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Breaking News: Catholic League Official, “There Will Be a Championship.”

By John Knebels Photos by Mike Nance, 03/10/21, 10:30AM EST

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By: John Knebels

PHILADELPHIA– A combination of postponements has led to various rumors regarding Philadelphia Catholic League basketball. None of them has merit.

According to Catholic League officials, the PCL will issue a press release Friday morning detailing the definitive plans for both the remainder of the regular season and the upcoming playoffs. 

What should appease coaches, players, and fans is that the PCL has decided to conduct a postseason of some sort. What that will look like is anyone’s guess, but according to officials, a Catholic League champion will be determined for both genders.

When the season commenced, the PCL had planned to have the top two teams from the regular season compete against one another in a one-game championship. Because some schools have been affected more than others because of COVID concerns and weather-related cancellations, current standings are lopsided.

In the 12-game girls’ standings, Archbishop Wood finished first with a 10-2 record. The battle for second place between defending champion West Catholic and Cardinal O’Hara continues. While O’Hara finished 9-3, West Catholic sits at 6-3 and still has two contests versus Neumann-Goretti and one against Lansdale Catholic on its schedule. However, according to athletic director Chalie Szydlik, Neumann-Goretti will remain virtual – thus unable to compete in athletics – until March 16. 

Neumann-Goretti’s unavailability also affects the boys’ 14-game standings. Undefeated Archbishop Wood has clinched first place at 13-0. Defending champion Neumann-Goretti and Roman Catholic are tied for second at 9-1 and have yet to play each other, thus eliminating the first tiebreaker, which is head-to-head. Archbishop Ryan is in fourth place at 8-3. 

2020 PCL Girls Basketball Championship Highlights: West Catholic vs. Archbishop Wood


Last year, Neumann-Goretti defeated Roman Catholic to claim the 2020 PCL crown - PSD Photo by Mike Nance

Because the PIAA playoffs begin on March 17 (though District 12 representatives will be given a first-round bye and will advance to the quarterfinals on March 20), PCL officials have a small window at their disposal. 

Friday’s press release should answer all relevant questions.

 

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