Thomas Haugh imposed his will during the second quarter of the Perkiomen School National Team's second-round win during the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state tournament last weekend. However, head coach

Preist Ryan, right, prepares to release a shot for  Perkiomen School in the Pennsylvania independ- ent Schools Athletic Association state tournament.

Thomas Baudinet said he wasn't awed by the effort.

            "It just seemed like another stretch for Thomas," Baudinet said. "He does it all the time."

            In retrospect, the coach said his player's efforts should be appreciated, especially in the postseason. Baudinet periodically reminds his team to enjoy the journey rather than focusing only on the goals.  "Our expectations are so high," the coach said. "I need to make sure they are enjoying the process. Winning state tournament games is not easy."

            The No. 1 seeded Panthers (24-4) advanced to the Final Four for the third consecutive season, and fourth straight tournament, with recent home victories over Friends' Central and Springside Chestnut Hill.

            They will host The Hill School on Friday in the semifinal round. The winner advances to the title game, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday at St. Joseph's University.

            Haugh, a 6-foot-9 post player with a promising future, said the players are focused on winning a state title. The senior from Hanover, who has accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Florida, is able to embrace the moment.

            Haugh and Preist Ryan carried Perkiomen School to a 74-56 victory over Springside Chestnut Hill in the second round on Saturday, Feb. 18. During the second quarter, Haugh took the game over, scoring 12 of his game-high 27 points. He drove to the basket four times, converting two driving layups, two free throws and a dunk off his steal at midcourt.

            Haugh pulled down six of his 13 rebounds and dished out two of his three assists during the quarter to help his team extend an 18-17 lead. His 3-pointer opened a 38-24 advantage late in the second quarter.

           "I really didn't notice that Thomas did anything special," Baudinet said of Haugh, who has scored less than 20 points once in his last 15 games. "He's been doing it all year. It's normal for him."

            Ryan, a senior from Tarentum who finished with 23 points, helped the Panthers to a fast start. He scored their initial 12 points, converting three layups, four free throws and a short jumper in the lane.  "Thomas and Preist did what we expect them to do," Baudinet said.

             Brant Byers posted nine points. Gabe Tanner contributed eight to help Perkiomen School defeat the No. 9 seeded Blue Devils. One day earlier, the Panthers overcame a sluggish start to score a 79-51 win over Friends' Central at the Hollenbach Athletic Center. Ryan finished with a game-high 30 points.

            Haugh registered 19 points. DeMajh Salisbery delivered 10 for Perkiomen School, which overcame a 22-15 deficit to the No. 16 seeded Phoenix early in the second quarter.

            Macon Emory posted eight points for the team, which relied on a seven-point run late in the second to snap a 27-27 tie. It pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Friends' Central 20-7 to extend a 38-30 halftime lead.

            The Panthers ended their regular season with a 95-60 win over Scotland Campus on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Haugh scored a team-high 28 points.

            Ryan contributed 24 points. Trey Micah Lieb delivered 13 points and Gabe Tanner added 12.