Catholic League champ O’Hara well represented
MATT SMITH’S GIRLS BASKETBALL SUPER 7
In addition to Player of the Year Hannah Nihill of Cardinal O’Hara, the rest of the All-Delco girls basketball team includes:
Bella Sorrentino, Archbishop Carroll:
The senior guard was instrumental in helping the Patriots reach the quarterfinal round of the PIAA Class 6A playoffs. Sorrentino, who garnered third-team All-Delco a year ago, impacted games in the frontcourt as well as the backcourt. A gritty player who can shoot, dribble and drive, and defend any area of the floor, Sorrentino had her clutch moments, including when she made a handful of free throws in the waning moments of regulation in Carroll’s twopoint victory over Harrisburg in the second round of the state tournament. An All-Delco soccer player, she will continue her career on the pitch at Temple University.
Kenzie Gardler, Cardinal O’Hara:
The junior guard and two-time All-Delco continued her ascension as one of the top backcourt players in the area. The three-year starter averaged 9.5 points per game and was the second-leading 3-point shooter on the team (behind fellow junior Maura Hendrixson). She hit a career-high seven 3s in an overtime loss to Ursuline Academy. Gardler, a fantastic combo who also plays lockdown defense, paced the Lions with 18 points in their PIAA Class 6A quarterfinal victory over North Penn. She was a 77 percent shooter at the free-throw line. Gardler committed to Villanova prior to her sophomore season.
Maura Hendrixson, Cardinal O’Hara:
The junior guard is best known for her ability to make 3-point baskets, but Hendrixson is far from a one-dimensional player. The first-time All-Delco played stellar defense, excelled at rebounding and was clutch at the free-throw line all season. She made big foul shots down the stretch and scored 11 points in the Lions’ Catholic League championship win over Archbishop Wood. A three-year starter, Hendrixson averaged 8.2 points per game and was tied for second place in the county with 53 3-point field goals. Hendrixson will join Nihill at Drexel in 2018.
Mary Sheehan, Cardinal O’Hara:
The senior forward and three-year starter was the Lions’ workhorse. A guard/forward who can do a little bit of everything on the floor, Sheehan was a lowpost and mid-range threat for four years at O’Hara. She battled against bigger foes in the paint and handled the assignments with aplomb. In her final season, Sheehan, a three-time All-Delco, scored her 1,000th career point and was the team leader in points per game (13.1). She was also the Lions’ top rebounder. Sheehan was excellent during the Lions’ run to the PIAA Class 6A semifinals, averaging a teambest 12.5 points in four games. Sheehan will continue her career at Saint Joseph’s.
Elodie Furey, Episcopal Academy:
The senior forward/center was instrumental in helping the Churchwomen claim a share of the Inter-Ac League championship. She led them in several statistical categories, including points (10.0), rebounds (8.0) and blocked shots. In the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association playoff semifinal, she had 12 points and was 8-for-9 at the free-throw line in EA’s heartbreaking, twoovertime defeat to Germantown Academy. For her efforts, Furey was named Most Valuable Player of the Inter-Ac League. A first-time All-Delco, Furey will continue her career at Cornell. (Final) 1. Cardinal O’Hara (23-6) 2. Archbishop Carroll (20-8) 3. Garnet Valley (23-6) 4. Springfield (24-5) 5. Episcopal Academy (15-9) 6. Radnor (18-9) 7. Notre Dame (14-12)