On Saturday, March 8, the girls varsity basketball team put up a dominant 66-36 win over the Bangor Area Slaters in round one of the PIAA 5A state playoffs. 

The Panthers were unstoppable on defense, reaching 21 steals total and 15 forced turnovers. 

“I think about us playing man [defense] this game, we really were able to just raise the intensity across the board… I think that playing man really allows us to play our own game and dictate on both ends of the court,” senior Olivia Voshell said. 

From the first quarter, the Panthers picked up full court on defense, not letting up and keeping the pressure on.

Senior Maryella Gill had 16 points this game, making important momentum-gaining plays.“We matched up really well, we were able to shut down their top scorer,” Gill said.

The team was incredibly consistent throughout the match, putting up almost exactly 16 points every quarter, having 18 in the first. 

The game was the same day as head coach Brandi Johnson’s birthday, and securing the win meant a lot to her. The team sang happy birthday to their coach after the win on the bus. 

“One of my best birthdays in the record… it was just an awesome feeling. Undescribable,” Johnson said.

The Panthers will play the Radnor Raptors for the fourth time this season, on Wednesday, March 12, 6:00 PM, at Bensalem HS in the second round of playoffs. The Panthers are 0-3 against the local rivals, and looking to get their revenge where it matters, in the state playoffs. 

“I think, after this performance defensively, we just have to come with that same energy. I am feeling confident to play them,” Johnson said.