Delcohoops.com

By Matt Smith

Considering the obstacles she faced during her high school career, it’s no wonder that Rory Tiedeman wants to pursue a degree in physical therapy at Widener University.

The Sun Valley senior has endured many hours of physical therapy herself.

She suffered her first ACL tear as a seventh grader. Then, after two impressive years starting for the Vanguards, Tiedeman missed her junior season after suffering the same injury to her other knee.

It’s been a rough road for Tiedeman, one of only two seniors on coach Tony Zambino’s team. Her goal for her final season was to enjoy the little moments and help her teammates, most of whom are underclassmen, become better players.

“Coming back was really good for me because it was my second ACL and I had to work really hard to come back again,” Tiedeman said after a win against FriereCharter last week. “Overall it’s been a great experience for me with this team. And it’s a good way to end the year.”

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Jania Preuhs scored a career-high 27 points as Sun Valley extended its winning streak to four games with a 45-30 victory at Academy Park on Saturday. Preuhs was 13-for-18 at the free-throw line for the Vanguards (10-11), who led 26-11 at halftime. The senior guard also racked up three steals and two assists. With the win, Sun Valley remains alive for one of the final playoff spots in the 12-team District 1 Class 5A tournament.
The Knights made a run in the fourth quarter to cut their deficit to seven points, but Preuhs hit a transition 3-pointer off AP’s full-court press to extend SV’s lead back to 10 points with four minutes to play.
Brielle Wright chipped in with nine points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists for Sun Valley. Rory Tiedeman contributed four points, five rebounds and three steals. Freshman Sam Baron played a key role in a spot start and fellow frosh Luci D’Amico hauled in eight rebounds. Alavsia Kinlaw paced the Knights with 12 points.

In other nonleague action:

Penncrest 70, Chichester 26 » The Lions (14-7) exploded for 31 points in the first period and rolled past the Eagles.

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By Konner Metz

Midway through the third quarter, the energy in the Archbishop Carroll gymnasium was off the charts – at least on the away side. A raucous, sizable Devon Prep student section combined with a passionate bench as the Tide soared to a double-digit lead.

When Carroll assistant Mike Richards was sent off with a double technical, arguing a no-call under the basket, Devon Prep extended the lead out to 14 points, all the momentum seemingly on its side. 

But the Patriots, spurred on by Richards’ fire, flipped the script.

“It definitely turned a switch for us,” freshman Nasir Ralls said of Richards’ reaction. “I just felt like we needed to fight for him. He fought for us, so let’s go out there and give it our all for him.”

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Academy Park clinched at least a share of the Del Val League girls basketball regular season title Friday night with a 60-18 victory over Chichester.

Semaji Young scored 23 points to lead the Knights, and Emani Banks added 10 points. Young also had five steals, three rebound and three assists. For Chi, sophomores Alyssa Furlow and Nevaeh Bush had five points apiece.

The Knights, undefeated through seven Del Val games so far, will take on Penn Wood (6-1 league) in a showdown for the title Tuesday night.

Episcopal 58, SCHA 34 >> Gaeli Keffer-scharpf led the way with 19 points and Ali Dennis added seven points for the Churchwomen.

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By Matthew DeGeorge

Tyler Beaulieu’s sophomore basketball season ended after two practices. A dive for a loose ball, an awkward landing with a teammate on top of him, and a fractured clavicle meant Beaulieu was a spectator for Episcopal Academy’s season.

As “brutal” as the actual injury was, in his recollection, Beaulieu managed to get something from observing the season.

“It was interesting because you get a perspective of a lot of the guys that either don’t play or see things that you can’t see when you’re on the court,” he said. “It was kind of cool talking to them, and it was good to build relationships with kids. It gives you a new perspective of the atmosphere and the other parts of the game, being on the bench as opposed to playing.”

A year later, Beaulieu is healthy, committed to Cornell to play baseball and the Churchmen’s third-leading scorer on the basketball floor. He’s also, thanks in part to his time on the bench, wiser and more connected to his team.

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By Matt Smith

Keara McCaffrey knew she had her hands full the moment she took a good look at the tallest player on the other team Thursday.

Sacred Heart Academy’s sophomore power forward has excelled in her first full season as a starter. As a freshman, McCaffrey was a flex player on JV and varsity, forced into action with the elders due to a series of injuries to senior players. The Lions went on to capture their sixth consecutive District 1 Class 2A title and McCaffrey proved to be a solid contributor.

This season McCaffrey is one of the go-to players for Sacred Heart coach Zach Shuler. She is developing into a talented low-post presence on both ends of the floor and continues to gain confidence on a young team that doesn’t have any seniors. Sophomore point guard MJ Donohue was a starter last year and the Lions’ leader on the floor. She is probably the closest Shuler has to a team captain.

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