State Champion Aces Honored at the Capital

The view from the top, so far, has been pretty good for the Aces.

A month after the team won the PIAA Boys Basketball AAAA state championship over rival Chester by a 63-47 score, the team was invited to the state House of Representatives, where they were recognized by Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery).

The Aces, including the team's coaching staff, were invited to the House floor during the April 24 session, where Reps. Pam DeLissio and Mary Jo Daley were also on-hand to recognize the group.

Briggs applauded the group for toppling a Chester team that had blown them out in the state finals the previous spring.

“I am so proud of the Aces for defeating a team that had won 78 games in a row over three years against Pennsylvania opponents. It was a feat many critics thought was impossible,” Briggs said, according to a press release. “I never doubted the Aces, and I was thrilled to watch them take the lead in the second quarter and never look back.”

If the Aces do look back now, what they'll see is as impressive a season as the school has ever submitted. The team finished the season with a 30-3 record, tied for the best record in the program's history. The state title that capstoned the year was the seventh in school history, and the third for coach Greg Downer. 

Individual accolades have rolled in as well. Senior BJ Johnson earned First Team All-State, while classmate Yohanny Dalembert earned Second Team honors. Coach Downer was named Pennsylvania Coach of the Year for the third time.

“These young men exemplify dedication and perseverance,” Briggs said. “I am proud to represent the Lower Merion Aces, and can’t wait to root for them as they try to repeat as champions next year.”