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Just when the Roman Catholic High School Cahillites seemed to seize the momentum in the third quarter of Feb. 24’s boys’ basketball title game, the Saints from Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., relying on plenty of Palestra experience, rallied not only to break hearts but also to make history, becoming only the second program to capture six consecutive championships. For their composure and consummate devotion to hard work, the East Passyunk Crossing-based ballers find themselves on the readers’ pick for top high school team.
“Aside from teaching us how to be better offensive and defensive players, everyone involved, especially [coach] Carl [Arrigale], shows us how to have heart,” senior forward and Third-Team All-Catholic Tony Toplyn, one of four roster members set to suit up for a Division I university next year, said. “That’s something, along with the championship mentality, that’s going to help us at the next level.”
Along with their parochial prowess, the 24-4 Saints also secured their sixth consecutive District 12 City title last month and are seeking a state crown, too, which would be their fourth in five seasons.
“We always feel we have a target on our backs,” junior guard and First-Team league honoree Lamarr “Fresh” Kimble said. “What’s important, though, is that we believe in ourselves and are accountable to each other.”
He and Toplyn stressed that their institution encourages their achieving academic ascendancy, too, and they value that element, as it helps their competitive nature. Having passed many on-court tests with flying colors, they are grateful to have attracted their neighbors’ support.
“We give all we have,” Kimble said. “That’s what being at Neumann-Goretti is all about.”
The Southern Rams football squad scored a second-place finish, while the Lady Saints hoopsters swished a third-place honor.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
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