For the first time since 2019, the Archbishop Carroll Lady Pats exited the University of Pennsylvania Palestra as champions.
Coach Renie Shields brought home her fifth Philadelphia Catholic league title, winning three as an assistant coach and two as a head coach, all five coming with the Patriots. Shields praised her girls after the game, complimenting their stellar undefeated season.
“I can’t be more proud of them and the effort they put forth all year,” she said. “We just did what we had to do — took care of business.”
For this group, it’s nothing new. The Carroll starting five have all played in the Catholic League championship before, whether it be once or twice prior. What was new for the Lady Pats was their rotation. In big games for the Pats, the starting five mainly play the entirety of the game, but today that was not the case. Kelsey Eberz made her return to the floor today, pairing up with her two other sisters on the biggest stage.
“When Coach Shields entered her in the game, me and Kayla started tearing up,” said Alexis Eberz. “It means the world to have her back on the court.”
On the other side of the court stood the Cardinal O’Hara Lions, a team that the Patriots are familiar with, but for more reasons than one. Despite being Delaware County rivals, 13 girls from both teams play their Amateur Athletic Union ball with the Under Armour Association Comets. These girls are friends off the court, but on the court it’s a different story.
“We’re all friends off the court, but when we get on the court were not friendly,” said Alexis Eberz “You go out, you compete, and then we can be friends after the game.”
From the opening tip it was all Kayla Eberz, boosting her girls ahead with a 12-point first quarter. Kayla Eberz could not miss in the opening frame, giving the Pats an early 14-7 lead. Kelsey Eberz made her first appearance also in the first quarter, picking up a pair of steals and a layup. For PCL MVP Alexis Eberz, it was a slow scoring night, but she excelled in other aspects of the game, while letting her sisters do the scoring.
“I’m so proud of [Kayla],” said Alexis Eberz. “Such a proud big sister. She did amazing.”
Carroll continued its great play in the second quarter, getting Abbie McFillin — who had influenza — involved in the game. McFillin had four second quarter points and put together a strong overall offensive performance, finishing the game with nine points. Carroll ended the half only up by five points, after Bre Davis hit a three to knock down the Lady Patriots’ lead.
“I knew that I was probably gonna have some opportunities because they would be all over the Eberz,” said McFillin, “So I knew — just take your time and get to the rim and put it in.”
McFillin kicked off the second half with five points in the first two minutes, staying hot at the right moments. The third quarter for Carroll was a good one, as the Lady Pats only gave up five points. After three, the Pats extended their lead to 13. The Carroll defense was locked down, and the team credited their head coach for that.
“That’s credit to Renie,” said Alexis Eberz “Her scout, making us watch film, going over the scout in practice: that’s all Coach Renie.”
Carroll did not stop rolling in the fourth and final quarter and despite a little bit of action from the Lions, it was all Carroll. The clock hit zero and the Lady Pats stormed the court and hugged in excitement, before cutting down the nets and hoisting the plaque.
Score by quarter:
Archbishop Carroll 14 | 8 | 13 | 7 || 42
Cardinal O’Hara 7 | 10 | 5 | 11 || 33
Scoring:
Carroll: Kayla Eberz 22, Alexis Eberz 5, Abbie McFillin 9, Cate Schumacher 2, Bridget Grant 2, Kelsey Eberz 2
O’Hara: Brigidanne Donohue 12, Megan Rullo 7, Bre Davis 6, Olivia Craft 4, Catie Doogan 2, Leah Hudak 2
