Aaron Anders-Wyomissing

Delone Catholic has won seven District 3 championships and four state titles. Head coach Gerry Eckenrode has racked up 665 career victories including 587 over the past 25 years with the Squirettes. Over the past two seasons, however, Wyomissing’s defense has shut down mighty Delone Catholic. The Spartans allowed just 30 points last year when they claimed their first District 3 championship. On Thursday afternoon, it was deja vu all over again. Wyomissing defeated the top-seeded Squirettes 45-32 in the District 3-4A Final at the Giant Center. Head coach Aaron Anders was thrilled with how his team controlled the boards. “They did an unbelievable job of one shot and done. There’s not too many times where they got second shots,” he said. Anders stressed that being unselfish was another key factor. “These girls find each other. Whoever is open, they get it. They don’t care who’s scoring. It’s just a matter of the W,” he stressed. Amaya Stewart piled up 14 points and 18 rebounds. Audrey Hurleman provided ten points including eight in the second half. Annie McCaffrey, the lone senior in the starting lineup, added eight points. Sophomore guard Kacey Maggs gave the (28-0) Spartans an early boost with five points in the opening quarter. Wyomissing had a 13-8 cushion after eight minutes. Delone Catholic scored the first five points of the second quarter, but the Spartans ended the first half with a 9-0 run. They limited the (22-3) Squirettes to six points in the third quarter. Wyomissing was in front 33-19 entering the final period. Delone Catholic came into the game averaging 51 points. The Spartans’ defense has been suffocating all season. They held third-seeded Northern Lebanon to 15 points in the semifinals on Monday. The Squirettes were content to launch from the perimeter, while Wyomissing attacked the basket. Delone Catholic made six 3-pointers and six shots inside the arc. The Spartans hit just two triples. They were 6-of-6 from the free throw line. The Squirettes went 2-for-2 from the stripe. Wyomissing has won two straight BCIAA championships and back-to-back District 3 titles. This is uncharted territory for the program. The players and coaches are enjoying the ride. “It’s special. These kids believe in one another, play for one another and sell out every day,” said Anders.