New York City & New Jersey High Hoops

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IS8 Fall Classic League, 2001

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

10/20/01 John Miciotta: 'I arrived late this evening but nevertheless just in time to see Louisville recruit Taquan Dean hit a three with under a minute to go to seal a birth in the semis for the Panthers over a tough Riverside "Future Stars" team. The game I did get to see was between LPAC and St. Mary's...and the Gaels used terrific ball movement, a balanced attack, and a great all around effort from Mamadou Diakhate to secure a close, hard fought win. The opening moments of the game saw the Gaels sprint to a 6-0 lead but LPAC scored the next 8 straight to gain the lead. LPAC featured two players who are "sleepers" but legitimate division one prospects. 6'4" swing man Moses Gonzalez, who is reported to be in his 5th year of school at Walton High opened the game with a beautiful cross over "stop and pop" move and even though he had tough luck and the shot spun in and out, he showed the quickness and athletic ability that have helped him build a reputation in Pete Edwards' vaunted proving ground at IS8. After that he displayed a nice touch on the jumper, good finishing ability on the break and quick hands. The only thing that is even remotely a negative is that a player with his ability needs to move better without the ball and put himself in position to score. Edward Berrios, the fine guard from Theodore Roosevelt, who plays with him on LPAC is talented but sometimes tries to take over the game rather than get team mates involved. That coupled with Gonzalez' recalcitrant play, hurt LPAC against a St. Mary's team that takes advantage of every mistake an opponent makes with its ability to move the ball and make shots. As Pete Edwards reminded us in his inimitable style at the mike..."they make you play defense". Another player for LPAC who has used this tournament to show people how good he is was Emilio Gonzalez, a 6'7" player believed to be at Taft High. He's not a leaper and needs to get stronger, but he has a terrific nose for the ball, decent hands, and some nice footwork in the post. Should he continue to work hard on the court and in class, division one schools will almost certainly be calling.

Although Diakhate was the star for St. Mary's with an effort that showed terrific ability in all phases of the game, Jared Weir and Keith Tilley each played key roles, knocking down open shots and moving the ball smartly. Weir is a bit more athletic, and Tilley is a better ball handler, both should draw looks from top flight division II programs.'

10/19/01 Peter F. Edwards - IS8: 'Panthers take Future Stars and St. Marys beats LPAC to make tomorrow's semis Sonday Express vs St Marys @ 11:00, Riverside vs Panthers @ 12:30.'

10/19/01 Coach Kenny Pretlow: 'Riverside Church advanced to the semi-finals of the I.S. 8 tip off tourney. Riverside opened up in the playoffs by defeating the Bronx Ravens 98-70 behind the hot shooting of Keydren Clark. Kiki hit 8 threes on the way to a career high 38 pts. Ricky Soliver added 16 and Shamar Green 14 pts and 10 rebounds. The Ravens were led by Daon Meritt and Tariq Atkins and played with out Allan Ray who was injured. Riverside then routed the Minutemen Press 95-58. Kiki hit 4 more threes to lead the way with 14, Willie Irick aslo had 14 Petey Nelson 12, Karron Lee 11 and Shamar Green 10. Riverside's black press forced the Minutemen into numerous turnovers in opening a 21 pt halftime lead and coast to the victory. In the semi finals Riversidse will face the winner of today's LI Panthers, Riverside Future Stars matchup on Saturday at 12:30pm.'

10/19/01 Peter F. Edwards - IS8: 'Minuteman Press vs Riverside Church - Riverside won / Play Saturday @ 12:30 vs winner off 6:30 game Friday. Friday 6:30 Panthers vs Future Stars.  Sonday Express vs Rise Above - Sonday won and will play Saturday @ 11:00 vs winner of 8PM game Friday.  Friday 8:00 St. Marys vs LPAC.'

IS8 Fall Classic includes 30 teams for a three week regular season from 9/10 through 10/7. Weeknight games start at 6:30 and 8:00.  Weekend starts are 9:30,  11:00, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30.  Playoffs begin on 10/10 with top three teams from each of six divisions.

East -- 1. SONDAY Express,  2. St. Marys,  3. Rock Steady,  4. Connect Talent,  5. Rim Rockers

West -- 6. Riverside Church,  7. Rise Above,  8. JYO,  9. Renaissance Warriors,  10. Amityville

North -- 11 Brooklyn Bridge,  12 Real Scout,  13 Jersey Jaguars,  14 LPAC Knights,  15 Blue Chip

South -- 16 LI Panthers,  17 Rebel,  18 Queens Rimrockers,  19 Huntington,  20 Flatbush Youth Association

Northeast -- 21 Ravens,  22 Future Stars,  23 Mount Vernon,  24 New York Skyriders,  25 Hoop Street Gang

Southeast -- 26 Players Club,  27 Gauchos,  28 Minuteman Press,  29 Brooklyn USA,  30 Holy Cross

Projected rosters (guessing as of 9/14):

1. S.O.N.D.A.Y. Express -- Coach Artie Cox,  Sundiatta (Yadda) Gaines. Jaffette McNeil, Justin Marshall, Sean Banks, George Jefferson, Julian Thomas,  Mitchell Beauford.

2. Gaels -- (aka St Marys)  Mamadou Diakhate, Tim Wall, Paul Trecario, Keith Tilley, Jared Weir.

3. Rock Steady Beacon -- Coach Andre Reese --  Gary Ervin, Lenny Cooke, Bennie Utley, Shakeem Mitchell

4. Connect Talent --  Coach John Begley -- Mike Watson,  Marquois Brown, Maxwell Williams,  Dave McClure, Francisco Bonfire, Isaiah Jones,  Fred Applewhite,  Danny Powell,  Paul Sable, Mustafa Saladdan, Torry Thomas,  Adrian Lima. 

5. Rim Rockers -- Coaches Dennis T. Terry,   Amiel Thomas, Brian Treffert, Clarence Alonzo, Stephen "LS" Polk, Akin Rawlins, Alex Bardeguez, Aquan Kane, Shareefe Gilyard and Jordell Mortley

6. Riverside Church -- Coaches Ernest Lorch and Kenny Pretlow  -- Keydren Clarke, Ricardo Solivera, Willie Irick, Kenny Eusey, Alonzo Brown, Bobby Santiago, James Barrett, Eric Martin and Shamar Green

7. Rise Above -- Coach Theo Perry -- Brian Buchanan, Dres Pole, Euwill Mimmons, Cornell Woods, Deshawn Fowler, Joe McLoed, Kennerly Williams.

8. J.Y.O.-- Coach Billy Medley, Dwayne Johnson,  Terry McKenzie,  Skylar Khalil,  Melvin Peart,  Danny Phillips,  John Forbes,  Richard Forbes,  Darryl Bynoe,  Lance Hazele,  Cameron Tyler.

9. Renaissance Warriors -- Coach Darren Quinlan, Jose Cabreja,  Marcus Gutierrez, Victor Rispaldo.

10. Amityville --  AJ Price, Jason Fraser,

11. Brooklyn Bridge -- Sebastian Telflair, John Quintana, Chris Taft, Ramel Bradley, Mitchell Beauford, and Jason Olive.

12. Real Scout -- Coach Nathan Blue, Charlie Villanueva, Donnie McGrath, Rashard Turner, Roberto Felipe, Joey Vargas, Phil Murphy, Andre Cole.

13. New Jersey Jaguars -- Coach Dave Wasilenko, Don Falcon, Trevoy Chambers, Mike Wasilenko, Karl Anderson, John Lopez

14 LPAC Knights --  Moses Gonzalez,  Neville Stover,  Emilio Gonzalez,  Ed Berrios,  Jemel Womack,  Elijah Faucette,  Joseph Walker,  Willie Johnson,  Davey Mejia, Sammy Mejia.

15. Blue Chip -- Coach Jose Modeste, Ramose Modesto, Julian Thomas, Carr, Markell Andre.

16. LI Panthers (A) Coach Gary Charles, Marvin McCullough, Curtis Sumpter, Mike Claxton, Tim Doyle, Eric Ferguson,  Andre Vanderpool, Aubin Scott, and Taquan Dean  

17. Rebel -- Coach Robert (Rebel) Boyd, Josh Puello

18 Queens Rimrockers -- Coaches Vinny Kabus, Louis Xifaras, Dennis Avila. -- Pete Caris, Kevin Diffley, Jamal Wagner, Kevin Hamilton, Diego Aguiar, Otoja Abit, Stephon Cherry, Will Harris, Tyshawn Bierria, Joe Deluca

19. Huntington -- Coach Dave Edwards, Chad Davis, Matt Ross, Brian Faustin, Sequon Gibbs, Jimmy Sutton, DJ Fields, Kevin Hamilton, Andre Vanderpool, Kevin Burton, Antoine Angelau.

20. F.Y.A -- Coach Carlton Screen -- Max Menard, Anderson Labaze, Steve Sutton, Lennox Browne, Fernando Jordan, Jamel Lazare. Jerome Edwards, Jamel Wichard, Sean Watson, Akeem Dennis, Antoine Johnson, Karim McKenzie.

21 Ravens --  Coach Artie Green, Allan Ray, Daon Merritt, Louie McCroskey, Brian Lane, Anwar Bapitiste, Davonne Folks, and Tariq Atkins.

22. Future Stars -- Coaches Ernest Lorch and Kenny Pretlow. --  Terell Biggs, Kojo Mensah, Aaron Harvey

23. Mount Vernon -- Coach Bob Cimino, Will Cherry, Jomo Belfor, Troy Carr, Randy Brunson, Chris Dyer, Dwayne Thomas, Bryan Browne, Jabari Samuel, Dexter Gray, Keith Benjamin, Steve Robinson, Rayvon Robinson.

24. Skyriders -- Coach Amir Sultan -- Tarik Vaer McClymont, Steve Duran and Rob White.

25. Hoop St Gang -- Coach Barry Knapp,  Hernan Perez,  Phillip Fleurey, Reggie Torchan, Rah Chance, Jason Firestone, Zarret Rogers, Abu Kanu, Stan Lamb, Tom Oswald,  Larry Milligan, Joe Mahan, Jason Robinson.

26 Players Club -- Coach Jimmy Salmon. -- Elijah Ingram, Jamar Nutter, D'Angelo Alexander,  Jamel Warren,  Daryl Watkins, Marques Webb

27. Gauchos -- coach Dwayne Mitchell, Jermaine Pringle Maybank, Laurence Palmer, David Sills, Tyrone Marshall, Shaun Wynn, Aaron Nelson, Ron Wyatt, Drew Arrington, Chris Simson, Curtis Shepherd, Kendell Provet

28 Minuteman Press -- Coaches Bill Sisti and Bob Titus  -- .Andre Lawrie, Wayne Coward,   Lee Michael Allen,  Mitchell Beauford, Nichols Titus, Oumar Sylla, Brian Sisti,  Konimba Diarra, Adam Cirnigliaro

29. Brooklyn U.S.A. -- Coaches Jermaine Brown and Aaron Radin --  Terrance Jackson,  Saiquon Stone,  Carlos Collazo,  Robert Thomas, Kyain Thomas,  Sion Mozelle, Terrance Portis, Terrell Cruz,  Eugene Lawrance,  Kenny Hayes,  Eugene Harvey,  Rayvon Roseboro,  Deshaun Mars,  Quintin Merritt,  Derick Echols, Jelani Beauford.

30. Holy Cross --Coach Lloyd Desvigne, Mike Howell, Sean Wallace, Joe Marino, Albert, Kevin, Rob, Daniel Surrett.

10/18/01 Louis Xifaras: 'The Queens RimRockers gave the defending champs, SONDAY Express, a good run last night at I.S. 8 only losing by about 10 points. This was the first time QRR was in the prestigious I.S. 8 League. The game was in single digits throughout as QRR came a few possessions short of pulling the upset.'

10/8/01 Louis Xifaras: 'Queens RimRockers sweep 2 games over weekend to make I.S. 8 Playoffs as #3 seed.

This weekend was a good one for us at I.S. 8,.We managed to win back to back games on Saturday and Sunday and make the playoffs as a #3 seed.

On Saturday, we beat F.Y.A. 64-60. High scorer for the game was Pete Caris (Aviation) with 19 points, most coming off of jumpshots. Kevin Diffley (Molloy) contributed with 15 points and Jamal Wagner (Molloy) dropped in 10 and rebounded very well downlow. Will Harris (Christ the King) had a big game with 14 points, which also included some good defense and a fast break slam. Kevin Hamilton (Molloy) ran the floor well for QRR and had 6 points to go with some great passing. Otoja Abit (Molloy), Tyshawn Bierria (Christ the King), and Joe Deluca (Christ the King) also contributed for QRR as we went to 1-2 in the regular season and kept our chances alive for a playoff spot.

On Sunday at the 8, we beat Huntington by a score of 76-67. High scorer once again was Pete Caris (Aviation) with 18 points. Kevin Diffley (Molloy) had 16, Jamal Wagner (Molloy) had 13, Kevin Hamilton (Molloy) played good defense and had 12 points, Will Harris (Christ the King) had 9, while Otoja Abit (Molloy) had 8 points and rebounded well. Tyshawn Bierria (Christ the King) and Joe Deluca (Christ the King) also helped us as we went 2-2 in the I.S. 8 regular season with this win and move into the playoffs as a #3 seed.'

10/7/01 Rich: 'In the weekend's most thrilling game at IS 8, Sonday Express defeated Rock Steady Beacon 99-94. Molloy sophomore Sundiata Gaines was the star of the game with 21 second half points and 34 overall. The fourth quarter was noteworthy due to key final minute baskets by Automotive's George Jefferson (9) and the CTK backcourt of Japhete McNeil (7) and Mitchell Beauford (13) and 3 for 7 foul shooting by Rock Steady Beacon. Danny Artest added 27 for (4-0) Sonday Express while Gary Ervin (24), Benny Utley (19), and Lenny Cooke (18) led (3-1) Rock Steady Beacon.

East Division winner Sonday Express will begin playoff action on October 17th at 630pm while Rock Steady Beacon will begin on October 14 at 11am.'

10/7/01 Pdiddy9682: 'Sonday Express came back from a eight point deficit with 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter to defeat Rock Steady Beacon by 2. Sonday was led by Yadda Gaines who had 36 points and Daniel Artest who was unstoppable near the basket. Back to back 3's by Japhet McNeil and George Jefferson put Sonday up for good. Rock Steady was led by Gary Ervin who had around 25 points including 5 three pointers and Lenny Cooke who had 18. Sonday Express finshes the regular season in 1st place.'

10/6/01 There are five games tomorrow and two each on Monday and Tuesday to finish the regular IS8 season. The playoffs begin with two games next Friday at 6:30 and 8:00 and continue with four games on Sunday the 14th. There are no games next Saturday; it's an SAT day. The second week will have 6:30 and 8:oo pm games on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  The semis are at 11:00 am and 12:30 pm on Saturday, the 20 th with the championship game on Sunday at 11:00 am.

The first two games today were both blowouts as LPAC flipped Blue Chip 104 - 66 and Connect Select rocked the Rim Rockers 96 - 56. Moses Gonzalez and Sammy Mejia had 40 and 30 for LPAC while Edward Berrios and Emilio Gonzalez added 12 and 11.  Mike Watson (19), Mauel Williams (17), Fernando Bonfire (16) and Dave McLoure (11) led Connect Select to the easy win.  Shareefe Gilyard and Amiel Thomas had 18 and 11 for the Rim Rockers.

In earlier games this week Rise Above beat Amityville 58 - 48 with Joe McLoed, Cornell Woods and Kennerly Williams scoring 13, 12 and 11 for RA.  Riverside Church topped Rise Above 74 - 68 behind Ricky Soliver (22) and Willie Irick (19).  Kennerly Williams (21), Gary Jones (18) and Joe McLoed (16) were best for RA.  The Skyriders beat Mount Vernon 65 - 50 with Carl Benn (18), Danny Hawkins (11) and Keith Bussey (11) taking flight.  Jomo Belfor and Will Cherry had 18 and 14 for the Knights.  The Ravens soared over Hoop Street Gang as Tariq Atkins (19),  Daon Merritt (15), Louis McCloskey (11), Brian Lang (8) and Dave Clarke (8) each contributed.  The Panthers pounced on Huntington 96 - 62 despite a game high 43 points from Huntington's Antwan Aguido.  Curtis Sumpter, Tim Doyle and Aubin Scott had 28, 19 and 15 for coach Gary Charles. The Skyriders edged the Ravens 79 - 78 despite getting 45 points from Tyrik Atkins. Carl Benn led the Skyriders with 27 points and Tarik Vaer McClymont had 15.  Rebel tripped up Huntington 68 - 64 as Louis Cesah dropped 29 points, 16 in the last quarter, including four treys.  Danny Green added 18 for Rebel while Antwan Aguilo, James Hart and Brian Faustin notched 21, 18 and 17 for Huntington. Brooklyn Bridge covered LPAC 106 - 73 with Karon Clarke (24), Sebastian Telfair (20), Ramel Bradley (17), Brian Williams (15) and Chris Taft (11) each reaching double figures.  With no Sammy Mejia only Moses Gonzalez (tops in the game with 38) and Neville Stover (10) doubled for LPAC. Mount Vernon shot down the Future Stars 68 - 57 as the Knight stars, Will Cherry and Jomo Belfor, had 28 and 15.  Wesley Matthew got 15 for the Church youngsters but Aaron Harvey (9),  Tyrell Biggs (9),  Kojo Mensah (9) and Gary Fowler (8) were held in check. Rise Above bopped JYO behind balanced scoring from Deshawn Fowler (14),  Brandon Coates (13), Gary Jones (12),  John Thomas (11) and Kennerly Williams (8).  Cameron Tyler (25) and Darry Bynoe (19) didn't get enough help from their JYO teammates.

10/1/01 Eric Jaklitsch: 'I was at IS8 this past Friday and Sunday. On Friday I made it to the Panthers game by the second quarter and I saw them put on a show versus the Rimrockers. Timmy Doyle was finding the open man in a variety of  ways, for easy finishes. Curtis Sumpter played well also, doing many different things during the game. Darryl Hill made it to the game at half-time and made his way into the game during the third quater. Showtime put on a show for the time he was in there. He did an array of moves on the Rimrocker defenders, who couldn't handle Darryl. The play of the game came in the fourth quarter, on a pass from Hill to Sumpter for an alley oop dunk. The crowd went nuts, but not becasue of the thunderous dunk but because Darryl Hill totally embarrased the kid who was defending him with the move and pass he made to Sumpter.

On Sunday I was disappointed to not be able to see Tim Thomas versus the Minutemen Press, but the Rock Steady game made up for it. Lenny Cooke showed up a few minutes before the tip off and still got the nod to start. "Child  Abuse" put on a show in the first half. Gary Ervin found "Mr Everything"  many times for alley oop dunks, cutting to the basket, on the wing, and in the post. Lenny did it all! He rebounded, scored, and passed great, but the best was the way he got up and played defense on a much taller, and bigger opponent. Lenny had 31 at half and finished with 51 for the game, which is the MOST EVER at the prestigous IS 8 tournament according to director Pete Edwards.'

10/1/01 Nathan Blue's Real Scout Hoop Summary (NYC) -- 'This weekend was a great weekend for basketball at IS 8. Players such as Marquis Webb (Tim Thomas Playazs), Lenny Cooke (Rock Steady), Curtis Stinson (Real Scout), Sean Banks (Tim Thomas Playazs), Mark Arrington (Blue Chip), Jamar Nutter (Tim Thomas Playazs), Gary Evin (Rock Steady), Sean Wynn (Gauchos) A.J. Price (Amityville), Matt Ross (Huntington), Shagri Alleyne (Gauchos) Donnie McGrath (Real Scout), Jermaine Pringel (Gauchos), Yadda Gaines (S.o.n.d.a.y Express), Daryl Watkins aka Mookie (Tim Thomas Playazs), Miguel Gonzales (Holy Cross), and Marlon Smith (Gauchos) plus many more!

Tim Thomas Playazs lost their first game to a very tough Gauchos Team on Sat. The second game looked like a joke between Sonday Express and the team from Connecticut as the S.E squad was much smaller then the Connecticut team. But enter Elijah Muldrow, Mitchell Beauford, Yadda Gaines, George Jefferson, and leader Jafette McNeil and you got good guards with real heart.

So after Sonday beat The Connecticut Team........Holy Cross took on the T5T Playazs and got blown out bad.

Then Amityville lost to Rise Above. A.J. Price is a special talent for Amityville. He may not be as dominant as I once thought. But give a yr of HS experience and he's gonna be scary.

In the First Game today Real Scout beat Blue Chip 89-88 on a last second buzzer beater by Donnie McGrath (15pts) on a pass from Curtis Stinson (30pts). The game gave us a guarnteed playoff spot and also a shot at winning the divison. Other good players in the Game were Blue Chips Mark Arrington (30pts) and Desmond Frazier (30pts). Roberto Felipe (13pts) and Phillip Murphy (12pts) added needed scoring and rebounding for RS.

The next game will be on Sat and there will be a surprise guest against the Brooklyn Bridge on Sat. It's the kids IS 8 debut. Sat 3:30 a can't miss game.

I missed the Lenny Cooke 51pt game. I heard it was usual Lenny show. While Gary Ervin finished with 14pts for Rock Steady.'

9/30/01  Donnie McGrath hit the game winning shot to give Real Scout a 89 -88 win over Blue Chip in this morning's first game.  Curtis Stinson led RS with 30 as Donnie (15), Roberto Felipe (13), Phil Murphy (12) and Darren Sykes (9) all chipped in against Blue Chip.

The T5T Playaz had car problems and couldn't make either the second or fourth game this Sunday.  Pete Edwards may or may not be able to reschedule those games.  

In yesterday's last game Rise Above took Amityville 58 - 48 as Joe McLoed (13),  Cornell Woods (12) and K. Williams (11) led the way.

9/30/01  John P. Miciotta: 'Observations from Saturday's IS8 action -- The day kicked off with the Gauchos upsetting the T5T Playaz 84-75. The 'chos used quickness to overcome the height and size advantage enjoyed by the Playaz. While 7'2" Shagari Allenye made himself a factor roaming the paint and blocking shots, the rebounding help the Gauchos needed came from a group of aggressive athletic players all in the 6'3 -- 6'5" range. Players like Jermaine Pringle Maybank, Levi Levine, Sean Wynn and Adrian Joseph were simply quicker to the ball both on the floor and on the glass, and they overcame the height advantage enjoyed by the Playaz super juniors 6'11" Darryl Watkins 6'8" Sean Banks and 6'5" Marquise Webb. It was especially good to see Wynn play so well. After struggling for much of the summer with reported back problems, he looked like his old self with aggressive quick defense, slashing drives, and terrific elevation on his jump shot. His play was especially important in the first half because it allowed the Gauchos to build a lead while their other guards, Kendall Provet and Marlon Smith, got their bearings. The improved play of those two in the second half, and the Gauchos' ability to extend pressure on the Playaz who found themselves suddenly withouttheir two best ball handlers Jamar Nutter (who was saddled with fouls) and Elijah Ingram (who was not present) were vital to the 'chos victorious effort Although neither Provet nor Smith are pure point guards, they handled the ball well enough and made enough shots to help propel their team maintain their edge. Provet was especially good in the 4th quarter scoring 11 points including two important treys and the free throws, along with those hit by Smith, to ice the game.

The day's second game saw another team (S.O.N.D.A.Y.Express) overcome a size disadvantage against the Connecticut Select team coached by former Boston College and Boston Celtics star John Bagley. While S.O.N.D.A.Y. could not compete on the glass as their New York brethren the Gauchos had, they used a barrage of treys to build a lead. Defensively they did a great job not only playing the perimeter but at stripping the ball when it went to a player down low. Mitchell Beauford, and former St. Ray's player Elijah Muldow lead the outside shooting barrage while soph Yadda Gaines showed a complete offensive package including several nice moves over taller players in the post and two baskets he got when point guard Japhet McNeil found him after great cuts without the ball. Gaines finished with a game high 19 points. Muldow could prove to be one of the city's hidden gems. He's a thin athletic guard and a terrific open shooter. He needs to get stronger and become more consistent with his effort on defense but if he can do those things under the tutelage of S.O.N.D.A.Y. coach Artie Cox he will be a solid division one prospect.

Finally I caught part of the third game which saw the Playaz dominate a smart but undermanned Holy Cross team.'

9/29/01  It's T5T (was Tim Thomas) Playaz weekend at IS8 - they play twice today and twice tomorrow.  Their first game was against the Gauchos who took them 84 - 75.  The 'chos got solid efforts from Kendell Provet (20 - 11 in the fourth quarter), Jermaine Pringle Maybank (16), Shaun Wynn (12), Adrian Joseph (11),  Levi Levine (10), Marlon Smith (8) and Shagari Alleyne (6).  T5T was playing with a split squad as some of the team (Eiljah Ingram for one) were at the Hoop Group tourney in Pennsylvania.  They countered by importing Prep Star's # 47 senior, D'Angelo Alexander, from Midwest City, Oklahoma.  D'Angelo dropped 20, while teammates Marquis Webb (19),  Jamal Warren (10) and Darryl Watkins (8) each contributed.  With 1:19 seconds left in the game Webb hit both ends of a 1 & 1 to close to 76 - 74.  But Kendell and Marlon hit all of their foul shots (6 and 2 respectively) to ice it for the Gauchos.

Rock Steady got the first game forfeit from the Rim Rockers and SONDAY Express beat Connect Select 78 - 66.  SE got high scores from Sundiatta Gaines (19),  Elijah Muldow (16), Mitchell Beauford (14) and Japhette McNeil (9) while Mike Watson (13),  Marquois Brown (13), Maxwell Williams (13),  Dave McClure (11) and Francisco Bonfire (8) made it a game for Connect Select.

9/28/01 Rich: 'In Thursday night action at the IS 8 Nike Tip-Off Classic, the LPAC Knights (2-0) defeated the Jersey Jaguars (0-3) in the opener. In the night's finale, the Panthers beat Rebel 81-70. The Panthers were led by the senior trio of Loughlin's Curtis Sumpter (28 points), Hempstead's Aubin Scott (22 points), and St. Dominic's Tim Doyle (17 points). Quincy Douby of Grady HS and Amadou Fall of Boys and Girls HS each scored 20 for the 1-1 Rebel. In the key third quarter, the Panthers held the PSAL's best senior, Quincy Douby, scoreless and outscored the Rebel by 10 to begin the fourth quarter up by 4.'

9/27/01 Rich: 'In Wednesday night action at IS 8, the Bronx Ravens defeated Mount Vernon 71-69 behind the solid second half efforts of senior Allan Ray and junior Tariq Atkins. The Villanova-bound Ray scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half. Atkins scored 12 of his 20 points in the final half. Mount Vernon was led by Will Cherry's 28 points and Jomo Belfor's 13 points.

In the nightcap, LPAC Knights defeated Real Scout 103-98 in overtime. Moses Gonzales, who played at Walton HS, led the Knights with 45 points.'  

9/27/01 Nathan Blue's Real Scout Hoop Summary --  'Ed Barrios and the LPac Knights beat Real Scout last night in a overtime game 103-98. The Game never really had a flow due to the fact that there were so many calls being made. Moses Gonzales ended the game with 45 pts with well over 15 rebs for the LPac Knights. While Donnie McGrath finsihed up with 29pts and 12 assists. This lost puts RS record to 1-1. And moves the LPac record to 1-0.'

9/24/01 Rich: 'In this weekend's most anticipated matchup, the Jersey Jaguars faced Brooklyn Bridge. This game marked the fall 2001 debut of Lincoln HS sophomore Sebastian Telfair and Xaverian HS junior Chris Taft. Telfair finished with 36 points including 24 first-half points to lead the Bridge to a 102-89 victory over the Jaguars. Lincoln HS senior Elliah Clarke and Park West HS junior Ramel Bradley added 24 and 15 points, respectively. Chris Taft also hit for double figures with 11.

The Don Bosco Prep trio of Dan Falcon (25 points), Karl Anderson (18) and Mike Wasilenko (13) led the Jaguars.'  

9/23/01  In this morning's first game the Gauchos raced to a 39 - 25 first half lead over Holy Cross and won going away 71 - 50.  The 'chos got good scoring from six players - Shagari Alleyne (13),  Marlon Smith (12),  Adrian Joseph (12),  Akin Neverson (9) and Shaun Wynn (8).  Miguel Gonzalez (22) and Andre Williams were the only bright spot for HC.

In the second game the Hoop Street Gang trailed Mount Vernon 12 - 13 after one, but led the rest of the way in a 69 - 66 squeeker.  Lots of scorers for HSG - Phillip Fleurey (21),  Zarrett Rogers (14), Rich Chance (14) and eight each for Hernan Perez and Jason Firestone.  Will Cherry (23), Jomo Belfor (13), Dwayne Thomas (10), Randy Brunson (7) and Terrell Wright (6) did almost all the scoring for the Ben Gordonless Knights but it wasn't enough.

In yesterday's late games Rock Steady was just that in holding off a late St. Mary's rush to take the Gaels 79 - 76.  Gary Ervin had 18 but was bounced by the refs late in the third quarter.  Tyrone Wise (14), Douglas Hammond (13),  Benny Utley (12), Ontea Gates (11) and Jerome Richardson (8) picked up the slack.  Mamadou Diakhate (27), Jared Weir (16) and Keith Tilley (13) scored for the Gaels.

Real Scout trounced the Jersey Jaguars 83 - 64 as Darren Sykes (20), Charlie Villanueva (17), Curtis Stinson (16), Roberto Felipe (9),  Phil Murphy (8) and Donnie McGrath (7) all helped. The Jersey Jaguars (aka Don Bosco Prep) had six contributors - Danny Falcon (12),  Skyle Keating (12), Karl Anderson (10), Mike Luaricella (10), Mike Wasilenko (9),  and PJ Loussedes (8) - in a losing effort.  Don't feel to sorry for DBP.  They'll also have 6-9 sophomore John Oates (rehabbing) and 6-6 freshman Terrell Biggs (with the Church's Future Stars) during the school regular season.

The JYO, Amityville final game was cancelled and this Tuesday's games have been rescheduled for Monday 10/8.

9/23/01 Cdaman7: 'You should look at Jason Firestone, currently playing with Barry Knapp and Hoop Street.- plays at clarkstown south in west nyack, ny. - entering senior year. - formerly a top baseball pitcher, now playing basketball exclusively - played in Mount Vernon league, Greenburg league, Harlem PAL, Beast of the East, Tappan Zee high league. - has had contact with Buffalo, Delaware, Drexel, Case Western , Union College. 6-4 and very strong.'

9/21/01  Brooklyn USA arrived late for today's first game and started down 0 -16 against Holy Cross eventually losing 76 - 45.  Miguel Gonzalez (14),  Donald Wright (10) and Greg Alexander (9) lead HC while Eugene Lawrence and Derick Echols had 12 and 10 for BUSA.  

In the day's second game the Hoop Street Gang led the Church 17 - 7 after one period but lost 66 - 56.  Riverside pulled away in the last frame despite shooting a dismal 5 for 12 from the foul line.  But they got balanced scoring from Andrew Wright (14),  Arturo Dubois (10), Terrell Biggs (9), Courtney Johnson (9), Gary Forbes (8) and Kojo Mensah (6).  Phillip Fleurey had 7 treys for the Gang while Hernan Perez, T Firestone and R Torclerio had 10, 10 and 8.

 In earlier games this Riverside took the Renaissance Warriors 64 - 59 Jason Wingate (17), Willie Irick (14),  Ricky Soliver (14) and Petey Nelson (10) helped the Church while Jose Cabreja and Marcus Gutierrez had 21 and 15 for Renaissance.

The Skyriders edged Riverside's Future Stars 70 - 68 though Nick Carter had 16 to lead the Church's younger team.

Brooklyn Bridge, playing without Sebastian Telfair or Chris Taft, still easily handled Blue Chip 85 - 63 behind Ramel Bradley (27),  Karon Clarke (24),  Jamel Dart (12) and Brian Williams (11).  Andre Vanterpool, Carl Gervais and Mark Arrington had double digit games (18, 10 and 10) for Blue Chip.

SONDAY Express played their first game without Yadda Gaines.  No matter.  They took the Rim Rockers 81 - 58 as Elijah Muldrow (22), Mitchell Beauford (17), George Jefferson (14) and Japhette McNeil (12) each scored well while only Clarence Alonzo and Akim Rawlins got to double digits for Blue Chip with 14 and 11.

The Gauchos took time out from their own tournament to take on the Minuteman Press in Jamaica and they won 72 - 66.  Shaun Wynn led all scorers with 21 while Brian Sisti,  Oumar Sylla and Wayne Coward had 18, 18 and 17 for MMP.

The Panthers almost doubled FYA winning 74 - 38 as Tim Doyle (16), Aubin Scott (15) and R Clark (13) controlled the game.  T Breland, Steve Sutton and Anderson Labaze got 8, 8 and 6 for FYA.

Rise Above dispatched Renaissance 83 - 60 as Gary Jones (28), Joe McLeod (13), Keith Willis (10) and Cornell Woods each contributed.  Renaissance lost again despite a game high 31 from Victor Rispaldo and 16 from Jose Cabreja.  No Marcus Gutierrez hurt the Warriors.

The Church won again, outracing JYO 105 - 71 as the usual suspects - Kiki Clark (36),  Ricky Soliver (22) and Bobby Santiago (9) - led the charge.  No Dwayne Johnson or Victor Morris killed JYO, leaving Cameron Tyler (14),  Terry McKenzie (13), Lance Hazele (11) and Mel Peart (10) outmatched.

9/21/01  Pdiddy9682: 'In tonight's IS8 action Rise Above took care of the Renaissance Warriors. In the second game Riverside Church crused JYO by a score of 105-71. Keydren Clark was big for Riverside finishing with 36 points mostly on 3-pointers. Riverside also had solid efforts from James Barrett who was an offensive force for Riverside he scored easily in the paint all game long and Ricky Soliver played an excellent overall game.'