Roman Catholic wins the 2018 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship after defeating Bonner-Prendergast 51-49 - PSD Photo by Kathy Leister
PHILADELPHIA – Roman Catholic is the most storied high school basketball program in the city of Philadelphia. When you look at how many players have moved on to college and professional careers, as player and/or coaches, such a bold statement is arguably irrefutable.
But for the gentlemen who participated in the Catholic League championship against Bonner-Prendergast February 26 at a sold-out and rocking Palestra, past history had little to do with the present. It was time for this brand of Cahillites to create their own lore.
“All I know is, we wanted to win no matter what,” said Roman senior John Kelly. “Anything less than a Catholic League championship would have ruined our season.”
Regardless of what they do in the upcoming PIAA state playoffs, consider Roman Catholic’s season as more than successful.
Roman vs. MBAP 2018 PCL Championship Highlight Video
With sophomore Lynn Greer serving as ellipsis and junior Hakim Hart as exclamation point, Roman defeated Bonner-Prendergast, 51-49.
The Cahillites’ Catholic League-best 31st title and third in the past four years was made possible by a lane-driving Greer, who fed a wide-open Hart under the basket for a game-winning layup with just 1.6 seconds remaining in regulation.
“It’s something none of us will ever forget,” said Hart. “It was our time to make something happen and we did it. Even though it came down to the end, everybody played a part in this win.”
The contest featured eight ties and nine lead changes. The third-seed Cahillites (19-5 overall, including a 68-66 overtime loss to B-P on January 19) maintained possession for the final minute before Greer and Hart’s combined heroics.
“I had to be ready to score,” said Hart. “I was waiting on the baseline. I knew (Greer) would find me. We always work together in crunch time.”
After a timeout, the top-seed Friars (21-4) and league Most Valuable Player Isaiah Wong (18 points, nine rebounds, four blocks) were unable to set up a final attempt, and a game that included a whopping 28 combined turnovers was over.
Second-year Roman coach Matt Griffin said the Cahillites have practiced for these situations all season long.
“We just wanted to get the last shot,” said Griffin. “I’m very proud of the way we were composed. We took our time and we knew we either wanted to go into overtime or win the game. Lynn Greer made an unbelievable play, found Hakim . . . made the layup.
“Give Bonner and (coach) Jack Concannon all the credit in the world. They’re a fantastic team. They’re well coached and have terrific players. We just happened to get the bounces this time. I’m so proud. So proud. It’s an awesome feeling.”
Junior Seth Lundy’s 15 points and five rebounds led the Cahillites. Senior Allen Betrand collected 14 points, five rebounds, and three steals, and Greer contributed 12 points and five assists.
The Cahillite players were asked to reflect on one question: What specific memory of this year’s Catholic League championship will you remember most? Their responses included mentions of appreciation, hysteria, and nostalgia.
Seth Lundy, junior: “One memory that I remember most from the PCL championship was when we were down three with about two minutes left in the game and the ball was in my hands and eyes were on me, I called Allen to set a screen for me. When I dribbled off the screen, they tried to hard-hedge it and I did a spin move and the player from Bonner stumbled two steps back and (Bonner senior Ajiri Johnson) sagged off of me and I just shot the three and it went in. I remember how loud the gym got and all the Roman fans were going nuts!”
The Cahillites Celebrate by Cutting Down the Net
Video: Hakim Hart talks about his game-winning shot & head coach Matt Griffin is ecstatic in describing the final minute and compliments the Friars:
Post Game Press Conference with Roman Catholic's Allen Betrand, Louie Wild, Lynn Greer III & Hakim Hart:
Louie Wild, junior: “I would say my favorite memory was just enjoying the moment with my teammates and coaches after the final horn went off. It was the best feeling in the world. I also remember hugging my dad (2000 Roman Catholic grad Mike Wild), who is one of the assistant coaches, after the game. That was a big moment for me because he won two Catholic League championships also at Roman.”
Allen Betrand, senior: “The moment I remember the most is the last possession because when I saw the ball go through the net it was the best feeling in the world. Knowing that everybody doubted us from the beginning and saying we were too small and we can't play together and then proving everybody wrong felt so good.”
Roman vs. MBAP 2018 Championship Gallery by PSD Photographer Kathy Leister
2018 PCL Championship - Photos by Kathy Leister
Gabe Perez, junior: “I think the memory I'll remember most will be just celebrating with the guys after we won. From the layup to when the horn went off, we were waiting to run onto the court, so just being able to celebrate with all my teammates seemed to make everything worth it as far as the hard work we put in prior to that game –practices, games, workouts, etc.”
Jourdan Greene, sophomore: “The locker room celebration was the best in my eyes.”
John Kelly, senior: “The memory I will remember the most is running out to half court after the buzzer sounded and celebrating with my teammates. After we won, I felt that everyone who doubted us was shocked.”
Hakim Hart, junior: “The memory I will remember most was everyone’s happy faces after the game . . . people hugging each other everywhere after that final buzzer.”
Taj Montgomery, sophomore: “Out of the whole Catholic League championship, the memory I would remember the most is the amount of pressure on the last shot and the feeling I felt when it went in and we won the game. It was one of the best moments of my life.”
Nick Tolomeo, junior: “My best memory from the championship was just the atmosphere of the Palestra and being able to celebrate on the floor after we won.”
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)