“Each day we strive to get better in whatever we do – the weight room, the classroom, film study, nutrition, on the court – we always want to be a little better when we finish an activity then we were when we started it. While we always compete as hard as possible, we realize that we may not always score more points than our opponent. That being said, if we are always getting better - even in small increments - in the long run we will see huge improvements and the fact that we did not score more points than the other team on a given night will truly not matter. We will have taken that event and turned it into a positive experience that we got better from."
-Jason Fisher, Head Varsity Basketball Coach, Devon Prep Tide
Devon Prep & the Philadelphia Catholic League
Devon Prep’s journey to the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) was fueled by Coach Fisher’s desire for Devon Prep student-athletes to strive to get better every day. What better place to do that than in the historic and highly competitive PCL that is right in Devon Prep’s back yard.
The tip-off to the Philadelphia Catholic League happened in 1920 when Monsignor Bonner threw up the ball for the opening jump in the first league game played between St. Joe’s Prep and Roman Catholic (called Catholic High at the time). The other teams in the PCL that first year were Villanova Prep (later called Malvern Prep and a PCL member until 1923) and West Catholic. The St. Joe’s Prep loss to Roman in that first game was their only loss of the season on their way to the first Philadelphia Catholic League Championship with a 7-1 record.
Over the years teams moved in and out of the PCL – including Salesianum (who lost to SJP in a 22-21 playoff barnburner in 1923), Trenton Cathedral and Camden Catholic. The Philadelphia teams of North Catholic, St. Tommy More, Cardinal Dougherty, Kennedy-Kendrick and Bishop McDevitt were also members of the PCL at various times. Devon Prep joined the PCL for the 2018-2019 basketball season. Prior to that time, the PCL had not expanded since Lansdale Catholic joined in 2012. Current basketball teams who participate in the Philadelphia Catholic League are Archbishop Carroll, Archbishop Ryan, Archbishop Wood, Bonner and Prendie, Cardinal O’Hara, Conwell-Egan, Devon Prep, Lansdale Catholic, LaSalle College, Father Judge, Neumann-Goretti, Roman Catholic, St. Joseph’s Prep and West Catholic.
The PCL championship game is played at the Palestra – the historic arena on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania - also referred to as “the Cathedral of College Basketball” and “the Vatican of American Basketball.” As of 2022, 47 PCL players have made their way to the NBA. Among them are names familiar to those in the Philadelphia area and beyond: Marc Jackson, Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, Derrick Jones, Collin Gillespie and Jalen Duren. Big 5 Legends Phil Martelli, Jack Ramsay and Speedy Morris paced the sidelines coaching their PCL teams aiming to make it to the Palestra. The basketball talent that is drawn to the PCL has earned the league the reputation of being one of the toughest high school basketball leagues in the country.
Q & A with Coach Jason Fisher
Why did you think the Philadelphia Catholic League was the right league for Devon Prep?
First and foremost, the values of the PCL closely align with the values of Devon Prep {respect, teamwork, honesty, fair play, service, leadership}. Another benefit is the very high caliber of athletes who participate in the PCL. The competition is intense and that helps our Devon Prep student-athletes develop and grow in many different ways that help them in athletics and in life.
Why is being a part of the PCL important to the Devon Prep basketball program and the school?
Playing against the best players in the area constantly challenges us and truly helps us to achieve our goal of always getting better. Being a member of the PCL provides our entire school with the opportunity to become a part of Philadelphia history and introduces Devon Prep students to the awesome atmosphere of PCL games that are filled with spirit and pride.
How did playing in the PCL help you win a PIAA State Championship in 2022 year and make it to the PIAA Elite Eight in 2023?
Playing in the PCL makes us realize how hard we have to work constantly. It is the best league in the state and in order for us to compete we need to constantly be working and always getting better.
How do the Devon Prep coaches and players feel to be a part of the PCL?
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It is the greatest league in the state. There is never an off night. Where else would you want to play?
