Spring-Ford narrowly defeated Perkiomen Valley 39-34 in a tense Pioneer Athletic Conference playoff matchup on February 4, 2026. The victory marked a significant turnaround for the Rams, who had previously lost to the Vikings in a double-overtime thriller just two weeks prior.
Leading the charge for Spring-Ford was Syaire Barnes, who contributed a game-high 16 points despite facing foul trouble that limited his playing time in the second half. His performance, along with key plays from teammates, propelled the Rams into the semifinals against an opponent to be determined later.
A Team Effort Fuels the Win
In this playoff clash, the No. 4 seed Spring-Ford improved its overall record to 17-6, while the No. 5 seed Perkiomen Valley fell to 15-8. Barnes noted the importance of maintaining a team-oriented approach, stating, “Last game I hit 1,000 points. We got away from our team game. As a leader, I apologized for letting that happen. We’re going to stay focused and prepare and work hard for these playoff games.”
The game started slowly for Spring-Ford, which did not score until the midway point of the first quarter and trailed 12-3 at the end of the period. Perkiomen Valley’s Ben Motley opened strong, scoring eight of his ten points in the first quarter, helping his team establish an early nine-point lead.
Spring-Ford head coach Joe Dempsey recognized the challenge posed by the Vikings, remarking, “We knew they were well-coached. They execute very well. Our offense was terrible. We had to speed them up.” Indeed, the Rams adjusted their strategy, applying full-court pressure that ultimately turned the game in their favor.
Crucial Plays Define the Game
Spring-Ford’s momentum shifted in the second quarter as they mounted a nine-point run before heading into halftime down 17-12. The Rams’ tenacity continued in the third quarter, where they tied the game at 19, and Jackson Wickersham provided crucial offensive rebounds that helped Spring-Ford secure its first lead shortly thereafter.
While Barnes faced foul troubles, he managed to score seven points in a critical 30-second stretch, pushing the Rams to a 32-30 lead late in the game. “Syaire didn’t play his best, but he had seven points in a 30-second span,” said Dempsey, underscoring the importance of Barnes’s timely contributions.
Perkiomen Valley fought back, with Chase Kelly narrowing the gap to 34-32 with just over a minute remaining. However, the Vikings struggled to find the basket in the closing moments, committing turnovers that allowed Spring-Ford to solidify their victory. Matteo Magazzolo added to the scoreline with three crucial free throws, sealing the Rams’ advancement in the tournament.
Reflecting on the game, Barnes expressed pride in his team’s resilience, stating, “The last six minutes, I had four fouls. I just had to be persistent and do what I could to help my team. I’m so proud of what we did.”
As the Rams prepare for their semifinal matchup, they remain focused on building momentum. Should Phoenixville defeat Pottstown in an upcoming game, Spring-Ford will face Methacton on Friday. If Pottstown wins, the Rams will compete against Pope John Paul II on Saturday.
The final score of 39-34 reflects the tight competition that characterized the match, with both teams showcasing determination and skill throughout the contest.
In addition to Barnes’s contributions, Wickersham and Jack Kennedy played pivotal roles, with Kennedy scoring all six of his points in the fourth quarter to aid the Rams’ comeback. This victory not only boosts Spring-Ford’s playoff hopes but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategy in high-stakes basketball.
