GIRLS BASKETBALL: Riveting Season Has Plenty More to Offer in Final Week

Photos/Videos: Pete Delpo, Erin Carty, Colleen Claggett, Donna Eckert, Tommy Muir, Rachel Macauley, Mike Nance, Mark Zimmaro & Krystal Williams

By: John Knebels

LANSDALE, PA – After winning each of its first six league games by a minimum of 24 points, Lansdale Catholic prepared to face two of the Philadelphia Catholic League’s annual juggernauts last week.

Was the Crusaders’ early success simply a case of defeating overmatched opponents? Or is Lansdale Catholic the real deal?

The verdict: Lansdale Catholic is a legitimate championship contender.

At defending PIAA Class 5A champion Cardinal O’Hara, the Crusaders carried a one-point halftime lead before losing, 66-50.

Two nights later, for the first time since entering the PCL in 2008, Lansdale Catholic defeated visiting Neumann-Goretti, 71-63, to raise its league record to 7-1.

After scoring what is believed to be a program-record 40 points against the Saints (she netted 26 in the loss to O’Hara), Lansdale Catholic junior Gabby Casey downplayed her performance.

“Today was a great win,” said Casey, who has already received two Division I offers and has been contacted by five others. “We felt very confident today and we knew we had to take it to them right from the start. I knew going into the game they were a fast team but did not have much height. Since I was taller than most of them, it allowed me to get a lot of points in the paint. My teammates found me underneath almost every time.

“I found out (about reaching 40 points) right at the end of the game. I heard people talking about it. I was shocked. I had no idea I was even close to 40. It was so awesome. My teammates were just as happy as I was. It was just a great moment.”

LC's Erin Clark & Gabby Casey talk team goals for remaining league schedule - Bonus interview with Olivia Boccella after her 24 pt performance vs. CEC - Video by Pete Delpo:

Lansdale Catholic vs. Neumann-Goretti - PSD Gallery by Pete Delpo - LC Jr. Reporter

Nothing Casey does on the court surprises Lansdale Catholic coach Eric Gidney.

“I didn’t even realize it was 40 until the game ended,” said Gidney. “We were focused as a coaching staff on the tight game. And the 40 points came so effortlessly for Gabby that we just didn’t realize.

“She gives so much effort on both sides of the court every single game that it is such a pleasure to coach her whether she has four points or 40 points.”

With home contests this week against defending PCL/PIAA Class 4A state champion Archbishop Wood on Feb. 8 and a regular-season finale versus undefeated Archbishop Carroll two nights later, Lansdale Catholic still has plenty to accomplish with the playoffs beginning the following week.

“We are looking forward to keeping this momentum going,” said Casey.

Two Games from Regular-Season Perfection:

Archbishop Carroll entrenched itself all alone in first place with home victories over previously undefeated Cardinal O’Hara (49-39) and Neumann-Goretti (53-46).

Now at 8-0, the Patriots travel to Bonner-Prendergast on Feb. 8 and then to Lansdale Catholic two nights later. If Carroll defeats Prendergast while LC simultaneously stuns Archbishop Wood, then that last game of the regular season on Feb. 10 would decide the regular-season crown and a top seed heading into the postseason.

Though the Patriots received balanced scoring in their aforementioned triumphs, their winning formula is no secret:

Defense.

Carroll vs. Neumann-Goretti Highlights by Colleen Claggett:

“When everyone is on top of their game defensively, that intensity makes us better as a team,” said Carroll junior Meg Sheridan. “Every game is an important game. Every game has meaning to it. We want to play every team as though they are the best in the league.”

Against O’Hara, Carroll led by 28-23 after three quarters and then relied on 13-of-16 shooting from the foul line down the stretch. While tying for game-high scoring honors with 15 points apiece, junior Taylor Wilson (7 for 7) and senior Grace O’Neill (5 for 6) were nearly perfect from the stripe. A visibly confident Sheridan added five points and defensive tenacity.

Carroll’s Meg Sheridan had a big 4th qtr. vs. O'Hara - Video/John Knebels

Carroll’s Taylor Wilson enjoys utilizing her versatility - Video/John Knebels

Coach Renie Shields preaches the importance of smart defense - John Knebels

In the win over Neumann-Goretti, the Patriots trailed by seven points in the fourth quarter but rebounded behind the trio of Taylor Wilson (26 points), her sophomore sister Brooke Wilson (14), and O’Neill (13 points).

“They are a very challenging team to guard, so we didn’t want to get into a possession game with them,” said Brooke Wilson, who helped hold N-G sniper Mihjae Hayes to 11 points. “When we went down seven early in the fourth, we knew we needed to just get a stop. We made some switches defensively. We stepped it up, got the stops, and pulled out the win.

“This game was a great learning opportunity for us on the importance of coming out strong, especially on defense.”

Resolute Lions Avoid First Losing Streak:

Cardinal O’Hara’s perfect league record was severed by Archbishop Carroll on Feb. 1. Two nights later, the Lions found themselves trailing upstart Lansdale Catholic at halftime.

But a torrid defense, better ball movement, 26 points by senior Maggie Doogan, and a 35-18 second-half blitz resulted in a 66-50 win to keep the Lions (7-1) in second place.

“I think it was really important that we got a win back after our tough loss because it picks the entire team back up,” said O’Hara senior Annie Welde. “It is important that we don’t let a loss hang over our head for too long, and I think getting right back into it was very encouraging.

“I just think we woke up in the second half. We held ourselves accountable at halftime and committed to the fact that we are not gonna lose this game so we will do whatever we need to win. The seniors especially stepped up in the beginning and got everyone going, which definitely helped.”

Cardinal O'Hara vs. Carroll - PSD Gallery by Mike Nance

O'Hara Senior Day Gallery vs. Lansdale Catholic - PSD Gallery by Mike Nance

Rare Losing Streak Fuels Defending Champs:

After losing two straight PCL contests for the first time in at least six seasons, Archbishop Wood rebounded by overwhelming Neumann-Goretti, Bonner-Prendergast, and West Catholic.

Against visiting N-G, senior Ryanne Allen poured in a career-high 34 points while junior Deja Evans (11 points, 10 rebounds) and senior Bri Bowen (11 points, 5 rebounds) reached double digits to lead the Vikings past the Saints, 73-44.

Mike McDonald pleased with his team’s performance vs. Neumann-Goretti - Video/John Knebels:

Ryanne Allen talks after her 34-point performance vs. the Saints - Video/John Knebels:

Following consecutive losses to Archbishop Carroll and Cardinal O’Hara, the Vikings made some adjustments that immediately paid dividends.

“We have really focused on the little things in our offense that can determine if we are open or not,” said Wood senior Shannon Morgan. “We have been working on trying to move the ball more efficiently in order to get the open person a good shot.”

One of three Wood upperclassmen along with Allen and Bowen, Morgan has cherished her senior year.

“These past four years have flown by,” said Morgan. “I still feel like a sophomore because that was right when COVID hit and we went into lockdown. It’s hard to believe I’m already a senior. I still remember coming to my sister’s (2018 Wood grad Erin Morgan) games in grade school like it was yesterday.

“I have loved becoming close with all my teammates over the years and I will cherish those friendship for a life time. I’m excited for the rest of the season with my team and will treasure every last bit of it.”

Double-double contribution by Wood’s Deja Evans in win vs. NG - Video/John KNebels:

Wood senior Bri Bowen talks about Wood’s long-term goals - Video / John Knebels:

No Rest for the Weary:

To say that Neumann-Goretti might be a tad fatigued is putting it mildly.

After a COVID-related, school-sanctioned quarantine kept the Saints off the basketball quart for more than two weeks, the Saints commenced their league season on Jan. 25.

From then through the remainder of the regular season that ends on Feb. 11, the Saints will have not had more than one day of rest. Their loss against Lansdale Catholic was their sixth game in 12 nights, and when the playoffs begin with them seeded anywhere from one through six, they will have played their entire 10-game league season in 18 days.

Now at 3-3 with remaining meetings with Conwell-Egan, Cardinal O’Hara, Bonner-Prendergast, and West Catholic, the Saints were firing on all cylinders in an impressive 77-53 victory at St. Hubert’s.

Senior standout Mihjae Hayes tallied 30 points. Senior D'Ayzha Atkinson and junior Amirah Hackney scored 14 and 11, respectively, while sophomore Brooke Barnes and freshman Carryn Easley added nine apiece.

“The game the other day (a loss to Archbishop Wood) woke us up and sometimes you need that,” said Hayes. “We bounced back to get the ‘W’ against St. Hubert’s, but this only the beginning. It don’t stop here. We got way more work to do.”

In a win over Little Flower, Neumann-Goretti received 30 points from Hayes, 17 points and eight boards from Atkinson, and 12 points from Barnes.

Neumann-Goretti coach Andrea Peterson was proud of her players despite defeat vs. Wood - Video/John Knebels:

Neumann-Goretti vs. Wood - PSD Gallery by Donna Eckert:

N-G coach Andrea Peterson appreciates Atkinson’s court demeanor.

“’D’ is a great kid,” said Peterson. “She’s an all-around player who plays hard every possession and can play inside and out. She cleans up around the basket with rebounding and put backs.”

Grassifulli Grabs a Rebound. And Another. And Another . . .

If there is one team that should win an award for determination, St. Hubert’s should be a unanimous choice.

The Bambies are 4-4 and outside of a clunker against Lansdale Catholic, their opponent knew they had endured a battle.

One of the main reasons has been the inspired play of senior Gianna Grassifulli.

Against Little Flower, Grassifulli amassed 25 points and 19 boards. While the former fell four points shy of her career high, the latter furthered her reputation as a rebounding machine.

Hubert’s coach Dave Schafer explained Grassifulli’s penchant for snaring missed shots.

“She doesn’t watch the shooter shoot,” said Schafer. “She plays the angles – long or short – depending on where the shot is taken from, and then she immediately goes to the ball.”

As for her scoring, Grassifulli needs 17 points to reach 1,000 for her career. She will have two opportunities, home matches against Conwell-Egan and Archbishop Wood.

St. Hubert vs. Little Flower - Game Highlights by Tommy Muir:

Mia Tobin addresses the Bambies close 44-41 victory vs. Ryan - Video/Rachel Macauley

Will the Real Eagles Please Stand Up?

Conwell-Egan sits at 4-4. A season-long elevator ride for the Eagles remains in sort of stuck in limbo with Neumann-Goretti and St. Hubert determining where C-E will settle with the postseason looming.

Win two, and the Eagles would likely place fifth. Losing both would result in a seventh-place finish. Eagles coach Chris Brennan expects his squad to bear down and play its best bball in crunch time – which is now.

“The last two PCL games are critical to our team goals,” said Brennan. “We’ve made steady progress already throughout the season and want this progress to continue.”

CEC sophomore Mya Aizen says her team has great chemistry - Video by Mark Zimmaro:

CEC sophomore Saniyah Spell talks about win vs. Ryan - Video/Mark Zimmaro:

Three Teams Still Hoping to Reach Postseason:

Eight of the PCL’s 11 teams will make the playoffs – meaning that none of the eight finalists will enjoy a bye – and seven have already clinched a spot.

Therefore, three teams – West Catholic, Bonner-Prendergast, and Little Flower – remain in the mix for the final spot.

Entering this final week, West Catholic is 2-5 and needs one win against Little Flower, Cardinal O’Hara, or Neumann-Goretti to clinch. At 2-6, Bonner-Prendergast takes on Archbishop Carroll and Neumann-Goretti. At 0-8, Little Flower will visit West Catholic and Archbishop Ryan.

Should no major upsets occur, a conceivable three-way tie exists if West Catholic and Bonner-Prendergast both lose out while Little Flower wins twice. In that scenario, all three of those teams would finish 2-6 and would have split their meetings among each other, thus necessitating a tiebreaker.

If Little Flower fails to win a game, and West Catholic and Bonner-Prendergast both finish 2-8, then West Catholic would fill the final vacancy by virtue of its 55-46 win over Bonner-Prendergast on PCL’s opening night.

“Making the playoffs would be big for our school,” said Little Flower assistant coach John Dever. “Obviously, with the league going back to one division, we have had some tough games. Some of the scores have been pretty lopsided, but the girls keep playing hard and are staying positive.

“It would be great for them to see their work pay off by making the playoffs. We’re a young team, and the experience would hopefully help them going forward.”

Bonner-Prendie senior Bridie McCann scored all 18 of mbap’s points in rivalry match-up vs Ohara - Video/Erin Carty:

West Catholic vs. CEC - PSD Gallery by Krystal Williams:

LF assistant coach Eddie Dever leaves advice to his seniors and was proud of the way the Sentinels never gave up in game vs. Huberts - Video/Tommy Muir:

LF seniors Carly Strange, Gabby Turner, Liv Zolk & Bernadette Soltzman pass along advice to their underclassmen teammates - Video/Tommy Muir:

Archbishop Ryan Still Has One More Key Goal:

With one game remaining, a home contest Feb. 10 against Little Flower, Archbishop Ryan will treat the opportunity like a playoff.

Hey, when you’re 0-9 and have been playing your best basketball during the final two weeks, you do not want to finish winless.

“The girls continue to work extremely hard, and we are progressing in a positive direction,” said Ryan coach Chris Zambito. “Thursday (Feb. 10) is our senior night, so we are all looking forward to honoring our seniors. As far as the game being big, yes, the girls will be extra ‘juiced.’”

Ryan’s seniors - Mackenzie Reed and Alyssa Arias – wholeheartedly agreed with their coach.

“I believe the when a team is improving, some signs you can look for is the improvement in the team’s hustle and attitude rather than their record,” said Arias. “We’re a young team, but our attitude and chemistry has progressed throughout each game.

“I think it’s also noticeable in the way we pick ourselves up, and we kind of trust each other more with the sense of having everyone’s back.”

Win or lose, Arias has no regrets.

“The game is just as important as the rest of our games but perhaps more special because it’s our last run together, specifically Mackenzie and I,” said Arias. “It would definitely help a lot to finish our season strong with a league win. Our team has progressed so much, and I’m happy that I got to be apart of it and call all of them my family.”

Ryan sophomore Delaney Finn says her team gets stronger with each game - Video/Mark Zimmaro:

Ryan vs. CEC - PSD Gallery by Mark Zimmaro:

Reed echoed her classmate.

“With having a younger and smaller team then most schools, we’re learning constantly, and it’s going to help the girls in the future,” said Reed. “Each game we fight ‘til the very end no matter what the score is.

“As for our last game, we wanna go out for a win. We wanna show other teams that we can be just as competitive as any other team in the PCL. It will help the girls get ready for next season.”

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