WHEREAS, The Neumann Goretti Basketball Team led by Coach Carl Arrigale had an outstanding season finishing 27-4; and
WHEREAS, The Saints defeated Roman Catholic 53-48 to capture their 6th straight Catholic League Title; they then went on to win their 6th straight District 12 Class AAA City Title by defeating P.E.T. by a score of 69-55. Their season culminated with a win over Susquehanna Township, from Western Pennsylvania, by the score of 64-57 in overtime, sending the Saints to their 4th PIAA Division AAA Title in the last 5 years; and
WHEREAS, Senior Ja'Quan Newton was named PIAA State Player of the Year, First Team All Catholic MVP, Markward Club City Player of the Year, Catholic League career leader in points with 1,972. Ja'Quan is also the only player in City history to start on 4 consecutive championship teams; and
WHEREAS, Along with his teammates, Senior Troy Harper, PIAA Third Team All State and 1st Team All Catholic; Senior Tony Toplyn named 3rd Team All Catholic; Senior Jamal Custis received an Honorable Mention All Catholic and Junior Lamar Kimble named 2nd Team All State and 1st Team All Catholic; and
WHEREAS, Seniors Ja'Quan Newton, Troy Harper, Tony Toplyn and Jamal Custis have been part of 4 consecutive Catholic League Titles, 4 District 12 AAA Titles and 3 State Titles have been a part of the most successful 6 year run in League History with a 100 - 2 record; and
WHEREAS, This Senior group has compiled 105 wins and won 11 out of a possible 12 titles, 4 Catholic League, 4 District 12 AAA and 3 State AAA Championships; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby congratulate Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti 2013-2014 Boys Basketball Team on winning the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship, District 12 Class AAA City Title, and the PIAA Division AAA State Championship.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti 2013-2014 Boys Basketball Team, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End