NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA – This past week, the most anticipated match-up of the Philadelphia Catholic League basketball season occurred. The rematch of defending PCL champions, Roman Catholic; as well as the runner-up from the past season, Neumann-Goretti, took the floor in a sold out game held at Holy Family University. Even head basketball coach John Calipari of the University of Kentucky, came to the City of Brotherly Love to see what the "hype" of this game was really about.
Coming into the game, both teams had been undefeated in Catholic League play and were playing outstanding basketball.
As the 1st quarter began, the Saints got off to 10-0 lead, electrifying the gym with several alley-oop's from senior point guard Quade Green to senior power forward, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree. Roman, hurt by turnovers and early foul trouble, had to burn two quick timeouts to try to slow down Neumann's rapid scoring.
Roman Catholic vs. Neumann-Goretti (58 Photos by Kevin Murphy)
After regrouping, the Cahillites received scoring help from junior, Allen Betrand, who tallied 6 straight points in the 2nd quarter to keep Roman in the game. Although the Cahillites started to make a run, Neumann picked up a couple hot hands of their own. Junior Noah Warren got into a shooting rhythm scoring 11 points in the first half alone.
The Saints also received a stellar performance from sophomore guard, Chris Ings, who started his scoring off with a corner 3 pointer while drawing the foul making it a 4-point play. Neumann went in at halftime leading 44-29, but the Cahillites still had their heads up high only trailing by 15.
In the first few minutes of the 3rd quarter Roman was trying to mount somewhat of a comeback, but Neumann’s offensive power was too much for the Cahilites to handle. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Saints increased their lead 65-41, making it very difficult for the Cahillites to get back into rhythm.
As the 4th quarter began, Neumann continued to shoot the lights out of Holy Family’s gymnasium. Green erupted in the 4th quarter, scoring 16 points, leading the Saints to a 87-53 victory over the Cahillites.
Following the game, Green acknowledged that this PCL match-up was equivalent to another well-known collegiate basketball rivalry.
“Roman, Neumann game, [it’s] just like a Duke vs. Kentucky game,” said the soon to be Kentucky Wildcat.
Looking Ahead: This Friday, Roman will travel to play Bonner-Prendie and Neumann-Goretti will travel to Lansdale Catholic. Both games are scheduled to begin at 7PM.
Neumann-Goretti point guard, Quade Green, warms up wearing his soon to be college colors - PSD photo by Kevin Murphy