In a "Battle of the Titans" Bishop O'Connell outlasted Paul VI 52-47 in boys basketball. The game was played Jan. 12 at Georgetown University before a large crowd.

The Panthers, coached by Levi Franklin (second season), came out of the blocks strong against the second-ranked Knights. The contest was deadlocked 18-18 after the first quarter. PVI led 32-27 at intermission and also led 42-36 after three quarters.

In the early stages of the fourth quarter O'Connell junior post Brian Johnson scored five quick points, including two dunks and a free throw, to close the deficit to 42-41.

With the score tied at 45, O'Connell junior forward Freddie Stanback's layup via an excellent Jeremy Trimble assist gave the "Blue and Silver" a 47-45 lead that they would not relinquish.

The Knights, coached by Joe Wootten (fourth season), improved to 14-1 overall (4-0 WCAC.). Their only a loss was to nationally-ranked McQuaid Jesuit of New York. The Panthers dropped to 8-5 overall (2-2 WCAC.).

Brian Johnson's 12 points paced O'Connell. Senior guard Steve Proctor's 19 points paced PVI.

Proctor is on pace to finish in the "top 10" in nearly all offensive categories in PVI history before his stellar career comes to a close next month.

Both teams defeated perennial high school powerhouse DeMatha earlier in the week.

PVI Girls Defeat O’Connell

In the preliminary game Jan. 12, the PVI girls defeated O'Connell 57-45. The Lady Knights played the Lady Panthers tough in the first half, but after three quarters PVI had a commanding 45-25 advantage. Both teams substituted liberally in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore forward Hillary Huffman paced the Knights with 10 points. Senior forward Debbie Bruen and senior guard Allison Opfer paced the Panthers with 14 and 11 points respectively.

PVI’s sophomore forward Kendra King has played well of late, combining for 33 points and 32 rebounds in the Panthers past four games.

PVI, coached by Scott Allen (first season), improved to 7-3 overall (4-1 WCAC.) with its only conference loss to top-ranked McNamara. O'Connell, coached by Fran Vitt (third season), dropped to 4-10 overall (1-4 WCAC.).