By: John Knebels
Photos: Zamani Feelings
PHILADELPHIA –From the very beginning, and in some cases much earlier, the ultimate goal was clear.
La Salle High School’s basketball team knew they had a chance to win a Catholic League title. They had scoring, size, athleticism, and coaching. Anything less than snipping through mesh atop a ladder would not suffice.
La Salle team highlights from 2019 PCL championship:
This explains the long faces and slow gaits that disappeared into the night after La Salle lost to Roman Catholic, 64-50, in the Catholic League final on February 25 at the Palestra.
“We have had our sights set on the Catholic League title for four years,” said Zach Crisler. “It’s hard for us that things didn’t go the way we wanted.”
After starting the season 17-0, the Explorers dropped their first loss of the year against Archbishop Carroll and their second defeat four nights later versus Roman Catholic by a combined margin of eight points. These Explorers were a team with realistic championship aspirations.
While winning its second straight and third in the last four years, Roman Catholic proved to be too much in the championship. A 14-2, first-quarter barrage established a steep uphill climb. La Salle could come no closer than 10 points, as four first-team Roman All-Catholics contributed mightily.
Although the Explorers now will turn their attention to the PIAA state tournament, the Catholic League title was the most cherished prize, especially to the seniors who won’t enjoy another chance to bring home the program’s first championship since 1991.
“I think this season has been a great success,” said senior Titus Beard. “We had one of the best starts in La Salle history. We also went to the championship game, which hasn’t been done in a while. Despite losing, I still think it was pretty successful.”
First-team All-Catholic Allen Powell (15 points) said likewise, about how “it definitely would’ve been great to win the PCL championship, but now it’s time to move on to states and try to bring home the state championship.”
Another first-teamer, Konrad Kiszka, agrees.
“Our season has been a great success and we are still going,” said Kiszka, who contributed nine points, five boards, and a blocked shot. “A lot of people doubted us with our new coach (Mike McKee) and our early-out last year. I think, in the preseason rankings, we were up at I think five or six in the PCL. We worked hard and battled every game to make it to the championship.
“Though we came short of our goal, we had an unbelievable season growing as a team and as brothers, and we are excited to do some damage in the state playoffs and hope to bring back a championship to Wyndmoor.”
Senior Emmanuel Freyre offered a pensive outlook.
“This season has certainly been a successful year for the La Salle basketball program,” said Freyre. “Even though we did not win the Catholic League title, we have reflected on our many great accomplishments. We have beaten many of the top teams in the CL and are proud to finish among the top two teams.
“However, we have always looked into the future and we try to take each game one step at a time. Our goal for the remainder of our season is to win a PIAA 6A championship. We have been fortunate to have made it to the state playoffs and cannot wait for the future ahead.”
Senior Jack Rothenberg said it was “pretty hard to put the success of a season into perspective, especially when you fail to reach the goal you have been working at everyday,” but he did a splendid job.
La Salle senior Zach Crisler - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
La Salle senior Allen Powell - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
La Salle senior Konrad Kiszka - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
“I don’t think it’s fair to label the season as a failure, because there are still games to play,” said Rothenberg. “We all feel blessed to still have an opportunity to keep playing in the state tournament. I think I can speak on behalf of the team that our focus has shifted to a new goal and a new chance at success.”
La Salle junior Jake Timby appreciates the Explorers' senior leadership:
The only returning starter next year will be current junior Jake Timby. As he did in the semifinal win over Bishop McDevitt, Timby put on a shooting display in the final. He took seven shots and drilled five threes – a trio of them in the fourth quarter – to go along with the four three-pointers in five attempts in the semis.
Timby enjoyed the “great atmosphere . . . the great crowd,” and admitted that losing was very difficult, particularly for the seniors.
“They worked hard all four years,” said Timby. “We were here. We played hard against a really good team. They developed this program into what it is.”
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)