HAVERFORD, PA – This season has been, in a word, epic for Haverford School’s basketball team.
The Fords headed into last night’s regular-season finale at Penn Charter already having secured the Inter-Ac championship for the first time since 1999 after Tuesday’s 62-43 victory over Springside Chestnut Hill. After defeating the Quakers 79-66, the Fords made history securing its fourth-ever undefeated league season, having also accomplished perfection in 1925, 1927, and 1937.
End of A Perfect League Season - The Fords shake hands with the Quakers: PSD Video by Zamani Feelings
Haverford head coach Bernie Rogers couldn’t be prouder.
“It’s been exciting to watch the kids grow and mature and get better individually and as a team the past three years,” said Rogers. “To be rewarded with a league championship was nice to be a part of.”
Every Haverford School player was asked to summarize the Fords’ accomplishment.
Christian Ray, senior: “The championship is a great feeling. We put a lot of hard work into our summer and our preseason, so it t feels great to be able to come out on top and make history.”
Asim Richards, junior: “It's special to know your team made history, and it's a good feeling knowing your year will go on the banner.”
Will Yoh, senior: “It was great to finally win the Inter-Ac after all these years. It was also special to win it as a senior, as I've watched Haverford come so close to winning so many times, and this was my last chance to win it. Hopefully now we start a streak of Inter-Ac wins.”
Joe Dignazio, senior: “The team as a whole pushed each other In practice. We had great leadership by Kharon, C Ray, and Coach Rogers, and had a ton of depth that could make up for injuries. We probably could go 11 or 12 guys deep without much of a drop-off.”
Jameer Nelson, junior: “I think this season is really special because I know the seniors so well and it's great for them to go out on a good note. I am definitely disappointed about my injury, but it's still been great to be apart of this special team.”
Kharon Randolph, senior: “It’s a surreal moment, but I’m thankful we got to do this for our family, friends, brothers at the Haverford School, and the institution. Making history is something we were looking forward to all year and it’s finally here. Also, still more work to do.”
Tommy Bagnell, senior: “This has been awesome. Being a senior, I (along with the other seniors) was so excited to finally get that coveted Inter-Ac ’ship! We’ve been working hard for a while and I’m happy we got it done. The coolest moment was definitely last Friday during the final seconds of the Malvern game. I was lucky enough to be on the court as we dribbled out the clock. Everyone was cheering, the bench was jumping around, and our student section, the Gentlemen’s Club, stormed the court and celebrated with us! I’ll remember that moment forever. I realized there how special this championship is.”
Christian Clover, freshman: “It's a blessing. To not win a championship in 19 years and then win my first year here, it feels amazing. I expected nothing less because we have a great group of guys.”
Jaylen Stinson, freshman: “It's a great accomplishment for the team and the school specifically since we haven't won since 1999. Having many players that work hard in practice and put their skills to work on the court has a big effect on the team when it comes to winning. The sportsmanship and brotherhood that the team possesses is amazing because everyone has each other's back.”
Haverford School vs. Penn Charter - PSD Gallery by Zamani Feelings
PSD Photos by Zamani Feelings
Haverford School vs. Malvern Prep- PSD Gallery by Chip Frenette
PSD Photos by Chip Frenette
Haverford School Students Celebrate Successful Season in Game vs. Malvern Prep
Haverford School vs. SCHA - PSD Gallery by Zamani Feelings
PSD Photos by Zamani Feelings
Nasir Smith, senior: “It's great. We waited a long time for this. It was a long process from the beginning of my freshman year up until now, and since my sophomore year when Coach Rogers came to coach us. We worked hard during each off-season and we waited our turn, taking some tough losses in the league over the past three years. We didn't give up. It feels good to know our work paid off. Winning for the coaches, the student body, the school, Jameer, and most importantly ourselves. It was great.”
Alex Ciardi, senior manager: “Since this is my last season managing, this championship means a lot to me. I have been with this team for three years and it's been a great journey. I've managed many teams at Haverford but none as special as this one.”
Tyler Seward, freshman: “It feels great to know that we will be in history forever at our school, and this just shows us freshmen what it takes to be Inter-Ac champions for years to come.”
Gavin Burke, junior: “We played well together as a team and had great leadership from our two captains that kept our practices competitive.”
TJ Malone, senior: "It's awesome to be on a championship team. Being part of the program for four years and bringing home a title for your senior year is special."
Bobby Stratts, senior: "Winning the championship meant everything to the team, not only to win for the first time since 1999, but also to go 10-0 shows everything about what this team has done together since the first day of tryouts. We lost one of our best players along the way, but we rallied together and play for him and everyone else on the team. As a senior, you couldn’t be happier to watch this team succeed."
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)