Big challenge ahead for Holy Ghost Prep

Tony Chapman knew what would almost certainly come along with guiding Holy Ghost Prep to a PIAA District 1 Class AAA championship and two state-playoff victories.

That is, a quarterfinal meeting vs. Catholic League juggernaut and two-time defending state titlist Neumann-Goretti.

And here the Firebirds are, preparing to face the Saints - and hoping to buck the odds - in an Elite Eight matchup scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Norristown.

"We're looking forward to it," said Chapman, in his 34th season in charge. "We know we have our work cut out for us, but we're excited about the challenge."

Neumann-Goretti (25-3), ranked No. 2 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, has won 11 straight games since falling to South Shore (N.Y.), 58-54, on Jan. 29.

"They're extremely athletic, they're big, they're fast, and they're strong," Chapman said. "We're going to have to try to react to all of those things as best we can."

The only slipup for Holy Ghost Prep (28-1) was a 50-43 defeat against Bicentennial Athletic League Independence Division rival Lower Moreland on Jan. 20. The Firebirds, with a 14-game win streak, were especially impressive in crushing Octorara, 56-33, in the District 1 final.

N-G's high-octane attack is headed by sophomore wing guard Ja'Quan Newton, 6-foot-5 senior forward and Rider recruit Derrick Stewart, and 6-4 junior forward John Davis.

Of Newton, who is averaging 15.5 points and drawing Division I recruiting interest, Chapman said, "He's lightning-quick to the basket."

Billy Shank, a senior wing guard for the Saints, has drained 61 three-pointers. "He's improved an incredible amount off the dribble since last season," Chapman said.

Holy Ghost has balanced scoring, goes nine deep, and has one of the area's best strategists in Chapman.

The senior catalysts for the Firebirds are savvy floor general Tim Lazorko, 6-4 forward Tom Heston, and 6-1 forwards Jeff Ainsley and Chris Morano. Junior Jack Kalmes, a 6-2 wing guard, rounds out the starting lineup.

Pat Herbert, a 6-1 senior reserve, suffered a whiplash-like injury in Tuesday's second-round win over Danville. "We're hoping he'll be able to play Friday," Chapman said.

Morano and Ainsley, both quality rebounders, must assist Heston in keeping Davis and Stewart from recording easy putback baskets.

Another key, Chapman said, is "minimizing the damage" caused by the Saints' defensive pressure.

Hello again. Coatesville and Chester, set to clash in a Class AAAA quarterfinal at 1 p.m. Saturday at Norristown, were heated playoff rivals in the early 2000s.

And Jim "Scoogie" Smith, Coatesville's interim coach, was part of those intense battles. He guided the Red Raiders from 1995 to 2003.

"They have a thing for playing well together," Smith said of the Clippers. "They look, they watch what you do, they see how they can capitalize on something you're doing, and then they go for it."

In 2002-03, Chester nipped Coatesville, 81-79, in the District 1 final. Three weeks later, in a state-semifinal rematch, the Clippers triumphed, 61-55.

In 1999-2000, Coatesville, spurred by John Allen, earned the first of two straight district titles by beating Chester, 64-63. In 2000-01, en route to their first state crown, the Red Raiders ousted the Clippers, 80-65, in the state semis.

How does Smith plan to end this Chester team's 55-game win streak?

"All I can say is wait and see," he said. "With age, I get a little bit of wisdom. And I know our kids. They'll be ready."

Noticeably absent. Jeremiah Worthem, a 6-6 junior swingman, did not play for Math, Civics & Sciences in the first two rounds of the Class A tournament.

Coach Danny Jackson said he benched the Division I recruit for an unspecified violation of team rules.

Will Worthem be back with the Mighty Elephants for Friday's quarterfinal vs. Church Farm or - should they advance - in later rounds? "I don't know," Jackson said Thursday.

Without Worthem, who is averaging about 16 points and eight rebounds, the defending state champs have been led by sophomore swingman Basil Thompson and 6-5 junior forward Jeffon Powell.

"A lot of people didn't think we could excel without [Worthem]," Jackson said.