Yesterday’s game on this blog between North Caldwell West Essex (N.J.) and Villanova Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (Pa.) was one of numerous contests thus far in 2024 which have featured matchups between teams who are scheduled to be playing next weekend at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pa. at The National High School Invitational.
Look at almost any schedule from one of the 73 or so participants on this year’s docket, and you are likely to see a contest between NHSI opponents. We’ve seen Pottstown Hill (Pa.) against Owings Mills Garrison Forest (Md.) last weekend, Notre Dame taking on Malvern Villa Maria (Pa.) a few days ago, and even some preseason friendlies, such as a late August scrimmage between Norfolk (Va.) Academy and Hill.
It makes one wonder what kind of scheduling gymnastics have to occur for teams to commit to anywhere between one and three games at the NHSI, then try to fit in other teams in their non-conference schedule without duplicating matchups within the season.
That’s why I love the fact that all but one the 79 games in this year’s tournament are intersectional matchups. Only one involves two teams from the same commonwealth: the 11 a.m. Sunday game between Hummelstown Lower Dauphin (Pa.) and Flourtown Mount Saint Joseph Academy (Pa.).
Interestingly enough, it is a rematch of the 2006 PIAA Class AAA title match which saw the Falcons beat Mount 2-1. The Magic had two-time Olympians Katie and Julia Reinprecht on the roster that season.
We’ll have more on this event next week, including breakdowns on games you should see.