Fleetwood grad Jason Bieber anxious to get started with Bullets

By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent

One of Berks County’s most successful girls basketball coaches is taking over one of its fastest-rising teams. Jason Bieber has been hired at Brandywine Heights.

The former Boyertown coach, who led the Bears to the only PIAA championship in Berks girls basketball history in 2017, has been approved to coach the Bullets.

Bieber replaces Don Vinciguerra, who rebuilt the program and put it in position to thrive going forward. Brandywine went 18-8 last season, won Berks IV and was the top seed in the District 3 Class 3A tournament. It was the Bullets’ first winning record since 2014-15.

“I did my research,” Bieber said. “I saw they qualified for the state playoffs last year with a lot of young talent. There’s a lot coming back. It’s something I could work with.”

Brandywine’s six-player rotation included three sophomores and a freshman. The Bullets, who won their first 10 games, have only scratched the surface of what they can achieve.

Addison Benner, a 5-11 freshman, averaged 14.1 points to rank fourth in the league. She made 39 3-pointers and scored 366 points on her way to being named all-division.

Other notable returnees are point guard Olivia Moyer, a strong defender and floor leader; top rebounder Avery Potteiger; and 3-point sniper Dana Wartzenluft.

“Someone at one of the tournaments I run in the spring mentioned Brandywine was going to be open,” Bieber said. “I went on their website and it was. It’s a position where you can go in and have a solid core of players and the opportunity to be successful right away.”

Bieber, who started his varsity coaching career at Tulpehocken, ended a memorable 13-year run at Boyertown in April. The Fleetwood grad, who lives in Blandon, won 20 games four times and reached the PIAA semifinals in addition to his state title run.

After his time with Boyertown reached an end, Bieber hoped to continue coaching. It was a matter of finding the right fit. Brandywine couldn’t be better. It’s a close drive from his home and there’s a chance to win.

Bieber is happy to return to the Berks League and begin his next chapter.

“I’ve actually been champing at the bit just waiting for board approval so we can get started,” he said. “I just want to see these kids play and get them opportunities. I’m excited to see what they’re capable of doing.”

Brandywine provided a glimpse last season. There’s much more to come.