BAB Invitational Player Evaluations: Posts and Wings

Goodluck Okonoboh 6'10" C Wilbraham and Monson (MA) (2014)

My intention is to order these profiles by class and that's why Okonboh is at the top of this list but if I were ordering it by who played the best  Okonoboh would occupy the top position as well. He put together an impressive 10 point 15 rebound double double while adding 6 assists and 3 blocks. All of that was accomplished against a Phelps team that did not have a center who could match his length but had two exceptionally quick and active forwards in Terry Larrier and Mustapha Traore.  He has exceptional timing rebounding and shot blocking and his lateral movement allows him to cover the entire basket area. The UNLV's body type is similar to a healthy Amare Stoudemire  but he's a less polished offensive player and a more diligent defender at this stage of his development.

Terry Larrier 6'6" PF/SF Phelps School (PA) (2014) The former Bronx JFK standout came home for the Martin Luther King holiday and gave the fans at Baruch a virtuoso performance. And he did it in a way that fans who follow local basketball are familiar with. His game has always been marked by toughness and hustle and he did that Monday to the tune of 30 points and 11 rebounds. I've given him both forward positions here because I think his quickness and athleticism will allow him to defend both positions but offensively he's still an inside guy and his best offensive skill remains rebounding. Terry also wins this blog's unofficial award for "best fit between a player and system " because he'll fit nicely into VCU's pressing and transition style. If he can become a 3 point shooting threat in that system look out, he'll be an all league performer in the Atlantic 10.

Rpbyn Missa 6'9" C Long Island Lutheran (2014) Don't be fooled by Missa's modest numbers in LuHi's two wins this weekend. Missa, a native of Germany who spent last season at Montverde (FL) Academy did good work first against Luis Santos of St. Ray's and Quadri Moore of Linden High. He proved to be a very good low post defender using footwork to "three quarter" or front opposing centers and make it difficult to enter the ball to them. His playing time was limited by fouls mostly because the refs had a hard time officiating bigs. Trust me that happens a lot at the high school level. He's wide and doesn't jump high and has a pretty good but not great hands. He's a solid mid-major prospect as a center.

Nathan Ekwu 6'7" PF Cardinal Hayes (Bronx) (2014)  Foul problems limited him in Saturday's win over Pope John XXIII but he still began the game by hitting a contested free throw line jumper over 6'9" Mustapha Diagne and get a couple of terrific in traffic rebounds among the 6 he collected in just 18 minutes. His foul problems in this game and a few others speak more to his learning curve than his ability as he must learn to make better decisions going for shot blocks. His feet and lateral movement are however quick enough to make him a switch defender against face up PF's and some SF's. That plus his great nose for the ball running ability and skill set make him recruitable at the highest level.

Mustafa Jones 6'7" PF Cardinal Hayes (Bronx) (21014) I have already written in this blog how I think Mr. Jones' early commitment to Central Connecticut is one is a great recruiting coup for an NEC program.  In last Monday's game vs. Pope John XXIII he showed not only the speed hustle and finishing ability that make him a terrific prospect but he and the other Hayes seniors showed a tremendous will to win. He finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds but the rebounding numbers are even more impressive than they look because many of them came with both of Hayes' other bigs, Nathan Ekwu and Akintoye OJo on the bench with fouls. Jones did a terrific job competing on the glass against 6'9" junior center Mustapha Diagne and 6'7" Florida State football recruit Ryan Izzo.  Jones captured game MVP honors by coming through when his team was on the ropes and helping preserve an unbeaten season.

Quadri Moore 6'8" PF Linden (NJ) (2014) The Cincinnati commit finished with 16 points on 6-12 shooting so the numbers were OK here but Lutheran had some success limiting him because they were physical with him and their center Robyn Missa did a nice job denying him the ball and getting him off his spot. He showed a good shooting touch and decent hands but was limited to just 4 rebounds in 30 minutes. He'll need to get stronger for college basketball but being physical is about attitude as much as ability and while he's demonstrated that edge in other games it wasn't present in this game.

Mustapha Diagne 6'9" C Pope John XXIII (NJ) (2015) Mustapha is already one of the top big men in his class nationally  and in an intense and physical game against Hayes he showed why many college coaching staffs, including Tony Chiles from St. John's were there to see him. He scored 21 points in a variety of ways including a lefty jump hook move. He snared 16 rebounds, 12 on the defensive end, and showed not only a quick second jump but an ability to jump straight up in the air which may not always carry him to the rim for dunks but really helps him rebound in traffic. His game still has plenty of growth in it thanks to good tools and work ethic but he's already recruitable at the highest levels of college basketball.

Marvin Prochet 6'6" SF Long Island Lutheran (2015) The Boys & Girls transfer was very good in both games here  particularly with a 17 point 12 rebound 4 assists effort against Linden. Perhaps the most surprising thing though  was just one 3 point shot attempted in two games. That may still become a part of his game  but for now it's good to see Marvin, whose length and quickness are excellent play with energy and around the basket. When the triple becomes a consistent part of his game it will be the last piece of a very good all around game.

Luis Santos 6'8" PF/C St. Ray's (Bronx) (2015) Although the Ravens' struggled at times trying to get him the ball in good scoring spots he was solid in two games here, especially in a 15 point 10 rebound effort against  St. Maria Goretti (MD) and 6'8" Notre Dame recruit Marty Geben. On Saturday he struggled shooting the ball against LuHi and Robyn Missa he still managed 12 boards. He's a big bodied player with a terrific motor and soft touch who should continue to get better.

 Mustapha Traore 6'6" PF Phelps School (PA) I2015) Traore had a 10 point 13 rebound double double against Wilbraham and Munson. He's a versatile energy guy who is recruitable primarily by CAA and MAAC programs. He's a great rebounder and pretty good finisher and switch defenders who struggles to shoot the ball. If he can improve that area his stock will rise.

Jesse Govan 6'9" C Wings Academy (Bronx) (2015) Unfortunately I did not get to see all of Wings' 69-67 win over Gonzaga High (DC) but based on what I did see and the numbers Jesse played as  well as any big man here. The numbers say 38 points 15 rebounds 6 blocks and no turnovers. What the eye test says is that he's improved in every area a big man needs to for success at the next level. He's catching the ball better and learning how to play in pick and roll situations with speedy point man and 2015 classmate Desure Buie. He goes hard to the rim and finishes hard. His rebounding and shot blocking are better because improved quickness has made him an out of area rebounder and given him the ability to cover the whole basket area at the rim. To me even as he struggled as a freshman and soph there were signs of progress and now he's put everything together and become an elite prospect . And he'll only get better as he gets stronger and better conditioned.

Akintoye Ojo 6'9" C Cardinal Hayes (Bronx) (2015) While he showed good tools and athleticism the game against Pope John XXIII got a little fast for Ojo who will likely make a big jump in production in his senior year once he has a full summer to work and more court time created by the graduations of Ekwu and Jones. Even though he struggled here he should stay on the radars of D-I schools at all levels  because his size and athleticism are things no one can teach.

Rojaye Campbell 6'10" C Long Island Lutheran (2016)  The report for Campbell is essentially the same as for Ojo. He's a kid with great size who can run but needs skill development. In the game against Linden he was brought in essentially to give Missa a rest and use 5 fouls and he used them quickly. It's great that he's not afraid to mix things up but he needs lots of work. With his height, girth and length skill work could take him a long way.

Chris Coalman 6'6" F St. Mary's (LI) (2017)  Chris played varsity basketball last season as an 8th grader for North Babylon High School and showed flashes of skill and quickness. He showed those things here for St. Mary's also in a loss to Boys & Girls on Saturday but he shot just 2-7 from the floor in part because he did not have the strength to finish plays against a Kangaroo team that did not have much height but had plenty of strength and toughness. There are few players in any high school class with better skills and feel for the game than Chris but strength and agility work are more important for him than playing games this summer.

Nicholas Richards 6'10" C St. Mary's (LI) (2017)  Clearly Mr. Richards' best attributes are his size and length but he already has one essential skill for basketball success; he pursues the ball. He had 15 rebounds and three blocks doing just that in that loss to Boys & Girls and unlike many kids his age who grow early he fearlessly threw his body around even though he lost his footing a few times.  He's got lots of work to do in the gym but limitless potential if he gets there and works hard.

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Alkins' Clutch play Leads Balanced Royals Past Xaverian 66-56

Christ the King used balanced scoring and a few key buckets from their ace, junior forward Rawle Alkins to earn a 66-56 win at Xaverian yesterday.

              Just as they were during the game at CK on January 12th the Clippers were competitive against a Royals team that can get some scoring at every position. In the early going Tyrone Cohen, who finished with 11 points and Bryler Paige who finished with 12 points. Adonis Delarosa did not have big numbers scoring with 9 points but added 11 boards 3 blocks and one spectacular outlet pass,, after he hustled to retrieve a loose ball, to  Alkins for a thunderous dunk.

              Alkins' numbers, 15 points and 11 rebounds,  may look modest to some given his outstanding athleticism and strength that have drawn comparison to former Lincoln High and current Indiana Pacers star Lance Stephenson. But anyone who looks only at the numbers is missing an unmistakably clutch element  to his performance yesterday.  Xaverian used strong games from junior Sayon Charles (13 points) sophomore Nyonty  Wisseh and freshman Zach Bruno (10 points each)  to keep close but each time the Clippers appeared poised to take a lead and perhaps spring an upset the Royals got a basket and it came courtesy of Mr. Alkins. Need a three pointer from the right off the catch?? Alkins got it. Need a tough two pointer  curling off a screen from the top of the key?? Alkins can do that too  with seemingly effortless lift on his jumper. Need a tip in basket where one player's hand is a foot above everyone else's to make the play?? Alkins did that too. And oh by the way there's that dunk off Delarosa's  pass  which was not quite so clutch but great to watch.

              The Royals continue to improve as they prepare for the post season and a possible championship game rematch in March. When they met earlier this season Hayes won decisively in part because with seniors Shavar Newkirk and Chris Robinson, Hayes knew where they could go for key baskets. Now as his first season as a key part of the Royals' attack draws to a close, Alkins is establishing himself as CK's go to guy and that may be the single most important factor that has closed the gap between the two preseason favorites. The CHSAA"s "AA" division may be top heavy this year  with Loughlin  joining Hayes and CK as title contenders.   Alkins emergence as not just a scorer but a clutch scorer puts  the Royals right there with the Lions from Brooklyn and the Cardinal from the Bronx and gives the reigning champs from Queens a great chance to defend their title.

Recap of Monday's BAB Invitational Action

Island Lutheran 64 Linden (NJ) 58 Coach John Buck's LuHi squad finished off a terrific weekend with a win over Phil Colicchio's Linden squad. As they did on Saturday the Crusaders used a quick start to propel them to a win. And while Deonte Green's shooting was again a part of it, the main impetus for the rally came from up front where Marvin Prochet sparked the offense and  Robyn Missa, a 6'9" senior center had a terrific half defensively. He battled Linden's highly regarded forward Quadri Moore very well; using quick to three quarter and front him, and a nice wide frame to move him off his spot. The battle between the established star (Moore) and the emerging player from Germany was a good one to watch but it was short lived in part because the referee's had  a difficult time officiating big kids. Moore who's  headed to Cincinnati next fall won the statistical battle but Missa's great work on defense was a huge reasons for LuHi's win.

              While Missa anchored LuHi's Prochet sparked the offense and attacked the basket aggressively. He would finish the game with a team high 17 points and 12 boards. And his early good work helped the Crusaders to a 28-24 halftime edge. In the second half quarter Greene and junior reserve Elijah Bailey augmented LuHi's effort and helped them hold off a late charge by Linden. Greene added 16 points and Bailey added 10 for LuHi. Guard Juwan Jones whose hustle and scoring led Linden's late rally tied Moore for team high scoring honors with 16 points.

St.Ray's 58 St. Maria Goretti (MD) 50 St. Ray's coaching staff borrowed a page from baseball's superstitions. They put aside their usual suits and ties for coaches shirts in an effort to break a losing streak. It's likely that the Ravens' success doing so had less to do with the wardrobe change and more to do with the good work of game MVP Luis Santos who finished with 15 points and 10 boards; an impressive double double against Notre Dame-bound Martin Geben. Troy Ferguson added 11 points for the Ravens while freshman Sidney Wilson struggled to score shooting just 1-7 from the floor but added 3 assists and 4 steals. Guard Donovan Walker had a game high 19 points for Goretti while Geben added 10 points.

Phelps School (PA) 79 Wilbraham and Monson (MA) 76  One of the best things Jason Curry does as part of this tournament  is to invite prep programs to participate in what are technically exhibition games but they're  played as "sub college" games with 20 minute halves rather than 8 minute quarters. Often the teams competing have local players  who return to the city for this special event. That was the case for The Phelps School which featured two local stars, forward Terry Larrier who began his career at John F. Kennedy High in the Bronx and guard Quincy McKnight who began his career at Trinity (CT) Catholic. Both of those guys played key roles in helping Phelps get a win in a game that was played at an extraordinarily  high level that see-sawed from start to finish. Larrier, who will attend VCU next fall was dominant as he earned game MVP honors scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. McKnight added 17 and 7 assists. They helped Phelps overcome a balanced scoring effort from W&M.  Goodluuck Okonoboh, the UNLV bound 6'10" center had a spectacular all around game with 10 points 15 rebounds 6 assists and 3 blocks. Taylor Fortin a heady smooth shooting guard who played previously at Tolland (CT) High  had a team high 18 points and 7 assists for W&M.

Cardinal Hayes 61 Pope John XXIII 57 Like the prep game that preceded it this game was a nip and tuck struggle from start to finish.  Pope John's 6'10" junior Mustapha Diagne dominated inside posting game highs of 21 points and 16 boards. He also got Hayes' senior big man Nathan Ekwu into early foul trouble limiting him to just 11 minutes of playing time. But that was long enough for the 6'7" senior to connect on a tough face up jumper and get several in traffic rebounds against a front line that teamed 6'7" Ryan Izzo with Diagne. The two power guys up front combined with shooting guard Matt Zigorski to give Pope John a 5 point lead as the 4th quarter began. Hayes kept its unbeaten record intact as Chris Robinson (18 points) connected on a long 2 point basket and then made 2 free throws after he was fouled on a three point try. Underrated guard Jamar Smith bounced back from some sloppy play to make a tough runner in the lane  that gave Hayes the lead for good. He would then add free throws to help ice the game for the Cardinal. Hayes' best player from start to finish was game MVP Mustapha Jones who tied Robinson with 18 points and added 9 crucial rebounds to help Hayes compete on the glass despite Ekwu's absence. For Pope John Izzo added 18 points and 12 boards while Zigorski added 12 and 7 boards.

Recap of Saturday's BAB Invitational Action

Each year Jason Curry and his staff at Big Apple Basketball put on a great event featuring top teams and players from our region and around the country.  This year's event took on an additional significance because the event and the coaches award were dedicated to the memory of Wadleigh High School coach Mike Crump who passed away suddenly at the age of 44. Before I post recaps and player evaluations I'd like to join everyone in offering condolences to Mike's immediate family and the extended basketball family he gave so much to. When I think of Mike the first thing I'll remember is his voice and the way it carried. When I first heard it I thought it was perfect  for a teacher, whose voice needs to get past the buzz of a school or a classroom. As I got to know Mike, especially when his team visited Xaverian, I found that his voice was also one of passionate advocacy for his kids, humor which I think  made people let their guard down and listen, and reason that ALWAYS put the kids first. Farewell Mike, I'm sorry our contact was so brief. Rest easy you've lived a great life.

Saturday Game Recaps

     Boys & Girls 61 St. Mary's 55 Ruth Lovelace and the Kangaroos won a tight game thanks to their tough perimeter trio of senior Shaliek Ulysse, junior Jamie Killings, and sophomore Gianni Ford led a balanced attack that first  helped them sprint to a 17-10 lead and then made enough plays to hold off a young Gales team that find it's bearings after that first period. They seemed caught off guard by Ulysse and Killings' ability to slash to the basket and finish against the length of 6'10" freshman center Nick Richards and 6'6"  freshman forward Chris Coleman. But the strength and experience of the Kangaroos was the difference. Ulysse finished with 17 points and 10 board while Killings added 16 points  and Ford added 15 with 5 assists.

              St. Mary's was much better after that first period primarily because they did a better job of making sure their best players, junior guard Patrick Jackson  and forward Steve Milhaven got shots and touches. Milhaven finished with a game high 19 points and 9 boards while Jackson added 16 but struggled shooting just 6-25. Richards did not score much but snared 15 rebounds and had 3 blocks in defeat.

Cardozo 38 Iona Prep 31 The visitors from New Rochelle played just their second game without star forward Matt Ryan, who will have surgery for what is reported to be a hip impingement injury. Cardozo held the Gaels to just 7-45 shooting. Talented sophomore Ty Jerome was the focus of the Judges' attention and he shot just 1-13.

              It's not often that a guy wins game MVP honors but senior forward Carl Balthazer did just that and it was more than well deserved. His ability to anchor the defense down low helped his team's strong perimeter work and many of his 17 rebounds helped the Judges overcome poor shooting of their own by getting them additional possessions. Those extra chances proved to be the difference in the game as the Judges did just enough against an Iona team that, despite Ryan's absence played their usual terrific "pack line" defense. The shooting on both sides left something to be desired but Cardozo grinded out a good win.

Long Island Lutheran 69 St. Raymond's 58 Saturday proved to be the start of a good weekend for the visitors from Long Island as the hot outside shooting of sophomore Devonte Green to an 16 point half time advantage. Green had plenty of help as junior point guard Chris Atkinson added 12 to go with 6 assists and his usual good pressure on the ball defensively. Brooklyn native Marvin Prochet had 10 points and 9 boards. The game also featured two of our area's big men with St. Ray's junior Luis Santos playing LuHi's Robyn Missa. Both guys struggled to score early in the game. St. Ray's in particular had difficulty getting the ball to Santos in his scoring spot on the low right block thanks mainly to good pressure by Lutheran on St. Ray's guards.  To his credit Santos kept working hard and finished with 12 rebounds. Missa came on strong in the second half finishing with 13 points and 7 boards. The game also provided a first look for me at St. Ray's talented freshman Sidney Wilson. He finished with 13 points and 7 boards and showed  a great ability at an early age to slow the game down and play in traffic. Of course continued hard work and the luck of staying healthy will determine what the future holds for him.  But to see a freshman look so comfortable at this level was indeed impressive.

Strong 3rd Quarter From Their Seniors Lifts Loughlin Past Xaverian

              Bishop Loughlin's trio of talented seniors triggered a 3rd quarter barrage that saw the Lions build on a 31-29 halftime edge to take a 55-41 lead after three quarters. From there the Lions cruised to a 61-50 road win in Bay Ridge Friday night.

              The Clippers are a team with just one senior Rob Rossiter and save for a blowout loss at Cardinal Hayes they have been competitive in every league game including loses to the  CHSAA AA's other two top teams; Christ the King on Sunday and Loughlin last night. Rossiter and junior Bard Featherston provided the  scoring spark while improving sophomore Nyonty Wisseh created opportunities for his teammates and hit a nice pull up jumper of his own as Xaverian garnered an early 5 point advantage. At that point Loughlin used a quick transition basket by Khalik Howe to regain their footing and from there a nip and tuck first half ensued. Xaverian stayed close in the opening 16 minutes despite the absence of talented junior forward Sayon Charles who left the game with severe leg cramps. He returned to the game briefly after receiving treatment but he was clearly in severe pain and could not play through it. The Clippers go

              Rossiter's rebound basket sent the Clippers into the locker room trailing by just two and with needed momentum. But the Lions went to work quickly as Rutgers bound Mike Williams and fellow senior Javian Delacruz scored consecutive baskets. Williams nailed two three point baskets during the decisive rally while Delacruz and Seton Hall recruit Khadeem Carrington nailed one each. Delacruz finished with a game high 19 points while Williams added 18 and Carrington 15. Williams and Carrington have been the Lions' most consistent players in each of the past three seasons but it's the emergence of Delacruz as a consistent scoring threat that puts Loughlin alongside Hayes as the two teams to beat in the CHSAA "AA"  this season.

              For the Clippers  Rossiter finished with 18 points while Featherston added 15. Junior forward Najee Larcher had 12 filling in for Charles.

             

St. John's Loses 2-OT Heartbrealer 84-83

Of all the 5 losses St. John's has had to open Big East play last night's 84-83 loss to Providence  was easily the most difficult to take.

              "This was a high level Big East game," coach Steve Lavin said. "We just came up short."

              The Johnnies effort was indeed praise worthy as they rallied from an early double digit deficit. Providence built a 14-2 lead as St. John's seemed nervous staring down the barrel at an 0-5 start in conference  play. But they were able to find offensive answers primarily in the paint from JaKarr Sampson. They trailed by just 36-29 at the intermission, which put St. John's in pretty good position in despite the starting backcourt of D'angelo Harrison and Rysheed Jordan scoring just two points between them.

              St. John's continued to pound the paint in the second half. They tied the game at 50 with just under 9 minutes left when Jordan fed God'sgift Achiuwa but Providence was able to rebuild a lead thanks mostly to Bryce Cotton. Each time the Friars appeared to put distance between themselves and St. John's the Red Storm found their way back. Sampson , Achiuwa and Orlando Sanchez helped give St. John's 54 points in the paint. And when they finally took their first lead with just over three minutes left it was on a Harrison three pointer that was St. John's first in 10 tries. It came on a scramble situation thanks to an offensive rebound by Sanchez.

              St. John's had chances to win as time ran out in regulation and in each of the overtimes. Harrison  fed Sanchez for a great look from the top of the key that he missed. At the end of overtime one  Harrison waited till the clock ran down but ended up losing the ball and shooting an off balance shot. And then, in the second overtime with St. John's up one Bryce Cotton alertly tied up Max Hooper to give the ball to the Friars on alternate possession with 21 seconds left. He then made a tough right handed runner to give the Friars the winning margin and score the last of his game high 21 points. According to Lavin Hooper was in the game at that point because Sampson's leg cramped up and they needed a good shooter. Cotton likely recognized that Hooper was not strong with the ball and was able to get the tie up rather than giving a foul to gain possession for the Friars.

              St. John's then put the ball in the hands of their fastest player Phil Greene. On the play things "broke the way we expected" according to Lavin because the threat of Harrison's shot kept potential help defense from providence honest. But even with everyone spaced properly and a good drive from Greene the layup missed. Achiuwa, who gave St. John's a much needed physical presence fouled on the rebound and the Friars' Carson Derossiers purposely missed the two free throws with less than a second remaining.

              St. John's now takes a break from Big East play on Saturday against Dartmouth on Saturday.

CK Holds Off Xaverian 54-49

Christ the King completed a terrific weekend with a 54-49 home win against Xaverian. Following their impressive win at Molloy on Friday the visitors from Brooklyn played this game within a much tighter scoring window. The Royals' junior forward Travis Atkins was the best the best player on the floor scoring from the wing and on the baseline and getting his team extra possessions with great hustle and effort. The Royals took an early double digit lead behind the play of Atkins and Andre Walker on the outside while Adonis Delarosa provided his usual presence at the rim.

            It appears that with more games Delarosa's stamina has improved to a point where his footwork and lateral movement can be the factor they should be in games. Combine those with his two best tools, size and soft hands, and throw in the fact that he's a willing and able passer and you have a guy who is recruitable at the highest levels of college basketball even though he's not the "run and jump athlete" that many look for in a 6'10" center.

            Christ the King held off a young Xaverian team which forced them to play nearly the entire game within an 8-12 point window. There were several times during the game where the Royals seemed on the verge of breaking the game wide open only to have Xaverian make a key play or two that allowed them to hang around. Sophomore guard Nyonty Wisseh penetrated beautifully to score and set up teammates while Sayon Charles provided offense as well. A late rally and some missed free throws by the Royals made the final close. While the Clippers gained valuable experience and confidence playing a good team tough, the Royals continued to show the progress that seemingly began in Binghamton over the holidays.

            

Delarosa and Alkins Power CK Past Molloy 83-76

                             Senior center Adonis Delarosa and sophomore wingman Rawlie Alkins figured to be go to players this year. They were primarily support guys on a city championship team led by three seniors Jon Severe, Jordan Fuchs, and Malik Harmon. Two of them, Harmon and Severe, have moved on to division one college basketball. While Fuchs will head to Indiana on a football scholarship after a year of prep time on the gridiron, Severe has emerged as the leading freshman scorer in the nation for Fordham while Harmon is earning important minutes for St. Francis (Pa.)

              The loss of all that talent and leadership meant  that Delarosa and Alkins would be asked to be the foundation players. To be sure there were some early struggles for both the stars and the role players. In a particularly difficult and unexpected home loss to co-league favorite Cardinal Hayes  something just didn't look right. They weren't active on defense and often their offense was limited to one pass and a shot.

              Fast forward to a tournament win in the Stop DWI Classic in Binghamton that included a win in the finals against a talented Long Island Lutheran team, and add a quick turn of the calendar to 2014 and suddenly things are looking much better for the Royals and much tougher for the rest of the CHSAA's "AA" league.

              Facing what figured to be a difficult road test against a smaller but hot shooting and fast paced Molloy team, the Royals took away their transition game and,  with Delarosa anchoring the defense at the rim, aggressively moved to cover their shooters. Offensively, the  Royals  looked to Delarosa, who took advantage of the small court at Molloy, got down the floor quickly and established great post position. He scored a team high 18 points for the Royals while Alkins would add 16, including  three treys and a vicious transition slam  in just 3 quarters of action.

              The Royals took a 43-30 lead at the half, and extended that to 67-43 after three quarters. Molloy used a zone press and some hot outside shooting to rally to within 7 in the closing seconds and make the final score closer than the game itself. Gabe Kilpatrick finished with a game high 19 points while C.J. Davis added 16  for the Stanners. But the best player on the floor for them was senior forward Jason Cethoute  who continues to provide energy scoring and toughness even when he gives away size inside.

              Christ the King will look to continue their winning ways at home against Xaverian on Sunday while Molloy heads to St. Ray's in what should  be great battle against a team that's young but very talented. Sunday while Molloy heads to the Bronx to face a young and talentedSt. Ray's team in what should  be great battle.

             

Kilpatrick's Trey Nudges Molloy Past Xaverian 54-49

              Gabe Kilpatrick's contested 3-point basket with just under a minute left in the game proved to be a game winner for the Stanners. From there C.J. Davis tacked on 4 free throws to provide the final margin  in what was a well earned road win in Brooklyn yesterday.

              Xaverian's half court defense helped keep the game at a comfortable tempo for them. And some key plays on offense helped them find their footing against a Molloy team led by a trio of  seniors in Davis, Kilpatrick, and energetic forward Jason Cethoute. With help from senior leader  Rob Rossiter, who tied Kilpatrick for game high scoring honors with 18 points, the Clippers made enough  plays and shots to take a 22-17 advantage after two quarters. The playmaking of sophomore guard Dyontay Wisseh complimented Rossiter's work inside while junior sharpshooter Bard Featherston, freshman wing Zach Bruno and junior Najee Larcher each made contributions to what was a terrific first half effort.

              The Stanners looked to seize control early in the third quarter when Kilpatrick and Davis connected on a triple and a two pointer in their first two possessions to tie the game. With Rossiter leading the way, the Clippers regrouped  nicely. Forward Sayon Charles provided much needed inside offense while guard Dorian Isaac made two great drives for scores and reminded fans watching why he is one of the CHSAA's best on ball defenders. He had two great strips when Davis  tried cross over in front of him that not only resulted in turnovers but kept momentum on Xaverian's side. Charles picked up his fourth foul, and with his scoring and defense missing the Stanners got the opening they needed and their trio of seniors took advantage of it.  Kilpatrick showed a very quick release from deep and Davis augmented Gabe's scoring with 16 of his own.  The young Clippers, who had a three game winning streak broken provided a tough test for Molloy that will help ready them for Friday's matchup against Christ the King. The Royals will look to defend their turf as one of the league's top teams while the Stanners, playing at home, will look to break through as one of the league's top 3 teams. The battle will be epic and should not be missed.

              

A Belated Thank You to Mike Quick Plus other Observations

              My intention was to include this in my New Year's Eve post but when writing about Angel Nunez and Jevon Thomas got a bit long I decided to post it separately.  I'd like to look at both teams in the present and the future. For St. John's the look ahead will focus on the immediate future while my peak at Columbia will look more down the road as they anticipate adding one of New York's most talented and resourceful players, C.J. Davis of Molloy.

St. John's Beats the Lions 65-59 Of course the most important aspect of any game is the outcome and St. John's managed to get a win though not without a huge scare. The Johnnies had built a seemingly comfortable 14 point margin early in the second half. But Columbia helped by ex-Northport High center Luke Petrasek, who had 2 baskets, and a block followed by an athletic play to save possession during the rally. The Lions briefly took the lead before St. John's got a follow basket from Orlando Sanchez and two baskets from JaKarr Sampson as part of what would ultimately be a decisive rally and a good win.

St. John's Immediate Future Make no mistake the win against Columbia was a good one even though it was closer than most thought it would be. As coach Steve Lavin suggested the best thing  his team did was maintain its poise in the face of a furious rally. He also mentioned that any  coach would like an extra month to prepare for conference play. Two familiar struggles for his team, 3 point field goal defense and rebounding may have prompted that lament. Columbia shot 9-18 on from 3 and held their own on the boards as they were outrebounded  by just 4 (35-31). That lack of ruggedness in the paint came to the fore in Tuesday's 70-60 loss to Xavier as they were outrebounded and outscored  in the paint by decisive margins.  As they look to Saturday's game vs. Georgetown and beyond, St. John's faces a league that may have 3 new teams but maintains the physical style that has marked the league since its beginning. St. John's has  more than enough run and jump athletes but time will tell whether they can win consistently in what figures to be a bang around league just as it has always been.

A Look at Columbia Prefaced With A Brief Thank You The brief thank you goes to Mike Libert my colleague  and friend at NYCHOOPS.com and also to Mike Quick and the fine folks at MSG Varsity  who do such a great job covering high school sports in the tri-state area. It's thanks to them that I got a chance to see Columbia's Luke Petrasek while he was still a hidden gem at Northport High School. It was easy after watching the 6'10" lefthander who did not have a scholarship offer prior to March of his senior season it was easy to see why he  as highly thought of by those in the know. He quickly demonstrated a soft touch and good hands . Beyond those physical tools he also proven to be a willing and effective passer and, despite being"175 pounds soaking wet" as former St. Dom's coach Rob Pavenelli described him, he's was more than willing to mix it up and compete for rebounds. That motor which many coaches refer to as "the skill of playing hard" has served him well at the college level more than any other. As he, along with the rest of the young core of players he's a part of at Columbia continue to  mature and expand their games they will no doubt challenge for an Ivy League title and an NCAA tournament berth.

What adding C.J. Davis Means for the Lions The 2013-14 college basketball season has been marked by the quick rise of freshman players like Jabari Parker of Duke and Julius Randle of Kentucky, who bring NBA ready ability to talented teams. It's worth remembering that players like those are exceptional and more often than not the most impactful  freshmen are talented players who fit well with their new teams  and add to that elusive but essential element of chemistry. Coach Kyle Smith could be on the verge of just such a situation  when C.J. Davis arrives from Queens next fall. He will join an already talented roster which returns everyone from this year's team. And his ability to read the game both offensively and defensively, deliver passes on time and on target and his outstanding court awareness will add to the Lions' ball already strong core that includes Petrasek and leading scorer Grant Mullins, who may shift to shooting guard at times while Davis takes the point. C.J. might have been considered a step slow by high end programs but he brings skill, poise and mental toughness that are essential to winning. Coach Smith will also learn quickly that he's a quick study so his learning curve will be brief. Congratulations to both C.J. and the coaching staff at Columbia. This will prove to be a terrific New York basketball marriage.