. Kaufman recorded a county-leading 160 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss. As one part of the Panthers’ three-headed monster at running back, the All-Central League selection ran for 666 yards and six touchdowns. He also had four catches for 47 yards and a TD. Kaufman’s 23-yard touchdown run sealed the Panthers’ win over Garnet Valley Oct. 7, the first Jaguars loss to a Central League opponent in six years.

Tyler Lassik, Garnet Valley: The senior quarterback/defensive back is All-Delco for his all-purpose exploits. After battling through injuries early in the season, Lassik became a star in the latter half, guiding the Jaguars to a share of the Central League championship and a trip to the second round of the District 1 Class 6A tournament. Lassik threw for 955 yards and nine touchdowns with a 65 completion percentage. He added 437 yards and six TDs via the run. As one of the top corners in Delco, Lassik had 24 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defensed and three fumble recoveries. He was selected to the All-Central League team as a defensive back.

Second Team Offense

RB – Brian Box, Jr., Marple Newtown
RB – Shane Green, Jr., Strath Haven
TE – Cole Miller, Sr., Strath Haven
OL – Dylan Bledsoe, Sr., Garnet Valley
OL – Jack McGowan, Sr., Marple Newtown
OL – Jackson Geremia, Sr., Strath Haven

Second Team Defense

DL – Jahi Curtis, Sr., Strath Haven
DL – Kamar Perlote, Sr., Upper Darby
LB – Matt Malley, Sr., Penncrest
DB – Paul DeFruscio, Sr., Marple Newtown
DB – Chris Dolan, Jr., Springfield
AP – Jaylen Johnson, Jr., Upper Darby

Honorable Mention

Quarterback: Liam Taylor (Haverford), Ryan Carroll (Ridley), Matt Szychulski (Radnor), Ryan Whitaker (Springfield), Jake Kitchin (Strath Haven)

Running Back: Ronnie Leraris (Garnet Valley), Matt Ferry (Penncrest), Alante Smith (Ridley)

Wide Receiver: Dante DeVuono (Garnet Valley), Alex Gillan (Marple Newtown), Trey Saviour (Marple Newtown), Mikey Enright (Radnor), Tucker Graham (Radnor), Milan Jernigan (Upper Darby)

Offensive Line: Max D’Antonio (Garnet Valley), Alex Klee (Haverford), Jason Bennett (Marple Newtown), Tristan Blair (Penncrest), Ben Kauffman (Penncrest), Kolby Poole (Penncrest), Billy Bair (Ridley), Alex Gaskill (Radnor), Carter Law (Strath Haven), Will Leuthold (Strath Haven), Gavin Pilson (Strath Haven), Tommy Wetling (Upper Darby)

Specialist: Josh McMenamin (Marple Newtown), Luke Moyer (Marple Newtown), Tommy Abdel-Latif (Ridley), Sean Williams (Springfield)

All-Purpose: Kai Lopez (Garnet Valley), Luke O’Donoghue (Garnet Valley), Brett Wolski (Marple Newtown),

Defensive Line: Aidan Bendo (Garnet Valley), Massimo Iavarone (Garnet Valley), Quinn McGloin (Haverford), John Daddario (Marple Newtown), Jacob Eck (Marple Newtown), John Belveal (Radnor), Ryan Johnston (Springfield), Jahi Curtis (Strath Haven), Vince Hales (Strath Haven)

Linebacker: Chase Britton (Garnet Valley), Nick Romaniello (Garnet Valley), Luke Vaughn (Garnet Valley), Buddy Coacher (Haverford), Nate Shoemaker (Haverford), Dom DiLuzio (Marple Newtown), Lionel Dunbar (Radnor), Mason Shieh (Radnor), John Tinney (Ridley), Ethan Marshall (Springfield), Sean Henry (Strath Haven), Zahir Burch (Upper Darby)

Defensive Back: Nolan Carroll (Garnet Valley), Luke Mingioni (Garnet Valley), Keith Heinerichs (Haverford), Ty Can (Marple Newtown), Bryce Cohen (Radnor), Dillon Varney (Ridley), William Velazquez (Ridley), Brian Delaney (Springfield)

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NETHER PROVIDENCE — The first time he belted streamers to his hips as a 4-year-old flag player for the Rose Tree Colts, James Fisher had a dream that would never be yanked away.

It would be there with him as he graduated to youth tackle football. It would grow when he began to play in middle school. So strong was it that when school athletic operations paused for a pandemic he refused to stop playing, instead joining the team at St. Mary Magdalen in Media, allowable even though he was not enrolled at the elementary school.

By the time he reached high school, the dream was becoming more real. By this fall, when the 5-10, 170-pound five-way threat led Strath Haven to championships of the Central League and Class 5A of the PIAA’s District 1, it was undeniable: He was the best player on the best team in Delaware County and was selected by the Daily Times as the All-Delco Player of the Year.

With that, Fisher had followed a family tradition of football success on George L. King Field, where his older brother, Chazz Fisher, was once honorably mentioned as an All-Delco linebacker in 2010, and where he had spent most of his life enjoying watching the Panthers play.

“This is what I wanted to do since I was 7 or 8 years old,” Fisher said. “I wanted to play for Strath Haven. And I think it has been even a greater experience than I imagined.”

The bulk of that enjoyment in his three seasons has come on the field, where the junior already has helped win a combined four league and district champions. Yet as satisfying as becoming a first-team All-Purpose All-Delco player was what was occurring in the stands … and, by extension, in his heart. Invariably at Panthers games – that family football bonds forever strong – Fisher would have a robust rooting section, including, among others, Chazz, dad James Fisher III, sister Jayme and noted football teacher and former Panther Anthony Myers. Also there would be Paula Burton, his father’s longtime companion who helped raise Fisher since he was in third grade after the death of his mother, Regina Ann Mayo Fisher, at age 45.

“I always think of my mother,” Fisher IV said. “Basically, I play most of my football games for her.”

So inspired, Fisher would rush for a team-high 1,347 yards and 18 touchdowns, catch 499 yards and four touchdowns worth of passes, fashion 121 kickoff-return yards, pass 36 stripes with punts and, at strong safety, make 54 tackles to help the Panthers to a 13-2 season.

“A bunch of people were saying this was a rebuilding year,” he said. “And we proved a lot of people wrong.”

Since the Panthers have won 13 Central League championships since 1992, have sent multiple players to the NFL and were district champions as recently as 2021 under Kevin Clancy, the winningest coach in Delaware County history, no memorable season is ever a shock. But sustained success does require buy-in players, particularly the kind with breakaway speed. As he amassed his 1,999 all-purpose yards, Fisher was would prove to be both.

“He is a great teammate,” Clancy said. “The players on the team love him. I imagine he will be one of our captains next year, not just for the way he plays on the field but for how he carries himself in the building. He’s respected by everybody. He’s a great kid.

“His brother played here, so we’ve known him for years. And I really have known his dad a long time, too. So it is a really proud moment for the family. He has talked about how he has wanted to honor his mother, and his play has really meant a lot to the success of our team.”

The impact of Fisher’s speed was evident in the District 1 semifinal – and essentially, the Central League championship game – against Springfield, when he blasted 62 yards for a decisive second-quarter touchdown in a 14-12 victory. The following week, he rushed for 95 yards – including one 42-yard sprint – in a 28-20 triumph at Chester for Strath Haven’s 13th district championship.

“His offense is just a part of it,” Clancy said. “With him, it’s all three areas. He returns kicks. For three years, he has been our strong safety, and that’s where we put our best player. And he is a blocker as well. He does it all. He literally is an all-around football player.”

Click HERE to read the full article.

Strath Haven running back and safety James Fisher is the Daily Times Football Player of the Year. (Pete Bannan – MediaNews Group)

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RIDLEY TWP. — Garnet Valley’s Emily Olsen felt some butterflies in her stomach prior to Thursday’s Central League game at Ridley. Or maybe it was a sense of déjà vu.

It was against the Green Raiders, albeit on Garnet’s home floor, on Dec. 13, 2022 that the trajectory of Olsen’s high school career was sent off course, suffering a devastating injury five games into the season.

“I tore my knee – the MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) and I had to get my bone shaved. It’s about the same recovery time (as a torn ACL),” she said.

The good news is that Olsen is back and feeling healthy. She was able to get back on the floor with her AAU program, the Delco Goats, in the fall. The versatile power forward can control the boards, defend a team’s top shooter, cut to the basket and pop a 3-pointer when needed.

“It feels great to be back, I am so happy,” she said. “I think my defense has improved a lot since coming back, certainly more than last year. The offense is coming, but we’ve got a really good offensive team. Anything that I can do, I’ll do.”

In the Jaguars’ 55-27 victory Thursday, Olsen had a solid all-around game with six points, eight rebounds, three steals and one blocked shot.

“I can be the muscle, if we need it. I’ve been working on my outside shot, so if we need that … it all depends where the matchups are,” Olsen said.

With the return of Olsen, the Jaguars (2-0, 1-0 Central) have a deep and balanced starting lineup that includes All-Delco Haylie Adamski, point guard Kylie Mulholland, and forwards Savannah Saunders and Katie Dwyer.

“I knew she was a little nervous about tonight playing Ridley,” said the junior Adamski, who scored a game-high 21 points. “I am so happy that she is back with us, she makes a big difference. You know she is excited to be playing again. … I know we can be a good team and (Olsen) is going to be a big part of it.”

After months of painstaking rehabilitation, Olsen was confident in her abilities by the time high school practice officially got under way in November.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Garnet Valley’s Emily Olsen shoots from the perimeter in the Jaguars’ win over Ridley Thursday night. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)”

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