Winter Preview by Devon Preparatory School

WINTER

‘THE TIDE IS RISING’

After

Indoor

Basketball

With the return of six experienced seniors, the defending state champion basketball team enters the season with confidence and momentum. This core group of seniors, comprising Zane Conlon ‘25, Reece Craft ’25, Shane Doyle ‘25, Mason Thear ’25, Mike Pergolis ‘25, and Calvin Smith ’25, brings valuable leadership and chemistry to the court. The team will set out to defend their title with strong team chemistry and leadership. With these seniors leading the charge, there’s potential to repeat last year’s success and even elevate their level of play. This group of seniors will blend in with a very talented group of younger players who are ready to learn the principles of Devon prep basketball. A challenging non league schedule and the ever challenging PCL lies ahead, but the team’s blend of skill, experience, and championship mentality positions them well for another exciting season.

Bowling

The Tide is coming off their best finish since joining the PCL. The Tide made a strong playoff push, eventually falling to Father Judge in the PCL semi-finals. The team will be returning a full starting lineup from last season, led by seniors Gavin Ola ‘25, Cole, Wingerd ’25, Ben Blades ‘25, and Wyatt Theissen ’25. There are high expectations for the team as they begin preparing for the upcoming season. Giorgio Cipolloni '26 and Bradley Hart '26 are expected to make big contributions to the team as well.

Ice Hockey

Following a historic second season where the Frozen Tide landed a semifinals berth and a AAA Flyers Cup game, a new and improved Devon Prep Ice Hockey team returns to rinks this Fall and there is no telling how far this bunch can go.

Led by captain James Gabriele ‘25 and assistant captains Kieran Crossan’25, Josh Vaughn ‘27, and Brendan Bachman ’25, the 2024-25 Frozen Tide are deeper and better.

The club’s strength, goaltending, is led by Grant Gale ‘26 and Aidan Wright ’27, back as the tandem for the second straight year. The “Great Wall of” Grant has been between the pipes since the inception of Devon hockey back in 2022.

Also returning is last year’s league leading scorer, Kieran Crossan and last year’s highest scoring freshman, Braydon Russo ‘27 as well as the mega talented Danny Dowling ’27, hiding his golf clubs for the winter so he can play defense for the Tide.

Key new additions include defenseman Sophomores Jan Bach ‘26, Connor Nattress ‘27, Talon Vernacchio ’27, and Johnathan Eves ‘27, as well as incoming Freshmen Danny Donegan ’28, Danny Pucci ‘28, and Matthew Epperson ‘28.

Crafty juniors Logan Reaney ‘26, Tristan Apalucci ’26, and Luc Gochtovtt ‘26 round out the offense with senior Sean Massey ’25, and it has become obvious that the high school hockey world better watch out for this year’s Frozen Tide.

Indoor Track

Devon Prep’s indoor track team is gearing up for an exciting season, filled with potential and promising talent across multiple events. With returning athletes who have already made their mark, along with emerging stars ready to step up, the team is poised to make significant strides in both individual and relay events this year.

Key Athletes and Events

• Sprints and Relays: Devon Prep’s sprinting squad is led by seasoned runners known for their explosive starts and quick finishes. The relay teams, in particular, have shown strong chemistry and smooth exchanges, making them top contenders in their events.

• Distance Runners: A dedicated group of distance runners is ready to take on longer events with endurance and grit. Their hard work during the off-season has improved their pacing and stamina, setting the stage for impressive performances in meets.

• Jumps and Throws: The team has several skilled jumpers and throwers who bring a competitive edge. With solid fundamentals and focused training, these athletes are expected to challenge their personal bests and contribute valuable points in field events.

Goals and Season Outlook

This season, Devon Prep aims to build on last year’s Spring successes and push for new heights. The athletes’ commitment to conditioning and technique will be crucial in competing against top-tier schools. With a well-rounded roster and strong leadership, Devon Prep’s indoor track team is set to deliver a season full of personal records, competitive finishes, and memorable moments. Expect them to be a formidable force in league meets and poised for potential postseason success.

Squash

Devon Prep’s squash team is entering the new season with high expectations, building off a solid foundation established in recent years. With a balanced roster featuring both experienced players and emerging talent, the team is ready to compete at a high level and make a strong push in league play.

The Devon Prep Squash program invites students from 6th to 12th grade to develop their skills, fitness, and sportsmanship in a supportive team environment. Held at the prestigious Philadelphia Country Club, sessions run every Monday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:45 PM, providing players valuable coaching and practice time. Whether new to the game or seasoned on the court, all players have the chance to improve, challenge themselves, and represent Devon Prep. This program encourages students to build resilience and teamwork while enjoying the dynamic game of squash. Join us and make strides both on and off the court!

Key Players and Strengths

• Experienced Leaders: Devon Prep is led by seasoned upperclassmen who have a solid grasp of the game and are familiar with the intensity required to compete in a rigorous squash schedule. These leaders will be crucial in setting the tone during matches and helping younger players navigate the challenges of the season.

• Emerging Talent: Several younger players are stepping up and showing significant progress, adding depth to the lineup. Their development will provide flexibility in match play and add a competitive edge that could make the difference in tight matches.

• Strong Work Ethic: Known for their disciplined approach and resilience, the players have been dedicated to improving their fitness and technique during the off-season. This dedication will help them maintain intensity in longer matches and gain an edge over opponents.

Goals and Outlook

This season, Devon Prep aims to solidify its reputation and make a statement in postseason play. The team’s mix of experience, up-and-coming talent, and commitment to improvement positions them well f ombination of skill, focus, and team spirit will make this a season to watch.

Swimming

Gearing up to make some waves in the 2024-2025 swimming season - The Tide swimmers return to the pool to have some fun and build upon the foundation that was laid last year! We are excited to welcome several returning swimmers along with gaining some new athletes trying out the sport, infusing some fresh talent and energy into our growing program. The team is looking forward to get back in the pool and to have another fun and succesful season!

Wrestling

The Devon Prep Tide Wrestling team is entering its fourth season as program and the team is excited to get back into action! The team has yet another very busy and competitive 2024-2025 schedule, which includes several tournaments (individual & duals), PCL matches, and non-league matches. After graduating two seniors from last season, the Tide is led by its lone Senior, Shane Dugan ‘25 (3x Captain). Shane and the Tide look to make an immediate impact this season on and off the mat. The Tide is also returning a strong lineup of underclassmen, which include Angelo Markham ‘27, Salvatore Albert ‘27, Drew Buzbee ‘27, Christian Leckman ‘27, and Grant Napoletano ‘27. The Tide is also looking forward to see the impact that all new wrestlers make this season.

The Tide opens up their season on the road, traveling to Bristol High School on December 4th at 5:00pm. Come out and support your Devon Prep Tide on their 2024-2025 campaign!