This past week was the first week of basketball games for St. Philip. Beginning the week for the Falcons was the Boys Varsity team, winning 48-24 over the Holy Name of Mary. On Tuesday, the Girls Varsity won over traditional rival St. Rita’s, 18-14, before the Girls JV fell to St. Rita’s JV team. Both girls games were held at Holy Angel Hall. In the second round of the playoffs, the Boys Varsity played Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), winning 41-12, advancing to play St. Raymond the semifinals on Saturday, advancing to the tournament finals.

The Boys Varsity blowout win over Holy Name of Mary began a close game. St. Phillips was down by a point with both teams in double digits in scoring before pulling away. They put on their full-court press in an attempt to steal the ball quickly before Holy Name of Mary could bring the ball up court, and the press worked as the Falcons scored three quick baskets to go up for good.

In the Boys Varsity game against Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the outcome was never in doubt once the game began. The Falcons quickly took a large lead, and then just coasted on their way to the semifinals. All players on the team contributed, with minutes spread out among those who had not played as much in the first game of the season.

In the Boys’ next game, against St. Raymond, they won, 39-26. The game began close, then the Falcons pulled away, before St. Raymond pulled within six. After St. Raymond came close, St. Philip quickly scored and opened up a large lead, which they maintained for the rest of the game. The Falcons played the winner of the St. James-St. Louise game after press time on Sunday.

Jump shots

The Boys JV team will not play in their first game until January.