In a tightly contested match, the Spring-Ford boys basketball team edged out Perkiomen Valley with a score of 39-34 in the Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC) playoffs on February 4, 2026. The victory marked a significant turnaround for Spring-Ford, who had previously lost to the same team in double overtime two weeks prior.
The Rams, seeded fourth in the playoffs, improved their overall record to 17-6, while fifth-seeded Perkiomen Valley fell to 15-8. This win propels Spring-Ford into the semifinals, where they will face an opponent yet to be determined. Meanwhile, Perkiomen Valley will shift its focus to the upcoming District 1-6A playoffs, scheduled to begin on February 13.
Syaire Barnes, a standout player for Spring-Ford, led his team with a game-high 16 points despite spending a significant portion of the second half on the bench due to foul trouble. His teammates also stepped up, with Jackson Wickersham contributing crucial offensive rebounds and Jack Kennedy scoring six points in a pivotal fourth quarter. Matteo Magazzolo played a key role as well, going 4-for-6 from the free-throw line to help secure the victory.
Spring-Ford’s performance was not without its challenges. The Rams struggled early, failing to score until nearly halfway through the first quarter and finding themselves trailing by nine points at the end of the first period. Perkiomen Valley’s Ben Motley was particularly effective, scoring eight of his team’s 10 points in the opening quarter.
“We knew they were well-coached and executed very well,” said Spring-Ford’s head coach, Joe Dempsey. “Our offense was terrible early on, and we had to speed them up to regain control of the game.”
The Rams managed to adjust their strategy, applying full-court pressure and forcing a faster tempo, which allowed them to close the gap. By halftime, they had reduced Perkiomen Valley’s lead to just five points.
In the third quarter, Spring-Ford’s efforts paid off as they tied the game at 19. Wickersham’s contributions on the boards proved invaluable, and the Rams took their first lead of the night shortly thereafter. “Wickersham was amazing,” Dempsey noted. “He really broke out tonight.”
As the game progressed, both teams continued to battle intensely. Perkiomen Valley regained a 30-25 lead with just under three minutes to play, but Barnes responded with a three-pointer and a layup, giving Spring-Ford a narrow edge at 32-30.
Despite being sidelined with four fouls, Barnes made a significant impact in a crucial moment. “I just had to be persistent and do what I could to help my team,” he said after the game.
Chase Kelly attempted to lead a comeback for Perkiomen Valley, cutting the deficit to 34-32 with just over a minute remaining. However, Spring-Ford maintained its composure, with Blake Turner scoring a key basket off a pass from Kennedy. Magazzolo’s free throws sealed the game for the Rams, who emerged victorious after a tense final stretch.
Reflecting on the win, Dempsey expressed pride in his team’s resilience. “Every possession was magnified. We played defense and gutted out a win,” he stated.
The match was a rematch of an earlier season game where Spring-Ford triumphed 55-43. Both teams finished the regular PAC season with 6-4 records in the Liberty Division, demonstrating the competitive nature of this playoff encounter.
As Spring-Ford prepares for the semifinals, they await the outcome of the upcoming match between Phoenixville and Pottstown. Depending on the results, the Rams could face either the top-seeded Methacton or the second-seeded Pope John Paul II in their next challenge.
The final score was Spring-Ford 39, Perkiomen Valley 34, showcasing a thrilling playoff atmosphere and the determination of both teams.
