What had been rumored for 2 years now finally has become a reality. Kevin Lynch, Fran Burbage, & Brian Creech founded a new AAU organization called the Philly Rise which is nike affiliated and will play on the EYBL circuit this year. They also snagged one of my favorite human beings on this planet La’Keisha Sutton who played at Trenton Catholic ( Aalyah Del Rosario anyone?) and played at South Carolina for Dawn Staley. The Rise also snagged Ellen Masonis who was running an off shoot of the Philly Belles called the NJ Belles. Ellen is of course the mother of Faith Masonius of Maryland. Ellen has a connection to UCONN which I recall
@UConnCat writing about some time ago. Ellen played her college ball at St. Joe's but I don't believe the connection was through Geno who was gone from St. Joes by this time, circa 1987. This was a power move and a great one- let's face it. Kevin, Fran and Brian were the Coaching engine of the Belles all the way dating back to Laura Harper through Caroline Doty, Stewie and up to an including Amari. What is also remarkable is the Mike Flynn has always stated that he would never allow another Nike Sponsored team to operate in the Philadelphia Area. For all practical purposes the Philly Rise are the New Philly Belles-they will do well.