By Matt Smith
Pennsbury didn’t stand a chance.
No. 2 Haverford didn’t mess around in Wednesday’s District 1 Class 6A semifinal against the 11th-seeded Falcons. From the tip-off, the Fords came to dominate before a packed Juenger Gymnasium, their final home game of a perfect season. Standing in the way were the Falcons, who failed to match up to the Fords in skill, height, athleticism … you name it.
With a 43-21 victory, undefeated Haverford (27-0) advances to a district final for the first time in program history. The Fords meet No. 1 Perkiomen Valley at Temple University’s Liacouras Center Saturday at 4.
The Fords suffocated a timid Pennsbury offense, which seemed unable to decide whether to summon the courage to drive against the Fords or settle for jump shots. Haverford’s length shut down any clean looks at the basket. The Fords swarmed and trapped, forced turnovers and ran the floor at will.
“I think it’s certainly our work ethic,” senior forward Caroline Dotsey said. “Our entire team has an incredibly good work ethic. And then just preparation. I think everybody comes into every practice knowing what needs to get done, what we need to work on and what we need to focus on. That shows up in our games.”