New York City & New Jersey High Hoops

---

IS8 Winter Classic, 2001

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

IS8 -- address is 108-35 167 th St. Jamaica, Queens just off  Merrick Blvd on 167 St and 108th Avenue.

2/18/01 The playoffs begin this week and the first two Biddie games had that kind of intensity.  Brooklyn USA took Hempstead 37-31 doing it with balanced scoring from Ronique Colbert (10),  Tyrik Spencer (8),  Phil Young (7) and Keith Hazel (6).  Hempstead's Dwayne Thomas and Jamel Linning had 15 and 8 for the losers.

In the second game 80 Park beat the Church 44-36.  Coach Craig (Cat) Keyes' defending champs are loaded.  In this game his three big men - Vinnie Vitale (10),  Kirby Williams (8) and Charles Jenkins (5) wore down the Church's Dave (Shaq) Ballard, holding him to 9 points.  Gerald Coles led the Church with 12 points, but the Park perimeter play of Ryan Davis (9),  Ian Umpierre (4) and point guard Malik Boothe (7) was too much for the Church.

2/17/01 The IS8 Biddie division playoffs are not yet set; this weekend's games will decide the pairings for Friday night's quarterfinal starts from 6:00 through 9:00.  For the Midgets, Ajax and Huntington will play on Monday @ 7:15 for the right to play the 3-1 Gauchos in Wednesday's 6:00 first quarterfinal game.  Abyssinian and 4-1 Brooklyn USA will play @ 7:00,  5-0 Church vs. 4-1 Manhasset @ 8:00 and the Wolfpack vs. 4-1 defending champs, 80 Park @ 9:00.

The Gauchos and Wolfpack Juniors play Monday @ 8:15 for the right to play the 4-1 Church on Thursday's 7:00 first game.  The 4-1 Blue Chips will play the Skyriders in the second game @ 8:15.  The Tuesday Junior matchups are 5-0 Ajax vs. Rise Above @ 7:00 followed by 4-1 Brooklyn USA vs. the Springfiled Rifles @ 8:15.

2/11/01  Wolfpack forfeited the first biddie game to undefeated (3-0) defending champion 80 Park.  In the second game Wolfpack (Team Next) added an impressive R Remmy (11) to their already solid starters -- point guard Erving Walker (7),  Marcus Matthews (9),  Prentice Small (11) and Andrew Gabriel (5).  They beat Brooklyn USA 43 - 29 to go to a 4-0 record.  Going into the final week of play the other biddie favorites are the Elmont Panthers (3-0),  LI Lightning (2-0) and the Church (3-1).

In the first midget game the Church took Ajax 54-43.  The undefeated (5-0) Church is loaded.  They won with Rory Hicks (2),  Scott Draughton (4) and Marcus Diggs (4) barely scoring.  Willis Kettrell (18), Tasiko Brown (14) and Brandon Brock (10) easily took up the slack.  Anthony McDowd (15) and Vernon Teal (9) led the Ajax scorers while Aleek Pauline played a smart point guard game. In the second midget game Brookluyn USA took the Rising Stars 67 - 49 behind Saquon Stone (13),  LeVance Fields (10),  Boutang (9) and Reggie Lain (7).  As usual the Stars' Holland Adams was the best player on the court with a game high 18 points.  Holland looks to be a few inches shorter than Saquon's 6-2 and probably doesn't have Stone's upside.  But right now, he's the better player. The Church, Brooklyn USA (4-1) and 80 Park (3-1) are the class of the midget division heading into the playoffs.

In the junior division the Church, Rise Above,  Ajax,  Brooklyn USA and the Skyriders seem to be the better teams.

2/10/01 IS8 playoffs begin on Monday 2/19 with 9 of 14 teams in each of the three divisions qualifying.  The 8 vs 9 teams from each division will play on the 19th - biddies at 6:15, midgets at 7:15 and juniors at 8:15.  The quarters starting times are 6:00,  7:00, 8:00 and 9:00.  Midgets play on Wednesday, juniors on Thursday and biddies on Friday.  The semis are on Saturday - biddies at 9:15 and 10:15,  midgets at 11:15 and 12:15 and juniors at 1:15 and 2:30.  Sunday, 2/25 is for the championship games - biddies at 9:15, midgets at 10:30 and juniors at 11:45.

The Church biddies are now 3-1 thanks to a first game forfeit this morning.  Amityville did not show.

The Wolfpack (Team Next) biddies have already beaten the Church and they easily took the Long Island Trotters 47 - 20 in the second game.  Mike Sands and K. Benjamin had 8 and 6 for the Trotters, while Erving Walker (13),  Andrew Gabriel (7) and Marcus Matthews (7) led the Wolfpack.

The Trotters midget team also took it on the chin, losing 71 - 49 to Westbury - a matchup of two winless teams.  Albert Handy was again solid for Westbury with 9 points and he was helped by Josh Fraser (14),  Phil Spruill (14),  Andre Spears (12) and Andre Murry (10).  Josh Jauve and C Parker had 18 and 13 for the Trotters.

2/4/01 In the first biddie game the Long Island Lightning took the Gauchos 38 - 35, using balanced scoring - 8 each from Brian Katz,  Trevor Coston and Dan Trant.  The 'chos were led by B Butler (11), Jeff Aczu (9) and S Rice (7).  The Elmont Panthers got the forfeit win over the Springfield Rifles.

In the first midget game Westbury's center star Albert Handy had a game high 23 points.  Albert is large, agile, active and stayed out of foul trouble.  But he was no match for the Church's talent, depth and full court pressure.  Riverside won 65 - 41 with Marcus Diggs (14),  Rory Hicks (9), Codi Oliver (9),  Scott Draughton (7) and Jake Stevens (6) all contributing.  

2/3/01 In today's first midget game Abyssinian's lefty forward Ron Manigault led all scorers with 13 points.  But with less than a minute to go in the game he missed an inside shot, no foul was called and Ron was called for an intentional foul.  He then got two technicals and Brooklyn USA hit 3 of 6 free throws to win 37 - 32.  LeVance (Leelee) Fields led USA with 12 points, 7 in the final quarter on 5 of 6 foul shooting.  

Team Next's big man Andrew Gabriel fouled out with 2:46 left in the game but Team Next (Wolfpack B) held off Riverside Church for a 28 - 26 biddie win.  In the final minute Mike Douglas drove the length of the court for a layup that gave the Church it's first lead of the game at 26 - 25.  But he missed the and 1 chance and Wolfpack's Erving Walker won it with a full court layup of his own.  Prentice Small hit one of two foul shots for the final margin. Walker, Small and Marcus Matthews each had 6 points for the 'pack, while Derrick Ballard (wide body, good hands but he missed way too many inside shots today) and Kyle Brown had 7 and 6 for the Church.

Rattike (Rocky) Begnum is the Brooklyn USA biddie star center.  He had 14 of his team's points in a 34 - 31 win over Amityville.

1/28/01 Keith Mason of The Apple's BestHigh School Ballaz:  'I took a trip down to IS8 today, All 4 of the games I saw were blowouts. First the Manhasset All-Stars destroyed St. Boniface 68-32. In the next game Huntington got blown out by 20 by 80 Park. In the last Midget game of the day Abyssinian jumped out to an early 17-0 lead and coasted the rest of the way for a 45-28 win. Harry Cadell, Darrell Harrison and Ron Manigault led the way for ABA. The Junior game showcased Peter Ramos. Ramos has improved a lot, he can score, he makes excellent outlet passes, has a nice stroke from the line and gets a lot of blocks. His team Blue Chip beat Gauchos B by 12. Jarrell Millis showed a lot of heart for Da Choz, as he never backed down from players like Cameron Tyler and Corey Simmons.'

1/28/01  80 Park is the defending Biddie IS8 champ and they looked it this morning.  After one quarter against Hempstead the score was 15 - 0.  The final gap was not much more than those 15 points since 80 Park's coach Craig Keyes used all his players.  When his guard trio of Malik Boothe (6 pts),  Ryan Davis (8 pts) and Ian Umpierre (6 pts) are together on the court, the can be devastating.  They are all small, quick, aggressive defenders with surprising court vision,  tricky handles and clever passing.  Park's K Williams (9 pts) and N Walsh (8 pts) benefitted from that passing while Hempstead's Josef Khalik had 17 points in the losing effort.

1/27/01  The two IS8 morning biddie games and the first midget game were blowouts.  The Elmont Panthers pounced on the Gauchos' biddies 37 - 14 while the Wolfpack devoured the Rifles 39 - 10. For the Elmont Panthers Sylvan Landesburg is the star and he again led them today.   

The Rising Stars had an 11 - 8 lead after one before the Riverside Church midgets ran away for a 67 - 32 victory.  The Stars' trio of Holland Adams,  Milan Pedrovic and Ryan Eisner played solidly, but were overwhelmed by RC's depth.  Brandon Brock was a Church force throughout the game - he's a widebody who has a nice handle and surprising quickness.  Willis Kettrell,  Marcus Diggs, Lamar Wilson and Codi Oliver all helped the Chuch's cause.

The three Monday, Wednesday and Friday games are 6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 pm starts.  The six weekend games are 9:15, 10:15,  11:15am, 12:15,  1:15  and 2:15pm. The Juniors play Fridays, one Monday and the weekend 2:15 game.  The Midgets play a Wednesday and the 11:15,  12:15 and 1:15 weekend games.  The Biddies play two Wednesdays and the weekend 9:15 and 10:15 games.

Biddies - 1. Riverside Church,  2. Brooklyn USA,  3. Team Next (A),  4. Amityville,  5.  LI Trotters,  6. Gauchos,  7. Elmont Panthers,  8.  LI Lightning,  9.  Rifles,  10 Team Next (B),  11. 80Park,  12 Hempstead,  13. Wolfpack,  14 Monticello Prode.

Midgets -  1. Riverside Church,  2. Brooklyn USA,  3. Rising Stars,  4. Westbury,  5. AJAX,  6. Manhasset AllStars,  7. Gauchos,  8.  Wolfpack,  9. St Boniface,  10. Rifles,  11 80 Park,  12 Abyssinian,  13. Huntington,  14. LI Trotters.

Juniors - 1. Riverside Church,  2. Huntington,  3. Rise Above,  4. All Net,  5. Rifles,  6. Gauchos,  7. Blue Chip,  8 AJAX,  9. Judges,  10.  Pro-Players,  11.  Brooklyn USA,  12.  Abysinnian,  13. Wolfpack,  14 Skyriders.

Junior Rosters

1. Riverside Church - James Barrett,  Jamel Lynch,  Jordan Pinnock,  Carl Jarvais,  Garfield Johns,  Billy Gilbert,  Isaiah Kelly,  Wesley Boone,  Colson Dempter,  Courtney Johnson,  Eugene Washington.

2. Huntington - Coach Dave Edwards

3. Rise Above - Coach Theo Perry,  Deshown Fowler,  Brian Buchanon,  Malik Wright,  Miguel Antigua,  Bryan Baugh,  D Jones.

4. All Net -  G Peters,  J Laboy,  E Clauson,  P Fiffe, D Davis, S Barnett, J Ferguson.

5. Rifles - Zuma Simpson,  John Miller,  Dwayne Box,  Jason Boyce,  Donnell,  Ray Arnold,  Tervon Hughes,  Devon Tyson,  Ray Arnold.

6. Gauchos - Steve,  Evan,  Chris Noel, Ronald Ramon, Watson,  Andre,  Jay.

7. Blue Chip -  Ramose Modesto,  Tyler Cameron,  Pete Ramos,  Devin Diggs,  Josh Colten,  Rodriquez,  John Oates,  Corey Simmons,  Gary Hawkins.

8 AJAX  (Gauchos) - Shahee Martin,  Devon Brown,  Phillip Wright,  Sundiatta Gaines,  Tyson Holley,  John Forbes,  Dwayne Johnson,  Tifford Fields,  Tyshaun Bierra,  Travis McFarlane,  Maliki White,  Jerry Comp.

9. Judges - Kons Koustaris, Raymond Jones,  Bret Lasky,  Fitz Robinson,  Jason Boone,  Melvin Peartt,  Douglas Clapp,  Lovell Wakefield.

10. Pro-Players - Leslie,  Dave,  George,  Kenny,  Chris.

11. Brooklyn USA - Coach James Simmons,  Derek Sansbury, Kirk Bunn,  Freddie Jenkins,  Angel Alaimo, Kaimondre Owes, Timothy Tillery, Rahiim Crosby, Kenneth Hayes, Jelani Beauford, Kyle Odom, Terrance Portis, Basil Leslie.

12. Abysinnian -  Mike Franklin,  Dominic Lewis,  David Ballard,  Hector Sanchez,  Lavon Hickman,  Datron Brown,  Salimim Wilson,  Marvin Moore,  David Clark,  Sam Alston,  Brian Lytle.

13. Wolfpack - Justin Marshall,  Michael Keith,  Phil Murphy,  John Ager,  William Harris,  Carlton Bailey, Nigel Polite.

14 Skyriders. - G Grant,  B Laing,  R Taylor,  W Wicks,  M Berman,  I Markonikan,  A Montigue,  O Andre, W Favid,  S Gaffrey.

Midget Rosters

1. Riverside Church - Nick Scott,  Brandon Brock,  Lamar Wilson,  Willis Kettrell,  Jake Stevens, Scott Draughton,  Taskico Brown,  Marques Cox,  Marquez Diggs,  Codi Oliver,  Rory Hicks.

2. Brooklyn USA - Jermaine Campbell,  Michael Shine,  Anthony Thomas,  Reggie Lain,  Saquoin Stone, David Odom,  Marvin Roberts,  Markell Austin,  LeVance Fields.

3. Rising Stars -Milan Prodanovic,  Michael Marin,  Ryan Eisner,  Michael Gorinski,  James LaRusso,  David Pelton, Holland Adams,  Jimmy Basile.

4. Westbury (Bunky Reid) -  Andre Spears,  Kerry Gulley,  Josh Frazer,  Andre Murry,  Dequan Redd,  Chris Exym,  Albert Landrey. 

5. AJAX -  Coach Raheem Martin, Davon Browne,  Melvin Clarida,  Brandon Tittley,  Aleek Pauline,  Anthony Mc Dowd,  Gabriel McFarlan,  Donald Ison,  Anthony Jones,  Kevin Hannaway, Tyrone,  Vernon Teel, Rashad Phillies, Damien Braswell.

6. Manhasset AllStars -   Coach Sly Johnson, Tyson Johnson, Joey Amelio, Keith Turcios, Kevin Dooley, Jonathan Fountain, Brian Nelson, Raymell Rice, Kevin Dooley, Ricardo St Louis,  Rory Grady,  Logan Klein,  Kevin Stewart, Kevin Vosilla, R. Paige.

7. Gauchos -  J Ruiz,  T Hill,  E Sosa,  J Vines,  A Clarke,  K Pratt,  J Bradley,  D Crawford,  G Williamson.

8. Wolfpack - Coach Black,  Shalah,  Justin,  Brian,  Vincent,  Anthony,  Jakor,  Mike,  Tony,  Jamel,  Tikal,  Shannon,  Jamal.

9. St Boniface - Coach Derrick Page & Coach Maurice Barbera, Alex Williams,  Victor Bloise,  Akhem Bennett,  Jermaine Brown,  Evan Thomas,  Dana Brown, Terrell Johnson.  

10. Rifles - Coach Eric Barnett,  Trevon Hughes,  Ray Arnold,  William Garvin,  Jarrett Perry,  Unique Stowe,  Luis Boris,  Oshames Planes,  Gary Warnell,  Dominique Donton,  Eddie Rhodes.

11 80 Park - Coach Craig Keyes. Mike Johnson,  A Gregg,  E Martin,  K Huggins,  Leon Falconeo,  J Outler,  C Rhoden,  G McKenzie.

12 Abyssinian - Harry Cadell,  Darrell Harrison, Ron Manigault,  L Peeks,  S Tribble,  R Phipps,  T Wilson,  M Pope,  T Wright.

13. Huntington - Coach Dave Edwards,  Matt Howard,  Mike Crisci,  Bob Kiteran,  Greg Harris,  Matt Fabrico,  Brendan Simon.

14. LI Trotters - C Olgetrice,  C Parker,  B Serrano,  K Olgetrice,  B Bates,  M Reed,  Sackim.

Biddie Rosters

1. Riverside Church - Lamont Lans,  Derrick Ballard,  Kyle Brown,  Mike Douglas,  Dorrell Carter,  Gerald Colds,  Justin Nowell.

2. Brooklyn USA -Ronique Colbert,  Samuel Okitoh,  Kendell Outler,  Quassimi Pugh,  Tyrik Spencer,  Lance Stevenson,  Duane McMillan,  Rattike (Rocky) Begnum.

3. Team Next (A) -  Mike Douglas,  Prentice Small,  JJ Garvin,  Marcello Basserra,  Erving Walker,  Marcus Matthews.

4. Amityville - Coach John Depass, Aubrey,  Jama,  Raymond,  R J,  Chris L P, Mookie,  Gerard,  Rich.

5. LI Trotters - M Sands,  David Akinyoye,  Shaun Russell,  Tony Abraham,  Paul Gibbs,  Michael Magnum,  Trinity Fields,  M Richardson,  Kenneth Benjamin.

6. Gauchos - Darryl Smith,  Michael Battista,  Jonathan Abramson,  Jeffrey Arzo,  Daniel Essander,  Shadic Rice,  Allen Forbes,  Lamar Parham.

7. Elmont Panthers -Devon Thomas,  Sylvan Landesburg,  Michael Richards,  Ben Colon, Kenny Johnson,  Darrol Hill,  Jonathan Cadet,  Titus Williams,  R Farley.

8. LI Lightning -  Coach Danny Trant,  Dan Trant,  Brian Katz ,  T.J. Carey,  Trevor Coston,  Terrance Leetch, John Harms,  Chris Lyons,  Joe Maddalone,   Matt Checkla.

9. Rifles - Coach Eric Barnett.  Tequon Jones,  Jus Spaulding,  Gerrald Hardnett,  Justin Stowe,  Josh Dennison,  Monique Sidborne,  Ronald Merritt,  Danzel,  Akeem,  Courtney,  James,  Daniel McFadden.

10 Team Next (B) -  Stanley Desire,  D Crawford,  A Davis,  M Evans,  E Miller,  V Rogers,  M Murry,  C Dawn,  J Garvin.

11. 80 Park -  Coach Craig Keyes. Malik Boothe,  Ian Umpierre,  Ryan Davis,  K Williams,  N Walsh,  C Jenkins,  L Agaud.

12 Hempstead - Anthony Chatman,  Travis Seymour,  Dwayne Thomas,  Jamel  Linning,  J Edwards,  Dan Turner, Josef Khalik,  Markeys Davis.

13. Wolfpack -  Coach Mark Evans,  Malik Evans,  Cameron Sutton,  Anthony Parris, Randy Harris,  Vincent Rogers,  Elliot Miller,  D Cranford.

14 Monticello Pride - Chris Becton,  Shane Hickey,  Osei Austin,  Greg Johnson,  Shakim Young,  Courtney Chagrill,  Doug Scott.