Stipa heads all-area team

The All-Southeastern Pennsylvania girls' basketball first team.

A lot of things jump out at you when you watch Stipa play. She's relentless on defense, arguably one of the area's best at pestering the opposition. The Spring-Ford senior also has excellent ballhandling skills; her basketball IQ is off the charts; and she never seems to tire, even though she plays 30-plus minutes each game.

Those are all impressive qualities, as are the 13.6 points she averaged this season and the team-leading 38 three-pointers she hit. The Lafayette-bound point guard had 74 assists and 102 steals, too, and produced the second-highest rebounding average on the squad.

But what really made the 5-foot-5 Stipa stand out is just how tough she was. Game after game, Stipa's grit and determination helped the Rams overcome a tough nonleague schedule and win many games in which they trailed by double digits.

Stipa continually rose to the occasion, helping the Rams to a third straight Pioneer Athletic Conference crown, as well as berths in the District 1 Class AAAA title game and PIAA state championship game.

Perhaps the most athletically gifted player in the area, the 6-foot senior can take the ball to the hoop, shoot the mid-range jumper, and knock down the three, making her a threat all over the court. The Villanova-bound guard, who has great ballhandling skills for her height, averaged 17.4 points, consistently grabbing rebounds and earning steals, and helping the Magic earn their second straight Catholic Academies championship and a berth in the District 1 Class AAAA final four.

Headed to George Washington, the 5-foot-9 senior averaged 16.5 points for the Lions. Explosive at the point, as well as a solid defender, Farmer was always a threat to penetrate the lane, taking it to the hoop or kicking the ball out to an open teammate. The Catholic League Most Valuable Player carried the Lions during many games this season, as O'Hara advanced to the league semifinals and the Class AAAA state tournament.

Dynamic with amazing ballhandling skills, Cryor adjusted to her first season with the Saints quickly and with resounding results. Helping the program earn its first Catholic League championship since it became Neumann-Goretti in 2004 and capture the District 12 Class AA championship, Cryor sparked the Saints to a 29-1 record, with the loss coming in the state final. The 5-foot-5 junior, a transfer from Prep Charter, averaged 13 points as she anchored the quickest transition team in the area, and she also made her presence felt on the defensive end.

A sharpshooting guard for the Pandas, the 5-foot-7 junior has remarkable range from beyond the arc, hitting 69 three-pointers this season, second-highest among area players. But she can do a lot more than just shoot the three, and she was always dangerous with the ball in her hands. Averaging 16.7 points, the St. Joseph's recruit helped make the Pandas one of the top programs in the Catholic League.

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