Neumann-Goretti dominates in rout of Holy Ghost

To have any chance at beating scorching-hot Neumann-Goretti, Holy Ghost Prep had to flourish on offense early and, as a result, have some say in the game's pace.

That door did not stay open long for Tony Chapman's group of overachievers in Friday night's PIAA Class AAA boys' basketball quarterfinals.

The Saints gained firm control of the slow-starting Firebirds midway through the second quarter, thrived as usual with an up-tempo style, and cruised to a 64-37 triumph at Norristown.

"We missed some makeable shots early in the game," Chapman said. "If we make a couple of those, it's a four-point difference at halftime instead of 11."

Ignited by 6-foot-5 senior forward Derrick Stewart (17 points, including three three-pointers) and rising sophomore wing guard Ja'Quan Newton (19), N-G moved to within two victories of its third straight state crown.

"We just played our brand of basketball," the Rider-bound Stewart said. "I think we wore them down. They couldn't handle the intensity we brought."

The Saints led, 27-16, at the break. At the start of the third quarter, Stewart's three from up top gave the Catholic League champs a 14-point advantage.

Stewart shot 6 for 9 from the field and 2 for 2 from the line. "He's been phenomenal," Saints coach Carl Arrigale said. "He doesn't get the credit he deserves because he's so unselfish. He's really playing like he doesn't want it to end."

Next for N-G, on Tuesday at a neutral site and time, is a semifinal vs. District 12 rival Boys' Latin.

Against Holy Ghost, Newton added seven rebounds and six assists. "He's really a handful off the dribble, and he's starting to improve his shot," Arrigale said.

Junior forward John Davis chipped in 12 points, 11 boards, and four blocks for N-G (26-3), which posted its 12th straight victory.

In the third quarter, two free throws from Stewart and reserve LaQuan Coaxum's inside bucket pushed the lead to 41-24. Soon after, Newton's three-point play and driving layup made it 46-26.

"A lot of hard work is put into this," Stewart said. "We work hard, go at each other all the time in practice. We try to bring the same approach to the game."

For Holy Ghost Prep (29-2), which was hurt by 14 turnovers, 6-1 senior forward Jeff Ainsley (12 points) was the only player to manage double figures.

"They're awesome," Chapman said of the Saints. "I think that's the most talented team I've ever coached against. I can't imagine anyone beating them if they play that way."

Neumann-Goretti   14 13 19 18 – 64

Holy Ghost Prep   8 8 13 8 – 37

NG: Hanif Sutton 3, Billy Shank 3, Derrick Stewart 17, John Davis 12, Ja'Quan Newton 19, La'Quan Coaxum 4, Lamar Kimble 2, Devahnta Mosley 2, Troy Harper 1, Tony Toplyn 1.

HGP: Tim Lazorko 4, Jack Kalmes 5, Tom Heston 6, Jeff Ainsley 12, Shane Grady 4, Justin Conway 2, Trey Grupp 2, Nnamdi Chukwunenye 2.