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Springfield  – Lower Merion High School senior Brian Yi captured the PIAA District 1 3A singles tournament title April 20 at the Springfield YMCA, defeating Conestoga’s Ethan Sun in the championship finals, 6-3, 6-0.

“I had to bring my A game against Ethan,” said Yi. “He’s a really good player, and he gave me a run for my money.”

Yi, who won the Central League singles tournament earlier this month, was the first seed in the District 1 3A singles tournament. After an opening bye, Yi defeated Penncrest senior Brady Huggett, 6-0, 6-0; then beat Radnor senior Antonio Fidelibus, 6-1, 6-0 to advance to the semfinals. In the semifinal, against Lower Merion teammate Nathan Dolgushev, Yi prevailed by a score of 7-6 (7-1), 6-4.

“Against Nathan, I played good defense and was able to get to his tough shots –  and my serve was working well,” said Yi.

Yi, who finished third at the PIAA 3A state singles tournament last year, will play tennis for John Hopkins University next spring.

Sun, who finished second in the Central League singles tournament last week and was the second seed in the District 1 singles tourney, said, “I think the key for me in the semifinal was staying patient, and making sure I made first serve.”

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Lower Merion’s Brian Yi (right) and Conestoga’s Ethan Sun (left) were the top two finishers at the District 1 3A singles tournament April 19-20. (Bruce Adams/MediaNewsGroup)

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MIDDLETOWN — Of the 15 hits Garnet Valley produced during Monday’s 13-3 trouncing of Penncrest, Garnet Valley coach Rudy Shiller was most happy with the two that should have been outs.

Mark Zuppo and Brady Thompson smacked routine ground balls to the second baseman and shortstop, respectively, turning them into singles for the Jaguars, who hustled everything out and gave an old-school coach like Shiller something to smile about.

Zuppo’s little dribbler to second ignited a three-run rally. The speedy second baseman was the first of eight batters to step to the plate in the top of the third as the Jags took a 3-0 lead against Lions starter Michael Pagliaccetti.

“Running hard to first is what I’m really proud of,” Shiller said. “They busted their butts and that really set the example for everyone else. And it also put the pressure on (Penncrest) and you see how the game changes when you do that.”

Zuppo, who is committed Penn State-Berks, came around to score in the third. He finished 3-for-4 with an RBI double and three runs scored. The first six batters in the Jags’ lineup all reached base at least twice.

“Some of the older guys definitely set the example for what the standard is for our team. We also have mature sophomores and juniors,” Zuppo said. “Being able to show that’s what you’re supposed to do … because even when you hit a ball that you know is going to be an out, you run it out to first as hard as you can because something could happen. I think it’s a good example of how our team plays together. We grind everything out as a team.”

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Garnet Valley’s Mark Zuppo and Chris Schaller combined for five hits, five runs scored and two RBIs during Monday’s 13-3 victory at Penncrest. (Daily Times staff photo)

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

First team

Matt Gardler, Marple Newtown: One of two juniors on this year’s first team, Gardler and Jake Sniras have both hit 1,000 points already in their careers. Gardler was prolific, steady and possessed a flair for the dramatic. He finished second in Delco at 20.0 points per game but first in the share of his team’s points, accounting for 43.1 percent of the offense on a Marple team that went 13-12. Gardler also averaged 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He hit game-winning buzzer-beating 3-pointers in the regular-season finale against Penncrest to ensure the Tigers of postseason basketball, then in double overtime of the Central League first round against Garnet Valley. He also assisted on the buzzer-beater to beat Conestoga in late January. Gardler shot 47 percent from the field and 43 percent on 68 made 3-pointers, as well as 84 percent from the line. The Central League MVP, as voted by league coaches, topped 30 points four times, including 32 against Garnet Valley and 30 in a win over Upper Darby in which he scored 23 straight points for Marple.

Jake Sniras, Garnet Valley: The junior forward has already crossed the 1,000-point threshold and pushed his Garnet Valley team to new heights. With Sniras leading the way, the Jaguars won 19 games, made the state tournament for the fourth straight season and reached the District 1 Class 6A final, the deepest districts progress for the program in such a big classification. Sniras was instrumental in this year’s march, which ended in the first round of states to a Central York squad that went on to win the 6A title. Sniras led Garnet Valley in scoring at 17.8 points per game, for a team that averaged 58.7, a 30.0 percent share of the offense. The 6-4 wing also grabbed 5.3 rebounds and dished 3.1 assists per game. He had three 30-point games, including 31 in a classic double-OT affair against Marple Newtown in the Central League playoffs, and 11 games of 20 or more points. He shot 42 percent from the field, 76 percent from the line, and made 30 3-pointers. Sniras was a first-team All-Central selection.

Second team

Colin Treude, Sr. F, Springfield

Third Team

Elijah Sellers, Jr. F, Radnor

Mikey Mita, So. F, Penncrest

Honorable mention

Garnet Valley: Grayson Bolek, Brady Krautzel, Jack Krautzel, Quinn O’Hara

Haverford: Reese Fitzgibbons, Keith Heinerichs, Andrew Steigleman

Marple Newtown: PJ Esposito, Ryan Keating, Steven Tansey

Penncrest: Connor Cahill, Patick Garrison, Theo Gladue

Radnor: Kessy Cox, Henry Pierce, Michael Savadove

Ridley: Bryan Cauthorn, Austin McCaughan, Luke Showalter, Chris Sizemore

Springfield: Jake Adams, Chris Dolan, Patrick Flaherty, Ryan Johnston

Strath Haven: Theo Jauregui, Justin Wilson

Upper Darby: Elijah Gunther, TJ Jackson, Lovo Mulbah

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

Haverford’s Rian Dotsey hits a basket in a District 1 Class 6A playoff game against Abington. (Pete Bannan – MediaNews Group)

First Team

Haylie Adamski, Garnet Valley: The junior shooting guard led the Jaguars to a 25-7 record and a surprising run to the semifinal round of the PIAA Class 6A tournament. Adamski is a two-time All-Delco and three-time All-Central League honoree. She averaged 14.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game. One of the top Division I prospects in the area, Adamski eclipsed 1,000 points early in her junior season. She has offers from Penn, Lafayette and Loyola.

Rian Dotsey, Haverford: The junior small forward had a breakout season with the Fords. Averaging 15.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, the versatile Dotsey gained recognition as one of the top players in Delco. She ranked second in points per game, behind only Rullo. As a three-year starter, Dotsey helped lead the Fords to a second straight Central League title and a first-round victory in the PIAA Class 6A tournament. Last summer, while playing for the AAU Philadelphia Belles, she was named an all-star at the Hershey National Showcase.

Aniya Eberhart, Haverford: The senior guard was the best player at her position in the Central League and one of the most talented players in Delco. The speedy Eberhart averaged 11.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.2 points and 2.1 steals per contest for the Fords. She led the Fords to 20-4 record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the District 1 Class 6A tournament. Eberhart will further her playing career at Millersville University.

Third Team

Kylie Mulholland, Jr. G, Garnet Valley

Emily Olsen, Sr. F, Garnet Valley

Kathryn Harding, Sr. F/C, Penncrest

Kate Gallagher, Sr. G, Radnor

Honorable Mention

Garnet Valley: Addison Adamski, Kylie Adamski, Savannah Saunders.

Haverford: Ashley Wright, Natalie Wright, Megan Kelly.

Marple Newtown: Olivia Gicking.

Penncrest: Bailey Garrison, Emily Huggins.

Radnor: Blayse Jennings, Caroline Monahan, Anna Reger, Nyah Yao.

Ridley: Kailyn Bell, Kyla Carney.

Springfield: Cora Fattori.

Strath Haven: Lauren Shea.

Upper Darby: Mia Wilson.

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Congratulations to the players from the Central League named to the All Main Line teams.

FIRST TEAM

Rowan Miller, Conestoga – Sophomore guard, a first team All-Central League selection, averaged 11.5 ppg, 3 apg and 2 spg for a solid Pioneer squad.

Marquis Kubish, Harriton – Senior guard, a first team All-Central League selection, averaged 17.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 2.4 spg as a valuable contributor to a strong Rams squad.

Owen McCabe, Lower Merion – Senior guard, an All-Central League first team selection, averaged 14.7 ppg and 2.8 apg, converted 68 treys and had a better than 2:1 assists to turnover ratio. Valued for his defense, shooting, decision-making and leadership.

Adam Herrenkohl, Lower Merion – Senior guard averaged 13.2 ppg, 4.7 apg and 5.8 rpg, made 50 treys, had a 2.11 to 1 assist to turnover ratio, 47.6 percent from 3-point territory. LM head coach Gregg Downer noted, “Adam had one of the finest top-to-bottom seasons in the history of our program.”

John Mobley, Lower Merion – Senior guard, a first team All-Central League selection, averaged 14.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.8 apg. LM head coach Gregg Downer said, “He’s Swiss Army knife type of player, and in 5-10 games this year, he was the best player on the court – by a wide margin.”

Kessy Cox, Radnor – Senior guard, the Raptors co-Most Valubale Player, averaged 13.2 ppg, 5 rpg and 6 apg while converting 54 percent from the field.

Elijiah Sellers, Radnor – Senior guard, the Raptors co-Most Valuable Player, averaged 12 ppg, 6 rpg and 2 apg while converting 53 percent from the field. Noted for his prolific scoring during the PIAA state tournament.

SECOND TEAM

Conestoga – Brendan Styer, senior guard; Ben Robinson, junior guard.

Harriton – Jadyn Gaskins, senior guard.

Radnor – Michael Savadove, senior guard.

HONORABLE MENTION

Conestoga – Westin Fryberger, senior forward; Cory Hogan, sophomore forward.

Harriton – Sean Gallagher, junior guard.

Haverford High – Keith Heinerichs, senior guard; Andrew Stiegleman, junior guard/forward.

Lower Merion’s John Mobley (shooting), a first team All-Main Line and All-Central League selection, has been referred to by LM coach Gregg Downer as a “Swiss Army knife tope of player and in 5-10 games this season he was the best player on the court – by a wide margin.” (photo courtesy of Kevin Grugan)

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The junior third baseman has been a productive all-around force for the Aces, this spring, batting .435 (as of April 15) with an on-base percentage of .581, five doubles, nine RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts. He has successfully fielded 15 out of 16 chances at the hot corner. Lower Merion baseball head coach Colin Quinn said, “Brody exemplifies unparalleled dedication and prowess on the baseball diamond. His unwavering focus and strong mental capacity set him apart, driving for continuous improvement in every facet of his game. From rigorous strength training to refining his precise contact swing in the cages, Brody’s commitment to excellence is unwavering.” Off the baseball diamond at Lower Merion, Slensky is a member of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and Student Council.

Fun facts – Brody Slensky

Favorite book: “Sharks” by Paul De Gelder.

Favorite TV show: The Office.

Favorite movie: Wedding Crashers.

Favorite athlete: Mike Trout.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Bleeding Love.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite place to visit: The Outer Banks.

Favorite pre-game meal: “Go Go Squeeze and some kind of bar.”

Person I most admire, and why: “The person I admire most in life is my older sister, Elly. Growing up and having her as an everyday role model in my life has played a massive part in the kind of competitor I am on the field and additionally, who I am once I step off of it.

Family members: Parents Brett and Kim, sister Elly.

Click HERE to read the full interview.

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SPRINGFIELD — Ryleigh Frye supplied good at bats, and her defense at second base was terrific Monday afternoon.

The senior caught everything that came her way during Springfield’s 6-3 victory over Garnet Valley. Frye snagged back-to-back line drives in the fourth inning, robbing Jenna Fulmer and Ava Sharp of hits. She should’ve had an assist at home plate in the fourth inning, when the runner at third base started for home after Frye ran down a shallow fly ball in right field. Alas, the Cougars botched the rundown and the Jags scored their first of three unearned runs off sophomore Payton Feeney, who pitched a complete game four-hitter with 10 strikeouts.

At the plate, Frye batted cleanup and went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. She started rallies with singles in the third and fourth innings.

“I know I have to be ready for anything,” said Frye, whose sophomore sister, Kayla, bats fifth and plays shortstop for the Cougars.

Feeney, in her second season as the No. 1 pitcher, was in control most of the afternoon.

“I know I can trust (catcher) Nikki (Morrison) with any pitch. I was just trying to mix my pitches and hit my spots,” Feeney said.

Feeney worked around singles by Alaina Sareyka and Zoey Rogers in the first inning. She was in cruise control until the fifth when the Jaguars, aided by two Springfield errors, scored three runs. Rogers cranked a two-run homer to trim GV’s deficit to 6-3, but Feeney responded with a strikeout of Madalyn Stiles to end the frame.

“I think we have a little bit of everything this year,” longtime Springfield coach Todd Odgers said. “We’ve got senior leaders and we’ve got some really nice young players. We’re still kind of learning how to play together, but considering where we are in the season, I think that we’re playing really good team softball right now. Everybody’s got a positive attitude. I’ve got 11 players that I feel very confident with at the plate. We really do have good sticks up and down the lineup. We’re getting good defense and great pitching. Nikki’s doing a great job calling the games behind the plate. All is well right now.”

Morrison hit a sacrifice fly to deep center to chase home Julia Fegley with the game’s first run in the second inning. GV center fielder Amy Roux made a great running catch to rob Morrison of extra bases.

The Cougars tacked on four runs and sent eight hitters to the plate in the third. Maggie Poiesz drilled an RBI single and moved to second on the throw. Poiesz didn’t stop running, and when Rylee Bailey airmailed the throw to third base, she scored to make it a 4-0 game. Later in the inning Ava Craddock grounded out to second base, driving home Fegley, who singled.

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Springfield pitcher Payton Feeney throws against Garnet Valley Monday at Halderman Field. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)

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MIDDLETOWN — With 10 players, all college commits, returning from the squad that reached the PIAA Class 3A state championship game last spring, Penncrest is getting accustomed to wearing the bullseye.

Add up-and-coming goaltender Reese Wickman, the sister of Andrew Wickman, the second team All-Delco goalie for the District 1 Class 2A boys champion Lions in 2021 and it gets a little more interesting.

So, there are going to be nights like Thursday when the Lions were forced to weather an early challenge from Strath Haven, which tallied the first three goals of the game before the still undefeated Lions bounced back to secure a 13-7 Central League victory at The Louis Scott Field.

Lions senior Mira Kuttymartin chalked up the sluggish start to Panthers goalkeeper Ava Yancey, who recorded seven of her 19 saves in the first quarter, and to general over-aggressiveness.

“Their goalie was really good,” Kuttymartin said. “I think she made a big difference in the game. We needed to respond to that. After the first quarter we kind of like knew what was happening. We were like, ‘OK, how do we adjust? How do we move on?’ I think at first, we were just super eager to play tonight. We had a big crowd tonight. It was our Optimist (club) night and I think we just wanted to make our mark right away. We didn’t make the best decisions. I think by the end we just really went home with it.”

Like last year, the Lions can hurt you in several ways. Addy Bernhardt and Kaitlyn Roth scored three goals apiece. Lylah Pompetti contributed two goals and three assists for the Lions (7-0, 4-0).

Despite falling behind in the first seven minutes on goals by Strath Haven’s Maryella Gill, Annie Dignazio and Grace Kelly, the Lions answered with goals by Kate Stanton, Cara Childs, Bernhardt and Harding to carry a 4-3 lead into the second quarter.

Dignazio, who had three goals, tied it for the Panthers, but Stanton found the net again on a feed from Pompetti.

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Penncrest’s Mira Kuttymartin is defended by Owen J. Roberts’ Alexa Vogelman during last season’s PIAA Class 3A championship game at Penn State’s Panzer Stadium. (Austin Hertzog – MediaNews Group)

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The 2023-24 edition of the Lower Merion High School boys’ basketball team was a special one, as the Aces captured their third PIAA District 1 6A championship in the past four years while posting a 28-2 record.

That impressive won-loss mark included a 19-game winning streak that took the Aces to a Central League title as well as the district championship. Lower Merion led the state in points per game, was undefeated at home and posted a 21-0 record against Central League opponents. The Aces made their 14th consecutive trip to the PIAA 6A state tournament, the longest current streak in PIAA 6A boys’ basketball

The only two games Lower Merion lost was a 65-62 defeat to Stow-Munroe Falls (Ohio) on Dec. 28, during a team trip to Arizona, and a 66-64 defeat to Archbishop Wood in the second round of the PIAA 6A state tourney.

Lower Merion featured an impressive amount of depth, as noted by Garnet Valley boys’ basketball coach Mike Brown (among others) following the District 1 6A championship game. Brown noted that the Aces probably had about 10 players who could play Division III college basketball.

It also has been said that this season might have been Gregg Downer’s best coaching job at Lower Merion, an impressive statement, given that Downer has 697 wins and three PIAA state championships during his Aces coaching career.

“This team had uncanny chemistry, guys that have grown up playing together, guys that did not hide from work, guys that loved to compete and win,” said Downer.

The Lower Merion coach said the Aces’ most important game of the season was the District 1 6A championship final, a 57-49 win against Garnet Valley.

“To win three of the past four District 1 titles means a lot to Aces Nation,” said Downer. “In this game our will to win was on display, including holding our opponent to three first-quarter points. Our best performance of the season was probably our win against Cedar Crest in the first round of the state tournament (an 85-55 victory).”

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The Lower Merion Merion boys basketball team gathers under the basket at the Liacouras Center following its District 1 6A title. (photo courtesy of Tom Weishaar – One More Shot Photography)

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