The Paul VI Panthers and the O'Connell Knights in girl's basketball both are having solid seasons, despite playing in one of the most difficult leagues in the country.

The Panthers, coached by Will Patton, and the Knights, coached by Fran Vitt, currently weigh in with overall records of 15-12 and 11-15, respectively.

In the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, the Panthers are 5-9, with victories against Ireton (twice), O'Connell, Good Counsel and Holy Cross.

In conference play, the Knights are an identical 5-9, with victories against Ireton (twice), Paul VI, Good Counsel and Holy Cross.

The two teams have even more in common: both coaches are in their second seasons. Both the Panthers and the Knights are fierce rivals. Both have won the Virginia Independent State Championship in recent seasons and both are currently tied for sixth place in one of America's most difficult leagues.

The Washington Post ranks league leaders McNamara, Elizabeth Seton, St. John's and Carroll all in the top 20. Fifth place Holy Cross is much improved this season as well. Ireton and Good Counsel are currently tied for eighth place.

In addition, both PVI and O'Connell are reasonably young teams. The Panthers start senior Allison Mitchell at post, freshmen Kendra King and Scarlett Williams at forward, junior Debbie Bruen at shooting guard and junior Tameisha Williams at point guard.

Currently, junior Allison Opfer is injured. If Opfer were healthy, she would be in the starting rotation at shooting guard.

Other key team members include seniors Andrea Lamas and Hilary Miller (currently injured), junior Moira Smith, sophomores Victoria Liaros and Katie Spina, and freshmen Sara Vargas and Alex Ragheb.

The Knights start sophomore Rylan Chesley at post, seniors Cat Blakely and Maura Rushe at forward. Senior Lacey Currle and freshman Shannon Ambrose have both seen significant playing time at shooting guard, and senior Kelly Flanigan mans the point guard spot. Chesley was recently injured in the Feb. 9 game vs. Carroll.

Other key team members include seniors Morgan Hobbs and Carah McMullen, juniors Naja Gibson and Lola Williams, sophomore Natalie Schmidt and freshman Kerry Philbin.

The Panthers and Knights have been competitive, even in defeat. Paul VI led after three quarters against McNamara, trailed St. John's by eight points in the fourth quarter, and trailed Seton by merely two points before dropping all three games.

O'Connell has dropped narrow decisions to St. John's, Carroll and Good Counsel (on the road), as well as a non-league game against Georgetown Visitation.

Mitchell paces the "Black and Gold" statistically, averaging 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game. Bruen, King and Opfer all average 10 points each. King averages seven rebounds, while Bruen averages six assists and six rebounds.

Rushe and Blakely pace the "Royal Blue and Silver" statistically, averaging 10.5 points per game. Blakely also averages seven rebounds and three steals. Currle averages seven points, while Flanigan averages seven points, four assists and three steals. Ambrose averages six points.

"We've kind of been an 'up and down' team this season," said Patton. "I'm not sure what team is going to show up. We definitely have some very good young players. Our team chemistry has gotten better as the season has progressed. The girls have been playing together as of late and have been inspiring one another. When we bring the proper focus and intensity good things happen. I really feel we can challenge for the league title in another year or two."

"We have won three of our last four games," Vitt said. "I was somewhat disappointed in the season early, but things have picked up as of late. Our younger girls are really starting to pick things up and our scoring average has improved considerably."

Vitt said he is pleased with the way that his team is headed into the post-season. "We are making good judgments and we are not being rash," he said. "When we take our time (offensively), we do well."