Chemistry.

It certainly has been a major factor for Marian’s success this season. The Colts hope to continue that when they host Philadelphia’s Sankofa Freedom in a PIAA Class 2A state opening-round playoff game on Saturday at 3 p.m.

The Colts (15-10) will enter the tournament off a 73-55 loss to undefeated Mahanoy Area (27-0) in the District 11 Class 2A title tilt, but head coach Scott Murray doesn’t believe his club will be deterred.

To reach the final, the sixth-seeded Colts upset both third-seeded Lincoln Leadership (62-52) and second-seeded Schuylkill Haven (50-48).

“We’ve been the best version of ourselves,” said Murphy about Marian’s playoff run. “We got beat up a little bit by a state title contender (Mahanoy). But we have been playing well together for the past couple of weeks, and we want to continue that.”

The Colts’ next challenge will come in the form of Sankofa Freedom, which recently lost to Math, Civics, and Science in the Philadelphia Public League B quarterfinals. The Warriors (12-13) are led by point guard Nasir Williams, who averages 16.8 points per game, and forward Nahise Dubose, who adds 14.6 ppg and 10 rebounds per contest.

The Warriors played one District 11 team this season and their result was impressive as they edged powerful Class 3A champion Executive Education Academy, 59-53, on Jan. 25.

“They’re very good, and don’t let their record fool you,” said Murphy. “Williams can be a Division I player, who is a great shooter and very athletic. They have height, and will pressure the ball.

“It is paramount for us to be able to handle their pressure to win the game.”

Colts’ senior guard Julius Currie, who leads the team in scoring averaging 15.48 points per game, has watched his team jell. He knows they need to control the tempo against an anticipated up-tempo approach from their opponent.

With chemistry, there is assurance.

“In my opinion, our chemistry has been great because we are really trusting each other,” said Currie. “We’ve all matured so much more.

“I think that they’re going to try to speed us up, but we need to try to control the pace as much as possible.”

Fellow senior forward Jesse Rodino, who chips in with 10.56 ppg and 9.4 rebounds per game, has also bought into the philosophy.

“I’m confident in the guys to get the job done,” said Rodino. “Give credit to our coaches for putting in a great game plan for us. If we execute the game plan and play unselfish team basketball, it will be a game to watch.

“I expect a pretty fast-paced game because they are a good, athletic team.”

Murphy expects both of his star players to maintain their heightened level of play.

“Julius has been playing really good lately,” said Murphy. “We run a lot through him, and he is an underrated passer. He has really bought in, and he has become a huge threat who deserves a lot credit.

“Jesse is our team leader, and he has made my life easier. He handles a lot of internal issue in the locker room. He grinds it out all the time, and I feel blessed to coach him.”

Marian lost to Philadelphia’s Masterman High, 70-62, in the opening round during its last trip to states in 2017. Despite a lengthy hiatus since their last visit, Murray isn’t worried about the possible daunting mental effect of a state playoff game.

“They’re a pretty loose group,” he said. “They don’t get too wound up. We’re also very happy to have a home game. I think that will help us.

“We haven’t played a team like them, and they haven’t played a team like us. It will be a game of two contrasting styles. If we can handle their pressure, we’ll be there in the fourth quarter.”