Father Judge Repeats As PCL Boys' Basketball Champions In Thriller At Sold Out Palestra

February 22, 2026

2026 PCL Boys' Finals	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	F
Father Judge	12	13	16	14	55
Neumann-Goretti	9	7	16	20	52

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Senior Derrick Morton-Rivera scored 14 points and guard Rocco Westfield hit three critical free throws down the stretch as sixth-seeded Father Judge defended its title with a thrilling 55-52 win over No. 4 Neumann-Goretti before a sellout crowd at The Palestra in the finals of the 2026 PCL Boys’ Basketball Championship on Sunday afternoon.

Trailing by nine entering the fourth quarter, NG (19-5) closed to within 49-46 with 1:41 remaining on a long-range three-pointer by sophomore E.J. Stanton. With FJ leading 53-49, senior guard Deshawn Yates connected from beyond the arc to pull the Saints to within one (53-52) with 13.9 seconds remaining. Westfield then calmly sank a pair of free throws before Yates' game-tying attempt glanced off the rim before a jubilant celebration ensued at midcourt.

Senior forward Max Moshinski amassed 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, junior Nazir Tyler added 10 points and Westfield eight points for the Crusaders, who have won 11 of their last 13 games.

Vying for its first PCL title since 2022 and 13^th league crown under head coach Carl Arrigale, Neumann-Goretti was led by junior Marquis Newson with 19 points, forward Allassane N’Diaye registered 17 points and 13 rebounds and Yates added 11 points.

Father Judge (15-10) will face Imhotep Charter in the District XII 6A Finals on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 3:00 p.m. at Archbishop Ryan. Neumann-Goretti will compete in the 5A Championship game versus Olney at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at Ben Franklin HS.