PHILADELPHIA – The Archbishop Ryan Ragdolls have started their 2017-18 basketball season on a high note, currently garnering a 6-0 overall record.
The Ragdolls defeated the Lansdale Catholic Crusaders 47-40 in their Philadelphia Catholic League opener this past Thursday evening.
The first quarter ended 16-8 in favor of the Crusaders with Ryan seniors Caela Russell and Taliyah Rahman both totaling three first half fouls. While the Ragdolls battled back, Lansdale Catholic still held a 23-20 lead at the half.
Ryan came back in the fourth quarter, propelled off a crucial steal by Annie Cashman, to give the Ragdolls a lead of 35 to 34 with five minutes remaining in the game. Cashman went 5 for 6 from the foul line in the fourth as Ryan pushed ahead. There were many fouls in the last three minutes as Lansdale tried to stop the clock and get rebounds after the 1 and 1 shots. However, Cashman, Russell and Rahman remained poised at the line. The Ragdolls prevailed 47-40.
“During pressure free throws, I just try to block out other noise and I don't think about the pressure,” said Cashman. “In my head I just try to go back to practice where I take these (shots) every day.”
Caela Russell drives to the net vs. Penn Charter – PSD Photo by Jackie Schaeffer
Danielle McCurdy reaches for the rim – PSD Photo by Jackie Schaeffer
The Ragdolls went on to defeat Penn Charter on Friday night 47-40 at Germantown Academy’s Make a Wish Showcase. The game was close throughout, with a 27-23 score at the half. Rahman led the Ragdolls with 19 points, followed by Monee Moore with 10 and Russell with 8. After the game, Russell explained that her secret to staying in the zone on game days.
“I am just staying focused, listening to some good game day music and going into each game like it’s a championship game. Like we always do,” said Russell.
To cap off the weekend’s games, Ryan faced Germantown Academy on their home court to end the Make A Wish Foundation showcase. The game was tight throughout but Shayne Glenn found a hot-streak making four three point shots to keep the Ragdolls in the contest. The game came down to the final second. GA missed a three at the buzzer, which would have put the game into overtime. Glenn ended the game with 18 total points in Ryan’s 65-62 victory.
“Germantown Academy really wanted to beat us since last year,” said Glenn. “They were undefeated and we broke their record. Us beating the No. 3 team in the state was a great experience.”
“I don't really think of anything differently, the goal of every game is a win, and any other stress or added pressure could mess up the game. So we just play the same and don't think about that stuff,” said Cashman on playing non-league opponents.
Ryan continued their busy schedule before Christmas with another non-league victory on Monday, 83-41, against Villa Joseph Marie Academy. The Ragdolls look to continue their win streak against Nazareth Academy this Saturday before heading to Wildwood, NJ December 28-29 to play in the Boardwalk Classic.
The Ragdolls resume Catholic League play on January 2 at home against West Catholic.
- Article by Jackie Schaeffer, PSD Jr. Reporter from Archbishop Ryan