GIRLS BASKETBALL: At the Helm Gabby and Jaida Complete Their Prophecy: Lansdale Catholic Creates History

Congratulations to the Crusaders of Lansdale Catholic who defeated Blackhawk, 53-45 to win the PIAA 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - PSD Photo by Donna Eckert

BY JOHN KNEBELS

(Photos & Video: Donna Eckert for PSD)

HERSHEY – Gabby Casey needed Jaida Helm . . . and Jaida Helm needed Gabby Casey.

Once the two joined forces for the first time this past offseason, the rest of Pennsylvania basketball didn’t realize that it had encountered some serious trouble.

In the PIAA Class 4A state final on Saturday afternoon at the Giant Center, the Lansdale Catholic dynamic duo seniors and three underclassmen took over Chocolate Town, each playing all 32 minutes and defeating Blackhawk, 53-45, for the program’s first-ever girls’ basketball state crown.

Adding the first-ever Philadelphia Catholic League title a month earlier, this season is unquestionably the most successful in Lansdale Catholic history.

So, although sophomore Sanyiah Littlejohn (nine points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, block), junior Olivia Boccella (nine points, five rebounds, three steals), and sophomore Nadia Yemola (four points, two rebounds, assist) contributed significance to the Crusaders’ success, it was Casey and Helm who brought their team to the finish line.

“They were a perfect fit for one another,” said Lansdale Catholic coach Eric Gidney. “Completely meshed as teammates. Held each other accountable. Pushed one another. Cheered for the other. There couldn’t have been a better combination of teammates and situations to come together.”

2023 PIAA 4A Championship Highlights by John KNebels & Donna Eckert:

When the personable Helm transferred to Lansdale Catholic for her senior season, she immediately recognized the Crusaders’ vast potential.

Already an accomplished hoopster, Helm didn’t care what type of personal spotlight beckoned. Her objective from the very beginning focused on helping Lansdale Catholic discover its zenith.

“It’s really surreal to come in for one year and make history,” said Helm, who has yet to commit to a college. “It was a lofty goal, but I did have a goal to come in and help LC be successful. I mean, it was my senior year, and I always dreamed of finishing it out as a state champ. I never got to win a league or district championship before, so that was on my list for this year, too.”

Then Helm and Casey spoke together and started practicing. The positive chemistry was obvious.

“Once I got to play with Gabby, I told her that we can do it,” said Helm. “One of our first times all together, I told everybody what I wanted out of this year, and we all had the same goals. So we worked for it every day in practice, and it all came to fruition.

“Once we started playing together, I think we all realized we have something really special on this team. I’m really grateful for the team and whole community welcoming me into it the way they did. You would’ve thought I was there for four years instead of a few months.”

Lansdale Catholic Senior Jaida Helm had a vision when she transferred to LC...It came true. (video/John Knebels for PSD)

The St. Joseph’s University-bound Casey, a first-team, All-Catholic three straight seasons, this year’s PCL Most Valuable Player, and two days ago, honored as the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year, ended her season with a vintage 28-point, 16-rebound, three-assist, three-steal performance.

“I told Gabby probably at least twice every practice that she was the best player in the state," said Helm. “She would laugh it off or tell me to stop, but I actually meant it. She deserves all of the accolades she got this year. Gabby really embodies the culture at LC and she puts the work in. She’s so humble, but I really don’t think there’s anybody more deserving of all of it.

“Playing with her elevated my game, and that’s what great players do. It was a lot of fun and I’m sad it only lasted a year, but I honestly couldn’t have envisioned this year any better than how it turned out. She’s gonna have a fantastic career at St. Joe’s, probably similar if not better than the one she had at LC. And I’ll be courtside telling her she’s the best player in the country. LC will forever be associated with Gabby Casey . . . she’s a legend.”

No one would dispute Helm’s glowing assessment of her teammate. Yet, still, the Crusaders needed more.

Enter Helm.

“Honestly, Jaida was the best player for us,” said Casey. “She fit right in with our system and was able to contribute right away. We most definitely would not have had as much success as we did without her.

“She even added aspects to the team that we never had before; for example, her energy and how she is willing to put her body on the line to take charges.”

In the state final, Helm’s numbers belie her impact. While three points, five rebounds, three blocks, and an assist might not appear earth-shattering, it was Helm’s all-around athleticism, disruption of Blackhawk’s timing, and penchant to make a key play that stood out.

Lansdale Catholic PCL MVP and PA Gatorade Player of the Year Gabby Casey- played like an MVP in the state final. (Video/John Knebels for PSD)

After falling behind by 21-14 midway through the second quarter, the Crusaders seemingly took full control off a 32-15 run that gave them a 46-36 lead with four minutes remaining in the fourth.

But Blackhawk fought back to 46-45 inside the final two minutes. A rebound by Helm leading to a bucket by Casey, and four clutch free throws by Boccella ultimately sealed the deal.

“Every time we needed a big play or stop on defense, Gabby and Jaida would always be the one to step up,” said Boccella, who scored a team-high 17 points in Lansdale Catholic’s Catholic League championship. “Whether it be Gabby making a huge shot, or Jaida taking a charge when we needed it . . . both of them have this sort of fire when they play and will completely dominate the entire game in clutch situations.

Lansdale Catholic Senior Alana Ciccocelli accepted her role and couldn't be more pleased with the result. (video/John Knebels)

Lansdale Catholic Sophomore Sanyiah Littlejohn added pivotal defense contribution to her team's state crown. (video/John Knebels)

Lansdale Catholic Coach Eric Gidney reacts to making history and lauds all of his players for this epic win. (video/John Knebels)

“Both are super competitive and you can tell how much they want to win. Having them on the court together was such an advantage for our team because when one seemed to take over, the other would, too. There was really no way of stopping either of them, which caused an issue for a lot of teams.”

Table setter Littlejohn, who despite being hounded by Blackhawk’s tenacious defense only committed one turnover, may have benefitted the most from Helm’s impact.

“Jaida and Gabby are both dogs and they both made sacrifices because they wanted to win,” said Littlejohn. “Jaida is just a very good teammate on and off the court. She’s always the loudest in practice and would get on anyone for their mistakes. Being a point guard and having Jaida as the five is really huge, too, because we both are always on the same page, whether it’s between screens or just dishing the ball to Jaida when I’m driving. We both see eye to eye, which is huge.

Yemola concurred.

“They definitely work extremely well together,” said Yemola. “We were all really excited when we heard Jaida was coming to LC, and when she got here, you started to see that teamwork develop with her and Gab, and it was awesome for them and for us as a team.

“They work hand and hand on offense and defense and know how each other plays and always look for each other. It’s so fun watching it all come together on the court and everyone having fun with it.”

Helm captured beautiful sentiment when summarizing her experience at Lansdale Catholic.