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GIRLS' BASKETBALL: With One Week Left, Most Teams Prepare for Postseason Overtime in This Week’s PCL Round-Up (1/30)

By John Knebels - Photos: by Donna Eckert, Kathy Leister, Patty Morgan, James Williamson, 01/30/20, 1:15PM EST

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By: John Knebels

Photos/Videos: John Knebels, Kathy Leister, Patty Morgan, Donna Eckert & James Williamson.

West Catholic Creates Quite a Splash

PHILADELPHIA – No puns intended, West Catholic coach Beulah Osueke was in a foul mood January 28 when she arrived at Neumann-Goretti to face the favored Saints. Sore throat . . . chills . . . fever . . . general lethargy. You get the point. 

A little more than two hours later, her countenance had rebounded, assisted by the Burrs’ 77-71 Catholic League Red Division upset victory that turned those frowns upside down.

“I still felt sick, but I did feel a little bit better,” said Osueke, still struggling with the same physical maladies the following day. “It was definitely a great win.”

Neumann-Goretti had defeated the Burrs by 72-54 on Jan. 3 when the teams met at West.

The Burrs, however, have matured since then. After a three-game losing streak lowered their record to 2-3, West has won three of four and seems to have found a balanced offensive rhythm. 

Case in point: Against Neumann-Goretti, junior Destiney McPhaul poured in a career-high 37 points while snaring 10 rebounds and three steals.

Junior Daziy Montgomery-Nelson dropped home 20 points. Senior Tamiah Robinson contributed 13 points and 10 boards. 

“When we went through the losing streak, the team faced their biggest adversity,” said Osueke, whose Burrs had never defeated N-G during her seven years of coaching. “When we fell behind (21-16), they showed a lot of maturity by sticking with the game plan and not becoming frustrated and falling into any bad habits.”

West’s threesome almost wasn’t enough because N-G senior and reigning league Most Valuable Player Diamond Johnson, fresh off of somehow getting snubbed by the McDonald’s All-American team, topped all scorers with 38 points before fouling out with the score tied 71-71 and only 1:13 left in regulation.

On the ensuing possession, West was called for travelling, but a stolen pass gave the Burrs another chance. McPhaul dribbled the ball down to 20 seconds and West called time to set up a potential game winner.

West Catholic vs. Archbishop Carroll Game Highlights 1/21 by James Williamson:

After McPhaul missed, she grabbed her own rebound and found Robinson for a floater with less than three ticks remaining. Two free throws by McPhaul iced the triumph.

“It honestly was a team effort,” said Montgomery-Wilson. “We came in and we stuck to the game plan and got the job done. A solid team effort from offense to defense. It was the little things that mattered.”

At 5-4, West Catholic finishes with Cardinal O’Hara, Archbishop Wood, and Archbishop Ryan. Neumann-Goretti (7-2) will face Wood, Archbishop Carroll, and Bonner-Prendergast. 

“The regular season is about preparing to play in the postseason,” said Osueke. “You learn to overcome disappointment and gain confidence. You look at Neumann-Goretti. Good teams are going to make good plays. It’s how you respond. That resilience makes a difference, especially in close games.”

Robinson’s game-winner was a high school first. 

“Getting that win was big for us,” said Robinson. “West hasn’t beaten Neumann-Goretti in years. It felt good to finally beat them, but to also hit the game-winning shot. We wanted that win so bad and it feels good to get it, but there is more work to be done.”   

Cardinal O’Hara Topples Rival Archbishop Carroll

A pair of true rivals were a combat when Archbishop Carroll visited Cardinal O’Hara on Jan. 24. Despite Carroll sophomore Grace O’Neill’s 23 points, the hosts emerged victorious, 52-46. 

Sophomore Sydni Scott’s 17 points and junior Amaris Baker’s 13 paced the Lions (6-3), dropping Carroll to a misleading 4-6. Afterward, O’Hara coach Chrissie Doogan focused on the opposite side of the ball. 

Siobhan Boylan’s defense on (first-team All-Catholic senior) Erin Sweeney for 32 minutes was just awesome,” Doogan said about the junior. “I was happy with how we rebounded and scored some easy transition points, and I thought we handled their pressure throughout the game pretty well.”

Sami Randazzo, one of only three seniors on the O’Hara roster, admitted that some wins feel better than others.

Cardinal O'Hara vs. Archbishop Carroll Game Highlights by John Knebels:

“Prepping for this game is very exciting because Carroll is like our rival and it’s always fun to get a win,” said Randazzo. “We shot the ball very well and we played good defense on their key players.” 

Added Scott: “We shared the ball and we looked for the open player. They helped get me open shots.”

O’Hara sophomore Sydni Scott talks about the physical nature of the game against a rival:

Being one of only three O’Hara seniors, Sami Randazzo takes leadership very seriously:

Lindsay Tretter Helps Keep Archbishop Wood Undefeated

In Archbishop Wood’s 59-53 win over Archbishop Carroll at the Scholastic Play by Play Classic Jan. 26 at Jefferson University, junior Kaitlyn Orihel scored 19 points and became the seventh Viking to reach 1,000 career points. 

The Vikings, however, might not have raised their record to 8-0 without the contribution of senior Lindsay Tretter, who scored all of her eight points in a pivotal fourth quarter. 

“That’s what she’s done her four years,” said Wood coach Mike McDonald. “I remember as a sophomore when we lost in the state championship, she came in off the bench and tied the game with seconds left. 

“She always has the right attitude no matter what. When she has a bad game or a great game, or if I’m yelling at her or if I’m positive, she keeps the same demeanor. She works extremely hard. It’s not really surprising when she steps up. She’s always prepared.”

Wood coach Mike McDonald lauds the effort of senior Lindsay Tretter in victory over Archbishop Carroll:

Balance Buoys Bonner-Prendergast

Bonner-Prendergast defeated Archbishop Ryan to clinch at least sixth place in the Red Division. Alexis Eagan (15 points, three assists), sophomore Emma Beaty (12 points, eight rebounds), sophomore Bridie McCann (13 points, three assists, two blocks), and senior Alexis Gleason (eight points, nine rebounds) provided a lethal collective attack. 

“It was a great team win,” said Gleason. “The spotlight wasn’t on just one player. Everyone contributed on the floor. We picked each other up when we needed it, and the confidence level was great. I’m proud of my girls.”

Referring to the team’s 2-7 league record, Gleason said with a few different bounces, that might be quite different.

“At times it’s hard, knowing we’re right there with them,” she said, “but we shake it off and move onto the next game. That’s all you can do.”

Upperclassmen, Underclassmen Direct St. Hubert

Led by senior Cassidy Ruk (20 points), junior Payton Pugh (15 rebounds; particularly strong defense), and freshman Mackenzie McLaughlin (13 points, six assists), St. Hubert defeated host Conwell-Egan, 56-43. 

After winning four games last year, the Bambies (12-5 overall, 6-1 league) have improved significantly. They are still within reach of first-place Lansdale Catholic (6-0), whom they visit on Feb. 4.

“We started out slow but picked up our defensive intensity in the third quarter,” said Hubert coach Dave Schafer. “It was a total team effort. Every girl is giving me everything they have and then some. They are buying into what we are teaching.”

Ruk concurs. 

“Tonight wasn’t our best performance, but we held our own and pulled out a win,” said Ruk. “We are going to keep moving forward and hopefully pull out the W’s for the rest of the season. Our team effort is always there, and we will continue working as a team.” 

McLaughlin feels similarly. She also appreciates the confidence level of her coaches.

“I’m really proud of how the team played tonight,” said McLaughlin. “We started off a little rocky, but we pulled through. We all played intense defense from the start of the game until the end. My coaches give me great opportunities to do a lot of things to make St. Hubert basketball better and better.

In defeat, the Eagles received 10 points from both senior Angel Crowell and freshman Kyliyah Carmichael (also four rebounds). Junior Maddie Chapman collected seven points and three steals. Senior Kiyann Peterson produced seven points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Little Flower Moves into Third Place

In Little Flower’s 44-22 win over Bishop McDevitt, the Sentinels were voracious on defense and gradually pulled away for their third win in the last five games.

“It was a great team win tonight,” said senior Natalie O’Neill. “We started out a little rough in the beginning but eventually started to get things rolling. Everyone contributed in some way and worked as one. 

“There are some things we have to work on, but also many positive things we did as well. It was great to get a win to start our final stretch of games. I am proud of what this team has become throughout the season.”

That’s music to the ears of Little Flower coach Maureen Buchter, whose 3-3 Sentinels have a chance to place an impressive third in the Blue Division.

Little Flower vs. St. Hubert's Highlights by Kathy Leister:

“We continue to battle injuries,” said Buchter. “The team got off to a slow start. A lot of missed foul shots and layups, and too many turnovers. They slowly pulled away from McDevitt for the win.  

“Hats’ off to McDevitt. They are a much improved team from our first encounter.”

Crusaders Still Dominant

Fueled by a monster performance by junior wunderkind Timaya Lewis-Eutsey (28 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, four steals), Lansdale Catholic remained undefeated at 6-0 after a 68-41 win over Conwell-Egan (3-4) on Jan. 21 followed by a victory over John. W. Hallahan a week later. 

In the latter, Lewis-Eutsey continued to shine with 25 points, 14 rebounds, seven steals and three assists. Sophomore Lauren Edwards slashed 12 points,10 rebounds, six steals, and three assists. 

Lewis-Eutsey is only 65 points away from reaching 1,000 for her career.

“I think the team played very well tonight and we definitely played together,” said senior Mia Rosenberger, who contributed three points, four assists, and two steals versus C-E. “Everyone contributed to this win, and everyone was vocal and cheering people on. When everyone is scoring and everyone is contributing, that is when we know that is how we should be playing.”

Sportsmanship Plaudits

In the aforementioned Wood win over Carroll, after Kaitlyn Orihel surpassed the 1,000th-point plateau, the junior stood at the foul line awaiting what would turn out to be a three-point play.

In the interim, every single Carroll player on the floor congratulated her. In addition, despite feeling obviously glum after a tremendous team effort wasn’t enough to forge a win, a fatigued Carroll senior Erin Sweeney– who last year reached 1,000 career points – stood for an interview and applauded the effort of Orihel.

In Little Flower’s win over Bishop McDevitt, Coach Maureen Buchter made a point of complimenting the effort of the Lancers, an extremely young squad still searching for its first league win but displaying potential to make some noise next season.

In West Catholic’s upset win over Neumann-Goretti, Burrs coach Beulah Osueke extolled N-G coach Andrea Peterson for her consistent success with the Saints.


Wood junior Kaitlyn Orihel is congratulated by teammates after scoring her 1,000th point - PSD Photo by Donna Eckert

Looking ahead: Regarding postseason awards, the setup is as follows: The Catholic Red Division, which consists of seven teams, will have a Most Valuable Player, seven first-team All-Catholics, seven second-teamers, and five third-teamers. The six-team Catholic League Blue Division will offer an MVP and five All-Catholics each on a first, second, and third team. 

Catholic League Standings

(Through Jan. 29)

Red Division

8-0 Archbishop Wood

7-2 Neumann-Goretti

6-3 Cardinal O’Hara

5-4 West Catholic

4-6 Archbishop Carroll 

2-7 Bonner-Prendergast

0-10 Archbishop Ryan

Blue Division

6-0 Lansdale Catholic

6-1 St. Hubert

3-3 Little Flower

3-4 Conwell-Egan

2-5 John W. Hallahan

0-7 Bishop McDevitt