At Berks Catholic’s practice, the main focus isn’t on 3-point shooting or quick passing.
Instead, the Saints spend the most time sharpening their defense.
“We thrive off the defensive end,” Berks Catholic coach Bob Birmingham said. “We spend probably 70% of our practice on defense, because that’s how important we feel it is to us.”
Defensive success has proved critical for the Saints through the first two games of their district playoff run, ultimately propelling them to a spot in the championship game. Third-seeded Berks Catholic will play top-seeded Delone Catholic in the District 3 Class 4A final on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Giant Center in Hershey.
“These kids all buy into the way we want to play defense and they buy into the little things,” Birmingham said. “They trust one another.”
The Saints were stellar on defense in their first two district playoff games, holding both opponents to season-low point totals. Berks Catholic defeated Big Spring 48-30 in the quarterfinals before beating Bermudian Springs 49-46 in overtime in the semifinals.
“We really just know how to trust each other,” senior Mackenzie Gordos said about her team’s defensive chemistry. “We just know where we’re supposed to be.”
Gordos has been a stalwart on defense throughout the district playoffs, playing effective help defense, as well as slowing the opponent’s top guards. Gordos held Bermudian Springs senior Hannah Chenault, a 1,000-point career scorer, to just one made field goal in the semifinals.
“She’s matured a great deal over the last two or three years,” Birmingham said about Gordos. “She anticipates very, very well.”
Gordos plays a specific role on a defensive unit that has allowed 35.4 points per game this season. Berks Catholic focuses heavily on rebounding and limiting their opponent’s second-chance points.
“Everyone having defense in the back of their (mind) is very good,” senior Aayilah Dabney said. “It’s very comforting.”
Dabney brings versatility to the defense, relying on her quickness and physicality to guard players of all sizes. She recorded two steals in Berks Catholic’s win over Bermudian Springs.
“She’s a tough kid,” Birmingham said. “Most times we put Aliyah on somebody, you know they’re going to finish a game below their (scoring) average.”
The Saints held the Eagles, who entered the semifinals averaging 64.5 points per game, to just 11 points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined. Berks Catholic outscored Bermudian Springs 17-11 during the final 12 minutes to earn the win and advance to the district final, where it will try to rely on its strong defense once again.
“Our goal is to shut people down,” Birmingham said.
Source: Berkshire mont