Side-stepping a number of challenges — including an off-the-court biggie — Carl Arrigale’s Neumann-Goretti Saints closed out the 2013-14 season by capping a 17-game winning streak with a 64-57 overtime conquest of Susquehanna Twp. in the PIAA Class AAA championship game Friday night in Hershey.
That finish also kept the Saints, who captured their fourth state championship in five seasons, parked at No. 1 in PennLive’s final Class AAA rankings.
The Miami-bound Newton had a chance to win it in regulation — Tony Toplyn blocked a Gabe Mack jumper at the other end — but his scoop shot was short and glanced off the rim. Newton grabbed the rebound, but turned the ball over.
Newton promptly scored the first four points in OT, two on a runner and another two at the foul line as Arrigale’s Saints closed out the victory.
CLICK HERE FOR A PIAA CLASS AAA TOURNAMENT BRACKET
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL RANKINGS: AAAA ... AA ... A
Short synopses of our top 10 appear below, with PIAA district, overall record and record during the past week displayed in parentheses.
1. Neumann-Goretti(12, 27-4, 2-0) — previous ranking: 1 — Carl Arrigale’s Saints polished off their fourth PIAA Class AAA championship in five seasons by downing Philly Electrical 65-53 in the semis and besting Susquehanna Twp. 64-57 (OT) in the title game. Ja’Quan Newton (21/33), Troy Harper (20/12) and Lamarr “Fresh” Kimble (12/10) shared 53 points in the semifinals, then combined for 55 points in Friday’s final. Newton also grabbed eight boards in the title game.
2. Susquehanna Twp.(3, 23-8, 1-1) — previous ranking: 3 — Vince Rogers’ Indians ground out a 42-31 decision over Central Valley in Tuesday’s semis — Township led 11-10 at the break — then dropped a 64-57 (OT) decision in Friday’s title game at Giant Center. Nehemiah “Bud” Mack (14/16) and Gabe Mack (10/11) uncorked double-digit efforts in both contests — Joe Marshall added 10 against CV — while Quintin Ward delivered an 18-point, 7-board performance in the state final.
3. Allentown Central Catholic(11, 29-1, 0-0) — previous ranking: 5 — Did not play. Finished season in state quarterfinals with 60-50 loss to Neumann-Goretti.
4. Philadelphia Electrical(12, 19-12, 0-1) — previous ranking: 4 — While the Chargers were within six of Neumann-Goretti late, James “Flames” Lewis’ bunch ultimately dropped a 65-53 decision to the Saints in Tuesday’s semifinal round. Devante Truitt netted 17 points, while Larenz Thurman chipped in 12.
5. Archbishop Carroll (12, 23-5, 0-0) — previous ranking: 6 — Did not play. Finished season in state quarterfinals with 52-51 loss to Philly Electrical.
6. Abington Heights(2, 26-2, 0-0) — previous ranking: 7 — Did not play. Finished season in state second round with 59-55 loss to Archbishop Carroll.
7. Central Valley(7, 25-4, 0-1) — previous ranking: 2 — Brandon Ambrose’s resourceful Warriors carried out their plan to control tempo against Susquehanna Twp. in Tuesday’s state semifinals — Central Valley trailed 11-10 at halftime — but a quick burst (9-0) at the start of the third quarter ultimately did in the WPIAL champs 42-31. Jacob St. George cranked out 18 points in the loss.
8. Farrell(10, 24-4, 0-0) — previous ranking: 8 — Did not play. Finished season in state quarterfinals with 69-62 loss to Central Valley.
9. Bishop McDevitt(3, 27-3, 0-0) — previous ranking: 9 — Did not play. Finished season in state second round with 82-55 loss to Allentown Central Catholic.
10. Berks Catholic (3, 24-6, 0-0) — previous ranking: NR — Did not play. Finished season in state opening round with 62-46 loss to Neumann-Goretti.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Bermudian Springs (3) 22-5, Blue Mountain (11) 21-7, Chartiers Valley (7) 25-3, Elizabeth Forward (7) 20-4, Erie East (10) 20-6, GAR Memorial (2) 21-7, Holy Ghost Prep (1) 23-7, Imhotep Charter (12) 20-7, Lancaster Mennonite (3) 22-8, Manheim Central (3) 24-5, Mars (7) 15-10, Montour (7) 16-9, Pottsville (11) 24-6, Scranton Prep 21-3, Strong Vincent (10) 17-9, Thomas Jefferson (7) 23-4, Uniontown (7) 22-3, West York (3) 24-5.
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