Girls Basketball: Pre New-Year Area Top 10 Teams & Top Scorers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Aubree Brown (AW)

After two weeks will still sit with a similar group of girls leading the way. We could be looking at Class 4A, Class 3A, and Class 2A title winners with Spring-Ford, Archbishop Wood, and St. Basil. Even the Class A schools like Jenkintown, PhilMont Christian, and Faith Christian are proving to be no slouches.

It was a tough decision, but Souderton and Abington have fallen out of my Top 10 and into the Others to Watch. Both teams could be back in the rankings next year, but Lansdale Catholic and Upper Dublin have done enough to earn those spots.

Kayla McAneney

First year head coach Amy Kradzinski has here Crusaders rolling right now. Taylor Herd has proven to be a dynamic scorer and the roster is deep and the roster is young. Look out this year, but next year they could possibly challenge for a District 12 championship.

I have to apologize for the credit I did not give the Flying Cardinals, last year's 3-seed in districts. I thought they lost too much talent to graduation, but the tandem of Regan Gallagher and Kayla McAneneny has the group right back in the mix.




10. Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (4-1) (preseason rank: NR)
9. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (5-0) (preseason rank: NR)
8. Methacton Lady Warriors (5-2) (preseason rank: 10)
7. Germantown Academy Patriots (3-1) (preseason rank: 6)
6. North Penn Maidens (4-0) (preseason rank: 4)
5. St. Basil Panthers (6-0) (preseason rank: 9)
4. Central Bucks West Lady Bucks (3-1) (preseason rank: 2)
3. Archbishop Wood Vikings (3-1) (preseason rank: 5)
2. Mount St Joseph's Magic (5-1) (preseason rank: 3)
1. Spring-Ford Rams (7-1) (preseason rank: 1)

Others to watch: Souderton (4-2), Cheltenham (2-2), Faith Christian (4-0), Jenkintown (4-2), Lower Moreland (4-0), PhilMont Christian (5-0), Plymouth-Whitemarsh (4-0), Pope John Paul II (5-0), Abington Friends (6-1), Abington (3-2), William Tennent (5-1)

BIG NIGHT SCORING (20+ points)
Margaret Ann Hubbell (Germantown Academy) 33 pts vs Baldwin
Lucy Raymond (ANC) 32 pts vs Del-Val Friends
Regie Robinson (Upper Merion) 28 pts vs West Windsor
Taylor Herd (Lansdale Catholic) 28 pts vs Nazareth
Jana Goodman (PhilMont Christian) 28 pts vs Jenkintown (12/19)
Jana Goodman (PhilMont Christian) 27 pts vs Jenkintown (12/7)
Taylor Herd (Lansdale Catholic) 24 pts vs Hatboro-Horsham
Brianna Hedgepath (Norristown) 24 pts vs Upper Merion
Alex Louin (Mount Saint Joseph's) 24 pts vs Methacton
Vicky Tumasz (North Penn) 23 pts vs Souderton
Ashley Jones (Cheltenham) 22 pts vs Upper Dublin
Shelby Mueller (Spring-Ford) 22 pts vs Perkiomen Valley
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown) 22 pts vs Girard College
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown) 22 pts vs PhilMont Christian (12/19)
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown) 21 pts vs Bishop McDevitt
Kayla McAneney (Upper Dublin) 21 pts vs Wissahickon
Alex Louin (Mt St Joes) 21 pts vs Merion Mercy
Kelly Glatthorn (Methacton) 21 pts vs Owen J. Roberts
Kelly Glatthorn (Methacton) 21 pts vs Boyertown
Nikki Aldens (William Tennent) 20 pts vs Pottsgrove
Asia Baker (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 20 pts vs Upper Moreland

Boys Basketball: Pre-New Year Area Top 10 Teams & Top Scorers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Amir Hinton (ABI)

We are two weeks into the basketball season and the preseason picture has been turned upside down. My
number one team heading into the year Perkiomen Valley has played a difficult schedule and is 1-4 overall. While they could still turn it on by season's end, they have completely left the Top 10.

Others team that have fallen out of my Top 10 include North Penn, Cheltenham, and Academy of the New Church.

Nick Stanek (SF)

Five of the teams I considered "Others to Watch" have made it into my Top 10, with coach Jimmy Donofrio getting his new look Colonials back in the mix for a American Conference championship. Andre Mitchell and Jimmy Murray have become a solid 1-2 punch.

The number one team is now Abington, as they have moved on from Anthony Durham and the class of 2013, yet still are winning games. There have been breakout performances from Amir Hinton and just an overall great team effort so far this year. The real test for this group is in their own conference with Pennsbury.

First year head coach at Spring-Ford Chris Talley has his club playing lights out ball and they are the only team to crack the Top 10 after not even being on the "OTW" radar before the season began. Nick Stanek and Drew Kakareka are carrying this group to a PAC-10 title.

10. Bishop McDevitt Royal Lancers (4-3) (preseason rank: otw)
9. Abington Friends Roos (4-2) (preseason rank: 7)
8. Methacton Warriors (4-1) (preseason rank: otw)
7. Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (4-1) (preseason rank: otw)
6. Wissahickon Trojans (3-2) (preseason rank: 4)
5. Spring-Ford Rams (6-0) (preseason rank: nr)
4. LaSalle Explorers (4-1) (preseason rank: 9)
3. Plymouth-Whitemarsh Colonials (4-1) (preseason rank: otw) 
2. Archbishop Wood Vikings (2-1) (preseason rank: 2)
1. Abington Galloping Ghosts (5-0) (preseason rank: 5)

Others to watch: Central Bucks West (4-2), Pope John Paul II (4-2), Germantown Academy (3-4), Lansdale Catholic (2-1), Pennridge (4-2), Perkiomen Valley (1-4), PhilMont Christian (6-0), Upper Dublin (2-3)

BIG SCORING NIGHTS (25+ points)

Tyrell Long (B McD)

Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt) 41 pts vs New Foundations
Andre Mitchell (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 35 pts vs Dobbins
James Bleming (Pope John Paul II) 33 pts vs Bishop McDevitt
Jordan Greene (Abington Friends) 32 pts vs Moses Brown
Joe Robinson (Abington Friends) 30 pts vs Friends Central
Tim Guers (Germantown Academy) 28 pts vs Pennington
Zach Dolton (PhilMont Christian) 28 pts vs Bishop McDevitt
Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt) 28 pts vs PhilMont Christian
Jimmy Murray (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 27 pts vs Wissahickon
Zach Quattro (Hatboro-Horsham) 27 pts vs Upper Moreland
Matt Alden (William Tennent) 27 pts vs Council Rock North
Tim Guers (Germantown Academy) 27 pts vs St. Albans
Sam Lindgren (Germantown Academy) 27 pts vs Blue Ridge
Pat Smit (Archbishop Wood) 27 pts vs William Tennent
Carnell Harley (Academy New Church) 27 pts vs Haverford School
Amir Hinton (Abington) 27 pts vs Frakford
Andrew Riviello (Lansdale Catholic) 26 pts vs Pottsgrove
Joe Robinson (Abington Friends) 26 pts vs Barrack Hebrew
Jordan Greene (Abington Friends) 25 pts vs Barrack Hebrew
Amin Taylor (Bishop McDevitt) 25 pts vs Chichester
Matt Alden (William Tennent) 25 pts vs MLK

Pre-Season All-Area Girls Basketball Team

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Welcome to the wonderful world of winter sports. Where it's cold outside and the games are indoors. I love football, but I am thankful this Holiday Season for no more standing on the sidelines while I lose the feeling in fingers.

High School Basketball, in my opinion, is at its best in and around this area. Teams from Lansdale Reporter, Mercury, Times Herald, and Montgomery Media's coverage area always seem to be in the mix for district and even state championships. There are always a handful of players that commit to Division-One schools and more than you can count that go one to play Division Two and Three.

So without further adieu... Here is one man's opinion on the best teams and the best players in the area prior to the 2013-2014 season starts.

Check back to this blog all season for stats and scores. Go to www.gametimepa.com for stories everyday.

Top 10 Pre-Season Teams

1. Spring-Ford Rams - Out is coach Jeff Rinehimer and in steps long-time assistant and Athletic Director Mickey McDaniel. However the girls returns several of the stars from their state championship season a year ago. The duo of Stipa and Payonk are surrounded by talented roll players that could be stars on any other team.

2. Central Bucks West Lady Bucks - The Bucks continue to inch closer to the promise land and the group of juniors this season, led by Michigan bound Nicole Munger and shooting guard Mackenzie Carroll could have the girls in more than just league title contention. This team is state bound.

3. Mount Saint Joseph Magic - Alex Louin is back for her senior season and ready to send off the Magic to another District One Class AAAA title at Villanova before she makes The Pavillon her home floor. Louin could carry this team far by herself, but with hard working role players and a stellar coach in John Miller, the Magic are in for a magical season.

4. North Penn Maidens - Losing Lauren Crisler will be tough, but the Maidens have several girls that are more than capable of picking up the slack. Erin Maher and Vicky Tumasz are the known commodities and good ones at that, but girls like Bri Cullen and Michaela Giuliani make the Maidens a threat for league and district titles onnce again.

5. Archbishop Wood Vikings - Another year and another tough senior class to watch graduate. The perennial powerhouse is without coach Jim Ricci this season, but that does not mean they should not be expected to make noise early and often.

6. Germantown Academy Patriots  - Just becuase the Lady Pats have one senior is no reason to take Margaret Ann Hubell and her girls lightly. Look for the freshman to make and impact for this team to come on strong quickly.

7. Abington Galloping Ghosts - I am already regretting not ranking the Ghosts higher in the pre-season polls becuase this team is loaded with experience. Deja Rawls has been doing it for years and her supporting cast has only gotten stronger. The Ghosts could challenge for a District One championship this season.

8. Souderton Indians - After finishing the season one win away from a state playoff berth the Indians are back and more motivated than ever. The senior class, led by NJIT commit Bianca Picard, wants nothing more than a banner in the gymnasium commemorating the year.

9. St. Basil Panthers - The Panthers are coming off a District One Class AA title from last season and a surely prepared to repeat. The bring back sharpshooting Molly Greenberg for her senior season and the competition in the Class AA is not at its best these days. Delco Christian will be the biggest challenge again.

10. Methacton Warriors - The Warriors have taken a backseast to the Rams, and rightfully so with a state championship banner to show off, but the Kelly Glatthorn led group could play spoiler this year if they rebound and execute on both sides of the floor.

Other possible title contenders: Jenkintown, William Tennent, Norristown, Wissahickon, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Christopher Dock

Pre-Season All-Area Teams

Alex Louin (Mount)

FIRST TEAM

Alex Louin (Mount St. Joe's)
Nicole Munger (Central Bucks West)
Bianca Picard (Souderton)
Deja Rawls (Abington)
Sammy Stipa (Spring-Ford)

Aubree Brown (Wood)

SECOND TEAM

Erin Maher (North Penn)
Sarah Payonk (Spring-Ford)
Margaret Ann Hubbell (Germantown Academy)
Aubree Brown (Archbishop Wood)
Mackenzie Carroll (Central Bucks West)

Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown)

THIRD TEAM
Molly Greenberg (St. Basil)
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown)
Brianna Hedgepath (Norristown)
Bailey Greenberg (Archbishop Wood)
Regie Robinson (Upper Merion)

Pre-Season All-Area Boys Basketball Team

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Welcome to the wonderful world of winter sports. Where it's cold outside and the games are indoors. I love football, but I am thankful this Holiday Season for no more standing on the sidelines while I lose the feeling in fingers.

High School Basketball, in my opinion, is at its best in and around this area. Teams from Lansdale Reporter, Mercury, Times Herald, and Montgomery Media's coverage area always seem to be in the mix for district and even state championships. There are always a handful of players that commit to Division-One schools and more than you can count that go one to play Division Two and Three.

So without further adieu... Here is one man's opinion on the best teams and the best players in the area prior to the 2013-2014 season starts.

Check back to this blog all season for stats and scores. Go to www.gametimepa.com for stories everyday.

Top 10 Pre-Season Teams

1. Perkiomen Valley Vikings - And for his encore Rasaan Stewart will bring his leadership to the hardwood. The Vikings finished last season strong under first year coach Michael Poysden and now look poised for a state playoff appearance. Senior guard Purnell Wilson is one of the top play-makers in the area and the roster is full of hard-working athletes.

2. Archbishop Wood Vikings - The mix of new coach John Mosco and sharp-shooting Pat Smith is bound to cause some noise in the Philadelphia Catholic League. Smith is set to be atop the points per game leaders in the state and Mosco's South Philly vibe should work well in Warminster.

3. Germantown Academy Patriots - The Lindners and the Moores of the world have moved on but Jim Fenerty still has a deep and talented roster. Look for a few youngster to emerge this season. Sophomores Devon Goodman and Joe Stinson are ones to watch.

4. Wissahickon Trojans - With Chase Wilson running the show things cannot be that bad. Wilson learned how to create his own shot last year and the young Trojans got better with time. Now they return the majority of their roster and are the early favorite to win the Suburban One American Conference.

5. Abington Galloping Ghosts - After back-to-back seasons of deep District One runs, this is no longer that run-the-floor team. But coach Charles Grasty still has some ball players and while they may be unable to compete with the Lower Merion's and Chester's like last season, they still should be a tough out.

6. Academy of the New Church Lions  - Coach Kevin Givens has restocked. In comes Carnell Harley from Imhotep and Samir Phillips from Mastery Charter. Look for the Lions to contend in the Friends League.

7. Abington Friends Roos - The Roos are young, but filled with talent. Their players have been working hard all year around and while they get my 7th spot right now, they could be number one by the season's end. The squad includes junior Jordan Greene and an impact trio of freshman.

8. Cheltenham Panthers - There is a new coach in town, but Aaron Burton is comfortable running the show for the Panthers. His second season transferring from LaSalle, Burton now can let loose, lead, and score double digits on any night.

9. LaSalle Explorers - The Explorers graduated most of their scoring from last season, but should still be able to field a fierce fivesome. Shawn Witherspoon and Najee Walls should be a strong backcourt duo while junior Dan Corr could become an impact player.

10. North Penn Knights - The Knights did not shoot the ball great, nor rebound with the big boys, but their heart helped them squeak into the District One field and finish strong. The heart and hard work returns with Noah Melchior and Cordell Lord, while Brian Coleman has a chance to average around 15 points per game if he pleases. The Knights and healthy Central Bucks West squad should compete for Suburban One Continental Conference championship.

Other possible title contenders: Central Bucks West, Christopher Dock, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Methacton, Hatboro-Horsham, Pennridge, Souderton, Bishop McDevitt

Pre-Season All-Area Teams

Chase Wilson (Wissahickon)

FIRST TEAM

Chase Wilson (Wissahickon)
Purnell Wilson (Perk Valley)
Pat Smith (Archbishop Wood)
Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt)
James Rodgers (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)








SECOND TEAM

Zach Quattro (Hatboro-Horsham)

Carnell Harley (Academy New Church)
Zach Quattro (Hatboro-Horsham)
Jared Armstrong (Christopher Dock)
Jordan Greene (Abington Friends)
Simeon Fryer (Upper Dublin)

Devon Goodman (GA)

THIRD TEAM
Devon Goodman (Germantown Academy)
Zack Muredda (Pennridge)
Brian Rafferty (Lansdale Catholic)
Aaron Burton (Cheltenham)
Matt Penecale (Abington)