Upper Moreland Sets the Bar High in History-Making Season

Brian Corrado has been part of the Upper Moreland boys basketball team for the last 18 years. He’s served as head coach for the last 15 years, but the 2012-13 season marked a first for the basketball program.

The Golden Bears celebrated their first-ever District title this past season, and it was the first time UM had the opportunity to even play in the championship game. The win helped get Corrado’s squad to the state tournament for only the second time in his tenure.

“One other year in my time here did we make the state tournament” Corrado said. “That was back in ‘06, when they took four teams in District 1 from AAA and we were the third seed … We set some lofty goals and it was very nice to fulfill that and win a district title."

Upper Moreland defeated Pope John Paul II 57-49 on March 1 to earn the school a championship banner and make history. They were led by team captain Matt Kohn, 2^nd-team All League selection Kevin McFall and All-League Honorable Mention Tommy Robinson.

With the district title under their belts, the Golden Bears advanced to the state tournament. They were without standout star Kohn, who broke his wrist in the title game against Pope John Pall II.

“It was tough on a lot of different levels,” Corrado said of losing Kohn.  “He's such a special player and he plays probably the toughest position that a coach doesn't want to lose. He's like the extension of me out on the court. Not having him definitely put us at an disadvantage, but the other guys gave a heck of an effort.”

Despite falling to Susquehanna Township in the first round of states, the improvement of the team from start to finish was reward enough. Upper Moreland came together as a team at exactly the right time to end the season with a little bit of history made. 

“As a coaching staff we realized the group that we had,” Corrado said. “From a chemistry standpoint and a talent standpoint. It definitely evolved over the course of the season, which is good. I believe we ended up playing the best basketball at the end of the season. That's indicative of guys coming together and having a strong bond.”

Now with success under their belts, the returning players for next season have expectations to live up to. Three of the starting five players and five of the first seven will return for the 2013-14 season.

“We talked as a team after Friday night,” Corrado said. “We talked about how this group of seniors, this team, everyone has now set the bar a little bit higher. Not only making it to the title game, making state tournaments, are now goals and aspirations here on out because of this team.”