Countdown to Opening Day: #28 San Diego Padres

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#28 San Diego Padres: Laughing at the Friars' Club

PROJECTED LINEUP

SS Everth Cabrera
CF Cameron Maybin
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
1B Yonder Alonso
RF Wil Venable
2B Logan Forsythe
C Nick Hundley
P Edison Volquez

**Yasmani Grandal (C) suspended 50 games

PROJECTED ROTATION

Edison Volquez
Clayton Richard
Eric Stults
Casey Kelly
Jason Marquis

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Huston Street

Set-up: Dale Thayer

Top Prospect: Jedd Gyorko (2B)

Huston Street

I guess the New York Mets recent luck changed when they altered the dimensions of Citi Field, becuase San Diego thought they would give it a try.
Petco Park is indeed the friendliest pitcher's park in the majors, but to think a few feet closer to home plate will make them into the modern day Bash Brothers is laughable.
Maybe instead of going Metropolitan-mad they should take their ideas from defending World Series champs, in their own division, the San Francisco Giants. They were anything but a big time offense last season and they still found a way to have a parade in October.
The Padres have won 90 games once since 2000 and I do not know why they backed off that year's philosophy. In 2010 when the Friars finished 90-72 they had the best bullpen in the majors. The starters needed to play damage control for six innings and then Mike Adams, Luke Gregerson and Heath Bell locked it down.
Every ounce of their budget should have gone into making that bullpen the best in the bigs. Huston Street is a strong option for the ninth inning, but leading up to that could be good, yet could also be gruesome.
If it is a strength, not even to the degree of three years ago, the Padres could be a sneaky contender. 

Chase Headley

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Turns out the joke was on us and the Padres put together one of the most dangerous lineups in the National League. A few feet in on the fences makes Carlos Quentin wide-eyed and he launches 30 plus, as does legit MVP candidate Chase Headley. They finally get a full season out of Cameron Maybin who thrives in the two-hole between Headley and base-stealing machine Everth Cabrera. The former Reds' prospects Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal add length to the lineup and before the  league blinks Jedd Gyorko is Rookie of the Year and San Diego is a scary team in September.

REAL TALK - Layered behind promising skills is inconsistency and behind that is more inconsistency. Chase Headley will struggle to live up to his breakout 2012 and the Padres have a revolving rotation. No body in the majors will have as many different starters throughout the season. Other than Clayton Richard and Edinson Volquez no one else sticks in the San Diego long enough to make 20 starts.

Breakout: Jedd Gyorko (2B)

Bust: Yonder Alonso (1B)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Andrew Cashner (RHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 76-86 (4th in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 71-91 (5th in NL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Minnesota Twins**

Countdown to Opening Day: #29 Houston Astros

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#29: Houston Astros: Houston, we have a SERIOUS problem

PROJECTED LINEUP

SS Tyler Greene
2B Jose Altuve
1B Carlos Pena
CF Justin Maxwell
DH Brett Wallace
LF J.D. Martinez
RF Fernando Martinez
C Jason Castro
3B Matt Dominguez

PROJECTED ROTATION

Lucas Harrell
Bud Norris
Jordan Lyles
Phillip Humber
Erik Bedard

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Jose Veras

Set-up: Wesley Wright

Top Prospect: Carlos Correa (SS)

Jose Altuve

You can turn back the clock on the uniforms, you can move divisions, but you cannot change the fact that Astros are in a world of hurt for the foreseeable future. When they decided to start from scratch at the deadline of 2011 they were not kidding. Any player with value above the age of 20 was shipped out of town for low level prospects complete with years on control.
Not even the players the Stros received for Hunter Pence have made an impact yet, though Jared Cosart and Johnathan Singleton have a chance to this year. But if players such as Cosart do get the call, do you truly know they are ready to make an impact and make Houston a household name? It's not like there are established players at the big league level right now blocking their arrival, and the fact they have not made the team yet should be quite concerning.
Give them credit though, while 2013 could get ugly in the talented American League West, the Astros do have depth and flexibility. There seems to be more than one candidate to earn 500 at-bats at every position. The Astros are going to find out who is cut out and who just needs to be cut.

Lucas Harrell

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Even with the so-called juggernaut offenses in Anaheim and Texas, the American League West is still won with pitching and the Astros end up having the best 1-through-12 in the division. Lucas Harrell, who won 11 games with sub-4 ERA on last year's 55 win team shows he is a legit ace and wins 17, Bud Norris keeps the walks down and the strikeouts up, Philip Humber's no-hit stuff plays all season, Jordan Lyles finally lives up to his once-hyped name, and Erik Bedard makes 30 starts. 

REAL TALK - If you are truly a hardcore Houston fan and want to get excited about its future head on over to Frisco, Texas and take a look at the RoughRiders. The double play combination of the future Carlos Correa (2012 #1 overall pick) and Delino DeShields Jr. (2010 #8 overall) will be there turning two. As for the Astros, people were high on several of their projected everyday players at one point in time. Hope it clicks for Fernando Martinez, Brett Wallace, Chris Carter and the likes, and keep expectations low. Start the Jose Altuve to the All-Star game voting now - he will be your only hope.

Breakout: Matt Dominguez (3B)

Bust: Justin Maxwell (OF)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jose Veras (CL)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 55-107 (6th in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 62-100 (5th in AL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the San Diego Padres**

Countdown to Opening Day: #30 Miami Marlins

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#30 Miami Marlins: Fish out of Water

PROJECTED LINEUP

LF Juan Pierre

3B Placido Polanco

RF Giancarlo Stanton

1B Logan Morrison

CF Justin Ruggiano

SS Adeiny Hechavarria

2B Donavan Solano

C Rob Brantley

P Ricky Nolasco

PROJECTED ROTATION

Ricky Nolasco

Henderson Alvarez

Jacob Turner

Nate Eovaldi

Wade Leblanc

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Steve Chisek

Set-up: Jon Rauch

Top Prospect: Jose Fernandez (RHP)

Giancarlo Stanton

The waves in South Beach were rough this winter. Not many fish made it out alive. However there was one big fish that managed to be flopping in the sands, feeling stranded, but still with a bright future ahead of him. The Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton is almost worth the price of admission alone, and considering how cheap tickets will be on second-hand online websites, get a cheap outfield ticket, sit in right field for batting practice, and watch the show before the show.

But the big question is will Stanton, a 23 year-old future MVP, be rushed into a leadership role on a team full off unknowns and unsexy veterans. Juan Pierre and Placido Polanco will help alleviate some pressure off the broad shoulders of Stanton, but they will net get him more pitchers to hit. 

There is no doubt that the Stanton will hit 40 homers if healthy, but is he mature enough in baseball years to take his walks and not try to hit 6-run homers? His approach at the plate will be the difference between a .350 on base percentage and a .230 batting average.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Just when you thought Jeff Loria was a crazy art collector that uses his money in all the wrong places, the trades of Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Beurhle, Emilio Bonifacio, Anibal Sanchez and Hanley Ramirez all bring back talent to the second-year ballpark. 

Adeiny Hechavarria

Playing with a "nothing-to-lose", "no expectations" style, the youngsters take off and more big time prospects hit the scene mid-season to help make the most unseen playoff team in history. Jacob Turner is a bonafide ace, Adeiny Hechavarria drives in 100, Juan Pierre has another strong seasons atop the order, and Jose Fernandez makes the jump from Double-A to solidify the rotation.

REAL TALK - While one or two prospects may make big enough strides this season to prove they are MLB-ready, the Marlins are asking 25-out of-25 players on the roster to play above their paygrade and beyond the abilities at this point in their career.

Breakout: Justin Turner (RHP)

Bust: Justin Ruggiano (OF)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Juan Pierre (OF)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 69-93 (5th in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 59-103 (5th in NL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Houston Astros**

High School Hoops: Boys & Girls All-Area Selections

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Here is my annual all-league selections. You will not see Chester's Rondae Jefferson or Vaux's Rysheed Jordan on these teams.

The players on these teams displayed their skills in the suburbs of Philadelphia, on teams four JRC (Journal Register Company) papers covered. The papers are the Lansdale Reporter, Montgomery Media, Times Herald and the Mercury.

These are unofficial all-league selections, just one man's opinion based on what I have seen, read, or heard over the last three months.

Without further adieu...

BOYS
FIRST TEAM

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Anthony Durham (Abington): Anthony Durham's talent has never been dismissed, but there seems to be a player that is taller, a player that is faster and a player averaging more points per game. While those traits may be the truth, the fact remains the senior point guard orchestrated the best offense in the area. Durham scored when he needed to, passed when it was the right call and got the Galloping Ghosts a league title, consecutive District One final fours and another state playoff appearance. While people may say other players did with more with less around them, I say Durham made his teammates better and that is why he is my Player of the Year.

Brendan Casper (Methacton): When a 6-5 frame comes sliding up and around your biggest defender there is nothing left to do that put than hands up straight, hope he misses the drive or the ref is not whistle happy that day. Unfortunately neither was usually the case and the "And-One" King's ability to make foul shots and adjust in the air led to him scoring over 20 points per game. Casper led the Warriors to their first ever PIAA berth.

Amar Stukes (LaSalle): Not many can become consistent scorers in the challenging Philadelphia Catholic League, but the 6-2 point guard for the Explorers was just that. Stukes was a lock for double-digits every night for the last two plus seasons and it all culminated with over 1,000 points in his career. The current and future Explorer (committed to LaSalle University) is also one of the best facilitators around and his game should translate well to the Atlantic-10 next season.

Mike Brown (Hatboro-Horsham): Not everyone saw the Hatters league championship and win in districts coming, but not everyone has watched Mike Brown blossom over the last four seasons. Not to pat myself on the back too much, but I called the successful Hatter year in the preseason, but it was solely based on Brown's leadership and ability. The Navy commit averaged 20 points per game and returned excitement to The Hat-Box. Do you think he will be missed next year? Sir, yes sir.

Greg Dotson (Germantown Academy): While two of Dotson's senior teammates signed the dotted line for college heading into the season and could relax, the 6-foot-4 swing-man was still playing for more than the Independent School Title they did end up winning. He was playing for his future. Multiple players took turns staring, but Dotson's versatility and athleticism is the reason he gets a first-team nod from me. Whatever school he signs with is getting a flat-out winner.

SECOND TEAM

John Kanas (Souderton)

Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt)
Chase Wilson (Wissahickon)
Nick Lindner (Germantown Academy)
Anthony McKie (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)
John Kanas (Souderton)

Pat Smith (Archbishop Wood)

THIRD TEAM
Pat Smith (Archbishop Wood)
Julian Moore (Germantown Academy)
Jared Armstrong (Christopher Dock)
Zach Dolton (Phil-Mont Christian)
Purnell Wilson (Perkiomen Valley)

Aaron McGlawn (Cheltenham)

HONORABLE MENTION
Zach Quattro (Hatboro-Horsham)
Jordan Simmons (Abington)
Aaron McGlawn (Cheltenham)
Steve Smith (LaSalle)
Josh Johnson (Norristown)



GIRLS
FIRST TEAM

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alex Louin (Mount Saint Joseph):  How is it that Mount Saint Joseph can lose a Division-One point guard (Pittsburgh's Bridget Higgins) and get better? Well yes, coach John Miller is very good, but also it also because junior Alex Louin gets better every time she takes the floor. You could see the raw talent as a freshman on a District One title team. Then she was their go-to scorer as a sophomore. Now its her team and they are making another deep postseason run. In order for Miller's system to work all five on the floor have to buy in on defense and Louin may be the best on that end as well. Her long arms make for a beautiful ballet plie to east buckets. She is nearly unstoppable when she wants to be and she does not even fully know it yet. Louin is unselfish and set up for a bright future.

Cutrena Goff (Upper Dublin): Be careful when you blink or the senior Cardinal may be Flying by you. She may have not been blessed with the most height, but she was blessed with some of the best instincts in the area. Losing long time coach and a 1,000 point scorer made many question what type of season the now perennial state playoff team would have. But quickly Goff took over and rolled through the league and districts. Her acrobatic passing and fancy finishers make her fun to watch, but she has decreased her turnovers and increased her leadership every step of the way through her brilliant high school career.

Lauren Crisler (North Penn): Crisler is no where near your typical Suburban One League six-footer, just standing under the basket for easy double-doubles. Crisler earns her points and her offensive game is so diverse, and while she could dominate all day in the post, Crisler seems to shoot effortless jumpers from all over the floor. Her range is what makes her special and American U is getting a quality team player who has shown the ability to take over a game.

Kiernan McCloskey (Germantown Academy): McCloskey is the reason people say talent can only get you so far. While other players at 6-1 can jump higher and sprint faster, not many have the intelligence and energy of the senior Patriot. The Lehigh recruit is physical and a immediate defensive presence at the next level. Her passion for the game will undoubtedly turn her into a collegiate captain in four years.

Sammy Stipa (Spring-Ford): Everything coach Jeff Reinhimer throws at Sammy Stipa the junior seems to excell with. The point guard plays beyond her years and while scoring over 10 points per game and dishing out her share of assists she also is typically guarding the other teams top guard. As long as Stipa is in the picture for the Lady Rams, the blue and gold will be title contenders.

SECOND TEAM

Deja Rawls (Abington)

Deja Rawls (Abington)
Lauren Gold (Abington Friends)
Kalee Fuegel (St. Basil Academy)
Kelsey Watson (Methacton)
Bailey Greenberg (Gwynedd Mercy Academy)

Bianca Picard (Souderton)

THIRD TEAM
Bianca Picard (Souderton)
Aubree Brown (Archbishop Wood)
Kristina O'Sullivan (Upper Merion)
Brianna Hedgepath (Norristown)
Mikki Guiton (Perkiomen Valley)

Nicole Munger (C.B. West)

HONORABLE MENTION
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown)
Sierra Guenst (Calvary Baptist)
Nicole Munger (Central Bucks West)
Margaret Anne Hubbell (Germantown Acadmey)
Shelby Mueller (Spring-Ford)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Predicting the 3A, 2A, A Playoffs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

                               
                                   (1) Villa Maria
                                   Gwyedd Mercy
(6) Upper Perkiomen 
(9) Gwynedd Mercy                                         Villa Maria
                                                                    Sun Valley

                                   (4) Lower Moreland
                                   Sun Valley
(5) Sun Valley
(12) Phoenixville                                                                      
                                   Villa Maria over Radnor



                                   (2) Radnor
                                   VJM
(7) Villa Joseph Marie
(10) Merion Mercy                                          Radnor
                                                                   Pope John Paul II
                                               

                                  (3) Pope John Paul II
                                  Chichester
(6) Chichester
(11) Nazareth

PIAA Qualifiers: (1) Villa Maria, (2) Radnor, (3) Sun Valley

Breakin' down the 3A, 2A, A First Round Match-Ups

(AAA) Gwynedd Mercy at Upper Perk - The Monarchs post defense will tested by the 1,000 point scorer Stacey Auckland and if they can rebound, they should be able to pull the small 9-over-8 seed upset. The Monarchs play in a sneaky strong CAA league and have the young, maturing players to give themsleves one last shot at Villa Maria.

(AA) Christopher Dock at St. Basil  - The Dock defense may keep this a low scoring game, but the fourth seeded Pioneers need to increase their offensive output if their postseason is going to last longer than one game. Basil through their tough schedule has shown they can score and compete with some top teams in the area, Class AA and higher.

(A) Faith Christian at Jenkintown  - The Lions will not lose for a lack of heart and hustle, but the top seeded Drakes have too many scorers to slow down. They may contain one or two, but options three and four will be right there to run away with the win.

(A) Plumstead Christian at Phil-Mont Christian  - A month ago the Lady Falcons took down P.C. 47-14 and while I am a big fan of picking underdogs out for redemption, that disparity is too much to think they can correct enough to take down the two seed.

District One Class 2A Predictions

(1) St. Basil
(4) Christopher Dock
                                                            St. Basil over Delco-Christian
(2) Delco Christian
(3) New Hope Solebury




District One Class A Prediction

(1) Jenkintown
(8) Faith Christian
                                      Jenkintown
                                      Sacred Heart

(4) Sacred Heart
(5) Calvary Christian                              
                                                                             Sacred Heart over Phil-Mont Christian
(2) Phil-Mont Christian
(7) Plumstead Christian
                                       Phil-Mont Christian
                                       Girard College
(3) Girard College
(6) Morrisville

BOYS BASKETBALL: Predicting the Class 3A, 2A, A Playoffs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

(1) Holy Ghost Prep 
(8) Octorora 

                                      Holy Ghost Prep
                                      Upper Moreland
(4) Upper Moreland
(5) Pottstown

                                                                   Pope John Paul II over Holy Ghost Prep

(2) Glen Mills
(7) Phoenixville
                                       Glen Mills
                                       Pope John Paul II
(3) Pope John Paul II
(6) Lower Moreland


Breakin' down the 3A First Round Match-Ups

Pottstown at Upper Moreland - The initial frustration of being the small team in a big conference will come back to help the Golden Bears in the postseason. The lone 3A school in the Suburban One American Conference has prepare them to play with best teams in their district tourney. The Bears may decided to go Box-and-One on defense to Antonio Moore (18 ppg) of the Trojans, but I would not be shocked if the Bears win here and give the Prep a good run in the next round.

Lower Moreland at Pope John Paul II - I look at two polar opposites here. If they Lions want to win they need to rely on rebounding and defense. If they can hold PJP to one shot per possession, with a talented point guard like Jared Cohen they have a shot. But the Panthers' Brent Mahoney has been shooting likes out recently and Jamal Stinson averages over 15 per game. I'll take the two dangerous scoring options over the scrappy Lions.

District One Class 2A Predictions

(1) Calvary Christian
(4) Christopher Dock
                                                            Calvary Christian over New Hope Solebury
(2) New Hope-Solebury
(3) Bristol




District One Class A Prediction

                                             (1) Church Farm
                                             Morrisville
(8) Plumstead Christian                                                            Chruch Farm
(9) Morrisville                                                                            Phil-Mont Christian
                                             (4) Phil-Mont Christian
                                             (5) Friends Select
                                                                                                      
                                             Church Farm over Gospel of Grace

                                             (2) Delco Christian
                                             Jenkintown
(7) Jenkintown                                                                           Jenkintown
(10) Faith Christian                                                                   Gospel of Grace
                                  (3) Gosepl of Grace Christian
                                              (6) Girard College

CHECK BACK FOR GIRLS 3A PREDICTIONS

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Predicting the Class 4A Playoffs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

(1) Spring-Ford
(32) William Tennent
                           Spring-Ford
                           Downingtown West
(16) Downingtown West
(17) Norristown
                                          Spring-Ford
                                          Central Bucks West
(8) Central Bucks West
(25) Great Valley
                          Central Bucks West
                          Upper Darby
(9) Upper Darby
(24) Springfield (Delco)
                                                          Spring-Ford
                                                          Council Rock South
(4) Neshaminy
((29) Penn Wood
                         Neshaminy
                         Council Rock South
(13) Council Rock South
(20) Pennsbury
                                           Council Rock South
                                           Methacton
(5) Methacton
(28) Council Rock North
                        Methacton
                        Bishop Shanahn
(12) West Chester Rustin
(21) Bishop Shanahan
                                                                                 Mt. St. Joseph over Spring-Ford 

(2) Mount Saint Joseph
(31) Bensalem
                       Mt St Joes
                       Central Bucks East
(15) Conestoga
(18) Central Bucks East
                                              Mt St Joes                                   
                                              Boyertown
(7) Boyertown
(26) Wissahickon
                     Boyertown
                     Downingtown East
(10) Garnet Valley
(23) Downingtown East
                                                                   Mt. St. Joes
                                                                   North Penn
(3) Upper Dublin
(30) Ridley
                      Upper Dublin
                      Perkiomen Valley
(14) Abington
(19) Perkiomen Valley
                                                  Perkiomen Valley
                                                  North Penn
(6) North Penn
(27) Upper Merion
                      North Penn
                      Souderton
(11) Souderton
(22) Central Bucks South


PIAA Qualifiers: (1) Mt. St. Joes, (2) Spring-Ford, (3) North Penn, (4) Council Rock South, (5) Methacton, (6) Central Bucks West, (7) Boyertown, (8) Perkiomen Valley, (9) Neshaminy, (10) Souderton

Breakin' down the First Round Match-Ups

William Tennent at Spring-Ford - In a game against a less-than familiar opponent sometimes the easiest thing to do is find out who the leading scorer is and shut them down, but you cannot do that with the top-seeded Rams. The Panthers will have to play man defense to slow down coach Jeff Rinehimer's revolving door of scorers. It is yet to be seen if the 32nd seed has the speed and savvy defenders to do so.

Norristown at Downingtown West - The Eagles were hoping they did enough to warrant a home game, but instead they will be taking the drive to the Whippets. While the Suburban One American Conference club is athletic with multiple scorers there is not much playoff experience on the roster. If they can avoid the slow start off the bus they could be rewarded with Spring-Ford in the second round.

Great Valley at Central Bucks West - What the 25th seed Patriots have going for them is experience and a tremendous group of senior leaders, but that may be the only thing they have on the eighth seeded Bucks. Coach Terry Rakowsky runs an deep bench that is a great blend of aggressive, hard working seniors and sophomores than can shoot the lights out and play with a high motor.

Council Rock North at Methacton - While the Indians' Jessica Gerber is one of the best scorers in the area, the Lady Warriors have a pair that have been battle tested and are hard to stop. Jenna Carroll and Kelsey Watson both average over 10 points per game, Watson over 17, and other than when they face their rival Spring-Ford, have seemed to be in total control.

Bensalem at Mt St Joes -Do not let the smaller 4A school stigma, or the all-girls private school connotations make the Magic out for an overrated two seed. Maybe the Owls have played against bigger and faster teams, but they have not played against more discipline and more efficient teams. Junior Alex Louin also is on her way to a Division-One scholarship at this rate and can take over a game.

Boyertown at Wissahickon - While the good news for the 26th seeded Trojans is that the Bears have lost four of their last five games, but it probably only adds more motivation for the Pac-10 team to a have strong postseason. The Trojans post defense will be tested against senior center Kaitlyn Eisenhard and her 16 points per game.

Ridley at Upper Dublin - Defense is paramount in the playoffs, but here specifically as neither team will light up the scoreboard. The Green Raiders have the height advantage, but the Flying Cardinals know to how finish around the rim and get to the foul line. Look for the first team to 30 points to win this game.

Perkiomen Valley at Abington - Coach Bill Leonard has his team competiting on a daily basis and with the leadership of his senior daughters and the 14 points per game inside from Mikki Guiton they are force and a possible upset against the 14th seeded Abington. The Galloping Ghosts' Deja Rawls knows how to swing through the trees, but can they rebound well enough to win the first round home game?

Upper Merion at North Penn - The combo of Kristina O'Sullivan and Regie Robinson is not going to make it easy on the Maidens, but it may be possible that the 6th seed has not even played their best basketball yet. If the Suburban One Continental Conference champs can get the trio of Vicky Tumasz, Erin Maher, and Lauren Crisler clicking at once they could be very dangerous.

Central Bucks South at Souderton - The Indians beat the Titans twice during the regular season and Big Red coach Lynn Carroll already said the 22nd seed was a dangerous draw for whomever they faced. Little did she know it would be her own squad. This game should come down to limiting turnovers in the fourth quarter and not looking ahead to another Suburban One Continental Conference contest with North Penn in the following round.



CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR BOYS 3A PREDICTIONS

BOYS BBALL: Predicting the District One Class 4A Playoffs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

(1) Chester
(32) West Chester Rustin
                           Chester
                           W.C. Henderson
(16) Strath Haven
(17) West Chester Henderson
                                          Chester
                                          Upper Darby
(8) Council Rock North
(25) Harriton
                          C.R. North
                          Upper Darby
(9) Upper Darby
(24) North Penn
                                                          Chester
                                                          Abington
(4) Norristown
(29) Plymouth-Whitemarsh
                         Plymouth-Whitemarsh
                         Ridley
(13) Ridley
(20) Cheltenham
                                           Rildey
                                           Abington
(5) Abington
(28) Oxford
                        Abington
                        Penn Wood
(12) Penn Wood
(21) Perk Valley
                                                                                 Chester over Great Valley 

(2) Lower Merion 
(31) Conestoga
                       Lower Merion
                       Penncrest
(15) Penncrest
(18) Spring-Ford
                                              Penncrest                                     
                                              Coatesville
(7) Hatboro-Horsham
(26) D-Town East
                     Hatboro-Horsham
                     Coatesville
(10 Coatesville
(23) Kennett
                                                                   Coatesville
                                                                   Great Valley
(3) Great Valley
(30) Harry S Truman
                      Great Valley
                      Wissahickon
(14) Central Bucks South
(19) Wissahickon
                                                  Great Valley
                                                  Methacton
(6) Methacton
(27) Bensalem
                      Methacton
                      Pennsbury
(11) Souderton
(22) Pennsbury


PIAA Qualifiers: (1) Chester, (2) Great Valley, (3) Abington, (4) Coatesville, (5) Upper Darby, (6) Penncrest, (7) Methacton, (8) Ridley, (9) Lower Merion, (10) Council Rock North

Breakin' down the First Round Match-Ups

North Penn at Upper Darby - I think the Knights can prove themselves here in this game and show how far they have come since their 5-10 start. The scrappy defense of the 24th seed may keep them in the game for a half, but eventually the senior guard play of the 9th seeded Royals may make it an uphill battle. If the Knights are not shooting at a high clip they will need to rebound and they are definitely undersized and underdogs in this first round game.

Plymouth-Whitemarsh at Norristown - What an exciting game in the first round between long-time rivals. The 4th seeded Eagles are clearly the deeper and more talented team, but coach Donofrio has kept his club close in the two regular season losses. It is rare to give a 29 seed a chance, but in this scenario the Eagles better hope to pull away early and not let Colonials' senior guard Anthony McKie take over late.

Cheltenham at Ridley - It is not often you say this about an SOL American Conference team, but I am not sure if the 20th seeded Panthers have been really tested this season. The Green Raiders are 9-5 against playoff teams, while coach Brian Johnson's club is 5-4, with their big win being over Coatesville. Untested, unproven, and on the road all add up to a tall task.

Oxford at Abington - I am have a huge soft spot for savvy guard play. I believe a strong point guard can take you a long way in this tournament. There a not many better guards in the area than the Ghosts Anthony Durham. Oxford has not seen a team as deep and as experienced as the fifth seed and National Conference Champs. Chalk up a cake walk for coach Charles Grasty's group.

Perkiomen Valley at Penn Wood - What a bad draw for the Pac-10 champs, whose win over Methacton on Tuesday just missed the meeting. The Vikings draw a well coached, playoff proven bunch in the 12th seeded Patriots. Penn Wood overcame the adversity of losing senior point guard Jerry Price in mid-season and captain Tyree Bynum has been nearly unstoppable since. Maybe a few timely threes from Steve Leonard give them a  shot, but I think they may be exhausted from their Pac-10 playoff run.

Spring-Ford at Penncrest - If the 15th seeded playoff team can avoid a slow start against the Rams they should be able to get their second round rematch with Lower Merion. The Lions will have to go right at the Rams' Zameer McDowell and get him and foul trouble early because the Rams are a different team when their 1,000 point scorer has to defend with caution.

Downingtown East at Hatboro-Horsham - The Hatters picked the wrong time to slump, but they still earned a share of the league title, and this is a game senior Mike Brown has waited for four years. The Hat-Box will be rocking and if coach Dennis Steinly's squad can avoid early nerves they should be able to dispose of the Cougars. Junior Zach Quattro will need to rebound and stay strong down-low to give Brown and Ryan Kelly some space for their outside shots.

Wissahickon at C.B. South - The Titans picked up confidence early this season and coach Jason Campbell found the formula for a 10-team rotation. While the 19th seeded Trojans will not be able to tire out the Titans with their fast break offense, I still do not think there is a player on the floor that can guard junior Chase Wilson. Look for a low scoring game and the Trojans' defense to be the difference.

Bensalem at Methacton - How do you get over a upsetting loss in your league title game? The 27th seeded Owls are no slouch, but I'm not sure they are going to know what hit them here. The Warriors may be  underestimated at times because of their average schedule, but Brendan Casper and crew has not played this well all year by fluke. The loss to Souderton early this season stings and sets up an interesting second round game.

Pennsbury at Souderton - As one of the teams I have watched the most this season I think the 11th seeded Indians have what it takes to return to the state playoffs, but if they are not careful the Falcons will fly in and fly out with a win here. I think the Indians John Kanas and the Falcons Cameron Jones will trade off points in bunches, but can the Indians crash the boards with the big guys for the 22nd seed. Every game seems like junior center Brendan Wagner's coming out party - and for Big Red's sake, this needs to be it.





CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR GIRLS 4A PREDICTIONS

High School Hoops: 2/3-2/9 Scores & Scoring Leaders

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

READ MY BOYS BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

READ MY GIRLS BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

GAME OF THE WEEK: Methacton 53, Phoenixville 51 - In the Pac-10 "Final Four" Playoffs Phoenixville almost made the Warriors' brilliant work through the regular season meaningless by pulling off the upset. However, like good teams do, the 20-3 Warriors willed themselves to a win and a shot against Perkiomen Valley in the league title game. The Warriors Zach Jenkings hit the winner shot with three seconds left on the clock.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Josh Johnson (Norristown) - Sometimes because the Eagles get so much production every one of their starting five, not one player stands out. Some days it is Luke Kelly, some days it's Jahbri Hargrove, but lately it has been Josh Johnson. The 6-6 Johnson has turned into a scoring machine for the Suburban One American Conference champs. He had 19 points versus Wissahickon and 20 against Chetlenham this week.





FINAL JRC-PHILLY POWER RANKINGS
1. Germantown Academy (21-5)
2. Abington (18-4)
3. Norristown (19-3)
4. Abington Friends (18-6)
5. LaSalle (14-7)
6. Methacton (20-3)
7. Perkiomen Valley (16-7)
8. Cheltenham (12-9)
9. Archbishop Wood (12-9)
10. Hatboro-Horsham (17-5)

In the mix: Bishop McDevitt, Wissahickon, Souderton, North Penn, Pope John Paul II, Christopher Dock

TOP SCORERS
Brendan Casper (Methacton) 30 pts vs Owen J. Roberts
Matt Kohn (Upper Moreland) 30 pts vs Springfield
Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt) 27 pts vs Conwell Egan
Julian Moore (Germantown Academy) 27 pts vs Episcopal Academy
Brett Mahoney (Pope John Paul II) 27 pts vs Phoenixville
Brett Mahoney (Pope John Paul II) 27 pts vs Perkiomen Valley
Anthony McKie (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 27 pts vs Springfield
Jared Armstrong (Christopher Dock) 25 pts vs Calvary Baptist
Chase Wilson (Wissahickon) 25 pts vs Norristown
Jake Cohen (Lower Moreland) 24 pts vs George School
Aaron McGlawn (Cheltenham) 22 pts vs Upper Merion
Greg Dotston (Germantown Academy) 22 pts vs Springside
Chandler Junk (Upper Perk) 22 pts vs Kutztown
Joe LoStracco (Archbishop Wood) 22 pts vs Neumann-Goretti
Alex Krivda (Pennridge) 21 pts vs North Penn
Ethan Goodman (Jenkintown) 21 pts vs Faith Christian
Colin Mulvaney (Jenkintown) 21 pts vs Faith Christian
Brendan Casper (Methacton) 20 pts vs Phoenixville
Josh Johnson (Norristown) 20 pts vs Cheltenham
Steve Leonard (Perk Valley) 20 pts vs Pope John Paul II
Kevin Woods (Upper Dublin) 20 pts vs Plymouth-Whitemarsh
Billy Dahm (Springfield) 20 pts vs Upper Moreland
Chris Stone (Springfield) 19 pts vs Upper Moreland
Cody Fitzpatrick (Archbishop Wood) 19 pts vs Neumann-Goretti
Anthony McKie (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 19 pts vs Upper Dublin
Josh Johnson (Norristown) 19 pts vs Wissahickon

AROUND THE AREA:
SUNDAY
Germantown Academy 65, Mercersburg Academy 59
Archbishop Wood 50, Monsignor Bonner 33
MONDAY
Church Farm 32, Lower Moreland 24
Spring-Ford 50, Central Bucks East 37
Bishop McDevitt 72, Conwell Egan 47
LaSalle 73, Lansdale Catholic 41 READ THE GAME STORY
Palisades 39, Upper Perk 32
Christopher Dock 71, Calvary Baptist 27 READ THE GAME STORY
Pope John Paul II 71, Phoenixville 62
TUESDAY
North Penn 62, Central Bucks West 57 (OT)
Cheltenham 60, Upper Merion 42
Norristown 69, Wissahickon 48 READ THE GAME STORY
Hatboro-Horsham 58, Quakertown 38
Plymouth-Whitemarhs 70, Upper Dublin 55
Upper Moreland 75, Springfield 59
Souderton 39, Central Bucks South 35 READ THE GAME STORY
Central Bucks East 58, Pennridge 37
William Tennent 68, Council Rock South 51
Abington 52, Pennsbury 48
Lower Moreland 64, MaST Charter 26
Christopher Dock 47, Jenkintown 35 READ THE GAME STORY
Plumstead Christian 48, Faith Christian 46
Methacton 66, Owen J. Roberts 56
WEDNESDAY
Abington Friends 45, Westtown 44
Friends Central 65, Academy New Church 44
Germantown Academy 50, Springside Chestnut Hill 38
Perkiomen School 45, Upper Perk 40
St. Joe's Prep 52, Archbishop Wood 37
THURSDAY
North Penn 72, Pennridge 56 READ THE GAME STORY
Devon Prep 53 , Lower Moreland 47
Phil-Mont Christian 64, Calvary Baptist 12
Upper Perk 64, Kutztown 26
Jenkintown 58, Faith Christian 39
FRIDAY
Germantown Academy 61, Episcopal Academy 39
Abington 64, Bensalem 62
Norristown 59, Cheltenham 38
Plymouth-Whitemarsh 66, Springfield 51
Hatboro-Horsham 38, Central Bucks West 31
Bishop McDevitt 56, Monsignor Bonner 45
Nuemann-Goretti 68, Archbishop Wood 58
Archbishop Ryan 57, LaSalle 56
Lansdale Catholic 58, West Catholic 42 READ THE GAME STORY

SATURDAY
Perkiomen Valley 65, Pope John Paul II 52
Methacton 53, Phoenixville 51 READ THE GAME STORY
Lower Moreland 61, George School 45
Abington Friends 55, Friends Central 52



SOUDERTON SEASON STATISTICS (14-7, 10-3)
NAME                   FGM          FTM-FTA      PTS       PPG
John Kanas            120              74-111           337        16.0 ppg
Brendan Wagner     95              59-95            249        11.9 ppg
Austin Murphy        77               37-49           220        10.5 ppg
Steve Shaffer          21               21-35              73        3.5 ppg
Anthony Williams    16                19-31            54        2.6 ppg
Carter Knight         15                8-11                42        2.0 ppg
Kurt Muhlberger     8                5-7                   26         1.2 ppg
Dan O'Hara            11                3-6                 24         1.1 ppg
Jared Bernhardt      7                1-5                    15          0.6 ppg
Chris Uhrich            4                1-5                    9           0 3 ppg
Vince Kowalick      4                0-0                    9            0.3 ppg
Tim Markow          1                 3-4                   5            0.2 ppg
Guilerme Freire       1                1-2                    3            0.1 ppg
Evan Stone             0                2-2                     2           0.1 ppg


FINAL PENNRIDGE SEASONS STATISTICS (9-13, 4-10) 
NAME                  FGM         FTM-FTA           PTS         PPG
Zach Muredda       47                  27-40             145           12.1 ppg**missed 11 games
Jeff Garner             78                 38-56              234            10.6 ppg
Alex Krivda           82                 42-68             174           7.9 ppg
Drew Dietterich      69                 11-27              127          5.8 ppg
Kyle Bigam            41                 31-43              117          5.3 ppg
Shane Schmidt       18                 8-12                   48         4.8  ppg *missed 12 games
Pat McClatchy       37                 6-10                   99          4.5 ppg
Dan Shane             8                   1-4                     20          0.9 ppg
Joe Molittiere         4                  4-9                     13            0.4 ppg
Dan Long               3                  3-4                     10            0.3 ppg
Steve Lowry           3                 0-0                      8           0.2 ppg
Joe Unangst            2                  0-0                     5            0.1 ppg
Joe Garrity              1                 0-0                      2           0.1 ppg