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READING -- It was after a school board meeting during the summer of 2006 that Troy Sowers told me, "I have my dream job."
That night Sowers was officially hired as the head basketball coach at William Penn Senior High School.
The hiring made sense. Sowers has always called himself a "York High guy" and at that time had 15 years teaching in the district, then at Hanna Penn Middle School.
Sure, he had a few prior coaching jobs, but he remained steadfast, including surviving three separate interviewing processes. He knew that one day he would coach the Bearcats.
Wednesday night, Sowers left Reading High School's Geigle Complex, three days away from his second biggest dream: a PIAA Class AAAA championship.
Bryce Jordan Center, here come the William Penn Bearcats, courtesy of the team's impressive 64-56 win over Plymouth-Whitemarsh in the AAAA semifinals.
Even back in 2006, Sowers knew it could happen.
"Absolutely, I could imagine it," he said. "We talked about winning championships and pushing secondary education."
The key was getting kids to buy into it, and this group has done exactly that.
Someone recently asked Sowers what the difference was in the 2008-09 Bearcats than previously talented teams.
"They listen," Sowers said. "Everything is steady and stable. You win off the court, you win on the court."
This team's maturity is evident. It never panics, especially during this state tournament when it trailed by double digits several times.
Lesser
Plymouth-Whitemarsh was bigger than William Penn and nearly as quick, and those two thundering baskets -- which brought deafening cheers from the Colonial fans -- helped the District 1's No. 6 team open an 11-2 lead.
Once again, there was no panic. Not from these Bearcats.
"We had 31 minutes and some seconds left," Sowers said. "We talked about it being a game of runs."
"Coach tried to calm us down," Malachi Leonard said. "Most coaches would have lost their minds. He just told us go out and execute our offense."
Sowers did admit to yelling a little during a timeout he called less than three minutes into the game.
Still, he managed to remain calm and -- as they have for every part of this 32-1 season-- the Bearcats responded.
Leonard found his game, scoring 16 points, fellow senior Malik Generett became a monster under the basket, even against 6-foot-9 Whitemarsh tower C.J. Aiken.
Sophomore Kelvin Parker was nothing short of sensational with 19 points, and the rest of the guards contributed great defense that frustrated yet another opponent.
"We are mentally tough," Leonard said. "We work so hard that we are not going to give up early."
So much of this team reflects Sowers' demeanor. Expect more of the same Saturday night when the team faces another District 1 foe, Penn Wood, with a chance at its first state title.
Even St. Joseph University head coach Phil Martelli took notice Wednesday.
The veteran college coach nudged between reporters and told Sowers, "Congratulations. Your team is very well-coached. Very well-coached."
Steve Navaroli is a sports reporter for the Daily Record/Sunday News. Reach him at snavaroli@ydr.com, 771-2060
