David Angelo, Bishop Shanahan enjoying another solid season

David Angelo believed that Bishop Shanahan had a chance to beat Ches-Mont League National Division rival Coatesville, even without his team's go-to scorer, Kevin Dodds.

The senior point guard and his team stayed close in the first quarter, but the host Red Raiders began to pull away from there and easily triumphed, 73-44, Tuesday night at Ross Kershey Gymnasium.

"They shot the ball real well from the outside, and they got too many easy buckets inside," Angelo said. "When they get in a rhythm like that, they're tough to stop."

Angelo scored 11 of his 14 points, including three three-pointers, in the first half. The 5-foot-10, 150-pounder shot 4 for 4 from the line and added four rebounds (two on offense), two assists, and two steals.

Dodds, a 6-7 senior who averages 15.3 points per game, sat out the game with flu-like symptoms. He has committed to play at Erie's Gannon University, a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

With Dodds, Angelo, and 6-4 senior forward Thomas Ford leading the way, Shanahan is 11-2 overall and 7-1 in National Conference action. The Eagles' only other setback came against Plymouth Whitemarsh (15-0) on Dec. 11.

"We have an experienced and tight-knit group," said Shanahan coach Ken Doyle, whose squad dealt Jhamir Brickus and visiting Coatesville (12-6, 6-2) a 49-42 defeat on Dec. 19. "Like last year, continuity has been a big factor in our success."

Last season, the Eagles advanced to the Ches-Mont playoff final before losing to Coatesville, 43-37 in overtime; placed fourth in the PIAA District 1 Class 5A playoffs; and qualified for the state tournament.

Shanahan's other key contributors are senior guard Dan DiBeneditto, a mulitipurpose standout in football; junior guard Phil Chenard; 6-foot junior wing Joe O'Malley; and 6-1 senior wing Sam Wilson.

Angelo, a second-year starter who averages nearly 13 points a game, drilled 64 three-pointers last season. His three treys against Coatesville upped this season's total to 33.

"He's probably the toughest kid on our team and maybe in the league," Doyle said. "His teammates respond to the way he plays and follow his lead."

Angelo, of West Chester, and Dodds played AAU ball for East Coast Power in the offseason. Their teammates included Boyertown's Jerry Kapp, Central Bucks West's Collin MacAdams, and Downingtown West's Greg Barton.

Angelo (second baseman), Dodds (first baseman), and DiBeneditto (outfielder) also play baseball for Shanahan. Ford is a long-pole defender in lacrosse and will play that sport at Hofstra.

"I'm mostly a line-drive hitter," said Angelo, who will be third-year starter on the diamond in the spring. "I don't have much power."

Angelo's father, also named David, and mother, Lynda, competed in football and track and field, respectively, at Catholic University. His sister, Kailyn, is a senior and lacrosse player at Scranton.

David Angelo, who shines in the classroom, said he would like to continue playing basketball in college. The 18-year-old is considering Catholic U., Haverford, Swarthmore, and University of Chicago, among others.