The Inaugural Philly Girls HS LIVE!

Philadelphia has one of if not the best high school basketball scenes in all of America! The boys game tends to get all of the attention and press but the girls have always had a lot of heart and talent but never got the same media attention that they rightfully deserve. The NCAA live period attracts coaches far and wide but to my surprise, Philly has never had a live period tournament for girls. Jazz Williams who is the athletic directer at West Catholic Prep, aimed to change that! In March of 2024, Jazz reached out to me to discuss an idea he had. We met up in person to talk about putting on a girls live period event and giving it the proper media attention that it deserves.

Jazz and I have been friends for years and we’ve worked together in the past on some of his basketball events. I was ecstatic at the chance to be able to put my own personal touch on this event. I felt honored that he trusted me enough to want my help with this. Jazz along with Ruth Onyekwelu of Lincoln High School, did all of the heavy lifting and that allowed me to focus on putting together an outstanding media team. Each side presented its own unique challenges. Holding an event of this magnitude for the first time came with a lot of skepticism. There are so many creators who only care about names and what they can get out of a situation. I can’t begin to tell you how many photographers and videographers left me on read or feigned interest only to disappear when it came time to work.

Support has to be genuine and so many creators don’t genuinely love the game of basketball like I do. I was able to assemble a team of dedicated shooters who love the game. Starting with my son Blake and ending with Dave, Dre and Q! Each one of these guys really came out and put their creative stamp on this event and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and hard work. The boys have a huge live event but the advantage we have is that we have a dedicated team of shooters, to spotlight these young women. We aim to make our instagram page @PhillygirlsHSLive a hub for the girls game, all year round. This is just the start of things to come and I couldn’t be more excited about the future of the women’s game! It’s long overdue and I’m glad to be able to play a small part in highlighting these women and getting them the exposure that they deserve!

Hawks Win!

On March 2nd, 2024, the Hawks of Saint Joseph's University faced off against the Rams of Fordham University at Hagan Arena. The team spirit and unity among the Hawks was very evident as they stepped onto the court. Their pre-game warm-up routine showcased their strong chemistry. The music was blasting, heads were bobbing and you could feel the good vibes between their players. They felt light and carefree yet focused on the task at hand. Throughout the game, the team displayed an excellent balance of focus and ease, demonstrating their cohesiveness and determination as a unit. Coming together as a team is one of the hardest things to do in sports. This group of men, have the right mindset and temperament to go far.

Kasper Klaczek of SJU dominated throughout the night with an exceptional performance. He played a pivotal role in driving the Hawks to a quick lead early in the game. Klaczek delivered an impressive stat line of 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, highlighting his versatility. The Hawks displayed remarkable teamwork, by keeping the ball moving on every possession. They consistently found the open man and made the extra pass which lead to scores more often than not. Freshman stud, Xzayvier Brown kept the Hawks rolling in the second half. He picked his spots and got to the basket at will. Guards Lynn Greer III, Cameron Brown and Erik Reynolds II added to the balanced attack of the team with all 3 hitting critical buckets to keep the momentum on the Hawks side. They took care of business and got the win with a final score of 69 to 82!

SJU V FORDHAM HIGHLIGHTS.

MAKE SURE TO WATCH IN 4K!

THE PCL FINAL 4

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!

Highlights from Judge V Roman. Make sure to watch in 4K!

Highlights between from Archbishop Ryan V Neumann Goretti. Make sure you watch in 4K!

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!

SJU Highlights from their win over Saint Louis University

It's playoff time!

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!

A look back at an instant classic! February - 2023

The Catholic League title is one of the most coveted championships in all of Philadelphia sports! There have been some historic battles between Roman Catholic and Neumann Goretti! This game went down to the wire! Xzavier Brown of Roman Catholic, hit a 3 point buzzer beater to force OT. Roman used the extra time to finish the job to secure the PCL title! It was one of the most thrilling games of basketball at any level that i’ve ever witnessed.

Best Of Both Worlds, All American Game

Some of the top talent in the Tristate area, came together to play in the Best Of Both Worlds, All American Game! You’ll be seeing these young men in an NBA arena soon!

Dunks on Dunks

The 2023 Danny Rumph Classic

The Danny Rumph Classic is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. The classic is a tribute to the late Danny Rumph. He tragically passed away on the court in 2005 after going into cardiac arrest. The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation uses this tournament to increase awareness surrounding sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). They also offer free heart screenings and they place automated external defibrillators in recreation centers and public facilities.

I was able to shoot a few games of the tournament. I present to you, my favorite imagery from the Rumph.

I hope you enjoy!

Bones Hyland of the LA Clippers, went crazy at the Rumph!

Bones Hyland, making plays!

Bones doing what he does!

The title game warmup!

LOE made all the little plays that you need, in order to win.

Imhotep VS Camden

Basketball is a war of attrition -

Saturday, January 28th, Two Thousand Twenty Three. Two of the best teams in the entire country faced off against one another. The Imhotep Panthers took on The Camden High School Panthers. Three of the top Five players in the country went head to head. Justin Edwards of Imhotep, Dj Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw of Camden have all committed to play for the University of Kentucky next season. The game was intense and went down to the wire. Camden pulled out a squeaker with a 60 to 57 final score. Enjoy the frames below!