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GIRLS BASKETBALL: Archbishop Wood Nearly Flawless; West Catholic Overtimes Archbishop Carroll; O’Hara’s Amaris Baker Reaches Milestone; St. Hubert’s Heading the Blue

By John Knebels Photos: James Williamson, Kathy Leister & Donna Eckert, 02/26/21, 11:15AM EST

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Around the League: Conwell-Egan Coming Close; Archbishop Ryan Getting Stronger; Bonner-Prendergast on a Winning Streak

Philadelphia Catholic League Round-Up (Week of 2/22)

By: John Knebels

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

PHILADELPHIA –Junior Bri Bowen was, simply put, otherworldly. In her coach’s opinion, senior Dana Kiefer orchestrated one of the best games of her career. The trio of junior Ryanne Allen, senior Kaitlyn Orihel, and senior Noelle Baxter was collectively “only” excellent.

Indeed, Archbishop Wood performed as well as a team could last night. The host Lady Vikings outplayed defending champion West Catholic – the team that defeated them in last year’s Philadelphia Catholic League championship – in every phase of the game. 

But it was the final basket of a thoroughly impressive 79-48 victory that arguably represents what Wood opponents should fear most.

Leading by 76-48 and the final seconds ticking away, sophomore Kara Meredith dribbled to the foul line and found sophomore Lauren Tretter alone on the left wing. With no one defending her, Tretter caught the pass and let fly, drilling a corner three-pointer. The bench erupted, and coach Mike McDonald pounded the air. A few seconds later, the final horn sounded.

By her team’s reaction, a passerby might have mistaken Tretter’s trey for a game winner rather than a statistical afterthought. The Lady Vikings’ bench – led by the starting five – sprinted to center court to congratulate Tretter. The masked group waved “good game” to the Lady Burrs and encircled in a long embrace. 

Wood vs. West Catholic Highlights by John Knebels & Donna Eckert

In that one display of kinship, the Lady Vikings merged intangibility with a startling display of basketball prowess; such a combination is the epitome of what championship squads are made of.

“When they play together and they play team ball,” said McDonald, “they’re going to be really hard to stop.”

The evening began with a splendid celebration of seniors Orihel, Baxter, Kiefer, and team manager Erin Matthews. In a classy gesture, Archbishop Wood also presented a yellow rose to West Catholic’s six seniors. 

From the opening tip, the Lady Vikings (7-1 in Red Division) seized control. Moving the ball with precision and dominating the boards, they opened a 21-4 lead after the first quarter. West Catholic (3-2) ripped off a 9-0 run early in the second, but Wood’s starting five finished the quarter on a 14-8 spurt.

Bri Bowen’s career-high 24 points & 11 rebounds were the result of her trademark physical play.

Archbishop Wood coach Mike McDonald enjoyed every moment of his team’s victory.

In a highlight-reel third quarter, Wood’s offense was nearly flawless. With an unstoppable Bowen (career-high 24 points on one three, five two’s, and 11 free throws; 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals), always steady Allen (14 points, four rebounds, three assists), electric Kiefer (16 points, three treys, five boards), dependable Orihel (13 points, three rebounds, two steals), and tenacious Baxter (seven points, momentum-aiding three pointer, one block) refusing to relent, the Lady Vikings outscored the Lady Burrs by 33-18 to forge a 69-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

“We were able to score,” said McDonald. “It’s not like we held them to a little amount of points. They can score. They have really good players and they play well together as well, and they’re well coached.

“We knew it was going to be a battle. We were fortunate to get an early start in the first quarter. We were able to maintain that throughout. I thought that we contained them enough defensively where they weren’t scoring on every possession, and we were able to push and get offense down at the other end.”   

While McDonald was lauding others, his players were doing the same.    

“We prepared so well for them,” said Bowen. “That goes to Coach Mike, because we have been working so hard at practice and being more competitive every day trying to get ready for this game.”

Dana Kiefer deflected most of the praise onto her teammates.

Ryanne Allen had been waiting for this game for almost a year.

Kaitlyn Orihel said the Vikings needed a strong start.

Allen echoed several teammates by mentioning the only way to atone for last year’s title defeat was to play as a unit. 

“This is the first game where we really played as a team and shared the ball for the open person,” said Allen. “It was definitely a fun game to be a part of. For us to come together as a team and play the way we did, I’m really proud of us, especially on senior night. It’s awesome to get that win for the seniors.”

Orihel, whose 24 points, eight steals, eight deflections, and dominant fourth quarter 48 hours earlier had helped the Lady Vikings dispel upset-minded Neumann-Goretti, 57-51, thoroughly agreed about the “share the ball” mentality.

“It’s the best we’ve played this season,” said Orihel. “On nights like tonight when Bri was on fire, we obviously looked to get her the ball and just run our offense. When we are disciplined in running it, we get wide-open shots, so it doesn’t really matter who’s making them. It’s going to give us higher quality shots that are likely to go in.”

At 7-1, the Lady Vikings would clinch a spot in the two-team championship if they win three of their final four tilts, which includes a visit to second-place Archbishop Carroll on March 2 and a regular-season finale at always dangerous West Catholic. 

“Play together,” said McDonald, “and they can beat anybody that we’re going to face for the rest of the year.”

*****

In West Catholic’s previous contest 48 hours earlier, Daziy Wilson launched a game-tying three in the final seconds of regulation en route to a thrilling 56-54 overtime win at Archbishop Carroll.

Wilson downplayed her clutch moment.

“I was open, so I shot the ball,” said Wilson, who finished with 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists. “I felt confident in the shot. I always think it’s going in, no matter what. If it misses, there’s always the next shot and the next play.”

Though seniors Wilson, Destiney McPhaul (15 points, 13 rebounds), Ciani Montgomery (18 points, two assists), and Patience Sanders (six points, five boards) supplied most of the statistics, senior Ti’Eisha Walker supplied important unmeasurable contributions. 

“She’s our unsung player,” said West coach Beulah Osueke. “She does so many things that most people don’t notice.”

Walker appreciated her coach’s high praise.

“My teammates feed off my energy, so I try to bring as much energy as I can,” said Walker. “I try to do the little stuff that makes up for turnovers or fouls, or even setting screens so they can get open.”

Carroll vs. West Catholic Highlights by John Knebels

Though obviously pleased with the win, Osueke admitted that today’s clarity might be tomorrow’s confusion.

“My team is very unpredictable,” said Osueke. “I know that they like really big games, and this was a huge game for us. I believe in my team. The question is if they believe in themselves. Tonight they believe in themselves. I was extremely excited about their performance.”

Despite several candidates, Osueke presented the proverbial game ball to a group, not an individual.

“We might have some top scorers who are consistent, but overall we are not successful as a team without everyone contributing,” she said. “In our postgame talk, I complimented the bench. I told the bench that we don’t win this game without you. 

“This year, there’s a pandemic.  Everyone is trying their best. We are playing without fans. It’s awkward and the kids have to feed off of each other. I was proud of our bench for being consistent in their support.”

Ti’Eisha Walker (L) & Daziy Wilson contributed unselfishness & clutch scoring in OT win over Carroll.

West Catholic coach Beulah Osueke was proud of the Lady Burrs’ resilience following a tough defeat.

Now at 3-2, the Lady Burrs basically find themselves in must-win mode the rest of the way. Bulldozed early by the pandemic, West can ill afford another defeat. The Lady Burrs’ most challenging stretch will be playing five games in eight nights from March 5 through March 12. 

While their pursuit of a successful defense of the PCL title relies on defeating Wood, Carroll, and Cardinal O’Hara, a gutty Neumann-Goretti squad remains on the horizon. Either West or Neumann-Goretti will represent District 12 in the PIAA Class 3A tournament in mid-March. 

*****

Cardinal O’Hara came within one game of stamping its ticket to the PIAA Class 5A tourney on Feb. 21 by defeating visiting Blue Division stalwart St. Hubert, 65-21. A victory over Archbishop Ryan this coming Monday would clinch a postseason berth.

Although the contest was not competitive, the afternoon will go down as one of O’Hara senior Amaris Baker’s most cherished memories. 

Baker had entered the game needing a dozen points to reach 1,000 career points. Having already scored 10 points in the second quarter alone and hoping she would reach her goal before halftime, the small crowd anticipated Baker’s big moment when senior Julia Stellabotte corralled a rebound and raced up court, where she found an open Baker. With a defender a couple of feet away, Baker passed to junior Maggie Doogan (11 points, three assists), who quickly returned the toss to a now-open Baker.

As she had practiced thousands of occasions, Baker set herself, followed through, and watched her shot swish through the twine.

Amaris Baker reflects on reaching 1,000 career points.

Senior Siobhan Boylan was very happy for her teammate.

Welcome 1,000 career points, a milestone that only 15 O’Hara females have accomplished, including current Lady Lions coach Chrissie Doogan, a 1993 grad who finished her brilliant career with 1,446.

“I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” said Baker, who transferred from Baldwin School after her freshman season. “I was all nervous. I was like, ‘Aw man, it’s coming up.’ I just wanted to get it over with.

“I needed 12. It was in the back of my head the whole time. When it went through, I was like, ‘Yes! Finally!’”

Cardinal O'Hara vs. St. Hubert highlights including Amaris Baker's 1,000th point & team celebration - video by James Williamson

O’Hara coach Chrissie Doogan is proud of Amaris Baker’s big moment and her team’s ability to rebound from tough defeat 25 hours earlier.

Doogan commended the Kennesaw State University (Georgia) recruit for her willingness to play both guard positions.

“Amaris deserves this,” said Doogan. “She can do a little bit of everything. She works her butt off every day at practice. She’s probably our hardest worker. She has an even-keeled face all the time, so for her to get this is nice, and we’re super excited for her.

“It’s really fun. The kids wanted to play for her and wanted to get her the easy shots. It was fun seeing them excited jumping up and down on the bench. It’s rewarding for me to see them as a team.”

Two nights after defeating St. Hubert, the Lady Lions stopped Lansdale Catholic, 63-32. Juniors Sydni Scott (15 points, five assists), Annie Welde (nine points, six rebounds), and the aforementioned Doogan (10 points, six rebounds) paced the victory.

*****

After dropping a non-division clunker at Cardinal O’Hara, Blue Division leader St. Hubert faced its stiffest division test on Tuesday night.

Despite major issues with their shooting, the Bambies survived.

With senior Payton Pugh supplying 17 points and nine rebounds, and junior Gianna Grassifulli adding 11 and 15, respectively, visiting St. Hubert edged stubborn Conwell-Egan, 45-41 – Hubert’s first win by fewer than 15 points.

“We knew Egan got better from the first time we played them, but also we had grown as a team on and off the court,” said Grassifulli, who against Cardinal O’Hara had amassed 11 points and 10 rebounds. “This was for first place in our division, so we knew it was going to be a fight. 

“Throughout the game, it was a battle. Offensively our shots did not fall, but we played solid defense, creating turnovers and holding Egan offensively. Later in the game, we were able to capitalize offensively off turnovers. As a team, we fought hard all game and got the win.”

A transfer from Archbishop Ryan, Grassifulli is averaging double figures in both points and rebounds. A soccer and softball player as well, Grassifulli the three-sport standout was not intimidated when the Bambies took on the more talented and more experienced Cardinal O’Hara. 

“It was definitely a tough game,” she said. “It was for an opportunity to play in states, so I wanted to win even more. O’Hara is always a tough team to play against. They are a very well coached team with talented players. Some of the girls I play AAU with, which made today even more competitive for me.

“My mindset is to play every game like it is a playoff game. Regardless of the score, I try to win my battles until the clock hits zero.”

St. Hubert vs. CEC Highlights by Kathy Leister

*****

After a stinging 45-41 loss to St. Hubert on Tuesday night, Conwell-Egan gave Red Division foe Bonner-Prendergast a scare 24 hours later. The visiting Lady Eagles started the fourth quarter only trailing by 39-38, but Prendergast proved to be too strong over the final eight minutes, winning 64-43.

“Both were really tough losses,” said C-E coach Chris Brennan. “We are close to turning the corner in the abbreviated season. As we go through these heartache losses, we coaches and players alike are getting stronger and believing in one another.”

Senior Gia Brennan, the coach’s daughter who tallied a season-high 16 along with five rebounds and two steals against Bonner-Prendergast, agrees.

“I love watching our team continuing to get better,” she said. “We start three freshmen, and they just continue to grow and are becoming great individual players and team players. I am so excited to watch them in the future.” 

*****

Archbishop Ryan is on a roll. The Ragdolls have won four straight after dropping their season opener. At 4-1, Ryan is looking forward to a challenging second half of the schedule – including two contests against third-place Conwell-Egan and a rematch at northeast neighborhood rival St. Hubert on March 2 – now that the team’s COVID issues are in the rearview mirror.

“We had a two-week quarantine and only three days to get back onto the court again before our first game against Hubert’s (on February 12),” said Ryan senior Luca Verello. “The two weeks were hard because we didn’t get to be together. Due to the quarantine, we lost time in the gym and were less prepared for our first game, but we had Zooms throughout the quarantine to keep everyone connected. As of right now, we’ve been back to practicing and getting in the groove of things. 

“I feel the goal is for our team to show by the end of the year how much we have progressed from the beginning of the season. Of course, the main focus is to always win, but even if we lose, it always will bring about a learning experience.”

*****

Bonner-Prendergast followed its upset victory over defending champion West Catholic by holding off Conwell-Egan, 64-43. Four players finished in double figures for the Pandas, who used a 25-5 fourth quarter to put away a feisty Lady Eagles squad.

Senior Reagan Dolan was a force with 17 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. Aided by six treys, senior Alexis Eagan poured in 20 points while grabbing five boards. Freshman Aniya Jackson’s 11 points/eight rebounds and junior Bridie McCann’s 11 points/five assists rounded out the Pandas’ win.

Catholic League Standings

(through February 26)

Red Division

7-1 Archbishop Wood

4-2 Archbishop Carroll

3-2 West Catholic

4-3 Cardinal O’Hara

3-4 Neumann-Goretti

1-5 Bonner-Prendergast

0-5 Lansdale Catholic

Blue Division

6-0 St. Hubert

4-1 Archbishop Ryan

4-2 Conwell-Egan

2-4 Little Flower

1-4 John W. Hallahan

0-6 Bishop McDevitt

(Contact John Knebels at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)