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When the Prep Charter girls’ basketball team is on its game, the opposition’s empty light often illuminates long before the game’s final stretch. The Lady Huskies have established a knack for setting a defensive trap that even illusionist Criss Angel might struggle figuring out an escape route to.
Head coach Paul Rieser, who is in his seventh season at 1928 Point Breeze Ave., has developed such a potent formula for success that even the once-dominant Central Lancers now find themselves bowing to the current queens of the Public League court. Saturday’s title tilt at Center City’s Community College of Philadelphia played out like a one-sided story to the tune of a 70-34 victory for the West Passyunk-based program.
The now two-time defending champs — who defeated Central for the 2011 crown — held the Olney-based squad to a 28.9 percent shooting from the field while forcing 33 turnovers. Prep Charter also tallied 16 first-quarter points — the same amount that Central accumulated after 16 minutes of play.
“I think it was just a matter of time before we broke through that wall,” Rieser said of the championship streak.
At halftime, with his team leading 29-16, the coach instructed his group to turn up the defensive pressure, and they responded in the form of a 20-2 run. Even as he shouted plays and strategies from the sidelines, the veteran coach wasn’t the one defending, launching three-pointers or battling for rebounds Saturday. The players — led by Rutgers University signee Kahleah Copper, who finished with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds — are the ones who made the preseason goal a reality.
“That’s where the credit lies,” he said.
As nice of a ring Public League champions has to it, these 24-3 Lady Huskies are eager to add two more golden prizes to this year’s award-winning story in the form of City and State titles — each of which would be a program-first. The PIAA District 12 Class AAA City Title game is taking place 6 p.m. tomorrow against Neumann-Goretti at South Philadelphia High, 2101 S. Broad St. Rieser is looking forward to the long awaited neighborhood matchup against the East Passyunk Crossing squad based at 1736 S. 10th St.
“It’s awesome that the two teams are playing each other in South Philly,” he said.
The opening round of states follows a week later with the opponent and site to be determined. Last year, the Lady Huskies made program history by advancing to the state semifinals, but eventual champs Archbishop Wood spoiled the plans.
Rieser has a solid returning core ready to finish fulfilling those loftier goals.
“If we stay out of foul trouble, I think we can compete with anyone in the state,” the coach said.
Having offensive balance also helps. Sophomore Hannah Timmons contributed 12 points, rookie Ciani Cryor added nine points and six assists while second-year players Ciera Nimmons and Indiah Cauley tossed in eight points apiece.
Winning championships is only half the reward for Rieser, who has seen 14 of his grads continue their respective careers on the next level. Copper will make it 15, and to date, is the biggest name on this prestigious list. No matter how the remainder of the season unfolds, the Public League Championship Game MVP knows she has a ticket booked for Chicago where the March 28 McDonald’s All-American (another Prep Charter first) Game is taking place. Then it’s off to Denver to participate in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American Game three days later. Even with all of the national accolades, Copper has not lost focus.
“On Saturday, none of that mattered to her,” Rieser said. “She did everything in her power to [help us] win.”
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
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