Philly Girls High School Live 2025
Women’s basketball is physical!
Philly Girls HS Live 2025: Year Two Is in the Books
Year two of Philly Girls HS Live wrapped up earlier this month, and it’s safe to say we took another step forward. When we launched this event, there were plenty of questions about whether it could succeed, especially with so many live period options already available for girls' hoops. We had a lot of doubters, and some folks were skeptical.
Despite the noise, we stuck with the idea that Philly needed something local, consistent, and built with care. This year showed that the foundation is solid and that the interest from programs and college coaches is real. We more than doubled the teams from year one, and we had many more coaches in attendance.
Solid Competition and Strong Turnout
From June 12 to 14 at Jefferson University, we welcomed back familiar teams and brought in some new faces. Catholic League staples like Archbishop Carroll, Wood, and O’Hara showed up as expected, along with Imhotep, solid District 1 teams like Upper Dublin and Pennsbury, and strong programs from New Jersey, Delaware, and the DMV.
A few matchups that stood out:
Carroll vs. Imhotep. Competitive and physical, as expected.
Wood vs. Paul VI. Two well-coached teams going at it.
Upper Dublin vs. O’Hara. Clean execution and a good look at some under-the-radar players.
Paul VI vs. St. John’s College. High energy on both ends and arguably the game of the weekend.
Across all three days, the level of play was consistent. Games started on time, teams competed, and college coaches were in the gym taking notes and making connections.
Keeping It Simple
This event was never about trying to be the biggest. We just wanted to create a space that was organized, competitive, and focused on giving girls a real shot to be seen. Our goal has always been to create a reliable, focused environment where the basketball speaks for itself. That is what we are continuing to build.
Thanks to the programs, coaches, players, families, and staff who supported us again this year. We will make the adjustments we need, keep building something solid, and start preparing for what is next. Year three is already in motion.
Shoutout to the Media Team
Big thank you to all the people behind the lens who helped bring this event to life. From start to finish, they captured the energy, emotion, and moments that mattered.
Blake Loatman — locked in all weekend and delivered some of our best on‑court shots
David Anyanwu — from the Philly Girls HS Live team, kept things running smoothly behind the camera and delivered consistent, crisp photos
Athletically Challenged — showed up with highlights that went beyond the final buzzer
@jxm3__ — brought a creative edge and fresh perspective, adding personality to the coverage through her lens
We appreciate the time, hustle, and pride you all put into your work. None of it goes unnoticed, and I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you! Check them all out and give them a follow.
The Bluecoats are coming!
The NBA G League was established in 2001 and has experienced much growth since its inception. The league consists of players from all walks of life who come together with the common goal of getting better every day. Some guys need this time and opportunity to grow as men and professionals. They need the ability to learn on the fly and continue to develop their games freely. That’s hard to do when you’re on an NBA roster and not getting meaningful minutes in the rotation.
On December 27th, 2024, the Windy City Bulls came into town to face the Delaware Blue Coats for the league’s season opener. I arrived about an hour before the game tip-offed. I wanted to make sure I got in early to acclimate myself to the environment. I always like to watch players warm up before games. Sometimes, you can get a good feel for the headspace that a player is in during their warmups. Is their shot falling? If it’s not, what body language are they displaying? Are they working on a move that they want to pull off in-game? There are a lot of tells that you can pick up on, and it helps me pay attention to certain things when I’m trying to visually tell a story.
The game got off to a great start as both teams came out and ran sets to feel each other out. It was a seesaw affair all game long, but the Blue Coats controlled the pace of play for most of the game. The Bulls made their runs and got within striking distance quite a few times. E.J. Liddell (#32) of the Bulls was a real defensive standout. He blocked quite a few shots and altered the trajectory of many jumpers. He quietly put up 29 points to go along with his four rebounds and three blocked shots. Jordan Hall was dropping dimes all night, and he finished with a game-high eight assists. As a team, they couldn’t find a consistent offensive rhythm for most of the night.
It was a different story for the Blue Coats. They got off to a very hot start and kept that momentum up for the rest of the game. Led by Jeff Dowtin Jr’s 34 points on 14-20 from the field. Jeff poked and prodded the defense all night and consistently got to his spots on the floor. Big man Isiah Mobley chipped in with a double-double! He scored 14 points and grabbed 11 boards. Philly’s own Justin Edwards finished with 15, and Marcus Bagley added 20. The team did well defensively and finished with nine steals and nine blocked shots. The defense sparked a lot of positive plays for the Blue Coats, and they delivered on offense when it counted the most. The final score was 116 to 97, and I’m looking forward to watching these guys again.
THE PCL FINAL 4
You gotta put the ball in the hole!
Philadelphia Catholic League basketball holds a revered position in the world of high school sports, showcasing a tradition of excellence and intense competition. The league serves as a breeding ground for top-tier talent, with many players moving on to successful collegiate and professional careers. Each year, fans pack the stands to witness thrilling matchups between historic rivals, creating an electric atmosphere charged with school spirit. Coaches emphasize discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, molding student-athletes into not only skilled players but also upstanding individuals. With a rich history dating back decades, Philadelphia Catholic League basketball continues to captivate audiences and inspire young athletes to push their limits on the court.
On Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, Catholic league fans eagerly awaited as the final four teams prepared to square off, each vying for the coveted opportunity to compete for the championship title! The first game was a highly anticipated showdown between Father Judge and Roman Catholic. Father Judge's remarkable journey to The Palestra marked a triumphant return to The Palestra for the first time in 25 years! They shocked a lot of teams in the PCL this year to get here. Roman Catholic are the returning champions once again! They proudly showcase a seasoned squad that have successfully navigated this arena in the past. Throughout this year's PCL matchups, they’ve exhibited all the traits of a winning basketball team as they dominated PCL play.Ultimately, Roman Catholic’s experience was prominently on display in this encounter. Their solid start and strategic utilization of Shareef Jackson posed a significant challenge for Judge. The Roman big man dominated the paint throughout the game. Despite Judge's best efforts, they fell short as Roman clinched the victory, securing their spot in the final!
The second matchup of the night unfolded between Neumann Goretti and Archbishop Ryan, setting the stage for an intense competition. Goretti, who suffered a heartbreaking loss in last year's final, entered with one of the top records in PCL play. They boasted a guard-heavy squad known for their versatility in all aspects of the game. On the other hand, Ryan faced tough competition through a challenging national schedule while navigating the demanding PCL, making them a formidable opponent for anyone on any given night. Neumann faced a significant setback in their backcourt following the season ending injury of star senior Khaafiq Myers, whose influence on the game and his team is undeniable. In light of this absence, senior Larenzo Jerkins emerged resolute, and eager to make his mark felt throughout the matchup. Ryan's dynamic duo of Thomas Sorber and Darren Williams has been instrumental in propelling the team to success throughout the entire season. Williams, known for his fearless attitude and ability to sink crucial shots, consistently shines in high-pressure situations. On the other hand, Sorber's finesse and versatility make him a formidable force, capable of excelling on offense and defense with ease. It was a battle of will from the start as Ryan immediately established Sorber in the paint and he went to work.
Larenzo Jerkins showcased unwavering determination as he skillfully made a series of challenging shots to maintain a tight score. Whenever Goretti inched closer, Archbishop Ryan swiftly responded to maintain their lead. The seasoned senior guard, Ryan Everett, demonstrated remarkable accuracy by converting 3 out of 4 shots from beyond the arc, significantly impacting The Saints' morale. Additionally, Darren Williams delivered an outstanding performance on both offense and defense, disrupting Neumann's guards and preventing them from establishing a rhythm. Ultimately, Archbishop Ryan's collective effort proved formidable, securing a hard-earned 48-43 win and securing their spot in the final!
The Hawk Never Dies!
THE HAWK NEVER DIES
On Saturday, February 10th, 2024, the Hawks of Saint Joseph’s University faced off against the visiting Billikens of Saint Louis in a highly charged atmosphere, resulting in a thrilling game. The Hawks initially took control of the game in the 1st half, but the Billikens maintained close proximity throughout the game. Sophomore Sincere Parker played a pivotal role for the Billikens, showcasing an impressive performance with 34 points, skillfully maneuvering around the defense. The Hawks demonstrated resilience and determination as the lead changed hands multiple times in the final 5 minutes of the 2nd half. A10 Rookie of the week, Xzavier Brown, led the Hawks to victory with 27 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, ultimately securing the win with a crucial free-throw and steal. The Hawks triumphed over the Billikens with a score of 87-86, bringing their season record to 16-8. Here are some of my favorite moments from the game!
It's playoff time!
Philadelphia Basketball is some of the best in the country!
It’s that time of year again folks! Philadelphia basketball for the public and catholic leagues regular seasons are wrapping up. It’s time for playoff basketball! The Imhotep Panthers, led by senior guard Ahmad Nowell are aiming for the triple crown! Coming into their first round game against Dobbins, Imhotep has won 86 consecutive games at home. That’s quite an impressive win streak! They faced Dobbins in the playoffs last season and Imhotep came out on top. The result was the same this go around. Imhotep came out the gate hot! They went on an 11 to 2 run and never looked back. Imhotep took the win with a final score of 65 to 31!
