Led by senior Matt Kohn, the Upper Moreland boys varsity basketball team made history by earning a spot in the PIAA District 1 Class AAA after a thrilling win over Octorara on Wednesday night.
Kohn scored 28 points and now the boys from UM will travel to the Pavilion at Villanova University Saturday night for a showdown with third-seeded Pope John Paul II at 8 p.m. with the district title on the line.
Fourth-seeded Upper Moreland has won three of its last four games averaging just over 68 points per game. Its defense has been better allowing an average of 56 points per game in that span.
“It’s a great feeling,” Kohn said in an interview after the game. “I think we have the upper edge (in the final) because we are playing really good basketball right now. It’s all about experience; we were in this tournament last year and we’ve been in a lot of close games this year. We did a good job (Wednesday).”
With its win in the semifinals, Upper Moreland clinched its first bed in the state tournament since 2006.
“Our main focus in this game is to win a district championship – not just play in the game,” head coach Brian Corrado said. “All season long the coaching staff and the players have been looking forward to an opportunity to play for a championship, and now we have our chance.”