Photos/Videos: Kathy Leister & LF Senior Manager & PSD Jr. Reporter Shannon Hopkins
By: John Knebels
PHILADELPHIA – Little Flower basketball won’t be making the playoffs this year. They might not win a single Philadelphia Catholic League game.
On Sunday, however, when the Philadelphia Eagles meet the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, no one from the PCL will be cheering louder than the Sentinels.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt pictured with the Little Flower basketball team - Photo Courtesy of Shannon Hopkins
What Little Flower possesses unlike the other 11 PCL basketball programs . . . is being sponsored by a member of the beloved Eagles – rookie outside linebacker/edge rusher Jalyx Hunt.
Very early in the season, Little Flower athletic director Fran Sifoni discovered that Hunt was looking to sponsor a basketball team in the Philadelphia area. Sifoni asked first-year Little Flower basketball coach Jesse Morgan to investigate.
“Jalyx responded quickly and set me up with his team to get things going,” said Morgan. “They were very excited about us reaching out and sent details of what was to come, and the rest is history.
“I didn’t expect him to respond. Really, it was a shot in the dark. But Jalyx is different. He’s about the community and a man of his word. His team is also great. They followed up frequently and delivered their promises. I commend them for that.”
In early December, Hunt officially announced that he had chosen to sponsor Little Flower. From that point on, Hunt has financially aided the Little Flower program and met with the school on three occasions, once during a January 21 game against Archbishop Carroll.
Needless to say, the Sentinel players emerged ecstatic.
“We were all super excited and so grateful for the opportunity,” said senior Alexa Harr, who also played soccer in the fall. “With it being my senior year and last year playing, it is amazing to be a part of something so special. Because our team is so close, it was such a wonderful feeling to have Jalyx choose us and become a part of our basketball family.”
Hunt’s background as a successful athlete, commenced when the Florida native was chosen by the Eagles in the third round of the NFL draft, demonstrated his understanding of how young athletes dedicate their time and hard work to improve their craft.
After Hunt’s first visit to the school, Harr and the Little Flower community found him to be affable and gracious.
“One day after practice, we welcomed Jalyx to Little Flower with a small gathering,” said Harr. “Our team, as well as our families, our cheerleaders, and a few administrators, were present. We got a chance to thank him with some gifts and Little Flower gear. He spoke about his journey in football and why he wanted to give back. We were also able to hang out, chat, and take pictures with him.
“One day during practice, he comes walking in our gym to our surprise. We all had absolutely no idea he was coming and were so shocked to see him just stroll in. When he attended the basketball game of ours with one of his teammates, (Eagles defensive end) KJ Henry, it was amazing to see him so supportive of us and cheering us on in the stands.”
Little Flower seniors Bridget Comas, Shannon Hopkins, Alexa Harr & Peyton Zolk talk about what they learned from Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt - Videos by LF manager Shannon Hopkins
Little Flower tri-captain seniors (L-R) Peyton Zolk, Alexa Harr and Bridget Comas are joined by Philadelphia Eagle and team sponsor Jalyx Hunt - Photo by Peyton Zolk
A message to Jalyn Hunt and the Entire Philadelphia Eagles organization as they prepare for the Big Game this Sunday :
Harr’s teammates do not take this anomaly for granted.
“The Eagles sponsorship has made my basketball season extra special from getting the opportunity to meet Jalyx Hunt more than once, and his support just felt amazing,” said senior Peyton Zolk, who also plays soccer and flag football. “Getting the support from someone who knows what it is like to be a student athlete and knows to stay motivated and never give up was great.
“It was so great that he took the time out to help us when he obviously is busy with so much other stuff. And watching him and the Eagles do amazing this season and going to the Super Bowl makes it even better.”
Another three-sport athlete, senior Bridget Comas, said she relates to Hunt and his teammates’ diligence and dedication.
“I have committed myself to practices, trainings, and becoming a better athlete and teammate in each sport,” said Comas, who also competes in field hockey and lacrosse. “Balancing my school work, after-school activities, and various sports has taught me the importance of time management and responsibility, characteristics all professional athletes have. Professional Athletes are also great role models, and being a multi-sport athlete has made me a better leader on and off the field.
Little Flower Senior Day vs. Archbishop Ryan - PSD Photos by Kathy Leister
“Receiving this sponsorship was such an amazing experience because it not only benefited our basketball program, but it helped us connect more as a team. Seeing Jalyx Hunt attend our games and wear Little Flower gear made this sponsorship even more special, and we felt like we were a part of the Eagles’ journey to the Super Bowl. Our whole team will be cheering on the Eagles this Sunday, but we will especially be rooting for Jalyx Hunt.”
Little Flower concludes the season 12:30 Saturday with a visit to St. Hubert’s, which is also searching for its first PCL win. The Sentinels hope to cross the bridge and end the season on a positive note.
They came close during Little Flower’s senior night on Feb. 4, which honored Harr, Comas, Zolk, injured Alexis Radomski, and manager Shannon Hopkins. A tight battle with Archbishop Ryan ended with a 39-32 defeat, but the result included the Sentinels’ most points scored in a PCL game and the least that they have allowed.
“Although we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, my team continued to work hard and never gave up,” said Zolk. “Even though we came up short, it was a great game and great competition for us. It would’ve been even better to win on my last home game, of course, but I’m so proud of my team and how far we came from the last three seasons.”
Go Sentinels . . . and Go Birds!
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.)