Late comeback not enough for Neumann-Goretti to defeat Cardinal O’Hara By: Tyler Harden

PHILADELPHIA— When you think of powerhouse high school basketball teams in Pennsylvania, more likely than not the Neumann-Goretti Saints come to mind. From their 8 state championships, to their star Division 1 players to come through the program such as Ja’Quan Newton (University of Miami), Lamar Kimble (currently playing for the University of Louisville), and Quade Green (currently playing for the University of Washington), Neumann-Goretti has proven themselves to be one of the best basketball programs in the state.

But Cardinal O’Hara is no slouch, as they are currently ranked in the Pennsylvania Top 25 (via MaxPreps). So as the Philadelphia Catholic League regular season was coming to an end, the Cardinal O’Hara Lions were looking to take down a giant.

The first quarter was what the Lions needed, as they came away with a 22-13 lead going into the second. Neumann-Goretti was not shooting well, so Cardinal O’Hara used it to their advantage to get their lead and keep it. Cam Young, a star forward for the Saints who is committed to Bowling Green, came out mid way through the first with an injury. The Lions kept their leading going into the second, as Tre Dinkens lead them to a 35-24 lead early with 3 threes. He had 11 points at the time. The Saints were still making mistakes, and couldn’t find enough of a break to make a rally. Cardinal O’Hara was up 40-24 going into halftime.

The third quarter was almost as quiet as quiet could get, as a combined 16 points were scored. Cardinal O’Hara was still outplaying Neumann-Goretti.
That was until the fourth quarter, when the Saints came out with the most intensity they had all game.

Hakim Byrd and Jordan Hall each had layups to start the rally. Byrd committed to Marist College earlier that day, and Hall is committed to Saint Joseph’s University. The Saints eventually were on a 6-0 run, until Tre Dinkens hit another three to put Neumann-Goretti’s momentum to a halt. Every time the Saints would score, Cardinal O’Hara would answer. With a mid range from Hall, and a layup Hysier Miller, the Saints got a break they needed.

With about a minute left, Jordan Hall came up with a huge block, and after a pass to Blaise Vespe, Vespe brought the Saints to within 3 points with a two-hand slam. But after being fouled, Cardinal O’Hara got the break they needed. Kevin Reeves was fouled and brought to the line with less than a minute left, and he made both foul shots. Shortly after, he was brought to the line again, making two more, which sealed the game for the Lions, giving them a 61-54 win over Neumann-Goretti. “It means everything”, Reeves said, “just to come out and compete against a great team and win, it was everything I’ve ever asked for.”

With Cardinal O’Hara’s regular season coming to and end, and Neumann-Goretti having one more regular season game to play against West Catholic (Sunday, February 9th, at 2:30PM at Neumann-Goretti High School), both teams look to be in a good position for the Philadelphia Catholic League Playoffs. “We have to stay focused, don’t let anything get to us”, Tre Dinkens said, “just do what we have to do.”