Dougherty, Gallagher Lead Crestwood Past Cocalico in State Playoff Opener
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | March 7, 2026 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
MOUNTAIN TOP — Crestwood opened the PIAA Class 5A girls basketball state playoffs with a strong performance Saturday night, defeating Cocalico 51–38 to advance to the second round.
The Comets wasted little time establishing control, jumping out to a 16–4 lead after the first quarter and setting the tone defensively. Cocalico battled back in the second quarter, trimming the deficit slightly, but Crestwood carried a 25–13 lead into halftime.
Cocalico continued to compete in the second half, but Crestwood maintained its advantage with steady scoring and defensive pressure. The Comets matched the Eagles with 13 points in both the third and fourth quarters, keeping the lead comfortably in double digits down the stretch.
Jackie Gallagher led the Comets with 20 points, converting 8-of-8 from the free throw line to pace the Crestwood offense. Keira Dougherty added 19 points, while Jordan Andrews chipped in 4 points and Charlie Hiller contributed 4 in a balanced effort.
Cocalico was led by Kira Lehman with 15 points and Corinne Fair with 14, but Crestwood’s early surge proved too much to overcome.
With the win, Crestwood advances to the Round of 16 in the PIAA Class 5A state playoffs, where the Comets will face the winner of Freire Charter and Marple Newtown on Wednesday at a site to be determined.
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