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GIRLS BASKETBALL: Unlike Last Year, Not Much Drama in Inter-Ac League

By John Knebels, 01/28/25, 12:00PM EST

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Photos/Videos: Chelby Elam, Lennie Malmgren, Ryan Nix, Allie Riches, Mike Szczepkowski 

By John Knebels

PHILADELPHIA – Last year at this time, Inter-Academic girls’ basketball fans were checking scores, assessing schedules, and imagining the possibilities down the home stretch.

Much has changed.

Following a riveting 2023-24 campaign that ultimately ended with three teams – Penn Charter, Germantown Academy, and Notre Dame Academy – finishing in a three-way tie for league supremacy, this season offers zero drama.

With less than half a season remaining, Academy of Notre Dame has soared past all competition. That’s not a knock against the other six programs.

It’s just the truth. In fact, ask every other Inter-Ac coach, and they’ll admit that this rendition of the Irish could compete against every team in the state.

“We have played a tough and aggressive nonleague schedule,” said Notre Dame coach Terry Mancini, in particular referring to winning a Tip-Off Tournament at the Hill School, a pre-Christmas Tournament at Imhotep, and a Christmas tournament in Charleston, SC. “The schedule was on purpose to make us play-off tested for games like today.”

Academy of Notre Dame in intense game vs. Germantown Academy (video/ Mike Szczepkowski )

Mancini was referring to a battle at annually championship-caliber Germantown Academy on Jan. 21.

The Irish trailed the Patriots by nine points in the third quarter. Buoyed by a shutdown defense that limited GA to only four points in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame eked out a 41-35 victory, marking its second win over Germantown Academy.

Now with a perfect 8-0 record in the Inter-Ac (along with an impressive 21-2 overall resume), the Irish would clinch an outright crown with three more wins, the third of which would occur on Feb. 7 at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.

With sophomores Riley Davis (16.0 scoring average) and Grace Nasr (10 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks per game) serving as headliners, the Irish – with only two upperclassmen – are loaded top to bottom. Other mainstays include senior co-captains Catie Kelly and Sophia Hall, junior Emma Anthony, junior Alex Gillin, and sophomore Maddie Defronzo.

On Jan. 24 against Penn Charter, Mancini notched his 500th career coaching victory. 

“I can't thank the administration enough at Notre Dame for hiring me,” said Mancini, now in his second year at Notre Dame. “It was really nice to do with this team. 

“I have been so fortunate to have coached so many great young ladies and have talented and dedicated assistant coaches with me along the way like Mark Lange, John Gallagher, Dave Pinkerton, Steve Polinsky, Mike Lynch, and Kalee Fuegel, who played for me at St Basil’s. It was also nice that my kids were there to see it. It is all very humbling how the Notre Dame Administration and community treated it.”

Notre Dame Coach Terry Mancini reaches 500th Career Win. (video/ Lennie Malmgren for PSD)

At 4-2 in the league, Germantown Academy has easily outscored its league competition outside of two losses to Notre Dame Academy. The Patriots finish the regular season with six games in 15 days.

“One of the biggest challenges we have had to face this year has been coming together as a team and building our team camaraderie,” said GA senior and Millersville University-bound Gabby Bowes. “We needed to learn each other’s playing styles and it took us some getting used to, but I think we have come together really well and we have been playing some of our best team basketball.

“Today’s loss (to Notre Dame on Jan. 21) left a pit in my stomach. We fought hard all game and couldn’t pull it out at the end. We have been working so hard and preparing for this game, so it definitely stings to not get the outcome we wanted.”

Back on Jan. 3, Episcopal Academy and first-year coach Sasha Williams did something that no EA team had done in years – defeat Penn Charter. The 48-40 win highlighted EA’s 5-3 solid start.

“This season obviously has been an adjustment due to our shift in our coaching staff,” said senior Jayda Crowley, a tri-captain along with seniors Brynn Kehl and Ali Dennis. “Walking in this season, I didn’t know what to expect, but I am satisfied with the results we’ve had so far.

“The team has never failed to hold a tight-knit bond on and off the court. It shows how much deeper the label ‘EA girls’ basketball’ is. It’s not just about the growth you make as a basketball player, but it’s also about the memories you make with your teammates.”

Episcopal junior Lilly Ebmeyer, who has lost part of the season to a concussion, concurs. 

“I think our chemistry on the team is super solid and we are always supporting each other no matter what,” said Ebmeyer. “We work hard every single practice and it really shows in games, win or lose.”

To begin the league season, Agnes Irwin raced to a 3-0 start, emphasized by a stunning 47-40 upset over Penn Charter on Jan. 9. Unable to maintain the momentum, the Owls dropped the next three, so, at 3-3, Agnes Irwin is battling for fourth place with six games remaining, 

“This season has been an exciting journey for our team,” said first-year coach Joe McClain. “We started off strong by competing against some of the area's best teams and participating in national tournaments like ‘She Got Game,’ where we faced off against prep schools from Canada and Massachusetts.”

First-team all-league sophomore Simone Harvey is enjoying yet another terrific season with a 14-point scoring average and menacing defense. Sophomore Audrey Comly has displayed consistent accuracy from three-point land. Senior captains GG Seibert and Grace Connelly have provided leadership both on and off the court. Freshman Milan Harvey leads the team in steals and assists. Eighth-grader Bailey Perkins has showcased her scoring prowess with several 20-plus point contributions. Eighth-grader Hadley Zweiback has adding a spark off the bench while starting a few games.

“Overall,” said McClain, “it has been a season filled with growth, teamwork, and enthusiasm.”

Although they’re an uncharacteristic 3-4, Penn Charter has received impressive contributions from senior Kaylinn Bethea (20.4 points per game), junior Marleigh Jackson (13.6 points), and sophomore Laila Sharp (4.2 steals per game). First-year coach Erin Martin has enjoyed the challenging ride.

“I love league games,” said Martin. “They’re the ultimate chess match. As a coach, you become familiar with the opposing players and coaches over the years. The girls become familiar with the opposition as well. It just becomes a game of who executes their game plan and who wants it more. Underestimating any league opponent can be dangerous.”

Like any young squad with no seniors, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (2-5) continues to discover its identity. Two wins over Baldwin have helped.

“As the season has progressed, we’ve quickly learned how to play together,” said first-year coach Alexis Wright. “The team chemistry has been great off the court. On the court, we’re getting better each day and moving the ball so much better than we were early on in the season.

“The girls are learning who likes to shoot from certain areas on the court and creating opportunities for our teammates who are best at the drive.

If we can keep playing together throughout the spring and summer, we’ll get to where we want to be much quicker. I’m excited for the remainder of this season and next with these girls. The best thing is, we’ll have everyone back next year.”

Although Baldwin School remains winless after eight tries, the Bears came close in defeats against Springside Chestnut Hill, losing by scores of 45-35 and 46-44. 

(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.)