PHILADELPHIA – And then there were two…
This past Thursday, Cardinal O’Hara and Neumann-Goretti won their respective semifinal games in order to have their chance to hoist the 2018 Catholic League plaque at the historic Palestra. The Philadelphia Catholic League girls’ basketball final will take place on Monday, February 26 at 6:30p.m.
Arrive early and plan to stay late, as the boys’ championship is scheduled to follow at 8:30p.m.
Semifinal Game #1:
No. 2 Archbishop Wood vs. No. 3 Cardinal O’Hara:
The Lady Lions and Vikings kicked-off the Catholic League semifinal double-header at Jefferson University in a hard-fought game displaying each teams’ grit, stamina and trickery.
Keys to the Game:
For Cardinal O’Hara, the game-plan was simple. The Lions wanted to establish an early lead, maintain it and hold a strong defensive front.
O'Hara vs. Wood 2018 PCL Semifinal Highlight Video
Mission accomplished.
“We were up two points at halftime, so that helped a lot because we knew we weren’t starting from a 0-0 game, we had an up on them (Wood),” said Maura Hendrixson, a Drexel University commit. “We just said ‘we have to keep the lead and we’ll be good’.”
Despite a late second half push from Wood senior Katie May, who tallied 10 fourth quarter points to tighten the gap, the Lions were able to hold on to their lead and secure their appearance in the PCL championship with a 39-35 victory.
Individual Highlights:
The Philadelphia Eagles have the “Philly Special,” Olympic gold medalist Shaun White has his signature move “the double McTwist,” and O’Hara…well…they have a secret play too, although we were sworn not to reveal its name.
In the third quarter, Hendrixson called the trick in-bound play, which further boosted the Lion’s momentum. She lofted the ball to a wide-open Kenzie Gardler, who charged to the hoop, stalled, then put up a beautiful shot off the backboard.
“It works every time,” said Hendrixson.
On the floor, Wood senior co-captain and Northeastern University commit, Katie May, led her team with 18-points. Fellow co-captain, Erin Morgan followed with 5-points. For O’Hara, Hendrixson netted 14 points to lead the Lady Lions on offense, with Gardler tallying 13.
The Lady Lions talk about making it to the Palestra
Huseby & Gardler discuss the Lion's game plan vs. Wood
Hendrixson & Gardler explain their effective in-bound play
PSD Photos by Zamani Feelings - Wood vs. O'Hara
O'Hara vs. Wood - Photos by Zamani Feelings
Semifinal Game #2:
No. 1 Neumann-Goretti vs. No. 4 Archbishop Carroll:
During their first regular season meeting, Neumann-Goretti handily defeated Archbishop Carroll 62-37.
Not so the second time around.
Carroll and Goretti battled back-and-forth until the final seconds ticked-off the game clock, as both teams desperately desired to advance to the Catholic League championship.
Neumann-Goretti vs. Archbishop Carroll 2018 PCL Semifinal Highlight Video
Keys to the Game:
Staying focused and motivated became the top two objectives in the final half of play. As time expired in the third quarter, the Patriots held a nine-point, 40-31, lead over the Saints. However, Neumann-Goretti climbed back into the game. The Saints went on a 15-5 run, led by senior co-captain Jabria Ingram who tallied 10 fourth quarter points.
With 17 seconds left on the clock, the Saints trailed 45-47. That was until Ingram, who also happens to be this year’s Catholic League Most Valuable Player, proved why she has earned such a title.
10, 9, 8, 7 … Ingram had the ball, but instead of shooting, she unselfishly passed it to fellow senior, Tatiana Jones. Jones received the pass from a double-teamed Ingram and shot the ball from behind the arc without any hesitation.
Final: 48-47
Individual Highlights:
Two milestones were accomplished during Thursday evening's battle.
Archbishop Carroll senior Molly Masciantonio hit her 1,000th career point off a long range 3-pointer during the first half of the game, erupting the Patriot’s bench.
At the final buzzer, Neumann-Goretti’s victory marked head coach Andrea Peterson’s 100th career win during her time in black and gold.
“This is probably one of the biggest days of my life to get this 100th win,” said Peterson. “Jabria, Tat (Tatiana), my whole group of seniors and juniors, I couldn’t be more proud to get it with them and to move on and make it back to the Palestra. We have off tomorrow, we will bounce back on Thursday and prepare for O’Hara.”
On offense, Ingram led the Saints with 22-points, followed by Jones who added 14 points (including the game-winner). Masciantonio recorded 15-points for Carroll. Junior Harlem Jennings also tallied 14-points for the Patriots and sophomore Erin Sweeney scored 12-points.
Angel Ricks talks about making it to the Palestra & her team's motivation
Jabria Ingram talks about her coach's 100th win & making it to the Palestra
Head Coach Andrea Peterson addresses her 100th win & Tatiana's game winning basket
Neumann-Goretti vs. Archbishop Carroll - Photos by Zamani Feelings
2017-2018 PCL All-Catholic Teams:
First-Team
Jabria Ingram, Senior, Neumann-Goretti (MVP)
Tatiana Jones, Junior, Neumann-Goretti
Katie May, Senior, Archbishop Wood
Kaitlyn Orihel, Freshman, Archbishop Wood
Maura Hendrixson, Senior, Cardinal O’Hara
Mackenzie Gardler, Senior, Cardinal O’Hara
Molly Masciantonio, Senior, Archbishop Carroll
Dakota McCaughan, Sophomore, Bonner-Prendie
Monee Moore, Junior, Archbishop Ryan
Tamiah Robinson, Sophomore, West Catholic
Second-Team
Mia Andrews, Junior, Archbishop Wood
Bridget Arcidiacono, Senior, Archbishop Wood
Erin Morgan, Senior, Archbishop Wood
Erin Sweeney, Sophomore, Archbishop Carroll
Nyah Garrison, Senior, Bonner-Prendie
Caela Russell, Senior, Archbishop Ryan
Brady Wassel, Senior, Lansdale Catholic
Lauren Crim, Senior, Lansdale Catholic
Destiney McPhaul, Freshman, West Catholic
Nisea Burrell, Sophomore, Bishop McDevitt
Honorable Mention
Dajiah Parmley, Senior, Neumann-Goretti
Alexis Gleason, Sophomore, Bonner-Prendie
Megan O’Connell, Senior, St. Hubert
Harlem Jennings, Junior, Archbishop Carroll
Nicolette Conway, Senior, Little Flower
Alexis Mitchem, Senior, Conwell-Egan
Samantha Burns, Sophomore, John W. Hallahan