South Philly Review

The Neumann-Goretti Saints have a chance to make history. If they make it to the postseason, they would be the first girls' team to do so under the banner of the new school. The playoffs had eluded the Goretti Lambs for more than two decades.

The Saints will have to pursue their mission without All-Catholic players Shante Cummings and Jimerea Lee. The juniors, who recently transferred from Hallahan, have been ruled ineligible to play in a controversial archdiocese decision (see sidebar, page 59).

The squad will leave tomorrow for its holiday tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with a 3-0 record.

Change also is underway in the Public League, which is adopting a new three-division format (see sidebar, page 58). The realignment is based on enrollment, and will result in three separate district champions.

The old Bok-Southern and Furness-Bok rivalries will remain intact in the new AAAA South Division, but the local teams will face formidable former Gold Division squads University City, William Penn and Bartram in the fight for one of four playoff berths.

Here is a team-by-team look as the South Philly squads bound into the regular season.

Public League

All Public League games start at 3 p.m.

Team: Audenried Warriors
Coach: Bill Edger
2004 record: 5-5
Division: AAA/AA
PIAA classification: AAA
Home court: 11th and Catharine streets

Much of the Warriors' success in 2004 had to do with the veteran leadership and scoring touch of former Public League All-Star Jamillah Mason, who led the team with 18 points per game. Now that the standout has graduated, Edger is looking for returning players and newcomers to step up their games.

"Jamillah led the team in scoring, and we have to find some scorers to replace her," the coach said.

The team also is feeling the effects of a reduced student body consisting of only juniors and seniors. Audenried has put enrollment on hold while it awaits construction of a new facility at 33rd and Tasker -- the site of the old school. As a result, Audenried's female population stands at about 200, Edger said. Students are using the old Palumbo school building at 11th and Catharine streets while their new building is being constructed.

Key players:
G Anani Arandules 5'3" JR
G Yalonda Foster 5'6" SR
G/F Aleasia Welton 5'4" SR
G Rashera Sims 5'4" SR
C Keeva King 5'9" JR
C Mykina Simmons 5'9" JR
G Ashley Willis 5'5" G JR
F Corrie Gonzales 5'6" JR

Teams to beat: FLC and E&S

Coach's outlook: "There are a lot of good teams in our division. If we can finish .500, I would be happy."

Schedule/Results

Dec. 10 Ben Franklin L 36-29
Dec. 15 Strawberry Mansion (started after press time)
Tomorrow Franklin Leaning Center Home
Wednesday Freire Charter Away
Jan. 5 Masterman Home
Jan. 7 Parkway Away
Jan. 12 Swenson Home
Jan. 14 Carver Away
Jan. 19 PET Charter Home
Jan. 21 Lamberton Away
Jan. 26 Franklin Towne Charter Away
Jan. 28 Prep Charter Away
Feb. 2 Bodine Home
Feb. 4 Human Services Home

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