The showdown between Roman Catholic High School and Neumann-Goretti had all of the skill and intensity that has become expected from these two Philadelphia powerhouses.
As the top two teams in the state, both have dominated every team thus far. Roman entered the game ranked 16th in the DigitalSports National Basketball Rankings, going into the game undefeated at 9-0. With the same record, Goretti sat in 55th in the nation.
Throughout the contest, the two teams battled hard. When made seemed to gain a bit of momentum, the other was there to reel them back and level the playing field.
After almost four complete quarters, the score was tied at 68 and Roman had the ball. The Cahillites put their faith in the always composed point guard, Tony Carr. Coming off a spin move to lose his man, the junior drove hard, sinking a left-handed layup with 13 seconds remaining, the game-winning score. Gemil Holbrook made it 71-68 after scoring a foul shot with three seconds remaining, as Roman defeated Neumann-Goretti.
Roman Catholic’s young star was spectacular throughout the night, scoring 16 points, bringing in 11 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. In the final quarter alone, Carr had eight points, keeping the Cahillites in the game and eventually hitting the winner.
Now 10-0, Roman has to keep up its excellent play as the Cahillites are set to square off against 73rd in the county and 3rd in the state Archbishop Carroll on Sunday night. Be prepared as Tony Carr and company expect to dazzle in yet another intense match up.