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By AARON BRACY aaron@big5hoops.com March 9, 2025 PHILADELPHIA – Mr. Big 5 listened respectfully, as always, to the question about his future plans. Fran Dunphy’s thoughts quickly raced to his deceased brother, bringing forming tears to his reddening eyes. His voice, now choked up, explained, surprisingly, that in retirement he would like to go see Swan Lake. And … [Read more...] about In his final regular-season game, Fran Dunphy leads La Salle to upset victory over Saint Joseph’s

By AARON BRACY aaron@big5hoops.com March 6, 2025 PHILADELPHIA – Erik Reynolds II landed softly on the toes of both feet and held his right hand high in the air, his right wrist bent downward, his left arm locked tight against the left side of his body, his eyes confident, widely and intently staring forward at the orange cylinder in the distance. He was a little … [Read more...] about On a historic night at Saint Joseph’s, Jameer Nelson passes the torch for Erik Reynolds II’s record-breaking shot

By AARON BRACY aaron@big5hoops.com February 23, 2025 PHILADELPHIA – Kevair Kennedy did not grow up dreaming of winning championships for Father Judge. But he will grow old never forgetting the title he helped the school win. And neither will anyone else wearing the baby blue at the Palestra on Sunday, or holding a diploma from the Solly Avenue school, forget … [Read more...] about Kevair Kennedy leads Father Judge to PCL title, going from a player no one wanted to a player no one will forget

By AARON BRACY aaron@big5hoops.com February 21, 2025 The great, old building on 33rd Street will open her doors wide on Sunday afternoon, thousands rushing in to grab their spot on the hard, wooden bleachers, filling the four corners and, probably, some aisles, too. Only two are left. Only one can win. This yearly roundball competition, better known as the … [Read more...] about Philadelphia Catholic League final preview: Roman Catholic and Father Judge meet in highly anticipated championship match

By AARON BRACY aaron@big5hoops.com February 19, 2025 PHILADELPHIA – On a chilly, February Philadelphia night, they filled the warm, old building once again. They keep coming back to this hallowed gym on 33rd Street. Year after year, they’re here. And why not? They couldn’t miss this. And how could they? The Philadelphia Catholic League’s boys basketball … [Read more...] about Roman Catholic and Father Judge advance to PCL final on a night of basketball bliss at the Palestra