Since they are the defending Catholic League champions, West Catholic (8-4 regular season; third place before running the table) will – like it or not – carry the moniker of being “the favorite” despite competing against several excellent teams that return significant experience after making plentiful noise in last year’s postseason – both in the Catholic League and the PIAA tournament.

The Lady Burrs carry an 11-game winning streak into the season. It may have been longer, but their season was cut short in the PIAA quarterfinals because of the coronavirus. No longer an underdog and definitely the team wearing the proverbial bulls eye, the Lady Burrs appear quite capable of a repeat.

Beulah Osueke, last year’s Class 3A coach of the year, will join other city coaches who have had countless practice opportunities nullified by COVID-19 precautions. But Osueke can’t do anything about that, so she is challenging her players to deal with reality and make the most of it.

“With this year's format, every game counts,” said Osueke. “No one can afford to overlook anyone. The season doesn't allow for any slumps. We can enter every practice and game with the knowledge that any lapse in focus or intensity will affect our hopes of post-season play. Knowing this, we're forced to be sharp and intentional with our time and energy on all fronts. It's been helpful for our leadership and team chemistry.”

Anticipating each game to be “highly intense,” Osueke expects every opponent to leave nothing on the court.

Archbishop Wood (Red Division champion after an 11-1 record) returns eight players with significant game experience from a season that included the aforementioned overtime loss in the Catholic League championship and a trip to the PIAA state quarterfinals before the tournament was cancelled.

A startling five players have been offered Division I scholarships. Leading the pack is Kaitlyn Orihel. The Villanova University-bound, Class 5A Player of the Year senior has already eclipsed 1,000 career points. Joining Orihel is all-state junior sharpshooter Ryanne Allen, senior guard and Kutztown College commit Noelle Baxter, junior guard Bri Bowen, senior tri-captain and Bryant College commit Dana Kiefer, junior guard Shannon Morgan, sophomore guard Delaney Finnegan, and sophomore guard Allie Fleming. 

“Every game is definitely like a playoff game,” said Wood coach Mike McDonald. “Only having two teams make it out of the regular season in our league leaves little room for losing. We also never know when something out of our control could shut us down. The kids, especially seniors, need to really cherish each game they get to play and give their max on every play.”

“For us, the main focus is on playing together offensively and defensively,” said Carroll coach Renie Shields. “We have to trust one another, be patient, and be engaged . . . and stay healthy.”

With four starters and three more key reserves returning, Cardinal O’Hara (7-5; fourth place; lost to Archbishop Wood in semifinals) will look almost identical to last year.

All-Catholic seniors Amaris Baker and Siobhan Boylan have already chosen their Division I college destinations at Kennesaw State and Marist College, respectively. Juniors Sydni Scott (first-team All-Catholic and third-team all-state) and All-Catholic Maggie Doogan have also received Division I interest. Junior Annie Welde joins seniors Julia Stellebotte and Kaitlin McPeak to form a mega-strong top seven. 

At Neumann-Goretti (9-3; second place; lost to West Catholic in semifinals), seniors Sierra Bermudez (All-Catholic), Omoiye Jordan, Christa Ricks, Jonelle Price, junior point guard Mahjae Hayes (All-Catholic), and sophomore Cameron Graham will try to elevate the Saints to their first Catholic League title in six years. 

“We have some really good talent coming back,” said coach Andrea Peterson. “We can’t control what’s happening right now with the pandemic. We just have to take it day by day and enjoy any opportunity we are giving to play games.

“The city schools are at a disadvantage with all this right now. Practice times are limited, and having no contact is tough. Through all this, I’m proud of our girls and the way they continue to push through every obstacle we have been faced with. 

Junior Aniyah Jackson started half the season before becoming the first option off the bench. Junior Meghan Kilroy and freshman Keira Henrich look poised to contribute.  

The Pandas lost two weeks of practice time because the school was being quarantined because of COVID. 

“Every game will be like the playoffs,” said B-P coach Tom Stewart. “Our league is extremely talented this year, maybe the best I've seen in years. I think four of those teams could win state titles if we get that far.

“We will be very competitive. We did win our first two games in states last season, so my kids know what it takes to win. It's funny. After coaching for 51 years, I still get excited, especially in practice.”

Despite protests, fundraising and imploration, the archdiocese remained firm in its decision, leaving current students and graduates angry, dismayed, bitter, and confused. 

“These girls in our program love McDevitt and love playing basketball for their school, and to have it ripped away from them is a shame,” said McDevitt coach Dan Greenberg, a 1988 McDevitt alum. “Lady Lancer Basketball has a storied history in the Philadelphia Catholic League, and we plan to honor all past players and coaches by working hard each practice and game.”

Hallahan coach Mike Gallagher echoed his coaching adversary-turned-advocate. 

“As a team, we have the opportunity to write the ending to our program,” said Gallagher. “We are committed to fulfilling that opportunity to have a season we can be proud of.”

“With a short season, it's more important to get off to a good start,” said Gallagher. “We don't have a lot of time to find our stride. I imagine there will be some ugly games early on, and the winners will be the teams that make the least amount of mistakes. Fundamentals take on an outsized importance relative to other years.”

Meanwhile, McDevitt sports three returning starters in senior All-Catholic Sianni Posey, senior Kate McNally, and junior Kelly Roache. Also back are senior Morgan Harris, junior Messiah White, and junior Emma Obfenda.  

Greenberg echoed many other coaches regarding his major concerns.

Archbishop Ryan (0-12; seventh place in Red Division; lost to Neumann-Goretti in quarterfinals), which last year played in the Red Division, was gutted by graduation more than most teams.

New Ragdolls coach and 1978 Ryan alum Chris Zambito will attempt to mold numerous youngsters (including several freshmen) around two steady foundational pieces – senior Luca Verello and junior Mackenzie Reed. 

“We’re very inexperienced,” said Zambito. “Luca and Mackenzie have both shown great leadership to our younger players. They both are working extremely hard at practices.”

Add to the mix senior torward Sarah Spaeth, sophomore forward Kate Patterson, junior forward Charlotte Pugh, senior guard Emma McNamee, and senior guard Alexa May.

“The shortened season is a disadvantage, especially for the city schools because of the restrictions placed upon us by the city,” said Schafer. “There is not enough time to get everything in and up to game preparation. No non-league schedule is a definite minus.

“This is our third year with the program, and we feel that we are getting better each season. Our girls have really committed themselves to a great work ethic, a real sense of team unity, and great pride in the program. Each player has come back a better player, and this only makes St. Hubert better. I can't say enough about our kids’ devotion and loyalty.”

“The shortened season, coupled with a significant youth movement, would seem to limit our ability to gel as a team, but this group of young women have exceeded expectations,” said Eagles coach Chris Brennan. “The chemistry is currently in mid-season form, and we are optimistic that it will transfer when the season starts.  

“Ideally, the younger players benefit greatly with a full schedule. We challenged the ladies to be accountable for competitive practices every session and they responded with some of the best sessions in our four years heading up the program.

“Gabby was thrown into the fire last season as a freshman and exceeded my expectations,” said Buchter. “Gabby will again run the point, and there is no doubt in my mind that she will continue where she left off.  There are those that are passionate about basketball, and then there is ‘Gabby's passion’ for basketball.  

“The new freshmen coming in have shown talent and a love for the game of basketball. I look forward to watching them grow and develop over the next four years both on the court and off.”

Buchter waxed philosophical about playing hoops during a pandemic.