Hawks Finish Philly Live I 3-0, +70 Point Differential

NICETOWN, PA. — “There’s no place I’d rather be than St. Joe’s Prep.”

St. Joseph’s Prep Head Coach Chris Clark’s words reflect what just about everyone in the Hawks’ program is thinking after a 3-0 weekend at Philly Live I.

After a 2-0 Saturday with dominant wins over Linden (N.J.) and Westminster Academy (Fla.), the Prep picked up right where it left off on Sunday in a 66-34 win over Hayfield (Va.).

From the start, the Hawks ran the floor as well as any Philadelphia Catholic League team did during Philly Live’s first session, and dominated on both ends for all 30 minutes while continuing to build chemistry.

“It’s all about building chemistry, building connectivity, playing together, [and] playing the right way,” Clark said. “That’s what these games are for. I’m not really concerned about the wins and the losses. I’m glad that we played well. That’s the most important thing. These guys are getting better.”

Just as they did on Saturday, the Hawks had a deep rotation of contributors.

“We have a lot of guys that can contribute,” Clark said. “We might play nine or 10 guys regardless of the score. That’s going to be our rotation this year, playing nine, maybe 10 guys. I’m excited about that. I’m glad we have enough guys that can get out there and contribute.”

In attendance on Sunday at the Sixth Man Center were about a dozen Division I coaches. Among the list was Notre Dame Associate Head Coach Mike Farrelly, and three Prep alums: VCU Head Coach Phil Martelli Jr. ‘99, his brother and Rams Associate Head Coach Jimmy Martelli ‘00, and La Salle assistant Colin Curtin ‘05. All three Prep graduates were excited to see the program they were a part of over 20 years ago.

“When I walked in, [the Martellis] saw me, and we talked for a little bit and said, ‘No pressure, but you have alumni watching you now,’ Clark said. “We always give each other a hard time, but we always support each other. That’s the brotherhood that we always talk about, and I’m really appreciative of their friendship and them watching us. Hopefully we can send them some players,” he continued with a laugh.

Clark is now nearly a year into his time back at the Prep, and is enjoying every moment of it as he gets to lead the program he won two championships with as a player.

I’m enjoying myself,” Clark said. “I think that’s the most important thing for me. I’m having fun. This is a passion of mine. I love teaching. I love developing.”