After a 56-37 victory over Oakland Catholic, good for its second state championship in four years, it's time to declare: Archbishop Carroll is in any conversation about the best teams in Catholic League history.

Why? For one, girls basketball is improving exponentially, every year, with multiple players doing more now than ever before. More specifically, the Patriots are versatile, big, deep, long and well-coached.

Where do they rank with the best?

“They are right there,” said Barry Kirsch, the former coach, who coached the Patriots successfully during some deep Catholic League races. “They shoot well, they move, and they know each other. No matter what you throw at them, they handle.”

Check out my column on the Patriots and their rising star-to-be Sarah Curran in the Daily Times Saturday and, as always, on delcotimes.com