Neumann-Goretti celebrates with the PIAA 3A State Title trophy - PSD photo by Brandon Stivers/Xtreme Photography
HERSHEY, PA – Down 10 points in Saturday afternoon’s PIAA Class 3A state championship at the Giant Center, the Neumann-Goretti girls’ basketball team was in deep trouble.
Or so it would seem.
Coach Andrea Peterson, however, wasn’t worried.
“I was never really concerned because we struggle with putting four quarters of basketball together,” said Peterson. “To struggle in the first quarter wasn't really a concern.”
Coach knows best.
The Saints meticulously chipped away at their first-half deficit, took a 30-28 halftime lead, overwhelmed their opponent by 22-9 in the third, and then withstood a fourth-quarter rally to capture a 62-56 victory over Bishop Canevin.
Neumann-Goretti (24-5) has now seized three consecutive state crowns. This one was arguably the toughest.
2017 PIAA 3A Highlight Video
Not only was the state finalist Bishop Canevin a very worthy opponent, but the Saints began the state tournament a week after losing to Cardinal O’Hara in the Catholic League semifinals.
“After losing and not advancing, we had no choice but to get better and capture the next part of our journey, which was states,” said Peterson. “The seniors wanted to go out on top and didn't want it any other way. Everyone was locked in these past few weeks, and that loss made us stronger.”
NG senior, Ashley Jones - PSD photo by Brandon Stivers
Almost always explosive on offense, the Saints relied on their quick, aggressive defense to steal 15 passes and force 26 turnovers, the most that Canevin have suffered this season.
That’s not to suggest that the N-G offense wasn’t impressive.
Senior standouts Ashley Jones and Chyna Nixon tallied 20 and 19 points, respectively. Minika Glenn, whom Peterson described as “unreal the past few months,” and Tatiana Jones added eight points apiece.
“The kids stayed together and never gave up,” said Peterson. “Chyna, Ashley, and Neek (Glenn) took the game over knowing that this was it for them. There is no tomorrow.”
Losing a core of seniors that accrued four straight state championship appearances, three state titles, three Catholic League championship appearances and two CL titles, Peterson was asked how Neumann-Goretti will respond to a vastly different lineup next season.
Again, the coach waxed unworried.
“We have a good core group coming back that has significant minutes of playing time,” said Peterson. “Our juniors are ready to lead the way and teach our younger guys.”
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or on twitter @johnknebels.)
*See gallery below for game & celebration photos taken by Brandon Stivers*
NG senior, Chyna Nixon - PSD photo by Brandon Stivers
