BACK TO BACK CHAMPS!
There are moments in sports that will forever be immortalized in our memories, each play, each victory, and each defeat etching a lasting impression in the tapestry of athletic history. The intense 2024 matchup between Archbishop Ryan and Roman Catholic is already being hailed as a legendary showdown, etching its name in the annals of Philadelphia Catholic League history. The gritty performance displayed by both teams has left spectators in awe, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable games to ever grace the floor of The Palestra! Both teams were led by their seasoned senior big men, who brought a commanding presence to the court and delivered precisely what the city had been anticipating.
A tip of the cap to Archbishop Ryan’s center, Thomas Sorber, and Roman Catholic’s center, Shareef Jackson! Both of these young men displayed unwavering determination and resilience throughout the entire game, pushing each other to their limits in a true display of skill, toughness and grit. The guard play for both teams proved to be crucial throughout the entire duration of the game. They demonstrated exceptional skills and strategic thinking on the court, making a significant impact on the game from start to finish. Darren Williams of Ryan, hit some clutch buckets down the stretch. Before the end of regulation he nailed a shot to put Ryan up 2 points with a few seconds to go. Roman got the ball back and guard Kabe Goss, found a cutting Jackson to tie the game at 40 to 40 and send it into overtime.
Once the OT period tipped off, both teams wasted no time exchanging buckets. Effectively keeping each other within striking distance throughout. In a pivotal moment, Travis Reed Jr of Roman displayed nerves of steel as he sunk 2 critical free throws, propelling Roman into the lead with 52 seconds remaining in the game. Ryan received the ball and meticulously probed the defense, searching for any vulnerabilities. Spotting an opportunity, Williams swiftly passed the ball to Sorber positioned on the wing. Skillfully maneuvering towards the basket, Sorber found senior guard Ryan Everette unguarded in the corner where he nailed the shot. With just 5 seconds remaining on the clock, Everette's shot seemed to seal Roman's fate. Kabe Goss, seized possession of the ball and swiftly advanced down the court.
Faced with a critical moment in the game, he waved his teammates off, took his man off the dribble and got himself to the midrange where he pulled up right over the long arm of Sorber just as the final second ticked away on the clock. Goss nailed the bucket and the crowd erupted! Ryan was in disbelief as several of their players fell to the hardwood in shock and heartbreak. Goss and his teammates ran down to the other end of the court in utter joy! They couldn't contain their excitement as they leaped with joy, celebrating the magnificent shot that would secure not only the PCL title but also etch Goss's name into the illustrious pages of Catholic League history. There is nothing in the world like Philadelphia Catholic League basketball!
You can catch the moments from the game in the clip below!
