FEB. 20
CATHOLIC LEAGUE SEMIFINAL
SJ Prep 57, Roman 50
(At the Palestra)
   Before sharing some thoughts about St. Joseph Prep’s sometimes impressive, sometimes head-scratching 57-50 Catholic League semifinal victory over Roman Catholic last night, a quick word about watching basketball at the famed Palestra.
   Entering the coliseum-like structure is like being welcomed by friendly ghosts who don’t mind the intrusion as long as you plan to fully appreciate a venue that has housed some of the most memorable games in area history while padding the resume of numerous all-time greats throughout the decades. It’s been said – accurately – that there is literally not a bad seat in the arena. Heck, it only takes like three seconds to leave the men’s room and see the huge overhead clock from one of the edifice’s endless parallel tunnels.
   And sitting along the Palestra’s cramped – yet still somehow completely comfortable – press row never gets old no matter how many games you cover. Great people all around you in spirited countenance exchanging pleasantries and reminiscing about past playoff games . . . Respected past and present college coaches . . . Longtime newspaper reporters who refuse to completely succumb to the world of techno-blogging . . . People you haven’t seen in years who react to seeing you as though you had just shared dinner with them the night before.
   Saw longtime friend and former Temple University compadre Pete Schnatz for the first time in about 15 years. Pete is a former longtime Inquirer Score Service mainstay who today shares his wealth of writing talent for the Delaware County Daily Times. One minute after the obligatory handshake, we were already on our third round of hilarious inside jokes and wondering where the time had gone. We both thoroughly enjoyed the electric atmosphere, no doubt aware that we both have much for which to be thankful. Then we were joined by legendary North Catholic alum Fran Dougherty, looking way too young for a man who graduated Falcon Land 54 years ago. Same with another legend – former three-sport coach John Dougherty. Both gents were as friendly and classy as ever. 
   Might have to send a “Thank You” note to La Salle High athletic director and baseball coach Joe Parisi for putting up with my constant stream of unsolicited analysis and random questions about everything from officiating to sports psychology throughout the game. But this is a guy who has moderated five different Catholic League sports during his more than three decades of service and is a true leader of men, so you have to take full advantage of such an opportunity, right?   
   Oh, the game? Well, Ted undoubtedly took care of every important detail and observation, so here’s my summary. Can’t wait to see if Ted mentioned any of the following fodder:
   The Prep won because five different players stepped up. In a game in which Notre Dame University-bound star Stephen Vasturia seemed uncharacteristically tentative at times – although his 16 points (eight in the fourth quarter) included several clutch baskets and a perfect eight for eight from the foul line – fellow senior star Miles Overton seized the spotlight early and, despite several forced long jumpers and problems finding an open man when double teamed, finished with a game-high 17 points.
   But it was more than just the “Big Two.” Junior swingman Kyle Thompson appeared completely unfazed by the enormity of the event, nailing FOUR from three-point land (and missing one that literally went like three quarters of the way inside the basket before somehow rattling out) and contributing 14 points. Senior point-guard P.J. Kelly banked – yes banked – what turned out to be an enormous three at the first-half buzzer to increase the Prep’s lead to 30-16 and allow their loud and synchronized fan base the pleasure of serenading their heroes with that patented “Oh, oh oh oh ohhhhh” chant as they gleefully sprinted for the locker room. Kelly also made the play of the game when, with Roman Catholic emerging from a 44-31, fourth-quarter abyss to within a miraculous 51-48 with 1:08 left and possession, he stole a pass with 46.6 seconds remaining that ultimately led to two Vasturia freebies and a five-point Prep lead. As for sophomore Chris Clover, his five first-quarter points (seven in total) helped allow the Hawks enjoy a 17-11 first-quarter lead. Clover’s steady defensive prowess also caused chaos for Roman’s inconsistent inside effort.
   So how did a game that the Prep seemed completely in control of come dangerously to being one of the worst losses in school history?
   One, Roman started making some shots from both inside and outside, and it is fair to surmise that the Cahillites might have earned a trip to the finals to play rival Neumann-Goretti if they had been more patient instead of jacking up low-percentage threes during the first three quarters.
   Two, the Prep started looking winded, and that’s the byproduct of every starter playing every minute of the game on a long and wide court. Three, the Prep started playing keep-away too early, thus allowing the desperate Cahillites a chance to utilize their collective athleticism by tipping passes that led to some easy transition points. Four, Roman started taking advantage of the Prep’s fatigue by forcing numerous turnovers via a full-court press.
   In the end, none of that mattered. A game lasts four quarters for a reason, and the Prep’s dominance in the first half laid the foundation for a nail-biting victory and a chance to redeem itself against the team that defeated them in overtime in last year’s title game.
   I asked Parisi if the Prep’s scary and dangerous encounter with “Choke-itis” would be a boon or a hindrance in Monday night’s final. His opinion was that it “should help” because the Hawks “got rid of the nerves” and gained confidence because they weathered a potential tsunami.
   After last year’s final that ended with the game-winning points being scored from the free-throw line following a controversial foul call in the final seconds, Vasturia was asked to reflect on the loss. He admitted disappointment, and said he hoped to have one more chance to bring a championship to 17th and Girard.
   Wish granted.