In round two of the PIAA District 1 5A playoffs, the seventh-seeded Strath Haven Panthers played against the second-seeded Radnor Raptors on Wednesday, February 19, at Radnor High School. The team lost a hard-fought game, ending with a final score of 32-50.

Round two of the playoffs came after the team’s win in round one during the rematch game against Academy Park on Friday, February 14. 

“They’ve worked really hard all season,” Head coach Brandi Johnson said. “I think just them playing hard alone is good.”

Haven played a high-effort game, shining on defense throughout the match, ending the first quarter 9-4 for the Raptors. With offensive efforts by senior Maryella Gill, she scored five of the 11 total points by halftime, ending the first half with a score of 11-19.

Coming out of the half, the Panthers couldn’t get shots to fall, but their efforts didn’t falter. The team’s grit and energy never dropped off despite the Panthers being down.

Through the third and fourth quarters, the Panthers made great attempts to gain momentum but were stopped by the Raptors, with many foul calls against them along the way. The team ended the game with an impressive 14 steals, 4 deflections, and 2 blocks.

“I think in the future we just have to work on our own discipline,” Gill said, reflecting on the game. “I think as a team we played really well. We introduced some new defense tonight and two new offenses, and I think we executed them. We are getting looks, but… our shots aren’t falling.” Gill was the team’s top scorer in this game, scoring 13 points. 

Johnson wasn’t discouraged by the loss. 

“We’re a young team, so there’s still some things that they need to learn, but I think overall, I have a good group of girls,” Johnson said. 

The Panthers look to come back in the postseason in the District 1 5A playbacks and will compete with Lower Moreland at Lower Moreland High School on Friday, February 21 at 6 p.m.