New York City & New Jersey High Hoops

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Spring 1998   Summer 1998    Fall 1998    Spring 1999    Summer 1999   Fall 1999   Winter Y2K  

5/6/00  Pete Edwards:  'IS8 -- address is 108-35 167 th St. Jamaica, Queens just off  Merrick Blvd on 167 St and 108th Avenue.'

5/6/00  Saturday morning at IS8.  Mount Vernon (3-1) took the NY Skyriders (2-2) by the score of 67 - 61 in the first game this morning.  It probably means that the Saints are in and the Skyriders are out of the upcoming playoffs.  Ben Gordon mailed this one in with 11 points but teamates Kevin Mitchell and Randy Brunson had 26 and 14 points while soph Jomo Belfor ran the show from the point.  Rashon Banjo (John P Miciotta: 'a steal for Quinnipiac') had 34 for the losers with only 8 from John Connor.  In the second game Riverside 'B' beat St. Francis Prep 89 - 63.  Rashad Bell was a no-show for the Terriers.  Steve Hartwig,  Kevin Fitzgerald, Kevin O'Connell and Dan Apicella had 16, 16, 24 and 8 for St. Francis.  The Church's 'B' team doesn't have great talent, but they've got depth.  Wendell Gibson,  Adrian Walton,  Petey Nelson,  Ricky Solivar,  Michael Clarke and Devon Wise scored 25, 19, 14, 10, 8 and 8 for the Church. Tremaine Stevens controlled the Church action from the point.

5/4/00 Brooklyn Scout: 'In a remarkable comeback (actually two comebacks), Brooklyn USA "B" overtook previously-unbeaten Mount Vernon 88-77 in overtimeWednesday night. Due to their late arrival, Brooklyn USA started the game down 16-0 at the start of the second quarter. They quickly got back in the game with strong defense and scoring from Ronald Williams (9 of his 14 points) and Tommie Eddie with 8 points to close within 33-30 at halftime.

After several minutes of trading baskets to start the second half, Ben Gordon took control with several clutch baskets and assists as Mount Vernon rebuilt the 16-point lead at 60-44 as the third period ended. Brooklyn USA went back inside in the fourth quarter and staged another rally that ended with a putback by Shakim Berry with four seconds left  to tie the game at 71-71 with four seconds left and force overtime.

The OT was all Brooklyn USA as they reeled off the first 11 points,  led by Eddie, who had 8 of his game-high 24 in the extra session. Berry finished with 16 points while Donald McCoy contributed 10 points and Jerel Blassingame 9 assists for Brooklyn USA. Gordon led Mount Vernon with 21 points and 7 assists with Jomo Belfor adding 15 points.'

Regular Season:   Play began Thursday, 4/6 and will end Saturday, 5/13 for a six week, 60 game season (each team plays five times).  Usually, it's quadrupleheaders on Saturday and Sunday 9:30,  11:00,  12:30 and 2:00 and doubleheaders on two Tuesdays (4/11 &18, 6:45pm & 8:15pm games), Wednesdays(6:30pm & 8pm games), Thursday (6:45pm & 8:15pm games) and Friday (6:30pm & 8pm games).  No games scheduled for Easter Sunday or for 4/28 through 4/30. Playoffs begin Tuesday 5/16/00 for top three teams in each division.The team breakdown by division is as follows:

EAST -  1. Riverside Church (3-0),  2. Huntington (3-0),  3. Rise Above (1-2),  4. Westchester (0-2),  5. Bunky Reid All Stars (1-3),  6. Renaissance All Stars (1-2).

WEST  -  7. Elmcor (3-0),   8. Southside (2-3),   9. St. Francis (2-2),  10. Hoop St. Gang (0-3),  11. Riverside B (4-0),  12. 92 St. YMCA (0-2).

NORTH - 13. BQExpress (1-1),  14. JYO (1-2),  15. Rebel (3-0),  16. Panthers B (2-1),  17. Bklyn USA (1-2),  18. Exodus (1-3).

SOUTH  -  19. LI Panthers (3-1),  20. Gauchos (2-1),  21. Bklyn USA B (2-3),  22. Mt. Vernon (3-1),  23. NY Skyriders (2-2),  24. Next Level (0-4).

Rosters:

1. Riverside Church - Andre Sweet, Kyle Cuffe,Willie Shaw, Mike Boynton, Terrence Watkins, Kasion Mims, Shakeem Mitchell, Keydren Clark, Famous Brown, Rob Barrett

2. Huntington - Justin Simpson,  Vernon Alonzo,  Willie McClurkin,  James Hurt,  Dan Merritt,  Mike Smith,  Dave Ott,  Damion Fray,  John Donnefield.

3. Rise Above - Joe McLeod,  James McLeod,  Andreas Pope,  Love Mimmons,  Ty Malone,  Greg Hammond,  Prince Wright,  Spoonie Harris,  OJ Sumpter.

4. Westchester - Marcus Austin,  Kyl Jones,  Justin Hall,  Greg Muller,  Troy Brewster,  Greg Coles,  Wayne Penn,  Jay Warren,  Jason Smith,  Nicky Cuevas , Dave Brown.

5. Bunky Reid All Stars    David Johnson,  Dwayne Holley,  Jelanie Simmons,  Danny Marchon,  Kyle Adams,  James Samuels,  Windell Forrest,  Chide Drike,  Anthony Nahide.

6. Renaissance All Stars - Todd Jonhson,  Joseph Peret,  Marcus Taylor,  Chris Fisher,  Dana Holmes,  Joe Cabrerra,  Sammy Mejia,  Winston Powell.

7. Elmcor - Coach Doug Jones, Dan Artest,  George Jefferson,  Carl Lee,  Carl Bolton,  Darryl Boykins, Roberto Felipe,  Shaheem McNair,  Dwayne Thompson,  Michael Claxton, Kevin Bishop,  J. C. Mathis, Scotty Wright.   

8. Southside   Coach Derrick Germany,  Lamont King,  Nigel Wyatte,  Janel Green,  Ian Johnston,  Khary Lowes,  Enus Stevenson, J Midgette,  Richard Smith,  Dervest Williams,  Poochie Staley,  Terrin Johnson,  Terry Downing,  Anthony Meyers.

9. St. Francis  Coach Jim Quinn,  Rashad Bell,  Kevin Fitzgerald,  Kevin White,  Steve Hartwig.

10. Hoop St. Gang -  Sean O'Keefe,  Greg Pleeter,  Mike Snider,  Mark Pierre,  George Vocarogna,  Herman Perez,  Phillip Fleurey,  Almonin Dormand,  Zarrett Rodgers, Tom Oswald.

11. Riverside B - Jason Wingate,  Steve Summa,  Rashid Simmons,  Peter Ramos,  Terrell Biggs, Kendrall Provitt,  Kevin Johnson, Ted Munford, Tremayne Singletary, Kelvin Nelson, Wendell Gibson, Adrian Walton,  Kenny Adeleke,  Michael Clarke,  Eric Stirling.  

12. 92 St. YMCA. - Kelsey Ferdinand,  Jamel Spruill,  Brian Morris,  Corey Schuler,  Luke Heiderfor,  Sam Edwards,  Frank Granthwright, Damon Loughlin,  Jermaine Miller. 

13. BQExpress  -  Coach Artie Cox,  Andre Barrett, Omar Cook, Taliek Brown, Eddie Griffen and Darius Miles. Bench: Charlie Villanueva, Zach Williams, Juma Allen, John Hemmingway and Royal Ivey

14. JYO - Bret Gladstone,  Ryan Williams,  Mandela Jones,  Phil Ford,  Akim Ackridge,  M. Alton,  Harry Good,  Darryl Hill,  Sam Lake,  Joe Forbes

15. Rebel  Coaches: Leonard P. Pitt and Robert (Rebel) Boyd,  Lee Church, Randy Williams, Amadou Fall, Charles Henson, John Bucaro, Ed O'Neil, Michael Garrett, Jamie Kilburn, Damien Herard,  Ronald Yates, Rob Villanueva,  Darnell Miller

16. Panthers B  Lenny Cooke, Curtis Sumpter, Timeke Mitchell,  Mike Newcombe, Muhammad Wilson, Brian Raimondi, Juan Ortiz.

17. Bklyn USA  Nate Reeves,  Travis Mayo,  Cliffone Ault,  Dwayne Reid,  Marcus Archer, Torrey Branch, Rashien Little, Rashienne Taha, Troy Sledge.

18. Exodus -  Rodney Epperson,  Mike Esperus,  Sheldon F.  Tristan Veriette,  M Thomas

19. LI Panthers  Kenny Adeleke, Aaron Lesane, Lawrence Pruitt.

20. Gauchos  Julius Hodge,  Marcelle Montpalisar,  Terrell Gantt,  Rashid Hardwick,  Sagarie Allegne,  Levi Levine,  Juel Wiggans,  Tremaine Stevens.

21. Bklyn USA B -  Coaches Aaron Radin and Tippy McTiernan,  Jerel Blassingame, Sebastian Telfair,  Elvis Rivera,  Jason Rivera,  Darren Sykes,  Shakim Berry, Matt Preston, Donald McCoy, Tommie Eddie, Roberto Stukes and Chris Taft.   

22. Mt. Vernon  -  Coach BobCimino,  Ben Gordon,  William Cherry,  John Boykin,  Greg Jenkins,  Lamont Harris,  Shelton Sampson,  Glen Wright,  John Belfor, Randy Brunson,  John Plenty,  Kevin Mitchell.    

23. NY Skyriders - Tyrik McLynn,  Garrett Williams,  John Curry,  Danny Hawkins,  Tony Cherry,  Dudley Isadore,  Shane Smith,  Carl Bunn 

24. Next Level. Victor Fletcher,  Gary Ervin,  Sammy Edwards,  Joseph Rig

 4/27/00 Brooklyn Scout: 'Brooklyn USA "B" started on all cylinders and never looked back, coasting to a 108-71 win over Next Level Wednesday night. Seven players scored in double figures for Brooklyn, led by Darren Sykes with 29 points, mixing a combination of three-pointers and strong drives. Tommie Eddie was unable to get any rhythm outside, but moved inside to score 23 points. Tyquan Canaday added 14 inside points while Jason Rivera tallied three treys and 13 points. Jason McRae was the most effective player for Next Level, finishing with 18 points'.

4/27/00 realscout@webtv.net: 'The second game was the very highly talented Gauchos vs Long Island Panthers.   The Gauchos lost by about 15 because of the good defensive pressure from Eric Ferguson and Ontea Gates. Ferguson frustrated St. Raymonds Star Julius Hodge. Plus, Ferguson and pg John Quintara were on fire offensively. The Gauchos came in with Rashid Hardwick, Terrell Grant, Termaine Stevens, Julius Hodge, Kenny Usley, Levi Levine and Marcel Monsplair. The Panthers came in with Aaron Lesane, Eric King, Oneta Gates, Eric Ferguson, John Quintara, Mike Sherod and Kenny Adeleke.'

4/23/00  John P. Miciotta:  'Saturday's IS8 action -- The first game of today's quadruple header saw the Renaissance All Stars use excellent guard play to offset the inside quickness and power of the Bunky Reid All Stars and hand them a 72-63 loss. Sammy Mejia, a rising senior from Theodore Roosevelt High in the Bronx, combined with teammates Marcus Taylor and Dana Holmes to propel Renaissance to an early lead. Mejia is 6'4" and has a quick and long first step, and a jumper that he hits consistently save for when he drifts. He needs to improve his intensity and concentration, and thus become a better defensiveplayer but if he does he is a legitimate mid-to-high level major prospect.

The second half saw Bunky Reid try to rally behind the inside force of Westbury's Jelanie Simmons. He is a quick leaping 6'6" post player who combines quickness and a nose for the ball with a quick "second jump" to make him an excellent rebounder. Although he's a post player at 6'6" don't be fooled in to thinking that he's not an instinctive player because he is. He's a fine passer from the post and is a very smart defensive player around the basket. Ball handling and outside shooting keep him from being a wing player at his size but even as a post or baseliner he's a solid MAAC level prospect.

Game 2 was the most intriguing of the day because of the contrast in styles between the gigantic Gauchos and the quick, smooth shooting Brooklyn USA "B" team. The Brooklynites played tough in the first have behind the hot shooting of Robeson's Shakim Berry and the stellar point guard play of Sebastian Telfair. But the Gauchos used a third quarter spurt powered by Terrell Gant, Julius Hodge and Marcelle Montpalisar to put the keep the quick pressing Brooklyn team at bay. Gant was dominant during the stretch using his wide body, soft hands and solid moves inside to score at will. Montpalisar was the perfect quick compliment to Gant's girth and strength inside. He ran the floor and scored in transition on offense, and used his quick leaping ability and timing to block and alter shots on defense. Also of note for the 'chos was the improved play of Sagari Allegne, the 7'2" rising sophomore from Rice. While he still has a ways to go he has improved in two key areas for any big man, running and catching the ball. He also demonstrated and improved touch from the free throw line in helping Bobby Horford's team salt away an 82-73 win.

The day's third contest saw the "inside-outside" duo of Nigel Wyatte and Poochy Staley power Southside to a win over the Hoop Street Gang. Wyatte, who always seems to play well at IS8 was a terrific force inside. He is a terrific recruit for Head Coach Derrick Whittenburg and assistant (and former Loughlin star)  Seldon Jefferson at Wagner. Staley's playmaking driving and shooting were outstanding and while Southside could never quite pull away they kept the Hoop Streeters at an arm's legnth throughout the game. Rising soph Zarette Rodgers was especially impressive for Hoop Street, displaying uncommon poise for a freshman and a terrific stroke. The youngster who plays at St. Joesph's High in Metuchen definitely should be ranked with the top guards in the class of 2003. He is quick and tough and despite his slight build keeps playing even when teams trap him or bump him.

Huntington used the terrific backcourt play of Bayshore senior Corey Hinnent and Art and Design rising soph Deon Merrit to take control of their game vs New Jersey. Also helping Huntington were were small forward Vernon Alonzo and center Will McClurkin who complimented the perimeter duo with a great presence in the paint. Huntiington was really the best team of the day to watch for me because their unselfish play made for some great basketball. Don't be surprised if Huntington is a team to be reckoned with come playoff time.

4/22/00  Brooklyn Scout: 'The Gauchos got 25 points from Julius Hodge and a big fourth quarter from 7-2 Sagari Allegne (10 of his 15 points) to post an 83-70 win over a scrappy but undersized Brooklyn USA "B" squad. The first half was close and ended with Brooklyn USA ahead 44-40 on the strength of three straight treys, two by eighth-grader Sebastian Telfair, who scored all 12 of his points in the first half. The Gauchos' size enabled them to take control of the contest late in the third period. Shakim Berry led Brooklyn with 15 points while Jason Rivera contributed 13.'

4/22/00  IS8  The Bunky Reid All Stars lost the first game of the day to the Renaissance All Stars 72 - 63 despite 16 points each from James Samuel and Jelanie Simmons.  Sammy Mejia led Renaissance with 17,  while Marcus Taylor,  Dana Holmes and Jarafeet Pena chipped in with 15, 12 and 9. The second game was a classic with the Gauchos taking Brooklyn USA 83 - 70.  The Gauchos are gigantic - 7-2 Sagari Allegne,  7-0 Rashid Hardwick, 6-7 Terrell Gantt and 6-7 Marcelle Montpalisar.  On the outside they're just as formidable with Julius Hodge,  Juel Wiggans,  Tremaine Stevens and Levi Levine.  Brooklyn USA had nothing like that size but with Jason Rivera,  Elvis Rivera,  Darren Sykes,  Shakim Berry and Sebastian Telfair they were able to compete by playing the entire court on offense and defense.

4/21/00  Rich:  'IS 8 -- Elmcor defeated Southside 83-80 in IS 8 Spring High School Classic action tonight. Kennedy's J. C. Mathis scored the winning basket for Elmcor with 11 seconds left. Elmcor was led by Xaverian junior Shaheem McNair.

Panthers B defeated Brooklyn USA 86-77 in the nightcap. The Panthers' Lenny Cooke and Brooklyn USA's Nate Reeves scored with ease. Cooke received more support with help from Curtis' Mike Newcombe, St. Pat's Muhammad Wilson, LaSalle's Brian Raimondi, and Newtown's Juan Ortiz.

The Gauchos made their debut with a blowout victory over Next Level on Tuesday. The city's top junior Julius Hodge dominated the action.

The new and improved Rebel squad will be in action tomorrow (versus JYO at 8pm) with St. Ray's Darnell Miller expected to make his first appearance for the 2-0 Rebel team.'

4/18/00 Rich:  'Rebel -- Watch out for this team!  Additions to the roster page for the IS 8 Classic.  Coaches: Leonard P. Pitt and Robert (Rebel) Boyd,  Lee Church, Randy Williams, Amadou Fall, Charles Henson, John Bucaro, Ed O'Neil, Michael Garrett, Jamie Kilburn, Damien Herard.'

4/16/00  Pdiddy:  'IS8 --  Rebel upset BQ Express today 85-81. Ronald Yates scored at will at times for Rebel. BQE only had 6 players. Omar Cook was a one man team hiting 7 three pointers. Taliek Brown and Zach Williams had subar peformances. Andre Barrett was not there for BQE. He was with the United States Albert Schweitzer Basketball Team. Charlie Villanueva was strong for BQE scoring close to 15 pts. His brother Rob Villanueva  had 10 second quarter points for Rebel.'

4/16/00  In the first Sunday morning game, Elmcor was leading by 2 at the half before running away from the Hoop Scoop Gang, 86 - 72.  Dwayne Thompson of St. Johns Prep arrived late and scored his ten points in the second half.  Kevin Bishop and Shaheem McNair each had 19 for Elmcor while Carl Lee ran the show from the point while scoring 11.  Greg Pleeter,  George Vocarogna and Sean O'Keefe had 14, 13 and 9 for the Gang.

4/15/00 Dismal weather day in NYC and two of the first three IS8 games are forfeits - 92 St Y to Southside and New Jersey to Renaissance.  In the second game Elmcor trounced St Francis 95 - 67.  Everyone scored for Elmcor:  Shaheem McNair (19),  Scotty (13),  Kevin Bishop (11),  George Jefferson (11),  Darryl Boykins (10) and Michael Claxton (9) on three treys.  The Prep seniors, Kevin Fitzgerald,  Kevin White and Steve Hartwig, had dreary efforts despite scoring 10, 11 and 9 points. However, Rashid Bell was awesome for the Terriers.  He scored 24 points in dominating inside play.  If Hartig is 6-4 then Rashid is now 6-6.

4/15/00  realscout@webtv.net:  'BQE vs Exodus - Omar Cook was disecting the defense, Andre Barrett was bombing three's all day, Taliek was making up some new moves to the hoop. Zach played strong but was a late to the game because of a flat tire. And Charlie "Big Time" Villanueva had a great game for a soph. He had about 16pts and is learning the game from the three McDonald's All-Americans. Juma Allen played well too. But has a problem with his foot. BQE plays Running Rebels on Sunday at 12pm.

Carl Lee played the first game with Elmcor and will continue to finish IS8 with them. Roberto Felipe is on Elmcor.'

4/14/00  Rich:  'IS8 -- Thursday night winners -- Riverside Church A 69-63,  Mount Vernon 82-78 over Renaissance and LI Panthers.'

4/13/00  Rich:  'Panthers (A) defeated Brooklyn USA (B), 81-68 in Wednesday night action at the IS 8 Spring Post Season High School Classic. The Panthers were led by Kenny Adeleke (30 points), Aaron Lesane (21), and Lawrence Pruitt (10). Jerel Blassingame (22), Sebastian Telfair (15), and Chris Taft (14) were the leading scorers for the losers.

The 8:00pm game appeared to be a forfeit. At 8:30pm, Riverside Church (B) was waiting for 92nd St. YMCA to show. Back on April 6, Elmcor defeated 92nd St. YMCA by 16.'

4/11/00  realscout@webtv.net:  'BQ Express will start 5 All Americans. Andre Barrett, Omar Cook, Taliek Brown, Eddie Griffen and Darius Miles. Bench: Charlie Villanueva, Zach Williams, Juma Allen, John Hemmingway and Royal Ivey! I think this IS 8 will be very crazy!'

4/10/00   Pdiddy: IS8 rumor? Someone told me Darius Miles and Eddie Griffen will play with B.Q.Expess at IS8.  I noticed that all of their games are scheduled on a weekend or during the Easter vacation.

4/7/00  Rich: 'IS8 Spring Post Season Classic -- League commissioner Peter Edwards has invited 24 teams to the 2000 IS 8 Spring Post Season Classic. Some of the more notable participants are Huntington, Rise Above, Elmcor, Southside, St. Francis, BQ Express, J. Y. O., Rebel, Gauchos, Mount Vernon, Next Level, and the Skyriders. Riverside Church, Brooklyn USA and the Panthers will field two teams. This spring's Classic started last night with Huntington defeating the Renaissance All Stars. Elmcor and the 92nd St. YMCA played in Thursday nightcap. Tonight's doubleheader features the Panthers (A) vs. Skyriders at 6:30pm and Rise Above vs. the Bunky Reid All Stars at 8:00pm.'