The top teams in the Diocesan of
Brooklyn and Queens each secured outstanding semi final wins in last night's
"AA" intersectional final at Fordham University. Christ the King and Bishop Loughlin have
already played three amazing games; two during the regular season and one for
the Diocesan title. When they meet
Sunday it will, appropriately be for the CHSAA's "AA" title and will
be on a neutral site. While tradition
and contractual agreements say that the game will take place at Fordham in the
Bronx, it's a game worthy of the new Barclay's Center in Brooklyn; a game that
Brooklyn basketball fans and fans throughout the city of all ages and stripes
would no doubt enjoy. The passion and skill
of two great teams combined with the championship at stake will make for a
great ballgame. Here are recaps of
Thursday's action that set the stage for this great final on Sunday at 3pm at
Fordham.
Bishop
Loughlin 78 Archbishop Stepinac 56 The Lions completed their journey to the finals by breaking
this game open early. Balanced offense highlighted their efforts but their
defense provided the most important spark.
All season long the Crusaders had been able to beat teams by spreading
the floor and using precise outside shooting. The Lions, perhaps better than
any team Stepinac faced this season, were able to defend them on the perimeter
at all 5 positions and when Stepinac began missing shots the transition
opportunities were waiting for Loughlin. Jordan DelaCruz got them started with
two early treys and Jordan Nanton was terrific pushing tempo. Mike Williams led
Loughlin with Mike Williams led the way
with 17 points 9 rebounds and 3 steals. Kadeem Carrington and Jordan Nanton had
12 and 11 points respectively while each had 6 assists. Monmouth commit Josh
James finished with 35 points and Niam THomas added 12 but Loughlin's
suffocating defense and quick transition game proved decisive.
Christ
the King 65 Cardinal Hayes 59 Christ the King did a terrific job grinding this game out
and combating what was a great effort from the Cardinals. Sturdy senior forward
Ramel Coleman combined with junior perimeter stars Shavar Newkirk and Chris
Robinson to lift Hayes to an early advantage. But with early help from Andre
Walker outside and Adonis Delarosa inside the Royals trailed by just one at the
end of the first quarter. In the second a late rally triggered by continued
good work in the paint from DeLarosa and a clutch triple from reserve Isaiah
Cothbert lifted the Royals to a 32-27 halftime advantage.
While the rest of the Royals had
helped build that margin, player of the year Jon Severe was having moments both
good and bad in the game. He scored 7 in the opening two quarters, including a
tough contested trey from the top of the key, and two nice assists. But thanks
in part to leg cramps and in part to a great bit of shadow defense from Tyler
Wilson, the Royals needed to rely on players like Cothbert (11 off the bench)
Delarosa (10 points 10 caroms) and Malik Harmon (13 point 6 assists and one great
feed to Rawle Alkins for a basket) to give them key minutes and points. Harmon
was exceptional as Severe was on the bench having those cramps tended to.
Severe was able to give his team one
last important play that was typically clutch for him. With his team leading by
just 2 with just under 2 minutes left Sever inbounded the ball and perched
himself in the familiar left wing spot where he has made so many of his 1,000
points for the Royals. The ball came his way and despite pain and a difficult
night rose up with his familiar confidence and buried the trey. With a 5 point
advantage the Royals held off Hayes despite a quick response from Chris
Robinson who finished with a game high 23 for Hayes while Newkirk added 14.
This game, though it was a semi-final was worthy of a championship game. Both
teams made championship efforts and CK emerged victorious. Take nothing away from the Cardinals, who
played like champions in defeat and with nearly all of their core (save for
Wilson and Coleman) returning they set the stage for a great 2013-14.
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