By qualifying for the District 1 playoffs, the Upper Perkiomen boys basketball team would consider its current season a success, according to Liam Boyle.

                With just three games remaining, that goal appears to be in reach. Early last week, the Indians were listed as the No. 14 team in unofficial Class 5A rankings on the district's website. The top 16 teams will qualify for the tournament.

                "It's exciting to see the team on the list," Boyle said. "Making the playoffs would provide an incredible boost for the program."

                However, Upper Perkiomen's grip on a potential playoff berth might have loosened following a 66-54 loss to Pottsgrove in the Pioneer Athletic Conference on Jan. 27.

                Nick DeCurtis poured in a career-high 29 points for the visiting Panthers, who entered the week ranked No. 18 in the same standings.

                Nik Curnew scored 13 points for Pottsgrove, which utilized fourth quarter flurry to extend a 51-45 lead and secure the victory.

                Boyle scored a team-high 18 points and Ryan Kendra added 16 points before fouling out for the Indians (6-6 PAC, 10-9 overall), who fell behind by 12 points in the first quarter – due to a poor shooting performance – and could never recover.

                According to head coach Jared Krupp, the loss will make his team's path to the post-season more difficult.

                "We're hoping to qualify for districts," Krupp said. "We've spoke a lot about it with the players. Getting in would be a big accomplishment."

                According to the Krupp, Pottsgrove helped itself significantly in the race for a playoff berth with the win. 

                Despite falling behind 22-10 late in the first quarter, Upper Perkiomen rallied in the second half. The team pulled within 47-46 midway through the fourth quarter on a layup by Kendra off a pass from Bo Duka.

                However, the Panthers utilized a 13-2 run to secure the victory. DeCurtis scored 10 of those points, including two free throws with 1:04 remaining, to put them ahead 60-48.

                During a pivotal offensive possession midway through the quarter – with the Indians trailing 51-46 – the players had four quality shot opportunities, but couldn't pull the trigger.

                Instead, Pottsgrove forced a steal. DeCurtis' 3-point play at the other end of the floor stretched the lead to 54-46.

                "I feel like our shooters were a little more hesitant than usual because they were afraid Pottsgrove's quick defenders would knock the ball away," said Boyle, a junior guard.

                "We were a little bit off our game. Pottsgrove played a whole lot faster than they did during our first meeting."

                According to Krupp, the Indians expectations continue to grow. Though they posted a 64-45 victory over Palisades on Jan. 26, he said the players were disappointed with their performance.

                "The guys waited until the third quarter to show they were the better team," Krupp said. "We should have played like that earlier in the game, right away."

                Kendra finished with a team-high 17 points for Upper Perkiomen, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Nolan Graver posted 17 points, while Will Walker delivered 12 points and Boyle contributed with 11.

                On Tuesday, Walker and Nolan Graber each scored a team-high 15 points to lead the visiting Indians to a 54-51 victory over Pope John Paul II.

                Kendra delivered 12 points and Boyle delivered nine points for Upper Perkiomen, which utilized a 21-point third quarter to build a 46-35 lead heading into the fourth quarter.