GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: Cardinal O’Hara, Archbishop Wood, Archbishop Carroll & Neumann-Goretti Advance to the Catholic League Semifinals

2018 PHILADELPHIA CATHOLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL ROUND-UP

CARDINAL O’HARA vs. ARCHBISHOP RYAN

The super season continues for the third-seeded Cardinal O’Hara Lions following a 59-36 rout of the sixth-seeded Archbishop Ryan Ragdolls in the quarterfinal round of the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs on Thursday. Going in to this match, the score would likely be close as O’Hara emerged victorious over Ryan by just two points in the regular season. This time, however, the Lions settled down and built a less narrow lead to win it and earn their spot in the semifinals.

How did it happen that way? Mackenzie Gardler and Maura Hendrixson prevailed on offense in that previous game. This time, everyone stepped it up and worked together knowing that would make a difference in the score.

“Everyone stepped up and contributed this time around,” said Gardler.

Gardler led the way with 18 points. Stephanie Huseby added 10 points. Kerry Patterson (nine points), Molly Paolino (six points) along with their six additional teammates all scored at least once.

“We’re gelling together,” said Paolino. “Everyone is stepping up.”

O’Hara (18-4, 11-2) held a one-point lead after the first quarter and a 25-18 halftime advantage but the Lions kept moving forward and put the game further and further out of Ryan’s reach.

Ryan extended its run to 17-0 earlier this season but things started to change as league action went on. The Raiders dropped six consecutive decisions. They end the year with a final record of 17-6 overall and 7-6 in the PCL.

“It was a streaky season,” said head coach Mike McCusker.

Taliyah Rahman paced her team with 12 points. While it was a difficult way to conclude the year, Ryan knew O’Hara was going to be a tough team. The Raiders were faced with disappointment during the end of the regular season, as there were several close ones.

O'Hara's Maura Hendrixson hits an early 3-pointer for the Lions - video by Dan McCarty

Ryan's Taliyah Rahman drives to the basket - video by Dan McCarty

O'Hara vs. Ryan - Photos by Dan McCarty

“We lost four by eight points,” said McCusker. “We could never get that feeling of winning again.”

O’Hara’s next challenge is to take on second-seeded Archbishop Wood in the semifinal round of the PCL playoffs on Tuesday, February 20, at Jefferson University.

“We just want to keep doing what we’re doing on defense and get shots,” said Paolino.

“We have to keep our composure,” said Gardler. “We’re here to win.”

ARCHBISHOP WOOD vs. LANSDALE CATHOLIC

Cue the Lady Vikings match-up against the Crusaders…

Archbishop Wood topped Lansdale Catholic 63-33 Thursday evening to secure a spot in the PCL semifinals. Wood’s Kaitlyn Orihel led her team on the floor with 12 points and Lansdale senior co-captain Lauren Crim led her team with 9 points.

Although she is only a freshman, Orihel has been making a name for herself on the Vikings talented roster. Orihel went on a 5-0 overtime run to give the Vikings a needed lift in their regular season game against O’Hara. The 5’9'' guard also tallied a career high 24 points propelling Wood to a 48-38 victory against Bonner-Prendie back in January.

“Kaitlyn's a really great player and she adds so much to this team. She always brings energy and is a great defender,” said Wood senior captain, Katie May. “She has such a big role on the team for a freshman and she's been handling it really well. She's awesome and will only get better in her years to come, and I can't wait to see what she has in store."

As stated above, Archbishop Wood and Cardinal O’Hara will kick-off the 2018 PCL semifinals at Jefferson University on Tuesday at 6:30p.m.

Katie May hits a 3-pointer for Wood - video by Christine Wassel for PSD

LC's Lauren Crim gets fouled driving to the hoop - video by Christine Wassel for PSD

Flashback to last year, the Vikings met the Lions in the 2017 Catholic League girls’ basketball final, with O’Hara coming away with 35-30 victory. During their regular season meeting this year, Wood narrowly came away with an 33-29 overtime road victory. The back-and-forth battle will continue tomorrow night as Wood hopes to ignite their offensive attack early in order to make it back to the Palestra.

“I think we played great defense the first time we played (O’Hara), but we weren't running offense particularly well,” said May, who will be playing at Northeastern University next year. “I think we need to move the ball around better and get the best shot available. I also think we turned it over a lot and we definitely need to improve in that area this time around.”

Unfortunately for Lansdale Catholic, last Thursday marked the team’s final game of the 2018 season. While their post season run was cut short, the Crusader’s put forth their best effort and left everything on the court.

“I really enjoyed playing in the PCL and believe it’s one of the best in the state. Each night is a battle and you can’t underestimate any team,” said Lansdale Catholic senior co-captain, Brady Wassel. “Although we may have been considered underdogs, we came into every game with a mentality that we could compete with any team if we worked hard.”

For Wassel, playing in her final game was bittersweet. The standout senior guard aspired to wear a Crusader’s girls’ basketball uniform at a young age. To have her dream become a reality is something Wassel will forever cherish.

“I grew up on the sidelines, watching my four sisters play and spent a lot of my time in basketball gyms. I was able to eventually switch roles from being a spectator in the stands to a player on the court,” said Wassel. “I cherished every home game at Lansdale Catholic because it wasn’t just the team’s parents that would come, but the staff, faculty and students. Lansdale Catholic is the true definition of a family environment and their support is endless. The relationships I’ve formed from being a part of this program taught me far more than the game of basketball.”

What made Wassel’s experience even more special was when her older sister, Shea, joined the Crusader’s coaching staff last season. In 2011, Shea Wassell became the 17th player in Lansdale Catholic history to score 1,000 points. She later went on to add another 1,000 points to her basketball resume while playing for the York College Spartans.

“I looked up to her ever since I was little and always admired her for all her success,” said (Brady) Wassel. “To have this experience with your sister is something I will always remember.”

LC's Brady Wassel #33 guards Wood senior Bridget Arcidiacono #5 - PSD Photo courtesy of Christine Wassel

Brady Wassel runs through LC's team introduction line to shake hands with her sister Shea (green vest) who is LC's assistant coach - PSD photo by Christine Wassel

Brady and Shea Wassel embrace during LC's final game against Wood last Thursday - PSD photo courtesy of Christine Wassel

Wassel will embark to create her own basketball legacy at Holy Family University next season. She hopes her returning teammates at Lansdale Catholic make the most of the remaining time that they have left playing in their green and gold uniforms.

“My advice I would give my teammates is to never be satisfied with where you are at and it will keep you working hard. I learned throughout my high school career, there will be highs and lows, but how you handle it will shape you as a person and player,” said Wassel. “I would remind them to never stop asking questions and put in the work outside of practice. I think nowadays many players feel it’s all about scoring points, but what I take most pride in is doing the little things that not always make it into the box score. Taking a charge, boxing out for the rebound or making the extra pass are keys to the team’s success and will benefit your team more than you know.”

ARCHBISHOP CARROLL vs. BONNER-PRENDIE

What started out as a neck-and-neck battle quickly took a turn in favor of fourth-seed Archbishop Carroll.

The Patriot’s ended the first quarter with a slim 14-13 lead over the Pandas, before taking a 16-point (36-20) lead heading into halftime. The key turning point in the first half came from Carroll’s success behind the arc. Mary deSimone, Erin Sweeny (2), Alli Dreger, Molly Masciantonio (2) and Harlem Jennings each had their 3-point shining moment in order to give their team an added boost heading into the second half of play.

Even though the Patriots were raining buckets, their game-plan coming in was focused on staying sharp on defense.

“Our objective was that we have to play defense. Every practice we have been more aggressive on defense and rebounding. Every team has been good this year and our games have been close, so the matter is defense. If we win on defense our offense will follow,” said Masciantonio.

In the third and fourth quarters, Carroll’s offense continued to hold strong. The Patriot’s clinched their spot in the PCL semifinals with a 74-51 victory over the Pandas. Senior point guard Masciantonio led her team with 22-points and Jennings following closely behind tallying 20-points. Nyah Garrison led the Pandas in scoring with 12-points and teammate Alexis Gleason scored 8-points.

“I’m ecstatic, I’m so excited, our team is so excited. We want to get to the Palestra and get a championship,” said Carroll junior guard, Jennings.

Carroll will play top-seeded Neumann-Goretti in the second game of Tuesday’s semifinal double-header at Jefferson University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00p.m.

While Bonner-Prendie’s PCL run has come to an end, the Panda’s will compete in the AAAA District 12 city championship (TBD) in order to have a run at a state title. Senior Nyah Garrison offered one last will of advice for her underclassmen teammates.

Carroll vs. MBAP Highlight Video

Harlem Jennings talks about Carroll’s first half adjustments to make a big run vs. MBAP

Molly Masciantonio expresses her team’s excitement heading into the PCL semifinals

MBAP seniors Emily Monaghan (left) and Nyah Garrison (right) - PSD Photo

“Play with each other and always have faith in each other. Lean on one another. There are times when one person may be down, so lift each other up and have a positive impact on each other the whole season,” said Garrison, who will be playing basketball next season at the United States Naval Academy.

As senior co-captains, Garrison and Emily Monaghan, have been leading by example both on and off the court this year to make sure their team stays on track to vie for a PCL title next year. The two seniors were quick to point out teammates that have made huge impacts on their team’s success this season.

“Maeve McCann has really stepped up, Alexis Eagan, she’s only a freshman and Ariana McGeary, she is a transfer and she has really helped us this year on the inside,” said Monaghan.

“Also, Amayla Sharif. They all have contributed well and have helped us make it this far. They are going to work hard next season. This is not the end. Even though we are leaving, you’ll see them (the Panda’s) again,” said Garrison.

NEUMANN-GORETTI vs. WEST CATHOLIC

The top-seeded Saints showed little mercy during their 71-42 victory over visiting West Catholic last Thursday. Hartford University commit, Jabria Ingram, took command of Neumann-Goretti’s offense and led the Saints in scoring with 27 points.

This year the Saints have gone undefeated (12-0) in PCL play and are looking to take command of the playoffs. Last year the Saints were knocked off in the semifinal round by Cardinal O’Hara, who went on to win the 2017 PCL title. This season, the Saints are out on a mission to make it back to the Catholic League championship. Neumann-Goretti senior, Angel Ricks, shed light on the key factors the Saints have been focusing on for tomorrow’s semifinal showdown against Carroll.

“As one of the senior captains, we echo the same message to our team. We must make our shots, remain strong defensively, and be eager to win. (We must) Play hard and dominate the floor as a team,” said Ricks.

Although Neumann-Goretti bumped the Lady Burrs out of the PCL playoff race, West Catholic is still in the running to bring home a state title. The Lady Burrs will play in the District 12 AA city championship (TBA) with the chance to represent the Catholic League in the PIAA AA state playoffs in March.

The Lady Burrs celebrated their senior night during the first round of the PCL playoffs against St. Hubert. The Burrs came away with a 48-29 victory, which propelled them to the quarterfinal round against the Saints. West Catholic senior Jaelyn Durrett exclaimed that the Burrs’ game against the Bambies was her most memorable moment of the season.

Neumann-Goretti vs. West Catholic Highlight Video - by PSD's Aaron Mitchell

Neumann-Goretti vs. West Catholic - Photos by Aaron Mitchell

“The energy that we had was amazing and people fed off of everyone’s energy the whole game. When I got hype, so did my teammates. You could see how everyone had each other’s back,” said Durrett. “Of course we got the win, but the way we played was the best so far. We played as a team and that is what matters the most."

As a senior, Durrett knows too well that time flies, especially when you have a strong support system. No matter what happens during the remainder of West Catholic’s season, Durrett wanted to offer her teammates a lasting piece of advice.

“Being a senior, I would tell my underclassmen to always push though. Whether it’s coach yelling at you, running stairs and 17’s, doing extra reps, or getting good grades in all your classes. There’s going to be many obstacles that come in life as you grow up and having the right people beside you will definitely help you, especially your team,” said Durrett.

PCL FINALS: The 2018 Catholic League girls’ and boys’ basketball finals will take place at the Palestra on Monday, February 26 starting at 6:30p.m. To purchase tickets, click here.