By: John Knebels
Photos/Videos: Kathy Leister, Zamani Feelings & James Williamson
PIAA PCL Girls' Basketball Round-Up: One round done, and six Catholic League teams remain in the running for the PIAA girls’ basketball state tournament.
This past weekend, three squads succeeded via blowout while three others won by a combined seven points. More rugged competition beckons this week.
Below is a brief breakdown of what happened in Round One and what players expect from their opponents in Round Two.
Class 6A – Cardinal O’Hara (14-11 overall record; District 12, Seed 1) snuck past Plymouth-Whitemarsh (21-7, 1-10), 41-39. The Lions roared back from an eight-point, fourth-quarter deficit thanks mostly to freshman Maggie Doogan’s 11 points and six rebounds, including a pivotal three-point play in the final minute. Sophomore Amaris Baker scored 14 points and collected seven steals.
Up Next: Spring-Ford (22-4; 1-4), March 12, at Harriton, 6:00.
Lion Chat: “We know that they are an aggressive team that brings a lot of energy. We need to match their intensity and aggression in order to win this game. Diving on the floor for loose balls, boxing out, and not allowing them to get second chances, and tough defense is what we need to bring. It’s gonna come down to who wants it more in the end, and we definitely want it more.” – Kerry Patterson
Cardinal O'Hara senior Kerry Patterson - PSD Photo by Chip Frenette
Class 5A – Archbishop Wood (16-11, 12-3) rode junior Lindsay Tretter’s 18 points and sophomore Kaitlyn Orihel’s 11 fourth-quarter points to a 51-47, double-overtime victory over Springfield-Delco (23-4, 1-3).
Up Next: Mechanicsburg (21-6, 3-6), March 13, at New Holland’s Garden Spot High School, 8:00.
Viking Chat: “We need to put in maximum effort our next two practices to prepare us for the game. I think the key for this game for us is we need to play for each other while stepping up our defensive energy and valuing each offensive possession because the games are going to keep getting more competitive.” –Annie Whalen
Class 5A – Archbishop Carroll (22-5, 12-1) had no problem with Spring Grove (20-10, 3-7), 56-34, as freshman Grace O’Neill and junior Erin Sweeney both netted 20 points. Six other players combined for the other offense.
Up Next: Gettysburg (23-6; 3-2), March 13, at New Holland’s Garden Spot’s High School, 6:30.
Patriot Chat: “To win we will need to keep our communication up on defense and take care of the ball and play our game on offense.” – Erin Sweeney
The 2019 PCL Champions, Archbishop Carroll defeated Spring Grove 56-34 in the PIAA first round - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
Class 4A – Lansdale Catholic (16-10, 12-3) handed Jim Thorpe (26-2; 11-2) a rare defeat, 50-48, behind sophomore Timaya Lewis-Eutsey’s 17 points and senior Emily Smith’s four three-pointers for 12 points. The Crusaders trailed after every quarter before a 17-11 blitz in the final stanza sealed the deal.
Up Next: Bishop McDevitt (22-4, 3-2), March 13, at New Holland’s Garden Spot’s High School, 5:00.
Crusader Chat: “To win the next game, we’re going to keep practicing hard and keep our intensity level up on both the offensive and defensive ends. The most important thing we have to do to win this game is to keep playing hard and together as a team.” – Maile Erwin
Class 4A – Bonner-Prendergast (17-9; 12-1) outscored Bermudian Springs (18-9; 3-5) in every quarter en route to a 59-35 win. Senior Maeve McCann (16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals), senior Ariana McGeary (12 points), and junior Dakota McCaughan (7 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 assists) supplied key contributions.
Up Next: Lake-Lehman (20-6; 2-2), March 13, at Bethlehem’s Freedom High School, 6:30.
Panda Chat: “From what I’ve gathered, they have a big and a few players that can knock down the three, so we need to come ready to take those options away. For us to be successful, we need to play smart, tough, and together. Individually, we are strong, but collectively, we are a force.” – Dakota McCaughan
Class 3A – Neumann-Goretti (19-8; 12-1) crushed Susquenita (21-5; 3-4), 81-42, as recently crowned Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year senior Diamond Johnson tallied 30 points and is now 33 shy of a career 2,000.
Up Next: Warrior Run (19-8; 4-2), March 12, Hamburg Area High School, 6:00.
Saint Chat: “Good all-around team who plays well together. Have a few good players that can shoot the ball. We need to lock in and defend for 32 minutes. No possessions off.” – Andrea Peterson
Unfortunately, Class 2A Bishop McDevitt (lost, 46-27, to York Catholic) and Class 3A West Catholic (dropped a 70-49 decision to undefeated St. Basil Academy) saw their seasons come to a close.
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.comor on Twitter @johnknebels.)
Tag(s): Home Schools Philadelphia Catholic Girls Basketball Philadelphia Catholic League Arch. Carroll Girls Basketball Arch. Wood Girls Basketball Bishop McDevitt Girls B-Ball Bonner & Prendie Girls B-Ball Cardinal O'Hara Girls B-Ball Lansdale Cath Girls Basketball Neumann/Goretti Girls B-Ball West Catholic Girls Basketball