Springfield Athletic Association U10 Travel wins two

The SAA U10 Travel team is (front row) Patrick McCann, Patrick Marley Jr., Cole Sprague, Tanner Robinson, Chris Ringwalt, (second row) Coach Robinson, Colin Hopkins, Owen Sheenan, Liam McGuire, Jack McCarry, Coach Marley, (third row) Patrick Toal and Kevin Duffy.

U10 Travel
Springfield 23
Brookhaven 18
The Springfield U10 team beat Brookhaven 23-18. Patrick Marley Jr. led scoring with six points, Patrick Toal scored five points, Cole Sprague and Liam McGuire both had four points, Kevin Duffy and Owen Sheenan both had two points.
Great defensive playing by Jack McCarry, Colin Hopkins, Patrick McCann, Tanner Robinson and Chris Ringwalt. Great game by all the boys working the ball well to the inside and playing very aggressive.
U12 Travel
Springfield 36
Folcroft 27
The Springfield U12 team continued their undefeated season by beating Folcroft 33-21 on Sunday.
Great offensive and defensive playing by all the boys. The boys are 11-0 this season. They hope to continue their winning streak this weekend when they play Chichester on Sunday.

E.T. Richardson girls' basketball play continues

The E.T. Richardson Middle School girls’ basketball team swept two league opponents to improve their record to 11-1 on the season. The team continues to play well at both ends of the floor as they look to end their season on a high note.
E.T. Richardson 28
Strath Haven 15
The team traveled to the Panthers floor for their first and only meeting of the year and came away with a hard- fought victory.
The host Panthers packed their defense into a 2-3 zone to negate the Cougar’s height advantage. This strategy kept the host in the game for the first quarter.
Amanda Hopkins scored two points as she drove down the lane for two of her six points in the game. Maggie O’Connell also scored from the outside as the teams traded baskets in a lack luster effort by the Cougars.
The second quarter saw the real Cougars arrive as they went on a 16-3 second quarter run. Jill Condon was sensational as she scored four points and swiped six rebounds in the quarter alone.
Bridget Whitaker continued to make things happen with her hustle. Whitaker scored four points while causing chaos for the Panthers on offense.
Colleen Culbertson continued to play well at both ends of the floor. She led all scorers with eight points. Stephanie Mc Cann closed out the scoring as she muscled her way in the paint for a put back to give her team a commanding 20-7 advantage at the half.
The second half saw the teams trade baskets. Hopkins dominated, scoring four points. Mackenzie Schott knocked down a perimeter jump shot. Schott’s ball handling has been a nice addition to her team as she has scored, passed and played great defense.
Gianna Zulli and Courtney Clark combined to haul in six rebounds to limit the ’Haven squad from making a dent in the Cougars’ advantage. Bailey O’Brien and Erika Biehlalso contributed as they assisted on their teams scores in the second half.
E.T. Richardson 38
Springton Lake 10
The Cougars traveled to Springton Lake for their second meeting of the year. In earlier action, the Cougars led 30-0 before allowing six late points in their first game of the year.
The host Lions came to play the second time as they battled the Cougars to a 9-4 first quarter deficit. Amanda Hopkins was unstoppable as she led all scorers in the game with ten points. Hopkins scored seven in the first quarter alone to carry her team.
Jamie Brower also played well, adding seven points in the game, including the first basket of the game. Mackenzie Schott and Maggie O’Connell played solid defense while being kept off the score sheet due to the hosts excessive fouling.
In second quarter the Cougars doubled their advantage. Bailey O’Brien played her best game of the year as she scored six points and was a force at both ends. Jill Condon contributed a mid-range shot and Kiley Fasy hit from outside to add to the advantage. The half ended with the Cougars leading 17-8.
The Cougars played their best basketball of the year in the third quarter as they erupted for 16 points. Bridget Whitaker ignited this run with her steals while scoring eight third quarter points.
Brower and Hopkins scored the ball as they combined for eight points in the quarter. Ginna Zulli and Courtney Clark added a defensive presence in the second half as they forced the Lakers into numerous turnovers.
Colleen Culbertson continued her nice stretch of scoring as she hit a three point play to close out the scoring and lead her team to their 11th win of the year.

Springfield Gold beat Snipers in elementary ice hockey

Springfield Gold 6
Snipers 3
The Springfield Gold Cougars returned to action in the Delco Elementary League, Jan. 23, against a smooth skating Snipers team. And the short-staffed Cougars were up to the task.
Team leaders Aidan Shandley (five goals) and Johnny McCormick (one goal, two assists) gave the Snipers netminder fits all night. Brett Barber was solid in the pipes and Franny Doerr, Shane Knoell and Austin Bush helped clear the decks in front with tough defensive play.
Youngsters Matthew Shandley and Adam Baumann logged plenty of valuable ice time up front to neutralize the Snipers attack. And despite a slow start and a short bench, the Cougars cruised to a commanding 6-3 victory.
Springfield Gold 3
Haverford 1
The Cougars followed up their Snipers victory with a tough match against Haverford. Emotions were high and the Cougars played a superb game at both ends of the ice.
The tough defensive play of Shane Knoell, Franny Doerr and Austin Bush has become the trademark of the young Cougars.
Dylan Bush, Riley Garrison, Johnny Carafa and Matthew Shandley played stellar two-way hockey, giving Haverford all they could handle on the offensive end and bottling up their opponent time after time in the defensive zone.
Brett Barber continued his dominance in net allowing only one goal on over 30 shots. The Cougars got goals from Ryan Kertis, Aidan Shandley and Johnny McCormick as they clawed their way to another tough victory.
The Gold Cougars find themselves at the top of the Delco League with a 10-2 record powered by their outstanding goaltending and defensive team play. They will take a short hiatus before play resumes next week.

Previously undefeated E.T. Richardson girls' basketball team falls to Northley

Northley 28
E.T. Richardson 21
In a battle of the top two teams in the league, the Cougars fell from the ranks of the unbeaten as they dropped a decision to the Northley Vikings, 28-21. In a game the Cougars never led, the team battled until the final buzzer.
ETR struggled from the field as they shot 22 percent in the first half and dug an early hole. Amanda Hopkins and Maggie O’Connell would each score five points to lead their team in scoring.
The Cougars scored a season low five first half points as they trailed 8-5 at the halfway point. The Vikings were led by Kate Lannon’s 17 points in the game as she deposited seven of her ten free trips to the foul line.
The second half saw the teams trade baskets as Jamie Brower worked hard for a put back and O’Connell got on the board with a driving drop shot.
The game started to heat up as each team scored more points in the third quarter then the first half. Bridget Whitaker, Stephanie McCann and Kiley Fasy would play stellar defense as the visiting Cougars tried to claw their way back into the game.
The fourth quarter saw the Cougars get within three points in the early going. McConnell knocked down a three, which was followed by two Jill Condon baskets to make the game interesting.
Gianna Zulli and Bailey O’Brien converted passes into baskets to pressure the hosts.
With the tide turning toward the Cougars, Lannon closed the door with five consecutive points to keep the Cougars at bay.
Mackenzie Schott and Jill Kane had chances late to score but the rim had other ideas as they rolled out.
The team learned a valuable lesson in defeat that when they play as a team good things tend to happen.
E.T. Richardson 31
Haverford 21
In a key league match, the Fords traveled to the friendly confines of the Cougar Cage and left with their second loss of the season.
Both teams entered the game with a single loss each to Northley. Game ten for both teams was a battle for second place in the league standings.
The Cougars bounced back from a tough loss to take a convincing ninth win of the year. The Cougars took an early 7-4 first quarter lead as Amanda Hopkins was dominant throughout.
Hopkins led her team with nine points but was only one of nine from the charity stripe. Jamie Brower contributed as she deposited a Hopkins miss into gold with a nice rebound. Colleen Culbertson scored from outside as her shooting touch has become a team strength.
The second quarter saw the hosts take a commanding 13-4 advantage as Mackenzie Schott scored from the wing and Kiley Fasy scored from the perimeter.
The Fords would not go quietly and scored ten consecutive second quarter points to take a 14-13 advantage into the half.
The third quarter saw an offensive explosion by the blue and gold. The team went back to what they do best, share the ball.
O’Connell knocked down two long range jump shots which were both set up by the team’s excellent passing.
Hopkins then took over as she dominated the paint with two driving baskets. Bridget Whitaker also got in the scoring column on a nice drive to the basket to give her team a six point advantage.
The fourth quarter continued to see the Cougar’s depth as an asset as all 12 players contributed to the victory.
Stephanie McCann and Courtney Clark played tough physical defense as the Fords were limited to a shot each time down the floor. Jill Condon added four key rebounds late in the game to seal the Fords fate.
O’Connell knocked down four consecutive foul shots to seal the team’s key win. Gianna Zulli and Erika Biehl played well at both ends.

St. Francis JV continues move toward Regional CYO playoffs

Junior Varsity
St. Francis 61
Katherine Drexel 50
The St. Francis ninth- and tenth-grade squad is moving towards the Regional CYO playoffs like a well-oiled machine, as evidenced by their 61 to 50 win over previously unbeaten Katherine Drexel.
This fine young team moved their overall record to 12 and 2 with this win against a high-quality, extremely offensive minded opponent.
When playing Drexel, one had better be ready to “run” and SFA certainly proved to be up to the task, led by Kevin George with 19, Ben Clausen with 17, and Kevin McKnight with 14. George literally “ran a clinic” from the point guard position in this game in leading the St. Francis charge.
The green and gold was also outstanding defensively, led by superior defensive play by Luke Reichert.
Besides piling up the points at the offensive end, George, Clausen and McKnight were also stellar at the defensive end, chipping in with numerous blocks and steals in this impressive victory.
Varsity
Katherine Drexel 71
St. Francis 65
Defense was most definitely the undoing of the varsity Bruins as they fell to Katherine Drexel by a score of 71 to 65.
Coach Milt Hedrick noted this team has had a difficult time getting a full squad of players out for key practices, and it certainly showed in this game.
In spite of the loss, Eric Pollock and Nick Santana were outstanding for St. Francis in this game, registering 22 and 18 points respectively. Jeff Peranteau tallied 12.

Springfield Blue takes down Penncrest

Springfield Blue 10
Penncrest 3
Springfield Elementary Blue continued to show their dominance with a decisive win versus archrival Penncrest last week. Team scoring leader Jayson Francis started the scoring with two goals assisted by Mikey Ahern and Ryan O’Connor. Ronan Plummer recorded the next two goals for a 4 - 0 lead after the first period.
In the second period, the defense led by Conor Rysak and Dara Campo frustrated the Penncrest attack by not allowing them to skate into the center of the ice. Finn Plummer recorded the first goal of his career with the help of emerging stars Scottie Francis and Devin DeStefano. Goalie Luca DiMarcantonio recorded another win with the help of rising defensive stars Eric Agans and Justin Beaky.
This team shows no signs of letting up as they march towards the playoffs.

Haverford leagues and club spring registrations

The Haverford Soccer Club starts its registration for the spring season on Jan. 31. The season runs April 10 until mid-June. Travel Tryouts begin April 10. For more details, visit www.haverfordsoccer.org.

Registration is open now until Jan. 31 for Haverford Blaze Lacrosse, a travel league for boys in grades 1 to 8. Fior more information, or to registrer online, visit www.blazelax.com.

Walk-in registration for for Brookline Baseball and Softball for T-Ball, Parent Pitch and Base/Softball takes palce Jan. 21, 2 to 4 p.m. and Jan. 28, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Chatham Park School cafeteria. For more information, visit www.brooklineball.org.

Haverford Athletic club registrations for T-Ball, Machine Pitch and Baseball will take place Jan. 21 and Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to noon, at Chestnutwold School. For more information, visit www.eteamz.com/haverfordac.

Haverford Township Little League now has walk-in registration on Saturday, Jan. 21, 9 to 11 a.m., at the Little League field building on Karakung Drive in Ardmore. Registration is also available online at www.haverfordlittleleague.org.

Haverford Township Softball League, offering girls softball, 13 to 16, has online registration at www.htsoftball.org.

The Merion Golf Merwood Athletic Association is offering online registration for T-Ball, baseball and softball, 5 to 14. Register at www.mgmaa.org.

Westgate Hills is offering online registration for T-Ball, baseball and softball. Register at www.westgatehillsball.org.

Haverford Heat, the township's American Legion baseball program, has five levels of competitive travel baseball for ages 13 to 19. Visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=haverfordheat for try out information.

The Haverford Township Baseball League for ages 13 to 15, is offering walk-in registration Saturday, Jan. 28, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Everett Hall. For more information, contact Matt Ahern at 484-832-5389, or e-mail matthew.ahern@verizon.net.

Hilltop League registration Jan. 21, 25

Hilltop Baseball, Softball, Challenger registration (Ages 4-12) will take place Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, from 10 a.m. to noon at Sacred Heart Church (Manoa Road) and American Legion Post 667 (Steel Road). Also, Jan. 25 from 6-7 p.m. at the Manoa School Cafeteria. Any questions contact Don Foley at 610-449-5544 or via the league website at www.hilltopleague.com. ASA Softball affiliation and the only Cal Ripken Baseball League in Havertown.

St. Mary Magdalen CYO Hawks win Region 25 championship

St. Mary Magdalen CYO sixth grade Hawks soccer team scored nine wins and had just one loss during the regular season to end in first place prior to the playoffs. The team scored a total of 40 goals against their opponents and only allowed six goals against them.

With 21 players, 16 different players scored during the regular season. Dan Morrow came through as a top ranked goalie, even stopping a penalty shot during the St Pius game.

In the playoffs, the team’s defense went into high gear. Coaches Rennie and Buttimer could be heard saying, "goals win games but defense wins championships" and that proved to be the case.

The quarterfinal playoff game was held at Bonner. On a frosty AstroTurf field, SMM beat Sacred Heart, 4-0, with the first goal delivered by Delanie Rennie and additional goals scored by Spencer Panzo with two and Declan Buttimer.

The semifinal game was also held at Bonner against a tough St. Bernie's team. SMM would come out on top again, 3-0, with goals scored by Spencer Panzo, Ava Leonhardt, and John Curran.

The championship game was held at Bonner under the lights. Thomas the Apostle played a tough game, keeping the score tied, 0-0, at halftime. Coaches Rennie and Buttimer made a strategic offensive change by placing PJ Barker at midfield and Joseph Hassey in at defense. Minutes into the second half, Barker scored the first goal of the game and the place went wild. A few minutes later, Ava Leonhardt scored the second goal. The Hawks won by a final score of 2-0.

The Hawks continued their strong soccer program and were named this year's Region 25 Champions.

St. Mary Magdalen CYO JV Hawks Championship team are (seen above, kneeling, from left) Delanie Rennie, Chris Palermo, Spencer Panzo, Nick Sustersic, Charlotte Bradley, Brendan Schramm, Zach Collins, Matthew Brennan, Joseph Hassey, and Ava Leonhardt.

Standing (from left) are Eric Courter, Cole Felton, John Curran, PJ Barker, Declan Buttimer, Dan Morrow, Grace Harding, Hannah Bateman, Agnes Freind, Charlie Verna. With the team (at back) are Coaches Maurice Buttimer and Maureen Rennie.

Not pictured: Tara Higgins.

Drexel Hill Little League 2012 registrations now being accepted; DHLL seeking team sponsors

Drexel Hill Little League is now accepting registrations for the 2012 season. DHLL provides Tee Ball, Baseball, and Softball for local youth ages 4 -12. DHLL also provides a Challenger division for children with disabilities. DHLL is the only “Little League” in the township, serving over 1,100 kids during the 2011 season. Don’t miss your chance to register.

Open registrations will take place on Jan 17,18 and 19, from 8 to 9 p.m., at the Drexel Hill Little League clubhouse at the Dermond field complex . Entrance to the complex is located at the intersection of Old Lane and Dermond Ave. in Drexel Hill. You can also register online now or get more information by visiting the website at DHLLPA.com.


Support Our Youth! Become a “Little League” Sponsor Today!
Since 1952, the Drexel Hill Little League (DHLL) has provided the youth of our community with a safe place to learn about baseball, softball, and sportsmanship in a team environment.Today, our league continues to grow as one of the largest youth organizations in the area
serving over 1,100 kids in the 2011 season. As an all-volunteer league, we rely on you, the
leaders of our community, to help shape our youth. Our success has been made possible
through the generosity of people just like you. DHLL would like your support for the upcoming 2012 season.

Please help our league and our youth by becoming a Little League Team Sponsor. We offer many benefits to our team sponsors, including a custom made 3-foot by 8-foot digitally printed banner that will be proudly displayed on one of the league's home-run fences throughout the season, advertisement on our league's Website, as well as a popular Discount Card program that will drive sales to your business.

Please inquire about becoming a team sponsor today by contacting our Sponsorship Team via email at DHLLSPONSORS@DHLLPA.com. Thank you for your support!

Locals lead Mesa Fresh lax to national championship

The Mesa Fresh 2014 lacrosse team claimed gold in the U17 ‘Rising Stars’ division of the Dick’s Tournament of Champions in Wesley Chapel, Florida over the New Years weekend. Mesa Fresh entered the playoff action as the number nine seed and qualified for the finals with wins over (then) top-seeded New Westminster (Canada), 13-1, and Utah Starz, 11-4, before defeating the Baltimore Breakers, 10-5, in the semifinals.

In the finals, Mesa Fresh faced Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Though they fell behind national power FCA, 4-0, early in the title game, strong defensive and offensive efforts as well as outstanding goaltending allowed Mesa Fresh to rally for a come-from-behind win to capture the tournament championship.

Mesa Fresh head coach Pat Carney stated that his team actually benefited from losing its opening match to Carolina Light in overtime.

“It was a good wake-up call for us,” said Carney. “We went from playing the wrong way to playing the right way. After that loss we got better and better every game. After the overtime loss, the kids realized they needed to play ver unselfish lacrosse. They really came together and played as a team. Even when thing weren’t going our way – and we were losing 4-0 in both the semis and finals – we played like warriors. We played great team ball and our goalies came up big when we needed them. They helped us gain the momentum.”

Coach Carney, his son, Tucker, and teammate Kevin Murphy are all natives of Strath Haven. Following the championship game, Mesa Fresh goalie Bryce Womack (Perkiomen Valley) was named MVP, making six saves in the second half of the championship game.

“It was a total team effort,” coach Carney said. “Nobody was concerned about stats or goals or assists. It was just, ‘How can we win and come together?’ We had very good and high quality possessions and waited for high quality shots. They played very unselfishly and used high paced ball movement. We also had great team defense. Everyone helped and our slides were good; they played very physical defense and responded to every challenge in front of them.

The Mesa Fresh lax team (seen above) are (toprow, from left) Coach Pat Carney, Peter Blynn, Jake Cresta, Jeff Odiorne, Kevin Murphy, Jon Weinstein, Jake Scott, Matt Heim, Tyler Butler, Hunter Eaton and Coach Peter Scott.

In the middle row (from left) are Peter Cost, Tucker Carney, Drew Murray, Eric Giannetti, Alex Mezey, Ian Riehl, Bryce Womack, Richie Buzza and Josh Hughes.

In the bottom row (from left) are Conor Glancy, Kevin McGeary, Trip Traynor, Brent Millichap and Connor Black.

The Mesa Fresh roster included:
Connor Black, Defense, The Haverford School
Drew Murray, Midfield, Penn Charter
Bryce Womack, Goalie, Perkiomen Valley (Named MVP)
Peter Blynn, Midfield, The Haverford School
Jon Weinstein, Defense, Bishop Shanahan
Kevin Murphy, Midfield, Strath Haven
Tucker Carney, Attack, Strath Haven
Tyler Butler, Defense, Central Bucks East
Kevin McGeary, Midfield, Malvern Prep
Peter Cost, Defense/LSM, Conestoga
Jeff Odiorne, Attack, Haverford School
Brent Millichap, Goalie, Bayard Rustin
Matt Heim, Midfield/Attack, Central Bucks East
Jake Cresta, Defense, Hatboro Horsham
Hunter Eaton, Defense, Conestoga
Tripp Traynor, Midfield, Malvern Prep
Richie Buzza, Midfield, Malvern Prep
Alex Mezey, Attack, Conestoga
Conor Glancy, Attack, Malvern Prep
Ian Riehl, Midfield, Downingtown East
Josh Hughes, Defense, Great Valley
Jake Scott, Attack, Conestoga
Eric Giannetti, Midfield, Bishop Shanahan

WinningTeam Group offering clinic for baseball coaches

High school and youth amateur baseball coaches will receive useful information to benefit their programs from successful local collegiate and professional coaches at the 2012 WinningTeam Baseball Coaches Clinic on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Science and Discovery High School in Chester.

The clinic will also feature a community service component, discuss coaching ethics and sports culture, and gauge coaches for youth athlete protection needs. Registration is only $25 through January 15 and $35 thereafter. Teams that register 4 or more coaches per team are eligible for a 20% clinic registration discount. More information is available at www.thewinningteamgroup.com or by calling clinic director at 215-990-3188.

College and former professional coaches will present topics including pitching, catching, defense, practice organization, hitting, base-running and more.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak at the WinningTeam Clinic. I always enjoy talking and working with coaches of all levels who share my passion for teaching and learning about our wonderful game,” said Joe Pavlow, head baseball coach of Penn State University Abington. “The common thread in all great coaches is that they are constantly looking to grow their base of knowledge, and constantly striving to improve. Clinics like this are excellent opportunities to get drills, ideas, and strategies to bring back and try with your team.”

The WinningTeam Group has teamed up with ‘Pitch In For Baseball’ to collect new and used equipment from coaches attending the clinic. ‘Pitch In For Baseball’ will distribute the equipment to disadvantaged communities throughout the world to build up the game of baseball.

ACE Baseball has joined forces with The WinningTeam Group to offer discounted 2-year ACE Baseball membership to coaches attending the clinic. This membership includes curriculum, certification upon passing of assessments, online access to ACE Baseball tools, and so much more! Clinic attendees can join and earn certification for the discounted investment of $25 (normally $35).

The clinic will also provide a segment to discuss recent concerns about coaching ethics and behavior. It will address how coaches need to coach in a 21st century sports culture. “This should be a spirited discussion given the attention on coaching behavior in the media within the past few months. The WinningTeam Group hopes to gauge the interest of coaches to have access to and provide proactive background checks and train for youth player safety”, said Paul K. Johnson, president of The WinningTeam Group.

Teams that register four or more coaches per team are eligible for a 20% clinic registration discount. College and former professional coaches will present topics including pitching, catching, defense, practice organization, hitting, base-running and more. Youth players are also invited to attend and will have an opportunity to ask questions and interact with the presenting coaches. Registration for players is only $10 via standard mail registration. The clinic is open to regional high school and youth amateur coaches and players that want to enhance their coaching skills and prepare for a successful 2012 baseball season!