Local Catholic schools
ready for a competitive season

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Once again it’s time for local girls squads to lace up their basketball sneakers and hit the courts. And for the five Catholic high schools in the Northeast Philadelphia area, diversity is the name of the game this year.
Archbishop Ryan, Cardinal Dougherty, St. Hubert, Little Flower and Nazareth Academy have always maintained solid reputations for their skills on the basketball court. But this year, each team must address differing challenges, which should make for some interesting match-ups.
Here is a look at the five non-public girls basketball teams.

CATHOLIC LEAGUE NORTHERN DIVISION

ARCHBISHOP RYAN
For the past three years, the Archbishop Ryan High School basketball team has fallen short of reaching the championship showdown by one game.
This season, they’re hoping to end that run of frustration.
"We’ve been to the semifinals three years in a row now, and we get better every time we’re there," said coach John Farrington. "We’re working hard to get there again and make it even further this time."
Leading the Ragdolls this season are co-captains Danielle Foreman, a senior guard, and Kim Hollawell, a 6-foot senior forward. Megan Tole, an All-Catholic junior guard, will also play a key role in Ryan’s game.
Forwards Jess Koci and Caitlyn Keal and guard Laura Grow will share the other starting positions.
Guards Missy Milanese and Sarah Strybuc will see some playing time as well.
"We are a really strong defensive team," said Farrington. "The team takes pride in shutting other teams down defensively. They have a strong will to do what is necessary to win, and they continue to improve every day."

CARDINAL DOUGHERTY
Plagued by illness and injuries, the Cardinal Dougherty High School basketball team is having a rough start.
"Right now we’re missing a few players," said coach Mary McDonald. "But I’m optimistic that once we have everyone back and healthy, we’ll be a lot stronger."
Key players include forward Towanda Sutton and guard Ajahae Boone, who are expected to bring a lot of experience and talent to this year’s squad.
Darlene Morgan, who plays forward and guard, is also expected to have a successful year. Junior point guard Maggie Howley, forward Jaleesa Rozier and center Najah Prescott — who currently is out with an ankle injury — round out the Cardinals’ starting lineup.
Guards Brenna Coll, Maureen Hawkins and Malory Smith will see some playing time this season.
"We’re seeing some great things from our younger players," said McDonald. "The entire team is very athletic and quick. We’re not necessarily big, but we’re fast and we can run the floor well.
"I’m optimistic," she continued. "You can never rule out the playoffs with a team like this."

ST. HUBERT
For the St. Hubert High School basketball team, its strength is in numbers.
"We have a nice mix of girls with a lot of depth," said coach Brian Kuzmick. "We can play ten or eleven girls every night."
Leading the Bambie bunch is senior guard Sarah Delcasale. She will be joined in the back court by junior point guard Katie Maguire.
Juniors Carolyn Foley and Chrissie Gana will play forward, with AJ Chobot rounding out the starting lineup at center.
Forward Jen Wolf and center Kristina Schneider also will see playing time as the schedule unfolds.
"We’re getting better every day," said Kuzmick who is in his second year leading the Bambies. "We’re young, fast and very exciting to watch. We want to be the best team that we can possibly be."

SOUTHERN DIVISION

LITTLE FLOWER
What Little Flower is lacking in experience is being compensated for with talent.
"We have a young team this year," said coach Adam Buchter. "But we’re improving every day. The team is very athletic. They have a strong ability to run the floor and they have a lot of speed."
Sophomore Chelsea Kada can be found at point guard this season, alongside guards Katie Moffet and Jackie Thomas. Forward Melissa Benson and center Kellie Lorence will round out the Sentinels’ starting lineup.
Also seeing some time on the court will be sophomores Sydney Mallory at guard and Anne Marie Collins at center.
"There are a lot of great teams in this division," said Buchter. "But I’m confident that we’ll give them a run for their money."

CATHOLIC ACADEMIES LEAGUE

NAZARETH ACADEMY
After finishing 6-16 last year, Nazareth Academy High School’s basketball team has nowhere to go but up.
The coach thinks his team is up to the challenge.
"We came in seventh out of eight teams in the league, so of course we’re looking to improve on that," said Greg Godfrey, who debuted as the Pandas’ coach last season. "The chemistry of the team has improved, and we have a lot more experience this year."
Standout forward Carleigh Brown will lead the Pandas this season. The 6-foot-1 junior, who averages 12 rebounds a game, was named a first-team All-League player as a sophomore. She will be joined in the front court by fellow junior Leah Kuczynski. Team captain Katie McGee and freshman Maggie Borski will handle guard duties, with co-captain Kellie Bradey also in the back court.
Forwards Tayler Matthews, Jenna Dirscherl and Megan Hladczuk will also see some playing time, alongside shooting guards Kate Malboeus and Jessaca Sylvester.
Melissa Kudzmas, a 6-foot-2 junior, will handle the duties at center.
"The girls look real good and they’re playing comfortably together," said Godfrey. "This league is very competitive, so you can’t take any night off. There are no easy games, so we have to come to play every game." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com