THE TEMPTATION is to hand Ss. Neumann-Goretti the Catholic League basketball championship plaque right now.
After all, coach Carl Arrigale's squad returns four starters, as well as the first two subs.
"Hey, I'm smarter than that," Arrigale said. "We've been here before."
He was referring to the 2002 and '03 seasons. N-G triumphed in the former and lost only guard Chris DelBrocco. Though it advanced to the semis in the latter, it fell to Cardinal Dougherty (RIP) and future NBAer Kyle Lowry.
N-G and its forerunner, St. John Neumann, have seized seven of the last 11 CL titles, and, if this group triumphs, it will extend the Saints' top-dog streak to four.
Chances are strong, folks. Senior Derrick Stewart (Rider), junior John Davis and soph Ja'Quan Newton rank among the best players in their class, and this unit redefines depth.
"I always pride myself on being truthful with the kids," Arrigale said. "I usually don't use big rotations, but if these newer guys show they deserve the minutes, we'll adjust and they'll be on the floor."
In a game of three-on-three, thanks to guards Gene Williams, Stephen Vasturia (Notre Dame) and Miles Overton, N-G would be severely pushed by St. Joseph's Prep. The Hawks' success will be determined by players four through seven.
Though important guard Rip Engel was lost last week to transfer - yes, after the season had already begun - Roman Catholic has an interesting mix of players. The headliner is soph guard Shep Garner, who already owns a prominent profile.
Roman and SJ Prep are Class AAAA schools. N-G is AAA. In AA, Bishop McDevitt appears to have reason to believe it can supplant West Catholic.
As in 2010-11, the CL is all one division.
The only new coach is Lansdale Catholic's Ed Enoch, and he now lays claim to a city record: most years between head-coaching stints. Enoch was Penn Charter's boss for five seasons ending in 1982. He's coming off CYO success at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer in North Wales.
RETURNING ALL-CATHOLIC
Returning members of the Daily News' 2010-11 All-Catholic Team:
FIRST TEAM
John Davis, N-G, F, jr.; Stephen Vasturia, SJ Prep, G, jr.
SECOND TEAM
Derrick Stewart, N-G, F-C.
THIRD TEAM
Gene Williams, SJ Prep, G; Jamal Nwaniemeka, C-E, F; Steven Griffin, Judge, G, jr.
FOURTH TEAM
Miles Overton, SJ Prep, G-F, jr.; Yosef Yacob, Carroll, G, jr.; Billy Shank, N-G, G.
HONORABLE MENTION
