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Last Friday, at Archbishop Ryan High School, the Neumann-Goretti boys’ basketball team fell to Archbishop Carroll, 70-65, in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association State Championships Class AAA quarterfinal, ending their state championship hopes. This was the Saints first loss to the Delaware County-based Patriots since the 2001 Catholic League quarterfinals — ending a streak of 18-straight wins. The squad from 10th and Moore streets lost its chance to complete an unprecedented trifecta, as it captured the Catholic League and city crowns earlier this season. The Saints had easily won their first two state contests, downing Steelton-Highspire, 98-71, and trouncing Susquehanna Township, 72-46.
On this night, however, free-throw shooting, one of the team’s strengths, proved its downfall. The team made only 9-of-22 attempts. Junior guard Tony Chennault led the Saints with 21 points, while senior center Andre "Scooter" Gillette, a Niagara signee, contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven blocks. Finishing the season at 26-3, Neumann-Goretti returns five of its top-six scorers next season.
Saturday at South Philadelphia High School, Prep Charter’s state championship plans also came to an end as it dropped the Class AA quarterfinal contest, 58-55 to Imhotep Charter. The Huskies staged a valiant effort against the Olney-based school, who had won their two meetings earlier this season. Senior forward Ferg Myrick finished with 14 points, while classmate Zaahid Holloman added 10. Prep Charter advanced to the third round with victories over Pequea Valley, 48-41, and Loyalsock Township, 73-67. The South Philly squad finished the season 21-7.
