Neumann-Goretti celebrates after claiming their fourth straight PIAA 3A State Title - PSD Photo by Patty Morgan
HERSHEY, PA – On Monday evening, the “sweetest place on earth” became a little sweeter for Neumann-Goretti’s girls’ basketball team. The Saints took home another 5 pound Hershey chocolate bar, which accompanied a glistening PIAA 3A state championship trophy, after defeating Bishop Canevin 63-46.
As the final buzzer sounded, Saints’ senior co-captains Jabria Ingram, Daijah Parmley and Angel Ricks accepted the championship trophy on behalf of their team and initiated a center-court celebration alongside the plush Hershey chocolate bar mascot.
“This is very special for us because we have a different group. We haven’t had this much talent before,” said Parmley.
2018 PIAA 3A Neumann-Goretti vs. Bishop Canevin Highlight Video
This “talent” that Parmley describes could easily be seen at any given moment during the contest. Neumann-Goretti head coach Andrea Peterson had a diverse rotation throughout the game that ranged from the experience level of the above senior trifecta and Chelsea Keebler to juniors Tatiana Jones and Kiara Koger.
When Peterson added newly transferred sophomore Diamond Johnson and true freshman Sara Coppola to the mix, she had a well-oiled machine on both sides of the court.
On the offensive side, Jones led her team with 17-points with Johnson following with 14-points and Parmley adding 10-points. While buckets seemed to be coming easy, Ingram noted that the Saints’ game plan was focused on playing a solid game of defense.
#32 Jabria Ingram tallied 9-points in Neumann-Goretti's 63-46 victory vs. Bishop Canevin - PSD Photo by Patty Morgan
“We knew that we had to play 32 minutes of defense if we wanted to win the game. At the end of the day, it came down to who wanted it more,” said Ingram, who will play for Hartford University next year.
Ingram’s jersey number is “32”…. Coincidence?
“It is a coincidence," said Ingram, "But I played defense too, a little bit.”
A “little bit” is just Ingram being extremely modest. The 2018 Philadelphia Catholic League MVP was not letting anything past her if the ball was in reach. She tallied 10 steals and 5 defensive rebounds. Johnson also captured three steals of her own in addition to 6 rebounds (3 offensive, 3 defensive).
This was the second year in a row that the Saints defeated the Crusaders from Pittsburgh. Last year, Neumann-Goretti defeated Bishop Canevin in a hard-fought 62-56 battle.
As this long season that began in early December has finally come to a close, Neumann-Goretti’s players were asked to reflect upon winning their fourth consecutive state championship and what contributed to their success. The freshmen class also commended their seniors on their leadership and helpful advice.
Jabria Ingram, senior: “I was awarded Catholic League MVP and I’m a four-time state champion. None of that would have been possible without my teammates. I love every single one of them and I wouldn’t have my fourth state championship if it wasn’t for them. So, I want to give a shout-out to my teammates, to Coach P (Andrea Peterson) and Coach Paul (Paul Blocker) and to my support system.” (See video for additional interviews)
Christa Ricks, freshman: “I’m excited. This year has been a roller coaster. Literally after our first road trip this season we all came together. The senior class is incredible and they help us on and off the court and tell us what we do wrong and how to fix it. They never let us fall and they always pick us back up no matter what we do… Next year, the goal is to get another championship and we want to win all three next year.”
Sara Coppola, freshman: “It’s been a roller coaster as Christa said. I was blessed to step on the court with my seniors. They showed me the ropes and how to get through everything. The seniors have really laid the foundation of how we are supposed to go on as the years progress in order to accomplish more things. Hopefully, we are going to get that 8-peat because our seniors taught us how!”
Diamond Johnson, sophomore: “I just came here and we just starting clicking and I’m having fun with them (the seniors!). This is really special to me because it’s my first state championship, so I’m very excited.”
NG Seniors - Daijah Parmley, Angel Ricks, Jabria Ingram, Chelsea Keebler, Ameerah Godwin & Amaja Mack reflect on the Saints' 4th consecutive state title and leave advice for their returning teammates:
(L to R) NG 4-year seniors Jabria Ingram, Daijah Parmley & Angel Ricks - PSD Photo by Patty Morgan
Saints' head coach Andrea Peterson talks about her team's resiliency and the impact of her senior class:
Amani Coursey, freshman: “Winning this first state title is so exciting and it’s something you can’t take back. I’m speechless, it’s just so exciting! As the years go on, we have goals to keep winning championships, nothing more, nothing less.”
Angel Ricks, senior: “What a season! It was an amazing season and this one (state title) personally for me and the original three seniors and Coach P, it’s four years straight, so we got that 4-peat!” (See video for additional interviews)
Prunelle Mungo, freshman: “This state title means a lot because we went through a lot of things with our seniors and with my class and we really bonded with each other…I would like to say thank you to our coach (Andrea Peterson) for all of the sacrifices that you have made for us and we are very proud of you.”
Chelsea Keebler, senior: “Since we all haven’t been here since our freshmen year, for me this is my second year and it’s really special because I got to play this year and win it with my family.”
2018 PIAA 3A State Championship Photo Gallery by PSD Photographer Patty Morgan
PIAA 3A State Championship - PSD Photos by Patty Morgan
Jonelle Price, freshman: “Our seniors are very prominent. They give us everything that we need to get a 5-peat, 6-peat and 7-peat. They are everything to us and show us everything that we need to learn on and off the court. They showed us how this system runs and how to run a system of our own. They are the best seniors you could ever have! I’m so happy I got my first ring and we are going to make history by getting an 8-peat! Praise be to God that’s what we’re going to do!”
Daijah Parmley, senior: “I’m going to miss my coach (Andrea Peterson) the most. She came in the same year I did when I was a freshman and our bond is incredible. She is like a second mom to us. That’s what I’m going to miss the most and playing with my teammates.” (See video for additional interviews)
Tatiana Jones, junior: “It’s been a great season. There are so many personalities on the team and that makes it so wonderful to play on the court. We have great chemistry and we work hard together, we stick together and we just want to win.”
Kiara Koger, junior: “It was a long ride for us. Being with my teammates, this is the best group that I’ve ever been with and now I have to stick with her (jokingly points to Tatiana)! Next year, all we have to do is work hard and play defense."
Ameerah Godwin, senior: “It’s my first state championship and it’s a blessing.”
Amaja Mack, senior: “Same here (in agreement with Ameerah), this is my first and it’s a blessing.”