NCAA Regional Breakdown With Notes of Local Interest

              As I start writing this I am keeping in mind that any and everyone who fills out a tournament  bracket, whether they be a gym rat like yours truly or a person participating in an office pool because everyone else is doing it, is engaging in a certain amount of guess work. Even a guy like me who's more than a little informed about all these teams can't know for certain how two teams will play against each other. With all that in mind if you are inclined to read this, I hope you enjoy it. But remember it's intended to entertain and not to be *ahem* investment advice. Here without further ado is a brief synopsis of each of the 4 regions with explanations of some of my choices.

South Region: Like most of the experts I expect Florida  to survive in this region because of a combination of depth, experience and inside-outside scoring balance that's  unprecedented at a time when top level players don't stay in school long enough for teams to develop those winning attributes. I also like New Mexico to get to the regional final with a win over Syracuse before falling to the Gators because the length and physicality of forward Cameron Bairstow, Center Alex Kirk and guard Kendall Williams means that the Lobos will probably be less bothered by the length of the Kansas and Syracuse than any team those two faced in recent memory. Plus the fact that the Lobos are still smarting from their early exit to Harvard last year. Talent plus a chip on their shoulder could prove to be the spark for a deep tournament  run.

Also Worth Noting in the South Region In the 8-9 game Colorado will miss injured star Spencer Dinwidde to an even greater degree than they have already against a team that can shrink the court like the Panthers. UCLA will survive against Tulsa but that game will be much closer than a 4-13 game should be. Last but certainly not least I did pick the 5-12 upset with Stephen F. Austin beating VCU. In my mind I know that the Rams will miss their hot shooting sixth man and former Rice H.S. standout Melvin Johnson. Even with that in mind my heart pulled me in this direction because one of the Lumberjacks' assistant coaches is none other than former South Carolina and Bishop Loughlin star Mike Boyton, who's now there after a brief stint coaching at his college alma mater. Good luck to the 'jeacks and to  Mike who was one of the best kids I knew as a player and is now a great guy.

East Region: I have Villanova surviving  until the regional final against my pick Michigan State for two reasons. First I think the new Big East's decision to return to a home & home format in conference play will help the teams that did get into the big dance because they've been forced to use counters and make adjustments  by seeing 9 teams twice. Second, while teams such as Iowa State, whom the 'cats would see in a regional semi-final may be stronger at a position or two the difference is not so wide that Villanova can't take advantage of their ability to spread the floor and penetrate. Sparty on the other hand has length and toughness inside  and super sophomore Gary Harris on the outside who, to an old-timer like myself, looks more and more like former Milwaukee Bucks' star Ricky Pierce because of his length, defensive energy and absolutely pure shooting stroke.

Also Worth Noting in the East Region: For the record I am probably one of the few people who stayed away from the most chic of 5-12 upset picks and took Cincinnati over Harvard.  And in case you're wondering yes I am completely aware that the Crimson essentially have an Atlantic 10 level roster while playing in the ivy league. That said I just can't see Tommy Amaker's team sneaking up on people in back to back NCAA's. I also think that it helps the Bearcats that they play and have played a heavy dose of eastern basketball so they know what to expect more so than last year's upset victims out west. I like 10th seeded St. Joe's over UConn because I think St. Joe's guards, Chris Jones and Langston Galloway to contain the penetration of the Huskies' two outstanding  PT boats Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatwright. If that happens and the game becomes a battle in the paint it's a battle that two local products, Halil Kanacevic of Curtis High on Staten Island and Ron Roberts of St. Peter's (NJ) Prep can win against a UConn front line that is talented but still developing. Last but not least congratulations go out to two local players who took the junior college route to get there and have helped their teams to the big dance and are in this region. Rugged forward Dustin Hogue of Yonkers' Lincoln high has provided a tough inside presence for the Cyclones despite being undersized at 6'6". And Jordan Aaron, who starred in the PSAL's "A" division before a terrific senior year for coach Billy Turnage  at Wings Academy. Jordan's scoring and play making ability helped Milwaukee to a surprise win in the Horizon League tournament. Well done guys and good luck to both of you.

Midwest Bracket: The so-called bracket of death where the committee in its decidedly finite wisdom has seen fit to make unbeaten Wichita State a top seed but present the Shockers with a gauntlet of traditional college powers that includes Duke, Louisville,  Kentucky and Michigan. Those of you who've read my news and notes from early last season know that the Shockers have one of my favorite local stars in forward Cleanthony Early who attended Pine Bush High School in Orange County. The versatile 6'8" forward combines with guards Fred Van Fleet and Ron Baker to give WSU as good a core group as there is in the tournament. I have the Shockers losing in a regional semi final to my eventual pick Louisville. Former Molloy star Russ Smith has once again taken his game to another level for tournament time as he did last year for the defending national champs. Despite a key y mid season loss in forward Chane Behanen the Cardinals will get enough of what they need inside to win this bracket and advance to the final.

Also Worth Noting in the Midwest Regional am not on board with the notion that Kentucky has experienced some sort of basketball epiphany following the SEC tournament. And K-State not only has a veteran roster with former Rice star Shane Southwell and former St. Ray's star Omari Lawrence as role players but they have a talented freshman of their own in power guard Marcus Foster who averaged 15.4 points per game as a rookie. I'd feel better about this pick of old friend and point guard  Jevon Thomas were further along in his development because his defense and speed could give UK fits.  That said he hasn't shown the ability to run a team and make solid decisions at this level and probably needs a full summer and early practice time next season to be ready to be the kind of player his talent says he should be. Manhattan, with its roster of local stars and Pitino pupil Steve Mssiello as head coach will play the Cardinals tough for a while before losing  and Duke, whom I have losing in a regional final rematch to the Cardinals better be careful of getting into a track meet with UMass in that region. Former Bishop Ford star Chazz Williams creates a fast pace as well as anyone and former St. Pat's star Derrick Gordon is a physical scoring off guard but what makes UMass a potential threat to Duke is a long experienced group of bigs that will not outplay Jabari Parker and the rest of Duke's frontline but may do just enough to give those guards a chance to lead them to an upset win.

West Region: I have top seeded Arizona escaping what will be a difficult bracket and I do so with only a slight nod to Wildcat assistant and former St. Ray's player Book Richardson. They get the nod primarily because  they're big and talented and they found the right fit at point guard when T.J. McConnell arrived from Duquesne. His ability to run the team has allowed Nick Johnson to play as a true off guard and score attacking the basket or shooting from deep. Even though the injury to freshman Brandon Ashley takes away a dynamic and versatile forward they have a enough up front t to advance from this bracket.

I like North Dakota State to be this season's Cinderella 12 seed and post upsets over Oklahoma n round2 and 4th seeded San Diego State. They have terrific inside outside balance as 6'7" forward Taylor Braun and 6'8" forward Marshall Bjorklund key an attack that shoots over 50% from the floor and a shade under 37% from beyond  the arc. I look for Creighton and Doug McDermott to beat Wisconsin in a regional semi before losing to AZ because the Badgers normally reliable defense will struggle against a team that can spread them like the Blue Jays can.

Also Worth Noting in the West Region: Iowa, with former Siena coach Fran McCaffery will play tonight's game with a heavy heart because the coach's 13 year old son  Patrick will have undergone surgery to remove  a thyroid tumor. It is a blessing that, according to reports the surgery went well. The tumor will be tested to determine whether or not it is malignant. My thoughts and prayers are with Patrick and his family.

The game marks Iowa's first NCAA appearance in 8 years and the Hawkeyes have Glen Cove native Melsahn Basabe, who has become a key role player as the team has transitioned into the kind that can space the floor and shoot the way McCaffrey's Siena teams did when they scored tourney upsets. Good luck also to Oklahoma soph and former Mt. Vernon guard Isaiah Cousins.

Royals Take Second Straight Title Over Loughlin 72-61

              Christ the King's 72-61 win over Bishop Loughlin at Fordham that gave the Royals their second straight CHSAA title and was very much a reflection of what would become a  great year.

              Christ the King's season was not without its struggles. Seniors Andre Walker and Adonis Delarosa, who had played complimentary roles last year were going through the process of assuming leading roles. Junior wingman Travis Atson and sophomore Rawlie Alkins struggled to fit in as well. Alkins, who's the team's most talented player and a top national recruit would often move through games cautiously in an effort to fit in with teammates. Even though there were difficult losses along the way to Hayes, and Molloy and at Loughlin the Royals found their way to familiar ground in the Diocesan championship game where they lost again to the Lions.

              There were moments of struggle in the game also even as the Royals maintained a slight advantage. Loughlin was ready for the new and improved version of Delarosa. They varied the timing and direction of their double teams. And he did not score his first field goal until a short corner pop in the third quarter. Even Alkins who finished with a game high 24 points had some early miscues.

              The Royals built a 4 point advantage and maintained it through to even quarters in the second and third. Their transition defense improved markedly from their Diocesan title loss and while Loughlin torched the Royals from beyond the arc in that game shot a combined 3-21 in this one.

              Williams and Carrington fought through their three point shooting woes to trim the deficit to one in the closing moments of the third quarter but when Delarosa got a rebound and made a quick pass to Walker, the senior guard made a half court shot to keep the margin at four 51-47.

              From there a back and forth struggle was taken to another level in the final stanza. Alkins, who scored the bulk of his 24 points closer to the basket, scored his most important hoop on a triple with 2:32 left in the game. Delarosa made a terrific defensive play to deflect a pass, got to the loose ball and again made a terrific outlet pass to Walker in a play that began similar to the one that ended the third quarter. This time, Walker snapped a perfect diagonal pass to Alkins who rose up and drained a right wing triple with the confidence of an elite level player.

              From there it was left to the Royals, and in particular Delarosa to clinch the game from the free throw line. Travis Atson, the Royals' high flying 6'5" junior finished with 21 points and earned  tournament MVP honors. His first basket came on a beautiful pass and cut combination with Walker for a dunk and was indicative of the energy he gave his team and  ability to score and finish within the flow of the offense. Delarosa overcame that slow beginning with 10 points and 15 boards while Walker added 13 points 8 boards and 6 assists. For the Lions Carrington had 22 points while Williams added 17. Loughlin had a tremendous year of their own and like the Royals deserve congratulations on a great season. Christ the King won the day and became the first team since Chick Keegan's St. Francis Prep team s of the mid and late 1950's to win 4 titles in 5 years. In a season that many thought would be a down year for the Royals they drew from previous success and found familiar championship ground. Congratulations to the Royals on a job well done.

               

Round Three for Royals and Lions to Decide CHSAA Title Sunday

              Christ the King and Bishop Loughlin each scored impressive wins in last night's CHSAA "AA" semifinals at Fordham's Rose Hill gym last night. The results set up what should be a fantastic rematch of last season's final between these two traditional powers.  On Sunday at 3:00 pm two teams that faced difficult tests last night will meet for the championship after splitting two games in the regular season. Round three figures to be an epic struggle and the champion will have to win decisively because both teams will play with a champion's effort and heart Here are recaps of the two games that set  the stage for what should be an amazing game.

Bishop Loughlin 89 St. Peter's 77 Since his arrival on Loughlin's varsity three years ago Mike Williams has been the guy to give a talented Lions' squad a dose of physical toughness that is as essential to winning as the stuff that shows up on the stat sheet. Mike scored a game high 30 points in helping his team hold off  a stubborn and talented St. Peter's squad bit the way he scored was what mattered most.  Simply put he gave his team whatever it needed; a trademark corner three, a key rebound for a basket, and a mid range jumper were all part of the arsenal. And they needed every last ounce of Williams' effort plus help from his teammates to beat the Eagles from Staten Island who proved individually and as a team that they belonged with the city's top teams.

              Point guard Glenn Sanabria continued to demonstrate why he should have been a D-1 recruit long ago. After an early time out by  coach Charlie Driscoll perhaps to settle his team down, St. Peter's played as they have all season against what was likely the most  active and athletic defense they've seen. Sanabria handled the ball beautifully  against heavy pressure. His 17 points included several treys including one of the contested step back variety, and a beautiful cross over lefty finish for a "hoop and ham" three point play. And when he wasn't scoring, Sanabria was delivering on time and on target passes to shooters such as junior  Riley Walsh who finished with a team high 25 points. Senior Latrell Curtis who had 15 points and senior reserve David Adesco who added 10 and gave the Eagles a huge boost.

              Loughlin ultimately prevailed because in addition to Williams' great effort they got 22 from Khadeem Carrington including a back breaking three from the top of the circle from a distance where you  just don't guard players, even great ones. Javian Delacruz added 16 while shooting specialist Isak Boden had 11 off the bench.

              In a game of streaks St. Peter's was able to rally each time Loughlin seemed on the verge of pulling away. A 7-0 spurt by the Lions that countered a 5-0 spurt by St. Peter's to open the 4th period ultimately proved decisive for the Lions and propelled them into the championship round.

Christ the King 49 Cardinal Hayes 47  Hayes had posted a convincing season opening win against the Royals in December and in more ways than just the final score this game was the polar opposite of the first between the two teams. Hayes not only encountered a better team in Christ the King but a better player in Adonis Delarosa, who ultimately provided the margin for the Royals. W              hen Shavar Newkirk scored on a difficult drive and converted the free throw with 1:07 left to give Hayes a 47-44 lead it appeared that Hayes had done just enough to overcome what I suspect they'd admit was a sloppy effort offensively. The Royals and Delarosa had other ideas. First Delarosa drew a foul on a post up and made one of two free throws to bring CK to within 47-45. On Hayes' next possession Delarosa drew an offensive foul on Ekwu that would be his 5th. As the Royals got ready to inbound the ball you could see Adonis talking and pointing to his teammates. He knew where he wanted to go, to the low block. And he wanted to make sure his teammates got the ball to him there. And when they did Delarosa executed perfectly using a drop step move that likely wasn't in his repertoire when he faced Ekwu and Hayes in December. he powered the ball through contact scored the goal and made the free through with 14.3 seconds left to give the Royals. Travis Atson then took down a Hayes air ball and made one of two free throws to provide the final margin. Atson finished with 7 points 9 rebounds and a momentum changing dunk over Ekwu that helped the Royals bounce back from  an early 4th quarter deficit. Rawlie Alkins led the scoring with 18 points and had a terrific all around game while Andre Walker  continued what was been a great playoff run for him with 11 points and 5 rebounds .

              Delarosa's numbers may look modest to those who did not see the game but his 12 points and 9 boards may seem modest to those who did not see the game or follow the league. But the numbers and his success against Ekwu, who outplayed him in December are indicative of a player who's improved his game by adding a hook shot and doing his work early in establishing post position. This game may not have  been an artistic success but it was a great slugfest between two very good teams. The Royals, earned a great win and a chance to defend their title Sunday.