Basketball

PVI vs O'Connell- Basketball

Lilly Salva ('28)

“O-C-O-N-N-E-L-L O’Connell Knights!  Alright!  We’re ready to fight!”  Those were the words that echoed through the gym on February 8, the day of the O’Connell versus Paul VI boys varsity basketball game.  And ready to fight they were, with the team having one of their most notable seasons ever.  Just some of their accomplishments included wins against Sidwell Friends, DeMatha, the St. James MLK Showcase against Riverdale, and the Beach Ball Classic Championship against St. Johns.   

The O’Connell versus PVI basketball game is always an exciting event to watch and attend, and the rivalry between the two schools is a fun part of the tradition.  Once in the gym, attendees can feel The school spirit bounce off the walls, with the sea of O’Connell blue cheering and chanting, and the Panthers in black and gold doing the same for their school.  The game being on Knight territory only elevated the excitement.  The game itself was intense, with the scores constantly tying up again, and the two teams switching hold of the lead multiple times.  In the end PVI, ranked thirteenth nationally (as of the publication of this article) took the win 52-41.  However, the score does not completely portray O’Connell’s fight;  even through the loss the team looked exceptional. 

This team was not about to let the loss affect them.  About three weeks later, the Knight’s found themselves in the VISAA semi finals, facing PVI in an epic rematch.  Their superior performance in this game allowed them to beat the Panthers, winning 59-57 and advancing to the finals.  Although they did not win the tournament, this was enough, allowing the Knight’s to leave the court with the sweet taste of victory against their rivals.  A remarkable season?  It certainly seems that way.  Winning tournaments, a stellar record, revenge against their competitors - the boys varsity basketball team was definitely ready to fight.