GIRLS BASKETBALL: Inter-Academic League Highlighted by Barnburner and New 1,000-Point Scorer

Photos/Videos: John Knebels, Ryan Nix, Brionna Johnson, Zamani Feelings, James Quinn

By: John Knebels

PHILADELPHIA – Fierce opponents on the court, but close friends and teammates off the court.

After a delightfully competitive, well-coached basketball game Tuesday afternoon concluded with visiting Germantown Academy edging Inter-Academic League foe Notre Dame Academy, 48-43, the former’s Izzy Casey and the latter’s Lizzie Halligan – both juniors – stood next to each other and answered questions about the importance of separating 32 minutes of rivalry from the more important and lasting gift of friendship, camaraderie, and mutual respect.

“I was texting her last night,” said Casey, “and I was like, ‘Guess who’s guarding you tomorrow? I was like . . . ME!’ And she was like, ‘Oh my God. I’m guarding you, too!’”

Casey and Halligan have been AAU teammates for the past four years and have played club ball against each other since fourth grade. However, following each other around the court at the high school level trumps any other scenario.

Casey’s 14 points and Halligan’s 13 didn’t come easy for either player.

Germantown Academy vs. Academy of Notre Dame - PSD Highlights by John Knebels

“I knew from the beginning it was going to be tough because Lizzie is just so tough and aggressive,” said Casey, who added three assists and three steals. “I knew I was going to have to really work to do anything offensively because she’s such a good defender.

“Off the court, we are so nice to each other. On the court, I don’t care who I am playing against. I just want to play the same as if I was playing anyone else.”

When they watch each other play basketball as spectators, that’s a different story.

“We want the best for one another,” said Halligan.

Earlier, the mood had been much more intense from the opening tip until the end.

After leading for the entire game and only once being tied (38-38 with 6:03 left in the fourth quarter), Notre Dame relinquished control when Casey fired a cross-court pass to sophomore Gabby Bowes, who is also an AAU teammate with Casey and Halligan. On her way to 14 points on the strength of six-of-eight shooting from the foul line – including four-of-six in the fourth quarter – the wide-open Bowes calmly drilled a three pointer to put Germantown Academy in front, 45-43, with 49.5 seconds remaining in regulation. The clutch trey proved to be the game winner.

“Earlier in the season I missed one of those threes to tie up a game and I was like, ‘Alright, this is my shot. I got this one,’” said Bowes. “This was really important for us. This is one of our rivals. We were like, ‘Let’s go get’em.’”

In the first quarter, Notre Dame came out firing. With senior Annie Greek swishing four threes and pouring home 14 points, the Irish built an eight-point lead in the second quarter and led 29-25 at the half.

When the third quarter began, Germantown Academy assumed more desperation, but Notre Dame refused to yield. After falling behind 35-30 on consecutive coast-to-coast layups by Halligan, Kendall Bennett answered with four of her game-high 15 points. The senior added seven rebounds and two blocks.

NDA's Lizzie Halligan & GA's Izzy Casey are opponents on the court...but AAU teammates and friends off the court - PSD Video by John Knebels

Gabby Bowes (left) took a pass from Izzy Casey (right) & drilled game-changing three-pointer in GA's win over NDA - PSD Video by John Knebels

Notre Dame's Lizzie Halligan was disappointed after a tough loss to GA - PSD Video by John Knebels

“Give Notre Dame credit, they came to battle and we countered with a team effort,” said Germantown Academy coach Sherri Retif. “In the second half we matched their physicality with better close-outs. Early on, they were hot and hitting every three. When they put the ball on the floor, Bennett provided great help in the paint. We also didn’t give up as many offensive boards. We were aggressive, but poised, keeping them off the line.

“That also translated to the offensive end. Casey’s kick out to Bowes for the game-winner was pure poise. (Junior Sam) Wade had two impressive assists in the fourth, once to Bennett on an offensive board and once to Casey on the inbounds. (Sophomore CeeJay) Thomas played with tremendous confidence, grabbing the steal in crunch time.”

Notre Dame coach Lauren Power cited Bennett as the game’s unofficial MVP.

“The way that she blocks and alters shots and takes up a lot of space,” said Power. “It was a tale of two halves. We’re shooting low percentage shots and Kendall Bennett is getting layups. And they made a couple of threes and it just kills ya.

“I’m proud of our girls and our fight. We have a lot of youth. But we are gaining so much experience. I give our girls credit for how hard they’re playing. Now we have to put it all together and execute. Down the stretch, we have to keep our composure.”

Aleah Snead: 998 . . . 999 . . . 1,000

The season hadn’t even begun, but Aleah Snead already had one individual goal in mind.

One thousand points.

On Sunday afternoon, the Penn Charter senior reached quadruple digits during a 58-48, non-league loss to St. John’s College High School (D.C.) in the Blue-Star Showcase at Jefferson University.

She finished with 23. She then added 28 the following night in a 69-45 win over Imhotep Charter.

“I was really excited and happy,” said Snead, who has already committed to play at St. Joseph’s University next year. “Checking that off my list was amazing. I felt so much love from my team, coaches, family, and friends that day, and I appreciate the support.”

After she became the 10th player in Penn Charter history to reach the lofty heights, her teammates poured onto the court from the bench.

“I loved everyone’s reaction,” she said. “Every single one of my teammates were on their feet cheering and clapping. My teammates are the best. I left very loved.”

Snead needed 13 points heading in, so it was far from a gimme.

“I knew that I was going to get it, but I tried to stay focused on actually winning the game,” said Snead. “I was aware the entire game, counting in my head.”

After expressing how it’s “such a pleasure to see Aleah reach this milestone” and recognizing how she has “impacted our basketball program and school community since she stepped foot on campus in her career,” Penn Charter coach Joe Maguire issued Snead one of the best compliments imaginable.

“As a coach, I’m lucky to have the opportunity to coach a player like Aleah,” said Maguire. “I’m also fortunate that my daughters have had the chance to have her in their lives.”

Penn Charter's Aleah Snead scores her 1,000th career point - Video courtesy of Brionna Johnson, associate AD at Penn Charter

Photos of Aleah Snead after scoring her 1,000th point. Photos courtesy of Brionna Johnson

Aleah Snead with two of Joe Maguire's four daughters hanging out before going to an SJU women's game on Dec. 21. Snead will be attending SJU.

New Kind of Streak

After notching its first victory of the season by defeating Baldwin School four days earlier, Episcopal Academy enjoyed its first winning streak of the season by downing Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy, 52-30.

Senior Gaeli Keffer-Scharpf shot eight-for-10 and led all players in points (20) and rebounds (nine). Sophomore Ali Dennis (nine points, six rebounds), junior Bella Notaro (eight, five), junior Anna Maloney (six points), and junior Taylor Hammond (four points, four assists) rounded out a team effort.

“The game was one of the most important ones we’ve had all year,” said Keffer-Scharpf. “Not necessarily because beating SCH was one of our top goals this season, but because of a team meeting we had couple days before that I think changed our mindset as a team.

“Obviously it’s difficult to stay optimistic when losses start to build, but that was one of our main goals following our games against Cardinal O’Hara and Villa Maria Academy – to stay positive. All season we have been trying to focus on being positive and keeping the energy up, in practices, games, and on the bench, but that can be really challenging when our record does not reflect what we know we are capable of.”

The Churchwomen emerged more focused and determined.

“After that team meeting we played Baldwin and got our first win of the season, but we wanted to make sure we could keep the momentum going,” said Keffer-Scharpf. “The game against Chestnut Hill felt like our first real win of the season because it was our first game where we were able to play as a team and keep the energy high the entire game. We are looking to keep our momentum going this week against Agnes Irwin and Germantown Academy, and hopefully keep that same energy.”

Episcopal Academy vs. Baldwin School - PSD Photos by Ryan Nix

Episcopal has been beset my numerous injuries, which has taken an emotional toll.

“The other co-captain, (senior) Riley Thibodeau, returned right before our Baldwin game after getting concussed in one of our first games of the season, so it was great to be able to play with her again after so long,” said Keffer-Scharpf. “Unfortunately, (sophomore) Maura Irish was out for our Chestnut Hill game for another injury but definitely contributed to our high energy and positivity on the bench.

“Honestly, at the beginning of the season it was really tough to work around all of the injuries. I think at one point we had four of our returners out and it was hard to even hold a practice. Now we are starting to get some more people back like Riley, Taylor, Maura, and hopefully (junior) Natalie (Magnotta) soon, too, so we are looking forward to progressing more as we get our whole team back for the second half of the season.”

Contributors Everywhere

Talk about making the most of your opportunities.

Elevated from the junior varsity and playing in their first varsity game Tuesday afternoon, three players from Agnes Irwin School took full advantage of their opportunity.

As part of a new-look lineup, senior Jessie Stoudt (eight points), junior Maggie Mullin (eight points), and sophomore Grace Connelly (six points) combined for 22 points to highlight the Owls’ 44-24 win over Baldwin School. Varsity eighth-grader Simone Harvey added five points.

“I’m really proud of the way we played the game, because everyone that played contributed to a good team win,” said Agnes Irwin coach Shanette Lee. “We play hard and we play together and that’s really good to see at this time of the season.”

Mullin connected on two three-pointers and a conventional bucket.

Agnes Irwin vs. Baldwin School - PSD Photos by Zamani Feelings

“It felt amazing,” said Mullin. “I was in the right mindset going into the game and just went out there and played. I couldn’t stop smiling after I made it (her first basket, a three-pointer in the first quarter) and my friends on the court, sidelines, and stands all cheered for me, which added to the excitement.

“I was a little nervous at first, but junior varsity practices with varsity every day, so I am familiar with how they all play and they were all so supportive. It also helped having a big student section cheering us on.”

Keeping the Faith

Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy coach Bart Jeannoute has not enjoyed a full complement of players and looks forward to when that occurs.

He appreciated the Blue Devils’ effort in the aforementioned loss to Episcopal, particularly senior Fallon George’s six points, nine rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

“The girls played hard, but struggled to find a rhythm,” said Jeannoute. “Kudos to a determined EA squad.”