Upper Merion Basketball Aims for Redemption After Tough Season

Upper Merion’s boys basketball team is determined to turn around their fortunes following a challenging 2024-25 season that ended with just one victory. The Vikings, under the guidance of head coach Matt Rafferty, are focusing on senior leadership and accountability as they strive for improvement this year.

Rafferty, now in his second season, acknowledges the painful lessons learned from last year’s 1-21 record. He emphasizes the importance of not entirely forgetting the struggles of the past but rather using them as motivation to avoid repeating mistakes. “It’s not so much keeping it in the past – it’s more making sure they know we don’t want that feeling again,” Rafferty stated. This newfound perspective has fostered a sense of purpose among the players, who are eager to rewrite their narrative.

The offseason has seen a notable increase in participation, with 20 to 25 players attending open gyms and summer workouts, more than double last year’s numbers. This shift indicates a collective desire to improve and turn the program’s reputation around. For the past eight seasons, Upper Merion has struggled with losing records, but the players are committed to changing the tide. “We’re doing everything with purpose – not just coming in and going through the motions,” Rafferty added.

Leading the charge this season are seniors Kody Gansky, Kylee Hill, and Semaj Stewart, each bringing valuable skills to the team. Gansky is noted for his shooting ability and leadership qualities, while Hill is recognized as the team’s best defensive player. Stewart has developed significantly, showcasing his ability to handle the ball and contribute offensively.

Despite the team’s current record of 0-3, there are signs of progress in their gameplay. In their season opener against Lansdale Catholic, the Vikings faced a tough loss, managing only 26 points. However, they improved offensively in their next game against Haverford, losing 70-52 but with several players, including sophomore Kevin Norris, stepping up to score between 12 and 18 points.

The latest match against defending Frontier Division champion Pottsgrove demonstrated further advancement. Upper Merion led by three points after the first quarter and maintained a one-point lead at halftime. Although they ultimately lost 43-40, the competitive nature of the game compared to previous seasons shows that the team is on the right track.

Rafferty remains optimistic about the team’s mentality, stating, “The mentality these guys have now is where we want it to be as a coaching staff and program.” As they continue to work on their finishing skills, Upper Merion aims to translate their effort and determination into victories as the season progresses. The aim remains clear: to make the playoffs and restore pride to the program this year.