ONE GRAND NIGHT
Caraline Herb scores 1,000th point, helps Berks Catholic beat Mifflin to clinch Berks I
When Caraline Herb joined the Berks Catholic girls basketball program as a freshman, longtime coach Bob Birmingham had some strong words to describe the young player.
“She’s the best shooter I’ve ever seen,” Birmingham said. “(A) pure shot.”
Four years later, Herb solidified her position as one of the greatest shooters in Saints’ history, scoring her 1,00th career point in Berks Catholic’s 54-40 win over Gov. Mifflin on Friday night in a Berks Girls Basketball League Division I game at Wolf Gymnasium.
“It feels amazing,” Herb said. “I’m so grateful.”
Needing three points entering the game, Herb hit the milestone with a layup in the first quarter, and an on-court celebration ensued. She finished with 12 points.
“She’s earned everything she’s gotten,” Birmingham said. “She plays so hard.”
Friday’s performance marked Herb’s 11th straight game with 10 points or more, and her first season of 300 points or more. The senior captain leads the Saints in scoring at 14.5 points per game, which is a career-best average.
“She’s such a great leader because of her work ethic,” Birmingham said. “She’s just so consistent.”
With a dozen points from Herb and 15 points from sophomores Sydney Corado and Madison Langdon, Berks Catholic earned its fifth straight win with 50 points or more to capture the Berks I title for the second consecutive season. The Saints are one of two teams, along with Wyomissing, who remain undefeated in league play.
“It means everything,” Herb said about the division title. “I feel like we’ve worked very hard.”
Berks Catholic (11-0, 16-5) got off to a fast start, orchestrating a 13-0 run right out of the gate. The Mustangs (8-3, 10-11) responded immediately with a 19-9 run to get within one possession.
Leading 26-20 after one half, the Saints started the third quarter with a 7-0 run to take control. Herb had nine points in the third quarter.
Berks Catholic remained ahead throughout the second half thanks in large part to its effort from the foul line, where it went 9-for-13 in the half. The Saints finished 19-for-26 from the line.
Corado was 7-for-9 from the line, including 2-for-2 in the second half. Langdon finished 6-for-9.
“I thought we did some nice things on the defensive end,” Birmingham said. “We made some foul shots when we needed to keep that lead.”
Berks Catholic’s victory was its 11th in its last 12 games, and the Saints finished the home portion of their regular season schedule with an 8-0 record. Friday was Senior Night at Wolf Gymnasium, and both Herb and fellow senior Sydney Brown were recognized before the game.
“I want to thank Sydney Brown and Caraline Herb for everything that they’ve done for this program,” Birmingham said. “They’ve been absolutely wonderful leaders.”
With the regular season finale on Monday and the county playoffs just around the corner, Birmingham is pleased with the way the Saints are playing at the most crucial time of the year.
“We’re going in the right direction,” Birmingham said. “We’re playing well at the end of the year when you really want to.”