Archbishop Carroll guard Alexis Eberz

Losing to Neumann-Goretti 50-43 in the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship lit a fire in Archbishop Carroll's girls basketball team.  "Our mentality is very different. We're out here to win it," Alexis Eberz told SV Sports' Paul Roberts.  The Patriots opened the PIAA-6A tournament with a 61-42 rout of Council Rock South.  On Tuesday, they eliminated Wilson 60-41 in the second round of the state playoffs.  The (20-10) Bulldogs led 13-10 after the first quarter.  Archbishop Carroll was on top 27-26 at halftime.  The (19-9) Patriots were ready for the challenge after going through battles every week in the rugged PCL.  "The competition is literally insane. I think it prepares us a lot," noted Eberz.  Archbishop Carroll used its defense to create transition opportunities in the second half.  Wilson committed 17 turnovers, while the Patriots had just seven.  Olivia Nardi splashed a 3-pointer from the left corner early in the third quarter.  That shot gave Archbishop Carroll a 32-30 edge and was part of a decisive 17-to-7 run.  The Bulldogs, who finished fifth in District 3, fell behind 46-39 entering the fourth quarter.  They were outscored 14-2 over the final eight minutes.  Eberz, a 5'8 junior, poured in a game-high 23 points.  Her sister, Kayla, added 18 points.  The 5'10 freshman provided 13 points in the second half.  "Oh my gosh, it's so much fun. This year has been awesome playing with her. She's such a blessing," said Alexis Eberz.  Kayla's twin sister, Kelsey, also plays for the Patriots, but she has been out since December due to a knee injury.  Sophomore Abbie McFillin chipped in with nine points and nine assists.  Archbishop Carroll put the game on ice by going 14-of-17 from the foul line.  Wilson was led by 5'9 sophomore guard Kailani Hardy.  Eight of her twenty points, including two treys, came in the first quarter.  Laura Crocona had eight points for the Bulldogs.  They were without star point guard Laila Jones all season as she recovered from a torn ACL.  The Patriots advanced to face Central Dauphin in the PIAA-6A quarterfinals on Friday.  Alexis Eberz reached 1,000 career points late last month and was voted to the All-PCL first team.  She gives a lot of credit to her parents, Eric and Michele, who were standouts at Villanova.  They're both in the Hall of Fame there.  Eric Eberz played with Kerry Kittles, Jason Lawson, and Alvin Williams.  He averaged nearly 16 points as a junior during the 1994-95 season.  "They've taught me literally everything," remarked Alexis about her parents.  Her offers include Villanova, but she's keeping the door open.  Alexis said that she will likely wait until after the AAU season to announce her commitment.