Girls Basketball Notebook: Tough schedules producing opposite results for Carroll, O’Hara
It’s tradition for Archbishop Carroll and Cardinal O’Hara to play an extremely difficult nonleague schedule and this season isn’t any different.
The young Lions are off to a 7-2 start after losing two of their first three games. They have impressive wins over South Bronx Prep, Academy of Notre Dame and West Chester Rustin. O’Hara defeated George School (Newtown) at the Blue Star Invitational Sunday, 46-28, for its sixth consecutive victory.
“We still have a lot to do to get better, but we know everyone on the team has the same focus,” junior guard Joanie Quinn said after the Lions’ win over Notre Dame in December. “We have to bring energy into every game.”
With four new starters, the reigning two-time PIAA Class 5A champions have thus far kicked the “rebuilding” label. Now a Class 6A program, the Lions are every bit as dangerous, just with a fresh coat of paint. Sophomore Molly Rullo is the star, but Quinn and fellow juniors Greta Miller and Carly Coleman have provided plenty of support.
Carroll’s schedule has been daunting to say the least. The Patriots matched up against five nationally-ranked opponents, according to MaxPreps, in its first 10 games. Their 3-7 record is misleading.
The Wilson sisters Taylor (senior) and Brooke (junior) are thriving alongside freshman Alexis Eberz. It’s only a matter of time before the Patriots make a sustained run, which could come at the expense of their Catholic League rivals.
The rematch of last year’s Catholic League final between the Lions and Patriots takes place at O’Hara Thursday, Jan. 26.
Two programs that are coming after O’Hara and Carroll are Archbishop Wood and Lansdale Catholic. The Vikings (5-2) are perennial favorites in the PCL, so it’s not a surprise they are a title contender once more. And the Crusaders (7-1) are a team drawing a lot of buzz. Runners-up for the PIAA Class 4A title last March, they are averaging better than 60 points per game led by Gabby Casey. The senior forward and Saint Joseph’s commit scored 40 points – not a typo – and pulled down 21 rebounds in a 76-54 win over Neumann-Goretti last week.
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Somebody has to take charge in the Del Val League. The teams have combined for a 7-40 record.
Interboro beat Chichester and Penn Wood edged Chester in last week’s league openers. AP hasn’t played since Dec. 20 and one of its two wins was a forfeit when St. Hubert backed out of a scheduled game at the last moment.
The Knights (2-6), who are the reigning champions, are getting steady play from senior Semaji Young and sophomore Alyasia Kinlaw. The Clippers (2-7) have received solid performances from freshman guard Imani Dorsey, junior guard Shyne Hall and sophomore forward Ja’Mya Muhammad. The Bucs (2-11) look forward to continued growth from freshman Madilyn Mae and junior Alaina D’Angelo. The Patriots (1-8) have senior forward Xenia Gillis, a three- year starter, and junior guard Ani Rascoe to build around.
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Peyton Berger has been a solid contributor for Ridley during her varsity career. And this season as her job duties have increased, so has her production on the floor.
“She does everything for us,” coach Roe Falcone said after last week’s home loss to Radnor.
Berger can run point, drive to the basket, grab boards and defend. She brings senior experience alongside forward Abbi Hinchey and guard Kyla Carney, who have played well for the Green Raiders (3-7).
The first month has been a work in progress. Ridley was dealt crushing blows when junior starters Marina Stewart and Kailyn Bell suffered long-term injuries.
Despite missing two key starters, the Green Raiders aren’t too far off from figuring things out.
“The effort is there and I know we have the talent,” Falcone said. “We just have to find a way to cut down on our mistakes.”
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NOTES >> Caroline Dotsey eclipsed the 1,000-point plateau over the holiday break to become the first Haverford High player since Jaclyn Gantz in 2012 to reach the milestone. Gantz is an assistant coach for the Fords. … Haverford (11-0) and The Christian Academy (10-0) are the only undefeated teams left from Delco. TCA is No. 1 in the District 1 Class A power rankings. … One of the big games in the Central League is Tuesday night when Garnet Valley (7-5) hosts Springfield (9-2). The Cougars made the leap from 5A to 6A, so there are District 1 seeding implications, even though it’s only January. Looking ahead, Springfield and Haverford play Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Contact Matt Smith at msmith@delcotimes.com
