SPRINGFIELD, PA – The 2017-2018 basketball season recently began and Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) action is underway. The Cardinal O’Hara Lions (2-0) are off to a remarkable start. Playing as a team helped O’Hara dominate the visiting Little Flower Sentinels, 73-19, on Wednesday, December 20, 2017.
“We just moved the ball well and played together as a team,” said senior Emily Helms.
McGinty with his wife, Diane, coaching staff, and current and former players. - PSD photo by Dan McCarty
Linus McGinty poses with his players to commemorate his 800 wins. - PSD photo by Dan McCarty
The Lions brought home the Catholic League trophy last year, but Helms along with her senior teammates have had to step it up as they lost two key starters, Hannah Nihill and Mary Sheehan, to graduation. Sheehan netted her 1,000th high school career point in a rout of John W. Hallahan midway through the season.
Another highlight from last season to be recognized before taking on Little Flower (0-2) was Cardinal O’Hara head coach Linus McGinty’s 800th career coaching victory in his 25 years of coaching the Lions. His coaching milestone occurred during the 2017 playoffs back on March 4. Before the game, there was a video presentation featuring many former players from over the years and after the game McGinty received a game ball and a banner.
“It’s awesome,” said senior tri-captain Maura Hendrixson. “We love having him as our coach. This was really nice.”
Despite the elaborate celebration, however, McGinty remained modest and made sure that it was all about his players. Likewise, they wanted to be certain to make this night extra special and delivered.
Hendrixson opened up the scoring with a three-point field goal. Stephanie Huseby hit two foul shots. Little Flower’s Carly Huggard put a stop to this run as well as her team’s drought on offense. Teammates Ashley Zimmerman, Celeste O’Neill as well as Nicolette Conway also contributed. Kerry Patterson also scored for the Lions and Emily Helms hit two three-pointers before the conclusion of the first quarter for a 23-8 surplus.
“The early points helped,” said Hendrixson. “The outside opened up.”
Senior tri-captain Mackenzie Gardler got on the scoreboard in the second quarter. Teammates Delanie Rennie and Siobhan Boylan came off of the bench and extended the Lions lead. Hendrixson, Helms and Huseby all helped build a 41-12 halftime score.
O'Hara vs. Little Flower - PSD Photos by Dan McCarty
Things did not change much after the break. Senior-tri-captain Molly Paolino and Kerry Patterson both scored for the Lions, who used a time out late in the fourth quarter with only 3:01 on the clock and finished with a 10-1 sprint before walking off of the court with the big win. Patterson beat the buzzer with a three-pointer.
“I love being a part of this team,” said Helms. “We always have fun no matter what. We’re motivated to win.”
Patterson and Hendrixson accounted for 14 points apiece. Helms and Huseby followed with nine points each.
Cardinal O’Hara and Little Flower both have a long road ahead in the Philadelphia Catholic League.
“We have to play competitive games,” said McGinty. “We’ll get an idea on how we have to be.”
Looking Ahead: Cardinal O’Hara will play in a Christmas basketball tournament before continuing PCL play against Conwell-Egan at home on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7:00p.m. Little Flower will play in the Franklin Towne Charter Tournament over the holiday and will resume league play also on Jan. 2 at home vs. Archbishop Carroll at 5:15p.m.