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BOYS’ BASKETBALL: Undeniably Perfect, The Haverford School Reflects on Historic Season

By Ben Medland - Photos: Mike Nance, 02/28/19, 6:45PM EST

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Haverford School Finishes 28-0, Claiming Inter-Ac and PAISAA Championship Titles

Article & Videos: Ben Medland 

Team Interviews: John Knebels 

Photos: Mike Nance


Haverford School completes historic 28-0 season as PAISAA & Inter-Ac Champions - PSD Photo by Mike Nance

PHILADELPHIA –“Special” … “Undoubtable” … “Perfect.” 

Those are some of the words members of the Haverford School’s basketball team used to describe this past season, which concluded last Saturday at Jefferson University during the Pennsylvania Independent School’s Athletic Association boys’ basketball championship. 

Senior guard Jameer Nelson got an and-one to drop, completing the three-point play late in Haverford’s PAISAA Championship win over Westtown, 67-62.  Nelson pulled his team ahead by three after Westtown hit a huge three pointer that tied it in overtime.

2019 PAISAA Highlight Video & Celebration- Haverford School vs. Westtown

Haverford School senior standout Christian Ray was one of the key players in the victory, especially late in the game.  Ray scored nine of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and in overtime.  Ray had a huge offensive rebound and put-back to tie things at 57. During overtime, Ray opened up the scoring with a huge three pointer, and the Fords held onto that lead, solidifying their perfect 28-0 season. 

Perhaps the biggest game of them all came from freshman, Jameel Brown. The 6’4 guard helped keep his team close early on in the contest.  The Fords were trailing for most of the game but were within striking distance thanks to Brown’s ability to hit the three ball.  Brown ended the contest with 24 points and a total of six-three pointers. He totaled 18 of his 24 points within the first half, which was a big reason the Fords were only down seven at the break, 34-27.

The third quarter was not the turning point that the Fords had hoped. Haverford School could only trim Westtown’s lead to six, and opened up the fourth trailing, 45-39.  It was not until there was 2:42 remaining, that Haverford would take the lead, 55-54.  

The student section was growing all game long for the Fords. The students were finally able to pour onto the court and celebrate the team’s big victory, but not until they waited through an intense four quarters and overtime period.  It certainly was a dramatic 67-62 finish for a team who ended the year undefeated.

After a perfect 28-0 season –the first in modern-day history in the Inter-Academic League – Haverford School players, coaches, and manager were asked: What words would you use to best describe how great this season was? Below, in no particular order, are their responses.

Christian Ray walks us through the 4th quarter & overtime:

Haverford School freshman Jameel Brown talks about his early momentum & Ray's leadership:

Christian Ray (senior) – “This was a special year as we went 28-0 and won the state title, but it was deeper than just our record. We all enjoyed playing with one another and nobody put their ego in front of the team so we were able to have great practices and trust each other while out on the court. We were overlooked all pre-season and even during the regular season, but with the help of the coaches, parents, and the support of the school, we were able to come out on top and make history in the process.”

Matt Ator (Varsity/JV Assistant Coach) –“This is my first year at The Haverford School. I knew of the success the team had last year and that expectations were high for this season. We were winning big early on, but there was never any discussion of running the table. The focus was just on winning in the Inter-Ac. After we went 10-0 in the league there was still no discussion of going undefeated, just that we still needed to take care of Camden and the state tournament. It wasn’t until the final buzzer against Westtown that it really started to sink in. Everyday since then, it just feels phenomenal.  

Bernie created a culture where every player and coach knew our team’s abilities, but no one was arrogant about it. We played one game at a time for 28 straight games and the outcome could not have been better!

All season, when players were unavailable, the next guy was ready to step up. We never missed a beat. I think a huge amount of credit needs to go to the guys the public didn’t see in our games. They played against an undefeated team every day in practice and pushed them to be better for our next game. They fought just as hard as anyone; they were there every day, too. They showed a maturity about their role very few high schoolers I’ve ever worked with could. 

I am honored to have been a part of this season. It was exciting from start to finish, and I feel very lucky to have come to a school with a coaching team as strong as the one I joined this year. It sets a pretty high bar for the rest of my career at Haverford.”

2019 PAISAA CHAMPIONSHIP - Photos by Mike Nance

Gavin Burke (senior) – “This year was phenomenal from start to finish. The first word that comes to mind is unbelievable, something that we’ve been striving for since freshman year.”

Dante Perri (junior) –“This season was perfect. It was bunch of guys who trusted each other and played for each other pulling off perfection. It was amazing to be able to cap all that off with zero losses and the PAISAA championship.”

Patrick Toal (junior) –“This season was incredible. I’ve never been a part of anything like this before. We didn’t lose one game, not one. Some words: perfection, amazing, astonishing, resilient.”

Jameel Brown (freshman) –“This season has been great for the entire team. We went through some adverse times with a couple injuries during the season. We stayed together and overcame many challenges throughout the season.” 

Asim Richards (senior) – “This season in one word would be ‘undoubtable’ because people tried to doubt our team and did not think we were good because ‘we didn’t play anyone.’ As a team we all knew we were really good and as the season went on we did not doubt ourselves and knew we weren’t going to lose.”

Chris Sims (sophomore) – “The season was unbelievable, something I could only dream of as a Haverford student when I was younger. We came together as a team and took everything game by game and got our end goal.”

Tyler Seward (sophomore) – “The feeling was unbelievable, really. After working hard all season as the final buzzer went off, I immediately knew all of that hard work along with ups and downs were definitely worth it. Along with going 28-0, there has been no better feeling.”

Scott Burke (junior) – “To me this season was unbelievable. Being part of a team that will go down in history is an amazing feeling. To see all the hard work that our team put in from lifting to drills to practice pay off was the best. And especially for the seniors – Gavin, Christian, Asim, Jameer, and Luke. It was really great to see them get another ring and a perfect season, after the countless hours and hard work they put into this team. This team was really special and made the season perfect.”

Jack Leary (junior) – “This season was perfection. Not only because of our record, but because our seniors were able to finish their Haverford careers with a legacy which will be remembered forever.”

Bernie Rogers, Jr. (sophomore) – “This season was something more than I could have imagined. Growing up I was able to watch my dad coach many different teams, and to be a part of his most successful team is an amazing feeling. Being a part of this team will be something that sticks with me for the rest of my life.”

Jameer Nelson Jr. (senior) – “This season was amazing, and I wouldn’t do it with any other guys. We really enjoyed each other not only on the court, but we created a great culture off of the court as well.”


#3 Tyler Seward, #25 Jameel Brown, #24 Christian Ray, #1 Jameer Nelson & #50 Asim Richards – Photo by Mike Nance


#22 Jack Leary, #5 MJ Atkins & #4 Gavin Burke – Photo by Mike Nance


Haverford School Student Section - Photo by Mike Nance

Luke Kania (senior manager) – “This season was truly something special. From day one all the way to the final buzzer of the championship game, everybody from the starters to the end of the bench gave it their all. But the main factor as to why we were such a successful team was the love and respect that everybody had for each other both on and off the court. We aren’t just a team, we are a family.”

MJ Atkins (junior) – “Being a part of this team was surreal. There were a bunch of times during the season that we were tested and losing late in games, but never for a second did I think we would lose. I really think that was a result of us being so close as a team. I definitely want to thank the seniors who have developed this program and provided such great leadership. Without them the experience would definitely not have been the same.” 

Bernie Rogers (Head Coach) –“It is hard to describe this season and it really has not hit me yet...I would say for all the coaches, players, managers and families- it was not only exciting but a very memorable season for all!”

Mike McKenna (junior) – Words can’t describe how much I enjoyed being on team. It was an absolute blast to be a part of. The season went by extremely fast and I enjoyed every second of it. We had great team chemistry with our seniors leading our team towards success. I would not trade this season for anything else in the world.

Keith Czarny (Assistant Coach) -“If there is one word that can describe this whole season I think that word is SPECIAL. We had a very special group of kids that made big plays in big spots all season long. I think the PAISAA championship game summed it up best. The grit, togetherness, and passion the players displayed to come back from double digits down in the second half against one of the most talented teams in the state was simply incredible. That performance and their performance all season was just special.”