Phil Anastasia: Irish relying on Bronson

Camden Catholic point guard Jahseer Bronson is the lone senior starter for the Irish, who have an 18-5 record and are strong contenders to win the South Non-Public A tournament.

Bronson, who lives in Delran, was a running back for the Irish football team.

Question: What will your role be in the state tournament?

Answer: We have a lot of good juniors but I still have to maintain control of the team. We open with St. Augustine and I know I'm going to have to play a big role in that game.

Q: How confident are you guys heading into the tournament?

A: We're very confident. We still have to take care of things this week. Our focus right now is on Paul VI. But we feel like we can play with anybody when it comes time for the tournament.

Q: How big of a rival is Paul VI?

A: Huge. It's every sport, whether it's football, basketball, baseball, whatever. It gets a little dirty too, so you have to keep your composure.

Q: What's so special about playing for Camden Catholic basketball?

A: Just the tradition. I remember when I was in eighth grade I went to a game, and they were losing to Paul VI by 12 points in the fourth quarter. This guy was sitting next to me was like, "Watch them come back." I looked at him like there was no way, but they came back and won the game. You try to keep that going.

Q: What happened Saturday in that 77-46 loss to Trenton Catholic?

A: They just made all their shots. They must have taken 10 threes in the first half, and it seemed like they made them all. We just have to move on.

Q: What are your plans for next year?

A: I'll probably go to a prep school, maybe just for one semester, and then transfer to a college. I'll probably play football in college but I'm open to the possibility of playing basketball.

Q: Who is your favorite NBA player?

A: Kobe Bryant. He's the best player in the game. He can do it all.

Q: Got a favorite college basketball team?

A: North Carolina.

Q: Does that mean you hate Duke?

A: I don't hate them. But when they play Carolina, I want to see them go down.

Q: What's your favorite subject in school?

A: English.

Q: What's your favorite TV show?

A: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Q: What's in your iPod right now?

A: Lil' Wayne.

Q: What's your favorite food?

A: Spaghetti.

Q: What are your best memories of your sports career at Camden Catholic?

A: Just playing with friends, winning games and having a good time.

Three things about last week

1. One of the great things about boy-girl doubleheaders in state swimming is the way the boys cheer for the girls, and vice versa. Haddonfield's teams helped each other to victory in the South Public B finals Thursday at GCIT, and Cherry Hill East's boys were leading the cheers when the Cougars' girls battled West Windsor-Plainsboro South on Friday at North Brunswick.

2. Holy Spirit's Mac Mancuso went to 2-0 this season against his toughest rival with a 6-0 victory over St. Augustine's Leon White on Saturday night in the 189-pound finals in District 28. The two wrestlers likely will meet again this weekend in Region 7, and could square off for the fourth time this season the following weekend in Atlantic City.

3. There was great boys' basketball action at the Cherry Hill Invitational: Big crowds and competitive games, plus an overtime battle between Cherry Hill East and Cherry Hill West, as well as a renewal of the Camden-Atlantic City rivalry.

Three things about this week

1. St. Augustine hosts Christian Brothers Academy tomorrow afternoon in a South Non-Public A boys' swimming final that matches the No. 2 (Hermits) and No. 3 (Colts) teams in the Newark Star-Ledger's state rankings.

2. Wrestling heats up Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at Region 7 at Moorestown and Region 8 at Absegami.

3. A strong boys' basketball tournament Saturday at Life Center in Burlington features Winslow Township, Burlington City, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Trenton Catholic and the host team.

Super Seven Power Rankings

1. Bishop Eustace ice hockey: Matt Toy had a hat trick as the Crusaders opened the Gordon Conference playoffs with a 9-0 victory over Pope John XXIII.

2. Camden Catholic wrestling: Six state titles in a row and counting for the Irish.

3. Cherry Hill East boys' swimming: In the Central Public A finals, the Cougars blew away a Toms River North team that had beaten Cherry Hill West.

4. Paulsboro wrestling: A season of redemption continued when the Red Raiders captured the District 29 title.

5. Rancocas Valley boys' basketball: The Red Devils looked impressive in dominating Living Faith Christian on Saturday at the Cherry Hill Invitational.

6. Gloucester Catholic ice hockey: Ryan Marker and Mike Campanaro each had two goals as the unbeaten Rams opened the Central Red playoffs with 10-0 victory over St. Joseph of Metuchen.

7. Shawnee boys' swimming: Harrison Hahn was an unsung hero of the Renegades' impressive victory over Mainland in the South Public A championship meet.

Under consideration: Ocean City girls' basketball, Cherry Hill East girls' swimming, Cherokee boys' basketball, Haddonfield boys' swimming, Haddonfield girls' swimming.