The Spring-Ford Rams secured a hard-fought victory against the Perkiomen Valley Vikings, winning 39-34 in a tightly contested Pioneer Athletic Conference playoff match on February 4, 2026. This win allows the Rams, seeded fourth, to advance to the semifinals, while the Vikings, seeded fifth, will prepare for the upcoming District 1-6A playoffs.
Spring-Ford’s star player, Syaire Barnes, led the team with a game-high 16 points, despite facing foul trouble that limited his play in the second half. Key contributions from teammates were pivotal in this low-scoring contest, highlighting a more cohesive team effort compared to their previous matchup.
The Rams entered the game with a sense of urgency after a double-overtime loss to the Vikings two weeks prior, where Barnes reached the 1,000-point milestone for his career. He expressed a desire to refocus on teamwork, saying, “As a leader, I apologized for letting that happen. We’re going to stay focused and prepare and work hard for these playoff games.”
Both teams struggled offensively at the start. Spring-Ford did not score until midway through the first quarter and found themselves trailing 12-3 after the opening period. Ben Motley led the Vikings early, contributing eight points in the first quarter, including two three-pointers. The Rams were determined to change the momentum, and head coach Joe Dempsey noted that they needed to increase the pace of the game.
As the second quarter progressed, Spring-Ford shifted its strategy, scoring nine consecutive points to narrow the deficit. By halftime, Perkiomen Valley maintained a narrow lead of 17-12, thanks in part to a three-pointer from Chase Kelly.
The third quarter proved to be crucial for the Rams. They intensified their full-court pressure, contesting every rebound and loose ball. Barnes, returning to the game after foul concerns, made a significant impact, scoring quickly to give Spring-Ford its first lead at 21-19. Jackson Wickersham played a critical role, securing several offensive rebounds that shifted the game’s momentum.
Despite the Rams’ efforts, Perkiomen Valley regained the lead late in the contest, pushing ahead to 30-25 with just under three minutes remaining. However, Barnes answered back with a long three-pointer, igniting a quick scoring spree that put the Rams back in front at 32-30.
As the game drew to a close, the Vikings struggled to find the basket, managing only two points in the final minute. Blake Turner added a crucial basket for Spring-Ford, while Matteo Magazzolo sealed the victory by hitting three of four free throws in the final moments.
“I’m proud of my kids,” Dempsey remarked after the game. “Every possession was magnified. We played defense and gutted out a win.”
The victory not only advances the Rams in the playoffs but also sets the stage for their next challenge. If the third-seeded Phoenixville defeats sixth-seeded Pottstown in the upcoming game, Spring-Ford will face the top-seeded Methacton. Should Pottstown emerge victorious, the Rams will compete against the second-seeded Pope John Paul II.
Spring-Ford’s next game will be held on either February 6 or 7, 2026, as they continue their quest for the PAC title.
