Photos/Videos: Colleen Claggett, Donna Eckert, Dan Hilferty, Kathy Leister, Rachel Macauley, Mike Nance, Ryan Nix, James Quinn & Krystal Williams
By: Rich Flanagan
PHILADELPHIA – During his sixteen seasons as a coach, both head and assistant, Francis Bowe has learned how to get prepared, both physically and mentally for the postseason. When he was at the helm of Valley Forge Military Academy, his team transitioned from the Bicentennial Athletic League playoffs to the District 1 playoffs to the PIAA state tournament.
Overseeing Archbishop Carroll, that transition has been different due to the lapse in time that can occur following the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs then the District 12 title games. The Patriots fell to Devon Prep in the opening round of the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs on February 16 and thought the season was over. Fast forward to Sunday, March 6 when the PIAA basketball brackets were unveiled, and Archbishop Carroll was headed back to the state playoffs for the 14th consecutive season.
For Bowe, the nearly three-week hiatus after the season was presumably over actually paid dividends.
“Maybe it’s the reset button and it’s a new season,” Bowe said. “Giving them that rest was something that jolted the team. As soon as we got on the floor, a light bulb went on. It was a good getaway to reconvene and now to be on this roll that we’re on, it might have been the best thing for us.”
Archbishop Carroll (14-10) began its PIAA Class 4A Tournament run with a 68-61 victory at Berks Catholic then dominated from start to finish in a 45-point drubbing of Athens Area to reach the state quarterfinals for the second straight year. Sophomore Moses Hipps has been playing like the best player in the lower quadrant of the 4A bracket avg. 31.0 points per game. The 6-foot-4 guard, who holds offers from VCU, Fordham and Temple, among others, shot 13-for-16 from the free throw line and poured in 31 against Berks Catholic, the most by a Patriots player since Chicago Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. had 30 versus Neumann-Goretti in the 2015 PIAA 3A title game. He followed that up with another 31-point performance, going 10-17 from the field to down Athens Area and became the first player in Philadelphia Catholic League history to have consecutive 30-point games in the state playoffs. He has 10 three-pointers during this stretch, including six against the Wildcats in the second round.
Following the loss to Devon Prep, Hipps was in the weight room for about a week and a half and Bowe noted that “he didn’t even touch a basketball” during the ensuing two-week window.
Archbishop Carroll head coach Francis Bowe - PSD Photo by Ryan Nix
Archbishop Carroll Sophomore Moses Hipps (#0) has been averaging 31 points per game in the PIAA playoffs - PSD Photo by Dan Hilferty
A season after helping Archbishop Carroll nearly knock off Allentown Central Catholic, which eventually went on to win the state championship, Hipps has returned with a greater assertiveness (70 three-pointers made) and patience (44.3% shooting) when the ball is in his hands. He’s playing with supreme confidence, according to Bowe.
“Don’t get me wrong, he’s hitting some really tough shots and his confidence is out of this world right now.,” Bowe said. “He’s shooting it at a super high level from all three phases, especially deep three. Sometimes, when you have that hot hand, you just keep rolling with him.”
Dean Coleman-Newsome has been spectacular during this run. The 6-4 junior guard, who came into his own during the state playoff run in 2020 then missed his entire sophomore campaign due to a knee injury, had 14 points and 11 rebounds in the win over Berks Catholic then put together a prolific performance with 13 points, 10 boards and nine assists vs. Athens. Senior guard Shawnn Smith, the Bishop McDevitt transfer, had 13 points in the Athens win, a game that saw nine different players score a basket. Archbishop Carroll will take on Montour at Penns Valley High School on Tuesday night.
The Patriots are looking to advance to the state semifinals for the first time since 2015 when they met the Saints, who have picked up where they left off in the Philadelphia Catholic League title game and have cruised through to the quarterfinals.
After defeating West Philadelphia in the District 12-4A title game, Neumann-Goretti (20-4) won its state opener against ELCO by 32 points behind 18 points from sophomore guard Robert Wright III, who recently picked an offer from Syracuse, and 12 points apiece from senior guard Masud Stewart (11.9 ppg) and 6-8 junior forward Sultan Adewale (11.8). Wright has been masterful, avg. 21.7 ppg over the last six games, all postseason contests. In the Saints 57-51 second-round win over Scranton Prep, Wright led the way with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Head coach Carl Arrigale, fresh out Philadelphia Catholic League title No. 12 and adding to an all-time record, has the Saints in the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2020 and is looking to catapult Neumann-Goretti into a state final for the first time since 2018. Sophomore guard Khaafiq Myers, who has really come on since the end of the regular season, had 14 points, eight boards, nine assists and four steals vs. ELCO then had eight more points and four more steals in the win over Scranton Prep.
Neumann-Goretti will take on Bethlehem Catholic at the Geigle Complex in Reading on Tuesday.
Neumann-Goretti vs. ELCO - PIAA 4A 1st Round Highlights by Krystal Williams:
Neumann-Goretti vs. ELCO - PIAA 4A 1st Round - PSD Photos by Krystal Williams
Ryan Nemetz led Cardinal O’Hara (14-12) to its first-ever state playoff appearance and its first state tournament win with its 54-46 victory over Wilson Area in the opening round. Versatile sophomore forward Pearson McGuinn posted 21 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks while sophomore guard Hunter Johnson went 7-for-7 at the free throw line on his way to 18 points to go along with nine boards and two steals.
The Lions, who were without leading scorer and 6-5 guard Izaiah Pasha (17.1 ppg) due to PIAA transfer rules, had their season end at the hands of Dallas, 75-57 in the next round.
Even after losing in the Philadelphia Catholic League semifinals then the District 12-3A title game to Math, Civics & Sciences, West Catholic (21-5) has rebounded and showcased why it has been one of the best teams in Pa. by winning its first two PIAA Class 3A Tournament games by an average of 31.5 points.
Miguel Bocachica has his team reenergized without junior Shemar Wilbanks-Acqui (11.5 ppg), another player held out as a result of PIAA transfer rules. First Team All-Catholic point guard Adam “Budd” Clark had 16 points, including going 7-9 at the foul line, three assists and 10 steals while Cal State Bakersfield signee Kaseem Watson added 13 points in a 69-32 win over Tulpehocken in the first round. This win marked the Burrs first state tournament victory since 2014.
Clark continued his strong play against Loyalsock, the defending 3A champion, by tallying 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and five of West Catholic’s 20 steals in a 63-37 win. Junior forward Zion Stanford, who had 11 points in round one, had 18 points and five steals of his own while Kaseem Watson chipped in 12 points, including two three-pointers, as the Burrs advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time in program history. West Catholic led by 24 points at halftime and increased its lead to 53-19 in the third quarter as it put an end to the Loyalsock 2022 class’ impressive run. The trio of Saraj Ali, a 1,000-point scorer who had nine points and 11 rebounds in the loss, Brendan Clark and Jaiden Ross finished their careers with a 105-9 record, four district titles and the 2021 state title.
West Catholic senior Kareem Watson hits a huge three in the Burrs PIAA 3A first round victory vs. Tulpehocken - Video by Mike Nance
West Catholic vs. Tulpehocken - PIAA 3A 1st Round - PSD Photos by Mike Nance
For the third time this season and the first time in state playoff history, West Catholic will meet Devon Prep (16-8), which has picked up the pieces after falling to the Burrs in the Philadelphia Catholic League quarterfinals. After taking the league by storm last season, the Tide have taken things a step further by performing well in the state tournament, their first trip in 12 years.
Devon Prep had four players score in double figures in its state opener, a 71-48 win over District 1 champion, Dock Mennonite. Junior forward Jacen Holloway posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, senior guard and Susquehanna University signee Allen Cieslak hit two three-pointers on his way to 15 points, and senior guard IV Pettit had 13 points, including three treys, five rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Tide claimed their first state tournament victory since 2010.
Devon Prep vs. Dock Mennonite - PIAA 3A 1st Round Highlights by COlleen Claggett:
Devon Prep vs. Columbia - PIAA 3A 2nd Round Highlights by COlleen Claggett:
Pettit continued his torrid run with an efficient 29 points as Devon Prep held on for a 76-73 win over Columbia in the second round. The Tide hit 12 three-pointers on the night with Pettit and Cieslak hitting four each and Lucas Orchard (17 points, 12 rebounds) nailing three. Devon Prep started off strong then fell behind in the second quarter as Columbia went on a 20-3 run to close the quarter and led by 10 at halftime. Orchard scored 11 straight points to begin the third and that allowed Devon Prep to secure momentum the rest of the way. Kerry Glover, who avg. 15.3 ppg this season, led Columbia with 30 points and Robert Footman added 20 points and seven rebounds but it was not enough. Devon Prep advances to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2005.
Devon Prep vs. Dock Mennonite - PIAA 3A 1st Round - PSD Photos by Colleen Claggett
Devon Prep vs. Columbia - PIAA 3A 2nd Round - PSD Photos by Colleen Claggett
The matchup of West Catholic and Devon marks the first time that two Philadelphia Catholic League boys programs have faced off in the state tournament since 2019. That year, three quarterfinal games featured Philadelphia Catholic League matchups: La Salle vs. Roman Catholic (6A), Archbishop Carroll vs. Bonner-Prendergast (4A) and Bishop McDevitt vs. Neumann-Goretti (3A). The Burrs secured a 68-56 win in the league quarterfinals with Stanford scoring 24 points while Clark racked up four points, four rebounds, 10 assists and five steals. Holloway scored 17 points and Pettit accounted for 15 points and 14 boards in that loss.
Two teams who were dealt heartbreaking losses in the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs have turned things around in the PIAA Class 6A Tournament. Archbishop Wood (20-6) suffered a one-point loss at the hands of Archbishop Ryan in the league quarterfinals then won a play-in game over Boys’ Latin to get into the state tournament field. They routed Plymouth Whitemarsh, 77-50 in the opening round as sophomore guard Jalil Bethea hit four three-pointers on his way to 23 points to go along with nine rebounds and two steals. Senior guard Tyson Allen had 12 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocks while 6-7 junior forward Carson Howard had 10 points and nine rebounds going up against Colonials 6-5 big man Qudire Bennett (14 points).
Bethea, who has made 75 three-pointers this season, is one of the best shooters in the area but head coach John Mosco, who has Archbishop Wood in the state playoffs for the fifth time, has noticed a change in his game over the course of the season.
“Throughout the year, he’s been trying to do more with his ball-handling and making the right pass,” Mosco said. “I thought in the beginning of the year he was still a little immature by trying to make the spectacular play instead of the simple one. That’s what I’ve been talking to him about all year.”
“Sometimes, it’s better to get the hockey assist than the main assist. Because of his shooting, everyone is running at him but he’s able to make plays off the dribble. He’s one of the better shooters I’ve had who can also go off the dribble.”
The win over the Colonials set up a rematch with Reading, the team that had defeated the illustrious 2021 class of Rahsool Diggins (UConn), Marcus Randolph (Richmond), Daeshon Shepherd (La Salle), Jaylen Stinson (James Madison) and Muneer Newton (William Penn College) in the 6A final last season. The Vikings and the Red Knights played during the regular season as well with Reading taking that matchup as well. Compared to last season’s meeting in the state tournament, Mosco stressed that both teams have changed, and the focus was more on the 2022 team establishing itself than seeking revenge.
“It’s been talked about a lot, but you look at every game differently,” Mosco said. “It’s not a revenge game where they got us last year and we got them this year. These are different players and teams with different outcomes. We want to keep moving on with this group and do the best we can.”
Drexel signee Justin Moore scored nine of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and had seven rebounds and three assists in propelling the Vikings to a 64-58 victory over Reading at Easton Area High School on Sunday. The 6-2 floor general, who began his career at Cheltenham and played last season as Bishop McDevitt, had only scored 10 points in the previous two games combined but saved one of his best outings for this moment.
Archbishop Wood vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh - PIAA 6A 1st Round - PSD Photos by Kathy Leister
Archbishop Wood vs. Reading High PIAA 6A 2nd Round Highlights by Donna Eckert:
Archbishop Wood vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh PIAA 6A 1st Round Highlights by Kathy Leister:
According to Mosco, “it’s him being a senior and him not wanting it to be his last game. He took over. Justin went to the line and put the game away for us.” Bethea added 10 points and junior guard Basil Laster had 10 points of his own along with six assists. Howard corralled 11 rebounds and went 4-6 at the free throw line in the fourth, his only points of the game. Ruben Rodriguez, who lifted Reading to the state title last year, had 21 points in the loss.
The Vikings are headed to the state quarterfinals for the fourth straight season where they will meet North Hills.
Roman Catholic (21-4) suffered a two-point loss to Neumann-Goretti at the Palestra in the Philadelphia Catholic League semifinals but refocused to handle Abraham Lincoln in the District 12-6A title game. Chris McNesby is making his first trip to the state tournament since walking away with a second straight title in 2016. The Cahillites took care of Haverford High, 59-49 in the opening round as University of Cincinnati signee Daniel Skillings Jr. shot 8-13 from the field and posted a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds while Hofstra signee Khalil Farmer (12 points) hit a pair of three-pointers and added 12 points in the victory. Senior guard Quadir Brown also had 12 points and junior guard Xzayvier Brown chipped in nine points, six boards and 10 assists.
Roman Catholic vs. Haverford High - PIAA 6A 1st Round Highlights by Rachel Macauley:
Daniel Skillings Jr. addresses victory vs. Haverford - PSD Video by Rachel Macauley
Skillings and Farmer kept the pressure on by leading the Cahillites to a decisive 59-26 win over Central Dauphin. Skillings had 16 points, seven rebounds and five steals while Farmer buried four treys on his way to 18 points to go along with 10 boards and three assists. Xzayvier Brown tallied 10 points, four assists and two steals, and 6-7 freshman forward Shareef Jackson asserted himself with 10 points, six boards and three blocks as Roman Catholic advanced to the state quarterfinals for the fourth time in five years. Niagara signee Donovan Hill led Central Dauphin with 12 points.
The Cahillites will play Cheltenham in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night.
After making its first run to the Philadelphia Catholic League title game since 2008 then falling to Neumann-Goretti, Archbishop Ryan (18-9) was upended by Imhotep Charter in the District 12-5A title game. It started the PIAA Class 5A Tournament off strong with a 75-48 victory over West York, spearheaded by an 18-point, 7-rebound and 2-block performance by 6-9 sophomore forward Thomas Sorber. Senior guard Luke Boyd hit three three-pointers and scored 13 points while fellow senior backcourt mate Jalen Snead had nine points, six rebounds and nine assists.
Archbishop Ryan vs. West York - PIAA 5A 1st Round highlights by kathy Leister:
The Raiders season came to an end in the second round with a 53-48 loss to Chester, a team it had beaten in the state semifinals a season ago, at Cardinal O’Hara. Sorber was the only player in double figures with 13 points and he also added 10 rebounds and nine blocks. Snead had eight points, five boards, two steals and two blocks in his final game.
