The Catholic Standard & Times - Sports

Sports Columnist
By John knebels

If Villa Joseph Marie’s basketball team seems to be having some problems with its collective equilibrium, have some compassion.

In fact, the same might be said for the entire Catholic Academies League because most teams in the league have been on a bumpy elevator ride lately.

After shocking state-ranked Villa Maria Academy, 58-56, Villa Joseph Marie’s Jems were then shocked, themselves, two days later when they lost to Nazareth Academy in the last game of the regular season.

Meanwhile, St. Basil was doing some surprising work of its own when it upset Mount St. Joseph Academy. The combination of the loss to Nazareth and the win by St. Basil eliminated Villa Joseph Marie from the Catholic Academies League four-team playoff.

When the dust had settled, Mount St. Joseph won the regular-season title while Villa Maria placed second. Since St. Basil and Nazareth tied for third with identical 9-5 records, that left 8-6 VJM outside looking in.
At least the Jems can look forward to the Class AAA District One tournament. Still, it could have been better.

“I’m not sure what happened,” said VJM junior Kate Abel. “Beating Villa Maria was huge, but we didn’t get it done against Nazareth. It’s very frustrating.”

VJM coach Becky Flynn agreed.

“In this league, you face a tough opponent every night,” she said. “You can’t relax.”

When Fran Nick left Holy Ghost Preparatory school as head soccer coach, he took with him a tremendous resume.

With a record of 283-115-37 and 18 Bicentennial League titles in 19 seasons, five district titles, and one state championship (1992) Nick certainly proved himself one of the top coaches in the area.

Inheriting the program will be Chris Fehrle, a 1999 Holy Ghost graduate.
“There are big shoes to fill,” Fehrle said. “I’m just trying to keep the tradition alive.”

Fehrle knows a little bit about tradition. When he was at Holy Ghost, the defenseman was the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1998 and a two-time All-America selection. He is a member of Holy Ghost’s Hall of Fame.

He went on to star at Syracuse University before playing professionally — a highlight being his selection to the Major Indoor Soccer League’s All-Rookie team as a member of the Philadelphia Kixx.

“We’re fortunate to have someone like Chris to take over,” said HGP athletic director Jim Stewart. “We’re excited about it.”

In the Catholic League Southern Division, Neumann-Goretti hasn’t been itself lately. In fact, the Saints haven’t been themselves at all through most of the regular season.

But NG senior Jamal Wilson, who next year will play for the University of Rhode Island, is asking Saints fans to keep the faith.

“We’ll be in the playoffs and then it’s a new season,” said Wilson, who is assuming the Saints will reach the post-season even though they have not clinched a spot with two games remaining. “When the playoffs start, you’ll see the kind of team we have.”

After Neumann-Goretti defeated West Catholic by a surprisingly close 72-65 this week, Wilson took his prediction a step further.

“I think we can assume that Roman Catholic is going to get to the championship,” said Wilson, referring to the 12-0 Cahillites. “Well, guess what? We’re going to get there, too. I’ve said it all along. It’ll be the two of us in the championship.”

There is a chance that won’t happen because of logistics. If the Saints do make the playoffs and finish fourth, they would play Roman Catholic in the first round of the playoffs.

“I don’t think we’ll finish fourth,” said Wilson.

Have to love his confidence.

Next Week: A look at North Catholic High School’s Catholic League wrestling championship.

John Knebels may be reached at jknebs@aol.com.