Archbishop
Stepinac used a 24-10 third quarter that would ultimately prove decisive in
their 74-65 win over Christ the King for the CHSAA’s “AA” New York City
championship. The win was the school’s first at the highest level of basketball
since 1960 and capped a terrific playoff run lead by Illinois-bound senior Alan
Griffin who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. While the third
quarter may have been decisive, the true turning point may have come in the
closing moments of the first half.
Christ the King
had been able to build a 28-19 advantage in the second quarter thanks in no
small measure to what was shaping up to be a dominant effort from both of
Christ the King’s big men. Moussa Cisse,
the Royals’ 6’11” freshman center is, simply put an agile big man who has none
of the awkwardness that happens when a young athlete grows so tall so early in
his development. The full range of his abilities, running, finishing at the rim
and especially shot blocking were on display as Christ the King forged their
early lead. The Royals “other” twin tower Kofi Cockburn was every bit as
impactful on the game while displaying different skills. His rebounding,
ability to finish with powerful dunks and his soft touch from the key combined
with Cisse and enough complimentary play from CK’s guards to gain the lead.
Stepinac was making enough plays to stay within striking distance as they
stayed aggressive against the challenge of the two talented bigs but it wasn’t
until those closing moments that they gained some footing and outscored the
Royals 9-2 as the second quarter drew to a close. That rally came to a dramatic
and perhaps momentum changing conclusion when Xavier Wilson set a well-timed
brush screen that helped give RJ Davis just enough room to knock down a
3-pointer as time expired. The score was suddenly 30-28 and the stage would be
set for an exciting second half. Then,
after CK’s Ryan Meyers from beyond the arc, and RJ Davis, on a basket and foul
scored three points each to open the third quarter, Alan Griffin went to work.
And while his efforts in previous playoff games had been punctuated by great
shooting and high scoring numbers, his third quarter effort was more indicative
of the complete player he’s shown himself to be in two varsity seasons at
Stepinac.
It began on the
defensive end, with a block of Cockburn followed by what became a “hockey
assist” pass to brother AJ who immediately shoveled a perfect dime to Joel
Soriano for two. Then, he drove the length of the floor for a missed layup that
was quickly followed in by Wilson. After that he fielded a CK miss, again
pushed the tempo and again found his brother, this time with a bounce pass that
got him a perfect step up jumper for two more.
Following a Royals’
time-out Alan went right back to work deflecting a CK pass to AJ who returned
the ball to his older brother in transition for a powerful dunk. A two from the
left elbow and converting all the free throws when fouled on a triple would add
to the elder Griffin’s virtuoso 3rd period. During this stretch
Griffin also made a terrific hustle play when Moussa Cisse blocked a shot and
then sprinted the length of the floor for what should have been a dunk were it
not for Alan’s hustle and ability to get just enough of it to keep Cisse from
scoring. Following a powerful dunk by Cockburn AJ found reserve guard Ed
Sanchez for a triple that gave the Crusaders their first double digit margin.
Despite the efforts of the Royals’ in the 4th quarter Stepinac was
able to hold them off in part thanks to two rally-stopping baskets by AJ
Griffin, the poised freshman finished with 19 points. RJ Davis added 12 with a
team high 6 assists while Wilson who made lots of important plays that won't show up in the box score also had his best statistical game with 13 points and 8 boards. Alan Griffin capped off his MVP performance with 20
points 8 rebounds (all on the defensive end) 3 blocks and 2 steals.
For Christ the King
Ryan Meyers finished with 18 points, and tied Cockburn, who added 15 rebounds
for team high scoring honors. College coaches will likely find the perfect 6-6
free throws on Kofi’s stat line especially impressive. Finally, a statistical
measure of just how great Moussa Cisse’s effort was he finished with 10 points
11 rebounds and *gulp* 12 blocks. And
for those who need reminding yes this is the stat line from a championship game
built by a high school freshman.
Pat Massouroni’’s
squad won the day despite a great effort for Joe Arbitello’s Royals. While both
teams lose talented seniors like Alan Griffin and Xavier Wilson for Stepinac
and Tyson Walker for the Royals, both these teams have players who will not
only keep their teams among the region’s best but will take a national stage as
high school players. While a great season comes to an end it could mark the
beginning of a great time not only for these teams but for high school
basketball in the metropolitan area.
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