PVI Basketball Makes History Again With D.C. Title

The Paul VI boys’ basketball team concluded their historic 2011-12 season with a March 20 win in the Abe Pollin City Title Championship Game over DCIAA Champion Coolidge, 70-64. 

Led by a trio of seniors, the Panthers raced out to a quick 10-2 lead and did not trail in the game, though Coolidge made the game interesting in the final minutes.

Game MVP and PVI senior forward Coleman Johnson (Fairfield) provided an offensive rebound and put-back just in time to help seal the deal. Senior guard Patrick Holloway (George Mason) put the final nail in the coffin with a mid-range jump shot with just over 35 seconds remaining. 

The Panthers received steady leadership in breaking Coolidge's relentless pressure from senior guard Tilman Dunbar (Navy), and timely contributions from underclassmen like junior wing Jamall Robinson and freshmen Kevin Dorsey and Marcus Derrickson. 

PVI students, families, staff, alumni and alumni parents crowded the Verizon Center to watch the school compete in and capture its first D.C. City Title.  Closing the season at 35-3, the Panthers retained their No. 1 ranking in the D.C. Metro area, and are ranked between 8th and 16th in the nation depending on the media outlet. 

Click here to watch video of the game.