District 1 has strong start in 6A girls playoffs

Upper Dublin, PW and Souderton each post opening-round victories

in Souderton, CB South and CB East, three from the National in Abington, CR North and Neshaminy and two from the American in Upper Dublin and Plymouth Whitemarsh. CB East was the only team not to advance, but the Patriots gave District 3 champion Central Dauphin all it could handle.

Plymouth Whitemarsh traveled to Northern York in Dillsburg while Abington went out to Reading’s Geigle Complex and both used strong fourth quarter runs to close out their wins. Upper Dublin turned the most heads with its first round result, a thrilling double overtime victory against PCL champion Cardinal O’Hara.

Tuesday’s second round features three all-District I matchups. Upper Dublin takes on Garnet Valley while Neshaminy faces PW and CB South duels CR North in a pair of SOL clashes. Souderton faces Easton and Abington takes on Freedom, both District 11 teams in a doubleheader at Spring-Ford.

While there is an abundance of talented players on these remaining teams, that’s far from the only reason for the district’s success. It’s as much a result of the great coaches in the district, teams willingness to step out of their comfort zones in nonleague games and tough conferences that prepare these teams for the postseason.

At worst, the district will have three teams in the final eight and could have as many as five. MILESTONE FOR WILSON » Wissahickon boys’ basketball coach Kyle

PETE BANNAN — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Upper Dublin’s Jackie Vargas puts a shot over Cardinal O’Hara’s Stephanie Huesby in the first quarter of their PIAA state playoff game at Archbishop Carroll Friday evening.