Congratulations to Neumann-Goretti, who won 48-45 vs. fellow PCL opponent Lansdale Catholic, to win the 2025 PIAA 4A State Title - PSD Photo by Donna Eckert
Photos: Donna Eckert
By: John Knebels
HERSHEY – The visual disparity of the two reactions spoke volumes.
While elated Neumann-Goretti sped to center court and formed a jubilant circle, despondent Lansdale Catholic trudged off toward their sideline to console one another.
What a difference three points make.
In the PIAA Class 4A girls’ basketball state championship March 29 at the Giant Center, defensive pressure ultimately proved to be the difference in Neumann Goretti’s 48-45 win over Lansdale Catholic.
“We work on defense so hard in practice,” said N-G junior Kamora Berry. “When we make plays, whether it’s a steal or forcing a turnover, that starts with how much we put into it.”
Early energy from Lansdale Catholic forged a 22-13 lead after one quarter and a 37-32 advantage after three quarters. Senior Sanyiah Littlejohn (21 points, 5 rebounds), senior Grace McDonough (13 points, 8 rebounds), and sophomore Allie Esposito (8 points, 6 rebounds) pushed Neumann-Goretti to the edge.
Then came that trademark Neumann-Goretti defense.
PIAA 4A State Championship Highlights - Neumann-Goretti vs. Lansdale Catholic - PSD Video by John Knebels
Buoyed by senior Amya Scott (17 points, 5 assists, 8 steals), senior Carryn Easley (10 points, 5 assists, steal), sophomore Regina Baker (11 points, 2 blocks), and Berry (8 points, 3 rebounds), the Saints outscored the Crusaders by 16-8 over the final eight minutes.
With the score tied at 45, Scott turned her eighth steal of the game into an uncontested layup with 18 seconds left. A subsequent steal and free throw by Baker locked the door.
“We have been in that situation a lot of times,” said Berry. “We have very good chemistry together, so we just know what to do in the right situations. Coach Petey (Andrea Peterson) always says it’s the little things.”
Junior Kamora Berry describes tense state championship victory - PSD Video by John Knebels
Proud Neumann-Goretti coach Andrea Peterson summarizes amazing season - PSD Video by John Knebels
On paper, Neumann-Goretti seemed to be a lock to win their sixth championship during the 11-year tutelage of coach Andrea Peterson. The Saints had finished undefeated in the Philadelphia Catholic League and then upended Archbishop Carroll in the PCL final.
Lansdale Catholic, however, had placed fourth in the PCL and dropped an overtime decision in the quarterfinals against Cardinal O’Hara.
The team that then won five straight games to reach the state final did not resemble its earlier self.
“I have been able to see how well we played on such a big stage, especially with the pressure of wanting to win a state title,” said Lansdale senior Grace McDonough. “We improved so much from start to finish, which I think is a big accomplishment in itself. We played as a team and we left it all on the court.”
Losing, said McDonough, does not detract from the Crusaders’ collective achievements.
“Although we didn’t win, I’m still proud of all that we accomplished this year and grateful to even get the opportunity to play at Hershey for the state title,” she said. “My favorite memory this season was just getting to spend time with my best friends, because it’s definitely what I’m going to miss most about high school basketball. Just getting to travel together and see each other every day after school.
“Of course, it really stinks falling short in that final game, but I got to do it with my teammates and we made so many great memories along the way.”
Lansdale Catholic Senior Grace McDonough reflects on a very tough defeat - PSD Video by John Knebels
PIAA 4A State Championship Gallery - PSD Photos by Donna Eckert
Losing Littlejohn and McDonough will paint a different picture for Lansdale Catholic basketball next season, but those who experienced the journey learned incalculable lessons.
“It took all of us coming together after our tough loss to O’Hara in OT,” said Esposito. “We knew we had to work even harder if we wanted to keep our season going. Showing up ready to get better every day at practice. Everyone had the same goal and the same strive to get there.
“This is definitely is going to help so much. Getting a taste of the level of play to get to the championship really shows us that if we play like that all the time, we really can accomplish any goal we set our minds to. I’m really looking forward to leading my team and getting back here next year.”
(Contact JohnKnebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.)