Sixth place Sun Valley High School upset second place Radnor in the first round of Semi-Final Delco Hi-Q competition. Radnor hosted Sun Valley and seventh place Haverford High Thursday in a standing-room only auditorium. After a word of welcome from Dr. Harry Jamison, a board member of sponsoring organization Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, the competing teams got off to a strong start. The first half ended with Radnor and Haverford tied with 28 points to Sun Valley’s 32. Haverford, fighting for a chance to make a consecutive trip to the Championship, made a comeback in the second half. Sun Valley and Haverford traded the lead position until the very end with Radnor just a couple of points behind. In fact, nary a question went unanswered in the semi-final round, though all three teams struggled with Chemistry. After the contest, scores were adjusted during the appeals process with Haverford and Sun Valley awarded additional points that did not change the outcome. The 2015-2016 Hi-Q season will mark Sun Valley’s first ever trip to the Championship round. Final Scores: Sun Valley 54, Haverford 51, Radnor 46
Last year’s champions Penncrest hosted fourth place Marple Newtown and fifth place Ridley on Friday in an attempt to make it to the final dance to defend their title. Mike Magnavita, Executive Vice President & CFO of sponsor Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union introduced the contest while principals and superintendents from all three schools were in the packed auditorium to cheer on their teams. Penncrest’s Championship experience was evident early in the contest when they took a 10 point lead over both teams. Marple Newtown and Ridley spent most of the first half tied with each other while trying to catch Penncrest. Ridley missed the last two questions in the half which allowed Marple Newtown to slip into second place. At intermission, the visiting Tigers were within 8 points of the home team Lions but never came close enough to overcome. Penncrest only missed their question in Art History for a nearly perfect second half that secured them a place in the Championship. Final Scores: Penncrest 54, Marple Newtown 36, Ridley 27
Overall top scorer, Garnet Valley, will host Penncrest and Sun Valley on March 8the at the 68th Championship contest. At stake is the Donna Zerby trophy, bragging rights, cash prizes donated by Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and the satisfaction that comes from being rewarded for months of studying and practice. To that end all 20 teams deserve kudos for the preparation and dedication associated with this academic challenge.
Championship Teams
Garnet Valley has a long history of successful Delco Hi-Q seasons. They finished third in last year’s Championship and earned consecutive titles in 2011 and 2012, for a total of six. This is the school’s twentieth championship appearance since 1977. Faculty Advisor Lesley Arensberg has been coaching the team for ten years and fellow advisor Sandra Dubnansky is in her fifth year.
Penncrest continues to add to their record amount of Championship appearances and will have the opportunity to defend their title. This is the thirtieth time that the Lions will fight for the opportunity to become champions, while already holding a near record eleven titles. Twenty four of those appearances have taken place in the last twenty five years. Heather Ludwig is in her third year as Faculty Advisor.
Sun Valley makes their first ever trip to the Championship contest. They were a semi-finalist last season. It’s been a while since any school has made a first appearance in this round. The last time any Delco Hi-Q team made a Championship debut was back in 1995. Sun Valley Faculty Advisor, Joe Kochersperger, is in his first solo year of leading the team.
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