By: John Knebels
PHILADELPHIA - It’s probably a safe bet that no Philadelphia Catholic League or Inter-Academic League basketball player is every going to be nominated for – much less win – an Oscar or a Grammy.
For numerous standout hoopsters, however, the closest accomplishment of such a celebrated ilk might be equivalent to being named all-state by the Pennsylvania Sportswriters.
After a 2019-20 season that had reached the PIAA state quarterfinals before being cancelled because of the COVID-19 coronavirus, a combined 10 players from the PCL and Inter-Ac indeed have been bestowed such a prestigious honor.
Today, Classes 6A and 5A are being revealed; tomorrow, Classes 4A and 3A will be unmasked.
Archbishop Wood junior Kaitlyn Orihel was named Class 5A Player of the Year, thus joining former greats Katie May (2018) and Bailey Greenberg (2016) as Wood recipients. Orihel is a three-time, first-team All-Catholic and averaged 17.5 points, six rebounds, and four assists despite dealing with a nagging knee injury throughout the season.
Among Orihel’s highlights was reaching 1,000 career points and nailing a dramatic three-point buzzer beater to defeat stubborn Cardinal O’Hara, helping the Vikings to a regular-season title and ultimately a loss in the Catholic League final.
“Preseason, this was definitely a big goal of mine,” said Orihel. “But once the season started, it wasn’t something I really thought about. My main focus was the team and winning each game one at a time. It definitely means a lot since there are so many good players that we play against.”
Archbishop Wood Kaitlyn Orihel PA Class 5A Player of the Year
And so many good players on her own team.
Wood sophomore Ryanne Allen, a fellow first-team All-Catholic who averaged 16.2 points and 5 rebounds, nabbed a Class 5A second-team, all-state selection. The sharpshooting guard nailed 83 three-pointers on 43-percent accuracy.
“I didn’t necessarily have that specific goal, but I just wanted to trust all the work and preparation I did in the off season and just use it when playing in games,” said Allen. “I think doing that led me to be more confident and step up as a player on the court, and that led to all different honors, including all-state, which is pretty special. I am thankful to be one of many to be honored.”
Archbishop Wood coach Mike McDonald lauded both competitors.
“I am very happy for two of the most coachable, consistent hard workers in Ryanne Allen and Kaitlyn Orihel,” said McDonald, who was named coach of the year in both 2016 and 2017. “They put in the work daily and accept challenges.
Archbishop Wood Ryanne Allen Class 5A Second Team All-State
“This is just the beginning for Ryanne, who in our book is undoubtedly one of the best players in the state. Kaitlyn is deserving of the state player of the year award and any accolades that come her way. She proves herself over and over again against the top competition in the country. Thrilled for her.”
Archbishop Carroll senior Erin Sweeney was named Class 5A first-team, all-state after averaging 15.4 points and three rebounds and being named first-team All-Catholic for a second straight season.
The Drexel University-bound guard/forward scored more than 1,300 points in her career and propelled the Patriots to the PCL quarterfinals after having led them to the PCL championship as a junior.
“I have been so lucky to have been surrounded by great coaches and teammates throughout my years at Carroll that have given me their constant support,” said Sweeney. “The program has given me some of the best experiences of my life, and I am so grateful.”
Carroll coach Renie Shields was not surprised.
Archbishop Carroll Erin Sweeney Class 5A First Team All-State
“Erin is a player who comes every day to practice to get better and plays the game because she loves it,” said Shields. “Her focus is always on the next play and what she can do to help her team win. To be honored as an all-state player speaks to the respect she has earned, and so it is well-deserved. We will miss her.”
Cardinal O’Hara sophomore Sydni Scott was named Class 6A third-team all-state. A first-team All-Catholic, Scott averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists. The Lions lost in the PCL semifinals and advanced to the state quarterfinals before the season was halted.
“It was always one of my goals to be named all state,” said Scott. “It gives me motivation to work harder and play smarter in order to achieve my goal.”
O’Hara coach Chrissie Doogan was pleased for her budding star.
“I am super happy to see Sydni’s hard work rewarded,” said Doogan. “She has the ability to make everyone around her better. I can’t wait to see what the next two years bring.”
Cardinal O'Hara Sydni Scott Class 6A Third Team All-State
Tomorrow: Class 4A and 3A Announcement
Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.
2019-20 All-State Girls’ Basketball Team: Class 6A and Class 5A
Players are listed in alphabetical order, Information includes each player’s school, height, class, and scoring average.
CLASS 6A
First team
Maya Bokunewicz, State College, 6-1, Sr., 20.8
Lizzy Groetsch, North Allegheny, 5-8, Sr., 17.3
Maddie Burke, Central Bucks West, 6-0, Sr., 12.4
Lucy Olsen, Spring-Ford, 5-9, Jr., 19.3
Bella Smuda, Downingtown East, 6-5, Sr., 18.9
Jackie Vargas, Upper Dublin, 6-3, Sr., 12.7
Second team
Talya Brugler, Nazareth, 6-0, Jr., 19.1
Emily Chmiel, Central Bucks East, 6-0, Jr., 18.0
Maddie Dziezgowski, Bethel Park, 5-11, Sr., 15.9
Caranda Perea, Altoona, 6-2, Sr., 15.1
Olivia Westphal, Bethel Park, 5-9, Jr., 14.8
Third team
Ashleigh Connor, Mount Lebanon, 5-10, So., 22.0
Olivia Gribble, Norwin, 5-8, Sr., 16.1
Julie Jekot, Cumberland Valley, 5-10, Jr., 12.0
Colette Mulderig, Scranton, 6-3, Sr., 16.7
Ava Sciolla, Pennsbury, 5-11, So., 14.5
Sydni Scott, Cardinal O'Hara, 5-7, So., 12.0
Makiah Shaw, Red Lion, 6-0, Jr., 16.0
Player of the year -- Maddie Burke, Central Bucks West
Coach of the year -- Spencer Stefko, North Allegheny
CLASS 5A
First team
Lexi Jackson, Gateway, 6-4, Sr., 15.1
Aislin Malcolm, Chartiers Valley, 5-10, So., 16.7
Megan McConnell, Chartiers Valley, 5-7, Sr., 14.3
Peyton McDaniel, Twin Valley, 6-0, Sr., 23.0
Kaitlyn Orihel, Archbishop Wood, 5-9, Jr., 15.1
Erin Sweeney, Archbishop Carroll, 5-10, Sr., 15.4
Second team
Ryanne Allen, Archbishop Wood, 6-1, So., 15.3
Kiera Baughman, Donegal, 5-6, Sr., 23.7
Talia Gilliard, Mechanicsburg, 5-8, Jr., 19.0
Kennedie Montue, Plum, 5-11, Jr., 22.1
Mya Murray, Uniontown, 6-3, Sr., 23.4
Peyton Pinkney, Woodland Hills, 6-0, Jr., 13.7
Third team
Anne Bair, Gettysburg, 5-6, So., 10.1
Riley DeRubbo, Washington Trinity, 5-9, Sr., 16.7
Tamaiah Glover, Nueva Esperanza, 6-3, Sr., 28.3
Grace Niekelski, Mount St. Joseph, 6-0, Jr., 15.6
Emma Ruhlman, Warren, 5-8, So., 14.9
Reilly Sunday, Moon, 5-10, So., 21.5
Player of the year -- Kaitlyn Orihel, Archbishop Wood
Coach of the year -- Tim McConnell, Chartiers Valley