Roman Catholic Defeats Devon Prep 48-30: Kehler on Hoops

Written by: Dell Jackson on January 26, 2023

Roman Catholic Defeats Devon Prep 48-30

Roman Catholic overcame a nine point first half deficit to defeat Devon Prep 48 to 30 in a Philadelphia Catholic League game between two defending PIAA state champions on Thursday night. Last season, Roman Catholic won the PIAA Class 6A state championship, and Devon Prep were the Class 3A monarchs. Thursday’s game was a Roman home game played at Jefferson U., a college previously known as Philadelphia Textile and then as Philadelphia U. This was one of several games scheduled by Roman this season at this venue. Although one of the first high schools in the United States to have a basketball team, Roman’s home floor is much smaller than regulation size, so they are playing most of their home games this season at local colleges.

This game was a tactical battle. Since Roman had advantages in height and quickness, Devon Prep’s offensive objectives were to control the clock, spread the court, look for backdoor opportunities, and get some open 3-point looks. The more uptempo the game, the better for Roman, a team with superb transition skills, outstanding slashers, and an exceptional ability to score inside.

In the first half, Devon Prep controlled the tempo, to their great advantage. Devon Prep hit three 3-pointers (all by different players) in the first quarter and out-rebounded Roman nine to four in the first frame. Devon Prep led 13 to six at the end of the first quarter, then they scored the first points of the second frame on a drive by 6’ 4” senior Jacen Holloway. From there, Roman launched a 13 to 0 burst, the first of their two big runs of the game. Roman’s run consisted of a driving dunk by 6’ 6” senior Anthony Finkley, a drive by 6’ junior Bobby Cottrell, two drives by 6’ 2” senior Xzayvier Brown, a pivot play by Finkley, and a 3-pointer by Cottrell. That made it 19-15, Roman.

Devon Prep was far from finished. In the third quarter, they recaptured the lead, 20 to 19, on a drive by Holloway. After Roman regained the lead on a hook shot by 6’ 7” sophomore Shareef Jackson, Devon Prep tied the game at 21 on a free throw by 5’ 10” junior Ty Mishock. Roman responded with a 3-pointer by 6’ 4” senior Eric Oliver-Bush, and they led from there for rest of the way. A 12 to 0 Roman run, which spanned the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the final period, put the game out of reach.

Roman Catholic’s success is based on defensive pressure, and they were able to check Devon Prep in the second half. Importantly, Roman out-rebounded Devon Prep 11 to six in the second half.

This game was well-played, with few fouls and few turnovers. One of the reasons that the Philadelphia Catholic League is the top boys basketball league in Pennsylvania is the quality of coaching, and outstanding coaching was on display in this game. Roman’s coach is Chris McNesby, and Jason Fisher coaches Devon Prep.

Roman Catholic out-rebounded Devon Prep 20 to 18. Roman committed only six turnovers, while Devon Prep had just nine miscues. Roman was four of eight from the free throw line, while Devon Prep was one of two. Roman made four 3-pointers, and Devon Prep made seven shots from beyond the arc. Devon Prep was seven of 17 on 3-point attempts.
There was one tie and three lead changes.

Roman Catholic scoring: Xzayvier Brown 13, Eric Oliver-Bush 9, Anthony Finkley 9, Shareef Jackson 8, Bobby Cottrell 7, and Jermai Stewart-Herring 2.

Devon Prep scoring: Ty Mishock 13, Zane Conlon 6, Jacen Holloway 6, Shane Doyle 3, and Lucas Orchard 2.

Devon Prep 13 5 9 3-30
Roman Catholic 6 13 16 13-48

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