PIAA Class 6A Girls Basketball Playoffs Preview: Conestoga at Wilson
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
District 1 11th-place finisher Conestoga will travel to West Lawn in Berks County Friday to face District 3 champion Wilson at 7 p.m. in the first round of the PIAA Class 6A girls basketball tournament.
The Pioneers (20-9) return to the state tournament after capturing the Central League championship and surviving a challenging District 1 bracket to earn the district's final state berth, while the Bulldogs (27-2) enter riding a 19-game winning streak after securing both the Berks County and District 3 titles, their first trophy in each since 2014.
The winner advances to face either District 1 fourth-place finisher Downingtown East or Philadelphia Catholic League representative Cardinal O’Hara in the second round.
Interestingly, O'Hara is the only common opponent between Conestoga and Wilson this season. Wilson lost to the Lions 61-49 on Dec. 11; Conestoga lost 60-35 on Dec. 28.
PIAA Class 6A girls basketball first round
1-11 Conestoga Pioneers (20-9)
Head coach: Ken Doyle, first season
Points per game: 48.4
Points allowed per game: 42.6
Conestoga arrives in the state tournament winners of 16 of its last 18 games following a 4-7 start under first-year (but experienced) head coach Ken Doyle.
“It has been a very interesting nine to ten months since I’ve been hired,” Doyle said. “We graduated six seniors and had a few injuries that set things back early. For most of December we had only five healthy varsity players, so we were young and inexperienced overall.”
Despite early challenges, the Pioneers steadily developed into one of District 1’s most dangerous teams. The Pioneers enter states at 20-9 following a Central League championship and a decisive 60-42 win over Upper Merion in districts before navigating playback games to secure the final state berth.
Senior 5-11 guard Ryann Jennings, the Central League MVP and a Lehigh commit, headlines the Pioneers’ lineup. Jennings averages 22.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while adding 2.9 assists and 2.2 blocks, making her one of the most versatile players in the bracket.
“What makes her a tough matchup is the aggressive style she plays with,” Doyle said. “She’s very athletic and plays the game that’s presented. She can score, but she’s also a very good passer and finds teammates when the opportunity is there.”
Jennings is joined by an experienced senior backcourt that has played together since childhood.
Senior 5-8 wing Maggie Neary, a second-team all-league choice, averages 9.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while senior 5-4 point guard Libby Brown, an all-league honorable mention, contributes 5.9 points and 2.3 assists while helping control tempo.
“We try to play fast and create a quicker tempo,” Doyle said. “Having three experienced guards allows us to play basically any style because they’ve seen almost everything.”
Junior 5-10 guard Natalie Garzio adds 4.3 ppg, while sophomore Maren Gallagher averages 5.9 points as part of a young supporting cast that has grown into larger roles throughout the season. Juniors Maddie Michalek and Niya Lynch, along with sophomores Cali Cook and Claire Mariotti and freshmen Gabi Cruz and Lucia Hamill, provide additional depth for a team that has relied on collective contributions.
Doyle credited his senior leaders for stabilizing the team during early adversity.
“Having three experienced seniors has been a big advantage,” he said. “Their confidence is felt through the program and has helped the underclass players play with more confidence in themselves.”
3-1 Wilson Bulldogs (27-2)
Head coach: Matt Raquet, second season, 47-12
Points per game: 57.2
Points allowed per game: 34.3
Wilson enters the state tournament allowing just 34.3 points per game while compiling a 27-win campaign highlighted by district and county championships, each the program's first since 2014.
The Bulldogs’ last loss came Dec. 22 against Dallastown. Since then, Wilson has won 19 consecutive games, a stretch capped by a 42-37 overtime victory over Dallastown in the District 3 Class 6A championship game.
Wilson’s postseason run showcased its balance and defensive consistency. The Bulldogs opened districts with a 65-31 win over Penn Manor before defeating Mechanicsburg 50-33 in the quarterfinals. Wilson then knocked off top-seeded Red Lion 50-42 on the road in the semifinals before avenging its earlier loss to Dallastown in the title game.
Senior 5-6 point guard Laila Jones serves as the engine of Wilson’s offense. A three-time All-Berks selection and 1,000-point scorer, Jones averages 11.5 ppg and is the Bulldogs' primary ball handler. She has knocked down 59 3-pointers.
Junior 5-9 wing Kailani Hardy, recently named Berks Player of the Year, provides another scoring threat at 11.4 ppg and gives Wilson versatility on both ends of the floor. Hardy scored 12 points in the district championship victory and consistently draws defensive attention with her ability to score at multiple levels, while typically guarding the opposing team's top offensive threat.
Senior 5-8 wing Laura Crocona adds perimeter shooting and experience, averaging 8.8 ppg with 40 made 3-pointers, while junior 5-8 guard Ryan Leaman contributes 7.5 ppg and delivered a season-high 17 points in the semifinal win over Red Lion.
Inside, senior 5-11 forward Violet Houck anchors the defense and rebounding effort, averaging 6.6 points per game and providing physical presence in Wilson’s half-court defense.
Sophomore 5-10 forward Jade Lee and freshman 5-8 wing Mariam Osumanu round out the rotation, supplying energy and depth off the bench.
"What stands out is their aggressive play and physical approach," Doyle said of the Bulldogs. "They are very defensive-minded. [Jones] and [Hardy] stand out and are super talented offensive threats and can score at all three levels. The rest of the girls who play are all skilled and can contribute at any time. They play hard and don’t make very many mistakes. We will have our hands full trying to contain them. We are up for the challenge."
Comments