Berks Catholic comes up short against Lake Lehman, sees season end

By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent

It was hard to take the final practice seriously because everyone looked a little ridiculous. Some girls were wearing Sperrys instead of sneakers. Most had sagging shorts and XXL jerseys hanging off of them.

Berks Catholic was supposed to play a game that night. It was postponed at the last minute, so the team held an impromptu 45-minute shootaround. No one had the proper gear. Calling it a practice might be a stretch.

“We looked like middle schoolers trying out for basketball for the first time,” senior Mackenzie Gordos said. “We pulled our socks all the way up. We were messing around. It was a fun time to just chill out.”

Berks Catholic, five days after losing in the District 3 final, hoped that practice was a prelude to a long PIAA Tournament run. It wasn’t to be.

Lake Lehman held off Berks Catholic 39-37 in the Class 4A first round at Wolf Gymnasium Thursday. The day after that memorable, mismatched gathering, the season was over.

That’s how it works in March. Half the teams in the bracket are eliminated every night.

With no starter taller than 5-8, Berks Catholic faced a giant matchup problem against Lake Lehman. It was one the undersized Saints have become accustomed to fighting. Lake Lehman had two 6-1 post players and a 5-10 point guard. 

Berks Catholic still had a shot at the end. Maybe the best shot possible. Caraline Herb sprung free for a clear look at a 3-pointer from the right wing that could have won it.

“I was open,” Herb said. “It was a shot I usually make. It’s a shame it didn’t go in. If it would have, we would be celebrating right now.”

Berks Catholic had 17.8 seconds to find the tying or go-ahead basket. The plan was to put the ball in the hands of Caroline Reedy, the Berks Player of the Year. The pass to Reedy at the foul line was deflected and created a scramble. That led to an opportunity.

Herb, who only took five shots all game, was finally alone. Her game-winning attempt hit the back of the rim and Lake Lehman grabbed the rebound. An open 3-pointer is never automatic. It’s a 40% shot for the best players in the world. Herb still thought she should have hit it.

Berks Catholic (21-7) had 25 fewer rebounds than Lake Lehman, which feasted on second chances. The Saints only allowed 13 points in the second half. Their defensive grit couldn’t quite push them over the top.

“They really beat us up, which I was very surprised about,” Herb said. “It wasn’t even like they were really jumping. The ball was just getting bobbled around and it was in their hands. We didn’t box out and that’s what we needed to do.”

Aaliyah Dabney delivered one last brilliant defensive performance. The senior was six inches shorter than Claire Dougherty, Lake Lehman’s top inside threat. Dabney held Dougherty to 12 points on 4-for-19 shooting.

Reedy scored 11 points and ended her career with 1,053. Her name will be on the banner with Devon Merritt and Dejah Terrell as the only 1,000-point scorers in Saints history. Dabney finished with 10 points.

The three seniors in Berks Catholic’s starting lineup won a county championship and reached a district final the past two winters. Those teams went a combined 40-11.

“They were phenomenal leaders and role models,” BC coach Bob Birmingham said. “It was a pleasure going into the gym with them every single day. I’m going to really miss this group. I’m not sure I’ve had a group that got along collectively as well as this group did.”

When members of this team reflect on the season, the wins and losses won’t be the first memories that spring to mind. It’ll be moments like that final practice.

Sometimes, just for fun, the Saints tried to get as many balls as possible stuck in the net. They had six or seven jammed in there Wednesday night. Then it was someone’s job to jump up and knock them all free. 

“These girls are the best teammates ever,” Gordos said. “It’s definitely going to be hard. I’m going to miss them a lot. They’ve helped me go on to bigger and better things. I’m very indebted to them.”

Gordos, who will play at DeSales next year, went from smiling to pushing back tears as she spoke. The end is emotional. It always arrives sooner than you think.