The sizzling senior scored a jaw-dropping 19 points in the first quarter, but it was points 15 and 16 that fueled the packed crowd to rise collectively to its feet. After taking a perfect feed from sophomore Sanyiah Littlejohn, Casey finished the fast break with a layup.

Move over, 1994 graduate Megan O’Brien, whose previous career total of 1,244 had stood tall for almost three decades.

“I was super nervous at the beginning of the game, so once I hit it, I felt so relieved,” said Casey. “My teammates were running toward me, so I knew I had finally hit it. The game stopped and former players brought out signs . . . and the crowd was going crazy . . . it was amazing. Everyone was so happy. It was just so great.”

The St. Joseph’s University-bound guard/forward admitted that she was “trying to keep track in my head, but it was hard.” No one expected it to take her fewer than eight minutes to reach her zenith, but Lansdale Catholic’s full-court press overwhelmed Bonner-Prendergast, and Casey took full advantage.

“That moment was definitely one of the best in my basketball career for sure,” said Casey. “It means a lot. Just to have something to be remembered for is super cool, and the fact I have a team that’s like family to me makes it 10 times better.”

Fifth-year Lansdale Catholic coach Eric Gidney has seen every one of Casey’s points. He recalled Casey’s initial stint as a substitute-turned starter when 2020 graduate Caitlin Rosenberger tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the first game of the 2019-20 season, which pushed Casey into the starting lineup.

“Everything is geared toward team goals,” said Gidney. “She’s savoring every moment. She’s enjoying the ride.” 

Through their 4-0 start in the Philadelphia Catholic League that follows an impressive pre-season, Lansdale Catholic has established itself as a clear championship contender. Four starters from last year’s team that reached the PIAA Class 4A state championship return, and the addition of a talented Helm cements one of the area’s most talented squads.

In their PCL opener, Casey scored 40 points and snared 21 rebounds as the visiting Crusaders defeated Neumann-Goretti, 76-54.

“To be honest, with the group we lost from last year and the talent that Archbishop Wood and Lansdale Catholic and Archbishop Carroll all had returning, I never really thought of ‘defending the title,’” said O’Hara coach Chrissie Doogan. “After spending two months in the gym with these girls, I can’t wait for February.

“We have one really good scorer, three juniors that have all elevated their games since last year, seniors who are terrific on and off the court with this group, and a freshman who is fearless . . . and some others off the bench that are just working hard waiting for an opportunity.”

The Lions’ go-to performer becomes second-team All-Catholic sophomore Molly Rullo, who has averaged 17 points. The second-team All-Catholic leads a group that includes junior Joanie Quinn, junior Greta Miller, junior Carly Coleman, senior Maria McCallen, freshman Meg Rullo, and senior Bridget Dawson, who continues to recover from an earlier injury.

Now at 4-0 in the PCL and 10-2 overall, the Lions proved their resolve in a dramatic 58-55 win over West Chester’s Bayard Rustin. Down by 10 points early in the third quarter, the Lions chipped away and ultimately went home happy after Quinn drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer. In addition to Quinn’s 14, Molly Rullo scored 17 and her sister Meg added 14.

“Well, you know that every year, all the teams in the PCL come out with the same goal, and that is to win the plaque,” said the elder Rullo, a second-team All-Catholic last year. “So no game is ever easy in this league.

“However, teams locally want to beat the state champions. I think for us, it’s just going out every game and playing hard, playing defense, sharing the ball, following our game plan, and playing O’Hara basketball. 

A transfer last year who acquiesced to some of Wood’s more experienced players, Renninger now takes on increased expectations on the court and a leadership role for Wood’s younger players.

“I feel more comfortable with the offense and the team and have a better understanding of the competition in the Catholic League,” said Renninger. “I think anyone who comes to Wood looks forward to those games against those great programs. After playing a year at Wood, I realized every game is a tough game and I need to be at my best at all times.”

With former star Ryanne Allen now off to a great start at Vanderbilt University, the Vikings lack a bona fide go-to scorer. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Before our game versus Rustin, Coach Renie (Shields) wrote, ‘Do Harder, Better’ on the board,” said second-team All-Catholic junior Brooke Wilson. “The first half of the season was hard. We were challenged with very good teams. We have seen everything and we were able to work with it, but unfortunately, for most games, we did not get the job done at the end.

“As PCL play continues, things aren’t going to get easier. Games, matchups, practices aren’t going to get easier. Because of the hardships we faced, we are becoming a team that handles the hard better.”

Wilson appreciates the camaraderie among upperclassmen and underclassmen.

“We have a mix of all grades on our team this year and we complement each other very well,” said Wilson. “Each brings a different attribute to the game. (Freshman) Lex (Eberz) fit right into the system and has been playing great.  She understood her role, and immediately she began to thrive. Our captains (seniors Taylor Wilson, Courtland Schumacher, and Meg Sheridan) have done a great job of leading the team and being great examples for the underclassmen.” 

Sophomore Amya Scott (18 points, four assists, and three steals) and freshman Kamora Berry (11 points, four steals) also contributed.

“We played well as a team tonight and shot the ball really good,” said N-G coach Andrea Peterson. “I challenged our three captains (Easley, Scott, and senior Amirah Hackney) to lead the way. They did just that, and it made the flow of the game smooth.

“We were locked in both defensively and offensively tonight. Our two sophomores (Easley and Scott) played lights out. When they both get going at the same time, it’s dangerous.”

In what could prove to be an important contest in District 12 considerations, the Eagles take on Neumann-Goretti on Thursday.

“(Sophomore) Lily Milewski has been a constant for us on both ends of the court, leading the team in scoring, rebounds and blocks,” said Brennan. “(Junior) Brooke McFadden continues to be a major source of scoring for our team. (Junior) Brianna McFadden has taken on a more prominent role into the starting lineup and has really responded well on both ends. (Senior) Kyliyah Carmichael’s experience, calm, and composure have really been resourceful with so many changes taking place throughout the season.”  

In addition to freshman Luca D’Andrea’s eight points, nine rebounds, six steals, and four steals, junior Lex Price scored a career-high 15 points and added eight boards and three steals.

“This win was a pretty big win for us, especially after coming off a couple of losses,” said Price. “It felt good to win tonight. My teammates and I really wanted to win and it motivated me to work harder on the court.

“Our ball movement improved. We were all finding the open player, whether it was someone inside or out on the wing. We were also making good passes so that we could put up good shots from either the inside or the outside.”

Coach Julian Rattliff is prepared to plow through significant growth pains.  

“We still haven't played our best basketball yet and are now in the midst of the toughest part of our schedule,” said Ratliff. “(Sophomore) Reynah Rattliff is learning a lot as lead guard. (Junior) Delaney Finn and (junior) Haley Davis are getting more continuity every game. Our bench is really starting to hit their stride.

“This group is working hard. Lots of optimism going forward.”

“We have a few wins under our belt from our preseason, so we are definitely hungry to get into the Catholic League and work to get some more wins,” said Dever. “We are looking stronger on the court. We are learning how to play as one, and that’s what every team really needs.”

The Sentinels are comprised of point guard Dever, speedy honorable mention All-Catholic sophomore Hayden Johnston, sophomore defender Bridget Comas, scoring senior Ciarra Corcoran, and senior rebounder Lucy Donahue. An injury to Corcoran has allowed junior Meghan Colfer to acquire some starting time.

West Catholic opened with a victory at Bonner-Prendergast before a rugged strength of losses against Archbishop Carroll, Lansdale Catholic, and Neumann-Goretti. Up next for the starting five consisting of four freshmen (Ciani Scott, Jalyn Moore, Jasmine Butler, and Ciana Blake) and second-team All-Catholic senior Amina Reid are St. Hubert’s and Archbishop Ryan.

"We are a very young team, but the girls have been working extremely hard and we are getting better daily,” said West coach Messiah Reames. “Very pleased with where we are in the first half of the season while knowing we have room for growth."

“The overall attitude of the team has been positive,” said junior Riley Donahue. “We know we’re young and this is a rebuilding year, but we’re working hard every day and having fun. Sometimes we get frustrated by losing, but by working together, we turn that frustration into motivation. 

“We keep each other motivated.  We’re making each other better every game. We’re a young team and we’re playing for each other this year.”

Along with Donahue, starters include senior Mya LoSasso, junior Leah Walker, freshman Melanie Standen, and sophomore Emily Riehl. 

“This has been a tough year,” said B-P coach Tom Stewart, “but I have a great group of girls.”