2000 AAU Teams   2001 AAU Teams    Apple's Best Preseason Top 15   '00-'01 Top Teams '01-'02 Top Teams '2002 AAU Teams      4/17/02 MSG Boys Final Top 20 - 1. Rice (29-2), 2. St Anthony (29-1), 3. Neptune (29-3), 4. Lincoln (25-6), 5. Newark Eastside (29-2),  6. St Mary (25-2), 7. Amityville (24-3), 8. All Hallows (18-11), 9. Robeson (29-4), 10. Peekskill (24-3), 11. Mt Vernon (25-2), 12. Xaverian (18-10), 13. St Raymond (17-10), 14. Molloy (21-6), 15. Bergen Catholic (25-7), 16. Elizabeth (23-4), 17. St Peters SI (24-4), 18. St Patrick (21-6), 19. Paterson Catholic (23-3), 20. Loughlin (15-12).

Adelphi Academy, Brooklyn NY  Coach Steve Figueroa: 'Last years team finished 11-11 in the Private School Athletic Association. Though we lost our starting backcourt to graduation, Jr. guards Chris Dunn and Michael Greaves should make an immediate impact. Jr. swingman Kenneth "Kenji" Summers will be expected add scoring punch.

6'5" jr. forward Elijah Davis will be expected to be a huge factor this season. He has worked extremely hard on hs game this past off-season and it should pay off. 6'2" Sr. forward Stephen Gucciardo provides a lot of energy off the bench and is our best one-on-one defender. Sr. forward Ardis Kadiu is expected to be a factor on the boards. Jr. guard John Wakim should be a spark off the bench as the season goes on.

I expect us to improve on last years record. We are a much more athletic team this year. Our perimeter play and our defense will be very important in determining our success this year. We have the talent to challenge for the PSAA title this year.'

All Hallows Bronx, NY  1/7/03 John P Miciotta: ' I got to the CK-All Hallows game yesterday but because of my schedule and the fact that the Gaels were late arriving I had to leave at half time. However I was able to garner enough information from my observation and conversation with Mr. Carey to do a preview which I will submit:

Veteran coach John Carey begins a rebuilding effort after losing four seniors from last year's squad who all went on to Division I colleges. That group of players Marvin McCullough, Kiril Wachsman Ricky Soliver and Bobby Santiago got better every year and their progress culminated in the school's first city finals appearance in well over 10 years. Although two juniors will anchor this season's team, there's reason to suspect that the young players in the program could begin a similar metamorphosis, which means they will help make the Gaels competitive this year and then continue to improve.

Junior guard Ronald Ramon, who was a key support player on last year's team appears ready willing an able to assume a leading roll. A wiry strong point guard who is counted on to score, he showed an ability to make shots while defenses keyed on the seniors last year. This year, he will get a chance to show his ability to break defenses down and make plays with the dribble as defenses key on him, and given his all around ability he should flourish. He often goes unheralded because he's in the same class as Sebastian Telfair and Russell Robinson but he is a solid player, and major college prospect in his own right. He will be joined by a pair of fellow juniors, 6'5" insider Albert Forbes and 6'3" wing Willie Carty to form the nucleus of this year's team. Forbes is a tough rebounder who can score in traffic and has great hands while Carty, who played jv last season is a physical defender and good mid range shooter. Two senior roll players Marvin Moore and Sam Alston must do all the "little things" to help the team develop the chemistry it will need.

Coach Carey will move three sophomores to the varsity level, and will have at least three more on the jv level who figure to help next season. The "varsity sophs" if you will, will be guards Terrell Elliston and Codi Oliver, and forward Mike Davis. Of the three Elliston has made the most impact and should continue to do so. He has always shown great physical ability but now has improved his decision making, and is becoming a leader on the court. Codi Oliver is very heady but will likely need more time to adjust to the increased physicality of varsity play. Davis, who should not be confused with the Xaverian center who shares his name, is very raw but has good quickness and length. If he can improve during the season the Gaels could be a spoiler come playoff time. In two of their early league games, the Gaels defeated Loughlin behind a 35 point outburst from Ramon and took a tough Christ the King team to over time on the Royals' home floor before losing. The scary thing for the league is that they'll only get better as they learn their rolls and learn to play together.

The three sophs left on the jv who figure to make an impact next season are 6'2" Rory Hicks,a terrific all around wing player, 6' Jonothan Ruiz, a talented kid who needs to be more aggressive and 5'10" Shane Denally, another heady point guard in a class filled with them. Although the Gaels are small, there's little doubt that with Coach Carey's guidance they can build a team similar to the kind of team they've had success with in the past; one that's small, quick and mentally tough.'

Baldwin LI,  nBala@profileny.com  'The 2002-2003 Baldwin Bruins are a very talented and deep team this year with a lot of high excpectations. In spring and summer leagues they never lost a game to any public school they will face and they look to do the same during the season. Coach Darius Burton is looking to take his Baldwin Bruins team to the county championship and maybe even the Long Island Championship. A lot of people feel this is one of the best Baldwin Bruins teams ever and look to do very well this season. The roster includes 6"pg- Danny Cepero (senior) who is the team leader, excellent defender, and very had worker. 6"3 sf/pf Lennox Matthews (senior) Many believe may be the best public school player in Nassau county and is always a crowd favorite. 6"sg/sf Brian spencer (senior). Dead eye shooter and suprising quickness which allows his to get to the rim. 6"5 C Brandon Harris  (junior) Played varisty as a sophomore with great athletiscism blocks everything around the basket and has a good mid range jumper. 6" SG Matthew Fabrico (junior)- Excellent Shooter, good mid range game, and can find the open man when he gets into the lane. 6"1 SF Nathaniel Savary (senior) Very quick first step and good shooter. 5"10 PG/SG Greg Woythaler (senior) Good stroke from 3pt range and hard worker on defense. 6"3 PF Tyrone Gill  (junior) Excellent leaper with a good mid range game. 6"7 C Brian Legrande (junior) -  Developing big man with a nice soft touch around the basket. 6"2 SF Charles Guanneri (senior) - Good pull up jumpshot and brings a lot of energy to the game. 6"5 pf Josh Rolsten (senior)- Talented big man who is still trying to adjust to a late growth spurt. 6"4 pf Andrew Pryce (junior) - Good rebounder, very strong, and good hands. 6"2 pf Richard Patterson (junior)- Good rebounder for size and hard worker down low. 6" SF/PF Sharrod Moore (senior)- Strong in the post and range goes out to 3 point arc.'

Benjamin Banneker, NYC  Coach Wendell Saunders' Warriors were a solid team last season with a 17 - 11 record. But they were in what was last season's toughest PSAL division, Brooklyn III A with Robeson, Canarsie and Boys & Girls. They were seeded ninth going in to the playoffs, beating Jamaica 68 - 55 in the first round before losing to # 8 Park West 61 - 58 in the Sweet Sixteen. The good Warrior news is that they didn't lose any highly rated players from last year's group and their star, Gary Forbes, figures to be the best player in the PSAL this side of Sebastian Telfair. He'll be helped by 5-9 senior point guard Andre Walker (GB 161), 6-2 senior guard Nana Saunderson and 6-0 senior forward Loren Brown (GB 237). Lincoln will be favored to repeat as champs this season with Banneker, Cardozo, Robeson and others trying to unseat them.

Bergen Catholic, NJ -- Last season Bergen Catholic was seeded 10th among the 14 teams in the state's Parochial A North division with a record of 19 - 6.  Five victories later (over Pope John 57 - 40, second seeded Seton Hall Prep 65 - 50, Roselle Catholic 56 - 48, a North final win over Paterson Catholic 60 - 50 and a Parochial A state final squeeker 71 - 69 over St Augustine) and they were in the Tournament of Champions.  They beat Middle Township 45 - 38 before falling to the St Anthony juggernaut 66 - 55. They finished with a 25-7 record, ranked sixth in the state, # 15 in the region by MSG and all five starters were juniors. The seven losses were to impressive teams - McQuaid, Trinity Catholic (Ct.), Passaic, DBP twice, St Pats and St Ants. This season coach Joe Dionisio's starting seniors are Sean Banks (6-7 NJH # 3), Adrian Joseph (6-7 NJH # 18),  Joe Sandberg (6-0 point guard and the school's star running back in football), Miles Orman (6-5 NJH # 35), Dan Gentile (6-4 NJH # 34).  The first two off the bench look to be the junior guards Jacob Poshurst (6-1 NJH # 90) and Joe Ianuzzi (6-1 NJH HR). They lost again to St. Anthony in this summer's Metro Classic quarterfinals. They had some excuse in that Joe Sandberg had football activity that weekend. When the state's begin next March, Paterson Catholic, Seton Hall Prep and Don Bosco Prep look to be the main competition in the Parochial A North and Camden Catholic and St Augustine in the South.  11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams # 5. Bergen Catholic: Sean Banks and Joe Sandberg looking to help Crusaders get past TOC semifinals. 11/26/02  National Prep Basketball Poll Preseason includes # 25. Oradell, N.J., Bergen Catholic (25-7) , led by do-everything F Sean Banks.  

Bishop Ford, Brooklyn NY. A. D. Pete Goyco: 'The 2002-2003 Bishop Ford Falcons will be a relatively inexperienced team. The Falcons lost leading scorers, Khary Moore (Hill School Prep), Ed Washington (College of Staten Island), Joseph Alohan (Sage J.C.) and Nimai Garrett (F.I.T.) to graduation. They also graduated point guard, William Reyes and leading rebounder, Cordell Gragston.

While inexperienced, the Falcons will be talented. They will be led by a solid core of seniors. Point guard, George Santiago will run the team. Santiago is a 6'0 senior, with excellent shooting range and quick moves to the basket. The only other returnee is 6'0" senior guard, Adrian Lewis, who is the team's best defender. Up front, the Falcons are big. Senior Perrin Shea, 6'5," is the Falcons toughest rebounder and 6'3" senior Akeem Fetian will add toughness to the frontline. 6'4" senior Damian Alexander is a slasher, who gets to the basket very well.

A solid core of juniors figure to see significant minutes. Tyrone George, 6'6", runs the court very well and is an excellent rebounder and Glenn Martin, 6'3", will play at both the point and the two. Anthony Chiaramonte, 6'0", a terrific jump shooter, will also see time at both guard spots.

Key reserves for Bishop Ford this year will include, junior guard, Matt Piland, 5'11" and junior forward, Jeff Cucos, 6'0." The reserves will be bolstered by senior, Tunji Taiwo, 5'11" and juniors, Matt Herlihy, 6'4," Carl Martin, 5'10" and Jamie Scrubb, 6'5."

The Falcons, while young and inexperienced, hope that their up-tempo style and pressure defense will result in a successful season.'

Bishop Loughlin, Brooklyn, NY Coach Ted Gustus: 'My Bishop Loughlin team: Courtney Johnson: 6'1 Senior Guard: Courtney is a fierce competitor, call him Mr. Hustle. He has a great three point shot and a strong drive to the basket. He has met the NCAA academic requirements. Courtney is also captain of the team.  Andrew Wright: 5'9 Senior Guard: Has improved on his strength for the summer. Unbelieveable range on his jumpshot. He has also improved his ballhandling skills. Andrew is an intelligent ball player, he really understands the game. Co-captain for the team. Andrew has met the NCAA academic requirements for college.  Kojo Mensah: 6'1 Senior Guard: Kojo had a great summer. He has improved his position in the college ranks. Kojo is probably the best all-around guard in the city. He rebounds, tenancious on defense, penetrates well and he is a super passer. Kojo has met the NCAA academic requirements for college.  Kirk Bunn: 6'5 Senior forward/guard: Everyone has asked "where was Kirk during the summer" apparently, he was working on his game and body. Kirk has bulked up, he is very strong. He attacks the basket, has a nice jumpshot. He is very athletic and gets up the court very quickly. Kirk's decision to work on his game during the summer should pay off this season. He is being recruited by Division I schools. Kirk has met the NCAA academic requirements.   Jamael Lynch: 6'0 Senior guard: The silent assasin. Jamael is a super student athlete. He is an intelligent player, who plays great defense and has a great first step. He has range on his jumpshot as well.   Adedokun Olanewajo 6'5 Junior forward: "AD" will contribute a great deal to this years basketball team. He has a smooth stroke beyond the three point line. He runs the court very well. Works hard on and off the court.   Desean Gist, 6'0 Junior guard: The purest of point guards. He loves running the team, setting up teammates. Plays tough defense and has the ability to get into the paint.  Shaun Bowman-Matthews, 6'2 junior guard. He simply can shoot the ball period! His dedication to the game will show in his ongoing improvement. Great kid!  Todd Sowell, 6'7 Junior Center. Todd has shown tremendous improvement over the year. He has lost the baby fat and moving up and down the court at ease. Todd has soft hads around the basket, he is expected to contribute a great deal to the team on the defensive end.  Peter Jean-Baptiste, 6'3 Senior. 2nd year varsity player. Peter is expecting to contribute a great deal to the team this year.   Robert Pearson, 6'5 Senior. Has shown great improvement from last years varsity B program.   Glenn Forde, 6'0 Senior. He was a member of the varsity B program. He is a fierce competitor. He has improved his game. He should help the team this year.  Herbert Allen 5'9 Sophomore. Absolutely great talent. At this point we haven't decided if Herbert will play varsity or junior varsity. He is a penetrating point guard, great quickness and a nice pull up jumpshot. Keep an eye on this kid, as he may be the next Sherwin Anderson or Sheldon Jefferson, two of Loughlin's greatest backcourt players. Stay tuned!'  

1/2/03 - 1/4/03  Thursday - Saturday  Rim Rockers Classic # Longwood, HS LI.  Teams include Bay Shore, Loughlin, Longwood and Our Savior New American.  1/17/03 - 1/20/03  Friday - Monday  Flyin to the Hoop - Vandalia, Ohio. The first field is outstanding and includes ... Brooklyn (NY) Bishop Loughlin (6’6" Kirk Burn),

Blair Academy, NJ 11/15/02 Prep scout: 'Coached by Joe Mantegna, Tom Parauda, and Chad Butt - Blair's featured six are Patrick Davidson 6'3" PG, Mike Beers (Siena) 6'3" SG, Luol Deng (Duke) 6'7" SF/PG, Chris Alvarez 6'8" SF/PF, Charlie Villanueva (Illinios) 6'10" PF/C, Roberto Felipe 6'3" SG/PG.

Blair's schedule includes - Our Savior New American, Notre Dame Prep, West Nottingham Academy, Trinity Pawling, Redemption Christian, St. Patricks, Montrose Christian, St. Benedicts, Army Prep, Burlington Life Center, Patterson Catholic, Westbury Christian - as well as the Prep A Division league that they are a part of. This year's shedule will require the team to travel to Delaware, New York City, North Carolina (NC State, Duke's Cameron Stadium), Philadelphia (Villanova or Temple), etc. Blair is the two-time defending MAPL League Champions and last year's state runner up.'

L:ast season Blair finished with a 17-9 record playing a national schedule and losing a number of close games. They were the # 2 prep team in New Jersey behind 22 - 7 St Benedict. They are one of four prep schools (St Benedict, Our Savior New American and Burlington Life Center are the other three), who rank among the top eleven teams in our region for this season. As a prep school Blair won't be eligible for the NJ Tournament of Champions and they didn't play in this summer's Metro Classic where St Benedicts made it to the championship game. But the team will play in the Lewes, Delaware War on the Shore tournament this December, where they will face Our Savior (N.Y.) and Notre Dame Academy (Va.).

Coach Joe Mantegna has the region's two best seniors, 6-7 Luol Deng and 6-9 Charlie Villanueva who will start with three guards, 6-2  combo guard Patrick Davidson, 6­2 Mike Beers and 6-2 Roberto Felipe, all seniors.  The key reserves include 6-8 junior Chris Alvarez, 6-6 senior J.P. Giese, 5-11 junior Alex Adrien and 6-4 senior Amir Smith. Alvarez is from Miami where he was hurt for much of last season. But this year he'll be first off the bench and is probably the team's third best player.  With that kind of powerful frontcourt Blair will live or die depending on the play of their guards, particularly point guard, Roberto Felipe who transferred with Villanueva from Newtown three years ago. Roberto is a tri-captain with Charlie and Luol. He's a defensive player who is rated honorable mention by NJ Hoops (not their top 100), but he doesn't need to score on this team. Both Davidson from Arkansas and Beers, already committed to Siena, are good shooters. If Roberto and the other guards can handle the expected fullcourt pressure, supply some perimeter scoring and defense and get the ball to the frontcourt players, Blair will thrive.  They are one of eleven that could finish the season as the region's highest rated team.  11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams # 1. Blair Academy: Charlie Villanueva and Luol Deng, both potential pros, could make Blair unstoppable.

Burlington Life Center, NJ  BLC finished last season with a 17 - 7 record ranked as the #3 independent school in the state behind St. Benedicts and Blair Academy and ahead of Hun, Lawrenceville Prep and Peddie.  They've lost last season's top player; graduated Mike Lasme is now a freshman at UMass. Don't feel sorry for coach Darryl Gladden Sr. He's got six wonderful players on his roster. The seniors are 6-7 Arnaud Dahti (NJH # 9), 6-10 Nambayti Mbinbai (NJH # 17),  6-6 Adolphe Couliboly (NJH # 21), 5-11 point guard Darryl Gladden Jr. (NJH # 67) and the juniors are 6-1 Hean-Baptiste Amernou (NJH # 45) and 5-9 Mai Span Wilson (NJH # 57).   11/22 - 11/24/02 Friday - Sunday  InsiderHoops: War On The Shore is an 18-team prep school tournament in Milford, Del beginning Nov. 22 and concluding on Nov. 24.  Teams include Blair Academy,  Burlington Life Center and Our Savior New American. 2/1/03 - 2/2/03  Saturday & Sunday  Philadelphia Play by Play Classic II includes Blair vs. Burlington Life Center. 11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams # 9. Life Center: Arnaud Dahi, an athletic 6-8 forward, gives this team all the life it needs.

Camden Catholic, NJ -- Coach Jim Crawford's southern Jersey teams have posted  22 -4,  23 - 3 , 20 - 6 and 24-3 records in last four years. The 24 - 3 record had them ranked # 9 in the state, but top-seeded C.C. was upset by sixth seeded St Augustine 60 - 50 in the Parochial A South final. The Irish have lost last season's 6-8 center Will Bakanowski to graduation but this season's version looks to have depth, size and interchangeable parts. This summer's Metro Classic starters were three seniors, the 6-4 twins Eric & Nick Cangelosi and 6-1 point guard, Drew Rosenfeld,  6-4 junior James Ulrich and 6-6 soph Brian Connolly.  Senior guards Mike Mangold and Byron Williams will be in reserve, but 6-3 junior Matt Molloy and 6-4 soph Terron Murray were missing from the Metro roster. C. C. is a well coached team that can weather the loss of a highly ranked 6-8 center better than most.  They play a disciplined motion offense and the interchangeable parts should serve them well.  There are some problems. The team had a long trip to the Metro Classic and an even longer return to Camden.  They were beaten by Teaneck in the first round.  Nick Cangelosi is arguably the highest rated quarterback in Jersey. He's accepted a football scholarship to North Carolina. Will he be a factor in basketball this year?  In the south neither St Augustine nor CBA look particularly strong, but it's hard to imagine the Irish getting past the Parochial A North winner from among the likes of Bergen Catholic, Paterson Catholic, Seton Hall Prep or Don Bosco Prep.  11/26/02.National Prep Basketball Poll Preseason includes 2. Elizabeth, N.J., St. Patrick (22-6) , features nation's top frosh in Derrick Caracter, 17. New York, Rice (29-2) , features developing 7-3 big man Shagari Alleyne, 23. Cherry Hill, N.J., Camden Catholic (25-3) , led by the Cangelosi twins, Eric and Nick and 25. Oradell, N.J., Bergen Catholic (25-7) , led by do-everything F Sean Banks.   12/19/02 Inquirer: St. Augustine and Camden Catholic are loaded.  South Jersey Boys' Basketball Top 10 - Preseason. # 1. Camden Catholic 24-3  'Finding stability at point guard will be the key for the Irish.'

Cardozo, Queens, NY.  Ron Naclerio's Judges were seeded seventh going into last season's PSAL playoffs.  In their Queens IIA division they were 13 - 1, tied with Bayside and 20 - 7 overall.  In the playoffs they barely beat New Utrecht 60 - 57  in the first round and were upset by # 10 Brandeis 67 - 53 in the Sweet Sixteen round. This year's team looks to be talented and deep, but undersized. There are six key players:  5-11 senior point guard Cameron Tyler (GB # 27), 6-4 senior forward Muhammed Shamsid (GB # 159), 6-4 junior forward Sky Khaleel (GB # 26), 5-8 junior point guard Dwayne Johnson (GB # 33), 5-7 junior point guard Nick Flagg (GB # 86) and  6-1 sophomore guard Vick Morris (GB 12). The depth will come from 6-1 senior shooter Bernard Jones, 6-0 junior guard John Forbes (GB # 98), 6-2 junior guard Allen Keita (GB # 105), 6-6 sophomore forward Kevin Hannoway (GB # 39) and 6-1 sophomore forward Christopher Parker (GB # 68).  

The Judges first game is against Edison on 11/26.  They have a number of one day tournaments scheduled this season - 12/14 Northeast Queens tourney vs Wadleigh,  12/21 in Gauchos Challenge vs. Robeson, 12/28 at Loughlin for Phil Hayes Memorial with Newtown and Banneker, 1/11/03 at Wadleigh for Goat Tourney vs. Park West and 1/18 MLK tournament at JHS 275 vs. Manhattan Center. Lincoln will be the team to beat in the PSAL this season but Carozo will be right there with Banneker, Robeson and FDA trying to get to the Garden for the championship game.   11/13/02 NY Post: Bad Break Hurts Cardozo's Cameron Tyler.

CTK, Queens, NY.  John P Miciotta: 'For Christ the King and coach Bob Oliva, leadership and scoring will come from their senior back court of Japhet McNeil and Mitchell Beauford. The duo begins its third varsity season and their skills not only set the tone for the Royals' success but compliment each other beautifully. Beauford is the athletic high flyer who can score on the break, and there's no better point guard to find him in transition than the one he plays with, McNeil, who delivers the ball on time and on target as well as any point guard around. McNeil also helps Beauford be a better, albeit still inconsistent shooter by getting him the ball in rhythm coming off screens or in transition. Beauford had some difficulty shooting the ball this summer, but has always done better in the more structured environment of high school basketball and there's every reason to think that trend should continue for his senior year. Those two also compliment each other to form a formidable pair defensively. Beauford is the better on the ball defender and his ability to do that allows Japhet to do what he can do best, anticipate plays and use quick hands and smarts to get steals. The pair will be joined by a pair of senior forwards Brian WIlliams and Justin Marshall. Williams is a terrific position rebounder with good hands while Marshall's quickness, leaping ability and timing give him shot blocking potential. The Iona recruit needs only to match his great tools with great effort to have a big senior season.

Those seniors comprise 4/5 of the starting lineup and the 5th and final spot will likely be taken by sophomore Chris Martin. For now, he gives the Royals another terrific defender and finisher on the wing, but his eventual position will be point guard, and it would help the Royals if he could bring that mentality to his new position. As a freshman his ability was obvious in leading the Royals to the freshman title but at times, trying to take charge led to poor shot selection. It's likely that four senior teammates will be the best cure for that and he will be a terrific addition to the varsity.

Another terrific addition to the varsity will be junior Brian Beckford, a long and agile 6'6" forward who runs the floor and has a terrific knack for rebounding and good hands. Those skills give him the potential to give the Royals terrific energy, and there has been some speculation that he, and not Martin will take the fifth starting spot. The feeling here is that he will be the sixth man at first, and surprise teams with his length and shot blocking. Coming off the bench will keep him out of foul trouble and make him an extra weapon that coach Oliva can find situations and match ups for him to take advantage of. Additional help could come from 6'4" junior Joe DeLuca or 5'8" guard Rob Flores but as the season begins they will likely go only six deep. Although that lack of depth may pose a problem at times, this is a quick, athletic experienced group of kids who are coached by one of the City's best. In a wide open league, where every team has both strengths and question marks, they are one of several teams with a chance to make a run to the title.

While Chris Martin will move to varsity this year, the rest of the group that won last year's frosh title with him will form a talented JV team. 6'3" Hakeem Gooding, 6'7" Adam Walker and 6'2" lefty shooter Nico Scott all have shown excellent potential, and if Jeffery Otler can make a successful return from a foot injury, he will also emerge as a prospect.

Three players, Darren Duncan, Larry Davis and Rob Hampton will be on the freshmen team this year and their presence means the future is bright on Metropolitan Ave. Davis and Hampton are both long players with terrific all around skill while Duncan is a point guard with shooting and scoring ability.'

Media guide: 'The 2002-03 Royals have been three years in the making. Japhet McNeil, Brian Williams and Mitch Beauford are all seniors who will be starting their third year of varsity basketball. Add Justin Marshall who was a starter last year and inexperience should not be a factor this coming season. McNeil has directed the Royal offense since he was a sophomore and needs just a few more assists to move into the top four leaders in school history. Beauford is an outstanding athlete who has improved his outside game while Williams will provide inside scoring and rebounding along with his ability to block shots. Up from last year's city runner-up JV will be 6-7 Brian Beckford who has all the ability to be an excellent varsity player and Robert Florez, a 5-7 point guard who can knock down jumpshots as well as run the team. The one sophomore will be 6-0 guard Chris Martin who led last year's freshmen team to the city championships. Martin can play both guard spots and wing forward. Two others who can help are 6-4 junior Elsmore Gabriel, who also plays on the Royal football team and 6-5 junior, Joe DeLuca. This will be Coach Oliva's 22 year as varsity coach at Christ the King. He states, "I can't wait for December 7th when we play Canarsie and start another season".

11/16/02 Hoopstown Top 25 High School Rankings: nationally # 21.  10/18/02 Keith Mason:'I think the two best teams in the city are St. Raymond and Christ the King. Both teams are in similar positions, in that they are returning basically all their key players from last year's solid teams. Christ the King only lost 1 key player Eric Martin. Their 3 key players will be Japhet McNeil, Mitchell Beauford and Justin Marshall. I think Marshall will surprise a lot of people and will be one of the better players in the CHSAA. But the player that will help this team the most is sophomore Chris Martin. He will be the best 6th man in the CHSAA and the team will have no dropoff when Japhet goes out the game, in fact they will look better at times with Chris running the team. I'm predicting a St. Raymond, Christ the King final in the CHSAA.'

Dime Magazine Top 25 High School Team Preview -- # 22. Christ the King (Flushing, NY) -- With most of their starters coming back for another year, the King hopes to reign supreme over the Big Apple. The core players of the squad, Japhet McNeil, Mitchell Beauford and Justin Marshall, aren’t very tall but are New York basketball savvy. McNeil is trying his damnedest to continue the city’s storied point guard history. Sophomore Chris Martin is the league’s best sixth man and is fully capable of orchestrating the team when McNeil catches a breather.

Don Bosco Prep, NJ -- Coach Kevin Diverio's key players are seniors Karl Anderson (6-7 NJH # 33), Trevoy Chambers (6-3 NJH # 53), 5-10 point guard John Lopez, Mike Wasilenko (6-0 NJH # 59), Danny Falcon (6-6 NJH # 31 and probable go-to guy), 6-5 swingman James Courter, junior John Oates (6-8 NJH # 9) and sophomore Tyrell Biggs (6-7 NJH #1). Six of the eight players are ranked, they all played key minutes last season and none of the departed seniors saw much playing time. That team was 19 - 6 ranked # 14 in the state.  They lost to Dwight Englewood 44 - 42 in the Parochial A North quarterfinals, a section that also includes Bergen Catholic and Paterson Catholic.  

DBP is very big, has experienced and reasonably talented senior guards in Lopez and Wasilenko and hasn't yet reached its potential. They're inconsistent. The Ironmen's record last season included two wins over Bergen Catholic and 'understandable' losses to CBA and Newark Eastside. Those are the Dr Jekyll Ironmen. The Mr. Hyde team lost to Paterson Eastside, Paterson Kennedy, Park West NY, Ridgewood and Trenton. That pattern continued in the second round of the Metro this summer when they lost to Holy Cross, NY.  As they have done in the past, the seniors played together this fall at IS8 as the Jersey Jaguars, but they weren't nearly as successful as one of the other school teams, the Mt Vernon Knights.  They play in a tough league but they may be on the verge of a big year; they've got the talent and experience to finish much higher than 18.

Coach Kevin Diverio: 'Add 6-4 junior guard Chris Rose to the players you've already mentioned. He'll be in the mix. We're limited to two tournaments a season and they will be within a week of each other.  We play Neptune in the Tipoff Classic @ Seton Hall on 12/22 (our first game of the season) and we are in the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, SC  from 12/26 to 12/30. Participating teams include Archbishop Molloy, Christ the King and Seton Hall Prep.  Our league is strong with the main competition coming from Bergen Catholic, Teaneck (they looked strong in the Metro and during summer league play), St Joe's Montvale (their 6-6 sophomore Brendan Payne - NJH # 8 - is a player) and Paramus Catholic with their youngsters, Shahee Martin and Terrell McKenzie.'   11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams # 8. Don Bosco Prep: Center John Oates, 6-10, will make Bosco tough in the middle.

Elizabeth, NJ. Elizabeth finished last season an impressive 23 - 4, ranked # 4 in the state by NJ Hoops, and # 16 in the region by MSG. The Minutemen lost to Newark Eastside three times and to St. Anthony last year.  The third loss to Newark Eastside was in the Group 4, North championship game 76 - 57 as NE's Randy Foye dropped 30 on them. That team was led mostly by the graduated seniors Rashad Robinson, Tyrell Bell and Ibrahim Jabber, but with their rising star coach, Pat Brunner, 6-9 senior center Frantz Dorsainvil (NJH # 15) and 5-7 senior dynamo point guard Tyreek Rolon (NJH # 98) they looked to be a no-brainer top 21 team this season.  Oops. Coach Brunner and Dorsainvil are gone and the new coach, Donald Stewart, needs to fill that huge gap in the middle.  But he does have some real talent to go with Tyreek - 6-4 senior Larry Leverett (NJH # 96), 6-1 junior Chris Severe (NJH # 38), 5-10 senior Zahir Daniels, 6-2 junior Anthony Sims (NJH # 60) and 5-4 sophomore Corey Williams (NJH # 63). This summer the Minutemen lost to Bergen Catholic in the third round of the Metro Classic. Other players on the Metro roster were 6-3 senior Jon Cascio, four juniors - 6-3 Robert Louis Jean, 6-4 Blake Dully,  6-4 Carlos Feliciano and 5-8 Peterson Ostine - and four more sophs - 6-5 Michael Perry,  5-10 Kareem Edwards, 5-10 Greg Myers and 6-2 Nate Thompson.   10/02  tbone, Watchung Conference: 'Elizabeth HS will again make a strong run for the North title and defend the County title. Elizabeth has the most talented players returning as far as numbers with 6'4 Larry "Quan" Leverett, Tyreek Rolon,  Jrs. Chris Severe, Anthony Simms, 6'3 Blake Leverett and Super So. Corey "Poodie" Williams. Quan Leverett will man the boards, while wing players Chris Severe and Anthony Simms are very athletic players and can finish with the best of them. Mr.Rolon is going to be the quickest player in the conference. Elizabeth will hurt with the loss of their coach, Pat Brunner and Frantz, but they will still be a strong contender in the conference and state hunt.'  5/02 tbone: 'Chris Severe: 6'1 Elizabeth HS, plays AAU with the Skyliners, very strong player and leaper who takes it to the house strong.'

Essex Catholic  NJ-- Coach Chris Oden: 'Returning starters: 6'0" sr guard Garrett Henry - avg 11 pts 5 assists per game as a junior,  5'10" jr guard Marvin Maynard - avg 10 pts and 3 steals per game,  6'6" jr forward David Clark - avg 8 pts and 6 bds and 3 blks,  6'4" sr forward Marvin Richardson - 10pts 8 bds.  Other key players:  6'5" jr forward Tony Martin (transfer from Hempstead hs / Long Island).  Key losses: Linton Hinds (Loyola, MD) Allen Valentine (Bloomfield College).  Last years record was 18-7.  We are pre-season co-favorites in the Northern Hills conference.  We open the season in the Tip-Off classic at Seton Hall U on Saturday 12/21st the Seton.  Will play in the Neptune Christmas tournament Dec. 26, 28 and 30th.  Play St. Patricks away on February 2nd.  We have a chance to be pretty good if we stay healthy and can develop a deep bench..'

Ferris Jersey City, N.J. kspecial4: 'Head Coach-Kyle Anderson (also coaches with The Playaz Basketball Club) Won the Hudson County Championship in 1997-98..Co-Coach of the Year 1997-98. Last years record 21-5- HCIAA reagular season champs. Lost in semi of counties to Bayonne (avenged loss three days later in States by 24 points). Lost in semi of States to Memorial (Memorial won the section).

Returning Players: Tyrell Archibald 5'10 Sr. 4 year starter, 3 time team MVP plays point and shooting guard. Interest from Manhattan, Rider, and a host of D 2,3 schools. Bilal Joesph 6'5 Sr. last years 7th man pure leader, qualifier, needs to put on weight. Plays the 2,3. Pierre Thomas 6'0 Sr. pure shooter range from 25 on in. Excellent hops and great body control. In the Big Apple Classic at Seton Hall Ave. 17 points for 4th best. Full qualifier.The rest of thge team are all untested underclassmen. One sleeper a senior named Tawon Ford, 6'2 is unstoppable, can shoot, slash, rebound. Does it all. If he stays on the team it will be a very good year. Tawon is the son of Jersey City ledgend Darrell Wilson of the famed Ferris teams in the mid-late 80's that used to beat St. Anthony's on a regular basis. Darrell's brother is Kenny Wilson of St. A's and Villanova.

Big games: Jersey City Tip Off Clasic on Dec. 14 (opening night for all of NJ) at Snyder against rival Dickinson (defending county champs) Bloomfield Tech in mid Jan (Ferris won last year by 2 ). Bayonne in early Feb.'

This year, we will depend on our backcourt greatly. Seniors John Ancrum and Peter Garvey played substantial minutes last year. Both have demonstrated their ability to move the ball. Ancrum is the quicker of the two and should be able to break down defenses with his ball-handling. Garvey is the better shooter. Last year he led the team from three-point range. Senior Tyler Clements is a guard who gives us some size. At 6’3”, he has three-point range and can handle the ball. Junior Thomas Goggin has played well in the preseason and should see substantial minutes this season. He is cut from the same mold as Garvey. Senior Ian Lundahl and sophomore Brian Denneny have been impressive in the preseason. What they lack in size and quickness they make up with a nice shooting touch and court savvy. Since we will be a small team to begin with, we will place a premium on using as many guards as possible.

The forward positions will be anchored by seniors Joseph Lampkin and John Miholics. Although both are true “postmen”, they are a contrast in styles. Lampkin is a workhorse on the boards while Miholics has much better shooting range. Both have played well in the preseason. Junior Joe Cooke will play a swing position for the Rams. He is another shooter who can also bang with the big men. Akhimien Eromosele, a junior, brings more athleticism to the floor than any other Ram. With work, he could see playing time as a swingman this year.'

Frederick Douglass Academy, NYC.   Mario Beras: 'The FDA team this year is young with only 5 players from last year's team coming back including seniors ( 5-9 PG Jahkeem Washington, 6-2 SF Lawrence "The Law" Smith, and 6-0 SG Malik Brown). The other two players are sophomores 6'5 f Elson Pickering and 6'5 f Lawrence Williams. The Lions will be looking for key contributions and leadership from their 3 seniors who are looking to finish what last year's team started. The success of this team relies on the improvement of the 2 sophomores and new addition 6'6 F Kenny Anusionwu. This summer FDA beat Don Bosco, lost to Rice by 1 and St.Ray's by 2 at the Metro Classic.'

Grady, NYC. Coach Jack Ringel: 'The 2002-03 Grady Falcons enter the season with its youngest team in my 24 years of coaching at Grady. However, with patience and time, we should compete with the best. We return 4 starters from last years semi- finalists. This should be a breakout season for 6ft guard Kimani Blaize. He will be in the backcourt with returning guards, soph Kevin White and jr Jamel White. Upfront we have the very active duo of 6ft4 jr Basil Leslie and 6ft4 soph Derrick Echols. Corey Gibbs a 6ft5,250lb, frosh and Keron Wray a 6ft3 frosh, have shown much progess in the pre season as did another frosh, pt. guard Wayne Turner. I expect some ups and downs early, but in the end the Falcons will be in the mix.'

The Falcons won the PSAL championship in 2000-2001 and finished last season with a 21 - 8 record. They play in the Brooklyn I A with Lincoln and were seeded fourth in the PSAL playoffs beating Norman Thomas 71 - 43, Bryant 74 - 57 and fifth seeded Canarsie 56 - 54 before being ambushed by Robeson 85 - 44 in the semifinals.

JFK Paterson NJ.  20 -7, # 31.  Coach Jim Ring: 'We officially start practice Nov. 29 but based upon summer and pre-season conditioning this is what  we have.  Key Players (Year Position Height):  Quanif Bugg 10 1-2 5'10,  Rashon Seabrooks 10 2-3 6'1,  Richard Haywood 10 3-4 6'6,  Bashir Grimes 11 2-3-4 6'2,  Tommie Trent 11 2-3-4 6'1, Antoine King 11 2-3-4 6'2,  Montaye Curry 11 4-5 6'5,  Marcus McKinney 11 4-5 6'2, Jurad Coleman 11 1-2-3 6'1, Keith Curriffe 11 1-2-3 6'1, Quadire Grayson 10 2-3 6'1, James Artis 12 1-2-3 6'1, Raheem Lattimore 12 3-4 6'2.

As you can see we are very young (inexperienced)  Artis and Lattimore both returning lettermen did not have productive summers so it is quite possible our top 8 to 10 players will be sophs. and juniors. To their credit they are very talented. Grimes is a talented player alot in the mold of our past All State player Michael Cleaves now playing at Lasalle. Bugg and Seabrooks have bright futures and both are very talented. The big problem is that in our league it is really tuff to learn on the run. The formula for success is to let the young players learn from playing against the best. Bosco and Bergen took their lumps playing mostly all underclassmen 2 years ago. Look where they are now. Hopefully the results will be similar for us. We are very quick and athletic so we will force tempo. With a few good breaks early we could be a sleeper in our league and state sectional. We definitely will be playing our best ball in Febuary, we need to survive until then. The county (Passaic) title is Pat. Catholic's to lose. We are not conceding anything but we are a year away.'

John Bowne HS "Wildcats", Flushing NY. Roberto Diaz.:'Head Coach: John Tsapelas, Assistant Coaches: Dennis Ehrlich & Roberto Diaz. Returning players: James P. Sullivan games participant #44 Derrick Douglas 6'6" (senior), #21 Nana Arthur 6'6" (senior), #11 Darren Rease 5'9" (senior), #22 Dane Whittaker 5'9" (senior), #15 Kenneth Lewis 6'0" (senior) & #12 Lawrence Ward 5'11" (junior).*** Junior Varsity additions to varsity: JV 2001-02 MVP #24 Shamar Acuay 5'8" (Sophomore), #5 Guillermo Grance 5'9" (junior), #14 Yuri Babayev 6'0" (junior), # 22 Vipan Kumar 6'0" (junior), #10 Durell Richardson 5'7" (sophomore) & #31 Lennox Norville 6'5" (sophomore). New incoming additions: #33 Leon Minto 6'1" (sophomore), #13 Collis Banks 5'10" (freshman), #25 Nayquan Mitchell 6'6" (freshman), #3 Rubin Rose 5'9" (sophomore).*** Promising Junior Varsity players: Rodney Lewis 5'8" (sophomore), Gary Warner 5'10" (sophomore), Asfaw Henry 6'1" & Eric Oglesby 5'9" (sophomore).*** Players lost to injuries: Anthony Gutierrez 5'11" (senior) starter and out for the entire season due to elbow surgery.*** Graduate starters: Richard Hall, averaged 29ppg, MVP of the 2001-02 Pirate Holiday Bash at Tottenville HS and one of the PSAL top leading scorers last year.

The Wildcats currently hold a 3-5 overall record and getting stronger as the season progresses to bring up a playoff berth as we do have one of the strongest divisions in the city. The team has a lot of young talent having 5 juniors, 4 sophomores (two of them being starters and one of them being our team leading scorer with 19.8ppg with four games played vs Bayside, Townsend Harris, Hillcrest & Cardozo HS) and 2 freshmen. We will be taking part in the Game Over Thanksgiving Classic vs Newtown at JHS 275 on November 30 at 12pm, the Francis Lewis Tournament vs Flushing HS at Francis Lewis HS on December 14 at 12pm and the Martin Luther King Jr. Classic vs Springfield HS at JHS 275 on January 18 at 12pm.

School located at: 63-25 Main St. Flushing, NY 11367. Phone: 718-263-1919 Principal: Ms. June Orchanian, Athletic Director/Phys. Ed. Asst. Principal: Mr. Neal Aronin.

Lawerence Woodmere Academy, LI  coachforen15@yahoo.com: 'Lawerence Woodmere Academy the defending class C champions are looking to repeat this year. We have a young team but we are very talented, returning many players from last year varsity. Transfer Danny Bala from St.Mary's who is an excellent add to the mix to help reach our goals once again. Here are some of the key players this year: Brandon Pender 6'5 (senior) C- team leader, who is able to control the defensive boards and lock up opponents big man, raw offensively, very hard-worker Jon Han- 5'10 (junior)SG- deadly three point shooter who can also handle the rock, reads passing lanes very well, can score quickly , high baksetball I.Q. Leslie Augustine (sophomore) 6' F- excellent leaper, with raw athleticism, very strong and finishes well, should be a key contributor on the boards Sean Mckloskey (junior) 6'1" F-inside outside threat, good finisher down low, can step out and hit the three, very good scorer who is very versatile, needs to have a big year in order for us to succeed, a horse down low Tyrone Nash (freshman) 6'4" F- very good defender, sweet touch from outside, once he develops upper body strength could be a great scorer Tristan Daniel 5'8 (senior) guard- very good ballhandler, with explosive quickness, can knock down threes and best ball defender on the team Phillip Charlemagne 5'11 (senior) G- a horse on the boards and finishes very well around the basket, very hard worker, very good on ball defender Chris Larea (freshman) 6'1" G-takes it to the basket strong, good mid range game, should be able to contribute key minutes off the bench Danny Bala (junior) 6' PG- super junior who can fill the scoreboard up in a hurry, creative ballhandler can get to the hole at will, suberb court vision great floor general, very intense in your face defender, sleeper in 2004 should be all county with all Long Island ability.'

Lincoln, Brooklyn, NY.  10/27/02 Coach Dwayne (Tiny) Morton: 'I have 4 returning starters; Dominic Osei 6'5", Stew Graddick 6'1", Sebastian Telfair 6'0" & Jamal Dart 6'3".  The other key players; Antonio Pena 6''7"soph, Nyan Boateng 6'3" soph, Ricky Smith 6'1" sr, Wil Mayes 6'4" sr.  This is one of my best teams I ever had. I can start any of my top eight players.  In addition, Matsakov Iouri 6'4"& Jamel Jackson 6'1" are really good players from the JV team. 6'6" freshman Dony Benjamin is a very good prospect.  

Schedule Highlights  12/8/ St Rays @ Fordam Univ. 12/27-12/29 Slam Dunk To The Beach, Delaware,  1/4/03 @ UCLA against Demarcus Nelson (04)- Duke Committed,  1/25/03 In Orlando, FL against Edgewater, Darius Washington (04) top 4 pt guard,  2/2/03 @ Villanova against Strawberry Manson HS  and 2/9/03 Primetime Shootout against St Anthony's, NJ.'  

11/16/02 Hoopstown Top 25 High School Rankings: nationally # 18.  Lincoln finished last season with a 25 - 6 record winning the PSAL championship 65 - 51 at Madison Square Garden upsetting top seeded Robeson. They lost to Rice in the state playoffs at Glens Falls. They were ranked fourth in the region by MSG.

Dime Magazine Top 25 High School Team Preview -- # 13. Lincoln (Brooklyn, N.Y.) (25-6) -- All-world point god Sebastian Telfair directs traffic for four returning starters from last year’s championship team. Telfair’s uncanny passing ability could turn a mannequin into a reliable scoring threat. He’s one of the privileged few who play not to build a reputation but to keep one. Antonio Pena is the most fortunate beneficiary of Bassy’s wizardry with the pill.

Linden, NJ. Coach Phil Colecchio: 'We will be led by 3 year starter PG Tony Wilson who is a very good scorer and extremely quick with the ball. Tony is a d1 player who has qualified and is chosing between several offers. Also in the backcourt will 6"2 JR Quinn Johnson who played some varsity as a soph. Quin is a very good shooter and penetrator who has added about 15 pounds of muscle since last year. Sr Rajeh Saadeh 6"2 is a workhorse either rebounding,taking charges or getting loose balls . A pair of 6"3 srs who should receive plenty of playing time up front are Dwight Bailey and Jamar Daniels. Jr guards George Suggs, Ariel Garcia and Aaron Price will also play major roles in the backcourt. A pair of sophs. who had productive summers and should start are 6"7 Hafeez Brown and 6"3 swingman Michael Henderson. We will be young but hopefully fun to watch will will defend from baseline to baseline and play more of a uptempo game then I like but we are pretty deep and interchangeable. Our J.V team last year were Union County Champions again . We will be playing in the opening night Metro Classic at Seton Hall, xmas tourn. at Allentown Pa, St. Anthonys and in the Watchung Conference.' Coach Phil Colecchio's Linden team finished 15 - 8 last season ranked as the state's # 22 team by NJ Hoops. In the tough Group 4 North they lost to West Orange 38 - 37 in the quarterfinals.  10/02  tbone, Watchung Conference: 'Linden will always field a solid team, on paper, you may think they will finally fall back into the pack, but with potential Player of the year Antonio Wilson in the lineup, its never impossible to chalk up W's.... Jr. Quinton Johnson is probably the top shooter in the conference. So. Hafeez Brown can be a potential bad matchup for opponents due to his ability to handle the ball and post up... Hafeez stands 6'4.' 

Longwood, LI  Dennis T. Terry, Longwood Varsity Basketball: 'We are returning 3 starters and 6 players from last year’s  team. We’re a young team with a lot of experience. Last year we were League I  co-champs. We made it to the semi-finals in the County A bracket where we lost  to eventual L.I. Champs Whitman. This past summer we were Smithtown Summer League Champs by going undefeated. We really do not have that super outstanding player but we get the job done by committee. It  will be difficult to key on any one player because we’ll have several players that can get the job done. We have a lot of team quickness and speed. As always our team plays relentless on the defensive end which ignites our break. The team can get up and down the court but we are also disciplined enough to be effective in the half court game.

The key players are: 1- Shareefe Gilyard a 6’0 Sr. guard that was All-League as a sophomore but didn’t play last year. He’s very athletic and strong. He can get to the hoop or hit the jumper. He has speed, quickness and the ability to make those around him better. He’s a scorer that excels in the open court but can play the half court game effectively. He is a leaper that can play the 1,2 or 3 position. He was a member of our team that went upstate 3 years ago. He should get some looks from colleges. Ave 13 points 5 rebs 2 assists.  2- Clarence Alonzo a 5’10 Jr. guard that was All-League as a Sophomore. He is very quick with the ability to penetrate and finish or set up his teammates. This is his 3rd year starting on varsity. One of the best point guards in League I. He has a good handle and passes the ball well. He can score but he’ll look to get his teammates involved first. He holds the most assist record in a game at 13. He should break his brother Vernon’s record for assists of 141 this season. He should get some college looks this year. Ave. 10.4 points 6 assists  3- Alex Bardeguez a 6’2” Sr. forward that is a relentless worker around the hoop on both ends. He can hit the medium range jump shot but loves to bang inside. He is a tireless defender that usually is effective guarding much bigger players inside. He is very strong and is called the beast by his teammates. Alex is a National Honor Society member that scored 1000 on the SAT. Alex is ranked 38th academically out of 616 students. He should get some college looks this year, especially with his grades. Ave. 9 points 6 reb 1 block  4- Akin Rawlins a 6’0” Sr. guard with excellent defensive skills. He usually contains the opponent’s best perimeter player but is also effective guarding the post. He has a consistent shot from 3 point range and can score in transition. He is a National Honor Society member that scored a 1140 on the SAT. Akin is ranked 56th out of 616 students. He should get some college looks this year especially with his grades. Ave. 5 points 1 steal 1 assist

The rest of the team consists of several players that are athletic and will  help. Three of these players that were on the team last year are: Stephen Polk 6’3” Jr. F/G ave 5 points 6 rebs, Jordell Mortley 5’9” Jr Guard,  Israaiyl Flowers 6’0” Sr. Guard.

The 2 tournaments that we are in are the Bay Shore Tournament and our own Rim Rockers Classic. The big games in our regular season will be against Brentwood, Sachem & Wm. Floyd.'

Monsignor McClancy, NY Website is www.mindspring.com/~mcguidance.  McClancy Crusaders.  Last Years Record: overall: 10-16 league: 3-10.  Key player losses: Joe Vargas (transfer to Grover Cleveland), Anthony Mauceri (graduate), Elvis Damjanovic (graduate), Richard Stankowski (graduate).  Head Coach: Don Kent. Probable Starting Players: Adam Hayes 6'2 (senior), Will Borgolte 6'5 (junior), Joe Maurello 5'10 (senior), Lavelle Pierre 6'0 (senior), Keenan Doliveira 6'0 (junior).  Probable Reserve Players: Kwaku Osei 6'3 (junior), Nick Hamilton 5'10 (junior), Brian Taylor 5'11 (senior), Carlos Arellano 6'4 (junior), T.J. Pulkoski 6'0 (junior), Jarred Bollettieri 6'1 (junior).  League 13-Game Schedule: 12/12/02 @Rice 4pm, 12/15/02 St. Francis Prep at St. John's University 2pm, 12/17/02 St.Raymond 4pm, 1/3/02 @Christ the King 7:30pm, 1/14/03 Molloy 4pm, 1/17/03 Xaverian 7:30pm, 1/25/03 Holy Cross 8pm, 1/28/03 @Molloy 4pm, 2/4/03 @ Bishop Loughlin 4pm, 2/7/03 All-Hallows 4pm, 2/11/03 @Holy Cross 7:30pm, 2/14/03 St. Francis Prep 7:30pm, 2/16/03 @St. Raymond 3pm.  

Junior Varsity Coach: Nick Melito, Assistant JV Coach: Anthony Olszewski.  Key Junior Varsity Players: Mohamed Lo 6'6 (Freshman**), Dexter DeJesus 5'11, Afam Muojeke 6'0, Gabriel Salazar 5'10, Taj Segree 5'9, Matt Robinson 5'5, Brian Molina 6'0, Matt McDevitt 5'11.   Head Freshmen Coach: Gene McDonnell,  Assistant Freshmen Coach: Louis Xifaras.  Key Freshmen Players: Albert Webb 6'2, Stephen Wood 6'1, Brian Reyes 5'10, Evans Pyrrhon 5'11, Rasaad Thompson 5'7, Terrance Howard 6'0, Perry Opong 5'8.

Overall Summary: The McClancy Crusaders have a solid group of juniors coming up from last years successful Junior Varsity squad. Still, playing in the best league in the country, they will only get a handful of league victories. Without a true center, minutes will come from Adam Hayes, Kwaku Osei, and Carlos Arellano at the big man position going against some of the top players in the country. McClancy has a good shooting game, and may give bigger teams problems with their decent speed. The Junior Varsity squad is in the same position as the varsity, however freshman center Mohamed Lo should keep them in many games. Their speed and good outside shooting will also be a factor. The freshmen team will be the talk of the school year. The team is talented and has good height. The future looks bright for the Monsignor McClancy Crusaders.

Mt Vernon, NY  Peter Abraham, Journal News. 'Coach Bob Cimmino has a young, deep and very talented team that is favored to win Section 1 and will be a serious state title contender by the end of the season. It starts inside with 6-5 junior Dexter Gray and 6-6 freshman Jon Mitchell. Both are active big men with Mitchell having the skills to play on the perimeter. He is the next Ben Gordon-type talent at MV. On the wing, 6-2 Keith Benjamin is coming off an all-star effort at IS8 and is now being recruited by a lot of Division I heavy hitters. The deep guard rotation includes senior point man and captain Bryan Browne, junior Ernie Brown, sophomore Chris Lowe and 8th grader Mike Colburn. The Knights will press and run and overwhelm teams with their depth. The roster also includes senior leaper Chris Dozier, versatile junior Chris Bradley and senior forward Dwaine Malcolm. The schedule includes an early season tournament in Canada, the Jimmy V tournament in Albany and two games with rival White Plains. Check out MountVernonBasketball.com for more info and season-long updates.'

Coach Bob Cimino's Knights will be led this season by two juniors, 6-2 guard Keith Benjamin and 6-6 center Dexter Gray and a freshman, 6-4 wing, Jonathan Mitchell.  The other key players on this deep team are Brian Brown 5'9 senior guard, Chris Douier 5'10 senior wing, Jabbari Samuels 6'5 junior forward  and three sophomore guards, 5-8 Chris Lowe, 5-8 Elliott Melendez and 5-10 Paul Webber.  Until proven otherwise, MV looks to be the best team in Westchester and one of the better teams in the region. 10/21/02 John P Miciotta: 'Mt. Vernon's super frosh Jon Mitchell was named Rookie of the Year and in the opinion of this observer established himself as the second best freshman in our region behind Caracter.  Meanwhile, Mount Vernon's Keith Benjamin was named IS8 All tournament 1st Team.'   9/30/02 John P Miciotta: 'The third IS8 game of the day was the best. It pitted two of the tournament's most athletic teams, Mt. Vernon and Playaz Club, and the team's fought tooth and nail with Mt. Vernon garnering a two point win. Mt. Vernon was led by a trio of underclassmen who all have bright futures. Keith Benjamin is a 6'2" junior with great explosiveness, a great stroke, and great elevation on his jumper. His combination of quickness and size is good enough that he can play both guard positions. That coupled with his offensive tools make him compare very favorably to former Mt. Vernon and current UCONN guard Ben Gordon. They also mean that he is almost certainly recruitable at the highest levels beginning next summer. Dexter Gray is a 6'6" forward with good post moves, long arms and a soft touch around the basket. Right now he's a solid mid major prospect who can move up if he improves his perimeter game. Freshman Jon Mitchell is a strong 6'4" base liner who scores in traffic and rebounds well. These three along with good overall depth will make Mt. Vernon formidable once again in high school hoops in New York.'  3/6/02 John Malone: 'Mount Vernon beat Binghamton for the second time this season, 67-44. Will Cherry was 5-10 from the field with 4 three pointers in route to 17 points. Jomo Belfor had 14 points and 7 assists, and Dexter Gray had 13 points, and 10 rebounds. 8th grader, Jon Mitchell continues to show signs of greatness off the bench. Mount Vernon plays Kingston on Saturday at West Point. They should dominate the game again.'  3/6/02 Peter Abraham, The Journal News: Mt. Vernon reaches Class A quarterfinals.    3/3/02 Peter Abraham, The Journal News: Mount Vernon wins Section 1.

12/20/02 Lonnie Webb: 'Mount Vernon High School has a very talented and young team this year however, don't let that fool you. Coach Bob Cimino's Knights are for real. If you don't believe me, go check out one of their games. These are the same guys who played together this past summer in the IS8 summer league tourney and posted some outstanding wins. They have a solid team and lots depth coming off the bench. 6'2" junior Keith Benjamin, 6'5" junior Dexter Gray, and 6'6" freshman Johnathan Mitchell lead the way for this very talented team. Seniors Bryan Browne and Ernie Brown start in the back court and are lightning quick and have tons of experience. Seniors Chris Dozier and Dwaine Malcolm, juniors Chris Bradley, Shanty "Ravon" Robinson, Torian Kendall and Michael Watson, sophmores Chris Lowe and Johnathan Smith and one of the best 8th graders in the area, Michael Coburn come off the bench to help give the Knights a solid rotation and more fire power. They come at you relentlessly on the defense the entire 4 quarters with fresh legs which wears their opponents down. If there early victories are any indication of what's to expect from this westchester powerhouse, pencil them in for their 4th straight year in the state final four!'

Our Savior New American, LI   11/22 - 11/24/02 Friday - Sunday  InsiderHoops: War On The Shore is an 18-team prep school tournament in Milford, Del beginning Nov. 22 and concluding on Nov. 24.  Teams include Blair Academy,  Burlington Life Center and Our Savior New American.  Bull City Classic, Durham NC 11/29-30, in division with host Mt Zion HS.  Eric Jaklitsch: 'Over the last few years Our Savior New American School has amassed one of the most talented teams in the country. Gone from last years team was the lone senior, laser quick 6'0 MVP Jamar Wilson who is a freshmen this year at Albany. Do not feel too bad for Ron Stelzer as he returns a load of talent. Our Savior will be loaded in the front court this year. They have a Big East starting front line. 6'11 240 Konimba Diarra will patrol the paint in the middle. This rapidly developing senior has always been a rebounding and shot blocking machine but has started to become a force down low on the offensive end with some nice post moves. Complementing Diarra will be his Mali counterpart and best friend Oumar Sylla. Sylla who is a long 6'7 190 wing can do it all folks. He is a great on the ball defender who usually guards the other team's best player. He can play down low at times because he will rebound the ball well. On the offensive end he is a good 3 point shooter who can light up scoreboards with an array of moves. Next up for OSNA is one of the nation's elite junior prospects in Juan Diego Tello Palacios. Known to most just as Tello (pronounced Te Jo), this 6'8 255 lb pf will do it all for his team. He is a force in the post with his arsenal of moves, has a soft touch from almost anywhere, and has great hands for a big man. He rebounds the ball extremely well and can bring the ball up court with ease. In the backcourt for OSNA, they will return 6'0 lefty sniper Walter Murray who is their shooting specialist. Murray will get many easy shots this year because of the big front line. Hans Stelzer is a heady point guard who is always looking to set his team mates up for numerous buckets. Genc Selimi is a 6'5 g/f is a catch and shoot specialist that has range beyond the NBA three point line. Point guard DJ Fields is a rising junior transfer to Our Savior via St Mary's Manhasset. Fields who has been re-classified as a junior will be another guard for Our Savior who can help Our Savior in many ways . Fields has been working extremely hard in the pre season and has improved. Another guard/forward for Our Savior will be 6'5 D'Andre Brown, a multi-talented player who has Dr J. like hands and floats to the rim with ease. Brown will be able to play out on the wing for Our Savior and in the post because he is a great leaper. 6'2 Derrick Smith is a hard playing guard who came off the bench last year for Our Savior. Smith's hard play is sometimes very instrumental in Our Savior's success. OSNA, also has a 6'8 man child James Tchana, via the Cameroon, to come off the bench. Tchana is only a sophomore, but is big and strong enough to battle down low all night long.

Our Savior plays a rigorous schedule that includes stops at War on the Shore (11/22-11/24), Bull City Classic - Durham NC (11/29-11/30), Marantha Tournament -Centereach NY (12/14-12/15), Las Vegas Holiday Prep Classic (12/18-12/21), Slam Dunk to the Beach - Lewes DE (12/26-12/30), Rim Rocker Classic - Middle Island NY, (1/3-1/5) Flyin to the Hoop -Dayton Ohio (1/18-1/20), Battle by the Bay - Atlantic City, NJ National Prep School Invitational - Smithfield RI, Shores Christian Tournament - Ocala FL, National Christian Championships - Dayton Tennessee and numerous non-league games against schools like Oak Hill, St Anthony's, St Thomas More, St Benedict's etc.'

Paterson Catholic, NJ. -- Coach Tommy Patterson's Paterson (incredibly, the coach even graduated from William Paterson) Catholic Cougars were ranked sixth in our pre-season poll last year.  They finished with a 23 - 3 record, losing to St Patrick, MLK in Pennsylvania and Bergen Catholic, ranked # 8 in the state by NJ Hoops. The loss to Bergen Catholic, 60 - 50 in the Parochial A North finals, ended their season one step short of the Tournament of Champions. That team's 6-7 senior Terron Scudder has graduated and this past month 6-3 senior Sydir Mitchell (NJH # 58) was expelled from school.  But they return three superior starters in 6-4 senior Marquis Webb (Rutgers commit, NJH # 11), 7-0 senior Darryl Watkins (NJH # 4) and 5-10 junior point guard Stephon Brown (NJH # 58).  The other ranked junior, 6-3 Jon Moody (NJH # 69) and 6-5 sophomore Kwattell Patterson (NJH # 57) were not on the Metro roster but two seniors (6-0 Thomas McBride and 6-6 Jimmy Riggens) and three juniors (5-9 Jaheem Thomas, 6-0 Victor Cruz and 6-3 Anthony Ruiz will provide experienced depth. The Metro roster had those seven uperclassmen, no sophs and five touted freshmen - the 6-5 twins Terrell and Jerrell Williams (NJH # 2 and 6), 5-9 Nicodemus Eaton (NJH # 11),  5-10 Ray Taylor (NJH #16) and 6-3 Ramaer Pannell.  NJ Hoops has 6-2 Kimani Barrett (# 43) at Pat Cat but he didn't make the roster.  7/22/02 NorthJersey.com: Cougars stock up for success.  11/11/02 NorthJersey.com: Paterson Catholic senior basketball player Sydir Mitchell expelled from school.  11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams # 7. Paterson Catholic: Guard Marquis Webb is one of the most explosive players in the state.

Peddie, NJ.  Chris Potash, Head Coach The Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ: 'We have 2 postgrads: 6'2 Ibrahim Jaaber (Elizabeth HS) & 6'3 Jamaal Hilliard (Roselle Catholic) and 2 transfers: 6'3 Myron Rolle (St.Augustine), 6'4 Corey Phelps (Memphis,TN) plus a frosh with loads of potential: 6'4 Josh Wearing from Trenton.  Our league, the Mid-Atlantic Prep (MAPL) includes Blair, Hun, Lawrenceville, Hill (PA) & Mercersburg (PA). The league is loaded with each school having at least 2 D1 prospects.'

Plainfield, NJ.   tbone: 'Plainfield will be led by 5'10 Jr. Mike Gordon at the PG spot, Super So.6'0 Isa Carnegie at the 2. and Mr. Hustle Man (6'3 Jr.) Tyrone Martin at the 3. Rounding out the starting 5 will be 6'3 Jr. Dana Hart and 6'4 Sr. Bryson Moore. Its too early to know how good or bad Plainfield will be this season after the graduation of Jahid Muhammad (San Jacinto JC in Texas) and Andre Dabney (Bloomfield College). The team will be under a new coach this year after Coach Del Harrison moved on to the college circle (Felician College). Lenny Parhaum formally of Bellville Hs, and the University of Pittsburgh coaching staff will take over the sidelines for the Cards this year. Other players that will contribute for the Cardinals this year are 5'10 Sr.Wade Cole, 6'3 Jr. Jamar Wade (transferred back from St.Patricks HS), 6'4 Sr. Jameel McClintock, 6'0 So Jaffrey Clark, and 5'10 Jr Antwan Patterson.'  12/19/02 Courier News: Jersey basketball preview capsules.  Outlook: It's a new era at Plainfield. Coach Del Harrison has moved on after five successful seasons, three-year stars Andre Dabney (18 ppg) and Jihad Muhammad (15 ppg) have graduated, and senior center Jared Wormley has moved to Maryland, but there is reason to believe the Cardinals' winning ways will continue. New coach Lennie Parham brings collegiate credentials, including a stint as a University of Pittsburgh assistant. Carnegie and Gordon saw plenty of minutes last winter, and Cole was a starter before quitting the team in January. St. Patrick's transfer Wade should have an immediate impact. Plainfield will continue to run and press, but in a more controlled fashion. "What I like is there's a lot of guys with equal ability," Parham said. "I'd think the depth will be a factor for us. I'd like to use 10 guys."

Poly Prep, Brooklyn.  Coach Bill McNally: 'The Poly Prep Blue Devils will look to win their sixth consecutive Ivy Prep League championship this season. Poly will be led by three returning starters as well as strong reserves from last season and two newcomers. Joakim Noah a 6'9" junior has improved greatly in the off season and looks like he will be a major force in New York City basketball. The son of tennis star Yannick Noah, Joakim is a very skilled big who is already getting attention from Big East, Big Ten and A. C .C. schools. Joakim repeated his sophomore year after transferring from the U.N. School and ends his New York State eligibility this season. He will be a one year senior next year in prep school before going on to college. Guards Charlie Parker and Liam Biesty also have taken major strides forward with their games and both have the skills to play either guard position. Senior leadership will come from captains A.J. Ciccone, Max Margenau as well as Rob Francis.  Depth in the backcourt will be strong with fine guards Sal Demarco, Danny Corrigan and Mike Lappin. The forward positions feature two talented young players 6'3" sophomore Peter Ajayi and 6'5" freshman Jabari Henley- Edwards.

Poly's toughest competition in the Ivy Prep League looks to come from Horace Mann, Collegiate and Hackley.

As usual the Blue Devils non- conference schedule is very strong and includes St. Mary's, Xaverian, Long Island Lutheran, Phillips Academy in Boston, Mass., Msrg. McClancy (in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic) and the Msrg. King Christmas Tournament with Grady, St.Francis Prep, New Utrecht, St. Edmund's, Bishop Ford, Bayside and defending champion Xaverian.

All in all I feel we have the potential to have the best team Poly has had in my ten years as head coach.'

12/23/02 NY Post: Poly Prep's Liam Biesty Plays for His Brother. 

Regis, NYC,  Coach Kevin Kullen: 'Regis returns 4 starters from last years team which made the city championship game. Those starters are are 6'7 senior Bobby Marcoux (pictured), 6'5 senior Greg Keras, 6'2 junior Nick Naclerio and 6'0 junior Dan Kennedy. Regis has added much needed depth off the bench from 6'3 juniors John Taddei and Ray Panek. In fact 7 of our 14 players are 6'2 or taller. We are playing at the University of Scranton on Dec. 7th and Dec.8th. It is not a tournament it is just something Scranton does to show their school. Xavier, Fordham, Salesian and St. Ray's B are also going.  We are also playing Collegiate in the opening round of the Loyola Tournament on Friday, Dec. 20th.   Regis is playing Horace Mann, again, in the Coaches vs. Cancer at Manhattan on Saturday, Feb. 1st at 1:45.' 3/9/02 Newsday: Scanlan Finally Gets Title .. an easy 79-60 win over Regis on Friday night at Iona College in the city CHSAA C championship game.

Rice, NYC. -- Coach Mo Hicks' Rice Raiders finished 29 - 2 last season winning the State Federation Class A championship.  They were ranked # 1 in the region by MSG and # 6 in the country by USA Today.  They have graduated last year's senior perimeter players, 5'8 Keydren Clark (now starring at St Peters), 6'0 Jason Wingate, 6'0 Steven Burtt, Jr., 6'4 Christian Brown, but return Shagari Alleyne (7-3 senior GB # 1), Carl Gervias (6-6 senior GB # 38), Steve Dyer (6-2 senior GB # 72), Russell Robinson (6-2 junior GB # 4), Arturo Dubois (6-6-junior GB # 8), Weyimini Efejuku (6-2 junior GB # 32), Nigel Wright (64 jr GB # 43), Theodore Mack (5-11 jr, pg GB # 62), Jerrell Mills (6-0 so. Pg GB # 8), Marquez Cox (5-10 so pg GB # 38), Steve Walker (6-1 so GB # 20), Curtis Kelly (6-7 fr GB # 1) and Kashief Pratt (6-1 fr GB # 5). Arturo and Shagari rarely played together last season so there's a concern about how well they'll play together. Freshman Curtis Kelly may be the region's best behind Derrick Caracter and he should see plenty of playing time.  Add Gervais to that frontcourt talent. The challenge for coach Hicks and the Raiders will be getting the ball to all that talented size. Russell Robinson is a wonderful perimeter player but he's not a natural point guard.  The other guards in the program are untested. If  as a group they can just protect and distribute the ball, Rice will once again compete on the highest level.  3/26/02  USA Today Super 25 boys basketball rankings --  Final rankings -- '#6 Won the State Federation Class A title, defeating Henninger (Syracuse) 61-53. Keydren Clark scored 16 points and Steve Burtt Jr. added 15. Defeated Lincoln (Brooklyn) 50-48 in semifinals. Also won the City CHSAA Class A title.'  11/16/02 Hoopstown Top 25 High School Rankings: nationally # 16. 11/20/02 USA Today: Super 25 boys basketball rankings. Preseason rankings includes # 15. Rice, New York, N.Y. (29-2). Returning starters: 3. Outlook: Shagari Alleyne, a 7-2 Rutgers-bound center, controls the middle, while 6-6 Arturo Dubois and 6-2 Russell Robinson are suited for a quick transition game. The New York Federation Class A and Catholic League champions play another marquee national schedule

Dime Magazine Top 25 High School Team Preview -- # 20. Rice (Manhattan, N.Y.) (29-2) -- The defending Class A state Federation champions are focused around its massive 7’3”, 255-pound behemoth in the middle. Shagari Alleyne has the dominating height but is lacking a matching offensive game to boot. Unless it finally all comes together this season, Alleyne is destined to become the basketball community’s biggest waste of space since Keith Closs.

Seton Hall Prep, NJ.  Coach Bob Farrell's Seton Hall Prep team, the Pony Pirates, finished last season with a gaudy 23-4 record losing only to Lincoln NY, Rice, Holy Spirit and Bergen Catholic.  The BC loss was a crusher, 65 - 50 in the quarterfinals of the Parochial A North tournament where SHP was seeded second. They finished ranked # 10 in the state by NJ Hoops and PrepHoops had them ranked # 4 going into the state tournament. They've graduated Anthony Drejaj and Sean Bell but return four ranked seniors - 6-2 Jamar Nutter (NJH # 8),  5-11 point guard Shayle Keating (pictured, NJH # 49),  with forwards 6-4 Alex Busbee (NJH # 41) and 6-4 Pat McCrossan (NJH # 76).  The Metro roster had three other seniors - 6-0 Nick Nieves, 5-11 Matt Pleiffer and 6-4 Nkrumah Akanno as well as two 6-6 juniors - Sebastian Blaser (NJH # 97) and Chris Herbst.  The team strengyh may be in its sophomore class where they have six highly regarded players - 6-1 Anthony Pusar (NJH # 5), 6-5 Brandon

Costner (NJH # 6),  5-7 Chris Andrews (NJH # 30), 6-1 Mark Solomon (NJH # 31), 6-3 Brian Lytle (NJH # 23) and 6-1 Darryl Harvey (NJH # 64).  The latter two were not on the Metro Classic roster where SHP beat North Burlington and St Mary's LI before falling to CBA in the third round. The team's second game of the year is against St Joe's Metcuhen on 12/22/02 at the Tipoff Classic in Seton Hall University. They will be in the Beach Ball Classic, Myrtle Beach, SC  along with Archbishop Molloy, Christ the King and Don Bosco Prep during the Christmas holidays. Those two tourneys should give one early indication of the kind of year to expect. They'll be matched Against Elizabeth on 1/25/03 in the 7th Annual Coalition to House the Homeless at the Dunn Center in Elizabeth. Once again they've at least got Bergen Catholic, Paterson Catholic and Don Bosco Prep to contend with in the Parochial A North playoffs.  

Jeff Goldberg: 'Head coach Bob Farrell is coaching in his 26th year at Seton Hall Prep where his record stands at 540 - 136. The Pirates have won the following titles during his tenure: 17 Iron Hills Division titles out of 20, including the last 13,  6 Essex County titles, 12 Parochial "A" North titles, including 10 of the last 13, 9 Parochial "A" state titles including 8 of the last 13, state champions in 1999 and runners-up in 1991, '97, '98 and 2000. Bob coached the East team at last season's McDonalds game at Madison Square Garden.'

11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams # 6. Seton Hall Prep: Jamar Nutter wants to head to Seton Hall with TOC ring.

St Anthony, NJ. -- Coach Bobby Hurley's key players are Obie Nwadike, Terrence Roberts (he's grown a few inches in the last year to a legitimate 6-9 and was this summer's 5 Star Camp co-MVP), Marcus Williams, Otis Campbell, Ahmad Moseby, Lamar Alston, Barney Anderson, Derrick Mercer. They finished last season with a 29 - 1 record as New Jersey's Tournament of Champion winners, avenging their one in-season loss by topping Neptune 69 - 49 behind their great senior guards, Elijah Ingram, Dwayne Lee and Don Copeland. The three stars have graduated and this season St Ant's will rely on an experienced frontcourt and an unproven backcourt.  As always they will have coach Hurley, whcih almost alwaysy gives them an edge. The Friars made it to the Metro semis this summer before losing a hotly contested game to St Patrick.  11/5/02  Prep Stars Top 25 Preseason Poll  # 25 team -- Top Player: F-C Terrence Roberts (6-8, 220, SR), Starters: SF Marcus Williams (6-2, JR); G-F Lamar Alston (6-3, JR); PF Obie Nwadiake (6-4, SR); PG Admad Mosley (6-0, JR)  Others: G Shawn McGarity (6-0, SOPH); F-C Barney Anderson (6-5, SOPH); G Otis Campbell (6-2, JR)   Notes: Floor leader Elijah Ingram is at St. John’s, so now it’s up to Roberts to take the leadership role. The Friars will be strong up front with Roberts (Syracuse) and Nwadiake (Central Conn. St.), but the backcourt is inexperienced. Mosley will run the show while Alston should see time at shooting guard and small forward. Bob Hurley’s club will be more physical than a year ago and may have more depth, but they’ll sorely miss Ingram’s court presence.  Strength: Frontcourt; Athleticism  Weakness: Backcourt.'  11/9/02 NJ Hoops:  Coach Bob Hurley a treasure.   3/26/02  USA Today Super 25 boys basketball rankings --  Final rankings -- #2 Won its second consecutive and eighth overall State Tournament of Champions title, beating Neptune 69-49 before 10,000. St. John's-bound guard Elijah Ingram, who scored 20 points, was named the tournament's MVP. Also won its 23rd Parochial B state title, closing the season on a 19-game win streak.'  11/16/02 Hoopstown Top 25 High School Rankings: nationally # 22.  11/20/02 USA Today: Super 25 boys basketball rankings. Preseason rankings includes # 19. St. Anthony, Jersey City, N.J. (29-1).  Returning starters: 2. Outlook: Coach Bob Hurley says depth and youth (10 underclassmen) are is central to success. Sophomore transfer G Sean McCurdy joins, a sophomore transfer. Six-eight F Terrence Roberts (Syracuse) and 6-3 Obie Nwadike (Central Connecticut). 11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams # 4. St. Anthony: Could be final run for financially strapped Friars and coach Bob Hurley.  1/6/03 NJO: St. Anthony tops CBA, 41-29.  This is hardly the same St. Anthony team that captured the last two NJSIAA Tournament of Champions crowns as well as the esteem of basketball aficionados.

St Benedict, NJ. - The coach is Danny Hurley and his key players are JR Smith, Art Bowers, John Ezeokill, Stanley Branch, Bashir Mason, Eric Hazard and Alex Galindo.  They were the top rated prep team in New Jersey last season finishing with a 22 - 7 record. In this summer's Metro Classic playing without their star JR Smith, they lost to St Patrick in the championship game. JR was awesome playing for the Tim Thomas Playaz in this fall's IS8.  He'll be their star this season and may give Sebastian a battle for best junior in the region.  11/5/02  Prep Stars Top 25 Preseason Poll  # 2 team -- Top Player: SF J.R. Smith (6-6, 195, JR)  Starters: PG Artie Bowers (6-4, 190, SR); SG Bashir Mason (6-0, 170, SR); F Stanley Branch (6-8, 200, JR); Alex Galindo (6-6, JR)  Others: F Ismaila Traore (6-6, 225, SOPH); F Frank Tchuisi (6-9, 190, SOPH); F Eric Hazard (6-6, SR); F Aswan Minatee (6-5, SR); SG Jonathan Ezeokoli (6-3, JR)  Notes: Smith was a two-sport star at Lakewood and averaged 28.3 points and 6 boards last season, but opted to play for Hurley despite the fact that St. Benedict’s doesn’t even have a football team. He is a tremendous outside shooter who has started to go to the basket and has been re-classified as a junior. He’s caught the eye of many of the top schools, including North Carolina. Bowers (UMass) and Mason (Drexel) combined to average 25 points per game and are a top-notch backcourt who complement one another well. Branch can get up and down the floor with the best of them, but he’ll need to develop his mid-range game. Keving Palacios went back to Venezuela, but Hurley brought over one of Palacios’ countrymen ­ Galindo, a skilled wing player who can shoot and pass. There are 10 legitimate D-1 players up and down this roster.  Strength: Depth  Weakness: Are there enough basketballs to go around for all this talent?'  11/16/02 Hoopstown Top 25 High School Rankings: nationally # 16.  11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams # 3. St. Benedict's: Bashir Mason, Stanley Branch, Art Bowers and J.R. Smith give coach Danny Hurley plenty of weapons.

St Dominic, LI.  Coach Ron Pavinelli: 'St Dom's will be a small quick, deep, guard dominated team this year. It will be led by senior guards Thomas Paul (6'1), Brian Leach (6'1) (Leach is currently recovering from a broken ankle and won't be available until early to mid December) and Leigh Moglia (6'0). All three are excellent all-around players and are being recruited by various Div. 1,2 and 3 schools. Their experience and leadership are keys to the team which must replace 3 key starters from last years team.

Up front the Doms will turn to 6'4 (Sr.) Steve Bilello and 6'3 (Sr.)Tyler Ruppel. Both Bilello and Ruppel are strong, physical players who can step outside and shoot as well as score in the paint. Their ability to rebound and defend in the post are keys to success this year. 6'2 (Jr.) Dwayne Whitfield, is a much improved athletic slasher, who is looking to have a breakout year this season.

St. Dom's will be a very deep team, with help being provided by a host of seniors and juniors. Guards 5'9(Sr.) Derrick Mitchell, 5'10(Jr.) Max Most, 5'6(Jr.) Manny Olivo and 5'10(Jr.) Chris Murphy will all be vying for significant playing time. Up front, the Doms will look for help from 6'8(Sr.) Sam Wallace, 6'5(Jr.) Dan O'Grady, 6'2(Jr.) Dave Kennedy, 6'0(Jr.) C. J. Ericson and 6'1(Jr.) Jimmy Burke.

Talented sophomores Bobby Kiernan, a 6'2 guard and Brandon Serrano, a 6'6 forward are expected to make strong contributions.

Key non-league games on the Doms schedule include: Dec 8 Coaches v Cancer vs Columbus, Dec 14 Dan Trant Classic vs Robeson, Dec 19-23 Kreul Classic (Coral Springs, Fla),  Jan 11 Williamsport Classic vs Southern,  Jan 18 Canarsie,  Feb 1 Scholastic Play by Play @ Villanova,  Feb 8 Poughkeepsie @ Marist College and Feb 16 St. Anthony (Jersey City).'

St. John the Baptist, LI. Jayson Kiang: ''The 2001-02 St. John the Baptist Cougars, under the leadership of head coach JD Walsh, had the best basketball team (14-11 overall, 7-5 Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA) that the school had produced in over ten years, and they will look to improve on that mark in 2002-03. Gone from last year's squad are NSCHSAA All-Long Island selections Marvin Cheese (New Mexico Military Prep) and Donald Brown (St. Thomas More Prep; committed to Bucknell for 2003-04), but returning for SJB are starters Kevin Spann (11 ppg, 7 assists) and Ryan Johnson (12.3 ppg, 95% FT). Spann (5'9") and Johnson (6'2") are regarded as two of the top guards in Long Island; Spann's ability to handle the ball and run the offense make him a D1 prospect, while Johnson's deft shooting touch make him a legitimate offensive threat. Also returning for SJB are guards Matt Domanico (5'10") and Nick Georgetti (6'2"), as well as forward Paul Reda. Georgetti, who doubles as quarterback of the school's football team, has gotten much stronger from last season, while Reda, at 5'11", will be asked to defend the opponent's best post player. Newcomers who will be expected to log major minutes are JV call-ups Dan Masciello and Ryan McArdle, as well as sophomore John Filosa. Masciello (6'2"), the team's most versatile player, can play all five positions on the floor. McArdle (6'2", reigning 2002 NSCHSAA baseball MVP) will be called upon to rebound, while Filosa (5'9') provides quickness and adds depth to the backcourt.

St. John the Baptist will compete in the NSCHSAA with rivals St. Mary's (2002 "B" State Champions), St. Dominic's, Chaminade, and Kellenberg for the league's top honors. Outside the league, SJB will take on Frederick Douglass Academy in the Riverbank State Park High School Classic, William Floyd, LI Lutheran (2002 NYS "A" Semi-finalist), Msgr. Scanlan (2002 CHSAA "C" Champions), and Msgr. McClancy in the first round of the Northeast Catholic Basketball Classic at St. Joseph HS (CT).

The team will look to make up for its lack of size with pressure defense and creating offense from its defense. In four seasons, coach JD Walsh has brought the program back to a level of respectability, and will look to continue that success in 2002-03.'

St Mary, Manhasset, LI. Coach Tim Cluess: 'The Gaels look to have a very competitive season as we have 8 players returning from a championship season. We will be led by Momadou Diakhate a 6"4" guard who can score inside and out. He will prove to be one of New York's finest players again this season. LaJohn McFadden 6'3" guard and Tim Wall a 6'4" guard are two seniors that contributed a lot last year and both their roles should expand. Both are very good shooters and ball handlers. Bill Clarke a 6'6" senior is looking to have a big year as are fellow seniors Dan Nolan- 6'2" shooting guard, Devon Jarvis - 6'3" shooting guard and Nate Marner- 6'5" power forward .All of our seniors are college prospects. Devon Brown a 5'6" junior pt. guard and John Ager a 6'0" combo guard (leading scorer on J.V. last season) will add lots of shooting and defensive quickness to help our up tempo game.

Two sophomores could be the difference in how good our team becomes as the year progresses. 6'4" Tyson Johnson and 6'4" Dan Green. They are outstanding young players who should both be hi- level D1 prospects if they work hard. Both can go inside and out. Consistency will be a factor for both young players to help this team.

Three other players who have a chance this year are soph. Aleek Pauline a 6'0" pt. guard, freshman - Reseod Green-6'2" guard and freshman Gilbert Montalvo -5'8" guard. All 3 players have a very bright future ahead of them along with several other outstanding underclassmen mentioned above.'   3/26/02  USA Today Super 25 boys basketball rankings --  Final rankings -- #24 Won its second State Federation Class B title in three years, defeating then-No. 12 Amityville 65-61 in overtime.'

1/1/03 Newsday:  'Gaels a Force. Coach Tim Cluess (pictured left with his star Mamadou Diakhate - photo by Richard Slattery) has built St. Mary’s into Island’s preeminent program. Boys basketball has been the life force at St. Mary's since coach Tim Cluess brought home the first of five straight Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA titles in March, 1998.' Newsday: Nassau Boys: Uniondale Still Tops.   Suffolk Boys: Amityville Still Tough.   CHSAA Boys: Chaminade Flying to Top?   Private School Boys: LI Lutheran's Mission: A Return to Glen Falls

St Patrick, NJ  The Celtics coach is Kevin Boyle and his key players on the Metro Classic roster were Assad Shakir, Mike Nardi, Jason Patterson, Antoine Pryor, Grant Billmier, Desmond Sanders, Jean-Marie Manga and Trenton transfer Robert Hines. The 5-11 sophomore Tyrone Cook and freshmen Stanley Harris (6-6) and Daquan Cook (6-4) were on the Metro roster. M.I.A. were  22 - 6, # 5.  11/5/02  Prep Stars Top 25 Preseason Poll  Top Player: PG Michael Nardi (6-1, 165, SR)  Starters: C Grant Billmeier (6-11, 230, SR); F Derrick Caracter (6-9, 285, FR); G Jason Patterson (5-10, SR); F Robert Hines (6-4 _, 240, SR)  Others: F Assad Shakir (6-4, 215, SR); PG Antoine Pryor (5-9, SR); G Desmond Sanders (5-9, JR)   Notes: Boyle has no problem admitting this is one of the best teams he’s ever had and that’s saying a lot. Six of the top eight players are seniors. Nardi (Villanova) missed nearly all of last season with a broken foot and is a hard-nosed floor general who provides the Celtics with leadership. Billmeier, who needs to rebound and block shots, has progressed and will play at Seton Hall. Caracter may be the best freshman in the entire country, but he won’t be handed a starting spot by Boyle unless he earns it. Hines and Shakir are low D-1 talents who may be undersized, but they provide toughness. Patterson is a gunner who hit eight trifectas in the first half against Blair Academy last season.  Strength: Size   Weakness: Lack an athletic small forward. Tournaments: City of Palms (Fla.); Academy National Invitational (Texas); Prime Time Shootout (N.J.) Next Game: Dec. 20 vs. TBD at the City of Palms (Fla.).  11/16/02 Hoopstown Top 25 High School Rankings: nationally # 3.   11/20/02 USA Today: Super 25 boys basketball rankings. Preseason rankings includes 4. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (22-6).  Returning starters: 3. Outlook: PG Michael Nardi (Villanova) directs the offense after missing most of last season with a foot injury. C Grant Billmeier (Seton Hall), 6-5 Robert Hines (8 ppg, 8 rpg), 5-9 Jason Patterson and 6-4 Asad Shakir also return. F Derrick Caracter, 6-9, is considered the nation's top freshman. 11/22/02 Daily News NJ Top Teams #  2. St. Patrick's: With Mike Nardi running things, St. Pat's should be a Tournament of Champions contender.

 Dime Magazine Top 25 High School Team Preview -- # 3. St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) (21-6) -- Kevin Boyle’s squad is fresh off a summer in which they captured the inaugural national high school championship, beating out 200 teams for the crown, and also took home the Fall Jam Fest title. The Celtics are just loaded from top to bottom. Headlining the talent show is skin-and-bones, ‘Nova recruit point guard Michael Nardi. 6’10” Grant Billmeier is a double-double waiting to happen. Possibly the most heralded freshman of all time, 6’8” man-child Derrick Caracter, will start the season as the sixth man and finish it as a Top 25 player, regardless of class.

St Raymond, NY -- The big news for St Raymonds happened this September when long-time coach Gary DeCeasare accepted an assistant coaching position at Richmond, leaving ex-Raven Oliver Antigua as the interim head coach. Last year's Raven team finished with a 17 - 10 record, losing to Xaverain in the CHSAA quarterfinals as Chris Taft had a game high 23 points. They were hobbled all season by the loss of senior star Allan Ray who was injured for the regular season and rusty in the playoffs. This year coach Antigua will have a group of talented, experienced, but undersized players in seniors Daon Merritt (5-9 GB #14), Louie McCroskey (6-3 GB # 9), Tariq Atkins (6-2 GB # 31), Miguel Garcia (62 GB # 79), Corey Simmons (6-0 GB # 87) and juniors Gavin Grant (6-6 GB # 19), Brian Laing (6-3 GB # 9), Chester Taylor (6-2 GB # 95) and Wesley Wicks (5-11 GB # 36). The four sophomores, Ricky Torres (6-3 GB # 8), Shawn Hilliard (6-5 GB # 8), Charles Vasser (6-0 GB # 14) and Chris Bethel (6-2 GB 57) are talented but were not on the Metro roster, when the Ravens lost to McQuaid Jesuit from upstate in the third round. Their chances for playing time should be limited by the upperclassmen depth. For this season the team's Achilles heel once again appears to be the lack of a dominant big man and the problems they'll have when the opposition does have a strong inside presence like Shagari or Chris Taft. 11/4/02 Insiders.com: 'Oliver Antigua will be named the interim head coach at St. Raymond's for the year and we understand he has an excellent chance to become the full-time head coach. He'll have big shoes to follow considering DeCesare posted a 286-142 career record. However, you could see DeCesare had been grooming Antigua as the coach in training handled a lot of coaching assignments with the New York Ravens.'     11/5/02  Prep Stars Top 25 Preseason Poll Top Player: G-F Louis McCroskey (6-3, 180, SR) Starters: PG Daon Merritt (5-9, 185, SR); SF Tariq Atkins (6-3, 185, SR); F Brian Laing (6-5, JR); F Gavin Grant (6-6, JR) Others: PG Corey Simmons (6-0, SR); SG Miguel Garcia (6-2, SR); F Chris Bethel (6-5, SOPH); G Ricky Torres (6-3, SOPH); G Wesley Wicks (5-11, JR)  Notes: Long-time Ravens head man Gary DeCesare left for an assistant job at Richmond and has been replaced by Antigua, who has been on the staff for the past three years. McCroskey (Syracuse) came out of nowhere to lead the team in scoring last season and is one of the more underrated players in the country. Merritt (Richmond) is a hard-nosed floor leader who gets everyone involved while Atkins will head to Iona next season. Laing and Grant not only give the team youth, but also size up front.  Strength: Continuity (the team played together all summer), toughness  Weakness: Rebounding.  11/16/02 Hoopstown Top 25 High School Rankings: nationally # 23.  11/20/02 USA Today: Super 25 boys basketball rankings. Preseason rankings includes # 11. St. Raymond, Bronx, N.Y. (17-10).  Returning starters: 4. Outlook: Coach Oliver Antigua takes over for Gary DeCesare, who is an assistant at the University of Richmond. No surprise that PG Daon Merritt signed with Richmond. Two 6-3 players, Louis McCroskey (Syracuse) and Tariq Atkins (Iona), should make the coaching transition smooth

Dime Magazine Top 25 High School Team Preview -- # 8. St. Raymond (Bronx, NY) (17-10) -- Daon Merritt is a bowling ball of a point guard but he creates wrecking ball sized damage when he hits the lane. Tariq Atkins plays the strong wing, knocking back threes if the D sags or muscling on by if he’s getting suffocated. ‘Cuse recruit Louie McCroskey is one intense baller. Few people want to cross his path when the motor’s humming. Brian Laing and Gavin Grant round out a potent lineup that hopes to run away with the NYC crown.

Tilden, NY  Coach Rock Eisenberg: 'Our first five is strong on athletic ability and speed and short on size. Our tallest starter is 6' 4' 250 lbCharles Barkley clone Andre King, ''Dre'' can flat out score and really handle the ball in the open court. Our best all around player is super combo guard Nathaniel Sudlow who combines athletic ability and court smarts with an 84 gpa and a 930 SAT on his fist take. Team Capt. '61''John King is our anchor on ''D'' and is a slasher who can score in bunches,'5 7'' Joey Baptiste pushes the ball, gets in the lane and finishes plays very well. Our 5th starter is 6' 3''Delphinaud Jean Pierre who may well be our key man .If ''Del'' can raise his game to match his effort and athletic ability we may well challenge the top teams in our tough league and in the PSAL city wide. 6' 8' senior Phil Jones is a long talented athlete who must put it together in class and on the court to be a major factor for Tilden this year. Another key man for us is 5'11'' shooting guard Andy Rawlins. Andy can fill it up and often inspires our team with his hustle and desire. Our team is rounded out by, 6'4' Mirville Jean Cleary, 6' 5'' Kaaro M. Dick, 5' 11' Brendon Luckain and defensive stopper Jakim Redhaed. Others who will contribute to our team are,6' 7'' Kwaime Reid 90 gpa, 5' 10'' Mayor of Tilden super competitive 93 gpa Brian Dennis,. The 5'8'' pg junior Jimel Girrod is another player who must come up big if we are going to push our way into the playoffs in our ''loaded league''. We will add one or two other players to our ''Crew'' for the season but as of now those spots are up in the air. My assts. this year will be former Tilden and Brandeis U. Capt. Michael George, Antony Burke and former Tilden and U. B. star ''Big ''MIke Mckie.

Samuel J.Tilden H.S., ''Blue Devils'', 5800 Tilden Ave Brooklyn N.Y.11234. 718 444 7722.  Principal Mr. J. E. Miskiewicz, AD Ms. Joanne Belinsky   Team info: Tilden made two trips to the PSAL final four and one trip to the elite eight during Coach ''Rock'' Eisenberg's first tenure at Tilden 1990 -98 and now thanks to the fine group of student /athletes that former coach Jeff Schrier has left me we are looking to get back to that level once again.

Some of the outstanding players in our recent past are William Edwards, Haslyn Cozier, Taj Moore and Alphonso Banton class of 2001, Mike Mckie, Kerry Hendrickson, Richard Edwards class of 1996,  Ed Cota, Michael George class of 1993 and Kevin Simmons class of 1992.'

Union, NJ. Coach Bobby Grauso: 'The 2002-2003 Union Farmers should be much improved over last year. We will have 7 returning lettermen who all saw plenty of varsity action a year ago. Union will be led by two seniors. Solid guard Alain Eugene and 6'0 forward, who plays bigger, named Greg Malval. Both started as juniors last year. Union will not have great size but will try to make up for that with speed and quickness. A 4 guard rotation will help us but pressure on other teams. Senior Tyrone Hairston will help but 94 feet of pressure on opponents. Along with Hairston and Eugene, Union has 2 talented junior guards in Sam Cherlius (#91 NJHoops) and an excellent shooter in Faiz Mahmud (#83 NJHoops). Both are college prospects. As always playing in the tough Watchung Conference will be a challenge. Games against top ranked teams such as Newark Eastside and Elizabeth will highlight the scehdule. We also play in the Bridgewter X-mas Tournament with another very strong team in Piscataway H.S. Near the end of the season we have a match-up with Union County Rival St. Marys of Elizabeth in the Bernoskie Games at Rahway. I believe if we can get good play from our front line the Farmers will be a scrappy defensive team, who will be right in the mix in the Conference, County and State.'

Xaverian, Brooklyn, NY -- John P Miciotta: 'Consecutive trips to the CHSAA semifinals have brought the Clippers their greatest success since the days when Carlton Screen Jr. played point guard. While the focal point of those teams, Chris Taft, is back for his senior season, three key seniors from last year's squad have moved on. Shamar Green, Shawn Wynn and John Sclifani all played key roles and allowed Taft to flourish in the post. This year, the 6'9" Pittsburgh recruit must provide leadership as well as the scoring and presence inside..

Taft and coach Jack Alesi can take heart however. Although the losses are significant there are several players who will move to the varsity this year who have the potential to help. While the newcomers will no doubt experience some growing pains learning to compete at the varsity level, they also will help make this year's Clippers quicker and more athletic than they've been the past two seasons. There's lots of good depth on the wings, to help offset the loss of Wynn, and at forward, to help replace Green. Finding a point guard may prove to be more difficult but if the youngsters can learn their roles and Taft can provide leadership, the team will be one that no one wants to face come playoff time.

The two players with the best chance to make immediate contributions are a pair of 6-2 junior wing men, Terrence Portis, and JR Mitchell. Portis is a player who did all the intangible things for last year's JV champs. He defended well, got key rebounds, and found ways to score within the team concept. If he can do those same things for this year's varsity, his minutes, and the team's chances for success will both be enhanced. Mitchell, who sat out last year after transferring from Midwood High, is athletic enough to defend both wing positions and has a knack for scoring along the baseline. He showed flashes of terrific ability this summer but must adjust to new teammates and a more structured game in high school basketball, in order to be a consistent contributor. A third wing player, sophomore Saiquan Stone, brings heady play, length and quickness to the mix, and can be a consistent scorer if he finishes strongly. Junior Brian Ameneiros is a terrific catch and shoot player, who may benefit from playing with Taft who is an accomplished passer from the post.

Several players also have the potential to assist Taft inside, 6'6" James Furlong, a junior who was a varsity reserve last year has a good nose for the ball but needs to get stronger. Clive Chapman, who started on JV last year can rebound but needs to stay out of foul trouble. Deon Mozalle is long and quick but his effort needs to improve.

Kyle Odom, a 5'9" senior will get first try at the point guard position. If he can make good decisions, defend the ball well, and knock down open shots he will be just what the doctor ordered for the Clippers. If he struggles, there's a chance the Clippers may run the offense through Taft in the post, and get a third athletic wing player on the floor to defend the point. The Clippers are a team with lots of questions but lots of talent. However with the two things they can count on, coach Jack Alesi and center Chris Taft, good things can be expected. If the newcomers play well there's every reason to think they can take the next step and play for a title this year.

The Clippers' JV team will almost certainly compete for a City title again this year. Sophs Mike Davis and Chris Lowery are two of the city's most improved players. Davis, an improving 6'8" lefty has quickness and gets better the more he plays. Lowery, a 6'5" forward is an explosive leaper who has obviously worked hard learning to become a wing player. He has dramatically improved his shooting and perimeter defense this summer. Those two front court stars will be assisted nicely by a pair of fine guards. Jake Stevens is very heady and can run a team, while Lavance Fields, who missed last season with an injured knee, will show outstanding shooting and penetrating ability if he's healthy. Although there's lots of talent, the best thing the Clippers' JV has going for it is coach Terrence Mullin, who is simply one of the best young coaches in the city. He will get a talented group of players to defend and be unselfish, which are ingredients to a championship team that are as essential to success as great players.

Heady point guard Brian McMikle highlights a fine freshman group that should help insure continued success for the Clippers.'