Bonner & Prendergast playing for more than a state title
Reaching a state final is a momentous achievement for any basketball program.
When your team represents a school that won four games just five years ago, that had never before last season made the PIAA tournament much less a final, that within the last decade has had its very existence threatened by closure … it means a whole lot more.
That’s the position that Bonner & Prendergast is in this week. In addition to the trappings of being a District 12 champion and representing the power of the Catholic League in Thursday’s all-Philly PIAA Class 4A final against Imhotep Charter, the Friars are playing for something bigger. It’s larger and more poignant even than the rebuilding process that’s unfolded for the last five years, first under alumnus Jack Concannon and now in the first season under his former assistant, Kevin Funston.
“Jack established that culture, and I’ve been trying to build upon it with the same coaches that have been here these last five years,” Funston said this week. “It’s to remember the guys that have been here before you. Everything that we do, we try not to take it for granted. It’s bigger than just these games here. You’re playing for your Bonner family and for the Bonner community. Especially after (Monday’s) game and them seeing how many people came out to support us and over the last 24 hours, how many people are reaching out and congratulating us and wishing us good luck.”
The Friars (22-5) have dominated opposition on the road to Hershey, winning by an average of 26.3 points per game. Their closest game was an 18-point win over District 2 champ Nanticoke in the second round; they shellacked District champion Lower Moreland by 36 in the semifinals.
A big reason for that blowout with Tariq Ingraham, the senior forward who dominated a smaller Lower Moreland team and provided 12 points.
“It was a whole ‘nother side of him that we knew all along he had,” Funston said. “I think it’s him realizing it’s time for him to dominate. It’s fun for him to watch. He created the energy that got us going in that run. I think our players were ready to watch him dominate like he does in practice.”
Ingraham and company face a tough test against Imhotep (25-6). The Panthers have marauded through the west half of the bracket, winning their four games by an average of 21 points, their closest a 12-point decision in the quarterfinals over District 3 winner Bishop McDevitt.
The Panthers are the presiding power in Class 4A, having won both titles since the PIAA transitioned to six classes in 2016-17. Imhotep has six state crowns since 2009. This year’s squad is led by a pair of senior blue-chippers in Dahmir Bishop (Xavier) and Donta Scott (Maryland) who don’t want to see their illustrious careers end with a rare states loss.
Bonner & Prendie got the better of the Panthers in the District 12 final, a 59-57 decision in overtime. Ingraham was limited to 11 points and three boards in that game, with Isaiah Wong leading Bonner with 17 points. Six Friars scored seven or more points, a level of offensive balance that has defined their postseason success.
That game provides ample foreshadowing for what will go down at the Giant Center Thursday.
“The biggest thing is we just remind the guys how much of a war it was, how it was super competitive, how every single play matters and that the little things are going to be extremely important when we match up again,” Funston said. “We’re using this game, even though we won it, it could’ve gone either way. The guys are super pumped, and the guys are trying to make a statement. …
“I’m sure they’re going to want revenge, but we want the state championship just as much.”
