Josh Verlin
@jmverlin.bsky.social
Founder/Editor-in-Chief, City of Basketball Love (CoBL). Covering Philly-area high school + college hoops full-time since 2012.
Amateur musician, watcher of too much TV, usually with @auroraverlin.bsky.social
www.cityofbasketballlove.com
Amateur musician, watcher of too much TV, usually with @auroraverlin.bsky.social
www.cityofbasketballlove.com
Pinned
Josh Verlin
@jmverlin.bsky.social
· Nov 20
Created one of those Starter Packs for CoBL writers (and a couple friends): go.bsky.app/7P2A9qw
Checking in from Upper Merion, which knows how to pick some good pregame music.
Vikings (7-4) hosting Owen J Roberts (6-5) in a PAC crossover game. Matchup of two of the best talents in the PAC in Kennedy Coles (Niagara) and OJR freshman stud Maggie Thompson.
Vikings (7-4) hosting Owen J Roberts (6-5) in a PAC crossover game. Matchup of two of the best talents in the PAC in Kennedy Coles (Niagara) and OJR freshman stud Maggie Thompson.
January 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Checking in from Upper Merion, which knows how to pick some good pregame music.
Vikings (7-4) hosting Owen J Roberts (6-5) in a PAC crossover game. Matchup of two of the best talents in the PAC in Kennedy Coles (Niagara) and OJR freshman stud Maggie Thompson.
Vikings (7-4) hosting Owen J Roberts (6-5) in a PAC crossover game. Matchup of two of the best talents in the PAC in Kennedy Coles (Niagara) and OJR freshman stud Maggie Thompson.
First trip to Jadwin Gymnasium since my 20s. Penn and Princeton meeting tonight to open Ivy play with one of the oldest hoops rivalries in the country.
January 5, 2026 at 11:52 PM
First trip to Jadwin Gymnasium since my 20s. Penn and Princeton meeting tonight to open Ivy play with one of the oldest hoops rivalries in the country.
Reposted by Josh Verlin
Covering a huge matchup between Fort Erie (Canada)(21-7) vs. Westtown (10-1) for @hooplove215.bsky.social. This is the fourth consecutive year the teams have met in anticipation of the Blue Star HS Invitational tomorrow afternoon.
Follow along for stats and updates throughout
Follow along for stats and updates throughout
January 3, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Covering a huge matchup between Fort Erie (Canada)(21-7) vs. Westtown (10-1) for @hooplove215.bsky.social. This is the fourth consecutive year the teams have met in anticipation of the Blue Star HS Invitational tomorrow afternoon.
Follow along for stats and updates throughout
Follow along for stats and updates throughout
Reposted by Josh Verlin
Archbishop Wood 40, Father Judge 40 after three. … Ahmir Brown ties the game heading into the fourth.
January 3, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Archbishop Wood 40, Father Judge 40 after three. … Ahmir Brown ties the game heading into the fourth.
Reposted by Josh Verlin
BOYS BASKETBALL FINAL: Roman Catholic 64, Archbishop Carroll 36
Roman strong in middle quarters to win PCL opener
@hooplove215.bsky.social
Roman strong in middle quarters to win PCL opener
@hooplove215.bsky.social
January 3, 2026 at 1:15 AM
BOYS BASKETBALL FINAL: Roman Catholic 64, Archbishop Carroll 36
Roman strong in middle quarters to win PCL opener
@hooplove215.bsky.social
Roman strong in middle quarters to win PCL opener
@hooplove215.bsky.social
Reposted by Josh Verlin
Archbishop Wood 18, Father Judge 8 after one. … Dylan Powell assists on a buzzer beater 👌 by Kyiien Strong to end the quarter.
January 3, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Archbishop Wood 18, Father Judge 8 after one. … Dylan Powell assists on a buzzer beater 👌 by Kyiien Strong to end the quarter.
Catholic League play opens tonight. CoBL has writers at six of seven games. I’m at La Salle as the Explorers host West Catholic.
January 3, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Catholic League play opens tonight. CoBL has writers at six of seven games. I’m at La Salle as the Explorers host West Catholic.
The hottest team in the Big 5 right now are the Villanova women, winners of 10 straight going back to mid-November.
Spoke to Denise Dillon and senior Ryanne Allen about the team's strong play (and 3-point shooting): www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Spoke to Denise Dillon and senior Ryanne Allen about the team's strong play (and 3-point shooting): www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Villanova's women on a big-time roll entering 2026
By Josh Verlin (@jmverlin)
The breakthrough happened a month ago. And the momentum continues to build for Denise Dillon and Co.
Villanova’s women went down to Morgantown (W.V.) to play No. 25 We...
www.cityofbasketballlove.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:46 PM
The hottest team in the Big 5 right now are the Villanova women, winners of 10 straight going back to mid-November.
Spoke to Denise Dillon and senior Ryanne Allen about the team's strong play (and 3-point shooting): www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Spoke to Denise Dillon and senior Ryanne Allen about the team's strong play (and 3-point shooting): www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Timber Creek (2-2) vs Penncrest (8-2) in the fourth game today at Widener (my third).
Penncrest starters: Will Stanton, Sean Benson, Connor Cahill, Ryan McKee, Mikey Mita
Timber Creek starters: Ronald Johnston, Jaidyn Bolds, Jerome Ford, Jayson McPherson, CJ Atkins
Penncrest starters: Will Stanton, Sean Benson, Connor Cahill, Ryan McKee, Mikey Mita
Timber Creek starters: Ronald Johnston, Jaidyn Bolds, Jerome Ford, Jayson McPherson, CJ Atkins
December 29, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Timber Creek (2-2) vs Penncrest (8-2) in the fourth game today at Widener (my third).
Penncrest starters: Will Stanton, Sean Benson, Connor Cahill, Ryan McKee, Mikey Mita
Timber Creek starters: Ronald Johnston, Jaidyn Bolds, Jerome Ford, Jayson McPherson, CJ Atkins
Penncrest starters: Will Stanton, Sean Benson, Connor Cahill, Ryan McKee, Mikey Mita
Timber Creek starters: Ronald Johnston, Jaidyn Bolds, Jerome Ford, Jayson McPherson, CJ Atkins
Game three: Abington (5-3) vs. Spring-Ford (8-1)
Abington starters: Faison Garland, Xander Grasty, Kyler Pickron, Amare Stone, Malcolm Lucas
Spring-Ford starters: Matteo Magazzolo, Blake Turner, Ethan Ojakovo, Jack Kennedy, Syaire Barnes
Abington starters: Faison Garland, Xander Grasty, Kyler Pickron, Amare Stone, Malcolm Lucas
Spring-Ford starters: Matteo Magazzolo, Blake Turner, Ethan Ojakovo, Jack Kennedy, Syaire Barnes
Settled in for five games at Widener. 2025 Pete & Jameer Nelson Classic. Garnet Valley beat Sun Valley by 15 prior to my arrival.
Downingtown West vs. Middletown (Del.) up next.
Downingtown West vs. Middletown (Del.) up next.
December 29, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Game three: Abington (5-3) vs. Spring-Ford (8-1)
Abington starters: Faison Garland, Xander Grasty, Kyler Pickron, Amare Stone, Malcolm Lucas
Spring-Ford starters: Matteo Magazzolo, Blake Turner, Ethan Ojakovo, Jack Kennedy, Syaire Barnes
Abington starters: Faison Garland, Xander Grasty, Kyler Pickron, Amare Stone, Malcolm Lucas
Spring-Ford starters: Matteo Magazzolo, Blake Turner, Ethan Ojakovo, Jack Kennedy, Syaire Barnes
Settled in for five games at Widener. 2025 Pete & Jameer Nelson Classic. Garnet Valley beat Sun Valley by 15 prior to my arrival.
Downingtown West vs. Middletown (Del.) up next.
Downingtown West vs. Middletown (Del.) up next.
December 29, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Settled in for five games at Widener. 2025 Pete & Jameer Nelson Classic. Garnet Valley beat Sun Valley by 15 prior to my arrival.
Downingtown West vs. Middletown (Del.) up next.
Downingtown West vs. Middletown (Del.) up next.
Spent the day yesterday at Cardinal O'Hara for the Lions' annual holiday showcase; here's who stood out over the course of four games:
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
2025 Cardinal O'Hara girls' holiday showcase Day 1 Standouts (Sun., Dec. 28)
By Josh Verlin (@jmverlin)
The Cardinal O’Hara holiday showcase brought eight of the area’s best high school girls’ programs to Delco for a couple days of competition over the holidays. Here’s who ...
www.cityofbasketballlove.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Spent the day yesterday at Cardinal O'Hara for the Lions' annual holiday showcase; here's who stood out over the course of four games:
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Spending the afternoon/evening at Cardinal O'Hara for the O'Hara Girls' Holiday Tournament*
* = not a tournament
Springfield (Delco.) vs. Villa Maria (1:30 PM)
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Conestoga (3:00 PM)
Upper Dublin vs. Notre Dame (4:30 PM)
Archbishop Carroll vs. Central Bucks East (6:00 PM)
* = not a tournament
Springfield (Delco.) vs. Villa Maria (1:30 PM)
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Conestoga (3:00 PM)
Upper Dublin vs. Notre Dame (4:30 PM)
Archbishop Carroll vs. Central Bucks East (6:00 PM)
December 28, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Spending the afternoon/evening at Cardinal O'Hara for the O'Hara Girls' Holiday Tournament*
* = not a tournament
Springfield (Delco.) vs. Villa Maria (1:30 PM)
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Conestoga (3:00 PM)
Upper Dublin vs. Notre Dame (4:30 PM)
Archbishop Carroll vs. Central Bucks East (6:00 PM)
* = not a tournament
Springfield (Delco.) vs. Villa Maria (1:30 PM)
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Conestoga (3:00 PM)
Upper Dublin vs. Notre Dame (4:30 PM)
Archbishop Carroll vs. Central Bucks East (6:00 PM)
Last one of four today at Garnet Valley (and my 62nd game of the season, @dalydoseofhoops.bsky.social):
Garnet Valley vs. Mount Pleasant (Del.)
Garnet Valley vs. Mount Pleasant (Del.)
December 27, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Last one of four today at Garnet Valley (and my 62nd game of the season, @dalydoseofhoops.bsky.social):
Garnet Valley vs. Mount Pleasant (Del.)
Garnet Valley vs. Mount Pleasant (Del.)
First boys' semifinal today at Garnet Valley: West Chester Rustin (1-7) vs. Council Rock South (4-5).
Rustin starters: Kyle Kraft, Chris MacNeal, Ryan Ward, Jackson Bradley, Tim Batchelor
CR South starters: Ray Haglund, Ryan Delp, Brendon Balmer, Lucian Mirc, Joseph Madara
Rustin starters: Kyle Kraft, Chris MacNeal, Ryan Ward, Jackson Bradley, Tim Batchelor
CR South starters: Ray Haglund, Ryan Delp, Brendon Balmer, Lucian Mirc, Joseph Madara
December 27, 2025 at 9:55 PM
First boys' semifinal today at Garnet Valley: West Chester Rustin (1-7) vs. Council Rock South (4-5).
Rustin starters: Kyle Kraft, Chris MacNeal, Ryan Ward, Jackson Bradley, Tim Batchelor
CR South starters: Ray Haglund, Ryan Delp, Brendon Balmer, Lucian Mirc, Joseph Madara
Rustin starters: Kyle Kraft, Chris MacNeal, Ryan Ward, Jackson Bradley, Tim Batchelor
CR South starters: Ray Haglund, Ryan Delp, Brendon Balmer, Lucian Mirc, Joseph Madara
Next up at Garnet Valley: the host Jaguars (7-0) take on Great Valley (5-3).
My prediction: GV takes it.
My prediction: GV takes it.
December 27, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Next up at Garnet Valley: the host Jaguars (7-0) take on Great Valley (5-3).
My prediction: GV takes it.
My prediction: GV takes it.
Four games at Garnet Valley today, two girls and two boys, starting with Episcopal Academy taking on West Chester Rustin girls.
December 27, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Four games at Garnet Valley today, two girls and two boys, starting with Episcopal Academy taking on West Chester Rustin girls.
Perkiomen Valley (5-3) starters: Jon Boyd, Will Stein, Chase Kelly, Benjamin Motley, Ty Hoppenwasser
Wissahickon (2-4) starters: Zach Schwartz, Owen Haughey, Nico Vacchiano, Jack Weiss, Jona Sellenriek
Wissahickon (2-4) starters: Zach Schwartz, Owen Haughey, Nico Vacchiano, Jack Weiss, Jona Sellenriek
December 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Perkiomen Valley (5-3) starters: Jon Boyd, Will Stein, Chase Kelly, Benjamin Motley, Ty Hoppenwasser
Wissahickon (2-4) starters: Zach Schwartz, Owen Haughey, Nico Vacchiano, Jack Weiss, Jona Sellenriek
Wissahickon (2-4) starters: Zach Schwartz, Owen Haughey, Nico Vacchiano, Jack Weiss, Jona Sellenriek
Holiday‘s over — back to some hoops!
Methacton (6-3) and North Penn (3-5) facing off in the opening game of a doubleheader here at Perkiomen Valley. The host Vikings play Wissahickon next. I’ll be here for both.
Methacton (6-3) and North Penn (3-5) facing off in the opening game of a doubleheader here at Perkiomen Valley. The host Vikings play Wissahickon next. I’ll be here for both.
December 26, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Holiday‘s over — back to some hoops!
Methacton (6-3) and North Penn (3-5) facing off in the opening game of a doubleheader here at Perkiomen Valley. The host Vikings play Wissahickon next. I’ll be here for both.
Methacton (6-3) and North Penn (3-5) facing off in the opening game of a doubleheader here at Perkiomen Valley. The host Vikings play Wissahickon next. I’ll be here for both.
Updated Big 5 Power Rankings on @hooplove215.bsky.social...
Men's: www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Women's:
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Men's: www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Women's:
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Big 5 MBB Power Rankings: Dec. 26, 2025
By Josh Verlin (@jmverlin)
The holidays give us a good chance to take a breath and survey the Big 5, to check in on the teams as the non-conference slates wrap up and league play begins. We’re far ...
www.cityofbasketballlove.com
December 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Updated Big 5 Power Rankings on @hooplove215.bsky.social...
Men's: www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Women's:
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Men's: www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Women's:
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Central League boys action tonight. Springfield (Delco.) (6-1, 3-1) hosting Harriton (4-4, 2-2) before the holiday break.
December 23, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Central League boys action tonight. Springfield (Delco.) (6-1, 3-1) hosting Harriton (4-4, 2-2) before the holiday break.
Had to leave Wood early today (IBS flareup) but here's the first bit of coverage from the day:
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
Mosco Shootout: DaShaun Holden spells the difference for Bonner-Prendie; Wright goes off for Salesianum (Del.)
Joseph Santoliquito (@JSantoliquito)
WARMINSTER, PA — DaShaun Holden admits he is not a morning person. Yet, each weekday morning at 5:15, the Bonner-Prendie 5-foot-9 sophomore guard slogs to car...
www.cityofbasketballlove.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Had to leave Wood early today (IBS flareup) but here's the first bit of coverage from the day:
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article...
2025 Diane Mosco Shootout, Game 4: Father Judge vs Coatesville
FJ starters: Rocco Westfield, Jeremiah Adedeji, Naz Tyler, Khory Copeland, Max Moshinski
No Derrick Morton-Rivera (ankle)
Coatvesille starters: Chris Allegra, Jahmaad Williams, Larry Brown, Colton Hiller, Jonas Chester
FJ starters: Rocco Westfield, Jeremiah Adedeji, Naz Tyler, Khory Copeland, Max Moshinski
No Derrick Morton-Rivera (ankle)
Coatvesille starters: Chris Allegra, Jahmaad Williams, Larry Brown, Colton Hiller, Jonas Chester
December 20, 2025 at 9:53 PM
2025 Diane Mosco Shootout, Game 4: Father Judge vs Coatesville
FJ starters: Rocco Westfield, Jeremiah Adedeji, Naz Tyler, Khory Copeland, Max Moshinski
No Derrick Morton-Rivera (ankle)
Coatvesille starters: Chris Allegra, Jahmaad Williams, Larry Brown, Colton Hiller, Jonas Chester
FJ starters: Rocco Westfield, Jeremiah Adedeji, Naz Tyler, Khory Copeland, Max Moshinski
No Derrick Morton-Rivera (ankle)
Coatvesille starters: Chris Allegra, Jahmaad Williams, Larry Brown, Colton Hiller, Jonas Chester
Malvern Prep starters: Ryan Melniczak, Marvin Reed, Collin Romanczuk, Logan Chwastyk, Nick Harken
Gonzaga (D.C.) starters: Chase Peterson, Axton Scott, Allen Mbuyamba, Dylan Higginbotham, David Mbuyamba
Gonzaga (D.C.) starters: Chase Peterson, Axton Scott, Allen Mbuyamba, Dylan Higginbotham, David Mbuyamba
December 20, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Malvern Prep starters: Ryan Melniczak, Marvin Reed, Collin Romanczuk, Logan Chwastyk, Nick Harken
Gonzaga (D.C.) starters: Chase Peterson, Axton Scott, Allen Mbuyamba, Dylan Higginbotham, David Mbuyamba
Gonzaga (D.C.) starters: Chase Peterson, Axton Scott, Allen Mbuyamba, Dylan Higginbotham, David Mbuyamba
Mikey Mita the floater to end the first quarter.
Bonner with an 11-10 lead after eight minutes.
Bonner with an 11-10 lead after eight minutes.
December 20, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Mikey Mita the floater to end the first quarter.
Bonner with an 11-10 lead after eight minutes.
Bonner with an 11-10 lead after eight minutes.