The Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, PA) varsity basketball team will face off against Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, PA) in a neutral conference game today at 7:30 PM.

Game Details:

• Matchup: RCHS vs. NGHS Basketball
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Venue: Drexel University
• Live stream: Watch Here

A Look at Roman Catholic and Neumann-Goretti’s 2024-2025 Basketball Seasons

The 2024-2025 high school basketball season has been a captivating journey for two of Pennsylvania’s top teams: Roman Catholic and Neumann-Goretti. These two powerhouse programs have displayed contrasting performances, creating a thrilling narrative of competition, growth, and rivalry.

Roman Catholic’s Dominance

Roman Catholic (24-25) has established itself as a formidable force in the state, with a strong record of 10-3 overall, including a 3-1 conference mark. The team has shown remarkable consistency, especially in their home and away games, where they’ve posted a 3-3 record at home and an undefeated 4-0 away. Their performances at neutral sites have been just as impressive, with a 3-0 record. Their season statistics highlight a well-balanced squad, averaging 60.8 points per game, with standout individual efforts.

Key players such as Stephon Ashley, who leads the team with 19.4 points per game, and Ayden Lewis, who pulls down 9.0 rebounds per game, have been crucial to Roman Catholic’s success. DeShawn Yates also stands out, leading the team with 6.6 assists per game and 3.8 steals per game, showcasing the team’s all-around strength.

Roman Catholic’s scoring has been steady, with an average of 13.0 points in the first quarter and an average of 13.5 in the second quarter. Their third-quarter scoring rises to 14.0, which is key to their ability to close out games strong. The fourth quarter has been the most challenging, with a drop to 11.8 points per game, but their overall balanced offense has allowed them to win games across the board.

Neumann-Goretti’s Mixed Results

On the other hand, Neumann-Goretti (24-25) has faced a more up-and-down season, with a 7-7 overall record and a 2-3 mark in conference play. Despite a tough start to their league schedule, the team has found some success in non-conference matchups, boasting a 5-4 record. However, their home and away performances have varied significantly, with a 3-2 home record and a troubling 0-2 mark on the road. Their neutral-site performances have been somewhat better, with a 4-3 record.

Neumann-Goretti’s offense has been prolific, averaging a solid 75.7 points per game. Their first-quarter scoring has been particularly strong, averaging 18.3 points. They also excel in the second and third quarters, averaging 15.3 and 16.8 points, respectively. In the fourth quarter, their scoring picks up again to 16.8 points, with a strong 17.0 points in overtime. This aggressive offensive play is led by key contributors like Michael Jones and Jamal Richardson, who have proven to be leaders in scoring and playmaking.

Despite their offensive firepower, Neumann-Goretti has struggled defensively. Their opponents have scored a combined total of 1,004 points, showing that while their offense can light up the scoreboard, they are still looking for ways to tighten up defensively.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

When these two teams face off against common opponents, the contrast in their results is clear. Roman Catholic has an impressive 3-1 record against shared opponents, while Neumann-Goretti has posted a 2-3 mark. Their performances in these matchups highlight their strengths and weaknesses against teams of similar caliber.

Notable games include Roman Catholic’s victories over Archbishop Carroll and Lansdale Catholic, and a tough loss to St. Joseph’s Prep. Meanwhile, Neumann-Goretti has had mixed results, with losses to Father Judge and Devon Prep, but strong victories against Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast Catholic.

Key Stats Breakdown

In terms of individual leadership, Roman Catholic has standout performances from Stephon Ashley (19.4 PPG), Ayden Lewis (9.0 RPG), and DeShawn Yates (6.6 APG, 3.8 SPG). Neumann-Goretti, meanwhile, relies on their scoring strength, with multiple players contributing across the board. Their team scoring has been driven by a deep rotation, with various players stepping up during crucial moments of games.

Comparing both teams statistically:

• Roman Catholic: 60.8 PPG, 20.8 RPG, 12.3 APG, 8.5 SPG, 2.6 BPG
• Neumann-Goretti: 75.7 PPG, 20.8 RPG, 10.3 APG, 8.5 SPG, 3.3 BPG

Both teams have managed to assert themselves in different aspects of the game, with Roman Catholic excelling in defense and ball control, while Neumann-Goretti has relied on their explosive offense.

Looking Ahead

As the season continues, both teams will need to focus on their respective weaknesses. Roman Catholic’s solid defense and well-rounded play will be critical as they face tougher opponents. Neumann-Goretti, meanwhile, must address their defensive struggles and find ways to consistently close out games, especially on the road.

The rivalry between these two teams is one of the most anticipated in the state, and their performances this season will undoubtedly influence their playoff runs. Fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the 2024-2025 season, with both Roman Catholic and Neumann-Goretti vying for supremacy in Pennsylvania high school basketball.