The Liacouras Center played host again for the 2024 Public League Basketball Championship in what became an event to remember!!
The rivalry between the Audenried Charter Lady Rockets and Imhotep Charter Lady Panthers was again brought center fold as both teams faced off for Public League glory.
For both squads, the stage felt familiar as both competed here last year for the 2023 PPL Championship. Audenried would ultimately come out on top, winning their first ever title and establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the Public League. This year, they would look to do it again.
Senaya Parker, a transfer from Samuel Fels High School coupled with 6’2″ freshman center Nasiaah Russell gave the already talented Lady Rockets a fearsome roster to contend with.
The Imhotep Charter Lady Panthers are no strangers to PPL titles, and have had success against Audenried in the past. Anise Geiger, a 6’1″ Center and sophomore guard Geren Hawthorne kept the Lady Panthers competitive scoring 25 combined points in the championship game.
The day however would belong to Audenried. Led by a 37 point performance by junior guard Shayla Smith, the Lady Rockets, powered past the Panthers and found themselves victorious yet again. The victory marked back-to-back public league titles for the Lady Rockets as Audenried looks to continue what could shape up to be a Public League dynasty.
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The Imhotep Charter Panthers know a thing or two about dynasties. Since 2009, Imhotep has won 11 public league boys basketball titles under head coach Andre Noble. 2024 would mark their 12th.
Led by senior guard and UCONN commit Ahmad Nowell, the Imhotep Charter Panthers once again brought their best to the Public League Finals, squaring off against Math, Civics, and Science Charter.
What began as an Imhotep blow out, the MCSCS Charter Might Elephants roared back in the 3rd quarter to bring the game within 3 points. Impressive performances by Kevin Carter, Sair Alsbrook, and Maki Hill (each scoring in the double-digits for MCS) led the charge for the Mighty Elephants.
The Panthers would not be fazed, however, and quickly dashed the Mighty Elephants chances for a comeback, winning the Championship game by 10. The win marked an historic accomplishment for the Imhotep Charter seniors, becoming the second senior squad ever to win 4 straight PPL basketball titles since West Philadelphia in the 1970s!
The Philadelphia Public League would once again like to congratulate all participants in the 2024 PPL Basketball Championship. We would like to thank Temple University and The Liacouras Center for their continuing support of our athletic competitions. A big shoutout to Brendan Hirsch and Benjamin Dubin for chairing our Boys and Girls Basketball Leagues!
Photo Credits:
Mark Jordan of CoBL: CHECK OUT THEIR SITE HERE
Noel Pettigrew of primelens_photography_sport:
