The PIAA Class 6A girls’ championship game between Cardinal O’Hara and Spring-Ford will feature top players and also highlight the skilled coaches.
Chrissie Doogan of Cardinal O’Hara and Mickey McDaniel of Spring-Ford are among the best coaches in the state, and spectators will quickly notice their expertise during the game at the Giant Center in Hershey.
Doogan and McDaniel were standout coaches in the final four round of the state playoffs. Doogan’s team effectively defended skilled players, leading to a win against Perkiomen Valley. The defense made their opponents' strengths less effective, ultimately securing the victory.
Perkiomen Valley executed their offense well through Boettinger in the first half, impressing the audience with precise basketball plays.
Meanwhile, O’Hara struggled to make shots, leading to difficulties in getting the ball to Boettinger. The team's guard play was key in disrupting their opponents' passing lanes.
Perkiomen Valley became frustrated and made poor decisions, falling behind in the game.
Despite initial success, Perkiomen Valley coach John Russo admitted being outcoached by O’Hara. The Lions demonstrated their speed and physicality, impressing the basketball scouts in attendance.
In the semifinals, the Lions convincingly defeated Parkland, ending the game by the third quarter.
Doogan, a key player in the past, had a remarkable career with the Lions, while McDaniel managed to outmaneuver Garnet Valley in a smart way to secure the victory.
McDaniel cleverly implemented a strategy to limit Garnet Valley’s three-point shooting abilities, ultimately leading to their victory.
McDaniel's tactical approach forced Garnet Valley to adjust their shooting style and defensive strategy, resulting in success for Spring-Ford.
Joe Woods from Garnet Valley is worthy of praise for leading a team of mostly younger players to a remarkable 25-7 record and a state semifinal appearance. With over 300 wins and previous trips to the state tournament, Woods used all his skill to guide an underrated team to a great season.
No matter what happens on Friday when O’Hara plays Spring-Ford in Hershey, basketball enthusiasts will dissect the game for years. There’s often a crucial play, like the four-point play the Lions pulled off in the state semifinals against Perkiomen Valley, which will be remembered for a long time.
As the first half was ending, the Lions held a five-point lead and were seeking a final shot. The Vikings were defending aggressively, appearing to gain momentum with a strong defensive stop.
However, the Lions skillfully passed the ball around the perimeter and then to Rullo, who attracted the defense before passing to her younger sister Megan.
Megan Rullo scored a three-pointer and a free throw, increasing the lead to nine points. Despite being the top seed from District 1 and having only lost to nationally ranked Gill St. Bernard, the Vikings never came closer than eight points for the rest of the game.
The match-up between Doogan and McDaniel, whether local or in Hershey, is definitely worth watching. The rest of the state will recognize this on Friday.
Contact Bob Grotz at [email protected]
