The Haverford Girls’ Basketball team has been one of Haverford’s biggest successes in recent seasons, winning the Central League Championship in 2023 and 2024, and even completing an undefeated season in 2023. The team has made the PIAA State Playoffs for four consecutive seasons, this year making their first-ever appearance in the State Quarterfinals. 

The Fords were a force to be reckoned with during district playoffs, winning the first and second rounds but losing to Garnet Valley in the quarterfinals. During the first round of playbacks, the girls scored a total of 71 points against Cheltenham, the highest number of points scored in a game in team history. Senior Rian Dotsey contributed 35 of those points, her highest total this season. Dotsey was also selected for the Central League First Team this year.

The second round of district playbacks was a riveting match, with the girls trailing 20-5 in the second quarter against Conestoga. Despite the deficit, the team stayed focused and pulled off a 43-35 win to secure the fifth seed in the State Playoffs. This comeback win at such an essential game showed the resilience and determination of this team. Senior Mya Foley says that their confidence in themselves and each other was what allowed them to come back. “We knew how important our placement in the bracket was and how winning would give us an advantage. We let it all out on the court.” 

The excitement continued during the State Playoffs. The Fords were away at Easton for the first round and won in overtime with a final score of 52-50, after being down for the majority of the game. This marked the second consecutive year in which the girls made it to the second round of the state playoffs. They maintained their momentum in the second round against Downingtown East, winning 44-24. This victory allowed them to advance to the State Quarterfinals for the first time in team history. Unfortunately, their historic run came to an end in the quarterfinals, as they lost 51-35 to Upper Saint Clair.

Foley says the team dynamic was what made them so successful. “The seniors have been playing together for the past four years, so we were able to anticipate each other’s movements on the court. We were very selfless this season; it didn’t matter who scored, we would constantly share the ball.” 

With the loss of four essential players, it’s difficult to say what the team will look like next season. However, it’s clear from their past few seasons that the entire team and the coaching staff are what makes this team great, not just four seniors.