Berlin Brothersvalley and Bishop McCort Catholic Academy, two rivals just 35 miles apart, are set to clash in the PIAA 2A girls basketball championship on Thursday at noon, held at the Giant Center in Hershey. Both teams reached this highly anticipated showdown through thrilling victories, with Berlin having triumphed 56-49 in a previous encounter earlier this season.
The Berlin Brothersvalley Mountaineers boast an impressive record of 27-2 under the adept guidance of Coach Rachel Prosser, who is in her 19th season. Their projected starting lineup includes talented players like sophomore Lexi Foor and freshman Bryn Prosser, along with junior Mercy Sechler and fellow sophomores Elena Ritchey and Coral Prosser.
To reach the finals, the Mountaineers celebrated a series of victories: overcoming Bellwood-Antis 70-38 in the first round, York Catholic 71-52 in the second, Marian Catholic 57-46 in the quarterfinals, and Mountain View 41-38 in the semifinals. Remarkably, Berlin enters the championship riding a commendable 25-game winning streak, and they have demonstrated significant prowess on their journey, amassing 920 miles during the playoffs.
Notably, Berlin Brothersvalley made history by winning the PIAA 1A title in 2019, marking the first girls’ state championship for Somerset County. With a mix of youthful talent and seasoned experience, Coach Prosser highlights the team’s strong bond and playful spirit during practice. “This is a dream come true. These girls have worked so hard,” she said.
On the other side, the Bishop McCort Crimson Crushers showcase a strong record of 26-4 under Coach John Hahn. Their powerful lineup features standout players like junior Emma Preuss, who recently scored a career-high 27 points in the semifinals. Their pathway to Hershey included impressive wins: defeating Eisenhower 70-34, Winchester Thurston 66-39, Kennedy Catholic 47-43, and edging out Penns Manor 55-53 in the semis.
Having moved up to 2A voluntarily this season, Bishop McCort recently celebrated a significant milestone by surpassing 1,000 program wins. With fierce determination and resilience, the Crimson Crushers have claimed victories in 23 out of their last 26 games since their initial defeat to Berlin, showcasing their growing strength as a team.
As they prepare for this monumental final, both teams are eager for victory and will rely on teamwork and strategy to secure the championship. “We have to be ready to play,” said Prosser about McCort, noting the challenge of defending against their growing skills.
With the final countdown to tip-off on Thursday, both teams are set to leave it all on the court, vying for that coveted PIAA trophy, embodying the heart and spirit of high school sports.
Berlin Brothersvalley and Bishop McCort face off in the PIAA 2A championship with impressive records and thrilling playoff performances. Berlin holds a 27-2 record, while McCort stands at 26-4, both riding on significant winning streaks. They will meet at the Giant Center in Hershey, aiming for the prestigious title, with both teams showcasing resilience and skill throughout their playoff runs.
In conclusion, the upcoming PIAA 2A girls basketball championship between Berlin Brothersvalley and Bishop McCort promises to be a thrilling clash of talent, determination, and teamwork. Both teams arrive at this decisive showdown with impressive records and remarkable playoff journeys, eager to capture the title. With strong coaching and deep-rooted passion for the game, expect a fierce competition as they battle for state glory.
Original Source: www.dailyamerican.com
