Bishop England, Philip Simmons renew rivalry competition after a year-long stoppage

It was a celebration of teen spirit: high school basketball style. 

Philip Simmons and Bishop England high schools battled on the hardcourt of Father O’Brien Gymnasium on Friday, Dec. 5. 

It was the first time the two schools played each other in a revenue sport since September 2024 when inflammatory social media posts caused Bishop England officials to ban fans from the Iron Horse vs. Bishops football game at Jack Cantey Stadium. 

It was a much different scenario this time. The gymnasium was packed with boisterous and enthusiastic fans and players who shook hands and hugged at the end of the game. 

It was only appropriate that both schools posted victories in the renewal of the rivalry. The Philip Simmons girls' team upset Bishop England 52-46 to gain their first victory of the year. The Bishop boys, meanwhile, picked up their third consecutive victory with a thrilling 73-70 decision. 

But the real winner was the Daniel Island community, which thrives on unity. While the players wear different uniforms, they live in the same neighborhoods, play on the same club and travel teams while sharing the same dreams, hopes and fears. 

It was a great night to reunite. 

“I think the games went great,” PSHS athletic director Dan Minkin said. “You had two rivals playing in two hard-fought games that weren’t decided until the final minute. The students and community brought the energy, and we are already looking forward to the next games.” 

Said Bishop England athletic director Bill Warren: “It was a great night of basketball with great crowds from both schools, including large student turnouts. It was a super environment.” 

The Iron Horse girls, under second-year coach Allen Gethers, jumped to a 34-20 halftime lead and then had to withstand a Bishop rally. The home team cut the margin to 44-34 at the end of three. The Bishops came close but fell to 3-2 on the season. 

Harper Cohen led the Iron Horses with 19 points, while Wellsley Roe chipped in with 13. 

Olivia Allen led Bishop England with 14 points, and Hayden Seay added 12. 

Meanwhile Daniel Eykyn, in his second year as the BE boys' head coach, watched his team race to a 35-30 halftime lead. But the Iron Horses went on a 23-14 run in the third period to take a 53-49 lead. 

But Eykyn’s crew outscored the Iron Horses 24-17 in the final eight minutes to hand PSHS its first loss in four games. 

Sam Pelsnik led the winners with 20 points, but he had help as William Donato scored 14 points and James Matsik 10. 

The Iron Horses’ Jack Mevold led all scorers with 22 points. Hopper Afman and Dylan Morris both tallied 17. 

Both schools have busy basketball weeks. 

The Iron Horses were scheduled to play at Hanahan on Monday, Dec. 8, and then host Cane Bay two days later. On Friday, Dec. 12, the Iron Horses travel to Goose Creek and close out the week with a home date against Hanahan on Dec. 15. 

Bishop England, meanwhile, hosts Academic Magnet on Wednesday, Dec. 10,  and travels to Porter-Gaud two days later for the “Holy War.” The Bishops host Wando High School on Saturday, Dec. 13.