Spring-Ford Edges Perkiomen Valley 39-34 in PAC Playoff Thriller

In a tightly contested playoff match, the Spring-Ford boys basketball team secured a hard-fought victory over Perkiomen Valley with a score of 39-34 in the Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC) playoffs on February 4, 2026. This victory allows the No. 4 seeded Rams to advance to the semifinals, while the No. 5 seeded Vikings prepare for the upcoming District 1-6A playoffs.

Syaire Barnes, a standout player for Spring-Ford, led his team with a game-high 16 points, despite facing foul trouble that limited his minutes in the second half. Other key players stepped up during the game, including Jackson Wickersham, whose contributions on the boards proved essential in the Rams’ comeback. The victory marks an important moment for Spring-Ford, improving their overall record to 17-6.

Game Highlights and Key Performers

In their previous encounter just weeks earlier, Barnes had achieved a milestone by surpassing the 1,000-point mark for his career, although the Rams fell to the Vikings in double overtime. Following that loss, Barnes emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “We got away from our team game. As a leader, I apologized for letting that happen.” His focus on teamwork was evident as Spring-Ford displayed a more cohesive effort throughout the match.

The game started slowly for the Rams, who found themselves trailing 12-3 at the end of the first quarter. Perkiomen Valley’s Ben Motley was a key offensive force, scoring 10 points in the first half, contributing to the Vikings’ early lead. Chase Kelly also played a crucial role for the Vikings, leading the team with a total of 13 points.

As the game progressed, Spring-Ford began to find their rhythm. They forced a faster tempo and managed to score nine consecutive points, closing the gap by halftime to just 17-12. Coach Joe Dempsey noted the need to speed up the game, acknowledging the Vikings’ strong coaching and execution. “Our offense was terrible. We had to speed them up,” he said.

Spring-Ford’s full-court pressure in the third quarter proved effective as they tied the game at 19 before taking their first lead. Wickersham’s efforts on the boards were pivotal, as Coach Dempsey praised his performance, saying, “Wickersham was amazing. He really broke out tonight.”

Crucial Moments in the Final Quarter

In a crucial final quarter, the Vikings briefly regained the lead at 30-25 with just under three minutes remaining. However, Barnes, despite his foul trouble, showcased his scoring ability, hitting a critical three-pointer and driving to the basket for layups that propelled the Rams to a 32-30 lead.

Perkiomen Valley struggled to score in the closing moments, allowing Spring-Ford to extend their lead. With only 10 seconds left in the game, the Vikings managed to score again, but it was too late. Blake Turner’s basket and Matteo Magazzolo’s free throws sealed the victory for the Rams.

Reflecting on the game, Barnes expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the challenges. “I had four fouls in the last six minutes, but I just had to be persistent and do what I could to help my team. I’m so proud of what we did,” he said.

Coach Dempsey also congratulated his players, emphasizing the significance of each possession in such a close match. “Every possession was magnified. We played defense and gutted out a win,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Spring-Ford’s next opponent will be determined based on the outcome of the Phoenixville versus Pottstown game. If Phoenixville wins, the Rams will face the top-seeded Methacton, while a Pottstown victory would set up a matchup against the second-seeded Pope John Paul II.

In summary, the Spring-Ford Rams showcased resilience and teamwork in their 39-34 victory over Perkiomen Valley, marking a strong statement in the PAC playoffs and setting the stage for their next challenge.