Marple Newtown’s Brooke Impriano shoots in the first quarter against Harriton. Impriano produced six points, 11 rebounds and five assists to help the Tigers claim a 34-11 win and clinch a berth in the PIAA Class 5A tournament (PETE BANNAN – DAILY TIMES)
By Matt Smith
For the first time in history, Marple Newtown’s girls basketball team is going to the state playoffs. The Tigers handled Central League rival Harriton, 34-11, to clinch fifth place in the District 1 Class 5A tournament. They own the final berth in next week’s PIAA tournament.
When the game ended, the Tigers calmly congratulated themselves, shook hands with the Rams players and made their way back to the team room.
While their collective reaction to making school history was a bit unexpected, the Tigers were beaming on the inside and immensely proud of their achievements this season. After a controversial loss in the district quarterfinals, the Tigers will meet newly minted Catholic League and District 12 champion Cardinal O’Hara in the first round of states next Wednesday.
“It’s so exciting,” said junior forward Brooke Impriano, who supplied six points, 11 rebounds and five assists. “We had a whole student section behind us and we have been practicing so hard. We were so excited to come out play this game. Girls basketball at Marple Newtown has never been this good and it’s great to be a part of it.”