Rumble in the Bronx, 2004

6/15/04 John P Miciotta: 'Sunday at Fordham was a perfect day for New York City's "gym rats". It gave us a chance to see local kids compete against teams from throughout the country and while the results were not perfect (two of the three championships) many kids in our region were outstanding. With our readers' kind indulgence I'd like to highlight some of those.

New Heights 17U team featured two players who are well known to our sight but whom I got to watch for an extended period for the first time. Scotch Plains' forward Lance Thomas is simply one of the most polished and poised kids I've seen in high school basketball. Based on what I'd heard I expected to see a kid who was more explosive. What I found instead was a kid with amazingly soft hands, whose face up game is already well developed. Lance was particularly outstanding in New Heights' quarter final win against Philly MJC and one play in that game summed up his day and gave those watching a pretty good indication of just how good he was: He grabbed a rebound, made an outlet pass to point guard Jonothan Han, and quickly sprinted down the wing. He took a return pass from Han just as he got to the three point line that was behind him, as he went to control it, an MJC defender came up on him. Rather than catch a tough pass, he controlled it with his dribble spun off the initial defender, and then another defender who had come to help before powering in a baseline layup. No it wasn't a high flying dunk or an off-balance jumper but it showed the subtle skill and poise that are really the hallmarks of his game and what will make him an elite player nationally.

Despite the tough pass that Thomas had to rescue, Jonothan Han was also outstanding. The former Lawrence-Woodmere standout who will play a year of post-graduate basketball before attending college more than held his own against some outstanding athletes. He showed off his outstanding shooting touch from both middle distance and three point range. He also showed some nice playmaking skill that indicates he can adjust to a more typical point guard role after being a scorer in high school. He came up with several key baskets both in the quarter final win against Philly and to keep them close in the final game loss to the NYC Bounce. He needs to get stronger, but he shoots and passes well and plays with lots of poise and confidence.

Terrence Grier, the fine guard from Cranford New Jersey was the other New Heights' player well known to this site who I got to see for the first time. He combined with Han in the back court and used his slashing and shooting ability to give them important baskets particularly in their semi-final win over Wisconsin. Manhattan native Junior Bernal of Hyde Prep was outstanding in transition as always, and showed an improved outside stroke as well. Cameron Lewis and Noah Levine also had some good moments in supporting roles for New Heights' 17 and under group. They would have completed an impressive exacta had they been able to duplicate the victory their 16 and under brethren earned behind the play of Monroe's Mike Glover, but they ran into an outstanding New York Bounce team and lost in the finals.

That final game featured a marquee match up as two of New York's premier big men: 6'9" Brooklyn native Vernon Goodridge of Philly Lutheran and Theo Davis of Cardozo. Both guys are high major prospects for sure and although Goodridge showed his trademark athleticism, the younger Davis had the better of the play. He got started early with a quick put back basket and a pretty drop step move from the right block on the first two possessions. From there he was active shot the ball confidently, and had two more post up baskets, which are significant because they indicate he's getting more comfortable with the way the game is played in this country; without the trapezoid lane.

Davis' efforts were augmented by a talented pair of visitors from Connecticut. Craig Austre of Trinity Catholic shot the ball very well and created lots of scoring chances with great penetration. Lamont Ulmer, a 6'7" forward from Hamden showed great explosiveness on the baseline, good defensive quickness on the perimeter and a nice shooting touch from middle distance. They provided an outstanding complement to what was an MVP performance from Davis, although none was officially named. With all the good things Theo demonstrated Sunday, perhaps the most important was the ability to compete on every single possession at both ends of the court. If he can continue to do that, good things are ahead for both Theo and Cardozo.

Finally two other players I saw for the first time in a long time deserve mention. Point man Tiki Mayben played for the Albany City Rocks and while he proved to be an outstanding offensive guard both as a scorer and playmaker he also showed that his effort will have to be more consistent. He has the tools to be an outstanding defensive player; good lateral movement, long arms, and quick hands. But he needs to play defense with the same attacking approach he takes to offense. Once he can do that he'll be more than just an elite guard nationally, he'll be a player who can make a major impact for his school of choice, Syracuse.

Finally a word about Rob Thomas, the former Wadliegh player who is currently prepping at St. Thomas More. Many have compared his explosiveness and strength to former LaSalle star Lenny Cooke. While those comparisons are valid ones it should be noted also that by continuing to play prep basketball, Thomas has developed the kind of perimeter game that Cooke had the makings of but did not finish developing in part I think because he was not pushed by consistently outstanding competition against teams with well developed team concepts on defense. He's strong, shoots with range and plays great defense. As I mentioned the comparisons to Lenny Cooke are valid but because he's developed his shooting a closer comparison may be to former St. Benedict's star and current NBA hopeful JR Smith. He's a bit more wiry for sure but he's every bit as explosive and every bit as good a shooter.

I'd like to close this with a vote of thanks to Jim Hart and Chris Oden for their continued assistance, support and friendship. Theirs has become one of the best summer hoops events in the country and the opportunity they provide to see so many good players has become a welcome part of every basketball summer.'

6/14/04 The Houston Hoops may have had three players who qualified for a all tournament 15 under team and Philly MJC had at least one. But my 15 under all tournament team for players from this region would include the four players pictured below on 6/11 and 6/12. That's 6-2 two guard Taylor Battle from the City Rocks, the Playaz 6-2 two guard Myles Beaty, the Panthers 6-7 center, Christian Morris and the Gauchos 6-7 forward, Austin Wallace. 

I'd probably favor Malik Boothe as my fifth all tournament player but almost anyone from the following honorable mention list could take Malik's place. They are Dorian Williams, Andrew Gabriel, Mike Cavataio (Metro Hawks), Rocco Rubino, Hass Amini (Team Genesis),  Devin Ebanks, Quasim Pugh (Ahead of the Game), Marcus Roberson, Brian Baker (Central Jersey Hawks), TJ Carey, Marquise Deans, Drew Diagnora (LI Lightning), Edis Dervisevic (New Heights), Dakell Glenn, Anthony Gill (Gauchos -Gill is the New Rochelle guard who had 32 in the semifinal loss to the Houston Hoops), Corey Raji, Gary Wallace, Kharick Irick (Playaz) and Mike Sullivan (Ct. Flame).

Dorian Williams - Metro Hawks	Devon Ebanks - Ahead of the Game	Marcus Roberson - Central Jersey Hawks	TJ Carey - LI Lightning

Marquis Deans - Lightning	Rocco Rubino - Team Genesis	Mike Cavataio - Metro Hawks	Hass Amini - Team Genesis

Michael Glover (pictured left) is the 6-4 Monroe class of 2006 forward who played for the New Heights Warriors 16 under division champs at the Rumble.  Michael is the younger brother of Anthony Glover of Rice HS and St Johns fame. Mike Sullivan (right picture, wearing Ct Flames shirt) and Morgan Misell are Fordham Prep freshman players who both played for the Ct. Flame entry at the Rumble.

6/14/04 Congratulations to New Heights' coaches and student-athletes for their fantastic performances at the Rumble In the Bronx this weekend. Led by the play of G Quentin Brown and F Mike Glover and the terrific coaching of Tony Rosa, our 16/U team won its first championship of the season. Our 17/U Elite Team won its pool and advanced to the championship game of the Gold Division with victories over the Metro Hawks, National Christian, Philly MJC, and Houston Hoops. Led by the great coaching of Chris Matesic and the outstanding play of F Lance Thomas and G Junior Bernal, New Heights made a fantastic run. New Heights got special contributions from C Vernon Goodridge, F Cameron Lewis, F Noah Levine, F Olu Ashuolo, G John Han and G Terance Grier. Congratulations to Team Bounce NYC, who proved to be too tough for us in the championship game. Thanks to Jim Hart and Chris Oden for organizing another great Rumble.' 6/14/04 NY Hoops: Theo Davis and Co. Bounce New Heights in 17 under championship game, while Michael Glover, New Heights Dunk Wisconsin for 16u Chip.  Houston Hoops Hold on for 15u Crown

6/14/04 NJ Hoops: Cyclones fall in semis - 16 under Rumble.

6/14/04 NY Post: Antonio  Pena - leaving Lincoln, more or less.

6/13/04 At the Rumble 15 under division the Houston Hoops did not have a problem; they were everyone else's problem. They trailed the Gauchos 37-30 at the half before sealing a 79-74 semifinal win despite a game high 32 from Anthon Gill, 17 from Austin Wallace and 15 from Donovan Lowe. The Metro Hawks got to the finals with a four point win over Philly MJC as Dorian Williams (21 points with 5 treys), Andrew Gabriel (19) and Malik Boothe (17) were best. In the championship  Houston led 36-23 at the half and won by ten. The Hawks got 22 from Dorian Williams, but only a little help from Zamel Nixon (12), Mike Cavataio (9) and Malik Boothe (7).

6/13/04 At the Rumble the Gauchos, Metro Hawks and Panthers are in this morning's silver (consolation) 17's quarterfinals beginning at 8:30 AM, while New Heights, New York Elite, New York Bounce, Albany City Rocks and Juice All-Stars all made the gold 17's which begin at 9:50.

6/13/04 Hoopstown: Early Action From The Rumble In The Bronx.

6/13/04 NY Hoops: Friday at the Rumble.  And Friday at the Hofstra Team Camp.

6/13/04 NY Insider: New York Elite Survive Jimmy Baron.

6/12/04 Rumble 15 under: the pool winners were the Houston Hoops, Philly MJC, the Gauchos and the Metro Hawks. The semis are tomorrow morning at 9:50 following the 16 quarterfinals at Fordham Prep and the final will be in the Lombardi Center at 12:30.

Houston Hoops qualified first with a 68-38 mauling of the Panthers, while in the other gym the Central Jersey Hawks by 12 as TJ LaFalce (19), Marcus Roberson (17), Eddie Fischer (16) and Brian Baker (11) were best for the Hawks. Then Philly MJC extended a two point halftime lead to a 68-57 win over the Lightning behind their high flying trio of Robert Towsend (24 points, including 6 treys), Josh Martin (17) and Justin Minter (16).

The Gauchos, City Rocks game may have been the day's best as the 'chos held on for a 60-57 victory despite a 28 point effort from the Rocks' Taylor Battle. The Gauchos' trio of Austin Wallace (pictured), Dakell Glen and Anthon Gill got 21, 14 and 12 to ensure the win.  Wallace is most impressive. He is a 6-7 fluid post player somewhat reminiscent of  and comparable to Curtis Kelly as he is long, agile and good around the hoop. Austin will be a young junior at LaSalle Academy next season (he transferred. but didn't play this year) and is the early favorite to be the CHSAA division A most impressive player. In the other gym Ahead of the Game extended a 16-15 halftime lead to a 55-34 mercy win over Sam Rines as Devin Ebanks canned 19 and 6-5 eighth grader Norron McDonald had 18 for AOTG.

The Metro Hawks led 31-23 at halftime against the Playaz and held on for a 71-66 victory behind Teaneck HS's sharpshooting two guard, Dorian Williams (19) and the CK duo of point guard Malik Boothe (18, most hard earned against Myles Beaty, pictured) and forward Andrew Gabriel (15).  Myles Beaty (game high 20), Kharick Irick (12 for Willie's younger brother now at St Anthony's along with Myles), point guard Gary Wallace (10) and lefty leaper Corey Raji (9) were best for the Playaz.

6/12/04  15 under, Saturday morning  -- Hartford was a 9:00 AM no show and forfeited to the Metro Hawks while the Playaz doused the Ct. Flame 81-61.  Houston Hoops continued their fine play taking New Heights 73-47 despite 13 each from the Heights' Edis Dervisevic and Brandon Smith. The Central Jersey Hawks got balanced scoring from Brian Baker (19), TJ LaFalce (16), Evan Farragher (12), Marcus Roberson (12) and Eddie Fischer (8) to take the Panthers who got a game high 21 from Lance Stephenson, 19 from 6-7 center Christian Morris (pictured) and 12 from Terrell Halloway.

6/11/04 Sam Rines was late for their match-up with the Gauchos and forfeited their 15 under game. The other 15 under winners were Houston Hoops 72-52 with a mercy win over the Central Jersey Hawks, Panthers 65-55 over New Heights, Philly MJC 67-59 over the Westchester Hawks, the Lightning Walsh got a 63-42 mercy win against Team Genesis and the Albany City Rocks getting a 72-71 overtime win against Ahead of the Game as the Rocks' off-guard Taylor Battle (pictured) exploded for 35 points, most on decisive drives to the hoop. In the 17 under division National Christian beat the Playaz 56-55, Team Texas topped Ct. Flame 81-72, New Heights got a 76-55 mercy win over the Metro Hawks, NYC Bounce coasted to a 81-65 win aver Coast to Coast, Houston Hoops rocketed Pulley White 75-49, the City Rocks pummeled Lancaster Elite 57-37, the Panthers mauled the NJ Roadrunners 61-29 and Kansas City Rocktown nipped YABC 68-66.

For the 16 under division the Playaz snuffed the Ct Flame 69-36, the Gauchos edged the NJ Cyclones 67-65, and the South Jersey Rising Stars got a 64-44 mercy win over the NY Ravens.

6/11/04 NY Insider: Rumble In The Bronx Preview.

6/10/04 The 15 & Under division has four pools, four teams in each and all games will be played at the two courts at Fordham Prep. Eleven of the sixteen teams are from New York or New Jersey. The Houston Hoops and Ct. Flame may be the best of the non-region teams; the Hoops lost by only 1 to the Metro Hawks in New Orleans and the Hawks won the AAU regionals at Island Garden.. The Central Jersey Hawks beat the Gauchos in their pool play game at GymRat before the Gauchos won the tourney.

The pools are Pool N: N1. Houston Hoops, N2. Panthers, N3. New Heights N4. Central Jersey,  Pool O: O1. Philly MJC, O2. Lightning, O3. Team Genesis O4. Westchester Hawks. Pool P: P1. City Rocks, P 2. Gauchos, P3. Sam Rines P4. Ahead of the Game. and Pool Q: Q1. Tim Thomas Playaz, Q2. Metro Hawks, Q3. Hartford Q4. Ct Flame.

There are six games Friday night: 6:00  eighteen on Saturday with the semis and finals on Sunday at 9:50AM and 12:30.

15 under projected rosters (not sure of all of them): New York Panthers, LI Coach: Gary Charles, Billy Turnage. Christian Morris, AJ Rogers, James Southerland, Terrell Halloway, Malik Stith, Marcus Matthews, Lance Stephenson.

New Heights NYC Director Nick Blatchford, Andre Shaw, Kaseem Carr, Travis Wilkerson, Brandon Sosa, Anthony Nieves, Chris Petrovic.

Central Jersey Hawks Coach Joseph Stein Roster: Brian Baker 5'10, Evan Farragher 6'2, Eddie Fischer 5'9, Matt Kelly 6'4, TJ LaFalce 6'3, Marcus Roberson 6'4, Andrew Stein 5'9, Danny Stein 5'9, Brian Roscitt 6'1.

Long Island Lightning -coach Joe Walsh, TJ Carey, Nick Walsh, 6'2" James Wilson, 6'3" TJ Thomas, 6'4" Markeys Deans, Vinny Natal, James Wilson, Mark Lake, Mike Hernandez, Drew Diagnora, Jacor Riddick.

Team Genesis, NYC coach Jeff Rivera. Roster: Rocco Rubino -Molloy, Roland Davis - Christ the King, Hass Amini - Jamaica HS, Peter Mehmel -Molloy, Elijah Conley - Christ the King, Jason Philippe - St. Francis Prep, James Galanos - St. Francis Prep, Devin Hayes - Christ the King, Latiq Agard - Christ the King, Tony Turkovic - Christ the King, Jeffrey Rivera Jr, Kaseem Carr.

Westchester Hawks, NY president, Tom Jennings.  M Sullivan, M Gregorio, D Welin, M Paci, F Foti, K Williams.

Albany City Rocks Coach Anthony Marino Asst. Ralph Tucker Players: Taylor Battle, Mark "Cheeks" Lyons, Greg Holle, Luke Weaver, Mike Culpo, Taj Alexander, James Patterson, Mark Carson, Sayyid Shabaz

New York Gauchos, Bronx, NY. Coach/Director Paul Brown. Keith McAllistar, Jovan Deare, Jamie Harris, Anthony Gill, Dakell Glen, Andy Garcia, Austin Wallace, Ed Gordon,

Ahead of the Game Michael Douglas #1, Quasim Pugh #3, Will Clark #5, James Delany #10, Marcus Tompkins #12, Sean Canty #20, Devin Ebanks #21, Travis Jordan #22, Steven Priestly #23, Jamel Edwards #24, Norron McDonald #31.

Playaz Basketball Club, NJ Coaches: Jimmy Salmon, Kyle Anderson. Roster: Miles Beaty, Corey Raji, Gary Wallace, Doug Davis (Pa), Mike Galace Irvington, Jordan Cosner SHP, James Lee Montclair, Mark Robertson Lakewood, Jay Belton Pat. Cath. Kahrick Irick St. Ant

Metro Hawks, NY coach Artie Cox, Andrew Gabriel, Hickman Simmons, Mike Cavateo, Malik Boothe, Darren Duncan. Chris Abney, Terence Howard, Zamar Nixon, Edmund McRae, Mike Myers, Jahrine Jones, Dorian Williams

6/7/04  17 & Under Division: Pool A1. Playaz Gold, A2. Metro Hawks, A3. New Heights and A4. National Christian.  Pool B1. Team Texas, B2. NYC Bounce, B3. Coast to Coast and B4. Ct. Flame. Pool C1. Houston Hoops, C 2. NY Panthers, C3. NJ Roadrunners and C4. Pulley White.  Pool D1. City Rocks, D2.Kansas City Rocktown, D3. YABC and D4. Lancaster Elite.  Pool E1. Howard Pulley Black, E2. N.E. Playaz, E3. Fairfield Co. Stars and E4. Westchester Hawks.  Pool F1. Louisiana Select,  F2. N.Y. Ravens, F3. Juice All Stars and F4. So Jersey Rising Stars. Pool G1. Breakdown Fla, G2. Houston Elite, G3. N.Y. Elite and G4. R.I. Breakers. Pool H1. Gauchos,  H2. G.C. Ballers, H3. Philly MJC and H4. Metro Boston.

16 & Under Division  Pool I1. Gauchos, I2. Playaz, I3. Ct. Flame, I4. NJ Cyclones.  Pool J1. Louisiana Select, J2. NY Ravens, J3. SJ Rising Stars and J4. Fairfield Co. Stars.  Pool K1. Wisconsin Playground, K2. Sam Rines, K3. New Heights and K4. Lancaster Elite.  Pool L1. City Rocks, L2. Philly MJC, L3. Juice All Stars and L4. YABC.  Pool M1. Metro Hawks, M2. Ct. Select, M3. NJ Roadrunners and M4. Penn Jersey Panthers.

15 & Under Division Pool N1. Houston Hoops, N2. Panthers, N3. New Heights and N4. Central Jersey.  Pool O1. Philly MJC,  O2. Lightning, O3. Team Genesis and O4. Westchester Hawks.  Pool P1. City Rocks, P 2. Gauchos, P3. Sam Rines and P4. Ahead of the Game. Pool Q1. Tim Thomas Playaz, Q2. Metro Hawks, Q3. Hartford and Q4. Ct Flame.

6/3/04 NY Insider: Ready To Rumble?  Web note: The tournament will be held at the Fordham University Rose Hill Gym and Lombardi Center and at Fordham Prep from June 11-13. Admission is $5 for a daily pass and $10 for the three days.

5/17/04 Coach Jim Hart: 'This year's Rumble is from Friday June 11th through Sunday June 13th. Twenty-seven confirmed teams are Metro Hawks, City Rocks, SRAP, Houston Hoops, Philly MJC, New Heights, Howard Pulley, Dajuan Wagner RS, NJ Roadrunners, Playaz , Juice All Stars, Lancaster Elite, Ct Flame, Louisiana Select, Team Texas, GC Ballers, YABC, Gauchos, RI Breakers, Team Breakdown, Houston Elite, Wisconsin Playground, NY Panthers, NJ Panthers, Ravens, Westchester Hawks and Fairfield Stars.

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