Kofi
Cockburn finished with a game high 17 points as Christ the King used its size
and balance to earn a hard fought and convincing win over Xaverian 67-46 in
Brooklyn yesterday.
The
fact that Cockburn, the 6’11” junior center was CK’s only double figure scorer
may seem odd if you read about the game on web sites like this one or saw only
a box score. But if you watched the game the reason that’s true is readily discernable.
It is a tribute to just how deep and well balanced the team is, and while early
season losses to Cardinal Hayes and Iona Prep indicate that the Royals have work
to do in order to reach their full potential, today’s all-around effort is an
indication that the talent is there for a deep post season run and perhaps
another city title.
To be
sure Cockburn and fellow big man freshman Moussa Cisse set the pace with their
ability to run the floor and protect the rim. Cockburn finished with 8 rebounds
in addition to his 17 points while Cisse, who also stands 6’11” finished with a
team high 14 rebounds and 2 blocks to go along with 8 points of his own. Cisse is a remarkably fluid athlete given his
size and age and showed remarkable range defensively not only as a shot blocker
but as a guy who got to several of those rebounds with quickness that
compliments his length. Cockburn might not be quite as athletic as his similarly
tall teammate but with bulk and an improved shooting touch that compliments
Cisse’s quickness and athleticism the Royals’ “twin towers” appear destined for
success at this level and beyond.
Xaverian
tried to counter with their perimeter fire power as guards Isaiah Amazan and Billy
Reyes each finished with 13 points. They battled as best they could on the
inside but that task was made more difficult by the absence of Mike Graham who
rolled his ankle in the Clippers’ Friday win vs. St. Francis Prep. Without him sophomore
Elijah Hardison had his hands full despite help from the guards but his effort
included 4 blocks and a couple of nice low post moves. He has been a hard-running
big man and an active defender who can give Xaverian an additional weapon if he
can improve offensively.
Christ
the King’s ability to control the paint likely made the difference in this game
but their perimeter players did some good work as well. Senior leader Tyson Walker
had filled the stat sheet with 7 points 5 assists and 4 steals while a pair of
talented sophomores, Ryan Meyers and Quaron McPherson each provided tough
defense and a steady floor game for the Royals. McPherson, who arrived from the
Patrick School with a reputation as a scorer had 7 rebounds and 4 steals and
did not force his own scoring. Meyers, who lead last season’s freshman team also
had a quietly effective game scoring only when opportunity came, feeding the
post nicely and being active with his great hands defensively.
Slowly
but surely both of these young teams are learning what it takes to compete in
one of the country’s toughest high school leagues. More is expected of Christ
the King and they will continue to get better especially as they figure out how
best to play defensively. It’s early but both these teams, though very
different with respect to how they play will likely be very good by season’s
end.
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