Archbishop Ryan defeats St. Frances Academy 77-69: Kehler on Hoops

Written by: Dell Jackson on December 16, 2022

Archbishop Ryan defeats St. Frances Academy 77-69

On Friday night, host Archbishop Ryan continued their challenging non-conference schedule with a wire-to-wire win over traditional power St. Frances Academy, of Baltimore. Ryan built a big early lead which was eroded by St. Frances’ second half pressure. Ultimately, Ryan, a member of the Philadelphia Catholic League, prevailed 77 to 69. St. Frances never led in the game.

It was apparent from the outset that St. Frances didn’t have an answer for 6’ 9” Ryan junior Thomas Sorber, who was on the Class 5A All-State 1st team last season. Sorber dominated both boards in the first quarter and notched nine points in the frame against the smaller St. Frances squad. Ryan had a 16-2 run at the conclusion of the first quarter and led 26-11 after eight minutes of play. In the first quarter, Ryan out-rebounded St. Frances 11 to one.

Although St. Frances was more successful on both boards in the second quarter, Ryan displayed a balanced attack and led 42-21 at halftime. St. Frances’ first half focus on outside shooting was so pronounced that they didn’t go the the free throw line in the game’s first 16 minutes.

St. Frances made a significant change in strategy in the third quarter and began to press Ryan with considerable success. Pressure defense is the nuclear weapon in high school basketball. St. Frances’ quickness was an important factor in the success of their press. Ryan committed four turnovers in the third frame, and the pressure disrupted their offense on several occasions. Ryan’s Sorber had a couple of spectacular dunks in the third quarter, but the home side was outscored 24-8 in the third frame. Ryan had led by 23 points early in the third quarter, but by the end of the period the lead had been cut to 50-45. However, St. Frances never got closer.

Early in the fourth quarter, St. Frances began fouling, and they continued to foul until the end of the game. What was puzzling about this change in strategy was that their defensive pressure had been working so well in the third quarter. Teams that foul and foul at the end of high school games don’t win; it is a recipe for certain defeat. What St. Frances was trying to do on offense in the fourth quarter was to make three-pointers. They made four in the final frame, but Ryan made 18 free throws during that span. As St. Frances’ fouling strategy was obviously failing as the fourth quarter progressed, the Baltimore squad persisted in it anyway. Ryan made six of the first eight free throws that they attempted in the fourth quarter, and they made 11 of their final 12 free throw attempts in the game’s waning moments.

Ryan out-rebounded St. Frances 35-27. Ryan committed 11 turnovers, while St. Frances had seven miscues. Ryan was 25 of 34 from the stripe, while St. Frances was eight of 10.

Last season, Archbishop Ryan advanced to the championship game of the Philadelphia Catholic League in which they were defeated by Neumann-Goretti. Ryan is a major contender for the Philadelphia Catholic League title this season, and they are one of the top PIAA Class 5A teams in the state. They are playing a championship schedule this season, opening with a win at home over New Jersey power Patrick. Tomorrow, they will play Radnor on a neutral court. Radnor, also a Class 5A team, looks to be the top team in PIAA District 1 this season.

St. Frances Academy 11 10 24 24-69
Archbishop Ryan 26 16 8 27-77

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