Basketball City Classic 2004

5/24/04 NY Hoops: New England Playaz Take Home Basket Ball City Classic.

5/24/04 John P Miciotta: The Metro Hawks came within a last second basket by the New England Playaz in the 17 and under final of sweeping the first annual Basketball City Classic this weekend. Both Metro Hawks teams, as well as the other local entries featured some fine individual performances.

I arrived just in time to see the Gauchos 17 and under team take on the Long Island based New York Elite. The 'chos sported a powerful front line despite the absence of Xaverian's Mike Davis due to a shoulder injury. Curtis Kelly, John Gooden, Antonio Pena and Geoff McDermott all had fine games in support of the Gauchos back court duo of Levance Fields and Jesse Sapp. This was my first extended look at McDermott, the strong "baseline 3 man" if you will from New Rochelle High and I came away very impressed. Not only is he strong, with good hands and a knack for scoring around the basket, he has a good knack for reading defensive situations; knowing when to take a charge, and how and when to assist a team mate. He's a fairly quick one on one defender and an outstanding team defensive player. That along with his passing and ability around the rim make him recruitable by mid majors and perhaps some high majors because he's a guy who will make the chemistry of whatever team has him much better.

Sapp, the Manhattan native who's currently prepping at National Christian Academy showed improved strength and outside shooting. He and Fields combined to form a back court that gave teams fits all weekend. They overwhelmed New York Elite's young guards and despite a couple of runs late in the game, held on for a good win

The Elite got a strong game from Brentwood's John Garcia, who battled effectively against the quicker and deeper front line of the Gauchos. Although he stands a bit taller at 6'8" his game is very similar to that of former Molloy and current Hofstra star Wendell Gibson. He's not an explosive leaper but he makes himself a factor on the glass using his quick feet, long arms and timing to rebound even against more athletic players. He has post moves, can turn to both sides, although he's more comfortable turning left and shooting right handed, and runs well enough to be a factor in transition.. Our Savior New American power forward James Tchana showed continued improvement as he continues to bounce back from injuries. He's running well and rebounding hard but needs to gain that little bit of extra "game sharpness" if you will, to become an effective scorer inside once again.

The Metro Hawks' 16 and under semi final game followed that one as they used their quickness against a team from Maine that featured good size and lots of outside shooting. Don Bosco's James Bryant led the way with outside shooting early, but a great second half effort by McClancy's Stephen Wood, who hit several key jumpers and battled very well on the boards provided the spark for the win. Woods and CK's Rob Hampton used their quickness to compensate for their lack of size at the rim and held their own on the glass. Although this group of Hawks played well as a team. And although Rob Hampton took home MVP honors with outstanding scoring and diligent work underneath, the Hawks do not win without Larry Davis who took charge handling the ball down the stretch with poise, passing beautifully and making key shots. In the final against a Playaz Club team that featured the Williams twins and a much improved Kimmani Barrett, Davis hit Hampton twice and then Bryant for three of the four baskets during what was a decisive run for the Hawks.

The older Hawks nearly duplicated the feat of their younger brethren. In the semis they knocked off the Gauchos as the backcourt of Herbie Allen and Chris Martin did enough against Fields and Sapp to allow the Hawks' frontcourt to be the difference. Tyrell Biggs was dominant inside, and has clearly put the finishing touch on developing an outstanding all around game. He appears to be in as good condition as ever, he's running well, facing the basket, scoring with his jumper and his post moves. Perhaps the best thing about Biggs' effort was simply that after three games, he appeared to have the freshest legs of any player left. Against New England the Hawks sprinted to an early lead behind Biggs, Martin and Allen. New England rallied from 8 down and tied it with under a minute to go. After the two teams swapped turnovers New England hit a running one hander from the left side to garner the win.. The older Hawks also got strong performances from Hakeem Gooding, whose energy and passing from the forward spot was a factor all day, as well as Brandon Bach, the 6'2" wide body who was a key factor off of Riverside's bench last year is reprising that role for the Metro Hawks.'

Thanks to everyone connected with the tourney as well as those who helped me move around Basketball City. This was a great event and here's hoping it becomes an annual one.

5/23/04 New York Insider: Levance Fields Sparks Gauchos Past Ravens at Basketball City.

5/23/04 NY Hoops: Pool Play Results at Basketball City.

5/19/04 Justin Leonard: 'The schedule for this weekends Basketball City Classic Tournament is now available online. The Basketball City Classic is one of New York City's premier events this spring. A total of 44 teams will be participating.

16 & Under Division features - New Heights, NY Panthers, Brooklyn USA, NY Ravens, Metro Hawks, TT Playaz, Gauchos, Brooklyn Bridge, TK All-Stars, SI Stingrays, Ahead of the Game, Kips Bay, Bayside Titans, Maine Hoops & more.

17 & Under Division features - TT Playaz, New Heights, Gauchos, NY Ravens, Brooklyn USA, NJ Demons, NJ Panthers, Metro Hawks, NY Elite, New England Playaz, Manhasset All-Stars, Exodus & more.'