{"id":87352,"date":"2026-01-15T10:19:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T10:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/87352\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T10:19:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T10:19:06","slug":"lower-merion-and-chester-developed-a-rivalry-when-kobe-bryant-was-around","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/87352\/","title":{"rendered":"Lower Merion and Chester developed a rivalry when Kobe Bryant was around"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kobe Bryant<\/a> will be remembered for many moments in his basketball career. The NBA titles he\u2019s won, the records he\u2019s set, all visible, tangible memories that are a click away. <\/p>\n

In Philly, however, his lore extends beyond what he did in the pros. It starts with his impact on the boys\u2019 varsity basketball program as the shooting guard for Lower Merion High School in the late 1990s. <\/p>\n

Before Bryant, the Aces struggled to compete with area teams. Now, nearly 30 years after he graduated and took his talents to the NBA, the program, which is still guided by head coach Gregg Downer, is still regarded as one of the top public school programs in the area.<\/p>\n

Another impact of Bryant\u2019s time is the rivalry that developed between Lower Merion and Chester, the other area hoops powerhouse, that remains a fixture on the calendar to this day. While it might not bring the same fire as games in previous years, it\u2019s a game in which both schools test themselves on several different facets \u2014 some you could suggest might even transcend basketball. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s the latest from Inquirer writer Alex Coffey, who dived deep into this area high school hoops rivalry and the hardworking teen turned NBA great whose star power made this game a must-see event.<\/a> <\/p>\n

We\u2019re in for sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-40s today. Enjoy. <\/p>\n

\u2014 Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport<\/a>, sports.daily@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2753What\u2019s your favorite rivalry? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Over the past few seasons, the Flyers have made it no secret that the team was rebuilding and taking a long-term approach to roster construction.<\/p>\n

But with the Flyers in a playoff spot entering Wednesday\u2019s games, have things changed? Jackie Spiegel recently caught up with Flyers president Keith Jones to talk about the team\u2019s direction, Matvei Michkov, Trevor Zegras, and how the team could approach March\u2019s trade deadline.<\/a><\/p>\n

While it remains to be seen whether the Flyers will look to add at the deadline, the team got some reinforcement with the return of top-four defenseman Jamie Drysdale on Wednesday. Drysdale\u2019s return after a three-game absence, combined with the team\u2019s three-game losing streak, convinced Rick Tocchet to scramble his three defensive pairs in Buffalo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Flyers losing streak reached four after dropping a road game at the Sabres, 5-2. The team also lost starting goalie Dan Vladar to an undisclosed injury after the first period.<\/a><\/p>\n

What we\u2019re…<\/p>\n

\u26be Realizing: That for the first time, Ranger Su\u00e1rez is no longer a Phillies pitcher and he\u2019s got a $150 million contract from the Red Sox to prove it.<\/a> <\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc40 Watching: The reaction from this young Eagles fan who found out that former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was fired on Tuesday<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u26bd Introducing: We sat down with the Union\u2019s newest striker, Ezekiel Alladoh. Here\u2019s what he had to say<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd14 Wondering: What Jason Kelce really meant with his comments on former Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfc8 Applauding: Penn sprint football coach Jerry McConnell, who, until next season, has been a fixture on the sidelines for nearly 20 years<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As the free agency dominoes continue to fall this winter, the one representing catcher J.T. Realmuto\u2019s future has remained upright.<\/p>\n

While fan attention has mostly turned to the Phillies\u2019 interest in free agent infielder Bo Bichette, with whom team officials met on Monday, there is still a glaring hole in the team\u2019s lineup at the catching position.<\/p>\n

Five years ago, when Realmuto signed his last contract with the Phillies, they didn\u2019t come to an agreement until Jan. 26. But if both sides don\u2019t ultimately reach a deal this time, what happens at catcher?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a breakdown of the Phillies\u2019 options behind the plate if they don\u2019t reunite with Realmuto.<\/a><\/p>\n

When the 76ers<\/a> lost to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, they didn\u2019t have to wait long to get revenge. Less than two nights later, they were back in Scotiabank Arena. On the second try they secured a 115-102 win. The Sixers returned home to Xfinity Mobile Arena to yet another two-game set against \u2014 this time at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt kind of gives you a small preview of what the playoffs look like, having to beat a team and go out and do it again the next night or whenever you play,\u201d Sixers power forward Dominick Barlow said following Wednesday\u2019s shootaround<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Barlow left Wednesday\u2019s 133-107 loss against Cleveland with a back contusion<\/a> after awkwardly falling early in the third quarter. Though Joel Embiid is showing glimpses of his dominant self, turnovers continue to be an issue for the Sixers\u2019 star center.<\/a><\/p>\n

Sports snapshot<\/p>\n

Pay to play: Temple, Villanova, and Penn State are among local schools beginning to pay athletes. Here\u2019s how it\u2019s going so far.<\/a><\/p>\n

Portal impact: We weigh Temple football\u2019s most impactful departures and arrivals from the transfer portal over the last few years.<\/a><\/p>\n

Facing a legend: Villanova\u2019s Denise Dillon recalls what it\u2019s like to face Geno Auriemma as her Wildcats take on UConn on Thursday.<\/a><\/p>\n

ICYMI: Villanova leans on Devin Askew\u2019s bench scoring to secure a win over Providence.<\/a><\/p>\n

On this date<\/p>\n

Jan. 15: How about a pair of Philly moments with California ties? First, on this date in 1965, the San Francisco Warriors traded Wilt Chamberlain to the Sixers in a three-player deal, along with cash. Fast forward to 2024, and you\u2019ll see Joel Embiid hit his 16 consecutive game with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, tying Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. <\/p>\n

\u201cGiven that Jalen Hurts will turn 28 in August and has absorbed his share of punishment over his five years as the Eagles\u2019 starter, it\u2019s fair to wonder whether that dynamism with his legs is gone forever.\u201d \u2014 It\u2019s one, among many questions Sielski ponders in his latest column.<\/a><\/p>\n

What you\u2019re saying about the Eagles<\/p>\n

We asked: Who should the Eagles hire as their next offensive coordinator?<\/p>\n

[Kevin] Patullo was really subpar at his job, but even more so was his boss, head coach [Nick] Sirianni. Nick has an outstanding record as Eagles coach, but I have a feeling it might have been his players who carried him to a Super Bowl win rather than the opposite. Would be great to get Kellen Moore back, but even though he had a bad season I don\u2019t think the Saints are ready to give up on him. Other than him, I would go as the team did with Vic and bring in Frank Reich who has that same depth of experience and who of course is very familiar with the Eagles organization. \u2014 Everett S. <\/p>\n

Pretty much anyone can make these calls: run, run, pass. \u2014 Cathy J. <\/p>\n

Not really knowing the availability of who would be available, the best thing to do would be to run an ad. Coaching opportunity of a lifetime. OC Wanted. Experienced professional football OFFENSIVE Coordinator. Must understand the rhythm of the game. Creativity a must. Trick plays a necessity. Must be able to teach strict discipline. You will earn a top-five salary plus the opportunity to earn a $2 million bonus ending with the team\u2019s last game played whether it be 17, 18, 19 or 20 games. This means postseason games count. … Opportunity to work in front of the best fans in football. \u2014 Ronald R.<\/p>\n

We compiled today\u2019s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Jackie Speigel, Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Lochlahn March, Ariel Simpson, Jonathan Tannenwald, Conor Smith, Mike Sielski, Susan Snyder, Katie Lewis, Colin Schofield, and Dylan Johnson.<\/p>\n

By submitting your written, visual, and\/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer\u2019s Terms of Use<\/a>, including the grant of rights in Section 10.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s Thursday. Make it a good one. Bella is back in your inbox to get you set for the weekend tomorrow. \u2014 Kerith<\/p>\n