Coolahan sparks Holy Ghost Prep to District 1 3A championship

Holy Ghost Prep's deliberate approach on offense, which led to a high number of baskets, achieved its goal of taking Bicentennial Athletic League rival Lower Moreland out of its usual rhythm.

"We definitely tried to slow the tempo down," senior wing Jack Coolahan said. "I think that was a big difference in how the game played out."

The Firebirds, also switching the looks of their zone defense, easily handled the Lions, 74-54, in the PIAA District 1 Class 3A final Saturday night at Council Rock South.

Coolahan had 15 points, four rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and two assists. Ten of the 6-foot-4, 180-pounder's points came after intermission.

Holy Ghost attempted only a pair of three-point shots.

"I wanted layups," longtime Firebirds coach Tony Chapman said. "I didn't want my guys shooting from the outside."

Coolahan shot 6 for 9 from the field and 3 for 5 from the three-point range. His three-point play was part of an 11-0 spurt early in the fourth quarter that put the Firebirds (20-7) ahead by 62-45.

Lower Moreland (21-6) went into the title clash with a 2-1 season edge.

"It's really sweet, especially for the seniors, to finish off this rivalry with a convincing win," Coolahan said.

Holy Ghost captured its fourth district title in the last seven seasons. Chapman has earned seven in his 38-year career in Bensalem.

Firebirds guard Aidan Bauer produced 22 points, three assists, and two steals in the romp. Fellow junior Mike McFadden, a 6-2 wing, equaled Coolahan's point total.

A solid effort was also turned in by junior guard John McCrane. He had nine points, nine boards, and six assists.

Holy Ghost will take on Archbishop Carroll, District 12's third-place finisher, in the opening round of states Friday night at a neutral site and time to be determined.

Lower Moreland, which shot 8 for 25 from beyond the arc, will face Milton Hershey, District 3's third-place qualifier, in the first round.

Senior point guard Danny Duffey spurred the Lions with 27 points, six assists, four boards, and two steals.

Holy Ghost Prep 14 13 24 23 - 74

Lower Moreland 7 15 20 12 - 54

HGP: Aidan Bauer 22, Mike McFadden 15, John McCrane 9, Julian Turner 5, Jack Coolahan 15, Ryan Wade 6, Joe Calvin 2.

LM: Danny Duffey 27, Tyler Millan 13, Nick Smolda 11, Dicky Rhoads 3.