Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best sports images from the last seven days. This week, we look at the Pennsylvania showdown between the Phillies and the Pirates that for much of the series was a display of the Fightins’ dominance — until it wasn’t.
The women’s basketball championship at inaugural Invitational Clash at Drexel University had no shortage of fireworks, literally, and we take a look at the penultimate game of the World Cup in Philly, the Group L clash between Croatia and Ghana.
Bryson Stott (left) scores ahead of the tag by Pirates catcher Endy Rodríguez in the eighth inning of the Phillies-Pirates game on Tuesday.Kyle Backhus pitches in the fifth inning of the Phillies’ game vs. the Pirates on Wednesday.Bryce Harper (right) celebrates his third inning two-run homer with teammate Brandon Marsh against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.Brotherly Love player Imani McGee takes the court during the Invitational Clash women’s championship at at Drexel on Monday.Brotherly Love’s Britt Hrynko (left) is defended by Rucker Park’ Roxkel Washington during the Invitational Clash women’s championship on Monday at Drexel.(From left to right) Tia Garvin, 33, of North Philadelphia, and their cousin Briana Garvin, 24, of New York City, enjoy the sun while doing some yoga and stretches at Dilworth Park in on Tuesday.Croatia’s Marin Pongracic (3), goes for a header to defend a corner kick by Ghana during the second half of their World Cup group stage game on Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday.Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo (left) and Croatia’s Mateo Kovacic battle for the ball in the first half of their match on Saturday at Philadelphia Stadium.Croatia’s Petar Sučić (center_ celebrates his first half goal in front of Croatia fans during the their Group L match against Ghana on Saturday.Carter Pike, 23, of Greenville, S.C., cheers for Croatia before their match against Ghana in Philadelphia on Saturday.Flyers first-round pick pick Maksim Sokolovskii meets with the media at the Flyers’ 2026 NHL draft party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City last week.Flyers prospects Maksim Sokolovskii (left) and Brek Liske walk through the giant heart during the Flyers development camp signing event at the Franklin Institute on Wednesday.The fireworks looked out of this world following the Pirates-Phillies MLB game on Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best sports images from the last seven days. This week, the World Cup craziness continues — but at least there were no more run-ins with the Rocky curse. On Monday, a powerful thunderstorm temporarily halted the fun in South Philly during the France-Iraq match, but fans — and even a French radio crew — weathered the storm and finished the game.
Across the street, the Phillies hosted the Mets before heading down to Washington for a couple of their craziest games of the season. And out in Amish country, we learned that volleyball is taken very seriously. Here’s a look back at some of our favorite photos from the week:
An Amish woman serves the ball during a volleyball match at the Heritage Days Co-ed 6’s Volleyball Tournament at Intercourse Community Park in Gordonville, Pa.Teams high five and shake hands after a volleyball match during day one of the Heritage Days Co-ed 6’s Volleyball Tournament at Intercourse Community Park.Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm backs off from a inside pitch from Mets reliever Austin Warren in the fifth inning of Sunday’s 6-2 win.Bryce Harper celebrates his triple against the Mets Saturday that clinched the first cycle of his career. Kaamil Nelson (left), a strong safety and wide receiver at Pennwood High School, and Semaj Pridgen (second from left), a wide receiver and defensive back at Vaux Big Picture High School take part in a friendly tug of war. The two 17-year-old Philly natives were on hand for the Open Door Abuse and Prevention youth football clinic at Mastery Charter on Saturday.Kamden Cintron, 11, ran the 40-yard dash in 6.3 seconds at the clinic, which featured an appearance from Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon.On the USS New Jersey, Pisey Tan (top), 46, of South Philadelphia, a sergeant in US Army, has James Mevoglioni, 26, of North Jersey in an arm lock during their Jiu Jitsu match at an event on Saturday for the We Defy Foundation in Camden.France star Kylian Mbappé walks off the field during a weather delay at the end of the first half of his team’s win over Iraq Monday. The delay lasted over two hours.Prior to the rain arriving, France took a 1-0 lead over Iraq, causing Jimmy Coilliot of Lille, France, to dance in celebration.Brazil fans Miguel Sosa and his son, Enzo, of Nebraska, were in Philly for the team’s win over Haiti on Friday night.Fans cheer for Iraq from the stands before their team’s game against France.Haiti fans Roby and Mama Cristin, of New York, attended Friday’s game against Brazil in South Philly.Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker makes a save in the second half as Brazil beats Haiti, 3-0.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best sports images from the last seven days. This week, it should come as no surprise that you’ll find lots of World Cup photos — especially after Ecuadorian fans rallied on the steps of the Art Museum, and fell victim to the Rocky curse the next night against Ivory Coast. Brazil fans, whose team plays Friday night in South Philly, took precautions to avoid that fate.
Elsewhere, the Phillies took the field against some divisional foes, a state champion returned to the track, and dodgeball got serious. Here’s a look back at some of our favorite photos from the week:
The Phillies used eight pitchers — technically seven and cathcer Garrett Stubbs — in Wednesday’s loss to the Marlins.Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott looks to the dugout after hitting a triple in the first inning of Tuesday’s 8-2 win over the Marlins.Winslow Township High School sophomore Jasmine Jackson recently won a state championship in the 100-meter hurdles and earned an invite to the Brooks PR Invitational.Ecuador goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez allowed the game-deciding goal by Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo in the 90th minute of their World Cup Group E match on Sunday.Ecuador fans were shocked by their team’s World Cup loss to Ivory Coast on Sunday in Philadelphia.Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (center) is surrounded by his teammates after scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the World Cup on Sunday in Philadelphia.Ecuador forward Enner Valencia (center) and Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Agbadou (right) battle for the ball during their World Cup match on Sunday in Philadelphia.Ecuadorian fans cheer during their World Cup match against Ivory Coast in Philadelphia.Ivory Coast’s soccer team practice as the sprinklers began operating last Friday at Subaru Park in Chester. They faced Ecuador in Philadelphia that Sunday.Members of the Empire, a women, trans, and nonbinary dodgeball team, prepare to throw while taking on team Sirens during the “Beast Coast” championship Saturday at Ben Franklin High School.Members of the Sirens celebrate after beating Empire in a WTNB dodgeball quarterfinal.A young Ecuadorian soccer fan sits under the Ecuadorian flag during a flag-waving event on Saturday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, before the team faced Ivory Coast in the World Cup.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. As the calendar flips to March, we’ve got nearly every sport covered, with the exception of football — but don’t worry, NFL free agency starts next week. From the Sixers and Flyers getting physical in Philly to the Phillies heating up in Clearwater, here’s a look at our best shots of the week.
Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe falls hard and injures his back after being fouled by Spurs forward Carter Bryant on Tuesday. Edgecombe missed Wednesday’s game against the Jazz with a lumbar contusion.Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott is 7-for-10 with two home runs through his first six spring training games.Phillies right fielder Brandon Marsh misses a foul ball during the second inning of Tuesday’s spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte, Fla.Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter greets Little Leaguers before Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla.Flyers winger Nic Deslauriers and Bruins forward Tanner Jeannot tangle during the Flyers’ 3-1 win over Boston on Sunday.Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei takes down Flyers forward Nikita Grebenkin, drawing a holding penalty in the first period of Saturday’s game.New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese catches a corner over Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques during the first half Sunday’s loss at Subaru Park.Drexel guard Amaris Baker (left) is fouled by North Carolina A&T Aggies guard Crystal Hardy (right) during the Dragons’ 65-63 overtime win at the Daskalakis Athletic Center Sunday.Penn guard Jay Jones is fouled while driving to the basket against Harvard guard Ben Eisendrath (left) and forward Thomas Batties III in the first half Saturday. Penn won, 64-61, and will face Harvard again in the first round of the Ivy League Tournament.Saint Joseph’s Hawks guard Kaylinn Bethea (left) and Richmond Spiders guard Aneisha Scott (right) scramble for the ball during the fourth quarter at Hagan Arena on Saturday. Richmond won, 72-61,The Friends Central girls celebrate winning the PAISAA girls’ basketball final over Westtown.Friends Central head coach Vincent Simpson and assistant coach Joy Morton (far right) get a celebratory water bath after the team won the PAISAA girls’ basketball final last Friday night.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, the Philadelphia Public and Catholic League basketball playoffs were decided, with three of the four champions — Imhotep and Father Judge on the boys’ side and Audenried on the girls’ — picking up where they left off last year. In the case of Imhotep, it was the sixth straight Public League title, while Audenried captured its fourth. Meanwhile, the Archbishop Carroll girls won their first title since 2019. Down at spring training in Clearwater, the Phillies’ Grapefruit League schedule began, giving fans their first taste of baseball in more than four months.
Imhotep Institute Charter players celebrate their sixth straight Philadelphia Public League boys basketball title with head coach Andre Noble (red shirt). They beat West Philadelphia High School, 39-35, on Sunday at La Salle University’s John E. Glaser Arena.
Archbishop Carroll won the Philadelphia Catholic League girls’ championship behind the trio of senior Alexis Eberz (holding trophy), and her sisters, sophomores Kayla and Kelsey Eberz.
Father Judge fans celebrate after their team won its second straight Catholic League boys’ championship. Last year, the Crusaders followed it up with a state title.
Imhotep had a chance to win both the boys’ and girls’ titles, but Universal Audenried Charter and junior Nasiaah Russell took home the school’s fourth straight crown Sunday at John E. Glaser Arena.
Andrew Painter spent most of last season in Lehigh Valley with the IronPigs, where he was selected to represent the Phillies at the 2025 All-Star Futures Game. He’s expected to be a part of the big-league rotation this season.
Phillies shortstop Edmundo Sosa hugs new outfielder Adolis García during Wednesday’s 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers in Clearwater. The victory was the Phillies’ first of spring training.
Even on the berm at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Eagles fans aren’t hard to find, including this one in a kelly green Saquon Barkley jersey. It was Sunday.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, there’s nowhere better to start than on the hardwood with the boys’ and girls’ high school basketball playoffs in full swing. There’s plenty from the college game and Phillies spring training as well.
The Archbishop Wood student section cheers before the start of the Vikings’ Catholic League semifinal against Father Judge at the Palestra on Wednesday. Villanova’s Jasmine Bascoe (left) knocks the ball away from UConn’s KK Arnold on Wednesday at the Finneran Pavilion. No. 1 UConn prevailed, 83-69.Neumann Goretti’s Marquis Newson dunks during the final minutes of its win against Bonner Prendergast in the Catholic League semifinals.
Archbishop Wood’s Jaydn Jenkins reaches for a rebound against several Father Judge players in their Catholic League semifinal game. Judge came out the winner.Cole Franklin of North Texas hits Temple’s Masiah Gilyard as he reaches for the ball Sunday at the Liacouras Center. The Owls fell, 65-62.Members of the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Westtown School rejoice after wining their Friends Schools League championships at La Salle University last Friday.
Drexel’s Laine McGurk hits the deck as she fights for a loose ball against Elon last Friday. Drexel won, 68-59. Cardinal O’ Hara’s Megan Rullo (center) is fouled driving to the basket against Neumann Goretti’s Kamora Berry (left) and Reginna Baker during their Catholic League semifinal at Villanova. Rullo scored 22 points in a 51-33 victory. Friends’ Central School’s Zya Small (11) fights for the basketball with Westtown School’s Ishana Sundararajan during the Friends Schools League title game. Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (center) is silhouetted along with some of his teammates as they wait during a drill at spring training in Clearwater, Fla.
Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs plays around for his portrait on photo day at spring training. Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter poses for a portrait during photo day in Clearwater, Fla. Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola warms up in the outfield at spring training on Wednesday. Justin Crawford, a rookie outfielder known for his speed, runs the bases during a drill at Phillies spring training on Tuesday. Hoping for a bounce-back season, pitcher Aaron Nola (center) talks with his Phillies teammates in Clearwater, Fla. Phillies shortstop Trea Turner takes part in a drill that involved bouncing a tennis ball off a mask during spring training.
First baseman Bryce Harper (right) interacts with new Phillies bench coach Don Mattingly during the first full-squad workout on Monday. Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado goes through a workout on Saturday. Pitcher Taijuan Walker looks on during a spring training workout on Sunday. Hot feet: Closer Jhoan Duran walks off the mound after a bullpen session during spring training on Sunday.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, there’s nowhere better to start than in Clearwater, Fla., where the Phillies kicked off their spring training this week. The Sixers also returned from their West Coast trip for a matchup with the Knicks before this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game, where Tyrese Maxey will make his first start. And as always, there’s plenty of Big 5 hoops action with March Madness just over a month away.
Phillies backup catcher Garrett Stubbs holds on to a pitch during the first day of spring training practice. Most of the team is already in Clearwater ahead of Monday’s first full-squad workout.Reliever Jose Alvarado (left) is no stranger to BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla., but this is the first spring training with the Phillies for Jhoan Duran, who was acquired ahead of the trade deadline last season.Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh is back at spring training — as is his popular beard.The Sixers were blown out by the Knicks on Wednesday night, and have lost three of four heading into the All-Star break. Earlier this week, they signed Dalen Terry (right) to a two-way deal.Former Villanova star Mikal Bridges (left) was back in South Philly this week for the Knicks’ win over Justin Edwards (right) and the Sixers.Sixers coach Nick Nurse was without Joel Embiid and Quentin Grimes in Wednesday’s loss to the Knicks.Joe Pagliei, 91, is the Eagles’ oldest living player and was a member of the 1960 championship team.Villanova guard Kennedy Henry (right) is third on the team in scoring (9.2 points per game). The Wildcats (20-5) are currently second in the Big East behind undefeated UConn, the nation’s No. 1 ranked team.Guard Devin Askew (right) has helped the Villanova to a 19-5 record as they look to get back in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats have won four straight, including Tuesday’s 77-74 victory over Marquette.Saint Joseph’s guard Jill Jekot (bottom) battles for a loose ball against Dayton forward Ajok Madol in Sunday’s loss. The Hawks bounced back with a 70-63 win over George Washington on Wednesday.Saint Joseph’s guard Gabby Casey (center) has her shot attempt blocked against Dayton. Casey leads the team in points (16.7), rebounds (7.0), and steals (1.7) per game, and is second in assists (3.2).Penn guard Jay Jones (with ball) fights for a rebound during the Quakers’ win over Princeton University on Saturday at the Palestra. Penn hosts Columbia on Friday night.Penn guard AJ Levine (left) celebrates with teammates after the Quakers’ win over Princeton. It was the team’s second straight after three losses in a row.Villanova center Duke Brennan (left) collides with Marquette Golden Eagles forward Royce Parham (13). The Wildcats will go for their fifth straight win Saturday against Creighton.While the Phillies are in Clearwater, the La Salle University baseball team practices on campus in the cold. The team takes on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday in their first game of the season.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, we’re reaching all the way to last Friday night, when Unrivaled took over South Philly and brought a record crowd to Xfinity Mobile Arena. But that’s not all the basketball — we’ve also got the Sixers, some local college action, and a high school hoops showdown between two defending state champs, Father Judge (Class 6A) and Neumann Goretti (5A).
St. Joe’s forward Anthony Finkley (left) reacts after teammate Jaiden Glover-Toscano hits a three during the second half against George Washington. The Hawks’ 76-73 win was their fourth straight.Philly native Ronald Moore (center) was once an NCAA Tournament hero at Siena and now serves as an assistant coach for the Penn Quakers.Neumann Goretti’s Marquis Newson gets up a shot against Father Judge in the first quarter of the Saints’ 71-66 win over the Crusaders in South Philadelphia on Sunday.Neumann Goretti’s Kody Colson passes the ball past Father Judge’s Khory Copeland (4) and Rezon Harris. Unrivaled set a record for attendance at a regular season women’s basketball game during the three-on-three league’s stop in Philly on Friday night.Cameron Brink of the Breeze leaps past Broomall native Natasha Cloud of the Phantoms. Cloud celebrated her professional hoops homecoming on Friday.Friday’s Unrivaled doubleheader drew more than 21,000 fans and was sold out well in advance.Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey (right) said he was surprised to hear that teammate Jared McCain was traded this week. Before the deadline, center Joel Embiid (left) said he had hoped the team would stay intact. Sixers forward Dominick Barlow drives past New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi.Flyers forward Owen Tippett beats Capitals goalie Clay Stevenson to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead in the first period of Tuesday’s win over Washington.Flyers goalkeeper Samuel Ersson (left) talks with Samuel Hancock, who plays goalie for his youth league team, at the Flyers Charities Carnival on Sunday.Shawn Paul, 3, receives a little help from his dad, Zach, as they try one of the games at the Flyers Charities Carnival.The Flyers Charities Carnival featured a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, and other carnival favorites. Fans could also interact with players, coaches, and alumni.The Phillie Phanatic helps load cases of supplies onto the team truck before it leaves for spring training in Clearwater, Fla. Yes, he packed his hot dog launcher.Sunday’s boys’ basketball game between Neumann Goretti and Father Judge was sold out.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, however, isn’t just about the end of the Eagles’ season — it’s also about turning the page and remembering there’s more to life than just football. We’ve got photos of Joel Embiid and the Sixers, Matvei Michkov and the Flyers, and Cavan Sullivan and the Union returning to the practice pitch.
And, yes, there are pictures of the Eagles’ game — but maybe Saquon Barkley’s adorable kids can soften the blow …
The Eagles’ loss Sunday was their first home playoff loss under Nick Sirianni.
The Eagles have made the playoffs in each of the five years under Nick Sirianni, but lost in the wild-card round three times. The other two years they went to the Super Bowl.
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who finished second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage, scored a pair of touchdowns against the Eagles on Sunday.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, we’ve got Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe leading the way for the Sixers, while Trevor Zegras and the Flyers get some revenge on Cutter Gauthier. And, of course, we’ve got the Eagles — both on the field and on the steps of the Art Museum …
Joel Embiid and the Sixers cruised past the Washington Wizards, 131-110, on Wednesday night.
Tyrese Maxey couldn’t lift the Sixers over the Denver Nuggets this week, but he does remain one of the Eastern Conference’s top All-Star candidates after finishing third in the second round of fan voting.
A member of the Sixers dance team waves the team flag before the Sixers game against the Nuggets.VJ Edgecombe tried to dunk over Washington’s Marvin Bagley III, but instead was called for an offensive foul in the first half of the Sixers’ latest win.
Former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier (not pictured) struck first, but Trevor Zegras answered with two first-period goals of his own Tuesday night. The Flyers went on to beat the Ducks, 5-2.
Peter Chang plays basketball during a mild winter afternoon Monday at Charles T. Mitchell Jr. Park in Philadelphia.Temple guard Jordan Mason drives past East Carolina guard Jordan Riley during the second half. Temple’s 75-67 victory pushed its winning streak to seven games.
Large cutouts of Eagles players like Jordan Mailata and Jalen Hurts decorate the steps at the Art Museum on Wednesday, ahead of Sunday’s wild-card game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra left Sunday’s game after he was injured on this tackle by Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves in the third quarter.
Eagles defensive tackle Byron Young (left) and linebacker Joshua Uche (right) tackle Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. They were two Birds who saw extended playing time with the starters resting.
