New York City & New Jersey High Hoops

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2/24/03 John P Miciotta: ' Sunday's opening round saw Christ the King, Molloy and Loughlin post convincing wins. In the opening tilt, CK used a terrific defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack to handle McClancy. As they have all season, guards Japhet McNeil and Mitchell Beauford spearheaded the attack at both ends of the court. The Royals got contributions from everyone and in doing so overwhelmed the Crusaders. Juniors Nick Hamilton-Lopez and Will Borgolte (6'4") did their best to stem the tide but CK was just too quick and too long.

Game two saw Molloy race to an early 18 point advantage against Holy Cross lead behind terrific outside shooting by seniors Marlon Smith and Ivan Marneka as well as junior Sundiata Gaines. The Knights rallied first behind the outside shooting of 6'1" senior Nick Rollins. Molloy opened up a working margin of 15 before the Knights staged a second rally behind Rollins and 5'10" sophomore Mike Johnson. A Rollins' trey cut the lead to six before key baskets inside from Otoja Abit and outside by Joe Mackey helped the Stanners put the game away for good.

Game three saw Bishop Loughlin break open a close game in the third period and then cruise to an easy win. Andrew Wright got the Lions going early with two quick treys on the way to a 16 point effort. Kojo Mensah had a dominant third period in which he controlled every phase of the game in helping the Lions to victory. He finished with 18 points and 11 assists. Loughlin also welcomed the return of Kirk Bunn, their outstanding 6'5" senior forward to the lineup after an extended absence due to a back injury. He is still clearly not sharp because of the time he missed but he may prove to be more of a factor if the Lions can advance in the playoffs. Whether that happens or not mid division one programs should not forget about him. He plays hard and, when healthy can score in transition and around the basket.

Today's results mean that Christ the King will play Molloy in the first semi-final on Tuesday beginning at 6:00pm. Following that game at 7:30 Xaverian, the Diocesan's top seed, will take on Bishop Loughlin. The two winners will meet Friday for the Diocesan title and the number one seed from Brooklyn-Queens in the Class A intersectional playoffs.'

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