2000 AAU Teams    Apple's Best Preseason Top 15     

Web note:   Top teams will be listed from 30 to 1, next thirty will be listed alphabetically backwards from Xaverian to Archbishop Stepinac. Player rankings most often come from Blue Ribbon, N J Hoops, Gameball, and/or Hoop Scoop.

All Star Report:  Pre-Season Rivals.com Boys' Basketball Top 25 poll.   FoxStudentSports.com:  FAB 50 boys' basketball rankings.   HighWired Sports Terrific 25 Boys Basketball Rankings - Preseason.

2/2/01  bonfire12:  'FDA , currently 17-3, not 14-3, will play host to L.I. Lutheran (A.J.Price) Friday evening at 7 pm. at the Lions Den. Saturday, they will travel to St. Mary's (L.I.) to play at 6 pm. I know that there are more important games on this weekend's agenda to watch and greater stars to report on, but for those fans in and around Manhattan or the Long Island area who would like to see some good young teams battle it out, then these will be two good games to come and see. Douglass, who has been without their floor general, junior point guard Alonzo Brown (fractured hand) for the past month, has another Brown who has stepped up and is making a name for himself. Sophmore, Malik Brown, Alonzo's cousin. is fast becoming an exciting young player to watch. The 6 ft. Brown is a dead eye shooter, with good 3 pt. range, plays stingy defense, and can handle the point. He, along with Steve Souma, Lawrence Smith, Sam Edwards, Taham Engram, Jahkeem Washington, Otwan Lowery and Chaz Jonhson has really brought this team up a notch or two.. I asked Coach Mangan what has been the difference in this years team versus the previous ones, and he stated "Pride and the depth of our bench" For once I have a bench and most of my players are either sophmores or juniors. We are a family, we believe in each other, and we are willing to help each other both on and off the court. We have really bonded as a team and fought very hard to overcome a lot of obstacles in our climb to be co-winners of our division. I have tried to teach my team what it means to have pride and to believe in themselves. That they can be a successful student and basketball player . Coach Mangan said this really excites him because it has been a long time coming and that he has had to ovecome gigantic odds, in building this team.We will lose just one player to graduation and hopefully the young kids we have coming up will make us even stronger next season. Lastly, he added, "I can't forget the parents who have stuck with me and supported the FDA concept of education first. For those of you who would like to get a keener insight and hear from some of the players and parents as to whats going on at FDA , you can go onto the internet at www.fubu.com or www.y2g.com, where FDA is being featured this month. What a ride for a little school in Harlem. Whats up next? Could it be a documentary on Fox 5 TV. Heard they were at the school last week doing a lot of filming and interviewing ....'

1/2/01  NJ Hoops:  Born Power Index of New Jersey High School Basketball Top 50 Teams.  

1/2/01  Naler13:  'I always wondered why Grady players were all good college players, players who knew how to play the game. I had never got the cahnce to see Grady in action, like I have other high school teams; I would only get to see the players individually, whether in AAU or in college. So finally the other day I went to see the Falcons play versus St Edmunds and I found out the answer to my question. Grady is one of the best coached high school teams I have seen. When you think of a typical PSAL team you think of a run and gun out of control style with no discipline. Well Grady is the complete package, they have the horses at all the postions, and they are dicsiplined. Jack Ringel does a exceptional job with the kids. Grady can score in the 90's or slow the game down and score in the 50's. When I was at the game I saw Grady hold the ball out for a span of 90 seconds to 2 minutes. They forced St Edmunds to play them straight up, switching from their zone defense to man. Once that happened it was over, because there aren't many teams that can guard Grady man to man. Woody, Tqyuan, and Corey just are too quick and fast for the other guards. Quincy Doobie can also play the guard too. Then you got the monster in the middle, Michael Clarke. Well everyone says that Chris McRae plays like he is 6'9 when he is actually like 6'4. Mike plays like he is 7'1. He is an absolute beast out there. So Grady has four quick guards who can hurt you in many different ways, and they have a do it all big man. Their bench is also very good too. Grady is the best team in the state right now, hands down. They are still the number one team even after the lost to Xaverian. It was better that they lost earlier in the season as opposed to losing later on in the playoffs. Again, Jack Ringel does one of the better coaching jobs that I have seen. He should be commended for the great job he does and will continue to do.'

Top Team Profiles:

Camden, NJ  This will be a powerful team at the beginning of the year relying primarily on their six returning seniors, all-world Dajuan Wagner,  6-5 James Pullium,  6-3 Imani Wilson,  6-3 Matt Perry, 6-2  Andrew Harmon and 6-1 Kevin Williams.  But by January they may be much better when 6-0 senior Dorjian Brown becomes academically eligible and the junior transfers, 6-9 Eric Davis and 6-8 Aaron Estrada also become eligible. Additionally, coach Glenn Jackson likes his underclassmen - 6-0 soph guard Kevin Carmichael and the freshmen, 5-6 Shomari Moore and 6-5 Shukaree Barfiled.  The coach currently believes that all three can make the varsity this year. During the Christmas break (12/28 and 12/29) the team will be playing in a Memphis tournament. On January 14th they're matched against St. Augustine in the Hometown Hoops Classic.  They also play against St. Raymond and Chester, Pa in the Prime Time Shootout.  Their last game before the TOC is another Hometown Hoops Classic affair, this time against St. Anthony of Jersey City. Dajuan Wagner is the reason that this is the number one team in the region.  The two big transfers will make up for the loss of his buddy, Arthur Barclay.  The other talent will lend support.  But on any given night (and for a given stretch like the TOC) Juanny can be unstoppable. They're the state champs and our #1 pick until proven otherwise. 11/00 USA Today Top 25: # 16. Camden, N.J. (28-5).  Returning starters: 3. Outlook: NBA-type guard Dajuan Wagner (31.9 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals) says he'll attend Memphis. Transfer Eric Davis, a 6-8 junior, is top rebounder. Opens: Dec. 15 at Eastern (Voorhees).   11/00  Fox Sports FAB 50 boys' basketball rankings:  # 27. Camden (Camden, N.J.) 28-5. Dajuan Wagner and New Jersey's Camden High will need to overcome the absence of Memphis freshman Arthur Barclay  The defending state Tournament of Champions winner will be anchored by 6-foot-3 point guard Dajuan Wagner, who is considered one of the nation's top three seniors. The University of Memphis recruit scored 80 points in one game and averaged 32 points per game.   11/00  HoopsTV:  # 23. Camden HS (Camden, N.J.) – Record: 28-5. 1999-00 Final Ranking: NR. -- How far can one super hero carry a team? We’ll find out as Dajuan Wagner (31.9 ppg.) tries to Xerox last year’s state championship and NJ T.O.C. title without Arthur Barclay (24 ppg. & 18 rpg.). 11/00 HighWiredSports: #19. Camden Camden NJ 28-5.   Returning starters: 3. Outlook: Surprise winner of the Tournament of Champions last year, Camden again will rely on national player of the year candidate Dajuan Wagner. Last year the 6-3 senior guard averaged 31.9 points (80 in one game), 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 4.0 steals. Senior James Pulliam (6-6, 195) averaged 9.7 points and 6.2 rebounds. Some tall transfers, including 6-8 junior Eric Davis, will help. Opener: Dec. 15 at Eastern (Voorhees).    10/20/00  NJ Hoops:  NJ Hoops has learned that 6'9" Jr. Eric Davis is now at Camden High School. 10/20/00  FastBreak Recruiting: 'Camden High School head coach Glenn Campbell is a very happy man these days. He's got one of the top players in the country in Dajuan Wagner, a top 25 team and a whole season ahead of him. Let's just say that life is good for this hoops coach.'  3/00 New Jersey State Tournament and Tournament of Champions summary. 3/22/00  Daily News:  Painful End for Seton Hall Prep.  Camden wins Jersey bragging rights.  

St Anthony, NJ. If you haven't been paying close attention you probably think that the Friars of St. Anthony, Jersey City, have had a terrible  two year stretch. Not so.  Two years ago they finished with a 25-2 record, ranked # 6 by NJ Hoops and # 7 by the Star Ledger but were ousted from the TOC by Kevin Boyle's St Patrick team 48 - 46.  Last season they finished with a 17 - 8 record upset by Paterson Catholic 55 -53 in the Parochial 'B' North semifinals. By their own lofty standards that is a dismal two year record, but this year they figure to be the region's best team this side of DaJuan Wagner. The three senior postmen will be 6-8 J P Kobryn (NJH # 13), 6-7 Pete Cipriano (NJH # 40) and 6-4 Carmine Charles.  The four junior class perimter players are awesome - 6-0 Elijiah Ingram (NJH #2),  6-0 Dwayne Lee (NJH # 13 - coach Hurley thinks Dwayne is the team's most improved player),  6-5 Zakee Boyd (NJH # 15 - Zakee, the St. Benedict's transfer has Julius Hodge potential) and  5-10 Donald Copeland (NJH #25).  Add in 6-5 soph Terence Roberts (NJH # 18) , 6-2 soph Obie Nwadkie  (NJH #  39) and the freshmen 6-2 Marcus Williams and 6-1 Otis Campbell (Coach Hurley: 'he's a great shooter')  you have a deep, versatile team..  Coach Bob Hurley 'Our best teams have been guard oriented and that describes this year's team. Marcus Williams is special, he could be a factor by tournament time.'  The call here is that the Friar guards will overwhelm St. Pats in the TOC semis, but Juanny will be unstoppable in the final. Key games during the season - tournament at Seton Hall University, December 17th. St. Anthony vs. East Brunswick, 12/26 - 12/30/00  Tues - Sat. Slam Dunk to the Beach - Lewes, Delaware  2/3 & 2/4/01  Sat & Sun.  Battle by the Bay at Atlantic City High School, pairings for Sunday Feb 5 - St. Anthony (5'11" Jr Elijah Ingram and 6'8" Jon Paul Kobryn) vs Philadelphia (PA) Ben Franklin (6'7" Jamaal Nichols),  2/9 & 2/11/01  Fri through Sunday  Primetime Shootout 2001.  NJO: Prime Time for 2001  Friday 2/9:  9:00 St. Anthony's - Hyde CT,  Sunday 2/11 -  1:30 St. Anthony's - St. Dominics and back to back away games at St Rays and Camden just before the TOC.  12/24/00 NJO  Coach Bob Hurley, St. Anthony High family shooting for the stars.   11/4/00  Hoops TV.com:  'EI, EI as in Elijah Ingram.   11/17/00  Rivals.com Boys' Basketball Top 25 poll  -  # 16. St. Anthony's, Jersey City, N.J. 11/00 USA Today Top 25:  Not ranked. 11/00  Fox Sports FAB 50 boys' basketball rankings: Not ranked.   11/00  Hoops TV.com:  Not ranked. 2/24/98  St. Anthony no longer number 1. NJO explains just how long it's been for the Friars.

St Patrick, NJ. 11/00 USA Today Top 25: # 3. St. Patrick's, Elizabeth, N.J. (25-6).  Returning starters: 3. Outlook: Villanova-bound center Marcus Austin averaged 11.9 points and 9.1 rebounds last year for the Parochial B state champion. Sophomore point guard Michael Narde (seven assists a game) is a rising star. Forward Jamie Sowers (6-6) signed with Wichita State. Opens: Dec. 16 vs. Neptune at Seton Hall University.    11/00  Fox Sports FAB 50 boys' basketball rankings:  #7. St. Patrick's (Elizabeth, N.J.) 25-6. Seven returnees from last season's contender will be joined by touted 6-foot-10 sophomore transfer Grant Billmeier. He joins five seniors in 6-9 Marcus Austin, 6-6 Terry Hill, 6-6 James Sowers, 5-11 Terrell Prince and 5-11 Sam Lake, plus promising 5-11 sophomore point guard Michael Narde.  11/4/00  Hoops TV.com:  '#5 - St. Patrick’s (Elizabeth, N.J.)'  10/15/00 Keith Biddulph: 'This year's St. Pat's team will have as good a balance of perimeter and post players as any team in the tri-state area. Leading the way for the Celtics is Marcus Austin, a 6-9 Villanova commitment whose game has made significant strides over the past summer. He has added a great deal of consistency to his post game, including more polished post moves and an improved turnaround jump shot. Big things can be expected from Marcus this year. Joining Marcus in the frontcourt is 6-10 soph. Grant Billemier, a prep school transfer. Grant is rated one of the top 10 sophomores in the nation according to most recruting publications. While not super athletic, Grant has excellent coordination for such a young player, but even more impressive is the aggressiveness with which he approaches the game. He has a wide frame that can easily pack on 20-30 pounds, and he's slowly starting to polish his game to the point where he could be a big time player a year or two down the road. Rounding out the front court is Jamie Sowers, a 6-7 jumping jack who recently comitted to Witchita St. Jamie is another player whose stock rised considerably during the summer recruiting period. He has expanded his perimeter game, started showing that handle a little bit more, and is continuing to attack the tin. He could be a surprise all-state pick by year's end.

St. Pat's backcourt is a 3-headed monster with Sam Lake, Terrill Prince and Michael Nardi being the cogs. Coach Boyle could go with a smaller, quicker line-up, starting all 3 along with Austin and Sowers, or he could choose 2 guards and start the 3 aforementioned big men above. Sam and Terrill have the most big game experience, playing significant varsity minuted from their soph year on. Sam will hit the open jumper, drive strong the basket, and play a solid all-around game. Terrill is another strong penetrator who has proven to be $$$ from the foul line in clutch situations. Both guards are excellent defenders who are the catalysts in the Celtics pressing defense. Michael is a distribution-type point who is one of the top sophomores in the state. He can also score via quick floaters in the lane, but the strength of his game is his court vision and passing skills. He has also added a few pounds to his frame to help combat the rigors of a long season.

Off of the bench, the strongest player will be Terry Hill. He's a 6-6 rebounding power forward who did very well for himself during AAU events. He'll continue to gain attention with the strong national schedule that the Celtics will play. C.J. Carpenter is a slick point guard who can also get some minutes off of the pine.

As for their schedule, St. Pat's has a much-anticipated match-up with national power Dominguez high school of Compton, Cali., in the Prime Time shootout in February. In addition, they'll be playing in the Slam Dunk to the Beach tourney, with teams like: Murrah HS(Jackson, Mississippi, PG All -Amer, Maurice Jackson). Dominguez(Tyson Chandler), St. Jude(Ousmanne Cisse), Mayfair HS(Josh Childress), Willowridge (TJ Ford, Daniel Ewing), Berkmar Academy, Ga., etc. I don't like to release St. Pat's schedule this early, because it's always subject to change.'  

Rice, NYC. The Rice Raiders began last season as the two time NY State champions.  With Andre Barrett,  Kyle Cuffe and Andre Sweet, they had three high D1 prospects and were the prohibitive favorites for a third title.  We had them ranked in preseason as the top team in the region. But they spent the year underachieving, playing ugly step-sister to St Rays Cinderella, losing to the Ravens three times. That team had 5 seniors,  3 juniors, 4 sophs and a freshman.  It's last year's sophs - Jason Wingate,  Keydren Clark,  Kenneth Eusey and 6-9 Shakiem Mitchell, plus last year's freshman 7-2   Shagari Alleyne who will carry this team.  They've lost Louis Rodriguez and that hurts.  But 6-3 senior Mark Wilson,  and JV graduates, Christian Brown and Steve Burtt Jr will help. The incoming freshmen (Arturo Dubois and Russell Robinson) may not be effective this year but they'll be heard from soon.  It's the usual brutal national schedule for the Raiders.  Games include the 12/2/00 ProAm Challenge vs. JFK at Manhattan College,  @ St. Dominics,  Slam Dunk @ Lewes, De.  Atlantic City Classic and Prime Time Shootout in February.     11/17/00  Rivals.com Boys' Basketball Top 25 poll  - other teams to watch - Rice. 11/00 USA Today Top 25: #18. Rice, New York (21-7). Returning starters: 1. Outlook: Coach Maurice Hicks' team features speed with guards Jason Wingate (8 points, 8.6 assists a game ), Keydreyn Clark (5-9) and Kenneth Eusey (6-1). The maturation of 7-2 sophomore Shagari Alleyne and classmate Shakiem Mitchell (6-8) is needed. Opens: Dec. 2 vs. Kennedy (Bronx).  11/00  Fox Sports FAB 50 boys' basketball rankings:  # 26. Last year's underclass-oriented squad returns with five junior veterans and a 7-foot-2 sophomore, Shagari Alleyne, who could become the next highly touted big man out of the New York metro area.  11/00  HoopsTV.com: # 21. Rice (New York, N.Y.) - Record: 21-7. 1999-00 Final Ranking: NR. -- How do you replace Andre Barrett and Kyle Cuffe? You don’t, but 7-2 Shagari Alleyne, Jason Wingate and Kevin Eusey make up a sophomore class that will have 3 years to make the Apple forget ‘em.   10/22/00  Apple's Best High School Ballaz':  Preseason Top 15  # 2 'Rice graduated 4 starters last year, Andre Barrett, Kyle Cuffe, Andre Sweet and Alexy Ferreira. But they have gotten Andre Vanterpool and as a result will have 3 players in the front court 6'7 and taller, with Vanterpool 6'7, 6'9 Shakeem Mitchell and 7'2 Shagari Alleyne. They will have one of the best backcourts in the city with Jason Wingate, Kenny Eusey and Keydren Clark.'   3/20/00   Daily News:   St. Ray's Tops Rice For CHSAA Crown   3/20/00 Newsday:  St. Ray's Takes Title, Beats Rice 4th Time   3/19/00 Rich:  'St. Raymond 61 Rice 56. Before an overflow crowd at Fordham University, St. Ray's won the CHSAA Class A city championship over defending champion Rice, 61-56.'

St Raymond, NY.  9/4/00 Coach Gary DeCeasare:  'Can you use the profile on my website: straymondhs.com?

CBA, NJ. CBA began last season as the state's # 2 team behind Seton Hall Prep and ended the year 28 - 1 with a 53 - 51 loss to SHP in the Parochial A state championship game. They've  lost three key senior starters - Jason Krayl, Mike Skrocki and Pat Lynch - from that team but return a solid roster that won the Metro Classic this past summer.  On that roster there were four ranked seniors - 6-5 Tim Begley (NJH # 10),  5-11 Tim Burke (NJH # 96),  6-1 Pat Cremin (NJH 100+) and 5-10 Steve Vento (NJH 100+) -  three ranked juniors - 6-5 Eric Hazard (NJH # 14),  6-2 Chris Kenny (NJH #37) and 6-2 Bill Smith (NJH # 94) -  and 6-7 soph Lewis Thompson (NJH # 100). Coach Ed Wicelinski 's team also figures to benefit from SHP's down year.  It should make their path to the TOC a littke easier. Key games during the year - 12/17/00 Sun  tournament at Seton Hall University, CBA vs. Bridgewater-Raritan,  and  2/10/01  Primetime Shootout 2001  NJO:  3:00 CBA - Mt. Vernon,.   11/17/00  Jacey Zembal @ Fox Sports:  Fox Fab 50 previews No. 25 Christian Brothers Academy (N.J.).  11/17/00  Rivals.com Boys' Basketball Top 25 poll  - other teams to watch - CBA. 7/25/00 Metro Classic, 2000   3/00   New Jersey State Tournament   2/28/00  InJersey: Boys SCT Championship: CBA wins 10th title, first since 1996.  2/00 Shore Conference Tournament.

Bishop Loughlin, Brooklyn, NY. 11/16/00 Pdiddy9682: 'The 2000-2001 Bishop Loughlin Lions will look to pick up where the 1999-2000 Lions left off. That team featured two all city senior guards and 1000+ point scorers in Terrence Watkins and Michael Boynton. They ended up with the Brooklyn/Queens Diocese championship and a 24-4 record, after losing to Rice 71-61 in the CHSAA semi's. This year's team will be lead by second team all Brooklyn/Queens selection Curtis Sumpter 6'6, who may be the best junior in NYC. Also returning is Teddy Munford 5'10, a two time honorable mention Brooklyn/Queens selection. Undersized senior power forward Timeke Mitchell 6'2, should be a force down low. Other talented players are junior, Jason Olive 6'4 SF, sophomores Andrew Wright, SG, and Kojo Mensah, PG. 11/20/00 Winston @ Gameball: Key Loughlin league games:  Friday Jan.19 @ CTK 7:30PM,  .Jan.23 @ Molloy 4:00,  Friday Feb.2  vs CTK 7:30PM. Tues. Feb.13 vs. Molloy  4:00.  Key non-league games are 12/2/00  Saturday  @ Manhattan College vs Manhattan Center at 12:45 p.m. 12/26 - 12/30/00  Tues - Sat. Slam Dunk to the Beach - Lewes, Delaware and 2/3 & 2/4/01  Sat & Sun.  Battle by the Bay at Atlantic City High School.   11/00  Fox Sports FAB 50 boys' basketball rankings: # 37. Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 24-4. This annual contender in the competitive City Parochial League returns 6-1 senior Teddy Mumford and junior Curtis Sumter to reload again.   5/3/00 Daily News:  'Gustus to Coach Loughlin Boys - Retro is in and far be it for the administration at Loughlin to be out of step.  Yesterday, the school tabbed longtime Nazareth coach Ted Gustus to be its new boys basketball coach. Gustus is a veteran of the CHSAA who coached Nazareth for 10 years, taking the Kingsmen to two CHSAA Class B titles and one state Federation crown.'  

St Dominic,  LI. Rob Pavinelli is the coach of St. Dominic Bayhawks. His top three players last year were 6-1 senior Matt Napoli, 6-6 junior Mike Grinnon and 6-4 soph Tim Doyle, who transferred from L I Lu. Senior A J Johnston and junior, Anthony Lapiano split the point guard minutes while junior Greg Bosul and 6-6 Jim Debry were in the rotation. With five of his seven key players returning the coach has the pre-season favorite for LI's best.  But that may not mean anything.  Last year they vied for that honor with St. Mary.  The teams split regular season games and pointed to a championship showdown. It never happened. Holy Trinity upset St. Dominic 66-56 in overtime of the CHSAA LI semifinals at Hofstra University. That should provide ample motiviation for the Bayhawks to make it back and beyond this season.   11/9/00 Rich:  St. Dominic's Jim Bebry to Trinity (CT). 11/8/00 PFRITZZ:  'St Dominic's Senior Point Guard Anthony LoPiano Jr., has signed to play Division 1 basketball for Samford University. Samford University coached by Jimmy Tillette, has been to the NCAA Tournament the last two years and defeated St. Johns and Alabama University last year. Samford is known as the Princeton of the South, running a deliberate offense which creates back door lay-ups and 3 point shots. LoPiano who coach Tillette has been following since July feel LoPiano will fit their style of play.' 10/12/00 Esmooth13  'Just to let you know that St Dominic's has arguably one of the toughest schedules in the tri-state area. They are playing the following teams non-league: Molloy, St Ray's, Rice,St Pats(NJ) St Anthony's (NJ,) Lasalle, LI Lutheran, Lincoln, and gonig to the  Nike prep out in Califonia where they will probably face nationally ranked Mater Dei and Domiguez, and other teams such as Crenshaw.'   3/4/00 Newsday: Trinity Ousts St. Dominic In OT; St. Mary's Cruises   2/26/00 Newsday: St. Dominic Ends St. Mary's Streak.  2/00 St. Dom's, St. Mary's last season.  

Archbishop Molloy, NYC.  Last year the Stanners were ambushed by McClancy 81-73 in the CHSAA intersectionals at Manhattan College and finished with a disappointing 17 - 10 record. Wendell Gibson sabotaged his team and his own junior season by putting his hand through a window.  With their three returning seniors - 6-7 Wendell,  6-5 John Sikiric and 6-6 Sime Marnike,  JV hotshots, Stephon Cherry and Jamaal Wagner, super soph Marlon Smith and fab freshman Sundiatta Gaines they have the horses. Yadda and Lincoln's SebastianTelfair are the two NYC freshmen likely to make an impact this year.  But Marlon is the key.  He had an indifferent summer.  If he can turn it on during the year, the Stanners will be fine. If he continues to struggle, so will his team.  12/21/00  Fastbreak Recruiting:  Molloy (NY).   11/25/00  Rich, Evans Dieudonne, John P. Miciotta and Nathan Blue on the 2000 Stanner Classic.   11/20/00 Winston @ Gameball:  'Archbishop Molloy Boys Varsity Schedule - Fri/Sat Nov.24-25 Stanner Classic Home 5:30 & 7:30,  Sat Dec.2 Kellogg Classic Manhattan College 2:30,  Thurs. Dec.7 Holy Trinity Away 7:30,  Sun Dec.10 Diane Brennnan Fordham Univ. TBA,  Fri Dec.15 Marist HS Home 7:30,  Tues-Sun Dec.26-31 BeachBall Classic Myrtle Beach TBA,  Fri Jan.5 Brooklyn Tech Home 7:30,  Tues. Jan.9 Xaverian Away 4:00,  Fri. Jan.12 St. Francis Prep Away 7:30,  Tues. Jan.16 McClancy Away 4:00,  Fri. Jan.19 Holy Cross Home 7:30,  Tues. Jan.23 Loughlin Home 4:00,  Fri. Jan.26 Christ the King Away 7:30,  Tues. Jan.30 McClancy Home 4:00,  Fri. Feb.2 Holy Cross Away 7:30,  Sun. Feb.4 St. Raymond's Away 3:00,  Tues. Feb.6 Xaverian Home 4:00,  Fri. Feb.9 Christ the King Home 7:30,  Sun. Feb.11 PrimeTime Shootout Mercer Cty Arena TBA, Tues. Feb.13 Loughlin Away 4:00,  Fri. Feb.16 St.Francis Prep Home 7:30.'  11/00  Fox Sports FAB 50 boys' basketball rankings:  # 11. Molloy (Briarwood, N.Y.) 17-9.  The state's all-time winningest coach, Jack Curran, could have his best team in recent years with touted sophomore point guard Marlon Smith (5-11) joining regulars Wendell Gibson (6-8) and John Sikiric (6-6).  3/4/00 Ed Shannon:  'NYC CHSAA "A" J.V. City Championship Game Results Archbishop Molloy defeated Christ the King 65-48. Jamaal Wagner and Stephon Cherry led the way for Molloy with 16 each. Entler led Christ the King with 14.'  03/01/00 Daily News:  Loughlin 79, Molloy 60: The top-seeded Lions (22-3) scored the game's first 13 points, opened the lead to 21-4 and never let Molloy (17-9) get into the game. John Sikiric scored 26 for Molloy (17-9), which plays McClancy in an intersectional first-round game Sunday at Manhattan College.

Mt Vernon, NY.  The Mt. Vernon Knights ran the NY State  basketball table last season. They won the NY State class A championship vs. JFK in late March after taking Longwood in OT to win the state public school title.  They return Ben Gordon, the state's best senior this side of Julius Hodge along with Will Cherry and Jomo Belfor. But they've lost three solid seniors from last year's team -  Greg Jenkins,  John Plenty and Kevin Mitchell. It won't be easy to even get back to Glenn Falls, never mind repeating as state champs. 11/17/00 Peter Abraham, The Journal News: 'Mount Vernon will try and defend its Class A Federation title without two key players: 6-9 Greg Jenkins (now at Iona) and 6-5 John Plenty. Their points can be replaced but not their presence as rebounders and defenders. To compensate, coach Bob Cimmino will go with what amounts to a four-guard lineup. UConn-bound Ben Gordon, a contender for NYS player of the year, will start along with 6-1 junior Jomo Belfor, 5-11 junior Will Cherry and probably 6-3 Randy Brunson. Belfor, Cherry and Brunson are all Division I-caliber players. Belfor attended ABCD Camp and is hearing from many major-conference Division I teams. Cherry combines great quickness along with 3-point touch while Brunson is a jack-of-all-trades type. Cimmino expects 6-5 Troy Carr to emerge as his center. The power forwards, particularly 6-2 Mark Johnston and 6-5 newcomer Jabari Samuels (Virgin Islands) will be counted on for rebounds. The powerfully built Samuels is inexperienced but could become a factor as the season goes on.There is speed off the bench in guards Kenrick Williams and "Thirst" Wright. Cimmino also has high hopes for 6-3 sophomore Chris Dozier, who had a strong summer.

Mount Vernon has the most ambitious schedule in school history. The Knights will play in the Great Florida Shootout and the Beach Ball Classic. They will also face New Jersey power CBA at the Prime Time Shootout in February in Trenton. The Beach Ball field includes Molloy, DeMatha, Ballard (Louisville), Mater Dei, Gratz, and St. Raymond. In all, MV will play only five home games. The Knights face matchup problems against taller teams, but don't underestimate Gordon's will. He is taller and stronger than last season when he averaged 24.6 points and 4.7 assists. He spent his summer lifting weights and working out with NBA players. Gordon also led the ABCD Camp in 3-point shooting and made the senior all-star game despite playing on a dysfunctional camp team. Some "recruiting gurus" dropped him in the national rankings because he didn't participate in the summer meat market after ABCD. But UConn coach Jim Calhoun knows a little something about guards after coaching future NBA players Reggie Lewis, Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie, Rip Hamilton and Khalid El-Amin. Calhoun loves Gordon's approach and athletic ability. "We've won a lot of games with versatile players like Ben," Calhoun said. "I can see he and Taliek (Brown) being a great combination." Belfor, a much-improved shooter, could emerge as a big scorer this season.    10/28/00 Peter Abraham, The Journal News:  I'd be careful about underrating Mount Vernon. Gordon is Gordon. Jomo Belfor is a high Divison I player and junior Will Cherry is pretty good. Their swingman, Randy Brunson, will probably play low Division I somewhere.This team isn't tall but they're a legit 9 deep, astoundingly quick and Bob Cimmino can really coach.'   3/26/00   Post Star:  'Mt. Vernon finishes with win. class A Boys - Final.There can be no argument about the best high school boys basketball team in New York state. Mount Vernon completed a perfect season by defeating John F. Kennedy High School of the Bronx, 60-58, in the Class A championship of the Federation Tournament Saturday. Mount Vernon finished 28-0.'  3/26/00  Daily News:  JFK Chances Come Up Just Inches Short.  3/19/00  Post Star:  Everything works for Mount Vernon Class A - Semifinal.

Robeson, Brooklyn, NY.   Coach Larry Major's Robeson Eagles play in the PSAL Brooklyn Division III with seven other talented basketball teams including Boys & Girls,  Canarsie and Tilden.  Two years ago they finished division play with a perfect 14 - 0 record and the number one seed in the PSAL playoffs.  Their final record was 21 - 5 as they lost to the upstart JFK Knights in the quarterfinals runining their chance to win two PSAL titles in three years  Last year they went into the PSAL p;ayoffs seeded  a lowly # 7.  They took Park West by twelve in the early round but lost an OT thriller 70 - 66 to Lincoln in the semis.  This year they are the preseason PSAL favorite led by 6-7 senior Kenny Adeleke.  He'll have plenty of help - four ranked seniors in 6-3 Levell Nevins (GB # 15),  6-5 Carlos Linares (GB # 39),  6-3 Shakim Berry (GB #74) and 5-6 point guard Andre Lewis - and six ranked juniors in 5-9 Ontea Gates (GB #28),  6-2 Benny Uteley (GB# 31),  6-5 Richard Baiker (GB # 55),  5-10 Anthony Williams (GB # 101),  6-1 Keith Willis (GB # 119) and 5-10 Gary Ervin (GB # 124).  Both Ervin and Adeleke starred for the Long Island Panthers this fall at IS8. 10/16/00 LFBALL 'Let me start by saying Sunday at IS8 was wonderful!  How does Larry Majors do it? He just reloads at Robeson. He just keeps turning out D1 players year in and year out. I guess you really do not need to attend Catholic schools to get a D1 scholarship after all. Robeson has a number of players on the Panther roster.  10/28/00  The Apple's Best High School Ballaz' - PSAL Preseason Preview 'The best player in the PSAL is at Robeson, Kenny Adeleke. Besides Adeleke Robeson also has "Mr. Clutch" Ontae Gates, Shakim Berry, Benny Utley and Gary Earvin, who has made a big splash in the fall. Robeson will  need Earvin to run the point brilliantly and not to forget who the star of the team is. Adeleke will probably win the PSAL player of the year and should dominate easily.  10/22/00  Apple's Best High School Ballaz':  Preseason Top 15  #7.  The obvious choice for pre-season PSAL player of the year leads this team. But Kenny Adeleke isn't alone he has Benny Utley, Shakim Berry and point guard Gary Earvin. If Earvin is as good as I've heard then Robeson will give Grady all they can handle.  10/00 Real Scout's "Who has a chance at the Garden"  Paul Robeson HS - Notes: Kenny Adeleke, Oneta Gates, and Two Big kids named Carlos. Will be making everybody in the city. Know that "Robe" is back. Robeson coach Larry Major is stronger then ever. With Guards Mohammed Wilson and Gary Irving. Robeson should be a very hard team to play against Public or Catholic.'   3/3/00 Daily News: Railsplitters Win in OT With King-Sized Effort.  

St Mary, Manhasset, LI.  10/2/00 Coach Tim Cluess: 'St.Mary's won the NY State Championship last season and finished with a 26-3 record.The Gaels also won their 3rd straight league title.8 players graduated from that team and 6 of them went on to play college ball this year.The Gaels do return 3 starters and a key reserve from last years team.This years team while lacking in size will have to make up for it with their shooting and running style.The Gaels have led their league the last 3 years in both offense and defense.

Returning for the Gaels are 6'6" Matt Preston, an all league, all Long Island player and an all state selection last year.  He averaged 17 pts. a game last year. He can play inside and outside. Matt was the MVP of both the league and state championship games. His college choices remain open.  Ken Grant 6'2",is a returning guard who shoots the 3,can pass and handle. Ken averaged 8 points a game as a junior with a hi of 20. He has had a great summer and improved tremendously. Currently also being recruited by a number of D1's his college choice is also wide open.Dwayne Byfield-6'1",also a great shooter and slasher.Can run either guard spot effectively. Averaged 10 pts. a game as a junior. Dwayne should have a break out senior year. College choices remain open.  Brian Preston-6'3",a key reserve on last years team.Brian averaged 7 pts. a game. Excellent 3 pt. shooter. Has had a great summer and will open many college coach's eyes this season. The 5th starting spot should be a battle between 6'4"Jr. Keith Tilley- a slasher who can play inside and out,6'4" Jr. Jared Weir-another versatile player who can go in and out, and explosive 6'4" Soph.-Mamadou Diakhate who can do it all.  6'3" Frank Gilroy- a shooting guard should also give the team some depth. The Gaels have averaged 20 wins over the past 5 seasons and will strive to repeat that again this year.This is an extremely hard working group that is a pleasure to coach.We are looking forward to another exciting and fun season.'  

10/14/2000  Fastbreak Recruiting: St. Mary's (NY).  8/13/00 Peter F. Edwards:  'Championship Saturday went well at I.S.8. The ... High School division was won by St. Marys where Matt Preston was the MVP.'  3/26/00 Post Star Stories:  Mt. Vernon finishes with win.  Sweet Reward -- St. Mary's takes Class B crown. 3/15/00  Daily News:  St. Mary's Drives Past Xavier .

St Augustine,  NJ. There have been five elite programs in New Jersey for the last decade - St. Anthony,  St Patrick,  Seton Hall Prep,  CBA and Camden.  The Hermits are elite wannabes, good, but not quite elite.  Three years ago they were 23 - 4, two years ago 24 - 6 with a TOC appearance for their star, Andrew Sullivan and last year 25 - 3 losing to Camden Catholic,  Atlantic City and 69- 43 to St Patrick in the state Parochial B finals. They'll again be good (but not exactly elite) this year led by four stars - the 6-5 senior forwards Olu Babalua (NJH # 4) and Jose Gonzalez (NJH # 12) and the 5-11 junior guards, Scott Greenamn (NJH # 30) and Marist transfer,  Pat Deveney (NJH # 31). The 6-8 soph, Stanley Branch (NJH # 11) would have been a factor, but academic woes mean he won't be on the team and probably not in school. At least part of the Hermits' problem is the competition.  Last season's Parochial B South state tournament included six other teams - St. Rose,  St Mary (South Amboy),  Mater Dei,  St. Joes (Hammonton),  McCorriston and Sacred Heart.  None of them were ranked anywhere near the state's top 40.  10/22/00 Coach Jim Ring:  State Rankings -  4. St. Augustine - experienced and what they were lacking they went out and recruited.  2/13/00 Russ Blake @ Insiders Report:  St. Augustine Hermits' First Loss.  

Lincoln, Brooklyn, NY. Coach Dwayne (Tiny) Morton's Railsplitters were led last year by their imposing frontcourt of seniors Eric King, Eric Thompson and Aaron Lesane. They started and finished the year as the second best team in the PSAL, losing by a point to Kennedy and their own dominant senior frontcourt of  JC Mathis, Willie Shaw and Raymond Edwards.  Their PSAL playoff run included a 75 - 65 OT quarterfinal win over Robeson and a controversial semifinal win over Cardozo, aided by ex team manager, Anthony Strong. This year's team begins the year ranked behind PSAL preseason favorite, Robeson.  They will be led by freshman wunderkind, Sebastian Telfair.  He'll get plenty of perimeter help from seniors John Quintana and Tysheen Knight as well as juniors Anthony Strong and Olabode Olukanni.  Senior forward, Sam Mielnik looked good this fall at IS8 but he'll need help inside. At 6-5, senior transfer Calvin Smith could give that help, but he wasn't on the IS8 roster.  6-3 sophomore Dominic Osei was, but he may be a year away.   10/00  The Apple's Best High School Ballaz' - PSAL Preseason Preview 'Another Brooklyn team that has a shot at winning the title is the PSAL runner-up from a year ago, Lincoln. Lincoln lost 3 starters, Eric King, Eric Thompson and high flyer Aaron Lesane. Lincoln has the brightest talent in the city Sebastian Telfair, John Quintana and Olabode Olukanni at the guard position. With this backcourt Lincoln will have very few turnovers. Telfair and Quintana both can take the ball to the basket or shoot the lights out. Olukanni is more of a slasher type and has the strength to do so. Lincoln will depend heavily on Sam Mielnik down low and will need Anthony Strong to have great season if they want to be PSAL champions.' 10/00 Real Scout's "Who has a chance at the Garden"  Abraham Lincoln HS - Notes: Sebastian Telflair and John Quintana are the best backcourt in the city. Arguably public or catholic school. John is a steady shooter and almost as good ball handler. While Telflair is one of the best point guards in the country. In any class! Big man Sam Minliek will have to hold down the paint. With the absence of graduates Aaron Lesane (JC) and Eric King (Prep). Hey with Telflair and John everybody likes Dwayne Morton's chances of winning city.' 10/8/00 BasketballBizz: 'A very highly regarded talented guard Olabadae Olukanni sat out his sophmore year of basketball for Lincoln High because of an injury and was going to transfer to Salesbury Prep when his junior year started but decided to stay in Lincoln. He now has his year back and will play for Lincoln High as a sophmore. He is a good one to watch so just look out for Olabadae Olukanni.'   3/13/00  Daily News:  J C Mathis, Kennedy Reign.   3/12/00   Daily News: Lincoln, Kennedy Match Traditions. 3/6/99  Daily News:  King Reigns for Lincoln.  3/5/00 Coach Jack Ringel:  'I have been watching P.S.A.L. playoffs for the past 26 years. NEVER have I witnessed a team with so many roster changes as this year's Lincoln team. Even today a new player #21 appeared. Is he a manager as his name appears iin the P.S.A.L roster dated 3-2 or is he a player? When did #34 appear or rather from where? We all know that Lesane came from Lafayette, Thompson and Knight from Grady but where do these players arrive from? I give all my respect to Eric King and John Quantana for their efforts.  3/3/00  Daily News: Railsplitters Win in OT With King-Sized Effort.

All Hallows, NYC. This was a .500 (13 - 13) team last year, that lost in overtime to Cinderella Xaverian in last year's CHSAA intersectional first round.  That team had three returning varsity players after losing Charles Henson to St. Rays and Rashaun Vaughn to academics. This year coach John Carey's  Gaels return six varsity players, including Vaughn and fellow seniors 6-6 Leon Fuller (GB #110),  6-7 Anwar Harris (GB # 130),  6-3 Raul Natera (GB # 160) and 6-1 Kenneth McMillan (GB # 170) plus 5-10 junior point guard, Marvin McCullough (GB # 14).  There are four solid junior additions - 6-1 Ricardo Solivar (GB #6),  5-10 Bobby Santiago (GB # 41),  6-6 Kirl Wachmann (GB # 51) and 6-1 Indionigo Okoru (GB # 74).  No sophs of note , but freshman Ronald Ramon (GB # 4) may be a factor on the varsity, even this year. The key games will be @ Holy Cross on 12/12,  the back to back Friday, Saturday games @ St. Rays on 1/5,  @ Rice on 1/6, @ LI Lutheran on 1/31 and finally at home for St. Ray on 2/6 and Rice on 2/9.   11/4/00 Nathan Blue:  'In High School news: A team to watch out for in the CHSAA is All Hallows. They have to be one of the most talented teams. They have four good pgs and shooting guards. Rashawn Vaughn, Ricardo Solivera, Bobby Santiago and Marvin McCullough. To go along with Leon Fuller at center. That would be a crazy starting five. Four guards and a center. It's gonna be an interesting year at All Hallows in the Bronx this year.'

Camden Catholic, NJ.  If you try to search for Camden on this site's seach engine, you should get over 60 hits.  Count on it - most will be for Dajuan's team - the other Camden.  No matter.  Coach Jim Crawford's team has been a factor in south Jersey basketball for quite some time.  The Irish record for the last three seasons has been 22 -4,  23 - 3 and last year's 20 - 6 with losses to Cherry Hill East,  Washington Township,  Camden, Cherokee,  Bishop Eustace plus a 59 - 41 loss to CBA in the Parcohial A South semi-finals.  This year's team will begin by relying on four touted players - senior point guard 5-9 Pete Adams (HS +1000),  6-8 junior BJ Bakanowski (NJH # 27) and the 6-4 soph twins Eric (NJH # 5) and Nick Cangelosi (NJH #6).  Other significant players on their semifinal Metro Classic team roster were 6-3 senior Brian Gallegher,  6-1 junior Kevin Clark and 5-9 sophomore Mike Manigold (NJH # 87).  As usual, CBA will be the team to beat in the Parochial A South tournament with Camden, St Augustine and Bishop Eustace as the other southern Jersey powers.  7/23/00  It will be St. Raymonds and CBA for the Metro Classic championship at 2:30.  In the quarterfinals Cinderella Camden Catholic took Roman Catholic.  In the semis CBA trounced St. Peters; it was 50 - 30 with 6:00 minutes to go when I left for the Rays, CC finish.  The Ravens won 76 - 66.'  7/23/00  PeteAbe: 'Mount Vernon was 2-1 on the day, defeating Brick Township 65-39 and Holy Cross (N.Y.) 50-48 before being humbled 74-55 by a well-drilled Camden Catholic team.'   2/13/00 Russ Blake @ Insiders Report:  St. Augustine Hermits' First Loss.  

Amityville, LI   Esmooth: 'The best public school team on LI. They lost two starters in Bill Kretz who went to Southern Conneticut and guard, Reggie Shore who went to a D2 school in Rochester. This year's team will be lead by Jason Fraser and Tristian Smith. Jason Fraser who is the best big man on LI, the best defensive player in the state of NY and possibbly the country for his class. This kid kicked off his spring by touring the country will Gary Charles LI Panthers where he played well in numerous tournaments including the Gibbons TOC and the War in the Woods in NJ. He won defensive MVP at the War in the Woods tournament. He kicked off his long summer by playing at the ABCD camp, where he lead the camp in blocks at only 6'8 and was ranked as the 6th best center in the camp. He toured the rest of the summer with the Panthers gonig all over the country. He is being heavily recruited by many schools including St Johns, Mike Jarvis was seen at many of his fall events. UNC is also in the mix for this muli-talented player who is still improving. Jason is still growing and getting used to his body, he should grow at least 3 more inches (his dad is 7'0!). The other leader of this team will be Tristian Smith. Tristian also played the entire summer with the LI Panthers playing very well and improving his stock considerably. He made the all-star team at Eastern's session III. Tristian did not get to play as much as Jason did this fall. It is not because he didn't want to it was just that he was playing football for the reiging LI Division III champs. Tristian is currently one of the top 25 recruits in the state on NY for football and is being recruited by ACC and Big East schools. Tristian did play in the LI Lupus Classic winning the best play maker award. Tristian's game has dramtically improved since last season and Ican't wait to see what he does this season. Eugene Nottingham, 6'3 who also is a major D1 football recruit, will play the foward spot. Eugene has the body of a senior in college and knows how to uses it to his advantage. He will be intergal to the teams sucess this year. He could also see some time at the guard spot. Max Rose who also plays football, will play the other foward spot for Amityville. He is very athletic, quick and strong. He should help Amityville on the boards this year. The other starting spot will go to either Roderick Henry who is about 6'3 or Richie Payton.'   3/26/00   Post Star:  Sweet Reward -- St. Mary's takes Class B crown. And Amityville's Tristian Smith keeps team in game.   3/25/00 Daily News:  'Boys Class B Semifinal - Amityville 66, Roosevelt 60: Roosevelt, the PSAL B city champs, put a major scare into heavily favored Amityville, leading 25-23 at halftime.When Amityville (25-2) opened the second half with a 9-0 run, Roosevelt (26-3) still wouldn't die easily. But the Warriors iced it by hitting 5-of-7 from the foul line in the final 1:53. Sophomore Jason Fraser led Amityville with 20 points.'  3/20/00   Post Star:  Amityville finally brings home crown.  Seniors recall loss of 1997.  

CTK, Queens, NY - 11/29/00 EM krispy:  'I am associated with the Christ the King basketball team and I would just like to tell you that on the top team profiles you have many mistakes. Players listed that are not on team:  1-Mikail Malik  2-Michael Entler  3-Michael Claxton  4-Michael King  5-Justin Marshall.  Players on team that are not listed: 1- Billy Haufman 2- Joe Alohan 3- Alan Jean-Baptist.  If you need any more info just check out our website: Christ The King Royals.'    Omar Cook's sophomore and junior seasons ended with losses to Rice in the CHSAA championship game.  His coach, Bob Oliva, kidded at the beginning of last season that he was going to petition the league to play 4 on 4 games.  With Omar, and Blue Ribbon, D1 seniors Zack Williams, Juma Allen and Michael Radziejewski that seemed reasonable.  But by season's end, neither Omor, Oliva nor anyone else associated with the Royal's basketball program was kidding about anything.  The year from start to finish was a disaster, culminated  by a 55- 43 loss in the quarterfinals to archrival Bishop Loughlin with a suspended Cook watching the game from the sidelines.  This year there are are seven returning varsity players - seniors Robert Barrett (HS #42), Alex Dinka (HS # 69),  Sharod Tomlinson (HS # 135), Anthony Negraneau (HS # 196) and 6-0 guard Michael Englert (GB # 140) with juniors Kelvin Nelson (HS # 4) and Mikail Malik (HS # 7) - on the team.  Oliva can look to junior forwards 6-4 Eric Martin (HS # 15), 6-4 Willie Miller (HS # 68) and 6-3 Michael Entler (HS #129) , junior guards Steve Shell (GB # 82) and Michael Claxton (GB # 109) plus soph guards Michael King (HS #8),  Mitchell Buford (HS # 9), Japhette McNeil (HS # 12) and 6-4 soph forwards .Brian Williams.(GB #17) and Justin Marshall (GB # 28). All but King,  Entler and Claxton made the CTK 14 man Metro Classic roster.   Freshman 6-3, Phillip Murphy is the Royals' highest rated newcomer but he doesn't figure to make the varsity this year.   11/8/00 Winston @ Gameball:  'Christ the King / 2000-01 Varsity Boys Schedule - Friday - Sunday, Dec.1-3 Roundball Classic Lebanon, PA. TBA.  Saturday Dec.9 Cardozo HS @ home the King 7:30pm.  Sunday Dec.17 Xaverian HS Xaverian HS TBA.  Wednesday - Saturday, Dec.20- Nike Tourney Portland, OR. TBA.  Sunday Jan.7 St. Raymond @ home 3:30PM.  Tuesday Jan.9 @ McClancy 4PM.  Saturday Jan.13 Marist NJ @ home 7:30PM.  Sunday Jan.14 @ St. Francis Prep 3:30PM.   Tuesday Jan.16 Holy Cross @ home 7:30PM.  Friday Jan.19 Bishop Loughlin @ home 7:30PM.  Sunday Jan.21 Xaverian @ home 3:30PM..  Friday Jan.26 Molloy @ home 7:30PM.  Friday Feb.2  @ Bishop Loughlin 7:30PM.  Sunday Feb.4 Lehigh Classic Lehigh, PA. TBA.  Tuesday Feb.6 St. Francis Prep @ home 7:30PM.  Friday Feb.9 @ Molloy 7:30PM.  Sunday Feb.11 Primetime Shootout Trenton, NJ TBA.  Tuesday Feb.13 @ Holy Cross 7:30PM.  Friday Feb.16 @ McClancy 7:30PM.   3/16/00  Insiders Report:  Omar Cook Is MVP.   3/13/00 Daily News:  No Cook Winning  Recipe for Loughlin.   3/5/00  'Real Scout Basketball would like to congratulate Christ the King Freshmen team with a hard fought victory over Rice H.S. Super guards Japhette McNeil and Mitch Beauford played tough and hit their free throws down the stretch. Big man Justin Marshall was a big factor down low! Justin is showing that he is capable of getting a lot of playing time on next years varsity team. Mike King didn't have a good offensive game but played excellent team defense. Christ the King has gone undefeated and proven to everybody that they have the most solid class in the city.'  3/4/00 Ed Shannon:  'NYC CHSAA "A" Freshman and J.V. City Championship Game Results Both City Championship games took place Friday, March 3, 2000. On the Freshman level Christ the King defeated Rice by 8 pts. On the J.V. level Archbishop Molloy defeated Christ the King 65-48. Jamaal Wagner and Stephon Cherry led the way for Molloy with 16 each. Entler led Christ the King with 14.'

S H P, NJ. Seton Hall Prep finished last season with a 29 - 2 record ranked # 10 nationally by USA Today.  No one will be ranking them nationally this season.  Their two losses last year were to Oak Hill Academy and to Camden in the TOC final.  No - check that.  There was a thisrd loss - star forward Marcus Toney-el to a broken foot halfway through the season.  Despite that devastating loss, the Pony Pirates stayed the state's # 1 team to the very end.  This year they've lost their three super seniors in Marcus Toney-el, strongman Marc Curry and off-guard Tyrone Barley, as well as two solid seniors in 6-0 Robert Sullivan and 6-3 Dan Naturale.  

9/7/00 Frank: 'It will be Seton Hall's biggest rebuilding year in quite some time. Departed are four starters, who are all earned scholarships at Division One programs. Marcus Toney-El- Seton Hall, Tyrone Barley- St. Joseph's Pa., Mark Curry- Deleware, and Robert Sullivan- George Mason. Coach Bob Farrell's team will play their traditional motion offense and hard nosed man to man defense. The addition of a new team to the Iron Division of the Iron Hills will increase the Pirates schedule of games to the state maximum and force them out of the Homeless Classic and the Converse Challenge. They have also toned down their holiday activity and will participate in the Red Bank Christmas Tournament, instead of the Beach Ball Classic.The returning Pirate nucleus are all 6-1 or 6-2. They are seniors Joe Martinez 6-2, Tom Flarerty 6-1 and Kyle Woodruff 6-1, junior Anthony Drejaj 6-2, and sophomores 6-2 Jamar Nutter and 6-2 Alex Buzbee. Juniors 6-5 Sean Bell and 6-0 Chris Swann should also see minutes. Narrow wins in the Metro Classic: Randolph (by 9), Ramapo (by 6) and Columbia (by 1) and a 6 point defeat to Teaneck demonstrate that this is a starting over season for the Prep. On the positive side is that Jamar Nutter was thought by many to have been the best freshman every to play at the Hall. How quickly he developes will go a long way in determining if Seton Hall can compete for a 6th straight county title against the likes of Columbia, Bishop Francis, and Shabazz.  But the x factor in the equation is Coach Bob Farrell. Under his direction, Seton Hall may come on by tournament time.'   3/22/00  Daily News:  Painful End for Prep.  Camden wins Jersey bragging rights.  3/22/00 NJ Hoops: Camden #1.  3/22/00  BRO: Camden topples Seton Hall Prep.  3/20/00 Frank:  Seton Hall 46 Mendham 45. Schiffer 27 points on the New Jersey State Tournament page.  3/15/00  NJO: Sullivan, Barley stepped up to save Seton Hall's season.

St Benedict, NJ.  Coach Hank Cordeiro is beginning his 12th season as coach of the Gray Bees.  Last year's star transfer from  Hudson Catholic was 6-4 then sophomore Zakee Boyd who will be playing his junior season for Bob Hurley's St. Anthony's team this season.  Last year's team finished with a 22-8 record losing to LI Lutheran,  Molloy,  Lawrenceville Prep,  Poly Prep and St Patrick in this region.  They began the year as a preseason NJ Hoops # 10 team and finished ranked # 20. This year's stars will be 6-6 junior Jakeel Gary (NJH # 12),  5-2 senior Jeff Granger and 6-4 junior Rob Lawrence.  11/3/00  Frank:  'I have often written in the past that Saint Benedict's Prep should be allowed to compete in the Essex County Tournament. They don't use PG's and have strict eligibility requirements. Coach Cord has a great program and he and his staff do a fine job with the kids. Academically the school is one of the best in the county The school is literally a stone's throw from Essex County College, the site of the ECT's last three rounds. It is a shame St. Benedict's does not have the opportunity to show their talent in local tournament play.  I wish someone could explain to me why they can't compete. And what is especially puzzling is why their JV team does compete. in the ECT JV Tournament. Alll this situation does is to hurt kids.'  9/7/99 Frank: 'A team I left out is St. Benedicts. They chose to voluntarily leave the NJSIAA. By doing so, they gave up the opportunity of playing in the Essex County Tournament and the NJSIAA Parochial State Tournament. So it is not as easy to get an accurate handle on them, though they produce great teams year after year.'

Neptune, NJ.  Neptune began last season ranked # 12 in the state by NJ Hoops and finished ranked # 11 with a 20-6 record losing only to Atlantic City,  Camden Wilson,  St Raymond,  Middletown South, CBA and Camden.  They are in the Central Jersey Group 3 (next to biggest) division which they won last year beating Colonia 76 - 72.  They then lost 87 - 65 in the Group 3 state semis to Camden, the eventual TOC winner.  Their 6-6 center Brian Showers was the only significant senior on that team; the others are returning.  Their primary star is 6-1 junior guard, Tyquan Dean (NJH # 4) and he's joined in the backfield by fellow junior, 5-10 Terrance Todd (NJH # 22).  The notable seniors are 6-4 Rafig White (NJH # 54) and 6-2 Kyle Blue (NJH #99).  There's help from 6-6 junior center Robert Layton (NJH #63) and two highly regarded sophs  - 6-1 Marcus Alston (NJH # 37) and 5-11 Jamar Pressley (NJH # 94).  Marcus Jones,  Eugene Harris and Jamal Williams were also on the Neptune Metro Classic roster. Coach Ken O'Donnell has completed nine seasons with a 165 - 81 record.  Last year was his best but this year the Scarlet Fliers could easily be better.  3/10/00  NJO: Camden overpowers Neptune, 87-65.

St. Francis Prep, NY.  Tim Leary is the varsity coach for the St. Francis Terriers;  he's beginning his 28th season. The Terriers play in the Brooklyn/Queens Division I of the Catholic High School Athletic Association ( CHSAA) with Christ the King, Bishop Loughlin, Archbishop Molloy, Xaverian, McClancy and Holy Cross. Three years ago they finished last in the division with a league 2-10 record and an overall 5-18. Two years ago they finished 14 - 12 ranked ninth among all CHSAA schools.Last year they finished 20 - 8, upset by Xaverian in the CHSAA quarterfinals. That roster had seven seniors and six juniors.  Four of those seniors - Kevin O'Connell,  Kevin Fitzgerald, Danny Apicella and most expecially, 6-5 center Steve Hartwig - played key roles in the teram's success and they will be sorely missed. They return two star seniors in 6-6 Rashad Bell (GB #5, only Julius, Ben, Kenny A and Wendell ahead of him for now, but maybe not in March) and 6-2 Kevin White (GB # 48) as well as 6-2 EJ Kapela (GB #154),  5-7 Mike Devardo (GB # 204),  5-9 Ryan Nelson and 6-4 Kevin Collins. Unfortunately for the Terriers, junior Brandon Wilson's family has moved and he'll be starting for LI Lutheran. Six other players - Rich Henderson,  6-4 Ken Feeley (GB #170),  Chris Lanci,  Tes Choudri,  Sean Greene and Rich Jacl;itscu were on the Metro Classic roster.  The junior guard, 5-10 Tamer Gabriel was rated # 114 by Gameball, but he didn't make the Metro Classic roster. 9/14/00 FordCoach1:  ' I have just received the teams that will be competing in this years Monsignor King Christmas Tournament at ST. Thomas Aquinas in Brooklyn. The teams will be from the CHSAA Lasalle Academy, ST. Edmund"s Prep, Xaverian.& ST.Francis Prep, from the PSAL it will be Grady.New Utrecht, & Newtown ,& finally from the Private school league Poly Prep.'  7/00 Besides returning seniors Metro Classic rosted included Rich Henderson, Ken Feeley, Chris Lanci,  Tes Choudri,  Sean Greene and Rich Jacklitscu. 3/13/00  Daily News:  X-Men Stun St. Francis Prep - Zivanovic tip lifts Xaverian.  3/1/00  Daily News:  Terriers Top Holy Cross.

Essex Catholic (Bishop Francis), NJ. Bishop Francis began last season ranked #27 in NJ Hoops preseason poll, but they finished out of the top 40 final rankings.  They were seeded seeded 7th in the Parochial A, North division winning twice against 10th seed St. Joseph, Montvale and second seeded Dwight Englewood, before losing 61-55 to St. Peter's Prep in the semis.  With SHP so weak this year, the Eagles are another Essex County team looking to climb over the Pony Pirates.  10/21/00 TJones:  'The Bishop Francis Essex Catholic Eagles return 10 players from the 99-00 team that finished with more than 20 wins. Greater things are expected from this team this year. They will be lead by 6' 3" combo guard Aaron Davis (Sr.). Davis had a great summer. Tremendous shooter and defender... D1 player ( May have already verbally committed). 6'2" combo guard Linton Hinds (Jr.) will team with Davis in the backcourt. he is a good shooter and slasher. Linton is beginning to get some D1 inquires. Marvin Richardson (6' 4" So.), Gerrod Mallette (6'1" sr), Allen Valentine (6' 3" Jr.), Elajuwon Prioleau (6' 4" jr.), Naquan Williams (6' 1" Sr.), Jahaad Martin (6' 0" Sr.), Aaron Spencer (6'4" Sr.) should all see time this year. The Eagles should be strong contenders in the Northern hills conference, Essex County Tournament and NJ Parochial A playoffs.'

St. Peters Prep, Jersey City, NJ. St. Peters began last year ranked by NJ Hoops as the # 38 team in the state.  They finished at 12 - 12 the year before.  Last year's team finished #36 with a 19 - 5 record and a team that featured star underclassmen.  They gave it a good run in the Parochial A North playoffs beating Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep and Bishop Francis before losing 62 - 40 to Seton Hall Prep.  With SHP looking weaker than they have in years, St. Peters may be in a good position to challenge for the title this year. They will be led by four veteran seniors in 6-3 Jarrett Love (NJH # 24),  6-2 Emmanuel Thompson,  6-7 Brian Robinson (NJH # 35) and 5-8 John Cassalini.  10/24/00 Frank:  'Dave Mackey is the coach and is the head of the Jersey City Recreation Department. By the way, the Saint Peter's Prep student body was the most positive enthusiastic group of fans I saw this past season. I put them up there with Teaneck, St. Joseph's Metuchen, Mendham, Bishop Francis for spirit and classy behavior.'   7/23/00  It will be St. Raymonds and CBA for the Metro Classic championship at 2:30.  In the quarterfinals CBA easily over White Plains,  St. Peters shocked St. Anthony (playing without Elijah Ingram, hurt yesterday) 48 - 42,  St. Raymonds edged St. Joes, Metuchen 50 - 49 and Cinderella Camden Catholic took Roman Catholic.  In the semis CBA trounced St. Peters; it was 50 - 30 with 6:00 minutes to go when I left for the Rays, CC finish.  

Plainfield, NJ  10/23/00  tbone:  'With all the sudden and tragic death's (teammate Darnell Fitz, a Sr. in Hs and  former star player Jamie Suitt c/0 99 were both  murdered between a 3 week  time frame)surrounding the Plainfield HS Basketball team this summer, the kids played some good basketball and  showed why they are going to be a team to beat after finshing 17-6 ranked  #20 in the Star-Ledger last year with wins and battles vs Group 4 Champs  Linden twice, Group 4 runner-ups Bridgewater, Group 3 Runner-ups Shabazz and  TOC Semi Finalist St.Patricks. Plainfield coming off an impressive summer will be geared for a great winter. Plainfield took 2 out of the 4 summer leagues they entered.  The  Kean University Team Camp, winning the Big school division..ie.. Teaneck, Bridgewater, Linden, St.Mary's by beating Teaneck in the Finals by 20+  points, The George "GG" Brown Tournament in Plainfield, defeating Columbia  Hs in the Finals by a 20+ margin, finished 9-1 at the Seton Hall Team Camp  (beating St.Patricks (without Billmier, Nardi and Austin, Passaic and St.Peters Prep, lost by 2 to Essex Catholic) and lost to St.Anthony of JC in  the Semi-Finals of the Jersey City Summer league by 11pts... Plainfield will  be led this year by Sr.Bobby Hollomen and Jrs Andre Dabney and Jahid  Muhammad .. both Jr's are recieving D-1 intrest.. ie Fairfield, Marist, Iona, Mahattan, Rutgers and Seton Hall..while Bobby has Rider and many football inquiries. Other players that will contribute this season  for the Cardinals include 6'4 Sr. Arshen Hunter, 6'3 Sr. Jarred Hillman, 5'10  So.Larry Decosey, 5'3 Fr.Mike Gordon and 6'3 Sr. Rajohn Peterson..(all the  Sr's are recieving D-3 interest: Kean, Montclair, Ramapo, Albany St, William Paterson). Key games include 12/19 Eilzabeth HS..4pm Home, 1/6 Union Home 2pm, Shabazz 1/16 Away 4pm, Linden 1/31 Away 2pm, Bridgewater Away 2/3 7pm.  10/23/00  Cardinal Fan: 'What if?? What if 6'4 Jr.Rob Lawrence of St.Benedicts HS and nationally ranked Jr's 6'3 Eric Wilkins of Oak Hill Academy and 6'4 Zakee Boyd of St.Anthony's of JC stayed in Plainfield and attended Plainfield HS to team up with one of the top bckcourts in the state of NJ in Dabney, Muhammad and Hollomen. What if? Plainfield is the early on's Favorite to cut the nets down, but with that  team included with the mentioned names,.it would be a after thought.

LI Lutheran, LI.  3/24/00  Daily News: 'St. Ray's, JFK Meet in Rematch.at Glens Falls in the state Federation Class A semifinal .  The winner will play undefeated Mount Vernon tomorrow night for the state title.  Long Island Lutheran is generally the fourth team in the Class A draw as the lone state private school in the classification. It had been scheduled to play Mount Vernon in a Friday semifinal, but will not appear in the tournament this season because it did not finish with a record over .500.'

And therein lies this team's tale.  If you search for Lutheran on our engine, you will find over 80 references, most to LI Lutheran and most in 1998 and 1999. The Crusader team of Drew Nicholas,  Fab Fisher, Jacob Kudlacz, Zigmas Kaknevicius and Tim Doyle twice battled Rice at Glens Falls. Last year's team stayed home. This year's team figures to be notably beter than .500 and back at Glens Falls. They are the second of five Long Island teams to make our top 30. According to coach Ronn Hall the likely key players will be eight - the seniors 6-11 Alex Gambino,  6-2 Obinna Ergee, 6-6 wide-body Ramsey Lauder, 6-1 point guard Leon Parsoo,  the juniors 6-3 Brandon Wilson,  6-5 Arthur Onnura and 6-7 John Buck.  Kobi Pruitt is a 6-5, straight A student sophomore who will get his minutes.  Additionally, the incoming freshmen class has three super guards - Nick Carter, AJ Price and Chakiris McBrown.  The coach thinks that each one of them is marvelously instinctive and each has a shot at the varsity.

The schedule includes a tournament game at the Staten Island Challenge on Jan, 14 against Curtis and games against All Hallows,  Wadleigh,  Solebury, Pa. and St. Francis Prep.  Next month's scrimmage schedule reads like a tour of this site's top 30 and I'll be calling the coach back for his assessment.  He's got games against Rice,  Cardinal Hayes,  Marist,  St. Raymond, White Plains,  Hempstead,  St Anthony,  CTK and Mt Vernon.  Whew!

Linden, NJ.   12/17/00 InJersey - 'OUTLOOK: The Tigers lost the school's all-time leading scorer in Jamaal Tate, four-year point guard Danny DelValle, sharpshooter Yaniv Cohen and starting center Justin Philbert. But coach Phil Coliccchio simply has to reload. Greg Parker, one of the top athletes in Union County, could be one of the top guards in the state, while backcourt mate Brandon Bracey could be one of the top defensive players in the state. Don Busby (JV last year) is 6-7, but his forte is shooting the three, something the Tigers will do at will. Guard Tony Wilson and forward Jason Thomas - both up from the JV's - are expected to fit right in as well. Coach's Quote: We're optimistic. If we play hard, smart and together, we think we think we can compete in the conference, counties and states.'  

Linden plays in the North Jersey Section 2, Group 4 division.  Three years ago the finished 12-11 with an early round TOC loss to East Side, 64-45. Two years ago they finsihed 18-8 ranked #26 in the state by NJ Hoops. Last year they were led by their 6-4 senior guard Jamaal Tate (NJH #5, Hoop Scoop #122, nationally) who declared for Penn State in early October. They were ranked # 9 in the preseason by NJ Hoops and they finished #6 with a 26 - 4 record.  Their only losses were to St. Anthony,  Camden,  St. Patrick and Mendham.  The Mendham loss was a mild upset by the score of 61 - 57 in the opening round of the Tournament of Champions. This is a solid program with a fine coach.  They'll be heard from again this year.  10/23/00 Coach Phil Colicchio: 'I do not like to predict where we belong in the rankings but I will share some thoughts and ideas about our upcoming season. We will start with 3 year starter Gregory Parker who I feel is 1 of the top 5 atheletes in NJ this year. For the past 2 seasons he has been our second leading scorer to Jamaal Tate, he is super quick and a very good defender. He was inactive this summer after suffering a knee injury in an AAU game in May. He is fully recovered now and tearing up the football field. Brandon Bracey was our 6th man last year and is a great on the ball defender who has improved his shooting range this summer. Our J.V team were 20-0 last year winning the county championship for the third year in a row. From that team we will have Tony Wilson one of the top sophs around. He is also very athletic and a explosive scorer. Don Busby is a 6'8' jr with very good 3 point range he needs to get stronger. Jason Thomas 6'2' Jr may be our smartest player. Sees the floor great and knows how to play the game. Antione Suggs Jr, Eddie Oliveria Sr Andrew Potts 6'7' sr Tyshon Tanner all should see time off the bench. We dont have one big scorer like Tate but we will be small and very athletic and will get after you defensively. We will miss Tate, Delvalle and the rest but we will be very competitive. Do I feel we should be ranked? Well, we have some experience back and we our the defending Group IV state champs. You make the call. '  3/25/00   InJersey:   Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Jamaal  Tate dominated as advertised.

Walt Whitman, LI.  10/00 Coach Tom Fitzpatrick 'We have three tourneys in December, weekends of 12/8 - 12/9,  12/14-16 and 12/26-28 with matchups against Uniondale,  Plainview,  Our Saviour Lutheran and Huntington.'  This is the coach's second varsity year after five years as the JV coach.  Besides the seven players mentioned below by Steve, the coach said TJ Hiller, junior small forward and Hamidou Ismiare a 6-4 soph will have a shot at serious playing time this year for the Wildcats.    10/13/00  Steve 'Coach Tom Fitzpatrick of Walt Whitman HS on Long Island lost three starters from last year's squad which won the League II championship and went on to be the Suffolk county runnerup in Class A. However, this year's team is also full of talent. Returning seniors Nick Woll, Brendan Sheppard and 6'5"  Peter Ferenz will team up with returning juniors Jimmy Sutton and 6'8" Brian Faustin to give Whitman solid varsity experience. Super sophs Antwan Aguidio and 6'7" Matt Ross will also be major contributors to a team that should again compete for a county championship.'

Grady,  NYC.  Jack Ringel's Grady Falcons were the PSAL champions in 1990 and 1998, but they ended their season last year in the first round of the PSAL playoffs, upset by VanBuren 66- 51.  This year they have the talent to go much farther.  10/22/00  Apple's Best High School Ballaz':  Preseason Top 15  #6. Grady- Many people pick Robeson to win the PSAL but I feel Grady will represent the PSAL in Glens Falls. The dynamic backcourt of Tyquawn Goode and Woody Souffrant will give any team problems. Throw in 6'6 Ahkeem Mckinnon and 6'5 Mike Clarke in the front court and you have a dangerous team. They also have 3-point specialist Quincy Douby who will be the key to them winning the PSAL.'. 10/00 Real Scout's "Who has a chance at the Garden"  William Grady Vocational HS - Notes: Grady Coach Jack Ringel knows that he may have the best backcourt in the PSAL with Tyquan Goode and Woody Soufrant plus a guard named Corey. But I learned first hand about Kamini Blaze (scorer) and Quincy Dobbie (shooter!). Along with D1 prospect Mike Clarke down low. Don't be surprised. 9/7/00  Coach Jack Ringel: 'I look for the Grady Falcons to compete for the PSAL championship this coming season. Slowed by inexperience and injuries the past season our players are hungry. Our backcourt should be our strength. Seniors Ty Goode and Woody Soufrant along with outstanding jr Quincy Dooobie (fantastic shooter and jumper) will be a coach's dream. Three other guards, soph Kimani Blaize, Cory Cromer and Nasralles Baily gives us great depth. Upfront, Michael Clarke, 6ft5 jr Ahkeem McKinnon, Malcolm Petercan and Jerome Richardson will be tough on the boards and help start our break. This is a very deep team and quite versatile with many players able to play multiple positions. We can play big or small presenting matchup problems for many teams.'

Teaneck, NJ. Teaneck was on our preseason top 30 last year and NJ Hoops had them at 19.  By this program's lofty standards it was a down year.  They finished 19-8 ranked # 28 by NJ Hoops. With a nice mix of seniors and underclassmen the Highwaymen figure to bounce back this season. 10/17/00 Coach Curtis March:  'Currently, the top seven players look to be Sean Persons 6-0 senior,  Willie Irick 6-5 so,  Kelvin Reese 5-7 sr,  Jamel Durieux 6-3 sr,  Anthony Baxter 6-0 jr, BJ Conner 6-3 sr and Chas Pearson 5-11 so. One of our toughest games figures to be the opener, 12/15 at Teaneck against Ridgewood.  Bergen Catholic, Montclair and Don Bosco Prep will be the other solid teams in our league.  We'll be at the Great Falls Classic at JFK Paterson matched against North Carolina's Mt Zion. This is my ninth season as the boys' head coach after eleven with the girls' program. I'm pleased to have sent so many players to D1 programs, but I'm proudest that all of them have either graduated (Peter Vignier, Mike Nurse et al) or are in good standing academically (Marcelle Williams, Maurice Sessoms,  Kasib Powell,  Clarence Baker).'  10/18/00 JBDingle:  'The 2000-2001 Highwaymen return 3 starters, including team MVP Sean Persons, and 3 key reserves and should once again challenge for the NNJIL, Bergen County and State Group 4 Championships. They went through the Teaneck Summer League undefeated (again), against the likes of Englewood, Hackensack, Memorial (WNY), and Emerson (Union City). I did not personally see them play at any of the other team camps/tournaments, but I hear they were up and down. This team is 8-9 deep with typical Teaneck speed, and a little more size than some past years. Here's my analysis of some of the key playersand the overall prospects for the season. Sean Persons - 6'1" Sr. G Possible D1 talent (getting looks from Rider, Towson, etc.) with a great body. Strong penetrator who can also drain the 3. Needs to be more unselfish at times. If he becomes the strong Sr. leader, this team can go far.  Kelvin Reese - 5'5" Sr. G Lightning quick - will pick your pocket and score on a layup before you know what hit you on D, and blow right by you on O. Sets the tempo for the Highwaymen. Has a tendency to get out of control at times and teams began to sag and give him the jumper towards the end of last season, limiting his effectiveness. If he can develop the mid-range jumper, watch out! BJ Conner - 6'3" Sr. F  Slasher with lots of athletic ability. After getting some Varsity minutes as a frosh and being a part of the regular rotation as a Soph. on the '99 State Champs, many were expecting him to step up and be "The Man" last year. Showed flashes of brilliance, but had a dissapointing season. Opted to work this summer rather than play with the rest of the team - let's see how that works out.  Willie Irick - 6'6" So. C Moved up from Freshman team to Varsity at mid-season last year and had several 20+ point games. Incredible nose for the ball and good fundamentals. If he keeps his head on straight, works hard, and grows an inch or two, 'Big Will' will be one of the top recruits in the state in '03. Tony Baxter - 6'2" Jr. F Excellent shooter and strong defender - should get better as season progresses and he gets more experience.  Jamel Durieaux - 6' 1" Sr. G-F Another athletic slasher who can guard 4 or 5 positions on the court and score when called upon to do so.  They also have a kid whose name escapes me right now who is maybe 6'0" but seemed to get about twenty rebounds per game in the Teaneck Summer League, and a guard who transferred from Hackensack, as well as some help from last year's JV. This team is very talented and should be the class of Bergen County, along with Englewood and perhaps Old Tappan, if Lenny Cooke is really as good as everyone tells me he is. If the Seniors step their games up to the next level, and Willie Irick continues to develop, they could challenge for the State Group 4 title again.'

Second Thirty Team Profiles:

Automotive,  NYC   The theme of the Automotive Pistons upcoming season, may well be "unfinished business." The 1999-2000 season ended suddenly with sophomore sensation George Jefferson looking on helplessly with a broken wrist as his team was bounced from the PSAL playoffs by Aviation in the second round. Jefferson and the Pistons are back and they are on a mission.

The Pistons finished last season at 17-9, and every single in-state loss was to a team that made the PSAL 'B' sweet sixteen or beyond. While last years crew was a relatively inexperienced one, this year's team is a veteran squad led. Jefferson (18.4 pts., 13.2 rebs.) is a junior now and has improved immensely. 4th year Coach Will Stasiuk says, "As long as George keeps focused he is ready to step up and dominate this season."

What of the other cast members of this year's Pistons squad? More importantly, how will they replace the scoring of Kenan Cummings (Pratt) (17.6 pts, 4.0 ass.) who is one of the 3 seniors graduated from last year's team? That shouldn't be a problem for this veteran team as eight different players have already hit for double figures in pre-season scrimmages. 3rd year, senior guard 5'9" Shamark Limehouse (9.7 pts) is an explosive leaper and 3 point specialist who will move over to the point where he should improve the Pistons weakest position last season. Seniors Gary Brown (4th year guard) and Tyrone Palmer (2nd year swingman) share the teams captaincy with Jefferson and should both be key offensive contributors. There's also Junior, Cory Echols (2nd year forward) who has worked incredibly hard in the off-season to become a key player for the Pistons. Senior Guard Justin Spencer (2nd Year) provides verteran leadership off the bench. Sophomore swingman Chris Weathers (rookie), sophomore guard Gabriel Eldridge (2nd year) and senior forward, Darnell Guest (rookie) should also contribute heavily. Still waiting in the wings for a possible mid-season contribution are veteran players: Junior Center Anthony Samuels (2nd Year) and Senior Forward Glen Chapman (3rd Year) who are both currently inactive due to injuries.

Despite the bevy of offensive talent, the Pistons quickness and defense will ultimately tell the story for this undersized team. It better be good as the Pistons play a murderous non-league schedule with 4 tournaments, including 3 playoff quality 'A' league teams to start the season Thanksgiving week. As Stasiuk says, "I spent the entire off-season watching my team play quality competition at the JHS 275 HS team leagues. We went from getting our butts kicked in the spring, to playing tight games in the fall. We are as battle tested and ready as we will ever be. It's only a question if its meant to be."

Elizabeth,NJ  10/25/00 K-boogie: 'What Elizabeth does can only be known when the season starts. This is not the team of the last 3 disappointing years - at least by the summer showing. The Minutemen were 2-1 in Metro & 8-2 in Seton Hall camp with wins over good teams such as Teaneck. New coach, Patrick Brunner, who transferred over from Verona, has them looking focused, playing defense again and looking like sectional contenders. But with Watchung Conference stacked with Plainfield, Linden and Shabazz returning much talent & Union with Chadwick and Nann - it's hard to speculate where Elizabeth fits in without playing a regular season game yet under the new coach. Potential wise, they could surprise as high as #1 or finish 5th in the league.

Rashaun Robinson - a 6'7" jr. center will be a force inside & maybe top public school center in Union County & section 2. Nice touch inside, decent hands & and a defensive force - however has a tendency to fall asleep on the blocks. Seyon Lembrick - Strong force underneath, wide body & strength makes this 6'2" 230 Sr. PF play like he is 6'5". Also good hands catching it down low. Ibrahim Jabbar - a very good 'junk' man at small forward. Does a lot of the little things a coach wants underneath & near the perimeter. Works very hard on defense & could draw the tough assignments. Ty Bell - although only about 5'8", this Jr. will be the spark plug that can make this team go. Great handle, quickness & sneaky on defense. Perimeter game is decent (though I haven't seen it consistent). Ziare Daniels - Was a very good PG as a freshman. Can score, handle the ball & play defense. Will probably play 2 spot more this year, but run PG when Bell is out. Boabdul Louison - at 6'0"will be a key figure as 6th man, may even work his way into starting rotation. Good all around floor game. Plus solid defense and can score. Danny Delany - at 6'3" he is extremely athletic. Great open floor finisher and tough defender. Did not play at Metro Classic & missed several games at Seton Hall camp for disciplinary reasons. Could be a key player if he gets his act together.  At any time all of the above could find their way into the starting line-up, giving Elizabeth a solid core of at least 7 deep. Thanks to Coach Brunner for his input & cooperation with putting their profile together.'   12/15/00  Gazette Leader:  Elizabeth, Hillside basketball ready to go.   12/17/00  InJersey:  'Outlook - Zahir Daniels is a lightning-quick combination guard, while 6-8 Rashad Robinson is a legitimate low-post threat with improving skills. Those two will lead the improved Minutemen, who have just three seniors on the team. After that, there's not much experience, but first-year coach Pat Brunner said there is plenty of talent to pick from. Coach's Quote: We have the potential to be a competitive Watchung Conference team. We're athletic and physical and we should be very balanced. We could be hard to scout because we have five or six kids who could probably be our leading scorer on a given night.'

Frederick Douglass,  NYC.  Coach Pat Mangan's Lions play in the Manhattan 'A' division with Wadleigh,  Manhattan Center and George Washington. 11/19/99:  Mario Beras, FDA assistant coach:  'The Lions are led by Alonzo Brown, one of only three members from last year 's team who captured the attention of many with a 9-1-division record. (18-7 overall) before losing to Robeson in the first round after losing two key starters right before the playoffs. This game would have had a different outcome if they hadplayed. They will be in Rock Hill, SC during Christmas for the Celriver Holiday Classic at the Charlotte Hornets practice facilities. FDA roster is Brown, Alonzo Jr. G 5-10,  Souma, Steve Jr. G 6-2 ,   Engram, Tahan Jr. G 5-9,   Lowery, Otwan Sr. G 5-10, Edwards, Samuel Jr. F 6-5,  Brown, Mailk So. G 5-10,  Washington, Jahkeem So. G 5-9,  Fuller, Williams Fr. G 6-3,  Clark, Durel Fr. F 6-3, Smith, Laurence So. G 6-1,  Lopez, Gregory Jr. F 6-4 and Johnson, Chaz Jr. G 6-2 .'

Fordham Prep, NY. 11/2/99 Coach Kevin Pigott: 'Fordham Prep finished first in the CHSAA Division II North last season with an 11-4 league record. Overall the Rams were 12-13, but  the Rams had a strong second half winning 11 out of their last 14  games. The Rams will miss Sean O'Keefe and his 17 ppg. Sean will  play at West Point this season.

The Rams will bring a solid squad together this season. It will be  guard-oriented. Tim Slakas, David Bailey and Jared Kildare will  move around Keith Ronan and Mike Sangobowale. Slakas, Bailey and  Kildare all play a similiar game. They shoot well and will take care of  the ball. Both Bailey and Sangobowale are stars on the very  successful Fordham football team. Ronan, at 6'5', gives the Rams much needed height. All are seniors except for the junior Kildare.

Kildare led the JV squad all the way to the finals where they lost to  Cardinal Hayes. Look for Tom Keller (6'2") and Chris Cavanagh  (6'5") to help inside. Soph Pete Garvey should contribute this year.

Fordham will play its deliberate style this year.'

Iona Prep, NY   12/5/00  Stan Langan:  'Saw your update on Iona Prep's Varsity yesterday and wanted to add a  relevant news item. Many schools strive to balance the desire for success on the courts while recognizing that the classroom is where the priority should be. Iona Prep is one of those programs. This year they have 11 of their 12 roster players on the school Honor Roll. They also have three starters who are members of the National Honor Society, Chris Murphy, John O'Neil and Jeremy Knox as well as two more NHS members coming off the bench, Nick Fusaro and Scott Goldstone. By the way they also defeated a strong Regis Varsity in yesterday's scrimmage, 62-38. There is the balance I am referring to.'  11/26/00 JK21102:  'I'll start out with the two very good guards 5-10 point guard Chris Murphy- Typical floor leader- very smart, excellent passer, and score. Jimmy Janeczek- 6-0 shooting guard, pure shooter, quick, excellent basketball mind. Mike Wasileweski- 6-0 small forward, great shooter, lots of heart. John O'Neil- 6-5 center, great athlete, solid post player, and good defensively  Jeremy Knox - 6-3 power forward, fundamentally sound who rebounds. Jason Streeter- 6-4 small forward, super athletic who can score outside and inside. James Mooney- 6-3 small forward, shooting guard, another great shooter who plays with everything he has. Kevin McMahon- 6-3 forward, very fundamentally sound with nice jumper.

This team will be led by a strong junior class with contributions from a couple of seniors. This team is very young and will be a force this year and next. Look out for these guys in the Slam Dunk Challenge at the Westchester County Center when they play Oak Hill Academyt on Dec. 15.'  

J F K Paterson  10/26/00 Coach Jim Ring:  'Key Players:  Vincent McGill - Sr. 6'1" Guard - Excellent range, he worked hard on his overall game and has become a Mid-Div.1 talent. He had a very good showing at the Metro Classic in July. Being recruited by UMBC - UNC Greensboro - Rider and all the top teams in the very competitive Div.3 NJAC. Big team leader by example. Naim Benjamin - Jr. 6'2" Guard - Coming off a broken wrist (hairline crack right wrist) he suffered at UNC-Greensboro team camp on 6/29/00. He is just rounding into basketball shape after missing most if not all of summer bball. A possible Mid to Major Div.1 talent. Getting looks from Providence - UNC-Greensboro - UNC Wilm. An excellent defender, his offensive game has been taken to another level. He should have a big year for us.  James Artis - Soph. 5'10" Guard - excellent speed, quickness, v.good ballhandler and defender. Like James Lattimore, he has excellent court sense and vision. Gained valuable experience this past summer (75 games) against very good competition. A Jersey City summer league all-star. He will be a 3 year starter for us. Maynard Molina - Soph. 5'9" Guard - Like Artis he has all the tools to be an excellent H.S. guard. An absolute terror on defense, he too gained valuable experience against some of the area's best guards. He is as agressive and intense a player that we have ever had in our program. Big shoes were left behind to fill by Cleaves and Lattimore. Artis and Molina are up to that task.  Daeshon Moore - Sr. 6'4" Forward - has the tools, he must supply the drive and the consistency. At times looks like a Div. 1 player and then there are times he looks like the last kid picked in gym class. I kid you not. If he can become refocused like he was as a soph. he will be able to be a big contributor. Moises Gordon - Sr. 6'2" Forward - a Div. 1 football player who brings his athleticism and physical play with him.  Philip Hawkins - Jr. 6'0" Guard - he benefitted the most from Benjamin's injury. He received a ton of experience in playing this past summer. An excellent shooter with v.good defensive skills. Played well in N.C. and at the Seton Hall team camp. Pushing to get into the starting 5. If he does we will be playing 5 guards.  Quashed Simmons - Frosh. 5'10" Guard - a talent who will be very special for us.  Remaining squad members to include Levar McKay Soph. 6'3", David Royster Jr. 6'0 John Williamson Soph. 6'2" and Orane Smith Sr. 6'7" transfer from New Milford. I don't know how skilled he is but he does have one thing you can't coach into a kid and that's height.

Team Outlook:  A 4th consecutive county title is well within our reach. Last year we won because we scored 90+ points each game. This year with this group it will the opposite. Our opponents may have a tough time scoring 50 points. They love to play defense. Our scrimmage schedule which includes Memorial WNY - North Bergen - White Plains Linden - Seton Hall Prep - St. Patrick's will be a great indicator of our seasonal success. Aside from McGill all our better players are sophs. and jrs. with the freshman Simmons having the potential to be special. We open up with Passaic 12/15/00 followed by Pat. Catholic 12/16/00 at SHU and Eastside 12/19/00. This year's Great Falls X-Mas Classic includes Teaneck, North Bergen, Don Bosco Tech., Eastside, Bishop Francis Essex Catholic, Dickinson, Mt. Zion Christian Academy-N.C. ,and us. A regular season contest with Mt.Zion on 1/30/01 highlights the schedule. I think we can be very good time will tell. Let the season begin.'

JFK, Somers, NY.  10/28/00 Peter Abraham, The Journal News: Kennedy Catholic: This Class B school in tiny Somers, N.Y., finished 24-1 last season, losing in the state semifinals. The Gaels return nearly all of the rotation and add 6-3 Bob Serafin, who averaged 22.7 points at Yorktown HS. The star of the team is likely to be 6-2 point guard Donnie McGrath. He averaged 15.4 points last season but had an outstanding spring, summer and fall with the Gauchos and impressed with his play at the Eastern Invitational Camp. There's starting to be a buzz about this kid with good reason, he's a slick passer and clutch shooter who just needs to be a little more aggressive in some spots. But his well-polished, unselfish game will likely land him many scholarship offers. He's already hearing from Big East, Big Ten and ACC teams. One of the more underrated players in the state is 6-foot-4 power forward Brian O'Donnell. He averaged 18.0 points and 10.8 rebounds last season. An undersized big man, O'Donnell works hard to position himself and is an absolute bull on the boards. Serafin should fit in well, helping under the glass and adding a healthy dose of offense. He's a Patriot League, Ivy League type of player and knows how to play. He doesn't look athletic because of his strong build but he's quick in transition. The rest of the cast are primarily role players who excel at defense.  Coach Tom Nelligan is a good X and O man who does a nice job if creating matchup problems and getting O'Donnell room in the paint. He'll enjoy working with Serafin and now that McGrath has blossomed, he'll get more flash in the offense. Kennedy has a huge challenge in Rice to start the season but the Gaels are prohibitive favorites to repeat as Section 1 Class A champions and advance deep into the states.'  10/20/00 PsdHoops:  'Team profiles- Kennedy Catholic Gaels of Somers, NY.  The defending region1 Class B champions of the NYSPHAA return 3 of 5 starters from last year. Junior Donnie McGrath returns at point guard, and returning as seniors are James Gray on the wing and Brian O'Donnell in the middle. They lose starters Mike Courtney and Sean Corgan, who will be replaced by all section newcomer Bobby Serafin from Yorktown High School and either key reserves Mike Stanton or Mike Gumb as the fifth starter.This team went through a lot of hardship when they lost a key contributor and part-time starter from last year's team, Steve Murphy, who was killed in a fatal car crash this past May. They will try to overcome the loss of their teammate this upcoming season. Donnie McGrath runs the offense as a silky smooth point guard who can do it all. He is the leader of this team on the court. He can pass, spot up from anywhere, has good hops and an incredible handle, can shoot the lights out, and takes it to the hole as strong as any guard in the state. One of the two captains, James Gray plays the wing as well as anybody. He can get hot at anytime and hit a shot from anywhere on the court, has tremendous hops, and is not afraid to go strong to the hoop against anybody, no matter how big they are. The other captain, Brian O'Donnell is one of the best forwards in the state. Coming off a season where he was named sectional MVP, Brian will look to improve on his great game this year. He can post up on almost anybody and always takes it strong to the hoop. He can take you out on the perimeter and he can hit the jumpshot better than any forward out there.He was the top rebounder and shot blocker for the team last year. Bobby Serafin is a welcome addition for the Gaels. He can hit the jumpshot from the perimeter better than anybody and has incredible hops.Bob grabs many rebounds and plays hard nosed defense better than anybody. Mike Gumb is a great three point shooter for the gaels and hit the open jumper from anywhere. Mike Stanton is a good big man who can hit shots from inside the paint, block shots, and grab rebounds. Other returning players off the bench for the Gaels are sharpshooting guard Anthony Morando, a very quick guard, Jeff Monaco and a hard-nosed player, Tom McCallister. The Gaels will hopefully return to Glens Falls this year and this time win it all. The Gaels are a hard nosed team that can go head to head with any team in the state. They start the season at the Slam Dunk Hoop Challenge against Rice high school.'

Mount St Michael,  NYC.  Coach Kevin Pigott:  'Last year the Mountaineers finished in third place with a league record of 7 and 8. Overall they finished at 14 and 13. They defeated  Fordham Prep in the quarterfinals and lost to champion Xavier in the semifinals.

The good news for Coach Tom Fraher is that his nucleus remains intact. Senior guard Greg LaVann (6'2") brings back his 16.4 ppg. When he is on, Greg is one of the deadliest shooters in the league. He can hit his jumper off the pass or dribble. Greg does a good job handling the ball. He is one of the keys for the Mount's success. Senior Phil Alexander (6'5"), an All-Bronx football player, will be the main man in the post. Phil can score from the perimeter but the Mount needs his rebounding skills primarily. Senior Sanel Kolenovic (6'2") will hurt teams that focus on stopping LaVann. He can stick the three and does have good perimeter moves. Lead guard Gene Hackett (5'10") rounds out this strong senior group. He handles the ball well and can score when needed.

Soph Lamar White was moved late last year from the freshmen team to the varsity. He played very well and was a key to the Mount's strong finish. He penetrates well and has the ability to hit the open jumper. He gives Mount another weapon in transition. It will be fun to see his improvement this year.

Mount will be deep this year. This will allow them to put defensive pressure all over the floor. Look for them to compete for the league title.'  The Mount media guide mentions 6-3 senior forward Franklin Diaz and 6-6 sophomore Domenick Cuzzi as the two likely players to round out the Mountaineers' seven man rotation.   5/1/00 ILL L730:  'I love to watch high school players and compare them with other players. I've seen a Freshman this year, playing varsity for the Mountaineers. During the playoffs against Fordham Prep in the quarter finals, this point guard named Lamar White carried and handled the ball very well. While Greg Lavann was scoring, Lamar was passing it to Lavann. While watching him play I could only compare him to Andre Barrett of the A divison. Next year Lamar White will be returning as a sophmore. Now this summer he is playing with Holy Cross AAU 17 and under. He will attend the five star camp and be playing in UDC and others. Marlon Smith of Molloy better watch out for this kid as well.'

Nazareth, Brooklyn.   The Nazareth Kingsmen play in the county of Kings, as opposed to Queens, in the CHSAA 'B" South usually trailing St. Edmund, St. John Prep, Bishop Ford and Xavier. Last year their coach, Todd Jamison went into the season with a three year record of 14 - 55.  They lost in the first round of the CHSAA Division II playoffs last year but they're profiled on this site because their junior player, Ricardo Matteis, sent this email.  .9/11/00 Matteis920: 'These are the players that are currently on the team (unless they fall off in school etc.)  Willie Lucus WF - senior 6-3,  Shawn Bertin C- junior 6'5,  Roger Regis F- senior 6'5, Mike Hawkins F- senior 5'11,  Charles Bullock G- junior 5'10,  Ricardo Matteis F/G- junior 6'1,  Doug James G- senior 6'0,  Keyron Wilson F/G- senior 5'11,  Edward Richardson F- junior 5'10.  We are going to start a fall league in JHS 275 beginning next Saturday. I'm not sure who is starting or not, but conditioning will determine that for the season this year. Willie Lucus is the most dominant player on the team he can handle the ball well and he's strong and can successfully take it to the basket 80% of the time. His jumpshot is good and he's the best on the team. Shawn Bertin is the biggest on the team, when he plays aggressive he rebounds very well offensively and defensively, needs to work on his outside game, and he needs to work on his quickness and lose weight. Roger Regis is the tallest on the team but the lightest he's quick and can get you those little points from tapping back in missed shots, but's he very skinny he needs to gain weight, his jumpshot is ok but still needs a little work on it. Mike Hankins, inconsistant at times but a very good shooter, when he gets in the rhythm he can't miss but he lacks athleticism, needs to get quicker and more active on the court. Other than that he's a factor to the team.  Charles Bullock is a very good ball handler, very skillful with both hands, he's strong and can score. But needs to learn to make right decisions on the court, and make less of his silly turnovers. He is a great playmaker and he's quick and strong making it hard for smaller guards to guard him. Ricardo Matteis (me).  I'm a good shooter, run my lanes very well, and I'm always ready to go on the break as soon as we have the rebound. 80% of my points come from layups on fastbreaks. I'm the quickest on the team but I need to get stronger cause I usually play top NYC ballers, and it's hard for me cause they have a strength advantage. I can be pretty wild sometimes but when I go with the flow of the game Ii do all right. I can handle the ball and I'm a pretty good playmaker. Doug James is a new member of the team he can handle the ball very well, he can break a whole press by himself. Great passer, and scorer. So far I haven't seen any guard that could contain him. Keyron Wilson is pretty good at setting things straight on the court, his ball handling is ok, and his jumper is inconsistant. He's quick and plays hard. Needs to develop his left hand, and work on his shot. Edward Richardson is a physical player; he's not that tall but he can get big, his jumper is good, but he needs to work on shooting off the dribble. He takes too long to shoot. Not too quick but is strong and solid. Needs to work on quickness and ball handling.'   5/3/00 Daily News:  Gustus to Coach Loughlin Boys - Retro is in and far be it for the administration at Loughlin to be out of step.  Yesterday, the school tabbed longtime Nazareth coach Ted Gustus to be its new boys basketball coach. Gustus is a veteran of the CHSAA who coached Nazareth for 10 years, taking the Kingsmen to two CHSAA Class B titles and one state Federation crown.  2/26/00 Coach Kevin Pigott: 'CHSAA Playoffs First Round action at Mount St. Michael had Mount over Nazareth.'

Newtown, NY.  The Pioneers play in Queens I division with Edison,  Springfield Gardens,  Forest Hills,  Jamaica,  Hillcrest and Bryant. They finished last season with a 22 - 4 record and a quarterfinal loss to the eventual PSAL champion, JFK.  11/18/00  Coach Pat Torney:  'With only one starter returning, the Newtown Pioneers will be hard pressed to repeat last year's PSAL quarterfinal finish. Michel Diboty (moved to New Jersey), Charlie Villanueva (recruited to Blair Academy), Max Colin (Lehman College) and Juan Ortiz (no eligibility remaining) will be difficult to replace.

A lack of experience and depth are our biggest problems, but returning seniors and tri-captains, 6'4" power forward Johnny Carter, 6'4" center Jamel Moye and 6'4" swingman Matt Nichols will be called upon to fill the void. 6'0" junior guard Tristan Verette will take over at the point; and 6'4" sophmore Andre Cole fill out the starting five. All players got valuable experience last year and are ready to step up to prime time. Returning junior, 6'1" Steve Duran will be the first guard off the bench and will provide a nice shooting touch from the outside. Juniors Julio "Junior" Fernandez (6'5") and Karolis Maciulskis (6'4") will spell the big men up front.

There are several new players that will provide a spark for the Pioneers; 6'0" junior point guard Tamer Gabriel has great court awareness while running the point and 5'5" freshman point guard Eugene Waldo has clearly been the surprise of the pre-season. He will probably be the first freshman to see quality time at Newtown.

It is hard to predict where this team will finish, but with back-to-back division championships, consecutive elite eight finishes and city finalist in 1997 the tradition for another long play-off run is clearly there.'  

3/3/00  Daily News: PSAL Class A quarterfinals -  JFK 50, Newtown 38: The Knights were helped by Newtown, which shot horrifically, including 2-for-24 on three-pointers. "We're going to have to play a lot better than this in our next game," Mathis said. "I'm pretty sure Canarsie's going to be better than Newtown." Charlie Villanueva scored 18 for the Pioneers (22-4).  2/28/99  Daily News: Newtown 63, Erasmus 51: The ninth-seeded Pioneers rolled into Thursday's quarterfinals against top-seeded Kennedy behind the 21-point performance of Charlie Villanueva. Point guard Michel Diboty, who arrived from Paris only last September, ran the Newtown offense flawlessly and scored 16 points. Diboty made 5-of-6 free throws in the final 45 seconds to seal the win for the Pioneers.

Old Tappan,  NJ.  Old Tappan appears on this site in the second thirty team profiles on the day after Long Island Lutheran and Paterson Catholic appear.  Unlike those storied schools with their tradition of excellence over the past decades,  the Knights from Northern Valley, Old Tappan in Bergen county, NJ have almost no claim to high school basketball attention in the region other than the fact that Lenny Cooke has transferred there.The site search for Lutheran will yield over 80 hits.  The site search for Tappan will provide ten, all but one (the 6/15/98 BRO quote listed below) a reference to Lenny.  No matter.  Lenny and fellow LaSalle transfer, Brian Raimondi could probably team with the Three Stooges (good for a laugh but no height or bball talent) to beat most hs teams.  This is Lenny Cooke, perhaps the best junior hs bball player in the country. Come early March, they'll be heard from and there will be more than ten search hits. 11/26/00 BRO:  Preseason All-American Len Cooke of Northern Valley at Old Tappan likely will have to sit out the first half of the boys basketball season. 11/21/00 realscout@webtv.net:  'Old Tappan - They are gonna win games. Lenny Cooke isn't gonna let them lose. He will do what he does in AAU put on a one man show. Avg basically a triple double and show all the doubters that Old Tappan is one of the best teams in Jersey. There isn't one player or team that will stop Lenny Cooke in NJ. Watch. They should have been top 30.'   7/10/00  Daily News: 'Lenny Cooke Heats ABCD.  Lenny Cooke was looking for a little peace and quiet when he packed up and moved from Brooklyn to New Jersey. Now, the 6-6 forward's moves have created a ruckus across the river. The former LaSalle Academy standout, who will transfer to Old Tappan this year, has sparked some noise among the college coaches here at the ABCD camp. After three days of competition, Cooke is the top-rated player out of 217 in camp.'  6/15/98    BRO:  'Mike Bernstock, who averaged 22 points and finished as the number 2 all-time career scorer at Northern Valley at Old Tappan, will play basketball for Scranton. Teammate John Wilkins, hopes to play point guard for York College.'

Packer, Brooklyn, NYC  Packer is one of the NYC Independent schools whose members include Berkeley Carroll, Poly Prep and St. Ann's from Brooklyn,  Collegiate, Dalton, Dwight, Loyola, Trevor Day and United Nations from Manhattan,  Fieldston,  Horace Mann and Our Savior Lutheran from the Bronx,  Hackley from Tarrytown,  Lawrence-Woodmere from Woodmere and Long Island Lutheran from Brookville.   9/8/00 Coach Grop .'Packer has a vetern team coming back losing 3 seniors who played a lot and really not sure about about new players. We have Long Island Lutheran and Woodmere on our schedule and the ACIS should be competitive. We are led by our 3rd team all-star N.Y. Post Chase Licata who averaged about 18 points a game. Co captain is Dimitri Yatrakis a tough defender who is also an outstanding soccer player. Alan Cooper is a 6'6 senior who is an outstanding rebounder who was hurt last year. Jr Will Kuntz is 6'4 and really worked hard this summer and should have an great season. Josh Kaye is an accurate shooter who played well last year and should help. 3/3/00  Coach Grop:  'Packer Update - We lost our final game against Dalton 54-44 but it was close throughout the game. We ended up with the most wins in Packer history with 17 wins. Our final record was 17-10. This was the last game for our seniors Evan Gropper who will attend Bucknell and tryout for either baseball or basketball, Thomas Stokes who will attend Emory and Jonah Paquette hopefully will be going to Columbia to play soccer.'

Paterson Catholic, NJ. 6/7/01 BRO: Several local schools were on the move Wednesday as fluctuating enrollments forced a reshuffling of the NJSIAA's group structure. One of the biggest moves was made by Paterson Catholic, which moved up from Parochial B to Parochial A. That moves them away from the likes of fellow boys basketball powers St. Patrick and St. Anthony but puts them head-to-head with the likes of Seton Hall Prep and Bergen Catholic. Also moving to Parochial A was Don Bosco Tech.

The Cougars dominated Passaic county boys' basketball from 1993 through 1998.  They were 20-5 two years ago, though Paterson Kennedy put an end to their five year Passaic County dominance with an 80-70 victory in the county tournament final. They were ranked #16, two spots lower than Kennedy in the final Star-Ledger state poll. The powers that be decided that Pat Cat was too good for the Bergen-Passaic league.  Too many of their stars were sitting for too many minutes during league blowouts - it was hurting recruiting.  They were released from the league for last year and this year, to pursue a national schedule against high level teams. Their new coach, Tommy Patterson (amazingly, he's a graduate of William Paterson!) has had some tough going, including losing senior star Jeremiah King to Winchendon . but along with Bergen Catholic he now may have the best sophomore class in the state.  According to the coach the sophs - 6-3 Marquis Webb (NJH #3),  6-3 Sydir Mitchell (NJH # 19) and 5-10 Thomas McBride (NJH #88) - will be in the team's eight man rotation.  The upperclassmen will be the seniors - 6-3 shooter Shahirie Mims,  6-1 point guard Tariq Robinson (Tim Thomas' nephew), and 6-4 shot blocker and rebounder Lavor Moore with 6-5 junior Terron Scudder (NJH #75).  The last man in the rotation is 5-8 freshman and point guard heir apparent, Stephen Brown (NJH # 31).  The team will be challenged early with Prime Time Shootout games against JFK Paterson and the St. Augustine on 12/16 and 12/17.  They're also scheduled for a Christmas tourney in Williamsport, Pa on 12/29 and 12/30.  10/26/00 Coach Jim Ring: Passaic County Teams: Paterson Catholic - Marquis Webb - soph. is the best player in the county. They are young and talented. Soft schedule could hurt come tournament time. Well coached.

Poly Prep, Brooklyn. 11/5/00  Daily News: 'Colgate for Poly Player - Keith Williams.'  Poly Prep ruled the Independents last season with their 6-7 senior star, Andre Logan.  With Andre graduated, the gap may not be so wide this season. 10/11/00 Coach Billy McNally:  'Poly Prep is looking forward to another great season of hoops! The Blue Devils return three starters from their 2000 Federation Class C State Championship team: Captains Ray Corrigan a 6' senior point guard, Keith Williams a 6'5", senior swing man, and 6'3" junior Daniel Green. Poly is a senior dominated team and their starting line up will include a combination of seniors Levon  Kololyan and Andrew Sander who are both athletic 6'3" wings and second guard Willie Prakope. Moving up from the J.V. will be a solid point guard in John Elefterakis and two or three significant post players. Poly looks to win it's fourth consecutive Ivy Prep League championship and defend it's state title after finishing 14 in the M.S.G./Daily News poll. Their realistic goal is to break into the top ten this season. The non-league schedule includes: Bishop Ford in the I.A.A.B.O. Tip-Off Classic at St.Francis College, P.S.A.L. power Robeson at the Game Over Classic at Nazareth, Long Island Lutheran at home, St. Benedict's away, Xavier in the Coaches vs. Cancer Challange at Manhattan College and the Monsignior King Christmas Tournament at St. Thomas Aquinas which features an outstanding field of P.S.A.L. and C.H.S.A.A. contenders.'   03/25/00   Daily News: Andre Logan Helps Super Poly Grip a Victory.   03/07/00   Daily News: Poly Tips Collegiate,  Talks NYSAIS Talk.  

Regis, NY.  Coach Kevin Pigott:  'Last year Regis went 21 and 3 overall and went undefeated in league play (CHSAA Class C). They suffered a heartbreaking loss to champion Moore Catholic in the semifinals. According to many of the "experts," however, this year Regis is the favorite to win the "C".

Mike Mincieli's name should be mentioned whenever there is discussion about the great coaches of New York City. His record in over 20 years at Regis is 294 - 169. Under his guidance Regis has won two city "C" championships and one state championship.

Regis returns its nucleus from last year. Seniors Raymond Burke, Steve Quinn, Pete Gagliano, Matt Prasse and Ryan Fitzmaurice are the core of this group. Quinn (6'2") can score from anywhere on the court. He can slash to the basket or hit the jumper. He has three-point range. Prasse (5'9") is an excellent athlete who will help the Raiders in their transition game. Burke (5'10') will handle the point guard duties. He hardly turns the ball over, will look to penetrate, and has three point range on his jumper. Fitzmaurice plays a "heady" game. He can prrovide quick points from the bench. Gagliano (6'5") will handle the post duties. Soph Bobby Marcoux (6'5") could get substantial minutes this year either coming off the bench or being a second post with Gagliano.'

St. Anthony, LI.  10/19/00 Donna: 'The Friars will start as a middle of the pack team in the CHSAA this year. However new coach, Joe Castiglie, will be looking to make big strides. The Friars will be led in the backcourt this year by senior Justin Cole - he will provide outside shooting and dribble penetration. Junior Steve Colombo will also provide outside shooting from the wing. Senior Matt Gallagher will provide another steady player in the backcourt. Junior Kevin Burton will be the friars tallest player but is more of an athletic slasher then an inside player. Look for senior George Cokinos as another outside threat that can shoot as well as slash to the basket.

The Friars are undermanned up front but will look to make up for it with pressure defense, tenacity on the boards, and their versatility. They have many players that can play multiple positions. Senior Paul Skirbe will have to shoulder most of the inside rebounding responsibilities. The Friars should be an exciting uptempo team this year.'

White Plains,  NY. The Tigers of White Plains were 26-2 two years ago losing to Cardoza in the NY State Class A semis.  Last year they were relegated to trying for upsets in the Westchester playoffs. It didn't happen. Mt. Vernon ran the table in Westchester and in Glens Falls.  With their two star seniors, 6-5 wing Markus Austin and  6-0 point guard Jason Bayuk and many solid role-players, coach Spencer Mayfiled's charges may be challenging Mt Vernon again this spring. 10/23/00 Pete Abraham:  'They will likely start 6-5 Austin, 6-1 Jason Bayuk (Ivy League and Patriot League recuit), 6-3 Sr. Deron Hogg, 6-2 Fr. Spenser Ridenhour and likely 6-2 Sr. Rory Moran or 5-11 Jr. Jeff Lee. That makes them fairly tall. Spencer Mayfield is a heck of a defensive coach and gets his kids to play very hard. He is a p/t scout for the Utah Jazz and really knows his stuff. Ridenhour will be a big-time player, Austin already is and Bayuk is solid. The other two kids will play a role and their bench is OK. White Plains will only play MV once this season as their league alignment was changed. Austin hit 8 3-pointers in a state playoff loss against Arlington last season. He averaged 24.5 points and improved greatly over the summer. W.P. also played very well in the Metro Classic. They were the only public school in t