PHOENIXVILLE - A few weeks ago, Phoenixville appeared on the verge of being bounced right out of Pioneer Athletic Conference boys basketball playoff contention.

But how quickly matters can change, and they certainly have in a big way for coach Randy Reber’s Phantoms. Phoenixville is now in the running for a league crown after guaranteeing its hold on a Final Four playoff berth following a 72-46 thumping of shorthanded Pottsgrove Saturday afternoon.

The Phantoms, who have now won five consecutive games, currently stand at 8-4 in the PAC-10 (11-9 overall) and in a tie with Pope John Paul II, which eliminated Pottstown from the chase with a 59-40 victory also Saturday.

But how quickly matters can change, and they certainly have in a big way for coach Randy Reber’s Phantoms. Phoenixville is now in the running for a league crown after guaranteeing its hold on a Final Four playoff berth following a 72-46 thumping of shorthanded Pottsgrove Saturday afternoon.

The Phantoms, who have now won five consecutive games, currently stand at 8-4 in the PAC-10 (11-9 overall) and in a tie with Pope John Paul II, which eliminated Pottstown from the chase with a 59-40 victory also Saturday.