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.