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GIRLS BASKETBALL: Inter-Ac Girls Have Taken the Floor, See Which Teams Lead the Pack

By John Knebels, 01/04/23, 2:15PM EST

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Photos/Videos: Zamani Feelings, John Knebels, Geanine Jamison, Ryan Nix, Lennie Malmgren & James Quinn

By: John Knebels

INTER-AC Round-Up: When a team unwittingly carries around the distinction of being a defending champion, it quickly begins to understand the difference between being a chaser as opposed to being chased.

After capturing the school’s first Inter-Academic League title since 1998 and then losing a heartbreaker by one point in the PAISAA state final, Penn Charter immediately became the team to beat in 2022-23.

While the challenge comes with the new territory, however, it hasn’t seemed to bother the still-loaded Quakers.  

“I don’t think there’s a pressure to continue their legacy, but they want to add to it,” said Penn Charter coach Joe Maguire. “Going undefeated in the league and winning the state championship are goals of theirs.

“The seniors want to leave the program in a place where we can continue to be successful. They want to show the younger players how we do things and what the expectations are for the team and themselves. This group has never shied away from talking about and following through on setting lofty goals for themselves and the team.”

Including visits to Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Tampa Bay, Florida, Penn Charter is 5-6 overall, though three of those defeats were by two, three, and four points.

Entering the season with an Inter-Ac record of 28-4 over the past three seasons, the Quakers have already added three more victories over Germantown Academy, Springside-Chestnut Hill, and Episcopal Academy.

The Quakers return three first-team, all-leaguers: St. Joseph’s University-bound senior Aleah Snead, senior Fairleigh Dickinson signee Bella Toomey, and sophomore Kaylinn Bethea – a trio that has averaged a composite 39 points per game. Eighth-grader Ryan Carter has added 11.3 ppg. Senior Gracie Shoup, junior Adi Foster, and freshman Liv Vieira round out the rotation. 

“I think there is definitely more pressure to do the same thing this year,” said Toomey. “From the beginning of the season, we have had to talk within the team and with Coach Joe, reminding ourselves that even with everything we see on social media about rankings and who’s slated to win games, we just have to ignore it and focus on ourselves and actually go out and perform well.”

Penn Charter's Bella Toomey was happy to start league play with a win & notes takeaways from the game vs. GA - PSD Video by John Knebels

Penn Charter vs. Germantown Academy - PSD Highlights by John Knebels & Geanine Jamison

Penn Charter's Aleah Snead talks about improving communication and overall "smart" moves with the ball going forward - PSD video by John Knebels

In yesterday’s 63-38 win at Episcopal, Snead collected 22 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, and four assists. Toomey chipped in with 12 points and six rebounds.

“The girls came out focused and aggressive on the defensive end forcing tough shots and turnovers,” said Maguire. “On offense, we were finding each other and getting good looks. We really wanted to push the pace of the game.”

Owners of 20 Inter-Ac titles during legendary coach Sherri Retif’s 24 seasons, Germantown Academy suffered a major blow in its 55-37 league-opening loss against visiting Penn Charter when, during warm-ups, second-team, all-league guard Jess Aponik went down with a scary foot injury.

After leaving for medical care, she was ultimately diagnosed with a severe ankle sprain. Still walking around with the aid of a boot, Aponik will be seen again this week to determine her improvement.

“We were shocked,” said junior guard Sam Wade. “We were all worried. The players, the coaches . . . it was scary. It left us all out of sorts.”

Yesterday afternoon, the Patriots evened their record at 1-1 in the Inter-Ac with a 59-36 victory over Springside-Chestnut Hill. When adding a Make-A-Wish Tournament championship and a 1-1 record in the Arizona Nike Tournament, GA stands at 7-5 overall.

The guard-dominated starting lineup is comprised of second-team, all-league junior guard Izzy Casey, standout forward Kendall Bennett, sophomore Gabby Bowes, sophomore Jess Kolecki (subbing for Aponik), and the aforementioned Wade. Junior CeeJay Thomas, junior Jenna Aponik, freshman Addi Levensten, and freshman Anna Weber provide spark off the bench.

“We are all excited,” said Wade. “We have so much talent. We could get really far if we put it all together.”

After an evenly played first quarter against SCH, the Patriots erupted for a 15-1 spurt to close out the first half. Casey tallied 19 points and seven rebounds while Kolecki added 11 points.

GA junior guard Sam Wade was happy with her team's defensive performance vs. Penn Charter - PSD Video by John Knebels

“We have been battling some injuries and illnesses,” said Retif. “Fortunately, Izzy Casey has led the offensive charge while sophomore Gabby Bowes has become our vocal leader. Sam Wade sparks our defense and leads the team in steals.”

A young Notre Dame Academy that challenged for the league title last year continues to improve. A rugged non-league schedule included losses to tri-state dynamos such as Villa Maria Academy, Catholic League/PIAA Class 5A defending champion Cardinal O’Hara, and Delaware perennial powerhouse Ursuline Academy.

At 6-6 overall and 3-0 in the Inter-Ac thanks to wins over Baldwin School, Episcopal Academy, and Agnes Irwin, coach Lauren Power has thoroughly enjoyed this group that consists of two seniors (starters Katie Halligan and Annie Greek), two juniors (including starter Lizzie Halligan), six sophomores (including starters Catie Kelly and Chloe Knox and strong sub Scarlett Henry, who remains out of the lineup nursing an ankle injury), and two freshmen.

“Every year is a challenge in its own unique way,” said Power. “We knew we had a tough schedule and with that comes some ups and downs. We see the growth after every practice and every game.”

Though the Irish lost by a wide margin on the scoreboard against Ursuline, they only turned the ball over 11 times against a ball-hawking team that has averaged 19 takeaways per game so far this year. The Irish led still-undefeated Villa Maria by six points before their inexperience got the best of them.

Power ignored the scoreboard and focused on her team’s accomplishments.

“I’m having fun with this group,” said Power. “In most games, we are the underdog, and there’s something nice about that. They listen and they have gotten better. We just have to learn how to win.”

The aforementioned Greek supported her coach’s viewpoint.

“We lost a talented and large senior class last year, so this year has been a lot of growing and learning in a really good way,” said Greek. “I think we have a really dynamic team this year with girls who fill every kind of role. We have all enjoyed growing together. I’m really excited for the rest of our season.”

NDA senior Katie Halligan talks about her team’s “family” mentality and goal of winning the Inter-Ac – PSD Video by Ryan Nix

Notre Dame vs Agnes Irwin - PSD Highlights by Lennie Malmgren

In yesterday’s 50-22 win over AIS, the Irish received a combined 27 points from the Halligan sisters (15 from Katie and 12 from Lizzie) and 10 points from Greek.

“Give credit to Agnes Irwin,” said Power. “They played with a ton of confidence, poise breaking our press, and got great looks in the first half.  I was pleased with our second-half effort and the leadership of both Katie and Lizzie on both ends of the floor.”

After challenging Inter-Ac champ Penn Charter in a 52-45 loss in last year’s PAISAA semifinal, Episcopal Academy was hit mega-hard by graduation.

Still looking for their first victory after nine tries – including a 40-26 league loss to Notre Dame Academy and yesterday’s 63-38 defeat against visiting Penn Charter – the Churchwomen look forward to seeing what their top unit might look like minus a laundry list of nagging annoyances.

“It’s tough with different people in and out of the lineup for different reasons,” said Episcopal coach Chuck Simmons. “It makes it tough to gain consistency. We’re hanging in there. I’m hoping to get the full group back and watch us compete.”

Second-team, all-league senior Gaeli Keffer-Scharpf leads a cast that includes sophomore Allison Dennis, junior Natalie Magnotta, and sophomore Brynn Kehl (10 points against Cardinal O’Hara).  

In the loss to Penn Charter, Kehl led eight different scorers with a nine points.

“Penn Charter used some good transition basketball to create good opportunities,” said Simmonds. “They keep pressure on the offensive and defensive end.”

EA senior Gaeli Keffer-Scharpf talks team improvements and team goals, specifically, “getting loud.” – PSD Video by Ryan Nix

EA vs. PC Jan. 3 highlights courtesy of EA Athletics:

A major reason why Agnes Irwin’s 10 varsity performers – two seniors, four juniors, three freshmen, and an eight-grader – and coaching staff look forward to practice every day?

Winning.

After enduring a rugged winter during which they won two of 17 games overall and only one of 12 in the league, the Owls currently have a more-than respectable 5-4 record.

After opening the Inter-Ac with a 50-45 win over Springside-Chestnut Hill, Agnes Irwin fell to visiting Notre Dame yesterday, 50-22, despite 13 points by sophomore Gabrielle Seibert.

 “We are definitely off to a better start since last year,” said junior Caroline Antik. “We have a pretty young team with a good amount of underclassmen, which I think has really allowed us to change the way we played.”

Junior teammate Chloe Costello agreed.

“It is really important that we all have the same goals and are working hard, but at the same time all working for something that we really want,” said Costello. “We try to push ourselves as best as we can and use all the potential we have. We have really become a family this season and are all very happy with how we have been doing so far.”

Both players, particularly Costello, lauded second-year coach Shanette Lee as the main reason for the somewhat dramatic turnaround.

“Last year was her first year here and was just getting used to Agnes Irwin, but for her second year, she has made it clear that she’s gonna make something out of this program and that’s exactly what she has done,” said Costello. “I think that coach Lee believing in us has showed us all the potential we have. We believe in ourselves and how good we can be.”

AIS senior madigan Morrissey talks about the Owl’s motto, team strengths & improvements going forward – PSD video by Ryan Nix

Springside-Chestnut Hill came close to etching a league-opening win over Agnes Irwin before falling, 50-45, and then got overwhelmed by Penn Charter.

But as the Blue Devils took a 2-6 overall record and 0-2 league mark into yesterday’s contest at Germantown Academy, several other less-visible statistics had forged a positive harbinger.

“There’s a learning curve, and we’re gelling,” said first-year coach Bartley Jeannoute. “Our shooting has been up and down, and we have many areas to work on. On defense, we have stayed disciplined to our principles. Our team defense has taken some teams out of their rhythm. We stay tenacious.”

The Blue Devils highlighted yesterday’s 59-36 loss at GA by jumping out to a 15-13 lead after one quarter. The Patriots quickly rebounded with a 15-1 second quarter and outscored SCH by a respectable 31-20 in the second half.

“We remained determined but couldn’t close the gap,” said Jeannoute. “We’re putting the pieces together. You can see the confidence and momentum building with each outing.

“We just have to keep our hard hats on as we build up the program and continue solidifying our identity as a team that doesn’t back down and is willing to grind out a victory every game.”

Junior Zahkiyyah Frazier has averaged 13.5 points and 11 rebounds from the post. Junior guard Kate Jaconetti’s game-management skills were on full display in a tough loss to Shipley. Freshman Zoe Thompson has supplied significant minutes as a slashing guard with the ability to hit an occasional three-pointer.

SCHA junior Zahkiyyah Frazier talks about things that went well during game vs. PC – PSD Video by Zamani Feelings

Senior shooter Tatyana Hall continues to gain confidence in her shooting, and versatile senior athlete Faith Scally’s leadership skills are un-matched. Senior Fallon George impressed her coach on both ends of the floor against Germantown Academy.

“When we put the pieces together, we can hang with the tough teams,” said Jeannoute. “We are looking to carve out our own real estate.”

Under assistant-turned-head-coach Betsy Cast, Baldwin School opened with a non-league win before dropping its next three. 

Junior Allie Weiser, who co-captains the Bears along with currently injured senior Grace Brunetto, is preaching patience as players such as sophomore guard Bela Ahn, freshman point guard Devyn Slaughter, sophomore swingman Naomi Gaye, and senior guard Nateerah Safi continue to blend their strengths.

“It’s about recognizing the little things,” said Weiser. “When someone plays really good defense on a play, it’s important to acknowledge it. Recognizing small accomplishments – especially when a teammate says it – can really help someone who is lacking confidence.”

An accomplished athlete who helped lead Baldwin to a stunning PAISAA state softball championship as a freshman, Weiser remains a realist.

“We obviously have a hard league that is particularly good at basketball,” she said. “That can be mentally difficult. We definitely don’t have it in our tool kit to shut down some of the competition, but we have a family environment on this team and we have good relationships with one another.

“When we focus on the little things – boxing out, making the extra pass, making the smart play – it makes us better as a team and helps us keep a positive attitude.”

Allie Weiser says her team has been giving 110 percent effort in every game – PSD Video by Lennie Malmgren

 

 (Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)