GAELS STRONG IN MCCRAY'S FIRST YEAR

Goretti enjoyed success in its first year under head coach Sidney McCray, who was promoted from top assistant when Matt Miller left to join the staff at Mount St. Mary's University.

The Gaels finished 30-8, ending with a victory over Bishop Walsh in the Consolation Bracket title game.

“It's coming along; it's been a process," McCray said. "People think when Matt left and it's a whole group of seniors coming back from a 31-9 team last year that it's going to be easy, but it's not, man. Coaching’s never an easy job, but I'm just very appreciate of all the support I’ve gotten from the families and the community, and that I was able to get my guys to buy in. So, moving forward, I’m going to continue to keep the legacy built up that Matt and I have done over the past couple of years, and keep it rolling.”

Goretti was senior-laden and will suffer heavy losses to graduation, including Penn State-bound forward Abdou Tsimbila, star wing RJ Blakney, point guard Rahsaan Edwards, wing Przmek Golek, and guards James Searcy and Bubba Somerville.

“I’m losing a lot of scoring," McCray said, "but I’ve got a great freshman in Noah Batchelor - super athletic, 6-6 - I’ve got a lot o high expectations for him. [2020 guard] Briggs McClain, as you saw, came off the bench and was a spark of energy for us, so I’m looking forward to having him come back and contribute a lot more next year. [2020 forward] Matt Rogers, a really good stretch-4 man who can come out and play the perimeter and post up a little bit inside. I’m looking forward to him developing his game a little bit more, and contributing as well.”