Friday’s matchup for Kane with West Middlesex is a notable achievement as both teams are in the Elite 8 for the first time. At this level, Kane Coach Dave Kiehl is far from surprised they are facing a team that has four back-to-back D-10 titles under their belts.
“At this point, everybody is good. There’s only 8 of us in the state — the Elite 8 I guess you call it,” Kiehl said. “If you look at the brackets, everyone is a one-seed or two-seed. That’s good.”
Despite the label — and the fierce competition, however, the Lady Wolves continue doing what they do.
“We approach every game very similar — one game at a time. That’s what we’ve done all season,” Kiehl noted. “I ask the girls to ‘bring your A-game’. When all is said and done, if they gave their best, that’s all I can ask of them.
“The kids are focused. I really like how this team has been focused, and the unity too. Those are things you can’t coach.”
West Middlesex Coach Mike Williams took over a program that had not won a playoff game in over two decades and has led the team to four consecutive District 10 titles. Friday’s game, however, is the first-ever appearance in the Elite 8 for the West Middlesex girls’ basketball program.
The team is led by Makennah White, a 6’0” Junior who averages 21 points per game. White also averages double-digits in rebounding, making her a force to be reckoned with. She is backed by Emily Anthony, a 5’5” Freshman who averages nine points per game, and Karsyn Rupert, a 5’8” Senior, who contributes, on average, eight points per game.
“They have heights — their best player is six-foot,” Kiehl confirmed. “We’re going to match up pretty well with them, we’ll just see.”
Senior Ella Marconi, who averages 23 points per game, holds the distinction of being District 9’s leading scorer. Meanwhile, the 6’2” Marconi, who also averages double digits in boards, is backed by fellow Senior Hannah Buhl, who holds the Kane school record for most three-pointers made. Buhl averages 9.5 points per game.
“They are ready to go. They approach each game with maturity,” Kiehl said of his two seniors and the team in general.
One thing the Lady Wolves have not done is waste the chance to learn and grow. Despite a disappointing start to the season, the current crown of Elite 8 status is a testament to their hard work.
“We lost our first two of three, and those are two of our three losses now. How much they have improved throughout the season is just tremendous,” Kiehl said. “The sophomores have really stepped up, which is what we needed. Also, the leadership of Ella and Hannah, our two seniors, are just tremendous. It’s nice to sit back and watch. (Those two) have been playing together since elementary. It’s just fun.”
Support from the fans is not something Kiehl and the team take lightly.
“The town has been tremendous. The following we have has been tremendous, and I don’t expect any different tomorrow night in Franklin,” he said. “Tuesday was a school night, and there was a big, big crowd there Tuesday night. Punxsy is not a short trip from Kane.”
Kane (25-3) will face off with District 10 Champion West Middlesex (24-3), in the PIAA Class 2A Quarterfinals Friday, at 7 pm in the gymnasium at Franklin Senior High School.
“I like our opportunity, let’s put it that way,” Kiehl concluded.
