SOUTH PHILADELPHIA – Once again, Neumann-Goretti’s (21-0) girls’ basketball team has found their placement as the No. 1 seed in the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs. The team, led by head coach Andrea Peterson, is currently on a 51-game win streak heading into the PCL tournament and is nationally ranked as one of the top five best high school teams in the country.

It’s no surprise that this squad has something special, an inner strength that has been keeping them focused during another historic journey – One may say it's their off-the-court, on-the-court team spirit and support system that holds the key to their success.

“‘Family First’ is the way I like to look at it, you would never turn your back to your family. You’re always wanting them to do well and succeed and we all want that for each other,” said senior guard, Kamiah Smalls. “We get along so well off the court with bonding activities or even just hanging out at someone’s house, that being on the court together is 10 times easier. It's like we know what each other will do before they do it. I like to say this is my home away from home and these girls are my sisters while coach Peterson and coach Kat are my second pair of parents, (laughing) except when we're told to get on the baseline then I don't like to claim them anymore.”

This “Family First” mentality that Smalls mentioned is one of the biggest attributes coach Peterson aims to implement with her team each season. She explained that at the end of the day, basketball is just a game, and the future endeavors of her players are what tops her priority list.  

“I love them to death, I treat them like they are my own kids. When they are upset, I’m upset,” said Peterson. “Our coaches build those special relationships so that our girls know that we are here for them and we are trying to guide them through life. It’s more than just basketball, we push our kids in the classroom and we prepare them for the college level and their next journey in life.”  

Peterson then became the assistant coach for Stetson University’s women’s basketball team before moving back to Philadelphia to open a childcare business. Although black and gold are her current representation, Goretti’s head coach originally started her basketball career playing for another PCL team, Archbishop Carroll.

This season, Peterson and her team beat her former alma mater by an incredible margin of 56-19. Another distinguished win for the Saints occurred on Monday, January 18th, as Neumann-Goretti ended Cardinal O’Hara’s PCL win streak by a six-point margin of 62-56.

“The game against O’Hara was huge because we battled for the first place seed right there mid-season,” said Peterson. “Our preparation, as it is for every game, was figuring out what we had to do to be successful. We knew we had to defend and take advantages on our opportunity to score.” 

In practice and during games, Peterson said her girls continue to push each other and make each other stronger. Even a simple shooting drill can turn into a scene from the an epic battle movie.

“Sometimes we go to practice and we shoot for an hour. They just want to battle each other,” said Peterson. “It’s a serious competition of who’s going to win. It makes for a good practice and a good season.”

In regards to her team, Peterson couldn’t help but gush over her seniors and up and coming players. Seniors Alisha Kebbe, who received a full ride to Syracuse University, and Kamiah Smalls, a James Madison commit, are returning leaders from last year's championship team.

“Alisha is one of the best wings in the country and what makes her special is that she plays inside and out for me, and that’s what makes our whole team special. This year we don’t have too much height, so everyone has interchangeable roles, which is why I think it’s tough to guard us,” said Peterson.

“Kamiah was voted the best 6th man in the state last season. Both of them have taken the leadership reigns and want to go out on top.” 

As for the rest of her stand-outs...

“Morgan Lenahan really expands defenses out because she has such long range. She can shoot NBA 3’s, and teams focus on her which gives Alisha, Kamiah, Jada Russell, and Chyna Nixon a chance to rush to the basket,” said Peterson.

“Jada Russell is our point guard and is going to Longwood University, she is amazing and really stepped up this year. Jabria Ingram is a sophomore and she can really turn it on and off when she wants to. Being only a sophomore and already being able to see the floor and make plays is extremely special…she’s going to mature into an incredible ball player.” 

For Kamiah and Alisha, their ultimate goal this year is to have another undefeated season, finish No.1 in USA Today rankings and have another historic ending for their team, school and city.

“Everyone counted us out of everything this year because of the people we lost,” said Kebbe. “Trying to prove people wrong and let them know we are still contenders has kept our momentum up.”

“The support system we have is incredible! I've kept my momentum by thinking back on all the comments that were said on our program and us as players,” said Smalls. “A lot of people doubted us and proving them wrong on the court is what keeps me going - making sure my teammates always have that spark, and reminding them to show the people that didn't believe we belonged here wrong.”

During practices, coach Peterson constantly reminds her team to always play their best game and to never underestimate their opponent no matter what their record, ranking or seed may be.

“I tell my girls ‘No team is going to lay down a red carpet for you.’ When you are ranked in the country and you are one of the top in your leagues, every team is going to come and play their best against you because they want to be that team to knock you off, they want to be that team to say ‘we beat Neumann-Goretti,’” said Peterson.

This Thursday at 6PM. the Saints play their first PCL playoff game at home. While the team will obviously be gearing up in practice for their upcoming games, the team does have some quirky rituals to get them pumped up leading up to game time.

“Before games we're all in our own zones, we like to have our headphones on to get focused. Exactly when the clock hits 20 minutes before every game is when our locker room can get a little crazy,” said Smalls. “We get ourselves hyped up and pick up the energy when we start to chant "NG TURN-UP" for about 2 minutes straight and we bring it to a close with our left hand only and say “Family!’”

“Our team is really big on dancing, so we dance before games and in the huddle before the game start to get each other hyped,” said Kebbe. “And we love singing songs in the locker room 1-hour before game time.”

It’s that spark, that team spirit that has driven the Saints to another successful season. Although Smalls and Kebbe are taking their talents onto the collegiate level, they have a will of advice for their current teammates.

-Always Remember-

“Today we will do what others won't, so tomorrow we can do what others can't!” said Kebbe.

“Never let anyone tear you apart, and get in between the bond you've worked so hard to build. Work through every challenge and war together. NO MAN LEFT BEHIND!!” said Smalls.

For Peterson and her team, achieving another Catholic League Championship is in close grasp. Win or lose, the bond that Neumann-Goretti’s team has formed will never be broken and their “Family First” environment will be prevalent for years to come.

“This is such a special group of young women and we may have the silliest team ever. There is never a moment in practice where we all don’t start busting out laughing and joking and I think it makes for a family atmosphere. But, we know we can also be serious at the same time,” said Peterson.

“At the end of the day they are having fun and that’s why I love doing what I do. To be able to see them smiling and having fun and being able to teach them to play the game they love and and continue to win is special for everyone in our program.”