Del Val’s Dion Harris and Neumann-Goretti’s Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree jump for the opening possession
PHILADELPHIA- The boys of the Neumann-Goretti basketball team knew very well what was at stake going into their PIAA 3A semifinals matchup against Delaware Valley Charter.
“[My wife] says if they make the state championship, there’s dinner at my house the day before,” said Neumann-Goretti head coach Carl Arrigale.
With the promise of a home cooked Italian dinner in mind, the Saints rolled past Del Val on their way to a 76-47 victory. Dinner at coach’s was set. Quade Green paced all players with a game-high 18 points, shooting eight of nine from the field, to go along with four assists. This win clinched the team’s fourth straight trip to the PIAA finals, but they seemed a little bit more excited about the food.
“They were chanting chicken parm, chicken parm, chicken parm in the locker room,” said Arrigale.
Parmigiana aside, Neumann-Goretti played their usual brand of high level, highlight reel basketball, putting on a show for all in attendance.
Quade Green showed off the skills that earned him a trip to the McDonald’s All American game. The Kentucky commit flashed impressive ball handling ability driving the lane and finishing around the net to go along nice passing skills in finding open shooters on the perimeter.
Two of the biggest beneficiaries of Green’s passing were Chris Ings and Noah Warren, who combined to shoot five of seven from beyond the three-point line.
Neumann-Goretti’s Quade Green backs down a defender, pirouettes to create space, and knocks down the fade away jay
Neumann-Goretti’s Chris Ings rises up and registers on the Richter scale with a monster jam in the third.
Outside of Green, Ings may have been the most impressive player in the game. Playing the role of a high-energy sixth-man, Ings dropped 14 points with two assists, shooting two of three from three. Ings was not only lethal from beyond the arc, but from above the rim as well, as the sophomore guard delivered two big dunks late in the game, the type of dunk that just made you want to say, “ew.”
“[Ings] is a special guy. When I’m not there, he’s there; he’s a second scorer,” Said senior Quade Green. “He’s in the gym all day, he just wants to work and it shows on the court.”
Del Val did their best to keep the game competitive through the first few quarters, most of which coming from senior Antwaun Butler’s ability to get to the charity stripe, who shot six of eight from the free-throw line in the first half. However, things really began to turn in the third, and it did not take long into the fourth quarter for reserves to get their name called.
To give Del Val some credit, this was about as competitive as a 29-point loss could be. The game always felt much tighter than the scoreboard made it seem. It was as if Del Val was a scoring run away from a comeback, but the run just never came.
Del Val’s Antwuan Butler takes the ball the length of the court, drives, and scores his 1,000th career point mid way through the third.
Somewhat lost in the shuffle of Neumann-Goretti’s victory, Del Val’s Butler recorded the 1,000th point of his career. Playoff losses are never easy to swallow, but a milestone like this probably eases the pain a little bit.
The Neumann-Goretti’s lone blemish in the game was Villanova commit Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree fouling out late. Normally this would not be too concerning, but it seems the foul trouble is the result of discomfort due to shin splints.
I know [Cosby-Roundtree] probably wouldn’t want me to say this, but he’s really nursing some shin splints and they’re really bothering him,” said Arrigale. “Hopefully we can get him through one more game, he can finish his career on a high note, then he can get some rest.”
Some rest and home-style Italian cooking should help, but this is something to keep an eye on leading up to the PIAA finals.
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree attempts a full court shot just before the first quarter buzzer.
Neumann-Goretti PIAA Semifinals vs. Del-Val Charter
In just a day, Neumann-Goeretti will travel up to Hersey and attempt to clinch their fourth straight state title, a feat not many can claim. The Saints will take on Lincoln Park at the GIANT Center. Game time is 8 p.m.
“I don’t think anyone’s ever won four in a row before, so I guess that’d be a special thing,” said Green.
NEUMANN-GORETTI GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM ARE ALSO HERSHEY BOUND GOING FOR A THIRD STATE TITLE.
The two-time defending PIAA 2A Champions will face Bishop Canevin in the PIAA 3A final this Saturday at Hershey’s GIANT Center.
The Saints defeated York Catholic 63-42 in last night’s semifinals game at Garden Spot High School in New Holland.
The District 12 Champs were led by senior Ashley Jones who earned a game high 17 points. Tatiana Jones and Jambria Ingram each contributed 10 points. Chyna Nixon contributed 8 points to seal the sweet victory and trip to Hershey.
Saturday’s tip-off is 12 p.m.
PIAA Champions Neumann-Goretti Girls' Baskeball Heads to Finals in Hershey