Three of the six diocesan high school basketball teams remain undefeated in the early stages of the 2004 season.

The O'Connell boys, coached by Joe Wootten (fourth season), weigh-in at 2-0 following impressive victories versus St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes (88-49) and against top-ranked Friendly, Md. (66-56). (The Knights’ season will be expanded upon in future weeks).

The Paul VI boys, coached by Levi Franklin (third season), weigh-in at 2-0 following victories over Enterprise Charter, D.C. (81-28) and School Without Walls, D.C. (101-42). The 101 points was a school record, which included 13 treys, also a school record.

"The kids are playing extremely well. They don't care who gets the credit. They just want to win this season," said Franklin.

The Panthers finished the 2003 season with an overall record of 21-7 and finished as conference runners-ups, dropping the tournament championship contest to Gonzaga. PVI, O'Connell and Gonzaga finished in a three-way tie for first place during the regular season, each with identical WCAC records of 13-3.

PVI finished 19-15 in 2002 (Franklin's initial season). Thus, in two plus seasons, the Panthers have accrued an overall record of 42-22.

Practice for the current season commenced on Nov. 8, one day after head football coach Pat McGroarty and Franklin (the football team’s defensive coordinator) completed the gridiron season.

Four starters from last year’s squad graduated in June 2003. Senior forward Darryl Proctor is the lone returning starter. Proctor and senior starting shooting guard Ryan Williams are the Panther’s captains.

The other three starters include senior point guard David Sanders, senior forward Brandon Davis and senior post Alex Hrovat.

Key players off the bench include seniors Michael Billingsley, Brandon Dukes, Geoff Schutta and Evan Donegan; juniors Artie Dabney, Anthony Brown, Jeremiah Tutwiler and Will Naylor; and sophomores Danny Sumner and Jean Cajou.

In PVI’s two victories, Ryan Williams combined for 45 points. Also, Proctor (18), Sanders (17), Sumner (14), Dukes (14), Hrovat (14), Donegan (14), Cajou (13), Brown (seven), Davis (seven) and Billingsley (six) have spearheaded the Panthers offensive efforts through the first two games.

On the season, Williams has knocked down an amazing nine treys.

"We're not as athletic as we were last season. Offensively, we've been patient in running the offense. Defensively, we're playing some man, some trap and we're definitely putting pressure on the ball. Our transition game has also been doing well," said Franklin.

Future contests include two games in Baltimore (Dec. 12 and 13), a home game versus Riverdale Baptist (Dec. 16) and then the Panthers will play two Holiday Tournaments at far away venues: "Mission Prep Christmas Classic," San Luis Obispo, Calif. (Dec. 19-22) and "Junior Orange Bowl Classic," Miami (Dec. 27-30)].

The Paul VI girls, coached by Scott Allen (second season), also weigh-in at 2-0 overall following impressive victories versus Osbourn Park (51-34) and Fairfax (57-33).

The Lady Panthers finished last season with an overall record of 16-12, and won the Virginia Independent State Championship with a 62-50 win versus arch-rival O'Connell.

"We've got a well balanced team this season. We've got height at all positions. We return a lot of experience for the current campaign," said Allen.

Starters include junior point guard Sara Vargas, senior shooting guard Victoria Liaros, senior wing guard Stephanie Marcellin (also a soccer standout), junior forward Scarlett Williams and junior forward/post Kendra King.

"Senior forward/post Katie Spina is also considered a starter. I've got six girls that could start depending on the situation," said Allen.

Captains include seniors Liaros and Spina, as well as juniors Vargas and King.

Key reserves include seniors Christine Reilly and Meredith Mangas, junior Katie Shewmaker, sophomore Cara Mitchell and freshmen Cathy Cockrum, Erin Furey and Domonique Stroman.

"We've got a number of girls on this team that can play a variety of different positions," said Allen.

In the win versus Osbourn Park, King led the way with 21 points and 12 rebounds. The junior converted nine of 10 shots from the floor. Liaros added nine points and Vargas added seven points.

In the win versus Fairfax, PVI was led by King (15 points, nine rebounds), Liaros (13, seven) and Williams (11, five).

"Our goal is to win the WCAC and once again win the VIS. This league (the WCAC) is very difficult. We're going to have to be ready to compete every single night. Offensively, we have to take care of the ball. Defensively, we're going to pressure people. The kids are excited about the season. I feel good about this squad. They've got a good attitude and they're playing as a TEAM. We're going to have to play hard every night out to be successful," said Allen.

PVI hosted South River, Md. Dec. 9 (too late for this edition), and then St. Gertrude’s, Richmond (Dec. 13). The Panthers will travel to the "Myrtle Beach Holiday Invitational" (Dec. 18-23) and host the "Bookjammin Tournament" (Dec. 27-30).