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BOYS’ BASKETBALL: Roman Catholic, Neumann-Goretti and Bonner-Prendergast Will Represent the Catholic League in the 2018 PIAA Semifinals

By John Knebels Photos/Videos: Geneva Heffernan, Kathy Leister & Angelise Stuhl, 03/19/18, 12:30AM EDT

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After a head-to-head PCL match-up and a close fourth quarter shattered Bishop McDevitt’s and Archbishop Carroll’s shot at a state title, three teams remain.

2018 Philadelphia Catholic League Boys’ Basketball PIAA Round-Up

PIAA Quarterfinals:

Two games remain before three Catholic League boys’ teams can enjoy state championship glory.

Roman Catholic finally won a game without necessitating a defibrillator. After requiring dramatic comebacks to win the initial two rounds, the Cahillites played arguably their best game of the season in a 75-56 PIAA state tournament Class 6A win Saturday over Central Bucks West.

Key contributions from junior Hakim Hart (24 points), senior Allen Betrand (23 points), and sophomore Lynn Greer III (10 points, nine rebounds, seven assists) helped Roman lead by 34-20 at halftime. 

“Getting off to a good start was a focus this week,” said Roman coach Matt Griffin. “I was proud that we were able to continue our mentality from the second half of the (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) game into the first half of the quarterfinal.”

The Cahillites (22-6) will play Pine Richland (23-6) 6 PM Tuesday at Chambersburg High School.

“We moved the ball well and we played as a team,” said Betrand. “We got on them from the jump and we took care of business.”


Roman Catholic's Hakim Hart #13 scored 24 points in PIAA quarterfinal victory over CB West - PSD Photo by Kathy Leister

Neumann-Goretti solved Bishop McDevitt, 66-54, in a clash of Class 3A Catholic League foes Saturday at Jefferson University. While McDevitt’s surprising season concluded in more-than-respectable fashion, the Saints (21-6) secured a semifinal match against 22-5 Trinity High School 7 PM Tuesday at Garden Spot High School in New Holland.   

A balanced N-G scoring attack included double figures from senior Dymir Montague (16 points), sophomore Hakim Byrd (15 points), senior Noah Warren (11 points and eight assists), and junior Chris Ings (10 points), offsetting sophomore Robert Smith’s game-high 18 points and sophomore Shamir Mosley’s 13.

“We played solid and well for three quarters, especially the middle two, but some interesting decisions and not so great foul shooting made it a little harder than it had to be in the fourth,” said Neumann-Goretti coach Carl Arrigale. “They played hard to the end and pushed us.

   “Our defense was very good for three quarters and when the other stuff started happening it affected our defensive concentration, but we got through it and that should help us moving forward. All the stuff is correctable, so back to work in practice and keep trying to get better. Survive and advance.” 

Bonner-Prendergast eliminated Allentown Central Catholic, 71-61, Friday at Reading High’s Geigle Complex. The Class 5A Friars (25-4) take on 25-3 Abington Heights 7:30 Monday at Bethlehem Freedom High School. 

Neumann-Goretti vs. Bishop McDevitt - Highlight Video by Geneva Heffernan

NG vs. McDevitt - PSD Photos by Geneva Heffernan

Junior Catholic League Most Valuable Player Isaiah Wong continued to shine, scoring 27 points thanks in part to converting 14 of 16 free throws while adding nine rebounds. Senior Ajiri Johnson scored 15 points and snared eight rebounds. Junior Tariq Ingraham countered with 11 and seven.

“This is what we've been waiting for,” said Johnson. “The win is another step to success. Competition gets tougher, but we are prepared.”

Johnson was asked if losing to Roman Catholic in the Catholic League championship has been providing any extra motivation in states.

“That was a tough loss but that's over now,” said Johnson.  “This is a new season for us.”

MBAP vs. Allentown CC - Highlight Video

Archbishop Carroll’s season concluded Friday with a 73-66 Class 5A loss to Milton Hershey. The Patriots (20-8) jumped to a 15-4 lead but a 20-12 burst changed momentum. Senior Devon Ferrero scored a season-best 17 points while sophomore AJ Hoggard scored 19 points and added six assists and five rebounds.

 

(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)