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New York City & New Jersey High Hoops

4/30/03 Inquirer: 'State high school athletic associations, including the NJSIAA, will have the option to use a "mercy rule" in boys' and girls' basketball next season. Here is how it works: A running clock is used after the first half if a team has a lead of more than 40 points. If the lead then dips below 30, regular time resumes.'

4/29/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'Kingsley Edwards, a 6-0 combo guard at Bronx Monroe, has signed a national letter of intent with Central Florida of the Atlantic Sun Conference. As a sophomore in 2002-03, Edwards averaged 16.1 points, 5 assists and 3.9 rebounds while connecting on 45% of his three-point attempts. He was a key member of the Monroe squad that compiled a 31-3 record, won the NJCAA Region XV and District 3 playoffs, and finished fifth in the National JUCO Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas in March. Edwards excelled at the national tournament, making the All-Tournament team after averaging 18.2 points and 7.7 rebounds over four games against the nation's best. A former prep star at Evander Childs HS and Laurinburg (NC) Prep, Edwards transferred to Monroe from Butler (KS) CC, where he averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds, and two assists as a freshman. Edwards chose UCF over Florida International and Drexel.

4/29/03 Ronald Peek: 'Sundiata Gaines - his performance in Houston ... was the most exceptional of any player in the tournament as evidenced by the college coaches now even more hotly pursuing him because of it. I wrote to you first about this young man from Queens about three years ago and even as of yesterday he was named second team all city and first team all Queens as a junior yet nothing is written. Not to mention all city honorable mention coming off the bench last year and before that leading his frosh team to the city championship from the point guard slot. His AAU Gauchos team has consistently won national competitions or competed for them since he was 13 with the cast of Russell Robinson and Ronald Ramon. More than half of the teams in the Big East and ACC not to mention the likes of UCLA, Alabama, Oklahoma are paying attention. Most scouts consider his defense the best at his position for his age in the country.'

4/28/03 Coach Gary Charles: 'The Panthers won the the Charlie Weber's tournament in D.C. over Montrose Christian Academy in double overtime 85-82. With only 7 players this weekend (Joakim Noah, Rashon Clarke, Camaron Tyler, Kashif Payne, Kevin Spann, Danny Green, and Dwayne Johnson) and Joakim fouling out in the 1st overtime, Kevin fouling in the 2nd overtime, Danny Green stole a pass with 10 seconds to go and passed it to Camaron Tyler for a layup to secure the victory. Even though these kids were almost dead tired, they hung in there with that New York toughness to win this game.

Once again, the unofficial MVP was Kashif Payne. Kashif was tremendous this weekend in which he consistently ran the break to perfection and continued to hit his 3's including 4 in the championship game . He finished with 17points and 10 assist in the final. Kashif is being recruited by Providence, Virginia Tech, Umass, Lasalle, to name a few. Joakim Noah continues to impress finishing up 15 points and 14 rebounds. His recruitments now includes schools such as St Johns, Maryland, Miami, Seton Hall, Depaul to name a few. Rashon Clarke finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds including 3 monstrous dunks!. He now has schools like Iowa St., Viginia Tech, Umass, Rhode Island on his trail. Camaron Tyler finished with 13 points and 6 assists. Camaron has Providence, Virginia Tech, Rhode Island, etc.. Kevin Spann finished with 9 points , 4 assists and played outstanding defense throughout the tournament. His recruitment includes Wagner, American U, UMBC, and Columbia. Rising Junior Danny Green played like a man in the final collecting 7 rebounds and 8 points. Dwayne Johnson was solid off the bench finishing with 5 assists. He is being looked at by Wagner, St Francis of NY, to name a few. In the semifinal game the Panther beat the Baltimore Bombers . The Bombers had beaten the N.Y. Ravens in a great game to reach the semi. In the semis's everything was clicking for the Panthers as they won 88 - 60.'

4/28/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'Joseph Ofili converted a feed from Willy Carty with 22 seconds left in overtime for the go-ahead basket as the Renaissance Warriors edged the NYC Panthers 81-78 in the 19-under final of the McDonald Memorial Tournament at JHS 275. The Panthers had battled back from a 13-point deficit in the second half and Chris Martin forced the extra session by banking a long three-pointer with a second left in regulation. Carty scored 17 points to lead five Warriors in double figures, including MVP Paris Valentine, who rallied his team from a slow start with 11 of his 13 points in the first half. Devon Neckles scored all seven Panthers points in the overtime to finish with a game-high 23.

The NYC Panthers also dropped an overtime decision in the 17-under final as Carlos Collazo made four straight free throws in the final 1:11 of OT to lift the YMCA to an 90-87 triumph. YMCA had opened a 55-45 lead midway through the second half before the Panthers took control and built a 70-61 lead with just over a minute to go in regulation. But poor foul shooting by the Panthers allowed YMCA to pull even at 71-71 on a layup by Clyde Chapman with 5 seconds left. Chris Martin led all scorers with 25 points in a losing effort while MVP Eugene Lawrence and James Walker topped the winners with 15 points apiece and Derick Echols added 14.

The day started off much better for the Panthers as they captured the first two finals. MVP Calvin Rhoden tallied 23 points in the 15-under final as the Panthers coasted 80-66 over Team Savage, which got 18 points from Kerwin Cox. In the 13-under title game, the Panthers received 18 points each from MVP Malik Boothe and Justin Garvin to down Ahead of the Game 63-47. Marcus Sumpter tallied a team-high 16 points for AOTG.'

4/28/03 Antonio Cannon: 'The T.K. Allstars competed at the N.J. Rex Plex AAU State Tune-up Competition, in Elizabeth. We went 3-0 in our pool. Game-1: N.J. Monmounth Power 46-37, led by Deytwan Hill 11pts. and Justin Davis with 12pts. Game-2: Jersey City Boys Club A Team 52-46, Deytwan Hill 10pts. Justin Davis 11pts and Antonio Cannon 10pts. Game-3: L.I. Lighting 53-49. Led by Antonio Cannon 12pts, Deytwan Hill 10pts. Justin Davis 13pts. We then played the winner of the Pool B for the State Tune-up Championship. The Jersey City Boys Club B team defeated us in the Championship Game 48-46. Justin Davis 12pts., Deytwan Hill 8pts. Antonio Cannon 10Pts.'

4/28/03 InsidersHoops: Gauchos Win Kingwood Classic – Russell Robinson took matters into his own hands Sunday afternoon at the Kingwood Classic. The junior guard pretty much took over the title game and was the MVP of the event.

4/27/03 Louisville Herald Leader: Derby Classic - Alleyne not satisfied with MVP performance. He has 16 points, 9 rebounds in 159-130 loss.

4/27/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'The NYC Panthers overcame a 46-37 halftime deficit to defeat SVSM 87-82 and advance to the 19-under championship game of the McDonald Memorial Tournament at JHS 275. Devon Neckles scored a game-high 28 points, including a three-point play that sealed the win with 6.5 seconds left. Chris Martin added four treys and 27 points for the Panthers while SVSM got 20 points from Chris Taft and 19 from Jerome Richardson.'

4/27/03 DarrylZoom: ' McKee Staten Island Tech's Lawrence Borha scored 28 points to earm MVP honors and lead the North All-Stars to a 97-88 win against the South in the 19th annual Warren Jague Memorial Senior Classic at St. Peter High School, Staten Island. Borha, voted Staten Island best player average 29.1 pts per game is considered Staten Island's best division one prospect with Wagner College in hot pursuit. Borha had help from Curtis High School's Ramadon Shabazz, 22 points and St Peter's Mike Cavollo14 pts. For the South Mike Reardon (Farrell) 16 points, 8 assist. Mike Melone (Staten Island Academy) 18 points, Bobby Skinner (13 points,7 rebounds) and Nick Barbato (11pts).'

4/26/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'The YMCA started the second half with a 15-3 run to pull away from Atlantic City PAL 60-45 in 17-under pool play of the McDonald Memorial Tournament at JHS 275. Eugene Lawrence headed the balanced YMCA scoring with 13 points, followed by Levance Fields and Kiwan Smith with 12 apiece, and Carlos Collazo with 11. Marcus Weaver had 10 points to lead Atlantic City. In another 17-under contest, Chris Martin scored 18 points and Akeem Gooding added 17 as the NYC Panthers clinched their pool with a 70-56 victory over Renaissance Warriors.

In the 19-under division, Willie Carty sank a pair of free throws with 44 seconds left to put the Renaissance Warriors ahead for good in an 82-78 decision over NIKE-1. Paris Valentine tallied a game-high 22 points while Carty and Luis Pena each had 12 points for the winners. Derek Sansbury netted 19 points to top NIKE-1, which led 48-39 at the half.

4/26/03 NY Post: Shagari Alleyne, Rice's 7-foot-2 center, who changed his mind last week about his verbal commitment to Rutgers, has now committed to Kentucky.

4/26/03 NorthJersey: The fallout from losing the Passaic County tournament championship game has gotten worse for the Paterson Catholic boys basketball team.

4/25/03 Coach Jake Edwards: 'Show me what you got basketball league is now registering teams for the upcoming summer. For info e-mail shomebball@msn.com.'

4/25/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'SVSM placed all eleven players in the scoring column as they coasted to an 88-63 triumph over Team Brooklyn in 19-under pool play in the McDonald Memorial Tournament at JHS 275. Chris Taft led the way with 16 points (12 in the first half), followed by Quincy Douby and Nick Harrington with 14 apiece, and Gary Irvin with 11. Brian Beckford topped Team Brooklyn with a game-high 20 points. Ahead of the Game clinched a semifinal berth in the 17-under division by downing Ice Tea 61-43. Jamal Charles and Giovanni each scored 12 points to lead the winners.

In semifinal action at HOOPLAND, Ahead of the Game defeated Ice Tea (76-54) and NYC Panthers beat Brooklyn Hoops (74-63) to reach the 13-under championship game. In the 15-under division, Team Savage (64-54 winners over NYC Finest) and NYC Panthers (51-45 over Ahead of the Game) will meet in the final at JHS 275 on Sunday at noon.

4/25/03 Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky gets big commitment: 7-2 Shagari Alleyne picks Cats. He'll join two future teammates in Derby Festival.

4/25/03 PrepStars Updated Top 25 AAU Poll has # 1 Riverside Church, # 5. Tim Thomas Playaz and # 23. Juice All-Stars (Brooklyn, N.Y.). Albany City Rocks and NJ All Stars have been dropped from the list.

4/25/03 Doc Nicelli: 'The Broncos will be going to D.C to compete in the Charlie Weber Capital Inv. tournament this weekend . The following is a list of players who will be particapating with the Broncos: Kenny Jones 6' 6 sr from Wyandanch HS LI NY .Niko Scott 6'2 so from Christ The King HS NY , Bryant Dunston 6' 7 jr St.Johns Prep NY, Adam Walker 6' 8 so CK NY, Jason Cannady 6'3 Milbrook Prep NY, Jamel White 6'1 jr Grady HS NY, Adrian Carvalho 6' 0 sr Fox Lane HS NY, Anthony Stukes 6'2 fr Banneker HS NY, Adres Deleon 6' 0 Brandeis HS NY, Nate Savery 6'0 sr Baldwin HS NY.'

4/25/03 Kevin Hamilton with the New York Jaguars profile on the team page.

4/24/03 Steve Finamore: 'I just want to point out that 'Rock' and Artie Cox are on the money when they spoke about the man we all know as 'Slice.' I'm talking about Pittsburgh assistant coach Barry Rohrson. I have known Slice for almost all my life. This guy is one of the best people you will ever come across. Slice has always been there for me on and off the court. I always looked up to him as a big brother. He will keep on getting it done at Pitt and it won't be long until he gets a head coaching job. Good luck Slice and I wonder if you still have the 'hops' that you used to display all over the Big Apple!'

4/24/03 Paul Brown has provided athis year's profile for the New York (not Bronx?) Gauchos on the team page.

4/24/03 Hoop Scoop: 'We also told you yesterday that it looked like only a matter of time before Fordham head coach Bob Hill got bought out of his contract and that happened late in the day yesterday as well. In addition to the names we mentioned yesterday, we're also hearing Manhattan head coach Bobby Gonzalez, Boston University of Dennis Wolff, former Seton Hall head coach P.J. Carlesimo, and Wagner head coach Derek Whittenburg being mentioned as potential candidates for the Fordham job. However, we'd be surprised if Gonzalez or Wolff took the job for the simply fact, if they're patient, they both should be able to get something better. Instead, the ideal candidate to take over at Fordham might just be Richmond coach Gary DeCesare. Sure, he's only had one year of college assistant coaching experience, but DeCesare's organizational skills are second to none, as is evident by the fact he's helped run the adidas ABCD Camp for years, plus he's got an incredible amount of contacts in both New York City and around the nation. So there is no question DeCesare would be able to keep both the top players at home and recruit nationally, but he also is a proven head coach dating back to his long tenure at Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY, which he built into on the premier high school programs in the nation during the last decade. In other words, DeCesare is just as qualified as the retired Morgan Wootten, who the University of Maryland missed out on hiring 16 years ago (instead they hired Bob Wade), and Jersey City (St. Anthony) NJ head coach Bob Hurley Sr, who is ranked as the best high school coach in the game today by the HOOP SCOOP and in our mind was the most obvious candidate for both Seton Hall and Rutgers when they opened on seemingly numerous occasions in recent years. DeCesare also is a New York City guy and, as a result, doesn't appear to be interested in using this as just a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Instead, this would be the break he needs to get where he wants to go in life and he'd probably be willing to do so for less money than most of the rest of the aforementioned candidates. Remember, Fordham had a very difficult time coming up with the money necessary to buy-out Hill, which means the job will probably only pay in the $125,000-$175,000 per year range.'

4/24/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'Team Real Scout placed five players in double figures to earn an 85-65 triumph over Freeport PAL in 19-under pool play of the McDonald Memorial Tournament at JHS 275. Weyimni Efejuku led the way with a game-high 21 points, followed by Adedokun Olanewaju (17 points), Phil Murphy (14) Salvador Patricio (10) and Will Harris (10). Brandon Freeman scored 13 points to lead Freeport.

In the 17-under division, Sarfaraz Hussain broke a 56-56 tie with four straight free throws in the final 22 seconds to lift Morris Brown over the Blue Devils 60-56. Hussain led all scorers with 24 points.

At HOOPLAND, the pairings for the Thursday semifinals were set in both the 13-under and 15-under divisions. Brooklyn Hoops and Ahead of the Game won the two pools in the 13-under division. In the 15-under division, the pool winners were Team Savage, NYC Panthers and NYC Finest (awarded first place over Freeport PAL by the tournament directors).

Check the tournament web site for complete results and playoff schedules: check :http://www.eteamz.com/nmf.'

4/23/03 Coach Rock Eisenberg: 'Bob Starkman continues to reach into the New York City PSAL and find "gems". Broward CC has gotten a verbal commitment from Paul Robeson"s Aaron The "Chairman of the Boards." Harvey. Harvey a 6' 5'' super athlete averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds for Coach Larry Major last season and last night was named the leading rebounder in the Sports Foundations "City Game".

4/23/03 Coach Rock Eisenberg: 'First let me agree with Artie Cox that Pitt. asst.Barry Rhorson is a tremendous person and a "real guy". Barry has always been about "Doing the Right Thing" in every phase of his life, he is just a great person who happens to be a coach not just a person who pretends to be your friend when it is convenient for him. Good luck Barry! The players at Pitt. are lucky to have you and Jamie Dixon.'

4/23/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'Tommie Eddie, a 6-6 forward at Coffeyville (KS) CC, has signed a national letter of intent with Mississippi of the SEC. He chose the Rebels over interest from Southern Illinois and Tulsa. Eddie averaged 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds this season and was selected to the First Team All-Conference in the Kansas Jayhawk-East and honorable mention in the NJCAA Region VI. As a freshman in 2001-02, he averaged 10.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. With Eddie, Coffeyville won back-to-back Region VI titles, compiling a two year record of 58-9. A former PSAL standout at Boys & Girls HS in Brooklyn, Eddie played in the Big Apple Sports JUCO All-Star game at F.I.T. last July.'

4/23/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'On the second day of action in the McDonald Memorial Tournament at JHS 275 in Brooklyn, Flatbush Youth Association split a pair in the 17-under division. Max Menard scored 20 points and Sean Watson added 15 to lead FYA to a 65-53 triumph over Ice Tea, which received 16 points from Keron Wray. FYA later dropped a 91-87 decision to Ahead of the Game despite a solid 22-point effort by Chris Noel. Watson and Menard each scored 15 points in the loss. Giovanni Petro tallied a game-high 27 points for AOTG, which also got 16 points from Calvin Morrison and 15 from Mike Simon.

In other 17-under results, the Brooklyn All-Stars reached the semifinal round over Morris Brown and Anthony Stukes scored a game-high 22 points for NIKE-1 in a 49-44 loss to Renaissance Warriors.

In the 15-under division being played at HOOPLAND, the NYC Panthers and Freeport PAL both recorded their second straight win to advance to the semifinals. The Panthers downed SVSM 51-34 while Freeport edged NYC Finest 36-34 to clinch first place in their respective pools.

4/23/03 Coach Rock Eisenberg: 'Here is an update on the Tilden Blue Devils seniors and their college choices. Nathaniel Sudlow this 6'1'' super combo guard will play next season for Bryant College in Rhode Island, Andre King 6' 5'' power forward will play for Broward CC, Brian Dennis our school's valedictorian will receive a full five year academic scholarship to attend Cornell University. Our capt."Super"John King will be headed to play at Suny. New Paltz, Guard Joey Baptiste and forward Jean Clary Mirville will likely play at Clinton CC in upstate New York, 6'8'' Kwamie Reid will take his 90 GPA to New York's Poly Tech and major in Engineering and 6' guard Andy Rawlins will get a full academic scholarship to Brandeis University in their TYP Program.'

4/23/03 Coach Artie Cox, SONDAY Express: 'Congratulations are in order to the University of Pittsburgh. When the Big East Champion and Sweet 16 finisher lost its head coach, "Uncle Ben" Howland, to the UCLA Bruins, everyone began to guess on the next head coach. John Calliparri, Skip Prosser and Bob Gonzolez' names began to appear everywhere. Automatically the big names are the likely successors. It was a breath of fresh air to see that Jamie Dixon was hired as the new head coach. Clearly the building of the Pittsburgh program was not done by one man. In four years this program is soaring. For Pittsburgh to hire Dixon is a show of loyalty in this very shaky business. Congratulations are in order to assistant Barry Rohrson. Finally a coach who is loyal to a program. Rohrson could have been the #1 assistant at UCLA. Who would turn that down? Rohrson turned that down. He wanted to stay in a place he loves. A team he helped build, and most importantly to the kids he loved to coach. Yes basketball is a business, but there are some men with values and heart. Thank God for the chosen few.

As for Uncle Ben, good luck in your dream job at UCLA. We know you can coach. Just never forget about your kids. When you take the LA Clippers job in four years, have a team meeting.'

4/23/03 Coach Tyrone Hester, Morris Brown Warriors- 'We will be participating in the Necelina McDonald 5th Annual Memorial Classic in the 17u division. Our roster is as follows: Joe Barkly 5"2 (Jamaica HS), William Egwu 6"4 (Van Buren HS), Dwayne Neal 5'5"(August Martin HS), Damien Esiobor 6"3 (Flushing HS), Hans Fleuriot 6"3 (Jamaica HS), Nelson Cruz 5"5 (Franklin K. Lane HS), Jason Hebert 6"2 (Jamaica Hs), Davon Ramsey 6"1(John Adams HS), Lewis Sampson 6"4 (Swanaka HS), Sarfaraz Hussain 6"3 (Jamaica Hs). Our next game will be at Jhs 275 on Wednesday 4/23 @4:15 pm vs Blue Devils.'

4/22/03 Coach Rock Eisenberg: 'Broward CC Coach Bob Starkman continues to work New York City as well as any JC coach in the Country. Bob and his super asst. Steve Davis already have gotten a firm commitment from Tilden's super rebounder Andre Kiing. St. Edmunds star combo guard Chris Bernard and Christ the King's Brian Williams will visit the South Florida school this weekend and I am sure they will love it. Bob is one of the really good guys in our business and counts Cardozo Coach Ron Neclario and New York talent evaluator Freddy Weiner among his closest friends and advisors on local talent.'

4/22/03 Roberto E. Diaz, NYC Finest - 'We will be participating in the Necelina McDonald 5th Annual Memorial Classic in the 15u division. Our roster is as follows: #1Collis Banks 5'10"(John Bowne HS), #5 Oshamar Planes 5'11"(Van Buren HS), #6 Olanrew Majekodunmi 5'11"(August Martin HS), #4 Spencer Lane 6'4"(Park West HS), #7 Melvin Clarida 6'4"(Springfield Gardens HS), #2 Dorson Boyce 6'0"(Bayside HS), #10 Branden Matthews 6'5"(Franklin K. Lane HS), #3 Raymond Furel 5'8"(Bayside HS), #9 Patrick Hazel 6'5"(Bayside HS), #8 Derrick Warren 5'10"(Grady HS), #11 Gregory Hinds 6'0"(Transit Tech HS) & #12 Daniel Desir 6'3"(Jamaica HS). Our 1st game will be at Hoopland, (4400 Glenwood Road) tonight @ 8pm vs Freeport PAL and our 2nd game is on Wednesday 4/23 @8pm vs Rennaissance Warriors.'

4/22/03 Coaches Rock Eisenberg, Javier G. Bevacqua and Glen Steinberg have provided profiles for the Brooklyn Blue Devils, East New Yorkers and Warriors, listed alphabetically on the team page.

4/22/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'In a dramatic finish to the opening night of the 5th Annual McDonald Memorial Tournament at JHS 275 in Brooklyn, Akeem Gooding banked in an off-balance three-pointer at the buzzer to lift NYC Panthers over Team Brooklyn 79-77. Chris Martin had 27 and Marvin Roberts 17 to lead the Panthers while Quentin Merritt scored 20 and Brian Beckford 19 for Team Brooklyn. The other 19-under contest went into overtime as NIKE-1 outlasted Real Scout 88-81 behind the 33-point performance of Travis Billy. Derek Sansbury added 19 points for the winners while Weyinmi Efejuku (24 points) and Salvador Patricio (21) topped Real Scout, which finished the game with just two players due to fouls.

In the 17-under division opener, Jamel White tallied 26 points and Kahil McDonald scored 21 to lead the Brooklyn All-Stars to a 75-41 romp over the Blue Devils.For all the tournament results and daily schedules, check the web site:http://www.eteamz.com/nmf.'

4/22/03 Daily News: Local Illinois recruit faces tough decision - Charlie Villanueva.

4/21/03 Newsday: Team Chicago did its talking in the press. Team New York did its talking on the basketball court.

4/21/03 Coach Jake Edwards: 'Show Me What You Got Fundamental Basketball Clinic for ages 7 - 17 is coming May 3rd. For information about price and how to sign up please e-mail coachjake01@msn.com or you can call at 718-629-1044.

4/21/03 Coach Jason Salamanca: 'I was at IS 8 yesterday watching the Church and they were impressive even though their opponent was a very under talented connect talent. But from what I hear, Riverside was playing without their three top guns in Louie McCroskey, Terrence Roberts (St Anthony's) and Mike Nardi ... these are three major division 1 players not to mention two going to the national champs. If these guys actuallly show up they will automatically become one of the favorites at 8. But names won't win at the 8 its their games that will as Mr. Edwards was say.'

4/21/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'Bedford YMCA got a pair of threes from Quincy Douby during a 13-0 spurt midway through the third quarter and went on to defeat Hoop Street Gang 81-77 Saturday in the IS 8 Spring Tournament. Douby scored 11 of his team-high 24 points in the quarter and helped Bedford turn a 50-45 deficit into a 58-50 lead. Hoop Street battled back behind the 30-point performance of Zarrett Rogers to get even at 70-70 before Jamel White drilled his sixth trey of the contest to give Bedford the lead for good with 2:47 remaining. White finished with 23 points and Etienne Brower added 20 points and solid rebounding for the winners.'

4/21/03 Reggie Murray: 'Brooklyn Rams Player Update: Congratulations to Akio Charles (6'4" small forward) and Lloyd Clinton (6'5" shooting guard) who were both selected to participate in the All-Star Game at the 7th Annual Big Apple JUCO Exposure Games at John Jay College last weekend. What makes Akio's road to John Jay College even more memorable was that he had to earn his way there by playing in the Blue Devils Exposure Games at Tilden HS the night before and was 1 of 10 chosen to attend the Big Apple JUCO Games. Then, to be picked by the attending college coaches as an All-Star at John Jay College was the highlight of his 2-day exposure weekend. Lloyd, who was not on Saturday's JUCO Exposure Games' original roster either, made his way in as an alternate after a few participants failed to show up and then proceeded to impress the attending coaches. The Brooklyn Rams organization is proud of both Akio and Lloyd; and we're expecting big things from these two extremely talented young men.'

4/21/03 Coach Javier G. Bevacqua (ENY)- 'This past weekend the East New Yorkers went 2-1 in the R.I. Jam Fest. Beating the CT. Select team as well as the Queens Cobras, before losing in the final minute and 34 seconds to the Jersey Cyclones. They were led by Corey McFarlane (Transit Tech) 12 ppg, Bobby Pandy (Newtown)18ppg, Tyshawn Bierria (Newtown)14ppg, and Alberto Ortiz (Newtown)11ppg. Corey McFarland was a tough match up for all teams at the tournament. With his quick speed he single handedly made teams switch from man to man into a zone, Thats where Alberto Ortiz, Tyshawn Bierria and Bobby Pandy put in their damage. Not a bad way to kick off the AAU season at a tough tournament. The East New Yorkers next tournament is the Albany Gym Rat.'

4/21/03 Coach Eric "Rock" Eisenberg: 'Just a short note to say that Columbia got a great young coach in Joe Jones. Joe is a first class guy in every way and has always been a great friend to the New York City High School players and coaches. A move that I think would be great would be for him to offer long time Grady coach Jack Ringel the Director of Basketball Operations job. Jack was very, very helpful to Joe and former Hofstra coach Jay Wright by sending them Norman Richardson and Roberto Gittens who along with "Speedy" Claxton helped turn Hofstra into a special place. In addition Jack knows how to "Work" the phones and is well respected in the local "Hoops" World. I think Jack who is retiring at the end of this year would jump at the chance to help Joe Jones bring a winner to Columbia University.'

4/21/03 Bryan Griffith, N.I.K.E.-1 Basketball Program Inc. Big Apple Sports Inc.'A couple of players for N.I.K.E.-1 Basketball Program made verbal commitments to colleges. Travis Billy (The Phenom) 6'3" scoring guard and Keenan Givens 6'0" "lefty" point guard gave verbal committments to L.A. City College for the upcoming Fall 2003-04 school year...both players are expected to do well in both the classroom and on the court. N.I.K.E.-1's super point guard Iquan (Glover) Wiggins signed a "National Letter of Intent" to attend and play for Jacksonville College (Tx) for the ucoming 2003-04 school year. All players announced their decisions at The Bedford YMCA (Brooklyn) on Monday 14th 2003.'

4/19/03 Coach Ali Deans has provided a Morris Brown profile on the team page.

4/18/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'The 7th Annual Big Apple Junior College Exposure Games was held at John Jay College on April 12, 2003. A total of 95 invited student-athletes participated in this event, which was attended by several dozen coaches from across the country, including schools in California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Iowa, Kansas and the northeast states. The top twelve players selected by the coaches to participate in the All-Star game at the end of the day were as follows: Mike King, a 6-0 point guard. . . Carl Damus, a 6-7 forward. . . Jerome Richardson, a 6-4 swingman. . . Travis Billy, a 6-3 combo guard. . . Lloyd Clinton, a 6-5 small forward. . . Jarbarry Moore, a 6-5 swingman. . . Brandon Morman, a 6-1 guard. . . Iquan Wiggins, a 5-11 point guard. . . Jamel Lazare, a 6-1 shooting guard. . . Derek Sansbury, a 6-1 point guard. . . Rod Taylor, a 6-4 small forward. . . Akio Charles, a 6-4 small forward. Coaches wishing to obtain a package and/or videotape of the event should e-mail: tmcternan@hotmail.com.

The Big Apple event was part of a major JUCO exposure weekend in the New York area. On Friday, April 11, the second Blue Devils Exposure Camp was held at Tilden HS in Brooklyn while the EKB Classic took place on Sunday, April 13 at Elizabeth HS in Elizabeth, NJ.'

4/18/03 We have profiles on the team page for the New York Ravens and NYC Finest thanks to John P Miciotta and Roberto Diaz.

4/17/03 NJ Star Ledger: Dad: Rutgers still option as 7-2 Alleyne ponders.

4/16/03 Joe Vendetti, Schenectady Patriots, 16U: 'Providence JamFest Results Congratulations to all our team champs! 6th Grade Championship Boston Blazers 63, Gauchos 61. 7th Grade Championship The R.A.I.D.E.R.S. 61, RI Breakers 46. 8th Grade Championship Team Rock 59, Team Kenny Anderson (7) 46. 9th Grade Championship Metro Rockets 50, Playaz 49. 10th Grade Championship Playaz 66, Rochester Area 54. 11th Grade-National Championship Playaz 76, Jersey City Boys Club 63. 11th Grade-American Championship LI Panthers 58, Albany Capitals 55 (OT). 12th Grade/Open Championship LPAC 60, NY Ravens 40.'

4/16/03 Frank McCree: 'Don't forget, Frank McCree was the first person, on all internet, to mention the names of Elijah Ingram and Tyrone Barley, two pretty decent college players. The third name is Brandon Chisom a 6-3 slender 7th grader.'

4/16/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'The complete schedule for next week's Necelina McDonald Memorial Tournament at HOOPLAND and JHS 275 is now available at the tournament website: http://www.eteamz.com/nmf.'

4/16/03 Tim Morgan: 'NJ Wildcats and NJ Belles will be hosting a Tournament at Pocono Mt East High School Pa. The dates are May 16-18 at a cost of $350 per team.Open to 16's and 17's boys and girls. First 32 teams will be accepted. Contact Tim Morgan at 732-921-4392 or Eric Short at 732- 895-2433.'

4/16/03 Thanks to Tim Morgan the NJ Wildcats' team profile has been added to the team page.

4/16/03 JD Walsh: 'Looking for coaches interested in working camp this summer at St. John the Baptist in West Islip. Four weeks available, July 7-11, 14-18 (Boys) July28-Aug 1st, August 4-8 (Boys and Girls).Pay is good and potential to earn extra for recommening registrants and/ or driving. Looking to connect with any AAU, CYO PAL, town, public school coaches in Long Island/ NYC Metro Area area. If interested, please email me at jdwalshbbcamp@aol.com.'

4/16/03 NJ Hoops: James Fox edged the Roadrunners 96 - 94 tonight in the semifinals of the Donofrio Classic in Conshohocken Pennsylvania.

4/16/03 Donofrio Classic 2003 page contains results through the semis with the final scheduled for tomorrow night.

4/16/03 Updated NJ Roadrunners' team profile with the Donofrio roster on the team page.

4/15/03 Kentucky Courier Journal: 'Shagari Alleyne, a 7-2 center from Rice High School in Bronx, N.Y., no longer is committed to Rutgers, his father, Robert, said yesterday. Alleyne, who was added to the Kentucky Derby Festival Classic all-star basketball game roster yesterday, had considered UK before he settled on Rutgers last fall. Alleyne took the place on the Derby Festival Classic roster of another center, 6-11 Darryl Watkins, who also is considering the Cats.'

4/15/03 Coach John Lanza has provided an update for the Staten Island Bulddogs (were Lightning) on the team page.

4/15/03 Shawn McCray: 'Applications are being accepted for the 5th Annual Zoo Crew Boys Summer League held in Newark NJ for all ages. For more information call 973-449-7324 or view our website at eteamz.com/zoocrewbasketball. Last year participants were NJ Roadrunners, Newark Rams, NJ Knights, Teaneck All-Stars, Jersey City Bondsmen, Linden Ballers, Ricciardi Celtics, and Newark Zoo Crew. Champions last year were 10-u Game Over, 12-u Union Runnin Rebels, 14-u Newark Rams, and high school Newark Zoo Crew.'

4/15/03 Rocky Bucano: 'The Gauchos' weekend development program is hosting a trip to the new and improved Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Massachusetts on Saturday May 03, 2003. Buses will depart from the Gauchos Gym, which is located at 478 Gerard Avenue in the Bronx at 7:30 am and will return to the gym at 5:00 pm. Ticket prices are $34.00 for adults and $32.00 for children. Seats are going fast, so please call Rocky Bucano the trip coordinator at (917) 495-8144 to reserve your seat to the Hall of Fame!'

4/15/03 Hoop Group Metropolitan Top 100 @ Seton Hall University - April 22 & 23, 2003

4/15/03 PrepStars notes: 'The Tim Thomas Playaz won the Providence Jam Fest in Rhode Island this past weekend. Sean Singletary scored 22 in the finals. … Don Bosco (N.J.) big man John Oates is playing with the New York Ravens this summer. … Northfield Mount Hermon (Mass.) should be pretty solid again next year with Dorien Brown, Alex Popp and Tony Gaffney coming in. Kashif Payne, who is playing this summer with the Long Island Panthers, will return for his senior season.'

4/14/03 G Wilson: 'New Jersey All Stars - Brian Grimes and Jaron Griffin played outstanding for the 16s. Great learning experience in high level tourn. Brian Zoubek and Blake Wilson held their own as frosh. The team finished second in the pool with a disapointing loss to Team Texas by 6.'

4/14/03 Coach Billy Turnage: 'The Long Island Panther 16's qualified to go the 16& under national tourney this past weekend. They opened up pool play by beating the Lightning Gold 87-55. Leading the way was Danny Green 15pts, 8rebs, Antonio Pena 16pts, 11 rebs, and Kahiem Seawright 14pts, 8 rebs. In game 2 the Panthers beat the Westchester Hawks 80-42. Leading the way was Danny Green 18pts, 6 assts, Kahiem Seawright 13pts, 7blks, and Tyrone Hanson 10pts, 4 rebs. In the quarter-finals they beat the NYC Rise Panthers 84-66. Leading the way was Antonio Pena 19pts, 10 rebs, Aleek Pauline 15pts, 8assts, Kahiem Seawright 12pts, 8rebs and Victor Morris 11pts, 4stls. In the semis the Panthers faced a very talented Gaucho team led by Curtis Kelly, Junior Mitchell and Chris Lowery. In a hard fought game the Panthers prevailed 59-57 thus qualifying for the nationals. Leading the way was Danny Green and Victor Morris with 14pts apiece and Kahiem Seawright with 13pts, 8rebs. The Panthers played outstanding team defense holding Curtis Kelly and Chris Lowery to a combined 8pts. Next up is the championship game on 5/26, where the Panthers will play Lightning-Baron for the right to be called Metro-Champs.'

4/14/03 Coach Gary Charles: 'The Long Island Panthers won the Providence Slamfest 17 under American Division Championship this past weekend (since there were so many teams, they had an American and National Division ). The Panthers were led by Kashif Payne MVP performance of 22 point, 8 assists in the Championship game against ALBANY CAPS. Camaron Tyler chipped in with 15 points and 5 assist, Joakim Noah had 17 rebounds and 7 block shots, Rashon Clarke had 12 rebounds and 3 osterize dunks! Kevin Spann had 9 steals in the title game. Even though the Panthers lost their best player in Josh Wright to an ankle sprain in the quaterfinal game, they still beat Positive Image by 25 points led by Camaron Tyler 22 pts and 9 assist, Kashif Payne 20 points and 7 assist, Joakim Noah 17 pts, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, and Rashon Clarke 15 points and 11 rebounds. In the semifinal game, the Panthers played the Rhode Island Breakers and again Kashif Payne started out by hitting 4 straight 3's to get the Breakers out of their zone. Once that happen Kashif, Camaron Tyler and Kevin Spann took turns in breaking down their defense for easy layups and monstrous dunks from Rashon Clarke. Joakim Noah had 15 rebounds and again the Panthers won by 25 points.'

4/14/03 Coach Tim Cluess: 'St. Mary's will be running their summer league again for high school and adult teams. All games are played indoors and games are stopped time. For further info. e-mail Tim Cluess at THOOPS4435@aol.com.'

4/14/03 Thanks to Kenny Pretlow and Mario Beras the Riverside Church and Harlem Lions team profiles are updated on the team page.

4/14/03 InsidersHoops: The Riverside Church AAU program is alive and well. The Church captured both the 17 and 16 and under titles at the Boo Williams.

4/14/03 Kenny Pretlow: 'Riverside Church kicked off the start of the AAU season by winning both the 17 under plus the 16 under championships in the Boo Williams tournament. Both teams went 6-0 during the weekend tournament.The 17's open up pool play by routing the Georgia Elite 98-60 led by AJ Price 20, 5 assists Arturo Dubois 15, 8 boards Dexter Gray 13, 9 boards. Tyrell Biggs and Keith Benjamin had 10 each. Next Riverside edged Houston Hoops 70-62 led by AJ Price 21 and Arturo Dubois 20 12 boards and T Biggs 10. Riverside won thier pool by defeating Team Florida 83-65 this after trailing 15-0. The backcourt of AJ Price 23, Keith Benjamin 22 led the way helped by Derrick Caracter 9, 10 boards and Desean Gist 8 and 10 assists. The playoffs started vs. Illinios Warriors and Riverside held on to win 56-55. AJ had 18, D Caracter 13 Arturo Dubois 10. In the semis Riverside faced BABC and won in OT 68-63. Arturo had 17, AJ and Keith 14 each. Keith hit a three late to tie the game and stole the ball to send the game to OT. In OT Riverside was down 2 when Keith stole a pass and was fouled as he the a layup after he hit the free throw. Riverside held on defense and D Caracter (10 pts) hit a baseline shot to put the game away. Deasean Gist had 8, 12 assists. Dexter Gray took ten charges in 3 games. Riverside was named champs when the St Louis Eagles could not stay to play the Championship game. AJ Price was named MVP.

4/14/03 Kenny Pretlow: 'Boo Williams tournament -- Riverside 16's opened up with by beating the Virginia Stars 77-66. Johnthan Mitchell 16, Brandon Brock 12, Edgar Sosa 11, and Herbie Allen 10 were the leaders.They then beat cecil Kirk 89-77 led by J Mitchell 20, Eli Whitehead 16 and B Brock 11. They closed pool play by routing SC ravens 82-63. J Mitchell led with 19 and Herbie Allen and Eli 13 each.. Riverside then edged Boo Willaims 82-75. J MItchell had 21, B Brock had 12 and Marque sCox 12 .In the semis Riverside edged team texas 55-53 on a Brandon Brock (15pts.) layup with 1 second left. Edgar Sosa added 13. Riverside beat team Richmond for the title 62-51. J Mitchell was super with 27 and Marques, Herbie and Brandon had 9 each.'

4/14/03 Mario Beras: 'Certified Teacher Wanted - Certified Teacher who wants to teach and coach boys JHS at a top junior high school in New York City. This is a great opportunity to get into a serious coaching career. Anyone interested please email back with your information at Berasm@aol.com.'

4/13/03 The ProStyle playoffs began today and the super biddy Gauchos (pictured left) were not exactly playing 'above the rim' vs. the Unique All Stars. The 'chos led at halftime 12 - 9. At IS8 (pictured right) Rebel was a little closer to the rim as they took the Huntington Roadrunners 98 - 85. We'll have the latest results from both tournaments soon.

All-city First Team - Gary Forbes, Chris Taft, Shagari Alleyne, Louie McCroskey and Japhet McNeil. All-city Coach of the Year: Oliver Antigua Unites St. Raymond's. One for All - Lincoln's Sebastian Telfair Shares Accolades. All-city Second Team - Rahshon Clark, Cameron Tyler, Brian Laing, Mitchell Beauford and Marlon Smith. All-Manhattan Selections - Shagari Alleyne (Rice), Russell Robinson (Rice), Sam Jenkins (Bergtraum), Jerrod Smith (Urban Peace), Arturo Dubois (Rice) and Derrell Thomas (Manhattan Center). All-Bronx Selections - Louie McCroskey (St. Raymond's), Ed Berrios (Theodore Roosevelt), Brian Laing (St. Raymond's), Stedford McLeod (Gompers), Ronald Ramon (All Hallows) and Garfield Johns (Wings Academy). All-Staten Island Selections - Lawrence Borha (McKee), Kyle McAlarney (Moore Catholic), Mike Cavallo (St. Peter's), Nick Barbato (Farrell), Ramadan Shabazz (Curtis) and Ramsey Hill (New Dorp). All-Brooklyn Selections - Gary Forbes (Banneker), Chris Taft (Xaverian), Kyle Neptune (Brooklyn Friends), Kojo Mensah (Bishop Loughlin), Stewart Graddick (Lincoln) and Eugene Lawrence (Canarsie). All-Queens Selections - Japhet McNeil (Christ the King), Mitchell Beauford (Christ the King), Rahshon Clark (Beach Channel), Marlon Smith (Molloy), Cameron Tyler (Cardozo) and Sundiata Gaines (Molloy). All-Long Island Boys - Mamadou Diakhate, AJ Price, Antoine Agudio, LeMichael Allen, Etienne Brower, Nick Crter, Marvin Lawrence, Kenny Jones, Dan Nawrocki and Richard Payton.

4/13/03 NY Post: All PSAL includes Sebastian Telfair, Rashon Clark, Gary Forbes, Richard Forbes and Cameron Tyler. Coach of the year - Dwayne Morton.

4/13/03 Jts423: 'Of the 25 notable freshmen boys you have on the web site, I will give you school of three boys. Brian Mahon attends Catheral Prep in Queens, John Sanchez attends Xavier in Manhattan, Greg Mandese attends Cathedral Prep, Queens.'

4/12/03 Rodrick C. Bussey: Brooklyn-Queens Warriors profile on the team page.

4/11/03 Mike Hill: 'Please post that the UDC website is up and running (www.byudc.org). Coaches can log on to get applications to participate in the 2003 UDC Summer League.'

4/11/03 Brooklyn Scout: Reminder for all coaches and players - Junior College Exposure Events in NY area this weekend Friday, April 11 - Blue Devils Exposure Camp - Tilden HS - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12 - Big Apple Sports Exposure 2003 - John Jay College - 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13 - EKB Showcase - Elizabeth (NJ) HS - 9:00 a.m. For more information, check http://www.eteamz.com/bigapplesports.'

4/11/03 NY Post: Ex-McClancy Star - Wesley Matthews - Sees Hoop Plans Take Big-time Hit.

4/11/03 PrepStars Top 25 AAU Poll includes # 10. Tim Thomas Playaz (Paterson, N.J.), # 13. Riverside Church (New York, N.Y.), # 19. Albany City Rocks (Albany, N.Y.) # 24. New Jersey All-Stars (Burlington, N.J.) and Juice All-Stars (Brooklyn, N.Y.) with those profiles updated on the team page.

4/11/03 NJ Hoops: The Essex County All Stars outscored the Hudson County All Stars 121 - 103 tonight at Marist High School in Bayonne.

4/10/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'Bedford YMCA led for most of the way and posted an 88-78 victory over the New York Ravens in the first game at IS8 Wednesday night. Jamel White drilled three three-pointers and Etienne Brower added 8 points in the first quarter which ended with Bedford ahead 31-19. The lead grew to 52-36 at halftime and remained in double figures throughout the second half. White scored a game-high 22 points to lead Levance Fields (16 points), Mamadou Diakhite (13) and Eugene Lawrence (10) in double figures for Bedford, now 2-0 in South Division play. Ricky Torres topped the Ravens with 21 points while Brian Laing scored 15 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter.' Web note: Earlier info on the IS8 Nike Spring High School Classic, 2003 page.

4/10/03 BOOKSNBALL: 'Coaches and parents of area student-athletes have an excellent opportunity to get their teams or individual players involved with an individual who can help to improve each teams or players skill levels. Andrew Amigo, is a young man who is on the verge of making a major name for himself as a performance enhancement coach. He is certified and has been mentored by several nationally known coaches. A former player at Lincoln H.S. and Buffalo State he knows the game and what it takes to maximize each players potential. Locally he has worked with players at St. Raymond's, works individually with Jamel Thomas, former All Big East Player & currently a All-Star player in Italy and with All American, Sebastian Telfair. Andrew may also be part of the adidas/ABCD program this July. Check out his web site www.hoopspt.com it provides detailed information about his background and services available to you.'

4/9/03 Antonio Cannon: 'The T.K. Allstars AAU team attended the Charlie Smith Memorial this past weekend. We lost the championship game in double overtime to Program Hood Enriched of Philly 67-62. The team played great, I am excited about the upcoming AAU season!'

4/9/03 Thanks to Antonio Cannon and Anthony V. Nicodemo we have updates on the TK AllStars and Teaches Hoops programs on the team page.

4/9/03 Eddie Oliver: 'Before now, no one has ever picked the top Five Hundred Traditional School teams, the top 30 National School Teams and the Top 30 Prep or Post Graduate teams. Get that information at our site and help us improve on our list.'

4/9/03 Philly.com: New York star looks like LeBron's heir apparent. The hype is about to happen for Sebastian Telfair.

4/9/03 PrepStars: Hal Pastner has taken charge of the Las Vegas Easter Classic, which runs from April 16-20 and is "live" on the 19th and 20th for college coaches. However, the biggest tournament in the early portion of the AAU season may be his Kingwood Classic in Houston from April 25-27, with the final two days sanctioned for college coaches to attend.

4/8/03 acoupleofnuts@msn.com: Albany City Rocks profile update on the team page.

4/8/03 Peter.Fuhrman: 'St. Gregory the Great, 2003 Boys Fall Classic Basketball Tournament October 3rd thru 13th, 2003. St. Gregory the Great Parish Center, Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, New Jersey 08690. Ages 12-14 (Must be in 7th or 8th grades) Pool-Play (4 games guaranteed) Varsity High School Officials 20-Team Maximum Individual Trophies to Champions and Runner-Ups All-Tournament Team Awards $250 Team Entry Fee Checks made payable to: St. Greg's Parish Athletic Committee, 49 Foy Drive, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690. Teams will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis! It may seem early to commit for a Fall tournament, but you should reserve your spot now! For more information, please call Peter Fuhrman at 609-631-8448 or Peter.Fuhrman@CareerMedia.com. Special note: We also welcome your team's cheerleaders at no additional charge!'

4/8/03 Coach Bill McNally: 'Poly Prep will host it's tenth annual team festival for boys varsity teams on June 30, July 1 and 2. Last years field was: St. Mary's, Xaverian, Xavier, Monsignor McClancy, St.Edmund, Bishop Ford, New Utrecht, Collegiate , Horace Mann and Poly Prep. Each team plays two games each evening. For further information call (718) 836-9800 X 349.'

4/8/03 gwilson1231@yahoo.com: 'Brian Zoubek and Blake Wilson lead the NJ All Stars 15s in the "Best of Philly Tournament" over March 29 and 30th. Both averaged about 18 points. The NJ All Stars 16s will be playing at Boo Williams this week end.

Team Roster: Sophs, Terence Grier, Jaron Griffin, Brian Grimes, Shawn Barlow, Ed Keys, Dan Stonkis, Brian Taylor, Frosh: Brian Zoubek, Blake Wilson, Christian Thompson.

You have some of these player rated too low. Brian Zoubek, 6'10" Frosh Haddonfield HS should be top 5. Blake Wilson, 6"1" Frosh Haddonfield HS sould be top25. Christian Thompson Haddon Hts HS should be top 7.'

4/7/03 I've updated the team page for the Bayside Titans and the Westfield Rams. They are alphabetically at the front and back of the team profiles.

4/7/03 NJ Hoops: Playaz win Spring Fling. And the Central Jersey Jammers surprised a fatigued Vince Carter Playaz squad 66 - 62 tonight in the state 16 & Under AAU championship.

4/6/03 Three of five games are done at IS8 this Sunday as Bedford YMCA edges the Running Rebels 81 - 77, Real Scout takes Southside 71 - 64 and the Juice AllStars level Next Level 81 - 44. Game summaries and roster updates on the IS8 Nike Spring High School Classic, 2003 page.

4/6/03 'My name is Ron Dennis, I am the coach for a team called Keep Your Dreams Alive in The I.S. 8 Spring High School Classic. The reason that I am writing you is due to so many mispelled or mispronounced names in the recaps of our game and roster. Listed below are the correction on all K.Y.D.A. players. Serge Clement 5'9" P.G. Jr. St. John Prep. Jacques Fulcher 6'2" Jr. S.F. St Johns Prep. Latiff Mctaw 6'0" S.F. Jr. Cardinal Spellman. David McCorkle 6'6" Jr. Alfred E. Smith. Richard Thomas 6'4" S.G. Soph St. Johns Prep, Bryant Dunston 6'7" C/F Jr. St Johns Prep, Keith Hinnant 5'10 P.G. Jr. Bayshore H.S. Bayshore N.Y. Scott Draughon 5'6" P.G. Soph. St. Raymonds H.S. Antoine Rollison 6'0" Sr. S.F. St. Johns Prep. Gary Graham 6'2" Jr. S.G. St Johns Prep.'

4/6/03 The Manhasset ALLSTARS Basketball Program will host a series of tournaments and leagues throughout the spring and summer. Please accept this as an invitation for you to enter your team(s) in what is expected to be some of the best basketball on Long Island. All games will be played at Whitney Pond Park, Community Drive, Manhasset. The park is located only 15 minutes from Queens, 25 minutes from the Bronx, 40 minutes from Brooklyn, and 30 minutes from Manhattan. Take exit 33 LIE (495) or exit 26N, Grand Central Parkway. The Park has 26 acres and features a pool, tennis courts, handball, paddleball courts and picnic areas.

The age groups are coordinated so that everyone will have and opportunity to compete. Our Saturday and Sunday Leagues are scheduled for the following age groups: 9.U, 10&11, 12&13, 14.U, 15&16, No player may turn the next age prior to September 1st. Birth certificates must be submitted with team roster. Each division will consist of six teams. There will be a week night (under the lights) League established for High School and Adult players. Photo I.D. is required with eoster. The High School and Adult Leagues will consist of eight teams.

Referee fees will be separate from league and tournament fees. The coach prior to the start of each game pays referee fees. Rules and regulations will be submitted with rosters and fees. League directors will make decisions on any case regarding the eligibility of any player or coaches involved in a physical altercation and or unsportsmen like conduct. For more information contact: Sly Johnson, 516-769-0178.

4/6/03 NY Post: All CHSAA 2003 First team includes Louie McCroskey, Shagari Alleyne, Brian Laing, Japhet McNeil and Chris Taft with the coach of the Year: Oliver Antigua, St. Raymond's.

4/6/03 NJ Hoops: The Vince Carter Playaz had all five starters in double figures in a 91 - 76 win over the Gauchos in the 15 & Under semifinals tonight in Teaneck.

4/6/03 Coach Jayson Kiang: 'I will be coaching 16U for the Long Island Lightning this season. (I used to head the Brooklyn All-Stars but I gave that up, shutting it down for 2003, so I'm coaching with Lightning this year.) Long Island Lightning - 16U - Roster: Maurice Charlton, Courtney Cooke, Mathew Devot, John Filosa, Ryan Hollett, Lamar McLeod, Christian Salvage, Andy Slizewski, and John Yancigay.

Tournament schedule includes City Slam Spring Tournament @ Basketball City (April 5 - 6), Div. I Regional Championships (April 11 - 13), Charlie Weber @ Villanova University (April 18 - 20), Chase the Game (April 25 - 27), Div. II Regional Championships (May 9 - 11), Garden St. Sharpshooters (May 31 - June 1), LI Lightning Invitational (June 6 - 8), and Silver Bullets Shootout (June 14 - 15).' Web note: Added to the team page.

4/5/03 Peter Benoit: 'IS8 - SONDAY defeated LPAC 72-62 behind 18 points from Sean Banks and 16 from Akeem Gooding. Starrett City defeated Hoop Street Gang, Chris Taft and Kirk Bunn had 19 and 17 points respectively for Starrett.' Web note: Roster updates on the IS8 Nike Spring High School Classic, 2003 page.

4/5/03 Mike McCabe: 'Westfield Rams, NJ - 17U - Director and Coach Mike McCabe. Visit us at www.westfieldrams.com.'

4/5/03 The team page now lists AAU teams rather than high school teams. My thanks to coachdee, Steve Harney, Sly Johnson, Terence "T-Bone" Johnson, Shawn McCray, Louis Xifaras, G Wilson, Pat Caputi and Phil Diasparra for providing team details. For those of you who have not yet sent profiles (as Pete Edwards would say, 'You know who you are" - Jim, Harry, Paul, Rock, Rod, Reggie, Abdu-Allah, Kat, Carlton, Mario, Barry, Gary, David, Ruben, Brian, Doc, Kevin, Chris, Oliver, Roberto, Q, Chris, Kenny, Artie, Jimmy, Antonio and Glen), I will post the profiles when you send them to nycnjhoops@aol.com.

4/5/03 Rich Adams: 'The first night of the Wheelchair Classic at LIU will take place on 4/8 and end on 4/10.'

4/5/03 Peter Benoit: 'IS8 - SONDAY won easily over First Presbeterian. SONDAY plays LPAC today at 12:30. SVSM and the Playaz are no longer in the tournament as a result their have been schedule changes. The Playaz have been replaced by World Wide Entertainment. SVSM has not been replaced, teams in the West division will now play one team twice in the regular season.'

4/5/03 NJO.com: Christian Burns, Cedric Jackson make AP's third team All-State.

4/4/03 NorthJersey: Six North Jersey seniors are among the 19 players selected to the 2002-03 Associated Press All-State boys basketball teams. All-State Boy's Basketball -- Three teams. Seniors Max Schafer of DePaul and Paterson Catholic's Darryl Watkins were named to The Associated Press' New Jersey All-State boys basketball team.

4/4/03 Hoop Scoop: 'one way or another, it looks like the Manhattan head coach job will probably open and, if it does, some of the names we're hearing to replace Gonzalez are ... Richmond assistant coach Gary DeCesare. ... DeCesare, if Richmond head coach Jerry Wainwright moves onto Clemson. ... It also wouldn't be a surprise if DeCesare got the head coaching job at Richmond, if Wainwright moves; if he moved into Hill's spot at Villanova, if Hill gets the Manhattan job; or becomes part of Sendek's staff at Pittsburgh. Remember, Wildcats head coach Jay Wright almost hired DeCesare two years ago when he first got the job at Villanova and DeCesare sent Sendek the most important recruit of his career when Julius Hodge signed with N.C. State two years ago.'

4/4/03 Coach Tyrone Hester, Morris Brown Warriors: 'The Morris Brown Warriors tryouts for this Sat. April 5 2003 at150st Park has been canceled but the Regestration form will be handed out that day at 11:00 am at morris brown A.M.E Church 145-03 rockaway Blvd South Ozone Park NY for further information you can email the warriors at Enyce456@hotmail.com or go to our website www.leaguelineup.com/morrisbrown.

4/3/03 Brooklyn Scout: 'Although registration is now closed for the April 12 Big Apple Sports Junior College Exposure 2003 at John Jay College, juco candidates can still sign up for the Blue Devils Exposure Camp scheduled on Friday, April 11, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Tilden HS. The top players at the Tilden event will be invited to participate in the Big Apple games the following day. For more info, contact Tom McTernan at tmcternan@hotmail.com or Bryan Greiffith at (718) 927-2753.'

4/3/03 NJ Hoops All State 1st Team includes Mike Nardi, Terrence Roberts, Max Schafer, Russ Carter and Marquise Webb.

4/3/03 NorthJersey: All-Star clash all about pride -- Bergen-Passaic All-Star Classic on Saturday at William Paterson University.

4/3/03 Coach Jason Salamanca: 'I went to IS 8 tonight and I had a chance to catch most of the Ravens game. For those of you who were on an other planet this year, look out cause this team will be tough to beat. Chris Taft didn't look comfortable all night. I don't want to say the Ravens are the best team at 8 because I haven't seen all of them yet but this team is probably in the top 3 with the Panthers and SONDAY.'

4/3/03 School Sports Final 2002-2003 Rankings has # 14. St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) – (27-4) *14. After winning the Parochial B state title, St. Patrick followed by winning the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions by beating Camden Catholic in the finals. The 61-38 win over Camden Catholic was the second-most lopsided victory in TOC finals history. Villanova-bound guard Mike Nardi earned MVP honors after scoring 17 points and dishing six assists in the finals. Because St. Pat’s lost to No. 13 Oak Hill (Va.) earlier this season, St. Pat’s finishes behind Oak Hill in the rankings. Preseason Ranking: No. 3. # 16. Lincoln (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – (31-4) *16. Lincoln was nationally ranked earlier in the season, and the Sebastian Telfair-led Railsplitters finish in the Top 25 after winning the New York Federation Class A state championship. Lincoln upset then-No. 3 McQuaid, 57-44, before holding off former nationally ranked Christ the King, 75-73, in overtime in the finals. Telfair, a superstar junior point guard, earned MVP honors after scoring 18 points in the finals despite fouling out in the fourth quarter. But when he was awarded the MVP plaque, Telfair handed it straight to sophomore forward Tone Pena, who scored eight of his 18 points in overtime. Preseason Ranking: Not ranked (Best of the Rest). and # 25. St. Raymond’s (Bronx, N.Y.) – (26-4) *25. After beating Christ the King the previous week, St. Ray’s turned around and lost to Christ the King, 71-54, in CHSAA Class A title game. That posed a difficult dilemma: Do we rank CTK (which was nationally ranked earlier this season) ahead of St. Ray’s? A case could be made either way, especially considering the tough schedules both teams played. But with CTK having eight losses and all four of St. Ray’s losses coming to top teams, we decided to give St. Ray’s the nod. In addition to beating several tough NYC teams throughout the season, St. Ray’s only losses this year came to Christ the King, No. 2 Mater Dei (Calif.), No. 6 White Station (Tenn.) and No. 14 St. Patrick (N.J.). Tough to argue with a schedule like that. Preseason Ranking: No. 11.

4/2/03 Roberto E. Diaz, NYC Finest - "Congratulations to junior forward Darshawn Johnson former student at Thomas Edison HS and now attending Bladensburg HS, MA for being selected as All-County 2nd Team. He averaged 18ppg and 12rpg during his varsity season. Darshawn also maintained a 3.3 GPA to go along with his successful season!"

4/2/03 PrepStars: Final Top 25 Basketball Poll includes # 12. St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) (27-4) *12. Results: Defeated Camden Catholic, 61-38, in the NJSIAA state title game; Beat Franklin, 76-53, in the NJSIAA state semifinals. Notes: Michael Nardi (Villanova) finished with 25 points in the semifinal win and had 17 points and 6 assists in the championship game. St. Pat’s has won eight of the 15 titles. Jason Paterson and Robert Hines each added 13 against Franklin.Nardi finished the season averaging 17.5 points, 8.3 assists and 5.2 boards per game. Losses: Oak Hill (Va.); Rice (N.Y.); Life Center (N.J.); Blair (N.J.) # 14. St. Benedict’s (Newark, N.J.) (24-3) *14. Results: Beat Winslow Township, 93-53; Edged Blair, 55-53, in the State Prep A title game; Beat Hun, 65-57, in the State Prep A semifinals. Notes: Coach Dan Hurley and his club ended the season on a roll, knocking off Blair and pounding Winslow Township. Senior Aswan Minatee scored 17, Art Bowers (UMass) added 15 and junior Stanley Branch had 12 in the victory over Hun while junior J.R. Smith scored 18 of his 24 after the break against Blair, which was without Loul Deng (fractured leg) Losses: Hun (N.J.); Our Savior (N.Y.); St. Patrick (N.J.) # 23. St. Raymond (Bronx, N.Y.) (26-4) *23. Results: Lost to Christ the King, 71-54, in the CHSAA State Class A title game; Beat Christ the King, 75-69, in the CHSAA New York City Class A title game. Notes: Louis McCroskey, who was benched after punching a window during the previous game last week, was the MVP after scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 boards against CK in the city title game. Junior Brian Laing added 18 points and 14 rebounds. However, St. Ray’s couldn’t beat CK in the state title game. Losses: Mater Dei (Calif.); St. Patrick (N.J.); White Station (Tenn.); Christ the King. # 25. Lincoln (Brooklyn, N.Y.) (31-4) *25. Results: Beat Christ the King, 75-73, in overtime to win the state federation Class A title game; Defeated McQuaid Jesuit, 57-44, in the semifinals. Notes: Junior point guard Sebastian Telfair had 15 in the semifinal win, but it was sophomore big man Antonio Pena who scored eight of his 18 in overtime against CK. The Railsplitters won their first title since 1995. Telfair received the MVP award and immediately handed it to Pena.

4/2/03 Bryan Griffith, N.I.K.E.-1: 'I would like to introduce a young player (13 y/o), whose name is Shameel Carty. Shameel is a student at St. Claire's and will be a freshman at Holy Cross HS next year. Shameel will be a talent to keep an eye on, has good basketball instincts, good scoring ability and fine command of the point guard position, as well as proper sportsmanship. A solid student who will do well on the high school level. Shameel will be playing for Doc Nicelli's Broncos and N.I.K.E.-1 during the summer basketball season. Shameel is currently playing in Pro-Style and just finished the IS8 Winter campaign.' Web note: Updated on the class of 2007 page.

4/2/03 Coach Glen Steinberg: 'The Warriors won the Shootout Tournament this weekend, finishing 6-0. Mike Crisci put on an offensive show and was tournament MVP. Tyler Harvey did a good job of distributing the ball and Peter Drautz did a great job on the boards.'

4/2/03 Joe Vendetti: I am the coach of the 16U Schenectady Patriots Boys registered AAU team, as well as the Assistant Coach on our HS varsity team in Schenectady, NY. We are always looking for games and can have 3 & 4 ways in our gym located upstate. We will also travel to NYC, NJ, PA, MA, CT, VT, ME, NH, RI, DE, DC, OH, MD, VA, WV, & KY for weekend tournaments or 3 ways. Three of our sophomores include Anderson Robinson, Brian LedBetter and Malcolm Williams have all been nationally recognized in a variety of publications.

Our schedule is being finalized, but some tournaments on our schedule are: Northeast Hoops (5/10 & 11), King of The Mountain I (5/17 & 18), GYMRAT (5/24 & 25), National Qualifier (6/7 & 8), King of the Mountain II (6/14 & 6/15), Rumble in the Bronx (6/21 & 22), Elite Showdown (7/12 & 13), Nike Super Showcase (7/19 -7/26). You can send me an e-mail to jvendetti@msn.com or jvendett@nycap.rr.com or our club mailing address is 820 Fehr Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12309. My phone number is 518-377-3047.'

4/1/03 The calendar automatically flips over at the beginning of each month. There are eight tournaments referenced on the April calendar page. Other months can be seen by changing the month, year display and hitting 'go' at the top of the page.

4/1/03 USA Today Final Super 25 boys' basketball rankings include # 11. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (27-4) Previous: 12. Won State Tournament of Champions, beating Camden Catholic (Cherry Hill) 61-38. Won Parochial B state championship. # 13. Lincoln, Brooklyn, N.Y. (31-4) Previous: 13. Won Class A State Federation championship. Super junior guard Sebastian Telfair will lead a solid core in search of another Federation title. # 14. St. Raymond, Bronx, N.Y. (26-4) Previous: 14. Won New York CHSAA Class A City championship. The program’s future looks bright after becoming the first CHSAA school to win three sub-varsity city titles. and # 23. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (26-8) Previous: 23. Won Class A, New York State Catholic championship.

East -- 1. McQuaid, Rochester, N.Y. (27-1), 2. Montrose Christian, Rockville, Md. (20-1), 3. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (27-4), 4. Lincoln, Brooklyn, N.Y. (31-4), 5. St. Raymond, Bronx, N.Y. (26-4), 6. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (30-2), 7. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (26-8), 8. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C. (27-5), 9. Camden Catholic, Cherry Hills, N.J. (28-2), 10. St. Anthony, Jersey City, N.J. (21-5)

Player of the week: Michael Nardi of No. 11 St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) had an MVP performance, leading his school to state championship. The Villanova-bound Nardi had 17 points and six assists in a 61-38 victory over Camden Catholic (Cherry Hill) in the state Tournament of Champions.

4/1/03 Newsday: Another LeBron Gem - 28 points, game-winning shot & MVP.

4/1/03 Booksnball: 'Apologies to anyone who tryed to find the web broadcast of the Roundball classic in Chicago last nite at my suggestion on 3/31. When I went to the recommended site originalroundball.com looking for the link to the game I found nothing! After many frustrating attempts I placed a cell phone call to the United Center to one of the game organizers and was told that a technical glich between the T.V. & Internet Systems prevented the game from being broadcast.

At the end of the first quarter LeBron James' West team was down 2 to the East. (Think East Coach Bob Hurley had the East playing "some" D?) Game results can be found at suntimes.com See ya at the Wheelchair Classic.'

4/1/03 Chicago Sun-Times: Charlie Villanueva, Richazrd McBride give Illini a glimpse of future.

4/1/03 Doc Nicelli: 'The Student Athletes Inc. will be having a summer league tornament begining on June 21 to Aug 10 or 16 in Astoria near the Triboro Bridge and Grand Central Pkwy. at Hoyt Park . The age groups will be 18 ,16 ,14 and 12 and under. Anyone interested or have any questions please write to the Student Athletes Inc. at 34-45 29th street Astoria NY 11106 or call 718 392-4527 or 646-246-1130.'

4/1/03 Mario Beras: 'Harlem Lions 17 U team will be in Springfield, MA, April 26-27, Gym Rat Challenge, May 23-24, Siena College.'

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