Plymouth Whitemarsh High School’s boys basketball team has transformed its season following a challenging start. After struggling to a 4-4 record just three weeks ago, the Colonials now find themselves on a six-game winning streak, boasting an overall record of 10-4 and a perfect 5-0 in the Suburban One League (SOL) Liberty Division. Their recent success includes a title at the 2025 Surf ‘N Slam San Diego Hoop Classic and a commanding 42-point victory against Upper Dublin, the defending league champions.
The Colonials entered the season with significant expectations. They reached the District 1-6A championship last year and returned their top six players. With this experienced lineup, the team aimed for multiple championships, including the league title and state tournament success. Despite early non-league setbacks against strong opponents like Roman Catholic and Archbishop Wood, Plymouth Whitemarsh’s resilience has begun to pay off.
Jack Hayes, a senior guard, reflected on the benefits of their tough schedule, stating, “The atmospheres that we’re playing in are very good for us going forward. It’s definitely going to help down the road.” Coach Jim Donofrio shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience against formidable teams.
“Try to push the envelope a little bit to see if we can get a whole lot of experience in the front part of the season,” he said. “You just hope that the losing tests your heart. It’s a great experience for the kids if they can tough through it.”
As the team returned from California, their performance improved dramatically. The three victories on the West Coast came by an average of 22.6 points per game. Senior wing Mani Sajid has been a standout, averaging 28.6 points since their return. He acknowledged the value of their earlier losses, suggesting they would ultimately strengthen the team.
“Our schedule early in the season is really helping us out right now,” Sajid noted after the win over Upper Dublin. Fellow senior forward Micah Thompson highlighted the confidence gained from competing against top-tier teams, reinforcing the belief that they can contend with anyone.
Plymouth Whitemarsh has eight games remaining in the regular season, with aspirations to secure the SOL Liberty Division title. Winning three of their final five league games would guarantee at least a share of the title, while four wins would clinch it outright. The Colonials will also face competitive non-league opponents, including District 1-6A playoff teams like Neshaminy and Central Bucks East.
Upper Dublin Responds Strongly
In a notable response to their recent loss against Plymouth Whitemarsh, Upper Dublin has bounced back with two consecutive wins. The Cardinals defeated William Tennent 75-42 and then Spring-Ford, ranked fifth in District 1-6A, with a score of 55-34.
Upper Dublin’s strong performance against Spring-Ford was marked by a decisive 12-0 run that established an 11-point lead by halftime, leading to a 21-point victory. With a current record of 13-2, Upper Dublin sits atop the District 1-5A rankings and aims to maintain momentum as they prepare for upcoming matches against Bensalem and North Penn.
Dock Mennonite Academy’s Mike Fergus Approaches Milestone
Meanwhile, Mike Fergus, the head coach of Dock Mennonite Academy’s boys basketball team, is nearing a significant milestone in his coaching career. With 206 wins over 12 seasons at Dock, he is just one victory away from tying the program record of 207 wins set by former coach Tim Ehst.
Fergus has led the Pioneers to seven Bicentennial Athletic League regular-season titles, three BAL postseason championships, and three District 1 championships, while qualifying for the state playoffs eight times. His overall coaching record stands at an impressive 695 wins across 49 seasons.
As the season progresses, both Plymouth Whitemarsh and Dock Mennonite Academy continue to demonstrate resilience and determination in the pursuit of their respective goals.
