Neumann-Goretti defeats Freedom Area 55-49 to bring home the PIAA 3A State - PSD Photo by Donna Eckert
Photos/Videos: Donna Eckert & John Knebels
By: John Knebels
HERSHEY, PA – The term “winning ugly” is a misnomer. When you win, regardless of how, it’s beautiful.
After Neumann-Goretti’s girls’ basketball team deflated Freedom Area, 55-49, in Saturday’s PIAA Class 3A state final at the Giant Center, the first question posed to Saints coach Andrea Peterson came in the form of a statement.
Not the way you drew it up . . .
Peterson smiled and concurred. But it didn’t matter. When the Saints needed to play their best, they did just that.
“It never happens the way you expect,” said Peterson, now the author of five state titles in her eight years. “When you have the leadership in Mihjae and D’Ayzha, it makes it a whole lot easier. You have two leaders that have been here before.
“We played a nationally ranked non-league schedule for this moment right here. You could tell at the end we kind of kept it together and we didn’t fall apart, and I think that’s what makes the difference.”
Peterson was referring to seniors Mihjae Hayes and D’Ayzha Atkinson. The former is a first-team All-Catholic who often singlehandedly places her team on her small but steady shoulders for minutes – or quarters – at a time. The latter is a player who has become one of the Philadelphia Catholic League’s top rebounders.
Against Freedom Area, Hayes was hounded all game long by FA’s aggressive defense, yet still orchestrated a brilliant 32-point, six-rebound, six-steal, two-assist symphony.
Several of her baskets were of the highlight variety.
“Basket by Mihjae Hayes, coast to coast,” said the public address announcer on four separate occasions.
Whenever Freedom Area appeared destined to emerge victorious, Hayes punctured their enthusiasm with a steal, a rebound, a short jumper, a layup, three of her three-pointers, or seven of her free throws.
“I can’t be tired,” said Hayes. “I fight through adversity. Just get the job done. I just have to give everything I can. Playing all the games is a hard test, but I knew I had to do it.
“I got heart. I wanted this so bad. This is what I love to do. I just gotta have fun at the end of the day.”
Neumann-Goretti vs. Freedom Area - PIAA 3A Championship Highlights & Celebration by John Knebels & DOnna Eckert:
Neumann-Goretti receives its PIAA 3A Gold Medals - PSD Video by John Knebels
Junior Amirah Hackney was a constant source of key contributions - Video by John KNebels
Hayes finished as one of Neumann-Goretti’s all-time best players, quite a statement considering the bountiful talent that has flowed through the program. She appreciates the sincere compliment, but she maintains an even perspective.
“A lot of players come through Neumann,” said Hayes. “Neumann is a good program. I just wanted to leave my legacy here and go out with a bang my senior season.”
The aforementioned Atkinson snared a team-high 10 boards – eight on the offensive end – to go along with nine points, three steals, and a block.
Junior Amirah Hackney picked the perfect time to construct one of her best all-around performances. Playing every minute along with Hayes and Atkinson, Hackney amassed 11 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and one steal.
Most of Hackney’s points served as backbreakers. With N-G trailing 18-14 in the second quarter, Hackney scored consecutive baskets off a steal and then off a rebound to tie the game.
Neumann-Goretti senior Mihjae Hayes scored 15 of her 32 points in a pivotal fourth quarter - Video by John Knebels
Neumann-Goretti coach Andrea Peterson summarizes a championship ending to a trying season - Video by John KNebels
With the Saints up 22-21 at halftime, Hackney started the third quarter with a three. After Freedom took a 29-27 lead, Hackney drilled another three to regain a lead that Neumann-Goretti never forfeited.
“It was very important,” said Hackney of her individual contribution. “I just wanted us to get the ‘W.’ You can’t just have one teammate. You have to have the whole team. I felt it was my duty to step up and help my team.”
Hackney lauded Hayes for what she has meant to N-G’s success.
“She’s awesome,” said Hackney “She’s a great teammate. She’s a great payer both on and off the court, She’s just an amazing person.”
Hayes said there was no way she could have won this by herself.
“I’m proud of my teammates,” said Hayes. “They have just as much heart as I do. I kept talking to Amirah, ‘I need you, I need you, I need you.’ She told me she got me, and she had me.”
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.
