St. John's Fights Through Adversity for a win over Long Beach State and their Best Start Since '90-'91

              In any special season good teams face a time or two where they have to fight through adversity. St. John's faced some before the season began when they lost potential frontcourt help as Keith Thomas and Adonis Delarosa were ruled ineligible because of academic issues.

              Yesterday as they beat a tough Long Beach State squad 66-49 two more potential obstacles presented themselves. First, the team learned before the game that Rysheed Jordan would miss the game because of a stomach virus. The second obstacle showed itself during the game when star guard D'angelo Harrison, who entered the game as the Big East's leading scorer at 18 ppg, struggled for the first time all year finishing with just 9 points.

              No problem for St. John's. The senior laden team which has been praised all year by their coach Steve Lavin for their resourcefulness found several ways to negotiate those obstacles successfully. Their defense, which held Long Beach State to 1-13 three point shooting in the first half. "Our defense sustained us and allowed us to forge a lead until our offense caught up to the level of our defense," Lavin said.

              It's understandable that the offense catching up took a while with Jordan missing and Harrison struggling but once again the veteran Red Storm found some answers. In the backcourt Jamal Branch, whose offense normally takes a back seat as he runs the team chipped in with 11 points. Up front, Chris Obekpa had perhaps his best offensive game of the season, finishing with 16 points on 7-8 shooting.  The offensive outburst came with his usual good defense as he finished with 6 blocks.

              Long Beach State briefly grabbed leads in the second half but St. John's answered quickly each time first with an Obekpa  jumper  and next with a jumper from Phil Greene, who tied Obekpa for game high scoring honors with 16 points. Guard Mike Caffey lead Long Beach State while Tyler Lamb added 10 points.

              The win raises St. John's record to 10-1, giving them their best start since the 1990-91 season when they reached the elite 8.

Jefferson Beats St. Ray's in a Great Game at Legends Classic

              One of many things that can be taken from Saturday's fantastic game between visiting Thomas  Jefferson and home standing St. Ray's is that there should be more games like this played in New York City. There should be more games where two of the city's top teams step outside of league play with nothing on the line except that game's result.

              The 3rd annual Basketball  Legends Classic provided that game and many other good things came from it. The game itself, which ended in a 97-92 win for Jefferson was terrific and kept the fans who jammed the gym at St. Ray's involved from start to finish.

              And the college coaches present , from schools such as St. John's Niagara, Fordham and others at all levels of college basketball got to see young players in an environment made more competitive by the number of good players on the floor for both sides  which helps them make accurate scouting evaluations of perspective recruits.

                             Last but certainly not least, the teams themselves benefit most of all because they get an early indication of how they need to get better to make deep league playoff runs. Jefferson coach Lawrence Pollard has taken full advantage of this playing five of New York's top six clubs regardless of league affiliation.

              This game also had one well reported sub plot in the person of point guard Jaquan McKennon, the speedy point guard who played Saturday for Jefferson but began his high school career at St. Ray's. All the things that made him a talented young prospect in those early days make him a talented young player now. He plays with an extremely low to the ground dribble, keeps it alive against pressure and can make every kind of pass. He finished with 13 points , a boatload of great assists and very few turnovers in what coach Pollard called his best all around game of the season.

              He combined with junior guard Shomarie Ponds  who took many of McKennon's passes for baskets and helped the Orange Wave take advantage of some early Ravens' jitters. Ponds finished with a game high 32 points and demonstrated his trademark mid-range game and slashing ability along with improved accuracy from beyond the arc. Jefferson also received key contributions from talented forwards  Isaiah Deas and Davere Creighton each made critical baskets to help Jefferson  navigate a stet of the second half where Ponds was limited with 4 fouls.  Deas and McKennon hit consecutive 3's in the third period  that gave Jefferson a 60-57 lead that they would never relinquish.

              The Ravens, and in particular talented sophomore point guard Isaiah  Washington regrouped from those early jitters to play very well. Junior shooting guard Casim Brown finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds while uber talented sophomore Sidney Wilson added 22 points 8 boards and 7 blocks.  They nearly helped the Ravens mount a winning rally with the help of late game pressure. Jefferson  earned a hard fought win but make no mistake both teams are better for having played each other.

Fast and Furious 2nd Half Lifts #20 St. John's Past St. Mary's 53-47

                             The ice bags on D'angelo Harrison's arm and Joey Delarosa's wrist were indicative of the basketball battle two very good teams, St. John's and St. Mary's waged at Carnesseca Arena last night. Both teams like to establish physical play each team likes to do so at a very different pace.

              For the first 20 minutes the visitors from northern California had the pace they wanted and slowly  built their lead thanks to a dominant first half effort on the boards (28-12) terrific half court defense and precise offensive execution that helped the Gaels make sure that Brad Waldow, their awkward looking but effective center got touches. He was equally good in pick and roll as well as post up situations as he provided the offensive spark for a 33-18 halftime advantage for St. Mary's. The wide margin plus early foul trouble for both Harrison and center Chris Obekpa spelled trouble for St. John's

              According to Harrison, coach Steve Lavin's message was simple to the point. "Coach just emphasized cutting down on Waldow he had 19 (of his game high 26 points) in the first half."

              Lavin did more than just ask his team to limit Waldow's touches, he helped his team make an adjustment that in turn helped his team accomplish just that. Sir'Dominic Pointer, the team's best defender fronted Waldow which not only limited his catches but, as Pointer explained "I'm quicker so I can get around in front and they have to lob the ball over me and Chris can look to block shots rather than be on Waldow.  It made it a lot easier for me and Chris."

              The effect was almost immediate. St. John's pulled to within 39-33 with just under 13 minutes left and finally taking the lead with 8:04 left on two Pointer free throws. He and Harrison provided much of the offensive spark. Harrison scored a team high 21 points while Pointer did a terrific job exploiting quickness mismatches  for a double double (11 points and 10 boards. St. John's defensive pressure was the key as they scored 17 points off turnovers and forced  Waldow to commit 7 without an assist. St. Mary's dominated the first half with physicality in the paint but St. John's won the second, and ultimately the game, with physical play on the perimeter; trapping St. Mary's  guards and diving for every loose ball and, as Harrison put it succinctly, "playing St. John's basketball".

              The win was St. John's 5th straight and raised their season mark to 9-1. Waldow was the only double figure scorer for St. Mary's which dropped to 6-3

Alkins and the Royals Make a Strong Statement with a Big Win

              With yesterday's convincing 71-52 win at Xaverian, the two time defending CHSAA "AA" champs let fans and foes alike know that they're ready to make a strong  defense of their title and go for a third straight championship at Fordham in March.

              To be sure some of the key players have moved on.  Adonis Delarosa, the skilled center who was a key part of both title teams has moved on to St. John's. And Travis Atson, the MVP of last season's playoffs has moved on to South Kent Prep.

              If the Royals are to get their third straight title the player who will have been a key contributor on all of those teams will be Rawlie Alkins, the 6'4" junior perimeter star who has seen his name climb steadily up the prospect lists. In today's win he filled the stat sheet with 16 points 7 rebounds 4 assists and 3 blocks. Those numbers not withstanding  they don't even begin to tell the story of how well  he played  or what he could  mean for a team filled with young players trying to fill key roles on a team with championship expectations for the first time.

             

              Alkins had just 6 points in the first half as he helped the Royals to a modest 28-22 halftime advantage but throughout this game and in particular during the first 16 minutes that perhaps the most underrated part of  his game was on display. As he tried to navigate a Xaverian defense that was tough early his floor game was impeccable. He threw the ball ahead, kept it moving with good passes and made asses that helped some of those new guys in key roles have early scoring success and gain early confidence.

              Sophomore  Jose Alvarado, who played point guard on last year's freshman team gladly accepted the role of shooting guard for this game scoring a game high 21 points for the Royals several of which came on drive and kick treys on perfectly delivered passes from Alkins. Junior Yashawn Bright also scored well early wile fellow junior Tyrone Cohen  contributed 12 points and 5 boards of his own again with a bit of help from Alkins. Cohen and Alkins also provided much of the lane coverage and rim protection tat thwarted Xaverian's effort. Both Dorian Isaac and Nyotay Wisseh got into the lane at times but every attempted finish was contested, and on the Royals fast breaks that often followed those plays  Alkins showed why he's one of the best transition passers our region has seen in some time.

              Xaverian's defense kept them even at 12 after one quarter. Though they trailed by just six at the half they had sabotaged their own effort by missing free throws including three front ends of one and one opportunities. While big man Najee Larcher and Wisseh  had decent games for the Clippers, the home team showed they still have some work to do before they're ready to take on the champs. For now Rawlie Alkins and the Royals still stand strong, like champions indeed.

 for the first time.

Sir'Dominic Points the way to win for Johnnies

                             A spectacular all-around effort from Sir'Dominic Pointer and a strong defensive effort in the second half  helped lift St. John's past a stubborn LIU-Brooklyn squad 66-53 at Carnesecca Arena last night.  The senior forward finished with a career high 18 points on 8 of 10 shooting while adding 8 rebounds and 6 blocks as he helped the Johnnies beat a local foe determined to give them their best effort.

              "They came in with purpose", coach Steve Lavin said of the visitors from  Flatbush. "I was impressed with their cohesive approach."

              That cohesiveness was even more impressive considering that coach Jack Perri and the Blackbirds begin this season without their 4-year floor general Jason Brickman who led them to 3 Northeast Conference titles while smashing the league's career assist record.

In his absence a pair of freshman guards from Iceland Elvar Fridriksson and Martin Hermannsson

helped facilitate terrific ball movement for the Blackbirds with 5 assists each. LIU took an early 5 point lead that would have been greater were it not for the efforts of Pointer and Chris Obekpa who combined for 14 blocks on the day and altered countless others; Obekpa with his length and timing and Pointer with his quick leaping ability. Obekpa's 10 rebound 8 block effort was even more impressive than those numbers indicate  since, he is still clearly limited by an injury he suffered during practice on Staten Island a few weeks ago.

              The Red Storm rallied behind that defensive effort to take a 32-26 halftime advantage. Pointer sparked the rally with two steals he took home for slams and a pretty cross court assist  that freshman Myles Stewart drained for a three pointer.

              LIU had a bit more fight in them though as they started the second half with a 7-0 run that briefly gave them the lead at 33-32 but Pointer scored again, this time converting an offensive board to give his team the lead back. From that point sophomore Rysheed Jordan did his best work finishing with 15 points primarily on pull up jumpers from middle  distance. D'angelo Harrison added 14 for the Johnnies while senior and former  Wings Academy player Gerrell Martin added a team high 14 points for the Blackbirds.

News and Notes: The win capped a very good day for the Johnnies who also announced the signing of guard Samir Doughty of Philadelphia Math, Civics and Sciences School as the first member of their 2015 recruiting class. He is a physical  attacking off guard with good size (6'3") strength and passing ability. St. John's takes a week off before playing Big Ten rival Minnesota at MSG on Wednesday.

Local Big Man Delarosa Helps St. John's Take a Step Forward

St. John's ended a two week period of turmoil with a commitment from a local star. Christ the King's 6'11" center Adonis Delarosa becomes St. John's first recruit in the 2014 class when his letter of intent becomes official next week. The Bronx native also becomes coach Steve Lavin's first New York recruit since Queens native Mo Harkless arrived 3 years ago for what was a productive but brief stop on his way to the league and guaranteed first round money. Delarosa has NBA ready  size but his stay in college figures to be a bit longer thanks primarily to conditioning issues. Make no mistake though, he brings a few things, size being just one, that St, John's needs.

     Before discussing those things it must be noted that he arrives at a time when the program has experienced some turmoil. Sophomore forward JaKarr Sampson declared for the draft despite a complete lack of  buzz on draft sites, limited shooting range and a non-functioning left hand finishing plays around the basket. Chris Obekpa, who was the nation's leading shot blocker two years ago transferred after  reportedly refusing to re-enter his team's Big East tournament loss to Providence. The team then suffered a dismal home loss to Robert Morris in the N.I.T. which has been followed by speculation of other defections.  Their coach Steve Lavin spent a week during this time testing his TV muscle memory at Fox in Los Angeles. Unfairly or not that has fueled internet chatter questioning his long term commitment to coaching in New York at St. John's. With all this in mind, I don't envy the position that my young friend with great hands passing acumen size and strength has put himself in. I worry that people looking for a guy who can carry the Red Storm to an N.C.A.A. tournament will not be happy with a guy who's a great complimentary piece. And for those who use the term "role player" to imply that a guy is less important to a team's ability to win games I say no sir. Those players are also essential to winning. And the skill set that Adonis brings to the table includes lots of winning things.

              Like any young player moving to the proverbial  next level he will need time for the game to slow down for him. But once that happens his coaches and teammates will be able to trust him to do two things; catch the ball and make good decisions once he gets his hands on it. In fact, his passing might be his most college ready skill as his passes to both cutters and spot up shooters are almost always on time and on target.  And his willingness to use that skill brings a needed dose of unselfishness to the team.

              His size and girth may help in another way that's a bit less noticeable but still important. Beginning with their  season opening loss to national semi-finalist Wisconsin. St. John's was hurt repeatedly  by teams that had wide bodies as well as long ones. Nowhere was that more evident than in the team's second loss to Xavier at Madison Square Garden on Feb 25th where Muskies' freshman Jalen Reynolds chewed up the Red Storm and their vaunted lineup of shot blockers for 17 points and 16 boards. Delarosa may not be as athletic as the departed Sampson and Obekpa  but he's long and wide and reads the game well  defensively. St. John's will need to continue their re-tooling with some  run and jump athletes but Delarosa's combination of a wide low post presence and skill compliments those players, and could ultimately help them be better prepared for a new league that carries basketball ethos that is familiar to urban Catholic  schools; one that emphasizes rugged play under the basket. Just as the speed of the game will take some adjusting so will its physical play.

              Adonis is not the kind of star recruit that could force local sports talkers to discuss St. John's basketball on a semi daily basis. He can however be an essential part of a team that gets back to the tournament  and helps St. John's regain a place in New York's sports consciousness that goes beyond its fiercely loyal fan base. The recruitment of this talented big man is a small but essential step forward for the program as it seeks to regain its footing both on and off the floor.

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.