Wins are a source of pride in Delco Hi-Q but points are coveted by teams hoping for a playoff appearance. The high scoring team moves directly to the Championship while the next six teams compete in a semi-final round to earn a place in the Championship. It all came down to the last three regular season contests to determine the playoff rankings.
The Christian Academy started the week by hosting Strath Haven and Ridley High Schools. TCA took a one point lead early in the contest but Strath Haven quickly regained the lead and held a 15 point advantage at the half and never looked back. Ridley struggled to gain points in the first half but found some success later in the game. Final Scores: The Christian Academy, 22; Ridley, 11; Strath Haven, 47.
Marple Newtown played host to Penncrest and Garnet Valley on Tuesday. The visiting teams tied for first at half time with 30 points each with Marple Newtown behind by 14. Penncrest took the lead in the second half and held it until the final Math toss-up question. It was Garnet Valley who buzzed in to take those last four points and the close win. Final Scores: Marple Newtown, 37; Penncrest, 52; Garnet Valley, 53.
The final regular season contest was held Wednesday at Interboro with Archbishop Carroll and Upper Darby. Upper Darby and Interboro held just a 2 point lead over Carroll at the half. It was still close late in the contest when Interboro scored the last 4 points to make the score even tighter. Upper Darby ended up with a one point win to end the regular season. Scores: Interboro, 30; Archbishop Carroll, 33; Upper Darby, 34.
With 21 contests complete, the playoff picture is clear. Delaware County Christian School led the regular season with 170 total points and will host the 71st Championship on March 6th at their Newtown Square campus. Their opponents will be decided by two semi-final contests.
Second place Garnet Valley, with 165 points, will host sixth place Marple Newtown and seventh place Strath Haven on February 20th.
Third place Penncrest, with 140 points, hosts the tied fourth place teams Radnor and the two-time defending Delco and National Hi-Q Champions from Haverford High School on February 19th. Teams will compete for prize money and The Donna Zerby Trophy, named for the late long-time Hi-Q National Director. All teams will be honored May 2 at the annual Partners in Education Celebration.
Delco Hi-Q is a partnership between Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation. FMFCU Foundation Executive Director Rick Durante serves as Hi-Q Director and Quizmaster, FMFCU Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist Danielle Griffin is Hi-Q Assistant Director, and DCIU’s Dave Bramble is the production engineer. In addition to support from the 21 participating schools, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and the Wilbur C. and Betty Lea Henderson Foundation are the primary corporate sponsors. Additional support comes from longtime sponsor Kimberly-Clark Chester Operations and the Delaware County Daily Times.
