![Panthers Bring Home the PAISAA State Championship]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678113817/perkiomen/ysyskuueki24z7wxqomj/PAISAATeamPic.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678113817/perkiomen/ysyskuueki24z7wxqomj/PAISAATeamPic.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678113817/perkiomen/ysyskuueki24z7wxqomj/PAISAATeamPic.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1678113817/perkiomen/ysyskuueki24z7wxqomj/PAISAATeamPic.jpg","width":1080}])
On Sunday, February 26, the National Boys Basketball team claimed the PAISAA title in a 79-77 overtime victory over George School at St. Joseph’s University. The historic win marks the first State Championship in program history for the Panthers.
“It was an amazing experience to be able to be part of such a highly competitive championship game and come out on top,” says head coach Thomas Baudinet. “George had a tremendous season and played an outstanding game. I’m so happy for our players and their families, our coaches, and all of the students, faculty and staff who have supported us over the years to be able to bring a championship home to Perkiomen.”
In a closely-contested game, Bobby Rosenberger ’24 was the Panthers leading scorer, netting 20 points including the winning free throw with only a few seconds left on the clock.
“Being at the free throw line at the final seconds of the game was a crazy way to end the game,” said senior Bobby Rosenberger. “It was as if it was a story book ending to a great season. I knew my coaches and teammates had my back and supported me so at the free throw line I was focused. At that point it was all muscle memory and I was not feeling nerves. After hitting the free throws I was overflowed with emotions and was ecstatic to finally win a state championship and be a crucial part in doing so.”
The Panthers fought through adversity as two of their leading seniors fouled out before the conclusion of the fourth quarter. Several other players stepped up to the challenge to send the game into overtime and secure the victory for the Panthers National team. Gabe Tanner ’25 was crucial, scoring 19 points, and DeMajh Salisberry ’24 scored 13 points to help lift the Panthers to victory. The Perkiomen Panthers avenged their loss to Westtown in last year’s final and brought the PAISAA trophy back to Pennsburg.
“This game meant a lot to me personally, as this is my fourth and final year here at Perkiomen School,” continued Rosenberger. “Winning this game meant a lot because it really shows how all the hard work pays off in the end and I was glad to be able to experience with such great coaching staff, teammates, and supporters of the program.
The Perkiomen School community congratulates the team, coaches, managers, and all those involved with the program.
Picture credits: HH Visions LLC