Wood Girls' Basketball Season Highlights
HERSHEY, PA – After Archbishop Wood lost to Cardinal O’Hara in the girls’ Catholic League championship last month, the Vikings appeared dazed as they exited the court and entered the Palestra locker room.
With districts and the PIAA state tournament looming, the Vikings faced a unique challenge.
Dig down deeper than ever and successfully defend last year’s state crown? Or roll over and relinquish said crown to a competitor.
Six games after losing to O’Hara, the Vikings answered.
On Saturday night at the Giant Center, the Vikings snared a 9-0 lead, watched Trinity High School move to within 19-18 in the fourth quarter, squashed Trinity with an in-your-face defense, made 12 out of 14 overall free throws, and left the arena as Class 5A state champions with a 34-26 triumph.
The heroines were many.
Senior Cassie Sebold scored a team-high 12 points and drilled a huge three-point shot midway through the fourth quarter to alter a concerning momentum tilt. She also swished each of her six free throws; the Vikings connected on 12 of 14 overall. She and senior Shannon May employed a vice grip on Trinity’s best scorers.
Junior Katie May was an all-around force. She scored five points (all on fourth-quarter free throws), collected seven rebounds, blocked seven shots, and dished five assists. Sophomore Mia Andrews supplied two important three-point shots, and junior Bridget Arcidiacono added six points.
So, for the Wood seniors who are moving on, their high school resume boasts four trips to the state championship and two titles; four excursions to the Catholic League final, and one league crown; and four District 12 trophies.
Amazing.
Wood’s players and coaches were asked to share a final memory or two – and the seniors were asked for a parting nugget of wisdom to share with their underclassmen teammates – as this long, long, long season that began in November and ended five months later has finally come to an end.
The consensus? A caring community that bonded early, sacrificed much, and tightened through the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears.
Wood senior, Shannon May - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
Wood senior, Cassie Sebold - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
Senior Shannon May (University of the Sciences Commit): “The memory I will remember the most is pulling a prank on the underclassmen! Our team traveled to Arizona in December, which was so fun, and on the last night we tricked the sophomores into thinking our plane time got changed. It was about 2 AM when we woke them up and made them panic to get all their stuff and run down to the vans in the rain. It was so funny. We all got a good laugh; well, Ryleigh (Parsons) did eventually – haha! The whole trip in general was one of the best times with my team!”
Parting advice: “We are together so often that we became like sisters. We are best friends on and off the court, and high school wouldn't have been the same without them. Our coaching staff really pushes us to do our best and be the best teammate and player we can be. They seriously are such great coaches and role models. So I don't even think I need to tell them anything honestly. I know them, and I know Wood basketball. They will all give it their all and be successful like we always are. We were doubted by so many this year, and I’m sure people will doubt them again next year since they're losing seven seniors, but I'm not one of those people. They'll work hard, work together, and get back to states next year. You just watch!”
Senior Cassie Sebold (Chestnut Hill College Commit): “This is our last everything. We were crying knowing it was our last time playing together, our last time with our jerseys on, last time taking our shoes off, last time getting in a huddle with that group of girls, last time on a bus ride as a Wood basketball player. The last couple years have become such a routine and honestly, not having to pack my bag for practice is the worst feeling. It’s crazy to think these amazing four years are over, but I wouldn’t want my last year to go any other way.”
Parting advice: “No one ever thought this year’s team was going to accomplish what we accomplished this year. What I want to tell the team next year is there is no reason they can't do exactly what we did this year. I'm excited because my sister, Olivia Sebold, will be a freshman next year and will also play basketball, so I'm very excited I'll be able to stay in the loop of Wood basketball and be connected for the next four years.”
Senior Rhiannon Brodbine (Immaculata University Commit): “The memory I will remember most about this season would have to be during our quarterfinal game against Wyoming Valley West. The game was a blowout and it was late in the fourth quarter. This was also the first time I got to play all season due to a knee injury I sustained last year. This past season was my senior season and in August of last year, I tore my ACL and meniscus. The team had been playing great and we were beating WVE by about 30 points, so our coach asked the captains who they thought deserved to play, and from the other side of the bench I heard my name unanimously said. My coach then called my name and immediately the whole attitude on the bench changed. Within seconds of being in the game all I could hear was all my teammates on the bench cheering louder than ever and my teammates on the court trying to all get the ball to me so I could score. Due to their support, I even got a foul shot. The way my team rallied around me during my first return to the court will be something I'll never forget and just showed how much they supported me through my entire injury and road back. It meant the world to me to receive so much support during that type of game when they could have easily chosen to sit back and let the clock run out.”
Parting advice: “The Wood program itself isn't like playing for any other program. It's the program where you play for the name on the front of the jersey and the girl standing next to you in the locker room. To the younger girls on the team, I would love to tell them how proud I am of them for stepping up this season and how each of them have given me things I'm so thankful for. I've gotten to grow with them and see each of them coming in as freshmen and see how they progressed. I know how much talent and heart they each have and I only see great accomplishments in their futures. To those wanting to follow in my footsteps I would like to say Wood basketball is a special thing. Being a part of a basketball team like the one at Wood comes with many challenges but many rewards. Don't let anything stop you from accomplishing your goals, and don't take anything for granted because, looking back, I can now recognize all the things I received from the past four seasons.”
Senior Meg Neher: “My favorite memory this year was probably beating Neumann-Goretti during the regular season. It was so exciting, and it was an amazing moment to share with my team.”
PSD Photo by Brandon Stivers
Parting advice: “My teammates and I take pride in our winning program. It is not for everyone. Legacies are created from hard work and dedication, and that's what we have maintained this year at Wood. Teams before us have built this tradition, and I hope our underclassmen keep it going. To my younger teammates – have fun! Four years go by way too fast.”
Senior Emily Halloran (Immaculata University Commit): “I would have to say my favorite memory this season was senior night. Shannon May gave up her starting spot to me so I could get the opportunity to start. It was a moment I'll never forget and I'll always be thankful for. It was a memorable night to be honored as a senior alongside the girls I've called my sisters for four years.”
Parting advice: “I came into Wood as a freshman not knowing a single person, but after my first open gym I attended, I knew I found girls I would call sisters. To my younger teammates – I know the same routines day in and day out at practice can be boring and sometimes can feel like it drags on forever. Please listen when us seniors tell you it goes by in the blink of an eye. Make the most of every minute you have, because you'll be wishing you could go back for one more practice or suit up for one more game. Enjoy the little moments with each other and always remember you have each other's backs. Fill each other with confidence, support each other, and go continue the Archbishop Wood girls’ basketball legacy.”
Senior Karly Brown: “The memorable memory from this year's Wood team has to be from our time spent in Arizona in December for the Nike Tournament of Champions. I specifically remember taking in every single moment, on the court and off the court, with my teammates. It was there that I have to say we all really became best friends. It was great to compete against the best teams in the country with my best friends, and also play ‘manhunt’ with the same girls at the huge resort. I loved every second of it.”
Parting advice: “It's awesome to know that our names with be synonymous with the name of Archbishop Wood girls' basketball. Our team had a palpable camaraderie. I would just like to tell them (the underclassmen) to never, ever quit. Stick it out and be patient. You have to wait for the breaks to come. Whether you can't knock down a shot, or your head is getting in the way of how you play, just remain patient and stick it out. Everyone respects the kid who never quits or gives up. Work hard and stay patient. Things always work out.”
Wood senior, Karly Brown - PSD Photo by Brandon Stivers
Senior Shannon Kelly (Immaculata University Commit): “Personally winning a state championship my senior year is a great way to finish my last year. There isn't any other way I would want to finish my last high school career game. Not many people can say they won the state championship their senior year. My coaches have basketball knowledge, but at the end of the day your character will get you farther in life than your basketball skills. I've also learned this year to keep your head high and be supportive of your teammates, because nobody knows what is going on behind the scenes of it all. One coach who I always learned a lot from was Meg Gallagher. She was an influence on my college decision. Although she was only on the coaching staff for a short period of time, I always thought she had a great impact on the girls.”
Parting advice: “To always work hard, but the most important thing is to always have your teammates’ back on and off the court. To play for each other and enjoy it while it lasts, and to just have fun.”
Junior Nina Dougherty: “The funniest memory I’ll remember most from this year was probably on our trip to Arizona. Our whole team really just had the best time. There wasn’t a moment we all weren't cracking up. I think we all really became a family on that trip. But the best night was when we pranked a couple of the girls. We put shaving cream all over Arch (Bridget Arcidiacono) when she was sleeping, which was hilarious. Arizona was just a memorable trip with the best team!”
Junior Katie May: “I'd have to say singing on the bus on the way to games. It's small, but the bus rides really brought us together and were always just a lot of fun!”
Junior Bridget Arcidiacono: “The moment that I will remember most about this team is running out onto the court after winning the state championship because it felt amazing accomplishing something that no one thought we would be able to do.”
Sophomore Mia Andrews: “The memory I will remember most about this year’s Wood team is the time we were in Phoenix, Arizona, for the Nike Tournament of Champions, and my teammates pranked myself and Ryleigh Parsons, pretending we were late for the plane ride back to Pennsylvania at 3 AM. I still had my pajamas on underneath my travel suit. It was a great bonding moment that I will never forget!”
Sophomore Ryleigh Parsons: “I think the best memory that I will remember with the girls is going through such a fun journey winning states with them. The seniors really battled all season to get their main goal, which was winning states, and nothing feels better than being a state champion, especially with such amazing teammates as them. This is something that we will all remember for the rest of our lives, and that is a great memory to have forever.”
Sophomore Elizabeth Fasti: “Winning the state championship with all my best friends.”
Freshman Lindsay Tretter: “A memory that I will remember most about this year’s Wood team is when we beat Neumann-Goretti, because we were all so happy about beating them in the regular season and how hard we played in that game, especially since we pulled it out in overtime.”
Freshman Lindsay Jenna Culp: “I will most remember the dedication we put in and came out with the best feeling in the world, and that is being number one in the state.”
Head coach Mike McDonald: “I will remember the seniors' faces hoisting up the trophy. Knowing how hard they worked and getting to see their faces after winning is extremely rewarding.”
Assistant coach Taylor Kaminski: “My fourth championship as a Viking! This whole season is like deja vu for me, only I'm on the coaching end of it this time and it feels just as great as it did when I was a player. This season is a reminder that hard work pays off in the sweetest way. These girls are a part of a legacy, and they know what it takes to keep it going. The best way to remember this season is how we overcame adversity many times, and they only made us stronger. That is what Wood basketball is all about – facing challenges and bettering ourselves from them. These are a special group of girls. The seniors will truly be missed.”
Wood junior Katie May - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
Wood junior Bridget Arcidiacono - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
Wood junior Mia Andrews - PSD Photo by Brandon Stivers
Assistant coach Kathy May: “Along with the great group of young women I was fortunate enough to coach, I will remember going undefeated in the PCL regular season!”
Assistant coach Tom McGill: “The biggest thing to me is how it was a total team effort. From how hard we worked in practice every day to playing hard in the games. It is how we defined our team. It is ‘Wood basketball.’ Truly an impressive thing to witness. I will never forget it.”
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or on twitter @johnknebels.)
