Tag Archives: Philadelphia basketball

In Philadelphia’s BIG 5, College Basketball’s New Reality Bites Deep

November 14, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

PHILADELPHIA, PA – For the legendary Big 5, success is no longer measured in championships, but in survival.

Deuce Jones, La Salle guard

The stained-glass windows of the Palestra, college basketball’s most venerable cathedral, have looked down on decades of Philadelphia basketball lore. They’ve witnessed the intensity of John Chaney stalking the sidelines, the perfection of Saint Joseph’s 2003-04 regular season, and the raw passion of one of sport’s most unique rivalries. For generations, the Philadelphia Big 5 operated within a coherent, predictable universe where tradition mattered, coaches built programs over years, and players became four-year legends on Hawk Hill and North Broad Street.

That world is gone.

The past five years have witnessed what philosopher Thomas Kuhn termed a “paradigm shift”—a revolutionary, non-cumulative break from the old order. The emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and unlimited transfers with immediate eligibility has not merely reformed college basketball; it has created an entirely new ecosystem. The NCAA’s old model of amateurism lies in ruins, dismantled by Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s blistering concurrence in NCAA v. Alston, which declared, “The NCAA is not above the law”.

The question now haunting Philadelphia’s basketball temples is no longer which team will win the city championship, but what constitutes success when the rules of competition have been fundamentally rewritten.

The Shattered Paradigm: Free Agency and Finances

The old paradigm of college athletics was built on stability—the “amateur ideal” where athletes were “student-athletes,” transfers were heavily restricted, and the NCAA maintained absolute control. This framework provided a predictable environment where programs could build through patient development of high school recruits and coaches could construct cultures that lasted decades.

Dasear Haskins, St. Joseph’s wing

The new paradigm operates with entirely different principles:

  • Year-Round Free Agency: The transfer portal has created a marketplace of immediate eligibility, where rosters turn over annually
  • Financial Competition: NIL collectives now determine recruiting outcomes as much as coaching reputations or facilities

Transactional Relationships: Concepts like “loyalty” and “program building” have been redefined in a world where players must be re-recruited each offseason 

This violent rupture has created what Kuhn would call “incommensurable” worlds—the old and new systems are so fundamentally different that stakeholders literally “see different things when they look at the same object” . An “offer” from a school once meant an athletic scholarship; today, it represents a complex package of scholarship, NIL money, and branding opportunities.

Philadelphia’s Pain: Three Years in the Wilderness

The human cost of this revolution is nowhere more evident than in the Big 5’s unprecedented three-year NCAA tournament drought. For the first time in the rivalry’s storied history, no Philadelphia team has danced in March for three consecutive seasons—a stark indication of how dramatically the competitive landscape has shifted.

Joe Mihalich, La Salle Special Assistant to Head Coach

The following table illustrates the challenging preseason outlook for the Big 5 programs according to recent analyses:

The bleak projections reflect the harsh new reality: in a landscape dominated by programs that can leverage financial resources and transfer portal appeal, most of Philadelphia’s teams are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs.

Villanova’s Blueprint: Competing in the Power 6

Villanova stands alone as the only Big 5 program with reasonable aspirations of national relevance. The Wildcats benefit from competing in what analysts now call the “Power 6”—the six basketball conferences that consistently outperform others in NCAA tournament seeding and wins. The Big East has earned at least five NCAA tournament bids in three of the past five seasons, providing Villanova with multiple pathways to the Dance.

Bryce Lindsay, Villanova guard

Under first-year coach Kevin Willard, the Wildcats are attempting to leverage their substantial resources—including a robust NIL collective and national brand recognition—to compete in the new paradigm. The program has become a destination for transfers like Bryce Lindsay (James Madison) and Tyler Perkins (Penn), players who can provide immediate production.

Yet even Villanova faces headwinds. The team was picked 7th in the 11-team Big East preseason poll. As one analysis noted, the Wildcats are “relying on players who are stepping up in class, such as Lindsay… or first-year players who have talent but not experience”. In the new paradigm, success requires not just recruiting talent, but constantly rebuilding rosters in an increasingly transactional environment.

Temple’s Storied History Meets Hard New Reality

For Temple, the paradigm shift has been particularly brutal. This is a program with 33 NCAA tournament appearances, 5 Elite Eights, and 2 Final Fours—a legacy built over decades by coaching legends like Chaney, who took the Owls to 17 tournaments in 18 seasons.

Aiden Tobiason, Temple guard

That historical success now means little in the new ecosystem. Temple has made just two NCAA appearances in the past 12 seasons, and this year was picked 9th in the 13-team American Athletic Conference. The AAC typically receives only 1-2 NCAA tournament bids per season, creating a brutal competitive environment where even strong conference records may not be enough for at-large consideration.

Coach Adam Fisher acknowledges the rebuilding challenge, noting that last season “things could go wrong… they did” with injuries, suspensions, and departures. In the new paradigm, “rebuilding” no longer means developing freshmen over four years, but aggressively working the transfer portal to replace departing talent—a challenge for programs without the NIL war chests of Power 6 competitors.

Saint Joseph’s: The Middle-Class Squeeze

Saint Joseph’s exemplifies the “middle-class” programs caught between historical success and current realities. The Hawks have 21 NCAA tournament appearances, an Elite Eight, and a Final Four in their history, with legends like Jack Ramsay and Phil Martelli accounting for two-thirds of those tournament trips.

Steve Donahue, St. Joseph’s Head Coach

Yet the program has zero NCAA appearances in the past decade, and despite winning 22 games and a second straight Big 5 title last season, home losses to teams like Central Connecticut and Princeton crushed at-large hopes. This season, the Hawks were picked 7th in the 14-team Atlantic 10, another conference that typically receives only 1-2 NCAA bids annually.

The September resignation of Billy Lange created additional instability, though successor Steve Donahue has talent to work with, including La Salle transfer and reigning A-10 Rookie of the Year Deuce Jones. Donahue believes this is “the most athletic team he’s ever coached”, but in the new paradigm, athleticism alone cannot overcome the structural disadvantages facing mid-major programs.

Penn’s Ivy League Transformation

The Quakers represent one of the most fascinating case studies in adaptation. Despite being picked 7th in the 8-team Ivy League, some analysts believe Penn has the best chance among the city’s programs (outside of Villanova) to make noise this season.

Fran McCaffery, Penn Head Coach

The reason? First-year coach Fran McCaffery—the winningest coach in Iowa history—and his ability to leverage the transfer portal, landing former five-star recruit T.J. Power from Virginia. The Quakers also return standout Ethan Roberts (16.8 points per game).

McCaffery’s hiring signals that even Ivy League programs, with their strict academic requirements and no athletic scholarships, must compete aggressively in the new marketplace. As one analysis noted, “If Roberts plays well and Power is healthy and Penn quickly adapts to McCaffery’s style, the Quakers could sneak into the No. 4 spot in the league” and then “anything is possible” in the Ivy League tournament.

La Salle and Drexel: The New Reality’s Hard Edge

For La Salle and Drexel, the new paradigm has created near-insurmountable barriers to national relevance.

Darris Nichols, La Salle Head Coach

La Salle, with its 12 NCAA tournaments, 2 Final Fours, and a National Championship, has played in just one NCAA tournament over the past 34 years. First-year coach Darris Nichols has brought “youthful enthusiasm and renewed energy” to the program, but the Explorers were picked 13th in the 14-team A-10. As one analysis bluntly stated: “It is a really long way to go from being picked one spot from the bottom of the A-10 to winning the conference title”.

Drexel faces similar challenges in the CAA, a one-bid league where the Dragons were projected 10th of 13 teams. The transfer portal has been particularly unkind to Drexel, with standouts like Yame Butler (Butler), Kobe Magee (Florida State), and Cole Hargrove (Providence) all departing for bigger programs—and presumably, bigger paydays. This talent drain from mid-majors to power conferences represents one of the most significant consequences of the new paradigm.

Redefining Success in the Athlete Empowerment Era

In this new world, the criteria for a “good season” must be recalibrated for all but the elite programs:

  • For Villanova: Success means NCAA tournament appearances and Sweet 16 runs—maintaining status as a national program capable of competing with college basketball’s financial elite
  • For Temple: Given conference constraints, an NCAA tournament appearance represents a major achievement, requiring either a conference tournament championship or a spectacular regular season
  • For Saint Joseph’s: Realistic success means NIT victories and consistent competitiveness in the A-10, with NCAA appearances representing extraordinary rather than expected outcomes
  • For Penn: An NIT appearance would signal remarkable progress, particularly given their preseason projection, and would validate their aggressive adaptation to the new landscape
  • For La Salle and Drexel: Simply reaching the NIT would represent significant achievement, indicating program momentum in an era where mid-majors struggle to retain talent

The tectonic plates of college sports have shifted, and Philadelphia basketball sits directly on the fault line. The Palestra still stands, but the games played within its hallowed halls are governed by new rules— both written and unwritten. The paradigm has shifted, and in this new world, survival itself constitutes a form of victory.

College Athletics’ Revolution: How a Paradigm Shift Is Redefining the Game

November 12, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The tectonic plates of college sports have shifted, and the landscape will never be the same.

For decades, the world of college athletics operated as a coherent, predictable universe. It was a system where the term “student-athlete” was sacrosanct, amateurism was the guiding creed, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was the unquestioned governing authority. This model, however, has not merely evolved. It has been violently upended. The past five years have witnessed what the philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn would term a “paradigm shift”—a revolutionary, non-cumulative break from the old order, driven by legal challenges that shattered the NCAA’s foundational principles.

Temple alum and former NBA player, Marc Jackson announcing the La Salle vs Temple matchup

The emergence of name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation and unlimited transfers with immediate eligibility has not reformed the system; it has created a new one, fundamentally altering the nature of college sports, especially football and men’s and women’s basketball.

The Kuhn Framework: How Revolutions Unfold

To understand what is happening in college sports, one must first understand Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions. In his seminal 1962 work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Kuhn argued that scientific progress is not a linear, cumulative process. Instead, it occurs through violent ruptures he called “paradigm shifts”.

La Salle forward Jerome Brewer

A paradigm is a framework of beliefs, values, and techniques shared by a community. For a time, it provides model problems and solutions in a process Kuhn labeled “normal science.”

But eventually, anomalies—observations the prevailing paradigm cannot explain—accumulate, leading to a period of crisis. This crisis deepens until the old paradigm is overthrown and replaced by a new, incompatible one. The new paradigm is “incommensurable” with the old; they are so different that proponents of each see the world differently, use different definitions, and fundamentally talk past one another. This is not a change in degree, but in kind. It is a gestalt switch, where a drawing that was once seen as a duck is now seen as a rabbit, and it is impossible to see both at once.

The Age of ‘Normal Science’ in College Athletics

For the better part of a century, college athletics existed in a prolonged state of Kuhn’s “normal science.” The dominant paradigm was the “amateur ideal.” Its core tenets were simple and universally accepted within the industry:

Camden resident and Big 5 fan, Hunner Cotton

No Pay-for-Play: Athletes were “amateurs” who could not be compensated for their athletic performance beyond the cost of attendance

Limited Mobility: Transfers were heavily restricted, often requiring athletes to sit out a year of competition, thereby discouraging movement

Institutional Control: The NCAA and its member institutions held absolute power to set and enforce the rules

This paradigm was not merely a set of rules; it was a worldview. It defined the very product. As Kuhn might have observed, it told everyone in the system—administrators, coaches, athletes, and fans—how to think and behave. It provided a stable, predictable environment where seasons unfolded with rosters fans could recognize from year to year, and where the NCAA’s authority was as assumed as the rules of gravity.

Accumulating Anomalies and the Onset of Crisis

The facade of this stable world began to crack under the weight of mounting anomalies. The commercial reality of college sports—the billion-dollar television contracts, massive coaching salaries, and lavish facilities—increasingly clashed with the amateur ideology.

Joe Mihalich, Special Assistant to the Head Coach at La Salle University

The sight of athletes, particularly in revenue-generating football and basketball, generating immense wealth without sharing in it became an undeniable contradiction.

This set the stage for a crisis, triggered by a series of legal challenges that acted as Kuhn’s “extraordinary research”. The courts became the laboratory where the old paradigm was tested and found wanting.

The Alston Decision: The pivotal blow came in 2021 from the U.S. Supreme Court in NCAA v. Alston. While the case specifically dealt with education-related benefits, Justice Neil Gorsuch’s majority opinion unequivocally declined to grant the NCAA “immunity from the normal operation of the antitrust laws”.

Justice Kavanaugh’s Concurrence: The true harbinger of revolution was Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s blistering concurrence. He called the ruling a necessary “course correction” and laid bare the anomaly at the system’s core: “Nowhere else in America can businesses get away with agreeing not to pay their workers a fair market rate on the theory that their product is defined by not paying their workers a fair market rate,” he wrote. “The NCAA is not above the law”.

This judicial dismantling of the NCAA’s legal shield created a state of deep crisis. The old paradigm was no longer tenable, and the search for a new one began.

Adam Fisher, Temple Head Coach

The Revolution Unleashed: A New World Order

The collapse of the old model under legal pressure has rapidly given way to a new paradigm, characterized by two revolutionary changes:

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): Since 2021, athletes have been allowed to profit from their fame through endorsements, appearances, and social media promotions. This was the death knell for pure amateurism.

Unlimited Transfers with Immediate Eligibility: Following relentless antitrust lawsuits from state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice, the NCAA’s transfer restrictions have been eviscerated.

Athletes can now enter the transfer portal multiple times and play immediately at their new school, creating a system of year-round free agency.


The following table contrasts the core elements of the old and new paradigms in college athletics:

This new system is not merely an adjustment. It is a fundamental redefinition of what college sports are.

Bob Jordan, Temple Assistant Coach

Living in Incommensurable Worlds

The chasm between the old and new paradigms is so vast that they are, in Kuhn’s terms, incommensurable. Stakeholders are effectively living in different realities.

Different Standards: Concepts like “loyalty” and “team-building” now have entirely different meanings. A coach bemoaning a player’s lack of loyalty, based on the old standard of a four-year commitment, cannot communicate with a player operating in a new world where loyalty must be re-earned by the program year after year through NIL offers and playing time

Different Worlds: Coaches now navigate a “transactional culture”. As one soccer coach lamented regarding new roster limits, the focus is on “hit[ting] on virtually all of the 5-6 commits each year,” turning recruiting from an art of potential into a science of immediate ROI . Meanwhile, athletes see themselves not just as students, but as entrepreneurs managing their own brands.

Communication Breakdown: The same words mean different things. An “offer” from a school once meant an athletic scholarship. Now, it is a complex package of scholarship, NIL money from a collective, and potential branding opportunities. When administrators, coaches, athletes, and fans use the term “college sports,” they are, quite literally, talking about different things.


Temple star guard Aiden Tobiason

The View from the Palestra: A Case Study in Revolution

The human cost of this revolution is etched into the history of Philadelphia’s Big 5. For more than six decades, the rivalry between LaSalle, Pennsylvania, St. Joseph’s, Temple, and Villanova was a unique institution in college basketball, a frenetic and beloved intracity competition housed in the musty, hallowed halls of the Palestra.

Big 5 basketball as it existed for generations is dead.

The paradigm shift has turned its teams into annual collections of mercenaries. This year’s rosters at Temple, Villanova, and La Salle are not built through years of patient development and freshman recruiting classes. They are assembled through the transfer portal, featuring 12 to 15 new players who are, in effect, paid free agents. The continuity that allowed for deep, city-wide narratives and enduring player legacies has been shattered. The old-timers who cherish the traditions of the Palestra and the new-age fans who track transfer portal rankings now inhabit incommensurable worlds, looking at the same court but seeing entirely different games.

Darris Nichols, La Salle Head Coach

The Uncharted Future

Where this new paradigm will ultimately lead is still uncertain. The revolution has created winners and losers, bestowing newfound wealth and freedom on some athletes while creating instability and uncertainty for others. The core challenge of this nascent paradigm is its sheer chaos—a lack of uniform regulation, concerns over the exploitation of young athletes, and the erosion of any semblance of a level playing field.

Thomas Kuhn taught us that paradigm shifts are not about progress in a moral sense, but about the replacement of one worldview with another. The old paradigm of amateurism is gone, discredited by the courts and abandoned by the culture. The new paradigm of athlete empowerment and free agency is still crystallizing, its final shape unknown. The revolution is complete. The incommensurable has arrived. The games will continue, but they will never be the same.

I miss Micheal Brooks, John Pinone, Mo Martin, Rodney Blake, Howie Evans, Lionel Simmons, Mark Macon, Tim Perry, Mike Vreeswyk, Jameer Nelson, Rap Curry, Bernard Bunt, Jerome Allen, Matt Maloney and Rashid Bey on the court.

I miss John Chaney, Fran Dunphy, Bruiser Flint, Phil Martelli, John Giannini and Rollie Massimino on the sidelines.

Naaaaah… I can’t lie… I don’t miss Rollie.

Girard College Taps St. Joseph’s University Hall of Famer, Mark Bass, a Proven Program Builder, as New Boys Basketball Head Coach

October 15, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Girard College announced on October 9, 2025 that it has hired Mark Bass, a Mercer County basketball legend with deep ties to the Philadelphia region and a storied history as both a player and coach, as the new head coach of its boys’ basketball team. Long-time St. Joseph’s University coach Phil Martelli introduced Bass to his Girard College team in an emotional and intimate gathering. The appointment signals an ambitious new direction for the program, entrusting it to a figure renowned for his tactical acumen and a proven record of rapid turnaround.

Phil Martelli and Mark Bass

Bass brings over 24 years of coaching experience to the role, most recently serving as an Assistant Coach for Prep and Development Basketball at the South Kent School, a Connecticut-based incubator for elite talent. His hiring is seen as a coup for Girard College, securing a leader with a demonstrated ability to elevate teams to championship contention.

“We are thrilled to welcome a leader of Mark Bass’s caliber and character to Girard College,” said Tumar Alexander, Girard College Vice-President of Operations. “His philosophy extends far beyond the basketball court, emphasizing the development of student-athletes as scholars and citizens. His record of success, both immediate and sustained, makes him the ideal person to build a proud and successful future for our boys’ basketball program.”

Tumar Alexander and Mark Bass

Bass is not merely a coach; he is a part of the area’s basketball fabric. A member of both the Mercer County Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Joseph’s University Basketball Hall of Fame, he remains the all-time leading scorer for Trenton Catholic Academy (formerly McCorristin), where he led the team to back-to-back state championship games.

His legacy continued at St. Joseph’s University, where he starred as one of the deadliest shooters in the program’s history and a key part of its 1996 NIT finals team. After a professional stint in China, Bass returned to his alma mater, embarking on a 20-year tenure as an assistant coach—the longest in St. Joseph’s history—where he was instrumental in developing NBA players such as Jameer Nelson, Delonte West, and DeAndre Bembry. He also helped lead the Hawks to another NIT final as a coach in 2005.


It is his most recent high school head coaching performance, however, that provides the clearest blueprint for what Girard College can expect. In 2021, Bass was hired to resurrect the Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy program, a decision hailed at the time as an “absolute no-brainer.”

The results were instantaneous and profound. In his first season at the helm, Bass engineered a dramatic resurgence, leading the Iron Mikes to a Mercer County Championship and, for the first time in 12 years, a South Jersey, Non-Public B title. His team finished the season ranked No. 4 in the state by NJ.com.

“In the program’s first year under coach Mark Bass, Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy plays with a toughness on the defensive end that figures to make these Iron Mikes a lethal threat,” wrote Greg Johnson of The Trentonian in a mid-season assessment.

Mark Bass and Guy Moore, Girard College Director of Athletics

John Castaldo, Bass’s own high school coach at McCorristin, praised the hire at the time, noting, “He returns to his alma mater with a wealth of basketball knowledge… His skills in developing and nurturing relationships are outstanding. He has always been an individual of high character and moral integrity.”

Bass’s expertise is further honed by his role as a Head Coach for the prestigious WeR1 Basketball Club on the Under Armour Association circuit, where he has continued to develop top-tier amateur talent.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Girard College community,” said Bass. “This is a special institution with tremendous potential. I look forward to building a program that the entire Girard family can be proud of—one that competes for championships while upholding the highest standards of excellence, discipline, and sportsmanship. The work begins now.”

Bass holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing from St. Joseph’s University and Master’s degree from Rider University. He officially assumes his duties on October 20, 2025.


About Girard College


Girard College is a landmark independent boarding school in Philadelphia, providing a full-scholarship, holistic education for academically capable students from families with limited financial resources, serving grades 1 through 12.

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In a Shifting Basketball Landscape, Phil Martelli’s “Philadelphia Coaching Academy” Partners with Black Cager Fall Classic to Reclaim the Art of Coaching

October 6, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

PHILADELPHIA — In an era defined by the seismic influence of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) advisors, sports agents, and the directors of national basketball academies, a new initiative is aiming to return the focus of youth basketball to its foundational element: teaching the game.

The Philly Coaching Academy, a venture from P and J Enterprises founded by former Saint Joseph’s University and former Michigan associate head coach Phil Martelli, has been named an official sponsor of the upcoming Black Cager Fall Classic. The partnership signals a concerted effort to address a growing void in the development of basketball coaches at the grassroots level.

Phil Martelli

The announcement comes amid what many insiders describe as a paradigm shift in youth and scholastic basketball. The insertion of substantial student-athlete compensation has fundamentally altered the player development process, creating an ecosystem where financially motivated “handlers” and the allure of national programs often overshadow the core mission of instruction and mentorship. Consequently, less time, energy, and resources are being devoted to cultivating the next generation of skilled coaches.

“In today’s environment, the term ‘coach’ can be diluted. A true coach is a person who trains, instructs, and guides a team to improve their skills and performance, with winning as a byproduct of that process,” said Martelli, a Hall of Fame inductee of the Philadelphia Big 5 and one of the most respected figures in the sport. “We are determined to identify and develop good, ethical, and effective youth and scholastic coaches who embody that definition.”

To that end, the Philadelphia  Coaching Academy has been created specifically for coaches operating at the CYO, middle school, recreational, and travel team levels. The academy’s goal is to equip these coaches with the tools to plan and execute efficient, effective practices. The curriculum will be delivered through four standalone sessions, each featuring on-court demonstrations of drills presented by Martelli and other prominent high school coaches.

Delgreco Wilson, founder of Black Cager Sports, expressed strong support for the partnership, drawing from his long-standing observation of Martelli’s career.

“I’ve been fortunate to witness Martelli’s entire coaching journey. More than any other coach I’ve encountered, Martelli has been an open book. His practices were always accessible,” Wilson said. “He is the right guy to teach young Philly men and women how to be professional youth and scholastic basketball coaches.”

As part of the sponsorship, a coach from every high school participating in the Black Cager Fall Classic will be invited to a exclusive Zoom webinar with Martelli. Furthermore, the head coach of two participating Fall Classic teams will receive full certificates to attend a session of the Philadelphia Coaching Academy.

Wilson emphasized the critical timing of this initiative, stating, “Martelli is absolutely the right guy, and this is definitely the right time to focus on actually teaching and coaching the game of basketball. We’ve seen the business side expand rapidly; now it’s time to reinvest in the craft of coaching itself.”

The collaboration between the Philadelphia Coaching Academy and the Black Cager Fall Classic represents a significant step toward reinforcing the instructional backbone of the sport, ensuring that the coaches guiding young athletes are as developed and dedicated as the players they mentor.

About the Philadelphia Coaching Academy:
Founded by Phil Martelli through P and J Enterprises, the Philadelphia Coaching Academy is dedicated to the education and development of basketball coaches at the youth and scholastic levels. Through a series of intensive, practical sessions, the academy provides coaches with the fundamental principles of practice planning, skill development, and team instruction.

About the Black Cager Fall Classic:
The Black Cager Fall Classic is a premier showcase event presented by Black Cager Sports, featuring top high school basketball talent from the Philadelphia region and beyond. It serves as a critical platform for player exposure and development at the onset of the school year.

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Media Contact:
Delgreco Wilson
Managing Editor, Black Cager Sports
blackcager@gmail.com

Wanamaker takes the Reins at Roman Catholic: The Crown Jewel of Philadelphia Scholastic Basketball

August 15, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

By Delgreco K. Wilson

A Century of Dominance in the City of Brotherly Love

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia’s basketball heritage reads like a who’s who of hardwood legends—from Wilt Chamberlain’s earth-shaking dunks at Overbrook to Rasheed Wallace’s dominant reign at Simon Gratz. Yet when the final buzzer sounds on this century-long game of Philadelphia basketball supremacy, one program stands above all others: Roman Catholic High School and its record 34 Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) championships. No other institution has so consistently combined competitive excellence with transformative life lessons for young men, creating a basketball dynasty that has flourished across generations.

The numbers alone tell a compelling story. Since the Catholic League’s formation, Roman Catholic has captured nearly twice as many titles as its nearest competitor (Neumann-Goretti with 22). This isn’t merely a statistic—it’s a testament to an enduring culture of excellence that has survived economic downturns, demographic shifts, and the ever-changing landscape of scholastic sports. From Billy Markward’s nine championships between 1922-1934 to Chris McNesby’s most recent titles in 2023-2024, Roman Catholic has set the gold standard for Philadelphia basketball.

The Coaches Who Built a Legacy

What separates Roman Catholic from other storied programs isn’t just the quantity of championships, but the quality of leadership that has sustained success across distinct basketball eras. The program’s foundation was laid by Billy Markward, whose teams dominated the 1920s and 1930s with an unprecedented nine PCL titles. His squads set a standard of excellence that would become the program’s hallmark—a blend of disciplined play and relentless competitiveness.

The torch was later carried by Speedy Morris, who ushered in a new golden age during the 1970s with six championships between 1969-1980. Morris’s teams embodied Philadelphia basketball—tough, fundamentally sound, and mentally resilient. His success proved Roman Catholic could adapt to the modern era while maintaining its core values.

Roman Catholic Coaches – Dennis Seddon, Brad Wanamaker and Chris McNesby

Then came Dennis Seddon, whose tenure from the late 1980s through 2000 represents perhaps the most dominant stretch in PCL history. Nine championships in twelve years (1989-2000) established Roman Catholic as the league’s preeminent power. Seddon’s influence extended beyond wins; he mentored future coaches like Chris McNesby, creating a coaching tree that would extend the program’s success into the 21st century.

McNesby himself—a Roman Catholic alum who played under Seddon—added four PCL titles and three PIAA state championships across two coaching stints (2008-2016 and 2021-2024). His 270-73 career record reflects both consistent excellence and the ability to develop players for life beyond basketball—a hallmark of the Roman Catholic philosophy. As McNesby noted, “It’s after they’re finished playing, seeing them get jobs and seeing them be successful fathers and husbands, and then see them passing it forward”.

Roman Catholic Freshman Shayne Jackson

More Than Championships: The Roman Catholic Difference

Roman Catholic’s supremacy isn’t measured solely in banners. The school has long served as a transformative institution for Philadelphia’s youth, particularly those from working-class backgrounds. Founded in 1890 as the nation’s first free Catholic high school for boys, Roman Catholic maintained its commitment to accessibility even after transitioning to tuition-based education in the 1960s. This mission—to provide “a comprehensive academic curriculum within a disciplined Catholic environment”—has shaped generations of student-athletes.

The school’s impact extends far beyond the court. As McNesby reflected on his own experience: “You really meet kids from all different areas, backgrounds, demographics, financial status. It helps you grow up pretty quickly, and you really learn how to get along with others”. This environment fosters the type of personal growth that produces not just great players, but great men—a fact borne out by the program’s alumni network of successful professionals across industries.

Roman Catholic’s 1902 Basketball Team featuring John Lee (far left)

Roman Catholic has also been a pioneer in racial progress. In 1902—just 12 years after its founding—the school fought for the inclusion of John Lee, the first Black player in the Catholic League. This legacy makes Brad Wanamaker’s recent appointment as head coach particularly significant. As the program’s first Black head coach and a distinguished alum (Class of 2007), Wanamaker represents both continuity and progress. His hiring—praised by alumni like Mike Ringgold as proof that “Roman is the best high school job in the city”—signals the program’s commitment to opportunity and meritocracy.

The Wanamaker Era: Tradition Meets the Future

Brad Wanamaker’s ascent to head coach represents a full-circle moment for Roman Catholic basketball. A 2007 graduate who led the Cahillites to a PCL championship that year, Wanamaker brings unique credentials: honorable mention All-American at Pittsburgh, 11-year professional career (including four NBA seasons), and firsthand experience of Roman Catholic’s transformative culture. As he noted upon his hiring: “Roman changed a lot in my life coming in, so I feel like I’m forever indebted to them, and what better way to give back than leading the team?”

Wanamaker’s coaching philosophy blends old-school toughness with modern player development. “Better men is the biggest key,” he emphasizes. “Going through adversity, perseverance and being from Philly, just that toughness”. This approach resonates with Philadelphia basketball purists while addressing contemporary challenges facing young athletes. His professional experience—including stints with the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors—provides invaluable perspective for players aspiring to collegiate and professional careers.

Notably, Wanamaker represents a new generation of Roman Catholic leadership while maintaining ties to the program’s storied past. He played under Dennis Seddon and served as an assistant to Chris McNesby, absorbing lessons from both mentors. As McNesby observed: “We were riding together to a game and Brad said ‘I’m ready’. After that I felt it was time for me to step aside…The program is in great hands”. This seamless transition exemplifies Roman Catholic’s unique ability to renew itself while honoring tradition.

Conclusion: The Standard Bearer

Philadelphia’s basketball landscape features numerous legendary programs—Overbrook’s Wilt Chamberlain, West Catholic’s Ernie Beck, Simon Gratz’s Rasheed Wallace, Neumann-Goretti’s Carl Arrigale dynasty. Each has compelling claims to greatness during specific eras. But when evaluating sustained excellence across generations, Roman Catholic stands alone.

The numbers—34 Catholic League championships, multiple coaching dynasties, countless college and professional players—only begin to tell the story . Roman Catholic’s true greatness lies in its ability to win at the highest level while fulfilling its mission to develop “men of personal integrity”. From Thomas E. Cahill’s original vision in 1890 to Brad Wanamaker’s groundbreaking appointment in 2025, the school has remained true to its values while adapting to basketball’s evolution.

As Philadelphia basketball enters its second century, Roman Catholic remains the gold standard—a program where championships and character development go hand-in-hand. The Cahillites’ purple and gold banners represent more than victories; they symbolize a tradition of excellence that continues to shape Philadelphia’s basketball identity. In a city that treasures its hoops history, Roman Catholic stands as the most accomplished and influential program of them all.

Black Cager Fall Classic Returns to Executive Education Fieldhouse for 2025 Showcase

July 29, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Premier Pre-Season Basketball Tournament Set to Light Up Allentown on October 11*

Allentown, PA – July 28, 2025 – Black Cager Sports is thrilled to announce the return of the Black Cager Fall Classic to the Executive Education Fieldhouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Celebrating a decade of elite competition, the Fall Classic has solidified its reputation as one of the East Coast’s premier pre-season basketball showcases, drawing top high school talent, college scouts, and passionate fans from across the region.

Since its inception in 2015, the Black Cager Fall Classic has become a must-attend event for players, coaches, and basketball enthusiasts alike. The tournament has played a pivotal role in elevating mid-Atlantic scholastic basketball, providing unmatched exposure through live streaming, social media coverage, and high-level competition. Each year, the event delivers a significant economic boost to Allentown as teams and fans travel in to witness the action.

“The Executive Education Fieldhouse is the perfect home for the Fall Classic,” said Delgreco Wilson, founder of Black Cager Sports. “When we moved the event here, we knew we had found something special—a world-class facility with four courts, ample parking, and an incredible fan experience. This is where the Fall Classic belongs, and we’re proud to make it our permanent home.”

With over 2,300 college players entering the transfer portal in 2025, roster management has never been more critical. The Fall Classic offers high school coaches a unique opportunity to evaluate their teams in competitive game settings before the official season tips off. For college coaches, the event serves as a key scouting platform, allowing them to identify rising stars early in the year.

Robert Lysek, Chief Executive Officer of Executive Education Academy Charter School, echoed the excitement: “The Black Cager Fall Classic has become a beloved tradition in Allentown, bringing elite basketball talent to our city and introducing new visitors to the Executive Education Fieldhouse each year. We’re honored to partner with Black Cager Sports to host such a prestigious event.”

The tournament’s legacy speaks for itself. NBA standouts like Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans), Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons), Bub Carrington (Washington Wizards), Jamir Watkins (Washington Wizards), and Collin Gillespie (Phoenix Suns) all showcased their skills at past Fall Classics. The event has also been a launching pad for college stars such as Derek Simpson (Saint Joseph’s), DJ Wagner (Arkansas), and Zion Stanford (Villanova). Even Hall of Fame coaches like Bill Self (Kansas), John Calipari (Arkansas), and Danny Hurley (UConn) follow the action closely, using livestreams and game footage to evaluate talent.

Don’t miss the 2025 Black Cager Fall Classic—where the next generation of basketball stars takes center stage!

For media inquiries, contact:
Delgreco Wilson
Founder, Black Cager Sports
Email: blackcager@gmail.com
Instagram: @BlackCagerPress
X: @DelgrecoWilson
Facebook: Delgreco Wilson

#BlackCagerFallClassic #ExecutiveFieldhouse #AllentownBasketball #NextUp

About Black Cager Sports

Black Cager Sports is dedicated to promoting and elevating basketball talent through premier showcases, scouting reports, and media coverage. The Fall Classic remains one of its flagship events, providing unparalleled exposure for high school athletes and a must-see experience for basketball fans.

END

The NBA Summer League: A High-Stakes Proving Ground for the Next Generation from Philly & Baltimore

July 11, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

LAS VEGAS — The NBA Summer League, an annual showcase held in the sweltering heat of July, is often dismissed as a series of glorified scrimmages. But for the young Philly and Baltimore area players fighting for their professional futures, it is anything but an exhibition. This is where dreams are validated, where undrafted free agents claw for contracts, and where first-round picks face their first real test against NBA-level competition. The stakes could not be higher.

Thomas Sorber, Oklahoma City Thunder

At its core, the Summer League serves as a bridge between college basketball and the pros—a no-man’s-land where potential meets scrutiny. The rosters are filled with recent draft picks, second-year players looking to prove they belong, and unsigned free agents desperate for a breakthrough. For every future All-Star who shines (think Damian Lillard in 2012 or Donovan Mitchell in 2017), there are dozens whose careers stall before they ever truly begin.

The audience in the gyms of Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, or Sacramento is not just made up of casual fans. NBA executives, scouts, and agents line the courtside seats, evaluating every crossover, every defensive rotation, every missed assignment. Overseas scouts linger as well, ready to offer lifelines to those who fall short of NBA expectations. A strong performance can mean a guaranteed contract; a poor one might relegate a player to the G League—or worse, professional obscurity.

Wooga Poplar, Chicago Bulls

For franchises, the Summer League is an early litmus test. Did the front office make the right draft pick? Is that raw prospect further along than expected? Can that overlooked college star translate his game to the pros? The answers aren’t always definitive—after all, Summer League success doesn’t always translate to the regular season—but the games provide the first real glimpse of how these players handle pressure, coaching, and the speed of the pro game.

And then there are the narratives: The second-round pick outplaying a lottery selection. The undrafted guard from a mid-major school dropping 30 points. The big man from overseas adjusting to the physicality of American basketball. These stories captivate because they are unscripted, unfiltered, and often unpredictable.

Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

In a league where roster spots are scarce and margins for error are slim, the Summer League remains one of the few meritocratic spaces in professional basketball. It doesn’t guarantee stardom, but for those who seize the moment, it can be the first step toward something greater. For everyone else, it’s a reminder of just how fleeting opportunity can be.

The games may not count in the standings, but for these players from the mid-Atlantic region, they count for everything.

NBA Teams & Colleges Breakdown:

  • Atlanta Hawks
    • Dwight Murray Jr. – Rider
  • Boston Celtics
    • Zack Hicks – Temple/Penn State
    • Amari Williams – Drexel/Kentucky
  • Brooklyn Nets
    • TJ Bamba – Villanova/Oregon
    • Caleb Daniels – Tulane/Villanova
  • Chicago Bulls
    • Jahmir Young – Maryland
    • Wooga Poplar – Miami/Villanova
  • Dallas Mavericks
    • Jordan Hall – Saint Joseph’s (SJU)
  • Detroit Pistons
    • Zakai Zeigler – Tennessee
  • Golden State Warriors
    • Donta Scott – Maryland
  • Houston Rockets
    • Jermaine Samuels Jr. – Villanova
  • LA Clippers
    • Izaiah Brockington – Penn State/Iowa State
  • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Eric Dixon – Villanova
    • Julian Reese – Maryland
  • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Ace Baldwin Jr. – VCU/Penn State
    • Tyler Burton – Richmond/Villanova
    • Aaron Estrada – Alabama
  • Miami Heat
    • Steve Settle III – Temple
  • New Orleans Pelicans
    • Derik Queen – Maryland
    • AJ Hoggard – Michigan State/Vanderbilt
  • New York Knicks
    • Nick Jourdain – Temple/Memphis
    • Lance Ware – Kentucky/Villanova
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Thomas Sorber – Georgetown
    • Cameron Brown – Saint Joseph’s (SJU)
    • Erik Reynolds II – Saint Joseph’s (SJU)
  • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Justin Edwards – Kentucky
    • Jack Clark – VCU
    • Andrew Funk – Bucknell/Penn State
  • Phoenix Suns
    • Rasheer Fleming – Saint Joseph’s (SJU)
    • Khalif Battle – Temple/Gonzaga
  • Portland Trail Blazers
    • Andrew Carr – Delaware/Wake Forest/Kentucky
  • Sacramento Kings
    • Daeqwon Plowden – Bowling Green
  • San Antonio Spurs
    • Jameer Nelson Jr. – Delaware/TCU
  • Toronto Raptors
    • Clifford Omoruyi – Rutgers/Alabama
  • Washington Wizards
    • Bub Carrington – Pittsburgh
    • Jamir Watkins – Florida State

A Triumph for Tradition: Father Judge’s Victory at The Palestra Rekindles the Spirit of Philadelphia Basketball

February 24, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

PHILADELPHIA, PA – In the heart of Philadelphia, where the echoes of basketball history reverberate through the halls of The Palestra, a new chapter was written on Sunday afternoon. Father Judge High School, a proud institution from Northeast Philly, defeated defending champion Roman Catholic, 41-34, to claim the Philadelphia Catholic League Boys’ Basketball Championship. The victory, their first in 27 years, was not just a triumph for the Crusaders but a celebration of the enduring legacy of one of the most storied venues in sports.

The Palestra, the cathedral of college basketball, turned 98 this year. Since its opening in 1927, it has hosted more games, more visiting teams, and more NCAA tournaments than any other arena in the country. Its hallowed floor has been graced by legends, from Wilt Chamberlain to Kobe Bryant, and its intimate, raucous atmosphere has made it a shrine for basketball purists. Yet, in recent years, The Palestra’s relevance as a contemporary venue for college basketball has waned. The Philadelphia Big 5, once the lifeblood of the arena, no longer calls it home. Temple, Villanova, La Salle, and St. Joseph’s have opted to play their city series games on their own campuses, leaving Penn, the Palestra’s home team, as a fading force in the Ivy League.


But if the Big 5 has moved on, the Catholic League has stepped in to fill the void. The Catholic League Final Four has become the premier basketball event at The Palestra, a showcase of the city’s rich high school basketball tradition. On Saturday, approximately 10,000 fans—exceeding the arena’s official capacity of 8,700—packed into the venerable building to witness Father Judge and Roman Catholic battle for the most coveted high school championship in Pennsylvania. The atmosphere was electric, a reminder of what makes The Palestra special: the passion of the fans, the intensity of the competition, and the sense that, for a few hours, time stands still.

The game itself was a gritty, hard-fought affair, emblematic of Philadelphia basketball. Father Judge, led by head coach Chris Roantree, overcame a sluggish start to outlast Roman Catholic in a defensive slugfest. The Crusaders went the entire first quarter without a field goal, managing only two free throws, as Roman Catholic’s suffocating defense disrupted their rhythm. Sophomore point guard Tyler Sutton was a revelation for Roman, scoring 20 of his team’s 34 points and showcasing a blend of poise and skill that belied his age. But Father Judge’s senior point guard, Kevair Kennedy, weathered the storm, delivering clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. His 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists may not have been eye-popping, but his leadership and resilience were instrumental in securing the title.

The game also featured a standout performance from Father Judge’s Everett Barnes, whose defensive dominance evoked memories of Bill Russell. Barnes, a towering presence in the paint, blocked shot after shot, keeping his team within striking distance during their offensive struggles. Alongside Roman Catholic’s Shareef Jackson, another formidable big man, Barnes is headed to the Patriot League next year, leaving one to wonder why Penn’s Steve Donahue didn’t make a stronger push to keep these local talents in the city. Their absence will be felt, but their performances on Saturday were a testament to the depth of talent in Philadelphia high school basketball.

For Father Judge, the victory was the culmination of a remarkable turnaround. Four years ago, Roantree took over a program that had gone 2-12 in the Catholic League. Under his guidance, the Crusaders have risen to the top, their journey a testament to the power of perseverance and belief. The postgame celebration was a scene of unbridled joy, as players, coaches, and fans reveled in a moment that had been decades in the making. For the Judge community, this championship was more than just a trophy; it was a reaffirmation of their identity and a source of immense pride.

As the final buzzer sounded and the Crusaders celebrated on the court, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history. The Palestra, with its wooden bleachers and arched rafters, has witnessed countless moments of triumph and heartbreak. On Sunday, it added another to its collection. Father Judge’s victory was a reminder of what makes this arena so special: its ability to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime, and to serve as a bridge between the past and the present.
In a city that loves its basketball, The Palestra remains a sacred space. While the Big 5 may have moved on, the Catholic League has ensured that the arena’s legacy endures. For one night, at least, The Palestra was once again the center of the basketball universe, and Father Judge’s Crusaders were its brightest stars.

The Case for Stability at Hawk Hill

January 21, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The rumblings are beginning to emerge. The fans and alums of St. Joseph’s University are publicly evaluating the future of its storied men’s basketball program. There is an intensifying discussion about whether or not SJU should fire head coach Billy Lange. This discussion deserves a nuanced examination. While Lange may not be the archetype of a transformative coach, he has demonstrated an ability to manage the unique challenges of a Philadelphia-based mid-major program in the modern era of college athletics. The more interesting question, then, from my perspective is not whether St. Joe’s could find a better coach but whether the university is prepared to risk finding a worse one.

The wins and losses under Lange’s tenure paint a picture of incremental progress over a six year span. Each season has brought modest improvement in the Hawks’ performance. However, as any Hawk fan will tell you, the improvements haven’t been dramatic enough to inspire unanimous confidence. St. Joe’s continues to face defeats against opponents it is expected to beat, such as this season’s home loss to Central Connecticut State and other home losses to Princeton and Charleston. Lange has delivered expected victories in so-called “buy games” against teams like Coppin State and Delaware State—games that keep the program’s record somewhat respectable.

It seems fair to say that Coach Lange’s value to SJU extends well beyond the traditional win-loss column. In the age of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal, the ability to recruit and retain talent is paramount. Lange has proven adept at navigating this landscape. Senior Eric Reynolds, junior Rasheer Fleming, and sophomore Xzayvier Brown—all players with significant market value—remain at St. Joe’s despite the lure of potentially lucrative opportunities elsewhere. It’s reasonable to assume that each of these players could command between $300,000 and $600,000 in NIL compensation if they entered the transfer portal. That they’ve chosen to stay suggests that Lange has fostered a program that values their development and loyalty.

That has value… It seems the Saint Joseph’s Athletic Department recognizes and appreciates that value. They definitely appreciate it more than SJU fans and alums focused intently on wins and losses.

Beyond individual player retention, Lange’s connections with key talent pipelines have been a boon for the program. Relationships with organizations like Team Takeover in Washington, D.C./DMV (Cam Brown, Erik Reynolds) , K-Low Elite (Xzayvier Brown, Derk Simpson) in Philadelphia, and Camden High School (Rasheer Fleming, Dasear Haskins) in New Jersey enhance St. Joe’s ability to recruit top-tier talent. These connections, cultivated over the past six years, provide an edge in a highly competitive market and would take significant time for a new coach to replicate.

The competitive landscape of the Atlantic 10 Conference further complicates the picture. Programs like Virginia Commonwealth University are beginning to implement revenue-sharing initiatives, with VCU reportedly committing $5 million to student-athletes starting in 2025. This raises the stakes for programs like St. Joe’s, which operate with significantly smaller budgets and a more limited pool of donors supporting their NIL efforts. In this context, Lange’s ability to retain talent and compete regionally with schools like Villanova, Temple, La Salle and Drexel is all the more impressive.

For a mid-major program like St. Joe’s, these external factors weigh heavily in evaluating a coach’s performance. While it’s tempting for fans to focus solely on A10 wins and losses, St. Joseph’s administrators seems to place significant value on external factors. By any reasonable measure, Billy Lange has held his own recruiting within constraints that make it challenging to compete with larger programs. The Hawks’ budget is dwarfed by those of regional and conference competitors, and the program relies on a smaller, more intimate base of donors and fans. In this shifting environment, stability and strategic leadership will likely outweigh the allure of a fresh start with another coach churned out by a national search.

Critics of Lange’s tenure are quick to point to the team’s offensive struggles, particularly when their three-point shooting falters. These concerns are valid, and the program’s inability to consistently generate offense has been a recurring issue. Yet, firing Lange in hopes of finding a quick fix through a “national search” led by an outside firm is far from a guaranteed solution. 

SJU could whiff… Easily could whiff… You know they could whiff…

The unique challenges of recruiting and competing in Philadelphia and the A10 require a coach with a deep understanding of the program’s identity and limitations. By keeping it in the family, St. Joseph’s has always had that knowledge within the program. Since assuming the helm, Billy Lange has effectively demonstrated that understanding.

He has obvious shortcomings… Lange has not demonstrated an ability to consistently coach his team to more college basketball victories than losses.

That’s a problem.

For that, some want SJU to fire Billy and move on. I’m just saying it’s more complex than just wins and losses for Jill Bodensteiner and President Cheryl A. McConnell.

St. Joseph’s is at a critical juncture. Lange’s tenure has been far from perfect, but he has demonstrated an ability to navigate the complexities of modern college basketball. 

No small feat…

The Hawks’ progress in the won/loss columns may be slow, but it is progress nonetheless. Replacing Lange risks disrupting the stability and relationships he has built, with no guarantee of improvement. For a program like St. Joe’s, where every decision must be calculated and deliberate, continuity may be the best path forward.

It should be noted that Saint Joseph’s could easily FUCK AROUND AND FIND OUT shit could get a lot worse. 

In the end, the calculus isn’t just about finding a better coach. It’s about ensuring that the program can thrive in an environment where resources are limited and the stakes are higher than ever. The St. Joe’s brass seem to recognize the value Lange brings.

They know… I know… You know… We all know… Lange has to win more games.

To the dismay of those calling for his dismissal, SJU will likely determine that the risks of change outweigh the potential rewards.

St. Joe’s Prep Triumphs Over Roman Catholic: A David vs. Goliath Tale in the Catholic League

January 10, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

The story of St. Joseph’s Prep’s stunning victory over nationally ranked and defending Philadelphia Catholic League champion Roman Catholic feels almost biblical in its scope. Over the decade I’ve known St. Joseph’s Prep Head Coach Jason Harrigan, his coaching exploits have often reminded me of the tale of David and Goliath. Last night, Harrigan’s Hawks summoned the courage and tenacity to topple a seemingly insurmountable giant, leaving me contemplating the famous passage from 1 Samuel 17.

Jordan Ellerbie, St. Joseph’s Prep

The game, initially scheduled for the Horowitz “Sixth Man” Center, was moved to Bensalem High School due to lingering HVAC issues. Despite the change in venue, the anticipation remained high as Harrigan’s Hawks faced off against Chris McNesby’s mighty Cahillites. Roman Catholic, with their powerhouse roster and Broad Street swagger, seemed poised to extend their reign. But Harrigan, and Jordan Ellerbie, like the young shepherd David, were ready to defy expectations.

The Battle on the Hardwood

The game itself was a physical slugfest, akin to a battle between two heavyweight boxers exchanging body blows. Neither team could find an offensive rhythm, which only underscored the meticulous preparation and defensive schemes orchestrated by Harrigan and McNesby. The intensity on the court was palpable, as every possession felt like a struggle for survival.

Chris McNesby, Roman Catholic Head Coach

Roman’s Shareef Jackson, a sturdy 6’8” Lafayette commit, has long been the league’s dominant force. His imposing presence and exceptional low-post technique make him nearly unguardable at the high school level. Yet, Harrigan devised a strategy to neutralize Jackson, deploying constant double-teams and relentless physical play to disrupt his rhythm. Jackson was held to a mere six points—a testament to Harrigan’s tactical brilliance.

Shareef’s younger brother, Sammy, also struggled offensively, going 0-for-7 from the field. With Marquette Head Coach, Shaka Smart, in the stands, less than 24 hours after vanquishing Thomas Sorber and the Georgetown Hoyas, Sammy could not make a shot while playing a solid and unselfish floor game. Roman’s mercurial sophomore point guard, Tyler Sutton, managed only eight points on 3-for-12 shooting. Senior guard Sebastian Edwards emerged as Roman’s most effective scorer with 13 points, including three crucial three-pointers, but even his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the relentless Hawks.

Ellerbie and Jason Harrigan

Ellerbie’s Heroics and Harrigan’s Vision

The game’s defining moment came from Florida Gulf Coast commit Ellerbie. With the game on the line, he delivered a masterclass in clutch play, scoring a game-high 16 points and sealing the victory with a left-handed baseline finger roll as time expired. It was a play that echoed David’s decisive sling stone, felling the mighty Goliath.

Just as David chose his simple shepherd’s tools over Saul’s heavy armor, Harrigan relied on grit, discipline, strategic ingenuity and some big fuckin’ balls. His ability to inspire his players to rise above their limitations has been a hallmark of his coaching career. Nine years ago, Harrigan led an unheralded Del Val Charter squad to a stunning victory over nationally ranked Imhotep Charter in the District 12 3A final. Last night, he did it again, proving that no opponent is invincible when preparation meets belief.

Shifting Power Dynamics in the Catholic League

Roman Catholic’s dominance over the past quarter-century has bred a sense of entitlement among its fans. The Cahillites have often dismissed their Catholic League rivals, with only Neumann-Goretti and occasionally Archbishop Wood posing serious threats. However, the winds of change seem to be blowing through the league.

As of now, St. Joseph’s Prep, Cardinal O’Hara, and Father Judge boast perfect 3-0 records, while Bonner-Prendie sits at 2-0. Conversely, traditional powerhouses like Archbishop Wood (0-3), Archbishop Carroll (0-3), and Neumann-Goretti (0-2) are struggling. Even Archbishop Ryan narrowly avoided a disastrous 0-3 start with a historic comeback. Meanwhile, Father Judge defeated Imhotep on a neutral court, and Devon Prep appears ready to challenge for a seat at the Catholic League’s top table.

St. Joseph’s Prep’s victory over Roman Catholic may portend a potential paradigm shift in the Catholic League. Under Jason Harrigan’s leadership, the undersized Hawks are emerging a symbol of resilience and strategic excellence. His ability to slay giants has not only reinvigorated the program but has also disrupted the established power dynamics of the league.

For one night, at least, David triumphed over Goliath. The question now is whether Harrigan’s Hawks or the other rising contenders can sustain this momentum and usher in a new era of Catholic League basketball. Regardless, one thing is certain: Jason Harrigan can slay a national power, and the story of St. Joseph’s Prep’s victory will be told for years to come.