Whereas most teams would be disappointed with a season-ending defeat – and not to be misunderstood, the Friars were – Monsignor Bonner's five seniors took comfort Saturday after their loss to North Catholic in the Catholic League quarterfinals.

The seniors - Henry Smith, Brian Boyle, Jerry Colvin, Matt Cummings and Bill Scanlan - helped establish a budding legacy at Bonner. Prior to their enrollment at the school in 2005, the Friars had not been in the playoffs in five seasons. They had not won a playoff game since their coach Brian Daly was wearing a green and white jersey. Now, the Friars are coming off their fourth consecutive playoff berth.

“Unfortunately, we had dreams of going a little further and winning the championship,” Boyle said, “but every guy who walked out of our locker room was satisfied with how our careers went. It could’ve been better, but none of us would trade it for anything.”

Well, except for maybe another win. “Maybe,” Boyle said, with a half-smile.

Monsignor Bonner senior forward-center Lijah Thompson gave a verbal commitment Friday to Robert Morris University. His decision was first reported by the Daily Times Sunday. Here is more from interviews with Lijah and his coach at Bonner, Brian Daly:

BRIAN DALY, Friars coach
...on Thompson's potential:
"I think everybody agreed that his ability is at a slightly higher level conference-wise but he believes in the idea of a solid education and finding the right place and feeling comfortable."

...on Thompson making his choice:
"I told him before he left to prepare himself and take some quiet time. I said, 'You have to have two answers prepared. One is, 'Thanks for the offer but I need to speak to my parents first.' And the other is, 'I really want to be a Colonial. I want to play for Robert Morris. When he texted me real late (Friday), I knew which answer he gave them."

LIJAH THOMPSON, Friars senior
...on making his choice:
"I wanted to go somewhere where it would be real easy to fit right in. I wanted to go where it wouldn't be too hard to adapt to after high school. When I saw the school, I knew this was it. And my mom (Cheryl), she was all for it. She was so happy for me."

Monsignor Bonner senior center Lijah Thompson visited Robert Morris University this weekend and he liked what he saw. Thompson wasted little time, committing to the Northeast Conference school hours after making his official visit to the Moon, Pa., campus.

Thompson averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds last season as a Second-Team All-Delco pick a year ago.

Thompson, known for his high-flying dunks and athletic blocked shots will be a freshman there in 2009-10 with Chester's Russell Johnson and North Catholic's Velton Jones in their sophomore seasons with the Colonials.

I have some extras from my interviews with Thompson and Friars coach Brian Daly, but they're at the office ... and I'm at home updating the blog on my off day. I'll post them when I get in on Monday.

Until then, here's the story (which was first reported by the Daily Times). Enjoy the weekend.

Photo by the Philadelphia Daily News