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Recent News; 

3/29/05 National Prep Basketball Poll - Final 2004-05 includes # 7. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep 30-1 earned state T of C title, # 16. Brooklyn, N.Y., Xaverian 20-12 state runner-up, 3-1 versus Top 25 teams in March, # 17. Manhasset, N.Y., St. Mary's 25-1 eliminated by No. 16 Xaverian in playoffs last two seasons and # 21. Elizabeth, N.J., St. Patrick's 28-4 most wins in school history.

3/29/05 USA Today Super 25 boys' basketball rankings lists # 5. Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J. (30-1). Result: Won State Tournament of Champions, beating then-No. 19 St. Patrick (Elizabeth) 63-60 in final. Coach Bob Farrell's team has made nine TOC appearances in tournament's 17-year history, with two titles. # 14. St. Mary's, Manhasset, N.Y. (25-1). Result: Won CHSAA Nassau-Suffolk championship. Finished second in CHSAA Class AA state tournament. # 15. Christ the King, Queens, N.Y. (24-3). Result: Advanced to Class AA CHSAA City semifinals. # 24. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (28-4). Result: Lost to then-No. 6 Seton Hall Prep (West Orange) 63-60 in State Tournament of Champions final.

All Hallows Bronx, NY   11/29/04 Coach Ed Gonzalez: 'All Hallows 2004-05 Basketball Preview -- Although the Gaels qraduated five seniors (three starters), all of whom went on to play college basketball, as second year head coach, I feel we have a good mixture of talented student athletes in 2004-05. Ready to step in and fill the void left by Ronald Ramon (U of Pittsburgh), Albert Forbes (LIU), Willie Carty (Dominican College), Brandon Nieves (SUNY Farmingdale) and Raymond Ozario (Lehman College) are a group of five seniors, five juniors and three sophomores.

This year's team hopes to be very competitive. They are led by a couple of three year varsity players in guard Codi Oliver (NY Daily News 2nd Team All Bronx in 2003-04) and guard Terrel Elliston, both seniors. The Gaels are looking to those two for their experience and leadership in order to be successful. I feel we may have more depth than last year, with seniors Mike Davis (NY Daily News honorable mention All Bronx 2003-04), Tirrel Hill and Daryl Washington. Those three must play well, and provide leadership as well to the Gaels' underclassmen in order for All Hallows to reach its potential.

Second-year varsity player, junior Darryl Crawford must step up his game and play well to give the Gaels a chance to win games. Although not yet challenged on the varsity level, juniors Mark Lake, Chris Batista, Tarik McDermott, and Gabriel Garcia, along with sophomores Chris De la Rosa, BJ Warrington, and Michael Hernandez must also contribute.

The Gaels schedule is, as always, very challenging. But if the Gaels are able to play their style of aggressive defense, work hard, and stay focused they will be able to surprise a few people, and be a contender for the league title.'

11/19/04 Scott Blackwood: 'There are a few players that I think should be ranked like Mark Lake 5'10 point guard class of  06 (All Hallows) Beijon Warrington 6'3 forward class of  07 (All Hallows ). I watched a lot of games this summer especially the Metro Swoosh in the Bronx. I've been watching Beijon this whole summer. Mark I saw him at IS8 with Beijon. They will be playing varsity.'

3/1/04 Daily News: All Hallows advances. Tops Holy Cross in double-overtime.

Art & Design, NYC  11/1/04  A & D is in the PSAL. Manhattan East division where last year Frederick Douglass (16-0), Wadleigh (14-2) and Manhattan Center (11-5) finished ahead of them during the regular season. They were seeded # 44 in the playoffs and lost their first round game 70-63 to # 21 Midwood.  Last season's junior star Kenyon Jackson averaged over 20 points and almost 11 rebounds a game for the Bulldogs but he is no longer playing for the school.

11/1/04 Wayne Crawford: 'This is my 1st season (former asst coach @ Newtown High School). Last season's record in league was 9-7 in Manhattan East “A”  Our key games in league are Wadleigh 11/30 & 1/6, Manhattan Center 12/7 & 1/12. Our tournaments are early: the Bergtraum Tournament on 11/20 and the Pioneer Classic on 12/18. I expect that our starters will be Brian Batista 5-8 senior point guard, Darryl Burns 6’-0 junior shooting guard, Sean Robinson 6-4 senior center, Anthony Sanders 6-2 sophomore power forward and Benjamin Williams 6-1 senior shooting forward.  

Others on the roster include sophomore shooting guard Karim Felder,  sophomore guard Daniel Garcia, freshman wing Charlton George, senior power forward Anthony Gonzalez, senior point guard Alveto Green, junior center Michael Howell, junior  forward Marquise Morrison, sophomore guard Alejandro Rivera, sophomore forward Luis Seda, senior wing Christian Smith, senior point guard Clifford Sterling, junior guard Michael Stewart and junior power forward Kwami Tulloch.'

Atlantic City, NJ  11/4/04 Reginald Kearney: 'Last season: 19-8, advanced to South Jersey Group 4 final, losing to eventual Group 4 State Champion, Lenape.

Projected starting line-up: Frank Turner, 5'9" junior point guard, Mark Crumble, 5' 10" senior shooting guard, Darryl Johnson, 6' 8"  senior center, Ed Keyes, 6' 7"  senior  forward and Derrick Williams, 6' 3" senior forward.

Key contributors off the bench will be Lawrence Owens (6' 4" junior), Darnell Davis (6' 5" sophomore) & Akeem Lloyd (5' 11" junior). After exceeding expectations (according to the "experts"), the team has high hopes, with an excellent chance to contend for the State Group 4 title.

Atlantic City plays in the Cape-Atlantic League, American Division. Key games will be against Cardinal Dougherty, PA (Boardwalk Classic @ Wildwood), Trenton, St. Benedict's (January 28 @ Battle By The Bay @ ACHS.), Shawnee (February 13 @ Olympic-Cape Challenge), Camden Catholic (February 19 @Cougar Classic @ CHE), St. Raymond's (January 15 @ Asbury Park) and a possible game with St. Augustine (Cape-Atlantic League Championship).'

12/1/04 Metro Hoops: Jersey sophomores under the radar - Darnell Davis (Atlantic City) 6-6 – Big D as he is called is a heavy banger. He does the dirty while playing. Davis takes up a lot of space and finishes inside. Darnell should see major minutes this year for the Vikings, helping their guards get open looks. 

6/04 Other players on the And 1 roster were 6-4 senior Tim Crilley, 6-5 junior Chris Johnson and 5-8 sophomore Raheem Holmes. The second year coach of the Vikings is Gene Allen and it's not an easy job (see 10/16/03 Philly.com: story). 

4/2/04 NJO. Boys Basketball Top 20 had Atlantic City listed often during the year but did not list the Vikings in the final poll. 

3/25/04 HoopsUSA Consensus Poll has an honorable mention for  Atlantic City, NJ (19-8).

3/9/04 Philly.com: Undefeated Lenape rolls to first title. Matt Betley and Jason Thompson led the way in a 66-51 rout of Atlantic City before a sellout crowd.

2/1/04 NJ Hoops: St. Augustine gets rivalry win 67-63 over Atlantic City Vikings.

10/16/03 Philly.com: Coaching Atlantic City HS is a no-win job.

Automotive, Brooklyn NY  11/8/04 Coach Will Stasiuk (www.psalhoops.com): 'The 2004-05 Automotive Pistons have an interesting year ahead.   This year's squad will be going through a rebuilding year despite the fact that five senior starters are returning from last year's playoff team.  The question is:  can a high number of inexperienced youngsters develop quickly enough to help the big 5 return to the post-season? Last year's team (13-12 overall / 8-6 league/ - lost to Susan Wagner 1st round PSAL Playoffs) was marked by balanced scoring as all five starters averaged over 10 points per game.  Can one or two of them step forward and be the go-to guys this year?

Four year player and 2003 team MVP, point guard Eddie Hood (5'7") is the engine that revs up the Automotive offense (10.2 ppg / 7.1 apg - 2004). He is a talented pure point guard who plays tougher than his size indicates. Big man (6'7") Jovon Moses (13.4 ppg / 12.6 rpg) had an uneven junior campaign limited by an ankle injury which caused him to miss 8 games and play hurt all season. He is healthy this season and is expected to give the team a big lift.  Guard Tramone Clark (6'0', 15.9 ppg / and 26 charges drawn) is an explosive player who gives it 110 % all the time. Willie Gooding (5'8", 10.4 ppg) is the third guard in the three guard offense and the most dangerous 3 point threat. Forward Terry Brooks (6'2", 10.6 ppg) rounds out the starting five as he is the team's best finisher.

Third year senior guard Levar Braithwaite (5'8) is the only upperclassman veteran player. The team could get a big lift if much improved junior workhorse Antonio Hernandez (6'1" )  becomes eligible on the 2nd report card. Senior newcomers, 6'2 Arial Lopez & 6'1 Tesfa Dennis should help provide the smallish  Pistons with a little depth at forward. Junior guard Travis Wilson should also contribute immediately this season.  Automotive also has a large group of underclassmen on their 20 man roster, who should become key players in the future. If any of them step forward this season the team could be better than expected.  These players include sophomores: Jonathan Rodriguez, Orin Stancil, Lloyd Richards, Sean Gregory & Jquan Webb and freshmen: Brandon Baskerville, Leonard Haynie, Ruddy Vasquez, Michael Thomas & Kashaun Cruell.

The Pistons play in the much-tougher Brooklyn II-A league. City stalwart Benjamin Banneker and the 2003-04 city 'B' league champions Susan B. Mckinney have joined the division making it more challenging.  The last two years the Pistons finished 11-5 and 8-6 to clinch playoff berths in divisional play, this year should be a greater challenge.  As usual the team is involved in several tournaments including the Gobbler Snowflake Classic (1st round game 12/3 at 7:30 p.m. vs. 2004 Queens I-A champions LIC) & The Paul Kuzco Memorial Tournament in Stamford, CT during the Christmas break.

It should be real interesting to see where the Pistons go this year.'  

Bay Shore, Long Island  12/1/04 Coach Ken Parham: 'The Bay Shore Marauders (Suffolk County, Long Island) come into the 2004-2005 campaign with high hopes. Last year’s team went undefeated in League II as they captured their third League Championship in the past eight years.  They won the first ever Suffolk County AA Championship and posted a stellar overall record of 20-3.  Bay Shore narrowly missed a trip upstate falling to Uniondale in the Long Island Championship by a single point.  The bitter taste of that defeat along with All Long Island returnees Bryant Lassiter (1st team) and Aikeem Vanderhorst (2nd team) should make Bay Shore a formidable foe for everyone. My troops are no strangers to success, having been to the Suffolk County Finals 3 times in my 8 year tenure. We will again be one of the teams to beat on Long Island.  The relentless pressure and up-tempo style should be fun for fans and players alike. Sophomore Chris Obi will bring intensity while the Ferguson twins (Brandon and Michael) will add athleticism to round out the Marauders starting lineup.

Bay Shore will play in the Western Suffolk Official’s Tournament at Suffolk CC Seldon on Dec.10th. Bay Shore plays West Babylon at 6:30 and Brentwood plays St. Anthony’s (Long Island) at 8:15.  The championship game is Saturday, Dec. 11th at 8:15.  Most are hoping to see Bay Shore vs. Brentwood in the final, which could be the biggest rivalry on all of Long Island.

Bay Shore also will play in the Rim Rockers Classic at Longwood High School Dec. 27-29.  Bay Shore plays Lower Merion on December 27th at 5:30.  Other teams in this tournament are:  Longwood HS, Friendly HS (Maryland), Lower Merion HS (Pennsylvania), Archbishop Carrol HS (Washington D.C.) Kings Park HS, Hempstead HS, and New Rochelle HS.'

10/13/04 Coach Ron Dennis of K.Y.D.A. 'Now that our season is over at the I.S. 8 High School preseason basketball classic, I'd like to reflect on some of the players at K.Y.D.A. who are considered hidden gems. Hidden gems are lesser known players that are solid in the classroom and solid on the basketball court but are not household names. One of the players considered high on the hidden gems list is Bay Shore H.S. senior 6'5" Akeem Vanderhorst. Akeem is a warrior. A player that many college coaches and scouts know less about and a player that matches up nicely among the top ranked players in the metro area. Vanderhorst is a quiet young player who brings his lunch box and hard hat to each and every game. He led Bay Shore H.S. to become the 2003-04 Suffolk County Champs.'

10/12/04 Coach John McCaffrey: Tonight, at CW Post College, will be the 5th annual Long Island Coaches vs. Cancer Challenge, Suffolk vs. Nassau. Suffolk's team includes Akeem Vanderhorst and Bryant Lassiter of defending county champion Bay Shore.'

3/13/04 Newsday: Uniondale at the wire; Feurtado's putback caps rally from 21 down, stuns Bay Shore. Jason Lamarre wound up with the ball, broke down the Bay Shore defense and missed a runner, but Lance Feurtado happened to be waiting on the weak side. Feurtado, a sophomore reserve forward, grabbed Uniondale's biggest rebound of the season and banked in a putback with seven-tenths of a second left.

3/4/04 Newsday: Brian Lassiter steals the show. Crucial play lifts streaking Bay Shore to Suffolk Class AA championship and date with Amityville. 

3/4/04 Coach Ron Dennis of K.Y.D.A. 'Congratulations to Coach Ken Parham & coaching staff of Bay Shore for winning the Class A.A. Title of Suffolk County.. Senior leadership and a strong inside presence was the key factors that enabled Bay Shore to prevail over an evenly matched Longwood H.S. team. Akeem Vanderhorst proved to be a force for Bay Shore in the paint and seniors Tyrone Robinson & Keith Hinnant held the the troops together as Bayshore struck first gaining a 21- 15 pt lead at the end of the first quarter. Longwood fought back and took a 34-32 halftime lead. This was a see-saw game until junior p.g. Brian Lassiter stole the ball with 1:53 left to go in the fourth quarter to give Bay Shore the lead after trailing by as many as five pts. The Marauders of Bayshore never looked back as they went on to win this contest 62-56. Bay Shore (20-1) will take on Amittyville H.S. A div Champions of Suffolk county at Stony Brook University on Saturday March 6, 2004 for Champions of Suffolk County.'

Bayside, NY. 12/14/04 Humberto Corredor Jr, assistant coach: 'Head Coach Joseph Capuana. Senior - William Garvin (PG), Senior - Ryan Eisner (SG), Junior - Patrick Hazel (C), Soph.  - Brandon Smith (SF/PF), Soph.  - Christo Lemoine (PF/C), Soph.  - Cameron Sutton (PG/SG), Soph.  - Justin Garvin (SG), Soph.  - Darryl Brown (PF), Junior - Troy Phillips (PG/SG), Junior - Raymond Furel (SG), Junior - Brandon Mcgue (SF), Junior - Jovan Leacock (PG/SG), Junior - Neville Townsend (SG/SF), Junior - Seth Mctigue (PF), Junior - Akeen Baird (SF). Currently inactive: Junior - Otis Campbell (SF/PF) and Senior - Calvin Rhoden (SF/PF). 

Bayside comes into the season with a young crew. William Garvin and Ryan Eisner, the starting backcourt are the only two seniors and leaders of this team. William Garvin played two years at Christ the King before transferring and Ryan Eisner is playing his fourth year of varsity basketball. They need significant help from big men Patrick Hazel and Christo Lemoine. Also key roles will be played by sophs. Brandon Smith, Cameron Sutton, Justin Garvin who all played varsity last year as freshmen. Joining them is big man Darryl Brown who came off a strong JV season last year. Bayside will also be waiting for the return of Otis Campbell who is out due to an ankle injury. Also Calvin Rhoden is looking to become eligible and join the team.'

Benjamin Banneker, Brooklyn, NYC.  11/5/04 Their coach is Wendell Saunders. The Warriors are no longer in the brutal Brooklyn III A division with Boys & Girls, Robeson, Canarsie, South Shore and Tilden but have moved to the comparatively easier Brooklyn II A with Automotive, Grand Street Campus and Erasmus. Last season they were 11-3 behind the 12-2 Boys & Girls and were seeded # 9 in the PSAL playoffs, where they took Brooklyn Technical 86-56 and Curtis 67-58 before falling 52-50 to Cardozo in the PSAL quarterfinals at St John's. They graduated ten players from that roster and lost 6-6 senior Rio Pitt, who transferred to Our Savior New American. Their star is the very talented 6-3 junior point guard Anthony Stukes, who averaged more than 16 points and 10 assists a game for the Warriors. Xaverian transfer and Pittsburg commit, 69 senior center Mike Davis figures to give them the most likely PSAL post player to challenge Cardozo's Theo Davis.

Other players on their current roster are senior Anthony Brown, senior Gerell Haynes, senior Jahi Mays, junior Marc Manning, junior Artist McDuff (more than 13 points and 10 rebounds for the junior varsity), junior John McMichael and junior Albert Webb.  Meanwhile, Rio Pitt has transferred to OSNA.

11/27/04 NY Hoops: Banneker steals one from Canarsie. 

11/23/04 NY Post: Free agents transfer power to Banneker.

10/25/04 NY Post: 'Former Xaverian standout Mike Davis, a 6-8 center who committed to Pitt as a junior, impressed his new coach, Banneker's Wendell Saunders. "There's no one else like him in the PSAL," said Saunders, who guided the Warriors to the finals two years ago. "He's going to make a huge difference."  

Saunders added that Davis would be eligible, as would junior Anthony Stukes, who has battled academic issues in the past. Stukes likely will be the only returning starter for Saunders, who has had an influx of transfers. "We want to get back to the Garden," Saunders said. "That's the motivation."

Bishop Ford, Brooklyn, NY. 11/23/04 Pete Goyco: 'The 2004-05 Bishop Ford Falcons have a lot of questions that need to be answered quickly in order to see if they are to contend in the ever-difficult CHSAA “A” South Division.

The Falcons return a bunch of seniors who received their baptism under fire during a very difficult and disappointing 2003-04 season.  Back to help the Falcons is 6-2 senior Jakaria Thomas.  Thomas was named to the All League Team “South” last season. With his cut/slashing style, Jakaria hopes to improve on his scoring totals from the previous year.  Carl Green joins Thomas as the sole two returning starters.  The 6-1 Green brings his outside shooting and tenacious defense to the team.  Carl will be asked to run the point position this year as opposed to his playing the off guard last year.  The biggest addition to the team this year is 5-7 off guard Bobby Ferryman.  The transfer Ferryman brings his scoring, defensive intensity to a team that needs to defend well night in and night out in order to have a successful campaign.  Rounding out the starting unit will be 6-1 guard Willie Green (twin brother of Carl).  Willie will be asked to contribute good guard play as well as his defense.  Willie can shoot the ball and will be also asked to contribute in the scoring category.  The other starter will be 6-2 forward Justin Alexander.  The quiet Alexander will be asked to contribute his inside presence both on the defensive and offensive end.  Justin will be asked to defend and rebound.

Coming off of the bench will be seniors 6-3 Laurence Hill, 5-10 Kreshnik Kukaj, 6-2 Scotty Williams and 6-1 Jeff Delva.  These players will be asked to come off the bench and contribute in many ways such as scoring and defense.  A bunch of juniors who enjoyed a very successful JV campaign join the varsity for the first time.  6-2 Michael Troeller and 6-3 Kevin Purcell will be asked to rebound and score around the basket while 6-0 Mike Castolano, 6-0 Mark Cangiano and 5-9 Victor Rodriguez will be asked to take care of the ball and score when needed. 

If the Falcons can defend and take care of the basketball, this upcoming season could turn out to be quite a pleasant surprise!  Stay tuned!'

11/23/04 The Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School (BFCCHS.) Falcons are in the six team CHSAA A South division with St Johns Prep, LaSalle Academy, Nazareth, Xavier and St Edmund. They play each of those teams home and away and each of the six teams in the North once. They were 1-15 in league play last season and 3-22 overall.

Bishop Loughlin, Brooklyn, NY  11/24/04 Rudy King: 'Principal: Brother Dennis Cronin, Athletic Director: Mike Williams, Head Trainer: James Ross, Head Coach: Khalid Green, Assistant Coach: Gregg Vance, Assistant Coach: Rudy King. Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School located in nostalgic Brooklyn, New York was established in 1829 and is one of New York Cities most notable high school institutions. Former stand-out student athletes include: Mark Jackson (NBA), Sheldon Jefferson (West Virginia), Brian Brown (Ohio State), as well as Curtis Sumpter (Villanova) are just a few who have paved the way.

The 2003-04 Lions Men’s Varsity Basketball Program shocked the basketball community by having a very successful year finishing (17-11) and in the top (10) in three of New York Cities most notable tri-state high school basketball polls. The Boy’s JV program also had a strong year going to the CHSAA Championships.

This year's team lead by (Daily News Coach of The Year Nominee) sophomore varsity head coach Khalid Green (17-11), features CHSAA All-City Sr., 5’ 9” (G) Herbie Allen, four returning varsity athletes senior 6’ 1” (G) Khalil McDonald, Jr., 6’ 4” (WF) Shumuir Williams, Sr., 6’ 3” (WF) Tyri Corbell, Sr., 6’ 4” (F) Derrick Charles, five prominent members of Junior Varsity runner-up CHSAA Champions, So., 6’ 1” (G) Darius Gabriel, So., 6’ 8” (F/C) Christian Morris, Jr., 6’ 2” (G) Tremain Gary, Jr., 5’ 10” (G) Antwun Gibson, Jr., 6’ 5” (PF) Ian Sowell and three newcomers Sr., 6’ 2” (WF) Chris Gibbs, Sr., 5’ 8” (G) Donald Herndon, Jr. and So., 6’ 8” (WF) Devin Ebanks.

2003-04 Accomplishments -- Daily News Coach of The Year Nominee, program record 17-11 (overall), 42nd Annual Monsignor King Champions, CHSAA Brooklyn-Queens Diocesan Championships Runner-Up, NYC CHSAA Semi-Finalist and Riverbank State Park High School Basketball Classic Runner-Up.'

11/28/04 Chuck Vance, Bishop Loughlin Basketball assistant coach: 'The 2004-05 Lions Basketball team in its second year under the leadership of Coach Khalid Green lost to St. Raymond in the NYCHSAA semi-finals by five points. The Lions are returning seniors co-captain Herbie Allen, 5’10”, (second team  All City), co-captain Khalil McDonald 6’, Tyri Corbell 6’2”, Derrick Charles 6’ 3” Chris Gibbs 6’ and Donald Herndon 5’7”. The juniors are Shamir Williams 6’3” who is expected to carry the rebounding load, Tremaine Gray 6’1” Ian Sowell 6’4”, Antoine Gibson 6’. Our super sophomores who are expected to make immediate impact are Christian Morris 6’8”, Devon Eubanks 6’7” and Darius Gabriel 6’. These are the Lions of Loughlin and the roar is back!'

Roster # Name: 3 Khalil McDonald, 10 Antwun Gibson, 12 Donald Herndon, Jr., 14 Darius Gabriel, 15 Herbie Allen, 20 Tramain Gary, 21 Derrick Charles, 24 Shumuir Williams, 30 Chris Gibbs, 32 Tyri Corbell, 34 Devin Ebanks, 50 Ian Sowelland and 52 Christian Morris.

10/25/04 The Lions play in the CHSAA Division AA (toughest) West with home and away games against Rice, Xaverian, All Hallows and Christ the King. They play the East teams - St Rays, Molloy, St Francis Prep and Holy Cross - once each for a 12 game league season. Last year was Coach Khalid Green's first after taking over for Ted Gustus. The Lions were a respectable 5-8 in the league and 15-12 overall. They graduated guard Desean Gist (11.8 ppg.) and 6-6 forward Todd Sowell (10.6 ppg.) but return their senior guards Herbie Allen (last season's 17.1 ppg. make him the CHSAA. top returning scorer) and Khalil McDonald, who will probably team with sophomore sensation, Darius Gabriel in a three guard rotation. There's more backcourt help from 6-2 junior Shamuir Williams and the two sophomores, 6-0 Marcus Matthews and 5-9 Mike Douglas. They've got frontcourt size with 6-5 senior Derrick Charles and sophomores 6-8 Christian Morris, 6-6 Devin Ebanks and 6’6 Elan Dejourdan, but none of them has much experience. They also have a solid freshmen class which includes 5-8 Blaise Ffrench, 5-7 James Johnson and 5-4 Jabbar Singletary but they lost two prize freshmen in 6-4 Curtis Loving to Rice and 6-4 forward Albert (AJ) Rogers, who has enrolled at St. Anthony in Jersey City. 

Their non-league schedule includes Sunday 12/5/04 for NY Hoops Tourney, Saturday 12/11/04 for Big Apple Classic, 12/18 & 12/19/04 Riverbank Tourney,  12/26-12/30/04 Monsignor King Tourney and 1/16/05 MLK. Classic at LIU.

Basketball website is at http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=loughlin. 

11/17/04 NY Hoops: Herbie Allen Injures Ankle.

8/5/04 NY Hoops: # 9. Bishop Loughlin- 'The backcourt of Herbie Allen and Darius Gabriel may end up being the best in the City. What may make this team very formidable is the size and strength of their frontcourt of 6’8 Christian Morris and 6’6 Elan Dejourdan both sophomores. Shamuir Williams will provide athleticism at the wing position. The question for Loughlin is who is going to contribute off the bench?'

The Buccaneer newcomers are 6-2  junior wing Dane Trotter from Danby Vt, 6-6 post-grad Kenton Thornton from Dallas Texas and 6-2  post-grad Brian Baudinet, a guard from Connecticut. 

Their league, the Mid-Atlantic Prep (MAPL), includes Lawrenceville Prep, Hun, Peddie, Hill (PA) & Mercersburg (PA). Blair was the three time defending MAPL champ before Lawrenceville Prep won it all last season. With the drop-off in talent from the Loul Deng and Charlie Villanueva team of two years ago it will be difficult to be in the hunt once again for the NJ prep school championship. 

The Blair Academy basketball website is at  http://www.blair.edu/Athletics/Basketball_B/ath_t_boys_basketball.shtm.

10/27/04  Prep Profile: Blair Academy. North Carolina Native Shamari Spears Leads Blair.

2/1/04 NJ Hoops: NJ preps split at Lehigh Valley Hoopfest as St Benedict's wins and Blair Academy loses.

Bloomfield Tech, NJ  10/30/04 Coach Nick Mariniello's Spartans had three senior D1 guards last season in Courtney Nelson (Richmond), Jason Wilson (Quinnipiac) and DaShawn Dwight (Quinnipiac), plus two impressive sophomores in 6-8 center Casim Drummond and 6-5 wing Dasean Butler. With all that talent they began the year as one of New Jersey's top rated teams before losing early and often to fall off the ranking's radar. But they got hot at season's end beating Burlington City 67-60 in the Group 1 state final, handing Lenape its only loss of the year in the TOC quarter-final and taking St Augustine 76-59 in the semi-final game to ride all the way to the TOC championship where they finally lost to powerhouse St Anthony. With the three senior starters and four other seniors on the roster now graduated from the program Coach Mariniello, Drummond, Butler and senior guard John Cavannes, face a long season ahead of them. 

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 7. Bloomfield Tech Losing three Division 1 guards would usually mean curtains for most programs, but the underclassmen for the Spartans seem ready to keep the run going. Look for BT to make another run at the Group 1 title. Key players: 5’9 Sr. Guard John Cavanes, 6’5 Jr. Forward Dasean Butler, 6’8 Jr. Center Casiem Drummond, 6’2 Soph. Guard Rashawn Dwight.

11/10/04 Coach Nick Mariniello: 'Our juniors, Casim and Desean, are the strength of our team but there are seven other players worth noting. Our 5-9 senior guard John Cavanes is a great on the ball defender, who can change a game with his defense. Three juniors, 6-7 Kelvin Brown, 6-2 Dante Rollins and 6-0 Marquise Moore will vie for playing time as will two sophomores, 6-1 Rashon Dwight (DaShawn Dwight's younger brother) and 6-0 Wesley Jenkins (the Dwight's cousin). One freshman will make the varsity and that's 6-0 point guard RJ Hall, who will be very good when he learns our system. 

Our first game of the year is on Saturday, 12/18, the Hoop Group Tip-off Classic at Seton Hall University vs. Raritan, another team that made it to last season's TOC. We play Passaic Tech on 1/17 at the Freedom Fighters Classic, Cardozo on 1/31 in the Hope thru Hoops at St. Johns and South Brunswick in the Prime Time showcase game.'

4/2/04 NJO. Boys Basketball Top 20:  2-Bloomfield Tech (25-8).

3/24/04 North Jersey Sports: St. Anthony finishes off its perfect season. 

3/20/04 Philly.com:  Bloomfield Tech takes another big foe down. St. Augustine comes up short.

3/19/04 Philly.com: Bloomfield Tech showing area teams how it is done.

3/18/04 NJ Hoops: Bloomfield Tech cruises in TOC quarter, beats previously unbeaten Lenape 71 - 57.

3/15/04 NJ Hoops: Defending Group 1 champs Bloomfield Tech repeated as champs with a hard fought 67 - 60 victory over Burlington City tonight at Rutgers in Piscataway.  

Boys & Girls, Brooklyn. 11/22/04 Cheez Ezenekwe,  assistant basketball coach: 'Last year we made it to the PSAL. quarterfinals where we lost to Lincon HS the eventual city champs. Our overall record was 24-5. This year's team is led buy  6'9" Kevin Anderson, 6'6" Charles Duncan, 6'6" Leo Folkes, 6'5"Clovis Essis, 6'0" James Gilmore and  6'2" Will Jenkins, all seniors.  6'1" Darnell Campbell, 6'6" Xavier Gibbs, 6'0" Gary Sanders (a kid who scored 51 points in JV game last year) are juniors. Expect to see sophomores  6'0" Ricco Oliver, 5' 9" Kendell Cutler, 6'4" Antonio Johnson and 6'5" Malik Jenkins in the mix this year  Lastly I'd like to introduce a freshman who we feel could be the next Tyrell Cruz. He's 5' 7" Joseph "JoJo" Swift . We have several players who are academically ineligible but who are working hard in the classroom so they can rejoin us when we make a playoff push in February. Coach Lovelace is a very low-key coach. She feels that if we play tough and smart we will win a lot of games this season.

Here is a list of our  non-league games  11/19/04  New Utrecht HS we  defeated them 75-53 in the Jerry Gold Memorial Classic at Tilden HS James Gilmore scored 24 pts, Clovis Essis 16pts. 17rbs, Ricco Oliver and Gary Sanders both scored 13 pts.  On 11/27/04  we host the 30th Annual Kangaroo Classic at Pratt Institute Brooklyn NY where we'll face  McKinney HS. 12/12/04 Holy Cross HS at Baruch College,  1/13/05 at Grady HS, 1/16/05 The Nike Super Six at MSG and 2/2/05 at Cardozo HS.'

11/22/04 The 'roos play in the PSAL Brooklyn IIIA division where they were 12-2 with Robeson (9-5), Carnarsie (7-7) and Tilden (7-7). Last season's 11-3 Benjamin Banneker team has moved to IIA. 

11/22/04 NY Hoops: Boys and Girls 75 New Utrecht 54. 

Christ the King, Queens, NY. 11/10/04 Coach Bob Oliva: 'Are all the pieces in place for this year? We will find out in March. Five players who started at one time or another will be back for the Royals this year. Leading the way is 6-1 senior guard Chris Martin who will be a three year starter. Chris who plays both guard spots, was a sophomore on the Royals 2003 Catholic state championship team. Also back are three seniors, 6-8 center Adam Walker, 6-4 forward Akeem Gooding, 6-3 guard Niko Scott along with 6-3 junior guard Larry Davis. Walker will be looked upon to rebound and give the Royals a much needed inside game. Gooding who is a swing forward who is a hard worker and will provide help on both backboards. Scott who has committed to play at Columbia next year, is a heady player, who can really shoot the three. Larry Davis is ready to have a breakout year! As a freshman he was MVP of that team, but as a sophomore he had to adjust to play at the varsity level. Look for him to have an outstanding year. Up from last year's city championship freshmen team will be Malik Boothe, a 5-5 point guard who knows how to run the show. Also 6-4 sophomore Andrew Gabriel will move up to the varsity to help inside. Others who will be looked at to help are 6-4 senior Ahmed Allen and 6-3 junior guard Robert Hampton. 

The team can run, shoot, and should be another good C. K. defensive team. I like this team's chances of having an outstanding season, and know it will be one of the favorites to win the C.H.S.A.A. this year. The league is always strong and this year will be no different.'

12/5/04 Newsday: Reboarding title train. Christ the King has been without a CHSAA. championship since 1995, but a seasoned squad takes dead aim.

10/29/04 Last season coach Bob Oliva's Royals were 7-6 in the CHSAA and 17-11 overall. They lost 60-56 to St Raymond in the CHSAA quarterfinals. This year's version may go 10 deep with seniors 6-0 guard Chris Martin, 6'3 Akeem Gooding, 6'7 Adam Walker and 6'2 lefty shooter Nico Scott, the juniors  5-7 Darren Duncan,  6-2 Larry Davis, 6-2 Rob Hampton and 6-5 Ahmed Allen as well as the sophomores 6-4 Andrew Gabriel and 5-6 point guard Malik Boothe. The incoming freshmen class with6-4 Marquis Grant, 6-1 Joe Nuss, 6-3 Ryan Pearson, 5-9 Denzel Pressey, 508 Tony Turkovic, 5-9 lefty Kyle Contina and 5-4 Erving Walker looks to be one of the best in the city.

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 15 Christ The King – Middle Village, NY.

10/19/04 Student Sports Fab 50 preseason basketball rankings includes # 33. Christ The King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 18-10 (nr). Three senior veterans will lead this New York City and state contender. They are Chris Martin (6-0), Niko Scott (6-2) and Akeem Gooding (6-3).

8/5/04 NY Hoops: # 2. Christ the King- 'The one thing this team was missing last year was point guard; enter Malik Boothe. The 5’6 sophomore has already performed well with the team in summer tournaments and was even named the team’s MVP at the Hofstra Team Camp. If he wasn’t enough they have another small point guard 5’6 Darren Duncan backing him up who can do a lot of the same things as Malik. But the strength of this team will be the depth of the wing positions with Chris Martin, Niko Scott, Akeem Gooding, Larry Davis and Rob Hampton. The question for them is the same as most teams in the City how will the big men play. Adam Walker came on strong at the end of the season and they will need him to continue to improve. If sophomore Andrew Gabriel and junior Ahmed Allen can hold their own on the boards this team is going to be very tough to beat.'

Cardozo, Queens, NY.  10/30/04 Coach Ron Naclerio's Judges finished last season 14-0 in Queens IIA, 28-5 overall playing a difficult schedule. They ran through the playoffs beating Far Rockaway 82-69, Manhattan Center 67-46, Benjamin Banneker 52-50 and Sheepshead Bay 52-45 before losing to Lincoln in the PSAL. championship game 74-65 at the Garden.  They've graduated last year's seniors, Nick Flagg, Skyler Khaleel and Duane Johnson but return seniors Theo Davis, Vic Morris and Drew Gladstone, while adding the  transfers Wes Frederique, 5-7 Sean Crawford, 6-3 Devon Epps and 6-0 Marques Cox.

But the best news for Cardozo may be that Sebastian, Eugene and Antonio are gone from the Railsplitters and no one else in the PSAL. seems as strong as last year's Lincoln team. Expect the Judges to have the inside track to the Garden to meet either FDA, Wings, JFK, Lincoln, Banneker or some dark horse team for the PSAL championship. 

11/22/04 NY Hoops: Vic Morris Saves Cardozo.

11/22/04 Newsday: Call him anything you like, but Cardozo's Ron Naclerio is a winner.

11/9/04 Coach Ron Naclerio: 'Vic, Theo and Drew still haven't practiced much - Vic has tendonitis, Theo recovering from summer's ripped groin and Drew from a sprained ankle, unrelated to his summertime knee surgery. All three should be ready for the start of the season. The other five are practicing. That's 5-7 Sean Crawford (if he stays eligible he's solid), Marcus Cox (our hardest worker, looks good), Devin Epps (the St Raymond transfer is a poor man's Skyler Khaleel, he'll help us inside), Wes Frederique (a shooter) and 6-6 senior Kevin Hannoway, who will also help us inside. Our two promising freshmen are 5-6 point guard Vincent Scott and 6-5 forward James Southerland. Each could make the varsity this season. The two unknowns for the roster are 5-8 junior point guard Chris Holness who averaged 22 ppg. for the JV last season and 5-11 senior guard James Peters, who has never been eligible for us but could have been our sixth man last season. If James can stay eligible, he'll be a big boost to our roster.

Our first major game is vs. Wings on 11/20 at the Lehman Classic. We play Rice on 12/12 @ Baruch in the Catholic vs. Public Challenge. On 1/9 it's vs. Lincoln at LIU. We are in the Garden's Nike Super 6 vs. Xaverian on 1/16 and play nationally ranked Chester, Pa, the following day at the Hall of Fame game in Springfield, Ma. On 1/30 we're the last game in the Hope thru Hoops at St Johns vs. Bloomfield Tech at 9:15 PM. We've got Boys & Girls on 2/2 and All Hallows on 2/7, both as home games, before taking on St Patrick, 2/13 at Prime Time. It should be fun.'

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 70 Cardozo – Bayside, NY.

3/18/04 Daily News: For Cardozo's Theo Davis: I'll be back.

3/14/04 Daily News: Cardozo, Lincoln reach final as Railsplitters claw Falcons.  Judges rule Sheepshead Bay Sharks and court.

2/26/04 Coach Jason Salamanca: 'Cardozo totally dominated last night's game versus Manhattan Center...The Judges showed a great team effort getting contributions from Nick Flagg, Duane Johnson, Vic Morris, Drew Gladstone and dominating performances from Skyler Khaleel and Theo Davis, the two big men in the middle made every shot difficult for Manhattan Center. With the two big men altering all the shots in the paint, it will be very difficult to beat this team without getting them into foul trouble. It seems as if Cardozo has the easier side of the PSAL bracket and should cruise into the Garden to face one of the Brooklyn Schools (Lincoln, Grady or Boys And Girls).'

Deer Park, LI. 11/5/04 John McCaffrey: 'Deer Park Long Island, Suffolk County returns 6 of our top 7 players from last year's squad.  Deer Park missed the Suffolk County Class A playoffs by 1 game last season, finishing 5-7 in League play with the youngest varsity in Suffolk County (only 1 senior in regular rotation).  Last season, Deer Park led Suffolk County with 140 3 point field goals made.

Deer Park returns junior All Conference 6'1 guard Seth Gordon, who averaged 14 a game, was the team's 2nd leading rebounder, and hit 60 3 point field goals as a sophomore.  Gordon is one of the best jump shooters in Suffolk County, a good passer and underrated rebounder.  Deer Park also returns All League player and current standout on the football field, 6'0 guard Josh Smith. Smith led the team in scoring last season, averaging 15 points per game, was second in assists, steals, and 3 point field goals made. Smith is having a stellar off season, becoming a playmaker, and has been the team's leading scorer in the Town of Babylon Fall League.

Deer Park returns 5'10 junior point guard and All League player Sam Duncan. Duncan averaged 12 points per game, led the team in assists and steals as a sophomore.  Duncan is a premier defender, leading the team in charges taken.   Last year's All League honorable mention selection was a freshmen, 5'7 guard Stanley Calixte. Calixte is a pure scorer and shotmaker, and led the team in scoring in summer league and both team camps attended (Hofstra and Long Island Hoop Invitational at Southampton).

Deer Park returns forward Ed Curti (6'3 All League honorable mention) and Kyle Edwards (6'1, great screener, underrated rebounder).

League IV is the most underrated league in Suffolk County, and maybe, the most balanced top to bottom. Copiague has one of the best guards in the league in Sean Smith and up and coming player Isaac Byrd.  West Babylon returns good guards in Thomas Losito and Kevin Murtaugh, along with 6'6 Ronald Charles inside.  Hills East returns a good point guard in Andre Yates and pure shooter Luke Robinson.  Hills West returns entire team from last season, including All League post Joe Meglio and All League transfer from Central Islip, Adango Longjohn.  Bellport returns All Conference forward Jason Magee, and Hauppauge has one of the premier forwards in Suffolk County, 6'5 senior Josh Lowe.

Non League/scrimmage schedule includes battles with league I power Smithtown (Drew Desmairis, Empire team player), North Babylon, Kings Park (returning entire team from Class A finalist), and Lindenhurst (All County guard Adam Paryzch).'

Fordham Prep, NYC.  11/14/04 Coach Kevin Pigott: 'Last year, the Rams had an overall record of 12 and 14 and were 7 and 9 in league play. They lost in the CHSAA “A” quarterfinals to St. John’s Prep. Graduation has claimed the core of last year’s team. This is a rebuilding year for the Rams.  Seniors Pat Berna, Brian Denneny, Will Henson and Fran McGuire will handle the bulk of the backcourt duties. Denneny and McGuire are returning starters. Denneny and Henson are shooting guards. Berna is a combo guard and McGuire is a lead guard.

Soph Matt Sullivan will back McGuire. Junior Dan Pivak is a hard-nosed shooting guard who should hustle his way into the lineup. Juniors Dennis Grant and Tom McGovern are shooting guards who need more seasoning. Playing time for the guard spots will be determined by the scrimmage season.

The forward positions will be anchored by juniors Andrew Cavanagh, Brendan Hickey, John Holland and sophomore Morgan Mizell. This year I will depend less on guards and more on the forwards. All four of these players are in contention for playing time. Andrew Cavanagh will be on the varsity for the second year. Last year he started every game. Clearly he is the best player in the program. Hickey is a shooter who can also bang with the big men. Holland brings more athleticism to the floor than any other Ram. He must polish his game in order contribute this year. Mizell will provide size and aggressiveness to the front line. 

The post position will be divided between four players. Cavanagh will play some time in the post. Seniors Sean Engles and Shane Bladel give the Rams size and skill in the post. Hickey could also see time in the post. His playing time at this position will be contingent on how well he defends.'

10/30/04 Coach Kevin Pigott's Rams were 7-9 in the CHSAA division A North last season and 12-14 overall but they return nine seniors, Will Henson guard 6-0, James Rogan guard 5-11, Fran McGuire guard 5-9, Brian Denneny guard 5-10, Patrick Berna guard 5-9,  Corey Davis forward 6-2,  Sean Engles center 6-4, Matt Bunten forward 6-4, Shane Bladel center 6-3 and one junior, Andrew Cavanagh forward 6-3 from that very young team. They play each of the other five A North team, Stepinac, Hayes, Iona Prep, Spellman and Mount St Michael home and away and each of the seven A South teams (Ford, LaSalle, McClancy, Nazareth, St Edmund, St John and Xavier) once. Other than their league schedule the Rams play Frederick Douglass @ Pace University on December 11, December 29, Regis and Xavier  @ Fordham Prep Jesuit Invitational on December 30 & 31st, and @ St Francis Prep on February 4. 

Frederick Douglass Academy, NYC   11/3/04 FDA finished the regular season last year with a perfect 16-0 league record in the PSAL. Manhattan 1A division finishing ahead of Wadleigh (14-2) and Manhattan Center (11-5). The Lions were seeded seventh going into the playoffs. They won their first round game vs.Wagner but were upset by Tilden in the second round. Coach Pat Mangan returns all his key players from last season. They are 6'3 guard Ivan Rodriguez (15.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 5.1 apg last season), 6'4 wing Corey Lyons (almost 16 points and 8 rebounds a game), 5'8 point guard Kevin Linares (over 4 points and 4 assists per game), 5'9 point guard Damani Corbin (14.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 7.4 apg), 6'3 wing Steven McKoy (17.7 ppg and 11.2) - all seniors. Bench help may come from the juniors - 6'3 wing William Willis and 6-6 forward Jules Webster.

This team has four players who each averaged about 15 points per game last season as juniors. Not surprisingly, their assists per game are impressive. That balance should serve them well this year but they'll need Linares to help Damani bringing the ball up court against presses, some help from the bench and all of their wings hitting the boards the few times they'll face a dominant center. On paper they look to be the second best team in the PSAL. 

The Lions will have a very competitive schedule which includes trips to Beachball Classic -Myrtle Beach, SC, Primetime Shootout-Trenton, NJ, Westchester Elite Classic @ Pace University, NYHoops Classic @ St. John's University and Ball Firm Invitational @ Iona College.

FDA finished the regular season 16-0 in the PSAL. Manhattan 1A division and won the Manhattan Borough Championship, their second in 3 years. They won their first round game 66-56 vs.Wagner (SI) and lost in the second round 56- 54 to Tilden in overtime. Their overall record was 26 -3.'

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 59 Frederick Douglas – Harlem, NY.

8/5/04 NY Hoops: # 10. FDA- 'Here is a team that nobody thinks about when talking about the best teams for the upcoming season, but with the return of their entire roster they are going to be a serious contender for the PSAL title. Personally I think they are the favorite with 6’5 Steve McKoy, 6’4 Corey Lyons, 6’1 Damani Corbin and 6’1 sharp shooting Ivan Rodriguez this team is going to be tough to beat. This team is going to be so good that I may be underranking them at 10.'

Grady, Brooklyn, NY. 10/28/04 Coach Mark Seltzberg's William Grady Falcons were last season's Cinderella team. It was Seltzberg's first as head coach taking over for long time Grady coach Jack Ringel. Early in the season they lost 79-63 at Lincoln as was expected. But on January 10th they beat Columbus 68-61 and four days later shocked the Railsplitters 79-74 at home. The seniors Jamel White and Basil Leslie with the juniors Derick Echols and Kevin White enabled them to finish the PSAL regular season with a 15-1 regular season record, seeded # 2 behind Cardozo and ahead of Linclon going into the PSAL playoffs. They took Townsend Harris 94-42, Jamaica 88-45 and in the quarterfinals at St. John's University  they bested Tilden 88-45 before losing to Lincoln 73-68.  They finished the season with an impressive 23-5 record.

This year the pre-season headlines have concerned the Falcon senior stars Kevin White and Derick Echols, who both originally did not return to Grady. Echols is now back but White remains a mystery. Once again the Falcons will not be considered a threat in the PSAL. to teams like Cardozo, FDA, Wings, Lincoln, Banneker and Tilden but they may again surprise some powers.

10/30/04 Daily News: Grady guard, Kevin White, gets transfer to Lincoln.

10/30/04 NY Post: Kevin White transfers to Lincoln.

10/26/04 NY Post: Grady gets good news on transfers.

10/18/04 NY Post: Future a mystery for Derick Echols and Kevin White Jr.

10/11/04 Daily News: Kevin White Jr.no longer attending August Martin.

10/1/04 Daily News: Ex-coach, Jack Ringel, urging Kevin White to return to Grady.

10/1/04 NY Post: Whites defend transfer.

9/27/04 Daily News: Grady basketball coach Mark Seltzberg hits back at Grady dad.

9/16/04 Daily News: Stars (seniors Kevin White and Derick Echols) bolting Grady for Lincoln.

3/17/04 Coach Carlton Screen (FYA): 'I would like to give my opinion on who should get The Mr. Basketball New York City Award. I know some people might have another pick, but Basil Leslie from Grady High School plays basketball the way I think a varsity player should play. He plays Brooklyn, New York style basketball. He shouldn't look down at anytime, someone talks about the game Grady played on Saturday. He played his heart and soul every moment of that game. This is one player that the so called basketball experts have underrated. He will be on some college roster in the near future.'

3/14/04 NY Hoops: I got your back, if you got mine. Lincoln stops Grady in the semis.

Grand Street Campus, Brooklyn. 11/12/04 Kareem Coprew, sophomore small forward, Grand Street Campus Wolves: 'This year's  team is a not the same as last year. We lost key players like Robert Mitchell (JUCO) and Rashid Isler (grade problems) but this year starts the new era with junior Russell Mitchell (younger brother of last year's team leader, Robert), me and Christ the King transfer, Anthony Walker as well as freshman standout Jamel Jenkins. My team looks like it will do damage. We only have one player that played last year returning, our team captain junior guard Matthew Campbell. Hopefully he can guide us to the promised land. We play a lot of good teams this year like, Roberson 11/16, McKinney 12/17 &1/20, Banneker 12/15 &1/18 and Wings T.B.A.

We are also have a sophomore guard by the name of Dan Dan Chen who can knock the lights out of the gym. I think he can be the best shooters in the city. With our coach Joe Marini calling the plays and me scoring we will make it to the Garden.'

11/12/04 Grand Street Campus plays in the PSAL's Brooklyn IIA where they finished last season on top with a 12-2 league record ahead of Erasmus (11-3), Midwood (11-3) and Automotive (8-6). They were seeded # 16 in the playoffs but lost 71-53 to # 49 Beacon in the first round. Their league schedule this season will be tougher since Banneker has moved from Brooklyn IIIA and looks to be the best now in IIA. 

1/29/04 Coach Javier G. Bevacqua (East New Yorkers AAU)..'One of my players Robert Mitchell a 6'5" guard who is averaging 26 a game of Grand Street Campus is having a breakout year and currently getting three D1 looks including several D2 looks. Robert is currently 10th on the scoring list in the city and was in the top five several times this year.'

Haddonfield, NJ   Haddonfield is a Group 2 (second smallest) school in southern Jersey just south of Cherry Hill and less than 10 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The Bulldogs won last season's state Group 2 title beating Summit 64 - 53 before losing 63-44 in the Tournament of Champions to the red hot Raritan Rockets. They return senior point guards Vinnie Ciecka and Derek Heckendorn (likely to slide back to his accustomed two guard slot),  6-4 junior wing Blake Wilson with their dominating 7-0 junior center Brian Zoubek.

Coach Paul Wiedeman will begin practices on November 26th with their first game at home on Friday, 12/17 vs. Haddon High. The team  has three tournament dates for the season: 12/29 and 12/30 at Slam Dunk @ the Beach Tournament (now cancelled),  2/13/05 at Trenton Prime Time Tourney and 2/19/05 at Cherry Hill East Tourney. With four starters returning the Bulldogs have to be favored for another state title and a return trip to the TOC.

The athletic department website is http://www.haddonfield.k12.nj.us/hmhs/athletics/athletics.htm.

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 10. Haddonfield. The reigning Group 2 champs are hungry for some strong statewide respect. With many lettermen returning the Bulldogs are likely to make a return to the RAC. Key players: 6’0 Sr. Guard Vinnie Ciecka, 6’4 Jr. Forward Blake Wilson, 7’0 Jr. Center Brian Zoubek

4/2/04 NJO Boys Basketball Top 20: # 12-Haddonfield (27-3).

4/2/04 NJO  The year in review - making a good point at Haddonfield. 

3/18/04 Bayshore: 'Raritan over Haddonfield by 16+. Soph. Zubek had 22 and about 16 but missed a ton of layups. Calhoun stuffed him a half dozen times, three straight at one point  Raritan had three players with 15.'

3/18/04 NJ Hoops: Raritan gets by Haddonfield.  

3/18/04 Philly.com: Haddonfield boys fall to Raritan. The Bulldogs' Brian Zoubek scored 22 points, but it wasn't enough in a 63-44 loss in the TOC.

3/17/04 Philly.com: State-champ Haddonfield relies on Wiedeman factor.

3/15/04 NJ Hoops: Haddonfield ended the Cinderella run of surprising Summit 64 - 53 in the state Group 2 championship contest this afternoon

3/15/04 Philly.com: Haddonfield's wins are twice as tiring for the Zoubeks.

2/18/04 Philly.com: Haddonfield averts upset in 72-60 win Collingswood contained 7-foot sophomore Brian Zoubek until he broke loose in the fourth quarter.

Hastings, NY.  Ben Langione: 'Two years ago, Hastings was ranked #1 in Class C in the State, (20-0 regular season record) until they lost to Jamal Webb and Tuckahoe in the sectionals. Last year, with a jump up to Class B, and with all five starters gone (4 of them graduated and one transferred to Trinity Catholic in Connecticut) we struggled, going 10-12. We did beat the number 3 seed in the first round of the playoffs to move on to the quarterfinals against Pleasantville, but ended up losing. 

This year, we have a strong, athletic group coming in, and we look to be one of the top, if not the top team in Section 1 Class B (second largest schools). Our starting five begins with Mike Quinn 6'1 2005 guard/forward, our leading scorer from last year and our leader on the court. Kresimir Alilovic is our 6'8 senior center.  Kresimir did not start playing ball until he was 14 or 15, but has a guard's jump shot in a big man's body and is very talented.  Ben Langione 6'1 point guard 2006. I was the only sophomore on the varsity last year, and was a key player off the bench. This year, I will be the playmaker, and one of the go to guys. Both Alilovic and I played and worked out with the Metro Hawks North squad out of Mt. Vernon this summer. Pat Capuano 5'11  guard 2005 is a deadly outside shooter. Tim Braig is a  6'2 forward  2005, a solid rebounder and tough defender. Key contributors off the bench will be Max Sulyan 2006 5'8 guard, a great shooter and scorer plus James Corbett 2005 6'2 forward who is a strong 220 lb. football player, who adds toughness to the team. Add four other contributors in Mark Salinaro 2005 guard, Eric Gentile 2006 guard/forward, Roger Sauerhaft 2006 forward and Dylan Warren 2006 point guard. Chris Skrelja, 6-1 guard used to play for Hastings but transferred in September of junior year to Trinity Catholic.

Our toughest league competition will definitely be Woodlands High (16-6) from Greenburg. They lost to Kennedy last year in the sectionals and are returning their two best players (Kirk Williams & Justin Dabney) and their point guard.

We are in the Scarsdale tourney, Nanuet tourney, and our own tournament.' 

2/21/04 Journal News: Section 1 tournament roundup: Hastings upsets Eastchester in Class B. Hastings 50, Eastchester 48: In a Class B opening-round game at Eastchester, Hastings' Michael Quinn had 13 points and Kresimir Alilovic added 11 in the No. 14 Yellow Jackets' upset of the third-seeded Eagles. Ryan Mallone and Colin Powers each had 10. Hastings visits No. 6 Pleasantville Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Hillside, NJ   11/11/04 Coach Corey Lowery: 'Our go-to player this season looks to be our 6-7 senior forward Antwan Brinson. The other starters should be 6-0 junior point guard Javonn McCluney, 6-0 junior guard Kenny Watson, 6-3 junior forward Gabe Paul and 6-8 senior Chris Byrd. Our key bench reserves are 5-10 junior point guard Terrel Myers, 6-2 junior forward Brian Byrd, 6-6 junior forward Jimmy Newsome and 6-0 sophomore guard Justin Matthews. Also 6-1 sophomore Terrance Baskerville will also be a key reserve (mark my words,  he will be a big time guard his junior and senior year).

Our eight team Christmas tournament on December 27, 28, & 30 includes Lawrenceville Prep, Bloomfield Tech and the Hun School. Our final game last season was against Summit in the state semifinal game. We were upset 69-66.'

11/1/04  Hillside plays in the North 2, Group 2 (second smallest) section for New Jersey public schools. They are in Union county just southwest of Newark. There were three other players on the And 1 roster: the juniors 6-0 Sherrick Doughty and 6-2 Everette White with the sophomore 5-11 Jevon McMillan.  

11/16/04 Metro Hoops: Our Time To Shine -- Kenneth Watson (Hillside). 'Watson showed excellent strides playing for Team KA this summer. He should have the keys to the Hillside offense this season. Kenny has a great first step and loves to create separation for defenders. Watson will use his speed and quick release to cause havoc in Union County.'

9/2/04 Shawn McCray: 'Zoo Crew Summer League High school Quarterfinals Game 3 - The #8 Newark Rams knocked off the #1 Patterson Plus team 55-50. Javonn McCluney (Hillside junior) knocked down 5 3's on his way to 22 points.'

4/2/04 NJO Boys Basketball Top 20: # 18-Hillside (21-5). 

6/6/04 Metrohoops Showcase Day 1 Report. 'Kenny Watson Hillside, NJ. -- If speed kills than this kid was an assassin. Watson spent the afternoon knifing through defenses for layups or pullup jumpers. His jumpshot was falling for most of the afternoon. He also seems to be making more of an effort to drive hard left. His defense intensity and leadership skills are apparent.'

2/25/04 NJO: St. Patrick's reaches Union County Tournament final with a 74-56 victory over fourth-seeded and No.15 Hillside.

Last season Holy Cross was 4-9 in the league and 13-13 overall with only 6-1 shooter Joseph Conner seeing significant playing time for their senior class. They return seven juniors and two sophomores from last season's roster. At And 1 this summer the roster included 5-9 senior Gordon McKenzie, 5-10 senior Michael Johnson, 5-11 senior Anthony Clarke, 6-1 senior Kevin Ogletree, 6-3 senior Brandon Everett and 6-8 junior Laurence Jolicoeur. Their freshman class includes four promising players: 6-1 wing  Sylven Landesberg, 6-2 forward Edy Toussaint, 5-8 Blaise Ffrench and point guard Trinity Fields. 

They begin their season on 12/2 with an away game at St Anthony, LI.  On 12/12 they play Boys & Girls in the Big Apple Tip-Off at Baruch College. They're in two tournaments: the Kreul Classic in Coral Springs, Fl. from 12/17 through 12/23 and the Stop DWI. Tournament in Binghampton, NY from 12/26 through 12/29.  On 1/30 they play Don Bosco Prep in the Hope Thru Hoops Classic at St. John's University with the rest of January, February all league games - home and away with Molloy, St Francis and St Raymond, one each with All Hallows, Christ the King, Rice, Bishop Loughlin and Xaverian.

The school's athletic department website is at www.holycrosshs.org/www/holycrosshs/site/hosting/athletic.htm.

10/28/04 Coach Tim Cluess: 'Trinity Fields is at Holy Cross.'  

8/5/04 NY Hoops: # 6. Holy Cross- 'Many will look at this and think why are they ranked so high, well this is why they return their entire team except for one player who didn’t even play in crunch time. They have a team filled of quick, rugged guards. Mike Johnson, Gordon McKenzie, Kevin Ogletree and Anthony Clarke are the strength of the team but their success depends a lot on big man Laurence Joliceour. If  “Jolly” can control the boards, block some shots and give the Knights 12-15 points they will win a lot of games.

We will be participating in the following: Sat 11/27/04 in the Thanksgiving Classic at JHS 275 in Brooklyn, Sat 12/11/04 @ 4:00pm in the Springfield HS Classic, Sat 12/18/04 in the Newtown Classic at JHS 275 in Brooklyn and Sun 1/23/05 @ 1:45pm vs Tilden HS in the Pro-Am Classic at Elmcor in Queens.'

11/14/04 John Browne was 3-11 in Queens IIA last season with wins over Hillcrest, Thomas Edison and Francis Lewis. 

John F. Kennedy  Bronx NY. The coach is Johnnie Mathis. Last season the JFK. Knights were 7-5 behind 12-0 James Monroe in the Bronx West A as well as 12-0 Columbus and 10-2 Wings in the Bronx East.. The 7-5 record was a minor miracle as 6-1 point guard Amaurys Fermin averaged almost 24 ppg. and led them in rebounding with 7.8 a game. They had no height or depth, losing  the first game of the year 56-54 at Monroe and later 66-63 to Monroe at JFK. They were seeded 34th in the playoffs and lost an overtime game to Townsend Harris 63 - 54 in the first round.  Their JFK (B'ballers') roster at IS8 was Preston Pena 5'10" , Jacymiel Concepcion 5'6", Joshua Ferreras 5'8, Gabriel Hernandez 5'8, Anthony Nieves 6'2, Dwanye Bagley 6'3, Amuary Fermin 6'1, Antonio Ramos, Stephen Malcom 6-2, Gerald Rasberry 6-7 and  Dwight Hardy 6-3. They made the playoffs but lost in the first round to NYC Elite.

The addition of Rasberry, Malcom and Hardy gives the Knights a markedly improved roster over last season, one that should challenge Wings for PSAL. Bronx supremacy. 

10/15/04 John P Miciotta: Thursday at IS8. Seniors Stephen Malcom and Amaury Fermin helped the B’ballers stay close to the NY Elite with fine outside shooting and promising junior Gerald Raspberry did some nice work inside as well.  The 6’7” Raspberry used his length and quickness to battle the Elite’s 6’7” wide body James Tchana, and twice got off the floor quickly for two momentum changing blocks that lead to transition hoops that cut the deficit to seven in the final stanza.  According to John F. Kennedy’s roster at PSAL.org Raspberry was inactive last season.  If he can play a full season as a junior for Coach Mathis, he may well emerge as a D-I prospect.  He has good length and quickness off his feet, goes after the ball and runs hard.  When he gets the ball in the close he does rush and does not always finish plays he should.  That’s something that could change with experience.  The more he plays, the better he will get.' 

10/12/04 John P Miciotta: 'Sunday at IS8 -- The final day of the regular season saw ... the B’ballers and New York City Heat square off to determine the winner of the third playoff spot in their division.  The Bronxites from John F. Kennedy High raced to an early lead that they never relinquished.  The back court of senior  Amaury Fermin and junior Dwight Hardy was the difference.  They moved the ball well, took and made good shots, and established a comfortable pace.  Hardy’s play was especially good when one considers that he has yet to play a varsity game for Kennedy.  According to last season’s roster he stayed and played on Kennedy’s JV. roster as a soph. averaging almost 30 points per game. Hardy may have had the quietest 35 in IS8 history. And that “quiet” was a tribute to how well he played.  He scored 35 without taking a single bad shot.  He scored from middle distance, from long range and on the drive.  And most of all he handled the ball with the poise and confidence of a varsity veteran.  He and Fermin are not one of the city’s more heralded backcourts but they should be.  And PSAL teams should beware.  Kennedy will be tough to reckon with as Fermin, Hardy and senior Stephen Malcom will form an outstanding perimeter trio.' 

John F. Kennedy  NJ.  11/5/04 Coach Jim Ring: 'Record Last Year: 20 - 6 NNJIL Division B Champions. Returning Lettermen: 7. Key players: Seniors: Richard Haywood 6'6" Wing - Post*, Terry Williams 6'2" Post*, Quadire Grayson 6'0" Guard*, Jamar Coleman 5'10" Guard*. Juniors: Rashad Bishop 6'5" Wing - Post*, Yaashiek Benjamin 6'3" Post, Wymain Robinson 5'10" Guard, Jarred Blake 5'8" Guard*, Marquise Littlejohn 5'10" Guard. Sophomores: Marcus Boyd 6'0" Guard*, Isaiah Carter 5'8" Guard, Ramon Tejada 6'6" Post.  * Returning lettermen.

Teams to beat: League - Don Bosco Prep, St. Joseph's Mont., Paramus Catholic, Teaneck, Montclair, Ridgewood, Bergen Catholic, Hackensack. County - Paterson Catholic, West Milford, PCTI, Passaic, DePaul. State Sectional - PCTI, Hackensack, Morristown, Emerson U.C, Ridgewood. 

Outlook: Bishop is a D1 talent. Haywood is also but would need Prep school or JUCO. Williams is a strong post up player and is very physical. This group had an excellent summer playing together: And1 Classic 3-1, Metro-Classic 4-1, LaSalle and St. Peter's team camps, Linden and Jersey City summer leagues. Grayson and Coleman give us an experienced back court. I expect breakout years from Boyd, Benjamin and Robinson. Playing in the NNJIL will be great preparation for us. By the time county and state tournaments roll around we should be very competitive. This group has great chemistry and what they lack in overall size they make up for in playing together and playing hard all the time. We don't have any big time AAU reputation type guys that you always read about on this web site, so I think we just may surprise some people. I like this group, they are fun to be around. I think we can be very good.'

11/29/04 Coach Jim Ring: 'Starmeek Jones is a junior transfer from Tallahassee, Florida. 6'3" athletic and strong. He will give us an additional inside presence and is quick enough to play the wing. The kid is a player. Joseph Wright is a 6'0" freshman and Javon Jackson a 5'10" freshman (they both played on same grammar school team as Travon Woodall, the freshman from Paterson playing at St. Anthony's ). They are both very athletic and talented. Both could contribute at some point this year.'

2/13/04 NorthJersey: Senior guard Bashir Grimes scored a game-high 21 points Thursday as Kennedy boys basketball team defeated Paramus, 62-39, to clinch the NNJIL B title one season after finishing with a 3-20 record.

Lawrenceville Prep, NJ   11/27/04 The school is located in southwestern NJ between Allentown and Philadelphia! Their league, the Mid-Atlantic Prep (MAPL) includes Blair, Hun, Peddie, Hill (PA) & Mercersburg (PA). Traditionally the league is loaded with each school having at least one or two D1 prospects. Three years ago Lawrenceville was rated as the second best prep school in New Jersey, behind only St Benedict and two season ago they ended their season losing the league championship game to Blair. 

But last season they broke through; the Big Red were rated as the # 8 national prep school, finishing with a 23-4 record and a decisive 90-68 win over St Benedict to take the New Jersey Prep A title. They've lost their senior stars, Joakim Noah and David Whitehurst, to graduation but 6-3 senior guard Craig Moore (a Northwestern commit) returns and should be the focus of the offense. The head coach is Ron Kane and his assistants are Walt Papp and Josh Hahn  They play at St Benedict on 1/12/05, at St Patrick 2/2/05 and in the NJ Play by Play Tournament @ Life Center Academy on 2/5/05. Senior Grant Wentworth (6-9) will be up front while 6-5 senior swingman Jonathan Dixon should provide support as well. Look out for athletic senior wing Rich Rodd to help the cause.  They also have talented 6-0 junior guard Porter Braswell who has transferred from Seton Hall Prep and will team with Moore in the backcourt. The newcomer to the team is 6-6 senior forward Nathan Hawkins from San Antonio, Texas. 

This Big Red team isn't nearly as powerful as last season's team but they should be competitive in the MAPL. No matter who wins the league championship, St Benedict will be the prohibitive favorite for this season's Prep A championship in late February.

The team website is at http://www.lawrenceville.org/on_campus/athletics/team/team_detail.asp?team=NT0000BC5E.

10/29/04 ScoutHoops: Prep Profile: Lawrenceville. Craig Moore Leads This Year's Lawrenceville Squad.

2/23/04 NJ Hoops: Lawrenceville takes prep crown, beat St. Benedict's 90 - 68 to win the NJ State Prep A title.

2/23/04 NJO: Lawrenceville Prep 90, St. Benedicts 68. Lawrenceville delivered an early knockdown in its much-anticipated prep A Division title match with St. Benedicts Prep with an astonishing run of 21 unanswered points in the second quarter.

Lenape Regional, Medford NJ  11/12/04 Coach Bill Lange: 'Our team will consist of two senior starters from last year 6-0 point guard Shawn Greene and 6-1 guard David Walker with 6-3 junior wing Dan Wolf, who started until injured last season. Our two others starters will be 6-3 junior forward Ryan Thompson and 6-5 senior Bill Jannen, who was last year's 6th man. The remaining roster spots will be filled by two 6-0 seniors (Nick Colangelo, a great 3pt shooter and Scott Colon),  four juniors (6`5 forward Kevin Gallagher, the top scorer on JV last season, 6-1 wing James Foggie, our most improved player, 6`6 center Tom Brower and 5`10 point guard, Sean McHugh) with two sophomores (6`1 Brian Betley, the.leading scorer from frosh team and 6`3  Zach Harrsion).

We will be a fast team that exerts a great deal of pressure. Our scoring will be very balanced...we can all shoot. Size will be our problem.

Some big early season games  ... opener vs. Woodrow Wilson, Xmas tourney vs . Holy spirit, games v Camden and Burlington City. Our league is very balanced; we'll have tough games with Shawnee, Cherokee and Cherry Hill East. We will be very very good at the end but we will struggle early because of some early injuries that will cause Foggie, Colangelo and Thompson to miss some early games. But we're capable of winning 20+ games and going deep into the tourney.'

10/29/04 Lenape plays as a New Jersey Group 4 (the largest) South team. Their coach, Bill Lange will be beginning his 23rd year coaching at three Jersey schools: Overbrook, Bishop Eastace and Lenape, where he's beginning his fourth year. During that time he has won 420 games and brought a team to a state final five times. Last year was the first time his team won that state championship game, as they beat Plainfield 63-46.  The Indians made it to the Tournament of Champions as the number three seed but lost their only game of the year to the red hot Bloomfield Tech Spartans 71-58.

Last year the Indians were led by three seniors, 6-8 center and Rider commit Jason Thompson, 6-4 forward Matt Begley and 6-3 swing Kraig Peters. The team played great man-to-man and match up zone defense and a deliberate offense, that worked the ball to their strong frontcourt. After graduating their three best players this is probably a rebuilding year for the Indians, bur coach Lange may yet surprise. His teams are 71-10 for the last three seasons and they've retooled quickly before. They may be chasing sectional and state championships again next March. We will know soon enough since the Indians first game of the season is on 12/13 at home against powerful St Augustine. Over the Christmas holiday (12/28-12/30) they are in the Holy Spirit Boardwalk Classic and on 2/5/05 play in the Play by Play Classic. 

4/2/04 NJO. Boys Basketball Top 20: # 3-Lenape (28-1).

3/18/04 NJ Hoops: Bloomfield Tech cruises in TOC quarter, beat previously unbeaten Lenape 71 - 58.

3/18/04 Philly.com: Bloomfield Tech ends Lenape's season, 71-58.

3/17/04 SouthJerseySports: Lenape Endures First Loss of Season During Tournament of Champions.

3/15/04 NJ Hoops: 6 foot 4 senior Matt Betley scored 32 points on 11 - 12 shooting and pulled down 18 rebounds to lead undefeated Lenape past Plainfield 63 - 46 tonight at the RAC in Piscataway in the State Group 4 championship.

3/15/04 Philly.com: Coach has taken Lenape Indians from the land of nowhere.

3/9/04 Philly.com: Undefeated Lenape rolls to first title. Matt Betley and Jason Thompson led the way in a 66-51 rout of Atlantic City before a sellout crowd.

2/25/04 Philly.com: Lenape tops Pennsauken, stays unbeaten. Jason Thompson scored 25 points and Matt Betley added 19 to power the 70-66 victory.

2/19/04 Philly.com: Unbeaten Lenape races to victory at Camden Catholic.

2/4/04 Philly.com: Lenape clinches the division title. The unbeaten Indians eked out a win over Cherokee. Their coach, Bill Lange, sees room to improve.

Lincoln, Brooklyn, NY.  11/13/04 Coach Dwayne (Tiny) Morton: 'Last year: city champs,state finalist. Here's my roster.  Returning players: seniors: Nyan Boateng 6'3", Jamel Jackson 6'3", Lawrence Alamilla 6'5", juniors: Nick Leon 5'10", Sophs: Brandon Walters 6'9", Devon Peterson 6'1"' Jamaal Green 5'9".  Newcomers: seniors: Dave Durity 5'9", Kevin White 6'1", Pierre Clement 6'3", juniors: Kevin Menner 6'4", Patrick Bonna, 6'3", soph: Vance Kelley, 6'2", freshmen: Khalif Staten & Timothy Flowers 5'11". This might be my deepest team ever. I have many players that will get a chance to start this year. I'm very impressed with my newcomers so far. Like I told you before, don't be surprised to see us in MSG this year!

I might have the best freshman in the city this year in Khalif Staten, the best improved sophomore in Devon Peterson and the best JV player from last year in Kevin Menner. If Boateng can come back to the way he was this summer, I arguably could have the best senior. Not to mention a handful of 3-point threats. Last but not least, future big time prospect Brandon Walters. No wonder everyone was worrying about Kevin White!

Non league:  Dec. 5th against Rice HS at Baruch College, Dec. 11th against Cheltenham, Pa at St. Dominic HS, Dec. 26-30 in LA at Lynwood, CA Christmas tourney, Jan. 9th against Cardozo at L.I.U. and Jan. 14 -16 at West Virginia Showcase.' 

12/1/04 NY Post: New look 'Splitters Keep rollin'.

11/22/04 Newsday: Lincoln preview -- Can they keep dynasty going?

11/13/04 The Railsplitters finished last season with a 26-6 record ranked fourth in the state by the Daily Star behind Mt Vernon (27-3), St Raymond-NYC (22-8) and CBA Albany (24-2) and 25th in the country by Hoops USA. They were 14-2 in Brooklyn IA behind Grady's 15-1 league record and entered the PSAL playoffs seeded third behind Cardozo and Grady. They trounced # 30 Lehman 106-76, easily handled # 14 Wadleigh 103-77, took # 6 Boys & Girls 66-54, held off rival # 2 Grady 73-68 and had a relatively easy 74-65 win over Cardozo in the city championship game at Madison Square Garden. They lost to Mt Vernon 66-52 in the state championship game. 

They have also lost their three star players from last season's roster, Sebastian Telfair to the NBA, Eugene Lawrence to St Johns and Antonio Pena to prep school. As Tiny says, they could easily be headed back to the Garden this spring but for now they look like a team that just misses the top 21 in the region. 

10/30/04 Daily News: Grady guard, Kevin White, gets transfer to Lincoln.

10/30/04 NY Post: Kevin White transfers to Lincoln.

10/26/04 NY Post: Grady gets good news on transfers.

3/29/04 NY Hoops: Mt. Vernon ‘Takes it’ to Lincoln for Federation Crown.

3/28/04 Journal News: Mount Vernon claims federation title.

3/28/04 Daily News: Sebastian Telfair career ends in tears. Lincoln's state run shut down.

3/18/04 Daily News: Telfair scores 3rd. Leads Lincoln to historic PSAL crown. And transfer pays off for Eugene Lawrence.

3/18/04 NY Hoops: Sebastian Telfair Leads Lincoln to 3rd Straight Title. And Eugene Lawrence shines bright at the Garden.

3/17/04 Daily News: Prime time for Antonio Pena. 

Linden, NJ.  10/20/04 Terence Johnson: 'This year, the Watchung Conference and North Group 4 title runs through St. George Street. Yes, you heard me right, Linden will be one of the top 5 public school teams in the state of NJ this season. The Tigers will be led by senior Mike Henderson. Mike led the team in scoring as a junior last season with a 19 ppg average and will be an early favorite for conference MVP honors. With his ability to knock down 3 pt shots and get the the basket, look for Mike to add about 4 or 5 more pts to his average of last year. Also returning this season for the Tigers are last year starters 6'5 center Hafeez Brown, 5'10 starting point guard LJ McGee and junior Jamal Grosa.

Returning reserve players include 3pt specialist Nick "Cannon" Russo, defensive specialist Danny Smith and rugged rebounder 6'2 junior Charles Miller. The youth movement will be in full effect this year also with sophomore George Bease looking to crack the starting line-up and play big minutes after being moved up to varsity for the states last year and grabbing 12 rebs vs Plainfield in a sectional 1st round game. Freshman Desmond Wade may possibly move LJ to the 2 guard spot because this kid can flat out play.

Style of Play - Organized,  3 pt shooting team. Believe the hype with this team. And as always, they have the best coaching staff in the conference and one of the best in the state of NJ.

Key games this season for Linden include home games vs. Cranford, Elizabeth, and Plainfield plus road games vs. Cranford, Christmas tournament in PA, St. Anthony, Tip off Classic @ Rutgers Newark vs. West Milford. 

To follow the Linden Tigers this season go to www.eteamz.com/watchungconference.'

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 8. Linden A veteran Linden squad is the early favorite for the Group 4 crown. A tough Watchung Conference will either make or break the Tigers. Key players:  6’2 Sr. Guard Mike Henderson, 6’5 Sr. Center Hafeez Brown, 5’10 Sr. Guard LJ McGee.

11/18/04 Metro Hoops Top freshmen -- '# 8. Desmond Wade ( Linden) – This 5’9 ball hawk on ball defense is the best in this class. He specializes in locking down opposing point guards. Wade gave St. Pats guards fits this summer at the Metro classic. Wade also isn’t afraid to drive into the trees for a needed bucket. Don’t be surprised if he cracks the Tigers lineup.'

11/9/04 School website is http://linden.k12.nj.us/lhs/

Longwood, LI  10/25/04 Coach: Dennis T. Terry (dterry@longwoodcsd.com): 'Last year's record was 16-6, Suffolk County Class "AA" finalist. We lost to Bay Shore in the county finals. We lost our top 8 players to graduation.  Our top returning players are Max Warner a 6'6" junior center and  Jon Buscetta our 5'11" junior guard. The following are some players that we will be counting on: Vincent Thomas 6'0" senior guard, Errol Daniyan 6'4" sophomore forward and George Holmes 5'10" sophomore guard. Interesting 8th grader Anthony Cavalluso 5'6"play on varsity.  Prospects: Charles Benjamin 6'0 soph. guard, Julian Davis 6'4" junior forward and Matt Pruitt 5'9" junior guard. Add Wesley Fluellen as a 6'0 10th grade prospect at guard and Maurice Davis, a 5'10" 11th grade prospect guard.

Our style is up tempo. Brentwood is the team to beat in our league with John Garcia. Our key games will just about everyone in the league because we will be fighting to get into the playoffs. Lindenhurst, Floyd, Patchogue, Smithtown and Sachem East are in League I.

Once again we will host our Rim Rockers Classic on Dec 27,28 & 29 at Longwood in Middle Island, L. I. The teams are: Friendly HS Ft. Washington, Md., Archbishop Carroll HS Washington, D.C., Lower Merion HS Ardmore, Pa., New Rochelle HS, NY, Bay Shore HS NY, Kings Park HS NY, Hempstead HS NY and Longwood. Visit our website at www.newyork.ihigh.com/longwood to read more about each team. For tickets call  631 345-9260 day or 631 732-6994 evenings.' 

Monsignor McClancy, Queens, NY  11/5/04 Louis Xifaras: 'School website is www.mindspring.com/~mcguidance. Varsity 2003-2004 Record: overall: 9-15 league: 1-12.  Key player losses: Nick Hamilton-Lopez (Columbia-Greene JUCO), Will Borgolte (Columbia-Greene JUCO), Kwaku Osei (Canisius), Keenan Doliveira (St. Francis College), Carlos Arellano (Baruch College), Albert Webb (2006 - Benjamin Banneker academy - transfer), Mohamed Lo (2007 - Port Chester High School - transfer). Head Coach: Don Kent - 23rd Season. Assistant Coach: Louis Xifaras - 4th Season.

Projected Varsity Roster  Seniors  are Troy Mitchell SG 6'0",  Matthew Robinson PG 5'7",  Matthew McDevitt SF 5'11",  Dexter DeJesus SG 5'10",  Boby Gorvetski C 6'3",  Alan Pimental SF 6'1"  and  Gabriel Salazar PG 5'8".  The juniors are Stephen Wood SG 6'3",  Terrence Howard PF 6'4",  Perry Opong PG 5'9", Keith Murray SF 6'1", Brian Reyes SG 5'10" and Evans Pyrrhon PG 5'11". 

The Brother Arnold Memorial Tournament at the school is from Friday, 12/10 through Sunday 12/12. We are going to the Frank Spencer Memorial Christmas tournament in Winston-Salem, NC from Monday 12/27 through Wednesday 12/29. 

Junior Varsity: Head Coach: Nick Melito, Assistant Coach: Anthony Olszewski.  Freshmen: Head Coach: Gene McDonnell. 

Overall Summary: McClancy High School has moved from the most powerful High School division in the country, the CHSAA 'AA,' to the CHSAA 'A' division, where we feel that we can be more competitive. High Division I recruit, Stephen "Sticks" Wood will be our main player. At 6'3", he has good size for his position and is very versatile.' 

12/2/04 Louis Xifaras: '23rd Annual Brother Arnold Memorial Tournament starts Friday, December 10. Game 1 - 4:00pm St. Agnes (NYC) vs. Kellenberg, Game 2 - 5:45pm Holy Trinity (LI) vs. St. Francis Prep, Game 3 - 7:15pm Liverpool HS (Syracuse) vs. St. John the Baptist (LI), Game 4 - 8:45pm Cathedral Prep vs. Monsignor McClancy. Saturday, December 11: 3:00pm losers of game 1 vs. losers of game 2, 4:45pm losers of game 3 vs. losers of game 4, 6:30pm winners of game 1 vs. winners of game 2, 8:15pm winners of game 3 vs. winners of game 4. Sunday, December 12: 2:00pm 7th place game, 3:45pm 5th place game, 5:30pm 3rd place game, 7:15pm championship game.'

Mount Saint Michael, Bronx NY  12/2/04 Coach Tom Fraher: 'Mount Saint Michael is looking to improve upon last year's record of 10-15 by adding more size up front and some much needed depth in the backcourt.  The team will be comprised of three seniors, eight juniors and one sophomore as it competes in the highly competitive CHSAA "A" Division. The Mountaineers will be led by senior Jason Walsh and juniors Netfa I and Alejo Rodriguez. Walsh, a 6-8 center, is a presence in the post with a wide wingspan that enables him to block shots and rebound.  His offensive skills have improved since his junior season and he will be relied on heavily for his scoring down low.  I, a 5-8 point guard, is a very capable three point shooter who can penetrate the lane and distribute the ball on a steady basis.  Rodriguez, 6-6, is the squad's best all around player who rebounds with consistency at both ends of the floor.  He continues to be quite active around the basket, while his shooting range improves. Senior Jason Hurt, juniors Preston Uwoghiren, Andrew VanDyke, Barry Wells and sophomore Brian Riley will see plenty of action as the season progresses.  The team offers lots of depth at all five positions as it faces a rigorous 24 game schedule.

There is no clear-cut favorite to win this season's championship.  The league offers lots of parity from top to bottom, and hopefully Mount will be playing well towards the end when the championship run begins.'

Mt Vernon, NY  10/26/04 Head coach Bob Cimmino lost stalwarts Keith Benjamin and Dexter Gray from last season's state championship team but returns probable starters in seniors Chris Lowe and John Smith, junior Jonathan Mitchell and sophomore Michael Coburn. There will be plenty of competition for the fifth spot and for playing time among the reserves 6-2 Al Brown, 6-2 Chinyelu Browne, 6-3 David Clark and 6-8 George Barrows. The tournament schedule includes The Beachball Classic (December 25-31) @ Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for 3 games, the NIKE Super 6 @ Madison Square Garden on Sunday January 16, the Hope Classic and Primetime Shoot-Out: Trenton, New Jersey. The program has added three notable freshmen in Ketema Brooks 5' 3", Kevin Jones 6' 6" and Jeremy Smith 5' 10. The team's website is at http://www.mountvernonbasketball.com/.

The HoopsUSA  consensus ranking has the Knights as # 16 nationally and Student Sports has them as # 4 (neither includes prep schools like Our Savior New American or St Benedict), while we have them ranked # 5 in our NYC, NJ region. Last season the Knights won the school's third Federation title and right now it looks like a Mt Vernon, St Mary tilt for the state championship. 

11/17/04 USA Today Super 25 boys' basketball rankings includes  # 4. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (27-3). Returning starters: 3. Outlook: The defending New York State Federation Class A champions feature PG Chris Lowe (4 apg) and sophomore Michael Coburn in the backcourt. Opens: Dec. 6 vs. Saunders (Yonkers).

11/8/04 Dwayne Murray, assistant coach: 'A couple of things just for your edification. We will play Curtis Kelly and Rice HS at MSG in the Nike Super Six tournament, Derrick Caracter and St. Patrick's (NJ) at the Hope through Hoops Classic at St. John's University, and Greg Paulus and CBA-Syracuse at the Primetime Shootout in Trenton, NJ.

Ketema Brooks will not play varsity this year. Kevin Jones, who is 6' 6" now and Jeremy Smith 5' 11" have a great opportunity to make varsity as freshmen.

John Mitchell, as of his recent medical exam, is officially 6' 71/2". David Clark, a big key to this season is 6' 3".

mountvernonbasketball.com is our official website. MVHOOPS.com is the official website of our feeder system, the Mt. Vernon Junior Knights.

None of our players play for the Metro Hawks North team. Our players are either on the elite Hawks team, or on the Metro Hawks - Mt. Vernon 14 & 12U team. There is a distinction we'd like to maintain.' 

10/19/04 Student Sports Fab 50 preseason basketball rankings includes  # 4. Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) 27-3. 'We were stoked to see Mount Vernon grad Denzel Washington showing off a t-shirt at one of the L.A. Lakers games that celebrated his former schoolΉs New York Federation Class AA state championship that was earned last March. The defending champs might be even better this season, so Denzel can keep those t-shirts handy. Mount Vernon returns three starters and a trio of key reserves. The Knight anchors are senior Chris Lowe (6- 2), junior Jonathan Mitchell (6-7) and sophomore Michael Coburn (6-0). Other vets are junior George Barrow (6-8) and seniors Johnathan Smith (6-3) and Chinny Brown (6-2). A touted sophomore to watch is 6-1 guard Jahrine Jones.' 

10/19/04 HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 16  Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, NY

10/1/04 2004-05 ABQ Boys Preseason Overall National Top 25 includes # 13. Mount Vernon (N.Y.) 28-3.

8/5/04 NY Hoops: 4 Mt. Vernon- 'They are losing a lot but with the return of Jonathan Mitchell, Mike Coburn, Chris Lowe and Jonathan Smith it is no wonder they are still considered the favorite in Section 1. Those four are clearly the strength of this team but they will need Dave Clark to step his game up and provide another scoring option. Big man George Barrow will also be needed to step up and provide help on the boards and on the defensive end.'

4/3/04 State basketball rankings.

3/28/04 Journal News: Mount Vernon claims federation title.

3/27/04 Peter Abraham: 'Saturday was a special day for Mount Vernon, coach Bob Cimmino and his coaching and support staff. As the Knights were finishing off Lincoln for the Federation title and wrapping up another fantastic season, Ben Gordon was in the process of scoring 36 points to lead the University of Connecticut to the Final Four. Ben has scored 1,756 career points and has a school-record 242 3-pointers. He also has 433 assists and 410 rebounds over 104 career games. UConn is 81-23 with Ben in the lineup (including 9-2 in the NCAA tournament and 8-1 in the Big East tournament) and he has never missed a game. He is a testament to working hard on your game, not your name. Mount Vernon kids don't worry about winning meaningless summer titles or individual awards, they just win when it counts. Congrats to Keith Benjamin, Dexter Gray, Shanty Robinson, Mike Coburn, Jon Mitchell, Chris Bradley, Chris Lowe, Mike Watson and the rest of the Knights. They, like Ben, are headed for big things because they learned from the best coach in the state.'

3/27/04 Journal News: Federation Class AA semifinal: Mount Vernon defeats St. Raymond's 72-66.  

3/22/04 NY Hoops: Keith Benjamin Leads the Way for the Knights.

New Rochelle, NY. 11/904 Coach Bill Murphy: 'Last year's record: 16-6. Key players: Geoffrey McDermott 6'6" swingman, Terrence Parkes 6'5" forward (both seniors). Key games: 2 League Games against Mount Vernon, FDA, Skyline Texas (C.J. Miles team).

Other notable players: 5'10" junior point guard Anthony Gill, 6'7" senior center Lateef Bell (transfer from Salesian H.S). Returning also is Robert "Jahi" Bowen, our  6'0" senior defensive specialist.

Key player losses: 3 seniors: 6'5" forward Justin Moxey at Keystone College, 6'0" guard Stanley Osne at Florida International and 6'0" guard Jeremie Harris at NYU.

Teams in our league are Mount Vernon, Roosevelt (Yonkers), Gorton (Yonkers), Lincoln (Yonkers), Saunders (Yonkers).

Even up in Section 1 we could see a changing of the guard. Last season New Rochelle was the only Section 1 team that came within single digits of Mt. Vernon and we did it twice. With Mt. Vernon losing a lot and New Rochelle bringing back a lot we may be able to get over the hump and represent the section in Glens Falls. With Geoff McDermott and Terrence Parkes returning to a team filled with talent we have just as much of a chance to take the section as league foe Mt. Vernon. These two are both getting Division 1 looks and had a pretty impressive summers which rounded out with some offers. They also return senior Robert "Jahi" Bowen who is a key defensive player and will help and contribute a lot to this stingy New Ro defense which they are well known for. Geoff and Jahi are playing football trying to defend the school's State Championship, while Terrence is taking control of the team in Westchester's Best Fall League where he was averaging 16ppg and taking them into the team's practice starting this month. McDermott led the team in scoring (14.1) and assists (7.0) last year while Parkes was the second leading scorer (12.3) and team's leading rebounder (9.8). They will play in The Rim Rockers Tournament when they will face Skyline H.S. which features highly regarded C.J. Miles and that tournament will have teams like St. Raymond, Mt. Zion, Denham Springs H.S.(Tasmin Mitchell) and South Gwinnett (Louis Williams). They will also face PSAL member Frederick Douglass Academy. They will get a lot of tests this year and it will be interesting to see how they wind up. Especially against rival Mount Vernon which they are clearly underdogs.'

10/30/04 Coach Bill Murphy's Huguenots were 15-6 last season and favored to meet Mt. Vernon in the Class AA section 1 finals before losing by four to White Plains. They return enough talented players to again challenge the Knights, led by 6-6 senior forward Geoffrey McDermontt, 6-4 forward Terrance Parkes and 6-0 junior point guard, Anthony Gill. The other four players in the rotation are the three seniors, 6-6 Salesian transfer Lateef Bell, 6-2 defensive specialist Brandon Henderson and 6-1 shooter Greg Davis plus junior two guard Jahi Brown. Sophomore sharpshooter Jeremy Bauman may not be ready for a varsity spot yet. The wild card in their roster mix could be 5-9 point guard Raymell Rice, a super athlete and Syracuse football commit.  If Raymell plays basketball as a senior, New Rochelle will be that much stronger. 

We'll know before year's end how strong they are likely to be this season as the Huguenots will be playing against some stiff competition in the Rim Rockers Classic on Dec 27,28 & 29 at Longwood in Middle Island, L. I. 

8/5/04 NY Hoops: # 7. New Rochelle 'Last season they came up just short twice against Mt. Vernon but this year with forwards Geoffrey McDermontt and Terrance Parkes and guards Ray Rice and sophomore Anthony Gill they could be Section 1’s rep in Glens Falls.

6/14/04 Anthony Gill is the Gauchos (New Rochelle) guard who had 32 in the 'chos' semifinal loss to the Houston Hoops at the Rumble in the Bronx. 

6/7/04 Metrohoops Showcase Day 2 Report: 'Jeremy Bauman is a pure sharpshooter. He loves to catch and shoot from any distance. Can keep other players more honest by putting the ball on the floor more. When Bauman is hot it can be lights out for the other team.' 

2/19/04 Journal News: 'Though nationally ranked Mount Vernon is the overwhelming favorite to come away with the Class AA sectional boys basketball title, New Rochelle has shown that it may be capable of upsetting the Knights. As playoff action gets under way, consider this: Not including its two games against New Rochelle, Mount Vernon defeated its eight other Section 1 opponents by an average margin of victory of 46 points. But in its contests against New Rochelle, the Knights were tested.'

Newark Eastside, NJ.  11/2/04 Terence (T-bone) Johnson: 'Watchung Conference Pre-Season Preview -- Newark Eastside has a gem on their basketball team this year that everyone is going to have to take notice of  by the name of Corey Chandler. Corey stands about 6'0 and is only a sophomore, and I can hear the coaches at Elizabeth and Plainfield thinking 2007 can't get here fast enough. Corey will be a D-1 player with the correct work ethic and development, and judging by the history of Coach Tavares and Bryant, he's in good hands. Last year as a freshmen, Corey managed to put a scare into many ranked teams that laced their sneakers up to play Eastside. Versus Plainfield, he almost knocked the Cardinals off himself, missing a 3pt basket at the buzzer that would of won it. Joining Corey returning for Eastside are Allen Bush and Al Holloway, rugged rebounders 6'4 Ryan Gillens and 6'3 Randy Williams. Eastside style is hard man, pressing, screens and picks offense.'

11/2/04 Coach Anthony Tavares: 'We finished 12-12 last year and lost to Bridgewater Raritan in the state tourney... Have only one senior in Ryan Gillens and expect to compete in the Watchung Conference this year and next. Junior class of guards Al Holloway, Allen Bush, and forwards Randy Williams and Adrian Wright  saw a lot of varsity time last year as sophomores. Sophomore Cory Chandler is a top 10 sophomore in tri-state area and getting better each day.... Sophomore Derek Miller is also an explosive 6'2 guard who will get plenty of varsity time this year.... Freshman class includes 5'10 guard, Jalil Williams who is an excellent ball handler and may play varsity before the year is up....'

Our Savior Lutheran, NYC  11/30/04 Coach Oswald Cross: 'Our Savior Lutheran made a lot of noise last year with 5'8 all city guard Jamaal Womack, 6'0 Marcus Lamb and 6'7 David Cobb.  This year OSL. will be led by 6'8 junior man child Justin Burrell along with 6'4 high flying junior Nick Murphy and 6'5 sweet shooting senior Eric Peguero.  The backcourt of senior Shane Donnelly Jr. Larry Garcia, Rice transfer sophomore Jamie Harris and freshman Ivy Fisher (the younger brother of Corey Fisher) should be rank among the top in the city. Our 6'4 230 pound senior Will Defosset, 6'0 sophomore Nefta Webster, 6'0 junior Akeem McTaw, 6'3 sophomore Mykel Wright, 5'9 junior Phil Ductan, freshman 5'5 Illijah Uglana and sophomore Cameron McCreary should all contribute good minutes.

We play in the PSAA. Non league games Oak Hill, Gaucho's Christmas Tourny (Cardozo)  Martin Luther King Classic (Carnise), Brighton High School (Boston), Kenndy Classic (Monore), Hunt Classic (TBA), Aberdeenin Christmas Tourney in Marlyland (TBA), Long Island Lutheran and Upper Room.'

3/3/04 NY Post: ' Our Savior Lutheran was set to play for the NYSAIS A state championship on Monday, but now its season is over.  The league ruled yesterday that Domonic Jones was a fifth-year senior, making him ineligible to play at the Bronx school. The decision forced OSL. to forfeit its semifinal playoff victory over Long Island Lutheran.'

Our Savior New American, LI  11/9/04 Eric Jaklitsch: 'Our Savior New American Pioneers: After having a terrific start to last season Our Savior New American had their season and lives changed dramatically when they were involved in a fatal car accident that claimed the life of budding superstar, Kevin Mormin and severely injured several other players. They finished the season at 24-18 but many of those games that they lost were after the car accident. The highlight of their season was when Our Savior dismantled a loaded Mt Zion team at the Primetime Shootout by 30 points. That was Mt Zion's lone lost of the season (that team featured 12 division one players). Gone from last years team is superstar, 3rd team USA Today All American Juan Diego Tello Palacios who is the starting power forward for Louisville and 6'5" guard Cesar Chavez who is expected to start for Florida International. Don't feel bad for Ron Stelzer's Pioneers, as Our Savior does not rebuild they reload. 

Back from last years team is 6'8" 270 power forward James Tchana who returned from the tragic accident and had a great spring and summer AAU season. He has received a scholarship to play at Fresno State. Tchana will provide experience, outstanding rebounding, scoring around the basket, and tough interior defense. Also returning is 6'7" 200 forward Bougari Konate who was also seriously injured but has worked his way back. Konate is a outstanding, long 3 point shooter who can light up scoreboards. He has added some toughness and inside scoring to his offensive arsenal. Konate had a good fall season at IS 8 where he averaged 25 ppg. Another returning senior for the Pioneers is 6'3" combo guard Javon Parris who started to get the opportunity to shine after the accident. Parris is a slippery guard who has the ability to get to the hole and score on his man. His biggest asset is his ability to play some lock down defense on opponents. He has been attracting mid major interest and will be a good, late signee. Another returning senior for Our Savior New American is 6'7" forward Beniot Bekono who started to show his ability to be a key player toward the end of the season. Bekono carried his inspired play over to the AAU season and team up with the SRAP/NY Elite team where he was viewed by many as the "glue" to the team. Bekono however suffered an unfortunate injury at the Bob Gibbons TOC where he tore his ACL. He should be expected back in the lineup by late December.  His return could be one of the important keys to OSNA's success this year as he can do many different things. 

Other returning seniors are 6'1" Danny Lloyd who will provide steady guard play off the bench and 6'3" Thomas Davis who can score, rebound and defend against taller post players. The returning juniors are 6'0 Tyvon Williams, 6'2" Tim Ambrose and 6'2" Brett Wilson. Williams is a talented ball handling guard who can knock down open threes and get to the whole. Ambrose who is built like a line backer has a knack for scoring in transition and other bigger opponents. He can get to the rack and finish with authority. Brett Wilson can knock down the open shot and finishes well in transition. 

The newcomers for Our Savior New American are as follows: 6'7" 190 Benjamin Banneker forward Rio Pitt who is a an athletic and talented junior forward. While he does need to work on his strength he has good timing on defense, blocks shots from both the strong side and weak side, rebounds against stronger opponents and finishes well around the basket. 6'4" 185 pound junior point guard Daye Kaba could be one of the best guards to have played at Our Savior when his career is ended. He is a ultra athletic point guard who can turn it up to another level and simply blaze by his opponents on his way to the basket. Kaba sees the floor well and likes to get his teammates involved. He can defend plays due to his quick foot speed and height. Expect him to be a high major recruit. The Pioneers also have a pair of special freshmen. The first is Samardo Samuels a 6'8" 240 power forward from Jamaica. Samuels has the chance to be a very special player. He rebounds and scores around the basket against more experienced players. If Samuels continues to work hard he will be a high major recruit The other freshmen is 7'5" (no that is not a misprint!) Ring Ayeul by the way of the Sudan. Ayeul is a little bit raw on the offensive end however he has a Kevin Garnett like frame, is a superior defender, and can run the floor like a gazelle. The key to Our Savior this year will be their defense. The Pioneers can score however for them to win key games they will need to defend for 32 plus minutes.'

11/8/04 Brett Wilson, JV coach: ' Roster: Head Coach: Ron Stelzer. The seniors are 6-1 Daniel Lloyd, 6-3 Javon Parris, 6-7  Benoit Bekono,  6-3 Thomas Davis, 6-2  Tim Ambrose, 6-7  Rio Pitt, 6-8  James Tchana and 6-7 Bougari Konate. The juniors are 6-3 Daye Kaba, 6-0 Tyvon Williams and 6’3” Brett Wilson. Samardo Samuels is a 6-8 freshman.

Their national schedule includes 11/6 at home vs. Coastal Christian (they lost 112-99), 11/14 @ South Kent CT, 11/20 Brewster Academy for CSG in Voorhees NJ at 12:30 pm.  11/26-27 for Bull City Classic in Durham, NC,  12/2-4 for Lone Star Invitational in San Antonio, 12/11-12 Pioneer Tournament at home, 12/17-21  King of Bluegrass, Louisville, Ky, 12/26-30 Slam Dunk to the Beach @ Lewes, De, 1/2/05  @ St. Benedicts, 1/8-1/9 OSNA. Tournament with St. Andrews (RI), Champlain St. Lambert (Canada) and          Notre Dame Prep (Ma), 1 /14-17 Flyin' to the Hoop, Dayton, Oh, 1/21 home vs. Gulf Shores Academy (Tx), 1/23 home vs. Mt. Zion (NC), 1/29 home vs. Oak Tree Academy (Va), 2/4  at Burlington Life Center, 2/5  Battle by the Bay in Atlantic City, 2/10 Prime Time Shootout in South Brunswick, NJ, 2/12 home vs. St. Benedict, 2/15 @ St. Anthony Jersey City, 2/18 home vs. Philadelphia Lutheran, 2/22 at Southern Maryland in White Plains, Md, 2/25-26 Champion Classic in Boone, NC with Oak Hill, Notre Dame and Roanoke Catholic, 3/5 home vs. Burlington Life Center and 3/9-11 for NACA Nationals in Dayton, Tn.' 

11/8/04 NewYorkInsider: Coastal Christian Tops Our Savior New American.

Paterson Catholic, NJ. 11/2/04 Coach Tommie Patterson graduated four seniors - 6-0 point guard Stephen Brown, 6-2 Victor Cruz, 6-3 Anthony Ruiz and 6-4 John Moody - from last season's 20-5 team which was ranked # 9 by NJO. at season's end.  By then it was the team's five sophomores who were dominating play for Pat Cat. There all a year older though they still may be a year away from challenging for state dominance. 

Their And 1 roster this summer included no seniors and the five juniors, the 6-7 twins Terrell and Jerrell Williams, 6-0 point guard Nicodemus Eaton, 6-5 forward Ramar Pennell  and 6-6 Kimanni Barrett, who are most likely to start this season.  Also on that roster were 6-1 junior Devon Vassil, the three sophomores,  6-0 Jamar Mason, 6-1 Jayvon Balcon and 5-9 Jare Adams with 5-11 freshman Jordan Theodore (he played for the Gauchos this summer and in their Roundball) but  6-1 junior guard Ray Taylor was missing. Ray is a prized Pat Cat football star defensive back so he may not be on the basketball team this season. 

The twins, Ramar and Kimanni were on the Playaz club teams at IS8 and while none of them starred, they acquitted themselves well. Too bad Nicodemus didn't make an appearance. 

The Cougars beat a Caracter-less St Patrick in the Catholic North B semis last season before falling to St Anthony in the finals. It's tough to see how they could get the best of either Pat or Ant this year, never mind taking both. 

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 5. Paterson Catholic The sensational freshmen classes of 2002 are now juniors, they have two seasons left to capture that state title many predicted when they arrived. The unpredicted Cougars are a scary draw for anyone when the title race heats up. Key players: 6’7 Jr. Forward Terrell Williams, 6’7 Jr. Forward Jerrell Williams, 6’0 Jr.  Guard Nicodemus Eaton, 6’6 Jr. Forward Kimmani Barrett.

6/20/04 NorthJersey:  Jerrell Williams in control of Paterson Catholic. 

4/2/04 NJO. Boys Basketball Top 20: # 9-Paterson Catholic (20-5). 

3/21/04 All-Passaic: Boys basketball -- first team Jerrel Williams, Paterson Catholic, Sophomore. Emerged as a clutch scorer and tough rebounder on a team that went to the Parochial B final.. second team -- Terrel Williams, Paterson Catholic, Sophomore & Kimmani Barrett, Paterson Catholic, Sophomore. HR Jonathon Moody, Paterson Catholic.

3/21/04 NorthJersey: 'The NJSIAA is hosting its annual basketball championship bash this weekend and North Jersey boys teams are conspicuously absent for the first time since 1992. No Bergen or Passaic county teams will compete the six State titles being contested Saturday at the Ritacco Center in Toms River and today at Rutgers. ... Next year Paterson Catholic may have the best chance to advance, because of sophomores Kimmani Barrett and 6-7 twins Terrell and Jerrell Williams. But the Cougars will have to go through perennial powers St. Anthony and St. Patrick to return to their first State final since 1994 and the glory days of Tim Thomas. Said coahc Tommy Patterson: "We need to get stronger."

3/11/04 NJO: Ahmad Mosby ... responded with 10 of his 15 points in the final period to steer undefeated St. Anthony, No. 1 in The Star-Ledger Top 20 and No. 2 in the nation, to a 65-54 victory over No. 8 Paterson Catholic in the NJSIAA/ShopRite North Jersey, Parochial B championship last night before 2,500 at St. Peters Yanitelli Center in Jersey City. 

3/9/04 NJ Hoops: Kimani Barrett leads Paterson Catholic past St Patrick.

3/6/04 NJO: Terrell Williams led the way in the first period and Kimmani Barrett highlighted a fourth-quarter run when Paterson Catholic stopped Montclair Kimberley Academy, 55-32, in the NJSIAA/ShopRite North Jersey, Parochial B quarterfinals last night in Paterson.

Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ.  10/27/04 Peddie School is a prep school playing in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) as part of the N.J. Independent School Athletic Association (NJISAA). The Falcons have a 24 game season and the NJISAA playoffs which end this season with the championship game on Wednesday, Feb. 23 2005. It's a six team league with four New Jersey teams (Lawrenceville Prep, Hun and Blair Academy are the others) and two Pennsylvania teams, Mercersburg Academy and Hill School. They play each league team once; this season it's Lawrenceville away and Blair at home. The Falcons play Germantown Academy in the Make a Wish Basketball Showcase on 12/17, have a home game against St Patrick on January 27th. and play Episcopal Academy away on 2/2/05.  Their Peddie School Invitational tournament begins their season on December 10th. It's an eight team (Lawrenceville Prep, Hun NYC Boys Club among others), three day, single elimination affair. St Benedict is not part of their league but is part of  the Association's Prep A five team playoffs, where the Grey Bees will probably be favored. Peddie's  website is at www.peddie.org. 

Coach Chris Potash begins his third season as head coach. His first season was 16-7 but last year injuries decimated the team as they fell to 5-18. Their rotation this year looks to be seven players - two post grads in 6-7 forward Dmitry Razin from Lawrence Woodmere Academy and 6-4 shooting guard E.J. Kusyner, 6-6 senior power forward Andy Simon, three juniors, 6-4 wing Josh Wearing, 6-4 guard Colin Aldridge and 5-10 ½  point guard Nasheed Linton with 5-10 sophomore Theo Jensen. There isn't a legitimate center in the rotation but they have five 6-4 plus players. Wearing figures to be the key man. He missed all of last season due to a knee injury (the Philadelphia Eagles doctor scoped it), but will return to the starting spot he held as a freshman.

10/14/04 InsidersHoops: Prep Profile: Peddie School. Chris Potash Has Arguably Best Team Since Arriving in Jersey.

Poly Prep Brooklyn, NY  11/1/04 Head coach Bill McNally (12th Season), associate head coach & JV coach: Glenn McCartney, assistant coaches: Dennis Keating and Jeremy Fink Director of Athletics: Craig Jacoby.  The school website is at www.polyprep.org. 10/25/04 Coach Bill McNally: 'Poly Prep is coming off a fine season where they reached the New York State Championship for the program’s second time. Unfortunately, Poly was unable to bring home at state championship from Glens Falls at the Class B level as they had done at the Class C level in 2000. The 2003-2004 team overcame a year where the team was decimated with injuries but still went on to win the New York State Independent Schools Class B championship, rebounding from not capturing an Ivy Prep League conference championship for the first time in seven years. The Blue Devils will have to be on top of their game if they hope to continue as one of the premiere private school programs in the state. Besides their challenges from solid Ivy Prep League opponents Poly will continue it’s tradition of playing a top flight non-conference schedule which includes some of the best high school programs in the country.

This season Poly will face: Christ the King, St. Benedict, All Hallows and Grady as well as competing in the always challenging Monsignor King Christmas Tournament against the likes of Bishop Loughlin, St. Francis Prep, Midwood, St. John’s Prep, New Utrecht, Moore Catholic and Madison. 

Poly graduated four solid players from last season’s squad, most notably Charlie Parker who will see significant minutes as a freshman point guard at New York University and Liam Biesty who made the St.John’s Red Storm roster as a walk on. This year’s team has designs on winning a championship upstate as well as recapturing the Ivy Prep League championship. Led by tri-captain seniors Peter Ajayi, Sal DeMarco and Danny Manning, the Blue Devils have a significant level of both experience and talent. Both Ajayi and DeMarco started every game last season for Poly. Manning overcame a serious pre-season ankle injury to contribute to the Blue Devils late season run. All three are enjoying recruiting from some the top academic colleges in the country. Two juniors played major roles in last seasons success. Jabari Edwards has solidified himself as one of the top juniors in America. The 6’9” center is highly skilled and athletic. After attending the Adidas Superstar Camp in Atlanta, Georgia last summer Jabari has garnered interest from colleges such as Villanova, St.John’s, Pittsburg, Notre Dame, Stanford and Maryland. Kevin Kelleher became a starter near the end of the season last year and delivered as a versatile swingman. The junior class is a strong one for Poly as Chris Lazzaro, Paul Mancuso, Ramon Tardio and Ian Pearson elevate to the varsity after successful tenures on the Junior Varsity. Sharp shooting sophomore Billy Butler and heralded freshman point guard Justin Newton are two talented young players who also appear prepared to significantly contribute to this year’s varsity. Overall it should be an exciting season for the boys from Dyker Heights. 

2004-2005 Boys Varsity Basketball Schedule Day, Date, Opponent, Time, Location:  Sun. Dec. 5 Grady (I.A.A.B.O. Tip-Off Classic) 1:00 St. Francis College, Wed. Dec. 8 at Dalton* 4:15 Manhattan, N.Y,  Fri. Dec.10 Hackley* 4:15 Poly Prep CDS Fri. Dec.17 at Christ the King 7:30 Middle Village, N.Y. Sat. Dec.18 St. Benedict’s Prep (Hoop Group Classic) 4:30 Rutgers University, Newark, NJ Dec. 26,27,29,30 Msgr.King Christmas Tournament T.B.A. Brooklyn, N.Y. (Bishop Loughlin, New Utrecht, St. Francis Prep, St. John’s Prep, Moore Catholic, Midwood, Madison) Fri. Jan. 7 at Fieldston* 7:00 Bronx, N.Y. Wed. Jan.12 Trinity* 4:15 Poly Prep CDS Wed. Jan.19 Horace Mann* 4:00 Poly Prep CDS Fri. Jan.21 at Collegiate* 7:00 Manhattan, N.Y. Wed. Jan.26 Riverdale* 4:00 Poly Prep CDS Fri. Jan.28 at Hackley* 6:30 Tarrytown, N.Y. Wed. Feb.2 at Horace Mann* 4:00 Bronx, N.Y. Fri. Feb.4 Collegiate* (Oasis Night, BCAT, T.V.) 8:00 Poly Prep CDS Sat. Feb.5 All Hallows (Coaches vs. Cancer Classic) 5:00 Manhattan College Wed. Feb.9 Fieldston* 4:15 Poly Prep CDS Fri. Feb.11 at Trinity* 4:00 Manhattan, N.Y. Wed. Feb.16 Dalton* 4:15 Poly Prep CDS Fri. Feb.18 at Riverdale* 4:00 Bronx, N.Y. Feb. 24-27 Collegiate Invitational Tournament TBA Manhattan, N.Y. * indicates an Ivy Prep League Game.

Port Chester, NY  10/27/04 Assistant coach Tom Sampogna: 'Port Chester High School returns for the 2004-05 season from a 20-2 (League A title) finish last year with plenty of experience. We won the regular season Class A title but we lost to Fox Lane (Taj Finger) in the Section 1-Class A title game last year. After reaching the Sectional Finals for the first time in 20 years, Rams basketball is back. Head Coach Jeff Charney returns for his 2nd year and will be counting on three seniors to take the team to the top this year. Returning from last years squad are tri-captains 5'7 point guard Melvin Calhoun (10.2 ppg, 11.1 apg. 3.4 spg), 6'1 two guard Todd Fraser (8.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and 6'4 small forward Jeremy Thomas (11.3 ppg.12.3 rpg.2.1 bpg). Calhoun led the county in assists and Thomas was second in rebounding.

Calhoun is being recruited at the low-mid D1 level by schools like Canisius, Iona, Delaware and FDU. Fraser will look to fill the void left by two guard Chad Charney by duplicating the three bombing that Charney did last year. 

After losing three seniors, Charney, Ronald Miles and All-County Leon Hill, the Rams fill that void with 6'6 junior power forward Greg Avila (transfer from Blessed Sacrament), 6'7 sophomore center Mohammad Lo (transfer from South Maryland Christian Academy, via McClancy) and 6'3 freshman small forward Will Foust (Greenwich HS). Also looking to contribute off the bench this year will be 6'1 junior AJ Foust, 5'10 senior Shyheim Daniels and 5'6 sophomore Vince Chambers. 

Port Chester finished the season ranked 2nd among Westchester County schools in the Journal News, right behind Mt. Vernon and ahead of White Plains. PC will be scrimmaging against JFK-Somers, Scarsdale, KLHT. (Stamford, CT) and New Rochelle. PC opens up its season December 8th vs. Yonkers and then heads into the Harry Jefferson Classic at WP 12/9-10. League play will be tough with games against Nyack, Tappan Zee, Harrison, Pearl River and Sleepy Hallow. PC is currently playing in the Pace Fall League and is 6-1 going into the semi-finals vs. New Rochelle Sunday.' 

11/19/04 Scott Blackwood: 'There are a few players who I think should be ranked  like Greg Avila 6'6 Class of  06 ( PortChester). I watched a lot of games this summer especially the Metro Swoosh in the Bronx  I've been watching Greg this whole summer.'

11/2/04 Anthony Nicodemo: 'We have added another game to our HS event in January. St Raymond's will now play Port Chester.'

Raritan HS, NJ  10/27/04 Raritan had a magical 26-6 season last year which included the school's first ever Shore Conference, State sectional and Group 3 championships, the last via a 71-50 win over conference rival Manasquan. Then they beat Haddonfield handily 63-44 in the Tournament of Champions before losing to undefeated St Anthony 56-42 in the semi-final game. 

Coach Sean Devaney's Rockets have three proven stars in 5-10 senior point guard, Marques Johnson, 6-8 senior center QaRaan Calhoun and junior sharpshooter, 5-11 David Lonnay. They graduated their 6-2 wing mainstay Mike Nunes from last season's team which primarily relied on those four players for points in crucial games.  Besides the top three the And 1 nine man roster - all players are from Hazlet or Raritan - had the two seniors, 5-11 Sal Corcione and 5-9 Sean Donovan, one junior, 5-10 Andrew Mandeville and three sophomores in 6-0 Brian England, 6-0 William Atkinson and 6-2 Kevin Boler. 

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 4. Raritan: The Rockets return with the states number one duo. Raritan upped its
schedule to prepare for another title run. Pencil them in for the Group 3 crown. You notice I said pencil not pen. Key players: 5’11 Sr. Guard Marques Johnson, 6’7 Sr. Forward QuaRaan Calhoun,  5’11 Jr. Guard David Lonnay.

11/23/04 Daily News: 'A rare big man who excels more on the perimeter than he does in the paint, Calhoun will be relied on more this season since the Rockets, a TOC semifinalist a year ago, lost two starters to graduation. He'll likely end up at a prep school next year.'  

11/23/04 Daily News: True teammates, Marques Johnson and Qa'rraan Calhoun.   

11/18/04  Insiders: Marques Johnson Headed to Boston University.

11/15/04 Metro Hoops:  Marques Johnson and Quaraan Calhoun ( Raritan)- The number 1 tandem in NJ is Johnson and Calhoun, how can you argue it. They won the belts last year. Marques and Quaraan pumped life into Raritan basketball and cut down the nets at the RAC. Johnson the true general was clutch during their playoff run and Calhoun keep the crowd on their feet with spectacular play after play. 

4/2/04 NJO. Boys Basketball Top 20: # 6-Raritan (26-6). Coach Sean Devaney gave Raritan something to believe in.

3/20/04 NorthJerseySports: 'No worries for St. Anthony even after Raritan's hot start. But Raritan finished its brilliant season with a 26-6 record and the school's first ever Shore Conference, State sectional and outright Group 3 championships.'

3/18/04 NJ Hoops: Raritan gets by Haddonfield.   Philly.com: Haddonfield boys fall to Raritan.

3/18/04 Bayshore: 'Raritan over Haddonfield by 16+. Soph. Zubek had 22 and about 16 but missed a ton of lay-ups. Calhoun stuffed him a half dozen times, three straight at one point Raritan had three players with 15.'

3/18/04 NJ Hoops: Raritan topped Shore Conference rival Manasquan 71 - 60 this afternoon at Rutgers in the Group 3 State title game.

3/18/04 NorthJerseySports: Demarest runs into a Raritan buzz saw in Group 3 semifinal.

Regis, NYC. 10/21/04 Coach Kevin Cullen: 'Last year, Regis finished with an 18-9 (11-1 in league) record. We won the City "B" Championship with a 50-42 win in overtime vs. Scanlan for the title.

We then traveled to Buffalo to take on St. Mary's of Lancaster, Buffalo in the New York State "B" Catholic championship with the winner going to Glenn Falls. Unfortunately, it wasn't us, losing 59-54.

As far as this year is concerned, we have 8 letterman returning and we are moving up a sophomore. Our key players are: 6'2 senior Rob Quinn who can play the 3 or 4 positions, 6'4 senior Noel Mangan who can play the power forward and center positions, 6'4 junior Joe McBride ( who gained tremendous varsity experience as a sophomore). Joe can play either the 3 or 4 positions and occasionally the 5, and 5'11 sophomore Matt Galvin. Matt can play either the 1 or 2 positions.

We are very excited with the prospect of repeating as City Champs. Our main competition is probably Salesian and Blessed Sacrament but you can never count out Scanlan or Cathedral.

Regis will play a 24 game schedule again this year with a 12 game league schedule plus games with Fordham Prep, Xavier, Mount, LaSalle, St. Edmunds and Spellman. Regis will also be in the Loyola High School Christmas Tournament, right before Christmas.

We love to mix it up between a running game and a slow down game on the break. We also love to mix it up defensively between various zones and various types of man to man.

The key games in the league will be 1/22 @ Regis vs. Salesian game time 4pm, 2/4 @ Salesian game time 5:45, 1/18 and 2/6 vs Blessed Sacrament. 1/18 is @ Regis @ 4:30 with 2/6 being @ Iona Prep @ 2:30 and 2/11 @ Scanlan @ 7pm should be exciting. It always is.'

Rice, NYC. -- 11/6/04 The Rice Raiders were 11-2 in the CHSAA. and 22-6 overall last year. They were beaten 59-44 by Xaverian in the semi-finals and they lost three starters to graduation: Weyinme Efejuku, Russell Robinson and Arturo Dubois. Coach Mo Hicks is likely to start four juniors: 6-9 center Curtis Kelly, 6-1 Edgar Sosa, 6-2 Kashif Pratt and 6-4 Elijah Whitehead  (Kash, Curtis and Edgar are pictured from left to right at the Apple vs. Empire Games.) If the talent in the current senior class matched last season's senior group or this season's juniors then Rice would be favored for the city and perhaps state championship.  But it does not. Seniors Taskico Brown 5-10 point guard, Joseph Vines 6'4 power forward, George Williamson 6'4 power forward and Kerek Walker 6'0  two guard, figure to play supporting, not starring roles this season.

The three juniors - 6-3 forward Derrick Haynes, 5-10 point guard Mike Howard  and 5-7 point guard Trevon Charles may make the roster but are unlikely to make a real impact on the Raiders fortunes. 

12/6/04 Newsday: Rice 81, Lincoln 64. Press rattles young guards. 

12/6/04 Daily News: Rice cooks on 'D' to beat Lincoln.

12/6/04 NY Post: Raiders lock up Lincoln.

11/1/04 Dre Calloway: 'The key players for Rice are senior guard Taskico Brown, senior forward Joseph Vines and  the juniors, point guard Edgar Sosa, wing forward Kashif (Kash) Pratt, forward/center Curtis Kelly and forward Elijah (Eli) Whitehead. The promising freshmen are 6-5 Kafele Carty, 6-4 Bryant Crowder, 6-4 Curtis Loving, 5-9  Kemba Walker and me, I'm 5-11.'

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 51 Rice – Manhattan, NY.

10/19/04 Student Sports Fab 50 preseason basketball rankings includes # 47. Rice (New York, N.Y.) 22-6 (nr).' The Raiders return two of the top juniors in New York City in 6-9 Curtis Kelly and 6-2 Edgar Sosa along with a veteran cast.'

8/5/04 NY Hoops: # 5. Rice- 'The loss of Russell Robinson and Arturo Dubois clearly hurts but having Curtis Kelly for an entire season may be enough to offset the loss of those two. Kelly has made the commitment in the classroom and isn’t expected to miss any time this coming season. Along with Kelly, Edgar Sosa is expected to be one of the leading scorers in the CHSAA. Kashif Pratt and Elijah Whitehead will also provide help on the wings. The key to this team will be the point guard play of Taskico Brown, if he plays well this team can go far.'

3/11/04 Daily News: Fields of dreams puts Xaverian in. After five tries, Xaverian finally pushed its way into the CHSAA city championship game with a 59-44 win over Rice at Fordham University's Rose Hill gymnasium.   

3/5/04 Daily News: Rice tips Molloy on Curtis Kelly's heroics.

Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, NJ.  11/15/04 Coach Bob Farrell is beginning his 28th year as head coach of SHP. with one of his most talented teams ever. He only lost 6-6 Sebastian Blazer to graduation and 6-0 Porter Braswell who transferred to Lawrenceville Prep from last season's 26-3 club. They are led by three D1 seniors in 6-8 Brandon Costner (North Carolina State), 6-2 Andrew Pusar (Harvard) and 5-8 Chris Andrews (Yale) with two more experienced seniors in 6-1 Mark Solomon and 6-1 Darryl Harvey.  Two other seniors, 6-4 forward Chuck Curry and 6-2 guard Chris Moogan will be on the roster as will junior forward Alex Wujciak, a Prep football star, who has grown to 6-4, 225 lbs. to add his muscle to the inside game. There are three sophomores expected to make the varsity - 6-1 talented guard Gary Wallace (Gary plays with St Anthony's Miles Beatty for the Playaz in the summer), the intriguing 6-11 John Marciano and 6-3 Ralph Jones. Lastly, 6-0 freshman sensation Ashton Gibbs may see some varsity playing time this season.

The team has two tournament dates. On the weekend of December 18-19 (probably Sunday the 19th) they play Columbia HS in the Hoop Group Tip-off Classic at Seton Hall University. Then over the Christmas break, from 12/26 through 12/30 they will be in Charleston, SC @ the Citadel for the Red Cross, Rotary Roundball Classic, a twelve team event which will have seven nationally ranked teams participating. 

As a Parochial A team Seton Hall Prep does not have to deal with the two Parochial B powerhouses, St Anthony and St Patrick until the Tournament of Champions, which only one of those two teams can make. Last season a funny thing happened on the way to the TOC; the Prep was upset in overtime by Parochial A South power, St Augustine. If form holds, those two schools should meet again this season, but it's hard to see how the Hermits can again upset the Pirates. Unfortunately for SHP. it's just as hard to see how they can overcome the Ant, Pat winner for the TOC crown. 

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 2. Seton Hall Prep. The Pirates had revenge on their mind ever since they were upset by St. Augustine in last years final. They return a senior trio that are not trying to leave the Prep without a title. Key players: 6’8 sr. forward Brandon Costner, 5’8 Sr. Guard Chris Andrews, 6’2 Sr. Guard Andrew Pusar, 6’0 Fr. Guard Ashton Gibbs

11/18/04 Metro Hoops Top freshmen -- '# 9. Jameel Grace ( Seton Hall Prep) - Grace the other part of the freshmen backcourt package. Jameel leaves all the flash and glamour at home and just gets it done. Grace is a hard nose point the could run a team with no problem. Jameel and Ashton should keep a smile on Coach Farrell face the next couple of years.'

11/17/04 USA Today Super 25 boys' basketball rankings includes# 22. Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J. (26-3). Returning starters: 4. Outlook: Led by 6-9 Brandon Costner (17.2 ppg). Opens: Dec. 17 at Morris Knolls (Denville).

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 4  Seton Hall Prep – West Orange, NJ.

10/19/04 Student Sports Fab 50 preseason basketball rankings includes # 12. Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, N.J.) 26-3. 'The Pirates lost only one player from last season's squad and should contend for state honors. Brandon Costner, a 6-8 interior player and a Hot 100 national prospect, headlines the list. Others to watch include seniors Andrew Pusar (6-1), Darryl Harvey Jr. (6-1) and Chris Andrews (5-8) plus juniors Porter Braswell (6-0) and Alex Wujciak (6-2).' 

4/2/04 NJO Boys Basketball Top 20:  # 5-Seton Hall Prep (26-3). 

3/14/04  NJ Hoops: St. Augustine's edged Seton Hall Prep 69 - 64 in an overtime thriller in the Parochial A State Final.   

3/4/04 MSG Network: Chris Andrews -- Seton Hall mini-point guard leads with giant heart.

Sleepy Hollow High School, NY. 12/3/04 Michael DeMarco: 'My name is Michael DeMarco, the boys' varsity basketball head coach. Last year we were 16 - 6 and are returning several key players:  senior 6'3 shooting guard Patrick Crean, senior 6'0 shooting guard Anthony Carver and senior 6'0 point guard Marcus Attaway.

Our key games in league play this year are vs. Port Chester (12/22/04 at home and 1/31/05 away), Pearl River (1/28/05 at home and 2/04/05 away) and Nyack (12/08/04 away and 1/11/05 at home). The Croton tournament is scheduled for Friday 12/17/04 and Saturday 12/18/04 at Sleepy Hollow. '

12/4/04 Journal News: Sleepy Hollow defeats St. Raymond's B 64-48 in tournament final.

St Anthony, NJ. -- 10/26/04 Coach Bob Hurley's Friars And 1 roster was 5-9 senior Derrick Mercer, 6-1 senior Sean McCurdy, 6-3 senior Robert Bullock, 6-5 senior Barney Anderson, 6-9 senior Ahmad Nivens, 5-9 junior Ralph Fernandez, 5-11 junior David Bullock, 6-2 soph Miles Beatty and 6-3 soph. Kahiriq Irick. They've since added 6-4 junior import from Sweden, Sean Smith, a classic European catch and shoot player. There are four freshmen of note: 6-5 AJ Rogers, 6-1 Michael Rosario, 5-11 Travon Woodall  and Jio Fontan but it's unlikely any of them will make the varsity.  Since the coach favors an up tempo, full court game featuring speedy athletes,  look for Mercer (the IS8 championship game MVP), McCurdy and Beatty to get major minutes, while Anderson and Nivens may not play together that often. 

The Friars were a perfect 30-0 last season beating the red hot Bloomfield Tech Spartans 67-55 in the Tournament of Champions final. That team used an eight man rotation, four seniors and the four juniors, Mercer, McCurdy, Anderson and Nivens. Their sophomore, Miles Beatty, is so good that he will probably start for them from the very beginning of the season. The 5-11 junior, David Bullock, did some nice work for the Playaz at IS8 this fall, so he and Fernandez will help on the Friar perimeter, offensively and defensively. Last year 6-3 senior captain Marcus Williams gave them an athletic, inside out wing to complement their perimeter and post play. Senior Robert Bullock, junior Sean Smith and/or sophomore Kahuriq Irick (if he doesn't head back to Teaneck) will be looking to fill that role this season. 

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 1. St. Anthony's The defending champs are back to reclaim their crown. A senior led Hurley squad usually means doom for the rest of the state. The Friars  are too disciplined on both ends of the floor to bet against. Key players
6’2 Sr. Guard Sean McCurdy, 6’8 Sr. Forward Ahmad Nivins, 6’5 Sr. Forward Barney Anderson, 6’2 Soph. Guard Miles Beatty.

11/17/04 USA Today Super 25 boys' basketball rankings includes # 3. St. Anthony, Jersey City, N.J. (30-0). Returning starters: 3. Outlook: Will fluster opponents with a defense headed by 5-8 Derrick Mercer and 6-5 Barney Anderson (11 ppg, 9 rpg). Opens: Dec. 19 vs. South Plainfield.

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 3  St. Anthony – Jersey City, NJ.

10/19/04 Student Sports Fab 50 preseason basketball rankings includes # 1. St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) 30-0. 'The Friars return four college-bound seniors from a 30-0 record team that finished No. 3 in the Fab 50. The four are third-year starting guards Derrick Mercer (5-8) and Sean McCurdy (6-1) plus forward Barney Anderson (6-5), the MVP of the New Jersey Tournament of Champions last season. Expected to make an impact is 6-9 Ahmad Nivins, who became eligible at mid-season after a transfer. Nivins is a St. Joseph's recruit. The Friars won national poll titles in 1989 and 1996 under 34-year coach Bob Hurley.'

4/2/04 NJO Boys Basketball Top 20: 1-St. Anthony's (30-0).  

3/24/04 North Jersey Sports: St. Anthony finishes off its perfect season. 

3/21/04 Philly.com: Tournament of St. Anthony. It's called the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions, but it really has turned into something else. The St. Anthony Showcase.

St Augustine, Richland NJ. Coach Paul Rodio's Hermits finished last season with a 26-4 record losing to Bloomfield Tech 76-59 in the Tournament of Champions semifinal. Their star point guard, 6-2 senior Anthony Farmer returns but his backcourt mate, Mark Porter has graduated. This season's team will rely on their 6-7 senior center Jordan Dean and two talented sophomore wings in 6-3 Daniel Anders and 6-1 John White. Senior wing Jarrod Frazier,  senior guards 6-0 Eric Kiwawecz and 5-6 point Phil Schaffer with junior wing 6-2 Greg Golden and 5-10 sophomore guard Joey Liberta will all see playing time. Clark Hindelang is a notable 6-0 freshman guard but freshmen rarely make the Hermits' varsity team.

Once again St Augustine looks like the team to beat in Parochial A South but it's difficult to see how they can again upset Seton Hall Prep in the Parochial A championship game. 

The Prep's website is at http://www.ehermits.net/flash.asp. 

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 6. St. Augustine The Hermits are back to prove that last years title was not a fluke. The class of S. Jersey are likely headed for another showdown with Seton Hall Prep. Key players : 6’2 Sr. Guard Anthony Farmer, 6’7 Sr. Center Jordan Dean, 6’1 Soph.  Guard John White.

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 86 St. Augustine – Richland, NJ.   4/2/04 NJO: Boys Basketball Top 20: # 4 St. Augustine (26-4).  3/20/04 Philly.com:  St. Augustine comes up short.  3/14/04  NJ Hoops: St. Augustine's edged Seton Hall Prep 69 - 64 in an overtime thriller in the Parochial A State Final.

St Benedict, Newark NJ. 11/1/04  St Benedict is a prep school, like Lawrenceville Prep, Blair and Peddie in New Jersey, but unlike the other three the Grey Bees do not play in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL). They are not eligible for the Tournament of Champions and finish their season in late February playing in the Prep A tournament.

Last season they were led to a 29-2 season by their stars JR Smith and Alex Galindo, but they lost both games against Lawrenceville Prep, including that Prep School championship. This season, coach Danny Hurley's Grey Bees again appear to be one of the best teams in the region. Expect the juniors, Lance Thomas and Eugene Harvey with sophomore Corey Stokes to be their stars. Thomas and Harvey are established but the coach thinks that, in time and with continued effort, Stokes has the ability to play to the level of  last season's star, JR Smith. It looks like three senior players - Dwight Burke (Rice transfer and East Carolina commit), Frank Tchuisi and  Ishmael Traore - will share the pivot position, while 6-1 senior Eric Moore will probably start opposite Harvey. But coach Hurley considers his 6-1 junior guard Darwin Cubillan, "the heart and soul of our team, he is a dynamo and a blur on the court."  Another varsity guard who will see action is junior Mike Johnson who has transferred from Scotch Plains after transferring from St Anthony last season. Sophomore point guard Leonel Liriano is a talented 6-3, but his playing time will be limited this season. The team's two talented freshmen, 5-10 Terrell Halloway from Hempstead and 6-9 Frederick Dominguez from the Dominican Republic will both probably play on on the JV team this year. Right now Dominguez is very thin but he'll naturally fill out in the next few years and the coach thinks he may grow to seven feet. 

The Grey Bee schedule will once again be national. They play Our Savior New American, Poly Prep, St Patrick twice, St Joes Metuchen, St Peters Prep, Mt Zion on January 6th at the Hall of Fame game in Massachusetts, John Neuman and Burlington Life Center. 

6/24/04 At the And1 Classic coach Danny Hurley's team had a thin nine man roster. The starters were 5-11 senior guard Eric Moore, 5-11 junior point guard Eugene Harvey, 6-1 junior guard Davis Cubillan, 6-4 sophomore wing Corey Stokes and 6-8 senior center Frank Tchuisi, with reserves as 6-6 senior forward Ishmael Traore, 5-8 sophomore point guard Tashon Johnson, 6-4 sophomore Leonel Liriano and 6-9 freshman Frederick Dominguez. Since then they've added a star in 6-8 transfer Lance Thomas and a capable role player in 6-9 Dwight Burke from Rice NY.

10/21/04 Metro Hoops: Lance Thomas - a fresh new start.  

2/23/04 NJ Hoops: Lawrenceville takes prep crown, beat St. Benedict's 90 - 68 to win the NJ State Prep A title.

St Dominic, LI   11/16/04 Coach Rob Pavinelli: 'St. Dominic finished last season with a 16-9 record.  Many inexperienced but talented players will look to improve on that record.  A tough non-league schedule, including All Hallows, Grady, Wings Academy, Philly power Bartram and 4 games in Florida at the Kreul Classic, will help them improve quickly.

Senior forward 6'5 Brandon Serrano has made big strides returning from a terrible car accident almost two years ago. He has gained back much of his agility and keeps improving.  Seniors combo guards 5'10 Brian Sheehy, 5'10 Sean Kennedy and 5'10 shooting guard James McEnroe will provide scoring, defense and leadership in the backcourt.  A pair of senior forwards Mike King and Eric Multer will give St. Dom's strength and depth up front.  Junior point guards 6'2 Antoine Pearson and 5'11 Chris Lopiano have improved much over the summer and will see considerable time this year. Junior forwards 6'4 shooter Paul Golluscio and 6'1 Phil Kautzman will give even depth at those positions. Four sophomores from last years undefeated freshmen team will be looked upon to contribute greatly to the varsity. 6'2 shooting guard T.J. Carey,  6'5 forward Markeys Deans, 6'3 forward T.J. Thomas and 6'2 swingman James Wilson.

We open the season with Wings Academy on Dec 5th.'

12/6/04 Newsday: St. Dom finds new scorers.

10/04 St Dominic fielded a team at IS8 this fall and they made it to the playoffs before losing to Starrett City in the first round. 

St Johns Prep, NYC.  11/30/04  Darius Penikas, JV Coach: 'Last year's record was 22-5 overall (15-1 in league) We were CHSAA. "A" South Division champs, but lost CHSAA "A" Championship to LaSalle by 2 points. We were the winners of "Stanner Classic" Tournament. 
Key losses: 6'8" forward Bryant Dunston who is currently at Fordham and was just named A-10 Rookie of the Week for his stellar 20 point opening game performance against St. Francis College, 6'3" guard Gary Graham currently playing for Utica, 5'10" guard Serge Clement and 6'3" forward Jack Fulcher.

Projected starters are 6'4" senior guard/forward Richard Thomas, a tremendous athlete being recruited by Rider, Sienna, Hofstra, Southern Miss and West Virginia; 6'5" senior forward Jelani Winfield- according to Coach Gatto the most improved player at SJP- understands spacing well, has great court vision and is very crafty under the boards (has already scored above 1000 on his SATs). 6'3" senior forward Richard Jean-Baptiste - a strong tough player who has a solid jumper and has greatly improved his quickness; 6'2" senior guard Chris Williams - an intelligent passer with a solid jumper and two years of varsity experience under his belt (a good student who has had a great deal of interest from D2 and D3 schools) and 5'9" Antoine Gregg - a quick guard who did not see much action last year but has a great history playing with this group. 

Key Reserves: 6'2" senior forward Lukasz Klimazewski - a strong powerful force who understands the game well, 5'9" senior guard Eric Rosado - strong shooter; 6'4" senior forward Miguel Montano - has added much needed strength, 6'3" senior forward Rudy Germain, 5'10" senior guard Daniel Lake, 5'9" senior guard Premyslaw Prete.

Outlook: After last year's heartbreaking championship loss SJP. is looking to rebound and have a good year.  Legendary Coach James Gatto and  his longtime assistant coach Lou Garnes expect to be see a strong league and find good competition throughout from the likes of LaSalle, McClancy, Mount, Spellman, Xavier and others. 

Key Games: SJP. will play in this year's Monsignor King Christmas Tournament, will play at Lawrence Woodmere and will play in January at the NYC/ Long Island Challenge at St. Dominic's.'

11/30/04 St Johns Prep is in the Division A (second highest CHSAA.) South with St Edmund, LaSalle, Monsignor McClancy (new from A division), Xavier, Bishop Ford and Nazareth. 

St Josephs, Montvale NJ.  11/16/04 David Zuber: 'I want you to include a team that has a major D-1 signee, a good complementary cast, and has beaten a few teams on your top 21 list, namely Frederick Douglas Academy and Holy Cross, while losing to St. Anthony of Jersey City by two points in the summer 2004 Metro Hoops Classic at Seton Hall. I am referring to St. Joseph Regional High School, in Montvale, New Jersey.  A team that plays in the tough NNJIL. conference, that features Rutgers' signee, 6'8" senior Gerald 'JR" Inman, and is coached by Michael Doherty.  With only three players from last years'  21-6 season lost due to graduation they are led by three seniors in 6-8 JR Inman  and 5-11 'twin' combo of Jason and Devin McCourtey, with two more experienced seniors in 6-1 Devin Wooten and 6-3 Wil Mackie.  Other contributions this year are expected to come from seniors Rob Royce, Ed Macelus, 5'10" junior David Zuber and 6'3" junior Domonick Wright.  Additionally, sophomores 6'1" Noruwa Agho and 6'3" Marc Mandara may see some varsity playing time this season.

The team has two tournament dates. On Saturday, December 18 they play Montclair HS in the Hoop Group Tip-off Classic at Rutgers University. Then over the Christmas break, from 12/26 through 12/30 they will be in competitive Indian Hills Holiday Festival.  Additionally, the Green Knights schedule includes games against New Jersey powerhouses Manchester and St. Anthony's, in addition to in-conference foes Paramus Catholic, Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco Prep.'

St Mary, Manhassett LI  10/28/03 Coach Tim Cluess: 'We are looking to have a strong season with the return of 7 of our top 8 players from last year's team. They are Danny Green, Tyson Johnson, Rashad Green, Tyrone Hanson, Aleek Pauline, Gilberto Montalvo and Tommy Nolan. We have several key players moving up from our JV. They include Brandon Mays, Gerard Fitts, Ryan Alexander and James Mutlu. Senior Rudy Fuertes should also add more depth to this team. We are a deeper and more experienced team than last year. Byron Freeman is probably our best freshman at this point. He is a 5'10" guard who can really score. Excellent jump shot. All of the players have improved during the off season so it should be an exciting season for the Gaels.

Our non league games are against: Christ the King, St. Raymond, Xavarian, Simon Gratz, Paterson Catholic, FDA, Brentwood and Denham Springs along with participating in the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina from December 26th through December 30th.'

10/28/03 The Gaels do not have any legitimate competition on Long Island and will once again be the Long Island CHSAA class 'A' state team in the semifinal against the CHSAA city loser. That's where they've been for the last two years, losing to Xaverian last season and to Christ the King the season before that, despite two 24-2 seasons. This may be their year to get to Glens Falls by beating the CHSAA loser and winner as they look (on paper anyway) to be better than any CHSAA. city team. That tough non-league schedule has to help. 

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 58 St. Mary's - Manhasset, NY.

10/19/04 Student Sports Fab 50 preseason basketball rankings includes # 29. St. Mary's (Manhasset, N.Y.) 24-2. This New York contender has two highly-regarded starters back from last season's squad -- Danny Green (6-5), a North Carolina recruit, plus Tyson Johnson (6-5).

8/5/04 NY Hoops: # 1. St. Mary’s- They went 23-2 but most people from the City only view them as going 0-1 last year as they fell short against Xaverian in the Catholic State Semifinals. Because of that loss they are still searching for respect, but with Danny Green, Tyson Johnson, Rashad Green, Tyrone Hansen, Aleek Pauline, Gilbert Montalvo and Efe Mbala they seem to be on their way to earning that respect.

3/19/04 Xaverian 54, St Mary's 53. With 2:30 left in the game Xaverian and St Mary's were tied at 48. Two Levance Fields' layups with a steal and feed to Clyde Chapman for a layup beat a Rashad Green layup and a trey from brother Danny as Xaverian won it. Danny Green had the double, double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while John Ager added 12.

3/21/03 Coach Kevin Pigott explains state Federation 'A' playoff format on the New York State 2003 page.

St Patrick, NJ  10/26/04 This summer's And 1 roster included three seniors in 5-10  Stephen Draper, 6-3  Tyrone Cook and 6-5 Andre Davis, five juniors in 5-5 Altariq Wagner, 6-6 Yves Mekomgo-Mbo, 6-7 Daquan Cook, 6-8 Yanick Formanono and 6-5 Ruben Guilluidex with 6-1 super sophomore Corey Fisher. They've since added 6-9 junior center Derrick Caracter, 6-0 junior point guard James Bryant, 6-5 sophomore wing. Jeff Robinson and 5-10 sophomore point guard Brian McMikle.  Expect Davis, Fisher, Caracter and Bryant to start with almost everyone else vying for playing time. Coach Kevin Boyle has so much talent and so much depth that keeping the troops happy will be a major concern. 

Last season was a down one for the Celtics but Coach Boyle has reloaded with a vengeance and look like the team to beat in the region (perhaps the country). 

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 3. St. Patrick's  On paper the Celtics have the required names to ensure a championship. The real question is whether they can put it all  together before making that trip to JFK BLVD to see the Friars. Key players 6’5 Sr. Forward Andre Davis, 6’9 Jr. Forward Derrick Caracter, 6’2  Soph. Guard Corey Fisher, 6’5 soph. Forward Jeff Robinson.

11/18/04 Metro Hoops Top freshmen -- '# 10. Jamie Shumate ( St. Patricks) - Jamie has size and strength, but needs to get better with his foot work. Shumate is in the right place to get the job done. The Celtics are known for getting the kinks out of undeveloped big men. At this stage Jamie is a decent rebounder and has a good nose for the ball.'

11/17/04 USA Today Super 25 boys' basketball rankings includes # 11. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (16-10). Returning starters: 3. Outlook: At 6-9, junior Derrick Caracter (17.4 ppg, 11.4 rpg at Scotch Plains High), is a Super 25 player, but must sit the first five games after transferring back to the school. Opens: Dec. 18 vs. St. Joseph (Metuchen).

11/15/04 Metro Hoops:  Derrick Caracter and Corey Fisher ( St. Patricks)- On many plays last year Fisher's no look passes were not converted into buckets. That’s not a problem now because Big Daddy has come home. Caracter and Fisher should complement each other well. Derrick allowing Corey to get clean looks and Corey spoon feeding Derrick for lay ups and dunks. 

10/28/03 Coach Tim Cluess: 'Efe Mbala has transferred to St Pats.' 

10/26/04 Terence (t-bone) Johnson: 'This year St. Patrick of NJ has the toughest schedule, (Sorry Xaverian). St. Patrick plays St. Benedict twice, Cardoza, Oak Hill Academy, St. Raymond, Blair Academy, Hun, Lawrenceville Prep, Our Savior New American, Mt. Vernon, Rice, St. Joseph Metuchen, Burlington Life Center and a match-up with South West Gwinnett is still being worked out for ESPN2 (Louis Williams). I guess you have to play the best when you have Jeff Robinson, Derrick Caracter, Corey Fisher and Andre Davis on your squad.'

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 8  St. Patrick – Elizabeth, NJ.

10/19/04 Student Sports Fab 50 preseason basketball rankings includes # 14. St. Patrick's (Elizabeth, N.J.) 15-11. Coach Kevin Boyle got an early Christmas gift when 6-9 junior Derrick Caracter decided to return to the Irish after spending last season at nearby Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. Caracter, one of the nation's top underclassmen, played for the Irish as a freshman and will be joining a veteran cast. 

Starters: Derrick Caracter, Tyrone Cook, Corey Fisher, James Bryant and Andre Davis.  ?Daquan Cook? 

4/2/04 NJO. Boys Basketball Top 20: # 13 St. Patrick's (15-11).

3/9/04 NJ Hoops: Kimani Barrett leads Paterson Catholic past St Patrick.

St Raymond, NY -- 11/9/04 Coach Oliver Antigua: 'Good to be back for another season. Last season 22-8 and city champs. Our returning starters are 6'5 senior Ricky Torres (commit to St John's) and 6'5 Chris Bethel (to Fordham) will lead the attack. Senior Rich Jackson 6'0 point guard and Charles Vasser 6'2 senior guard will be have a major impact, while 5'11 Joe Amelio is our other senior guard. Our athletic junior guard Quinten Redfern, 6'3 and growing, will have a breakout year. The juniors, 6'6 center Benard Cherry and 6'5 forward John Gener give us some depth at the forward spot. 6'1 Torrance McGill,  5'11 Kenny Gaskins,  5'11 Allan Hall and Paul Foster are our junior guards and sophomore Gerald Colds 5'11 combo guard will play both spots. 

Our tough schedule includes Paterson Catholic, CBA, St Anthony, St Patrick, St Mary,  TOC @ Sprinfield Missouri, Stop DWI @ Binghamton, Cardozo  and the usual CHSAA rivals. 

Our notable frosh include a great class of 6'0 guard Daryl Bryant, 6'3 forward Lenny McNeil,  6'3 forward Allan Forbes,  6'2  forward Dorvell Carter, 5'11 guard Desmian Greer and 5'6 point guard Ian Umpierre.'

12/3/04 Daily News: Ravens fly in opener with a 63-58 win over All Hallows.

11/23/04 Newsday: St. Raymond's will turn to its senior leadership.

10/26/04  Two years ago, coach Oliver Antigua's first, the St Raymond Ravens won every CHSAA city title - the varsity, varsity B, junior varsity and freshmen championships. They were on top of the city basketball world and the only way to go was down - which they have. Last season they were a none too shabby 10-3 in league competition, 22-8 overall. They took Xaverian for the CHSAA city title but lost to eventual champion Mt Vernon in the Federation semis. More importantly they graduated their senior stars 6-6 Gavin Grant and 6-3 Brian Laing with 6-8 center Frank Elegar and have lost 6-5 senior Shaun Hilliard (Wings Academy) and 6-3 junior Devon Epps (Cardozo) to transfers.

The And 1 and IS8 rosters included five seniors (6-4  guard Ricky Torres, 6-0  guard Charles Vasser, 6-3 forward Chris Bethel, 5-10 point guard Joey Amelio, and  5-11  guard Rick Jackson), three juniors (6-3 wing Quentan Redfern, 6-4 forward John Gener and 6-0 wing Torrance McGill) and the 5-10 sophomore guard Gerald Colds. Two other quality sophomores are  6-0 George Wilkerson and 6-3 Justin Rivers. The incoming freshmen class is solid and includes Shasha Brown 5'4, Daryl (Truck) Bryant 5-11, Dorvell Carter 5'8, Allen Forbes 6'2, Lenny McNeil 6'1, Khalif Staten 6'1 and Ian Umpierre 5'4, none of whom are likely to make the varsity this year. 

The Ravens will rely heavily on their top trio of Torres, Bethel and Redfern, while Vasser, Amelio and Jackson will share playing time on the perimeter. Without Hilliard or Epps it's hard to see where the frontcourt rebounding support will come from or any significant contributions beyond those six players.  

As usual their non-CHSAA schedule is also rugged with their final game of the season at home vs. St Anthony of Jersey City. 

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 45 St. Raymond – Bronx, NY.

8/5/04 NY Hoops: # 8. St. Raymond- '4 out of 5 championships so I guess they are due for a down year by their standards. No team in the City has a lot of size but the Ravens are really small with their tallest starter only measuring 6’5, Chris Bethel. Bethel along with Ricky Torres will have to contribute a lot on the offensive and the boards for the Ravens to have any hope of making it 5 out of 6. Many will be surprised by the contributions guards Rich Jackson and Charles Vasser will make to the team.'

3/27/04 Journal News: Federation Class AA semifinal: Mount Vernon defeats St. Raymond's 72-66.

3/27/04 Daily News: St. Ray's loses, dream game with Lincoln out.

3/22/04 NY Hoops: St. Ray’s Heading to Glens Falls. 

3/22/04 Daily News: St. Ray's finishes Xaverian hat trick.

Thurgood Marshall Academy New York, NY.  10/26/04 Abdu-Allah Torrence: 'Head Coach: Abdu-Allah Torrence, assistants: Philip Corley, Mike Thompson and Manasha Carter. Last season's record was 10 -14 overall, 6-10 in league play as Justice Academy. This is our 3rd season as Thurgood Marshall Academy, 1st since 2000-2001 season. 

We are a very young team with only one returning starter. We have a competitive non-league schedule ahead of us that includes the Banneker Tournament, Gobbler Classic, Upper Room Holiday Classic and our host tournament Brown vs. the Board HS Classic. We play in a very strong division, Manhattan West with the likes of FDA, MLK. and Park West. Its looks to be a very interesting year.

Senior Isaiah Walker, 5’10 170lbs. He has been the starting point guard on the varsity team since his sophomore year. Isaiah is a superb athlete who commands double teams and help on dribble penetration by defenders. He averaged a team leading 6.2 assists per game. Isaiah is also ranked fourth in his class. He is currently taking an AP course in psychology at City College.

Senior James Salley, 6-4 175lbs. An athletic guard who can slash through defenses and uses his long arms to be able to get his shot off. James’ wingspan allows him to get his hands in the passing lane for deflections. He is a very wiry player who has improved his jump shot and range.

Junior David Seagers, 5-11 140lbs. David makes very smart plays with the basketball. He makes up for his lack of explosion and speed with crafty moves to the basket and an excellent shooting touch. His defense is improving everyday along with his speed and strength. He was the second leading scorer (14.94 per) on the junior varsity team and 51st in the city last year and is expected to make an impact on this year's varsity team.

Junior Joseph Sparrow, 6-8 300 lbs. Joseph has a soft touch around the basket and has a diligent work ethic that enables to reach lofty goals. He did not play basketball for the last two years but has finally decided to commit himself to going to college.

Junior Golden Thomas, 6-0, 155lbs. Golden, is a first year player with a very quick first step and an ability to create his own shot. He's a good defender and smart offensive ball player. A former cross country runner, he has the endurance to run the floor for long periods of the time with high intensity.

Sophomore Steven Ruple 5-8, 155lbs. Steven is deceptively quick and a crafty passer. He has a good mid game and plays the game like an old school veteran. He was the leading scorer (23.00) on the junior varsity last year and ranked 6th in the city.

The freshmen who are participating on the varsity are 6-4 Kareem Green and 5-4 Sean Corley.'

Tilden, 5800 Tilden Ave. Brooklyn N.Y.11203  10/23/04 Eric 'Rock' Eisenberg: 'Our starters are 5'10' pg. senior pg. Ryan Sandy, 5'11' senior Gary Harris, 6'4" senior Jimmi Noel, 6'4' senior Rashad Baldwin and 6'8" All City candidate soph. Alanzo George. Our second unit might be better than our first. It has 5'11" point guard junior Brandin Kemp,6'2" senior Floyd "Highlight Film" Thorne, 6'4: freshman Lujens Menard, 6'5" freshman Rito Joseph and 6'4" senior Antonio "Truck" Alphonso. Our third group has 5'10" freshman Jamarr "Soup" Campbell, 5'11" junior Brian Warner, 6''3" freshman Fred Antoine, 6'4" junior Herschel Celistine and 6'5" senior Michael Brown Sapp.

If we stay healthy and work hard in class and on the court we can make some serious noise this year and next. Remember, we beat both Wings and Frederick Douglas last season in the playoffs!'

11/12/04 Tilden plays in the PSAL Brooklyn III A division with Boys & Girls, Canarsie and South Shore. The Blue Devils were 7-7 during the league season and seeded # 23 in the playoffs where they got a 10 point win vs. Walton, upset Wings (73-66) and FDA (56-54) before losing 88-45 to Grady in the quarterfinals. 

11/13/04 Newsday: 'Tilden 75, FDR 60: Ryan Sandy had 17 points and 11 assists, and Gary Harris and Jimmi Noell each had 13 points for Tilden (1-0) in the Bob Kronisch Memorial Classic. Sharone Pendarvis had 17 points for FDR (0-1).'

2/28/04 psal.org: #23 Tilden Advances to Elite 8.

2/28/04 Daily News: Tilden upsets FDA Lions.

William H. Taft NYC. 1/2/05 Taft plays in the Bronx West A PSAL division where Kennedy (currently 8-0) dominates the play. The Taft Blue Devils are 2-6 with league wins over Roosevelt and Bronx Science. Mitchell is averaging almost 19 points a game.  Last season Taft was winless in league play, finishing 0-12.

12/20/04 Coach George Diaz, William H. Taft High School: 'Our defense and our offense starts off with our senior point guard, Pablo Delgado (5'9"), he can break down the defense with his dribble, he can hit the open shot, and he can always find the open man. On defense he is very intense. Junior guard Eldrigde Mitchell (5'10") can score on almost anyone in the city, he has good range on his shot and he can finish at the basket in transition. Junior forward Tyrone Young (6'0"), at his height most people would think he can't rebound -- wrong, he is one of the best rebounders in the city and he can score very well. The rest of the roster includes Erick Avilia (6'2"), Craig Lacanster (6'1"), Vincent Richards (5'11"), Christopher Lora (5'7"), Kristen Harris (6'2"), Raymond Azur (5'11"), Andrew Roland (5'10") and  Chris Brown (5'11").

Wings Academy, NYC.  11/3/04 Coach Tony Bergeron (914-384-0910): 'Assistant coach is Maxwell “Bingo” Cole 646-208-4146. We play in the Bronx A East Division. We were 18-9 last year (10-2 Bronx A East). We were defeated in the Bronx Boro Championship by 15+ by Columbus. We received the 10 seed in the PSAL playoffs which was generous. We were knocked out by a tough Tilden squad by 7. We have tremendous rivalries with Monroe, Columbus and Truman who are all in our division now due to realignment.  This year we have a young but relatively experienced team due to the fact that we have been playing these kids since they were freshmen and sophomores.

Our headline players include 6-2 junior Andre Tarver, 5-10 junior Rasheem Jenkins, 6-6 senior Shawn Hillard, 6-5 junior Andre Laird, 5-9 senior Jacque Rivera, 5-11 sophomore Joshua Spivey, 6-2 sophomore Kidani Brutus, 6-9 junior James Carr, 6-3 senior Alex Aiken, 5-11 senior Deon Scott, 5-8 sophomore Jabor Ford, 5-7 sophomore Wilfredo Rivera, 6-1 freshman Troy Montague and 5-9 freshman Jabbar Tucker. We will play all of the players on the roster as we play an up tempo, pressure defense style which allows for a larger player rotation.

Our schedule this year is outstanding! Along with our tough conference schedule we have added non-league games with Kennedy (Bronx), PSAL Tip-Off Classic at St. Francis Nov. 20th, NY Hoops/Team Roc Invitational vs. St. Dominic Dec. 5th @ St Johns, Big Apple Classic @ Baruch vs. All Hallows Dec.12th, River City Classic Dec. 17-19, Maysville, Kentucky vs.Mason County HS and Pendleton County HS, Dec. 30th vs. Cathedral HS in Springfield, Ma, Nike Super Six Jan. 16th @ MSG vs. TBA and Freedom Fighters Classic January 17th vs. Paterson Catholic in NJ.'

11/3/04 Coach Bergeron is being overly modest. All his key players from last season are back, a year older and wiser. Plus he got ideal transfer fits with 6-6 Shawn Hilliard and 6-9 James Carr, giving him size to complement Tarver, Jenkins and Spivey on the perimeter. Meanwhile, only JFK. in the Bronx looks to be improved as Columbus and Monroe have graduated key players. Expect Wings to compete for a top four seed come PSAL. playoff time. 

10/26/04 Daily News: Wings Academy junior Andre Tarver chooses Jaspers.

10/25/04 Coach Tony Bergeron, Wing's Academy: 'Andre Tarver 6-2 junior shooting guard from the Wing's Academy has verbally committed to Manhattan College. Congratulations to Coach Bobby Gonzalez, Steve Masiello and the rest of the hard working staff from Manhattan. Tarver plays his summer ball with the Bingo's All-Stars AAU program.'

2/12/04 Coach Will Stasiuk: 'Day three of the PSAL. playoffs is complete. In 'A' league action, # 23 Tilden upsets # 10 Wings 73 to 66 to advance to the Sweet 16.'

Woodmere Academy, 336 Woodmere Blvd. Woodmere, LI 11598  12/01/04 Harrison D. Sanford (NY Hoops): 'Lawrence Woodmere is a private school based out of Woodmere, NY. It is a program that quietly has become a force on LI and continues to impress throughout all of NY. Last year NYCNJHoops ranked them as number 19 in their preseason rankings. Past graduates of Woodmere are Carl Benn a 5-10’’guard starting at UMass- Lowell, Rashaun Banjo who was a top player for Qunnipiac, Tarik Vaier-McClymont who should get major playing time at Bucknell this season, Jon Han (recruited by low D1’s) who is playing with Tilton school and Dimitry Razin (recruited by low D1’s) who plays at the Peddie School. The most notable player out of the Tiger program is Kareem Shabazz who played at Florida State and Providence and last year was NBDL Defensive Player of the Year.

Last year Woodmere Academy went 26-5 winning the State Private School championship. Woodmere fell to eventual Class A champion at Federations in Jamesville Dewitt in a four point heart breaker in double overtime. The team loses all 5 starters so experience can be an issue. This year’s squad is led by 6’6’ Tyrone Nash who is getting looks from West Virginia and Virginia who has an array of post moves with an outside touch and ability to bring the ball up the court. He will look to make up for last year where he fell out of the season early with an injury. The other two players on the frontline will be eager to showoff their skills, Josh Marshall who played for St. Mary last year behind Danny Green. Marshall has a great all around game and at 6-5 can cause problems on the perimeter. Matching up with the UNC. recruit in practice last year has enhanced his maturity and knowledge of the game. His play is suitable inside and outside of the paint. The other transfer is Edmund McCrae who played at Christ the King last year. The 6’6’’ power forward is a strong post player who shows flashes of good play along the perimeter. RJ Rutledge, 6’3’’ is a straight shooter who can fill up the board quickly. He was instrumental off  last year’s bench. 6’0 Jakor Riddick who is a defensive specialist and 6’0’’ Chris Larrea who is transferring from 3 and 4 to 1 will serve as dual point guard for LWA. Larrea, Riddick, Rutledge played major minutes for last year’s high competitive team. All aforementioned players are juniors. The rest of the team are seniors 5’10 Herry Pierre Louis, 6’6’’ Kyle Armstrong (who will give major minutes off bench for his defense), 6’2’’ Ethan Cawf, 6’1’ O’Neal Hawthorne juniors 5’6’’ Marc Brandt, 6’1 Jeff Charles, sophomore 6’7 Max Schallies who is a center and is slowly improving perimeter game, showing off talent to hit 18 foot jumper in practice repeatedly.

Top Games for LWA. are Dalton Tournament Dec. 3 & 4th, Dec.13th home against St. John’s Prep at 4:15, Dec. 23rd at Amityville at 5:45, Dec. 28, 30 Whitman Tournament at Walt Whitman High School where they will probably encounter Kahiem Seawright and Uniondale High. Home against Upper Room at 7 on Jan. 28th, Ketcham at Marist College on Jan. 29th at 2:30, home against Tuckahoe at 4:45 on Feb. 1st, home against Peekskill at 2:00 on Feb. 5, at Upper Room on Feb. 7th at 5:30.'

11/31/04 The school web site is www.lawrencewoodmere.org. LWA is a member of the Independent Private Parochial School Athletic League (IPPSAL) and Private School Athletic Association (PSAA). Their teams compete against other private schools on Long Island and in New York’s five boroughs in baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis and volleyball. Those schools include Poly Prep and Horace Mann.

Our projected starting team: Levance Fields 5'10"' point guard and Saiquon Stone 6'6" (point guard, swing, power forward) are the anchors. 6'2" junior Brian McKenzie, great shooter, 5'09" senior. Jake Stevens (defensive stopper), 6'1" Tim Hepworth senior (great shooter) and our X - factor Chris Lowery 6'2" has the potential to be a great player, the most athletic player in the league.

Zamal Nixon a 6' soph. and JV starter Glenn Richberg 6'4" power forward may be key players this year. A trio of great freshmen, 6'5" David Imes, 6'2" Brandon Romain and 6'3" Reggie Davis are intriguing possibilities but 6'10" Mike Davis, a University of Pitt signee, and Louis Bradley were dismissed from the team.

Besides the normal CHSAA killer schedule, Xaverian will play 4 games in Hawaii, a match-up vs St. Marys L.I. at St. Johns, a game in the Super Six at MSG, and a game against LA Westchester in the Prime Time Shootout, which probably translates into the toughest schedule for any high school team in the  country.'

10/21/04 Xaverian plays in the AA division West of the CHSAA along with Rice, Christ the King, All Hallows and Bishop Loughlin. Their record last season was 7-6 in the league and 22-9 overall. Backup point guard Brian McMikle has transferred to St Patrick. Besides the three freshmen mentioned by coach Alesi, three other freshmen - Vincent Council 5-6, Kezley Joseph 5'7 and Matthew Troisi  6-1 - have enrolled at Xaverian. Right now that looks like the best freshmen class in the region but time will tell.

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes # 81 Xaverian - Brooklyn, NY.

Yonkers High School, NY  11/28/04 Ed Dechent, former head coach at Yonkers High School: 'Coach Harrington. Key Players are senior Mike Pollard a 6''3 shooting guard and senior Raymond Doyle a 6"5 center. Also 6''4 junior swingman Brandon Gilliam leading the team this year. Mike and Raymond are Division 1 prospects and could both make all county this year. Last season Mike averaged 17.2 points and 5 assists per game and Raymond put up 13.2 and 8 rebounds per game. Mike is one of the best guards in the county who came to Yonkers High School in his sophomore year. He transferred from powerhouse Rice High School in Harlem. Raymond is one of the top big men in the county. Key reserves are junior guard  6''3 Julian Carter and senior Biro Conde. Key games are Port Chester, Sleepy Hallow, Harrison and the Yonkers Tournament November 30th. Last season they went 5-15 but this year its a change because Mike and Raymond are gonna receive more touches and they're more of an up and down team with the new coach.'

More Team News:  

1/10/05 Prep Nation Basketball Poll - Week 7 includes # 2. Manhasset, N.Y., St. Mary's 10-0 led by North Carolina recruit G Danny Green, # 7. Middle Village, N.Y., Christ the King 10-1 beat two state-ranked foes last week, # 11. New York, N.Y., Rice 9-0 NCAA scoring champ Keydren Clark of St. Peter's an alum, # 21. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep 7-1 only loss to No. 10 East Hall and # 23. Elizabeth, N.J., St. Patrick's 8-1 boosted by return of superstar junior F Derrick Caracter.

Northeast Region 1. Manhasset, N.Y., St. Mary's (10-0), 2. Niagara Falls, N.Y. (10-0), 3. Middle Village, N.Y., Christ the King (10-1), 4. New York, N.Y., Rice (9-0), 5. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep (7-1), 6. Elizabeth, N.J., St. Patrick's (8-1), 7. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (10-1), 8. Jersey City, N.J., St. Anthony (7-1), 9. Merion, Pa., Episcopal (12-1) and 10. Philadelphia, Pa., Neumann-Goretti (12-0).

1/10/05 USA Today's Super 25 boys' basketball rankings lists # 4. Rice, Manhattan, N.Y. (9-0). Previous: 5. Result: Beat St. Francis (Fresh Meadows) 65-33, Paterson (N.J.) Catholic 59-54 and Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn) 78-62. # 6. St. Anthony, Jersey City, N.J. (7-1). Previous: 7. Result: Beat Christian Brothers Academy (Lincroft) 40-37 in the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children Basketball Festival. Also beat Life Center (Burlington) 61-36. # 9. St. Mary's, Manhasset, N.Y. (9-0). Previous: 10. Result: Beat St. Dominic's (Oyster Bay) 77-56 and St. John the Baptist (West Islip) 92-65. # 11. Christ the King, Queens, N.Y. (10-1). Previous: 11. Result: Beat Xaverian (Brooklyn) 59-56 and Holy Cross (Queens) 64-54.  # 18. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (8-1). Previous: 18. Result: Beat St. Benedict's Prep (Newark) 53-44, Paramus Catholic 76-62 and Blair Academy (Blairstown) 76-64. and # 20. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (9-1). Previous: 20. Result: Beat New Rochelle 73-61 Gorton (Yonkers) 91-30 and Saunders (Yonkers) 103-33.

Regional rankings -- East: 1. Rice, Manhattan, N.Y. (9-0), 2. St. Anthony, Jersey City, N.J. (7-1), 3. St. Mary's, Manhasset, N.Y. (9-0), 4. Christ the King, Queens, N.Y. (10-1), 5. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (11-1), 6. Niagara Falls, N.Y. (10-0), 7. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (12-0), 8. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (8-1), 9. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (9-1), 10. Montrose Christian, Rockville, Md. (12-1).

1/10/05 Hoops USA: Regular school rating has # 1 - St. Mary's - Manhasset, NY 10-0, # 5 - St. Anthony - Jersey City, NJ 7-1, # 7 - Christ The King - Middle Village, NY 10-1, # 8 - Rice - Manhattan, NY 9-0, # 9 - Seton Hall Prep - West Orange, NJ 7-1 and  # 11 - St. Patrick - Elizabeth, NJ 8-1.

12/15/04 NY Hoops: Top 15 Teams Week 2 (Dec. 14th-20th).

12/15/04 NJ Hoops: Super Six are 1. St. Anthony's (0 - 0), 2. St. Benedict's (3 - 0), 3. St. Patrick's (0 - 0), 4. Seton Hall Prep (0 - 0), 5. Haddonfield (0 - 0). and 6. Hun (5 - 1).

12/14/04 USA Today Super 25 boys' basketball rankings lists # 1. St. Anthony, Jersey City (0-0),  Previous: 3. Result: Opens Sunday vs. South Plainfield. # 5. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (1-0). Previous: 4. Result: Beat Saunders (Yonkers) 104-32 in opener. Plays in Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., after Christmas. # 10. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (0-0). Previous: 11. Result: Opens Saturday vs. St. Joseph (Metuchen). # 22. Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J. (0-0). Previous: 22. Result: Opens Friday at Morris Knolls (Denville). # 23. Rice, Manhattan, N.Y. (2-0). Previous: Not ranked. Result: Beat Cardozo (Oakland Gardens) 66-39 in CHSSAA-PSAL Challenge.

Boys basketball regional rankings - East -- 1. St. Anthony, Jersey City (0-0), 2. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (1-0), 3. Montrose Christian, Rockville, Md. (3-0), 4. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (0-0), 5. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (4-0), 6. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (4-0), 7. Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J. (0-0), 8. Rice, Manhattan, N.Y. (2-0), 9. Riverdale Baptist School, Upper Marlboro, Md. (8-0). 10. St. Mary's, Manhasset, N.Y. (2-0).

12/14/04 Hoops USA consensus rankings include 1. St. Anthony - Jersey City, NJ,  6. Seton Hall Prep - West Orange, NJ, 8. Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon, NY, 11. St. Patrick - Elizabeth, NJ, 16. St. Mary's - Manhasset, NY, 22. St. Raymonds - Bronx, NY, 34. Rice - Manhattan, NY.

12/7/04 Metro Hoops New Jersey Preseason Top 10 # 9. Christian Brothers Academy A discipline offense and excellent team defense allows this Shore Conference Powerhouse to compete against anyone in the state. CBA’s Princeton style offense will frustrate many teams come tournament time. Key Players: 6’7 Jr. Forward Dan Werner

12/6/04 PrepNation: National Prep Basketball Poll - Week 2 includes # 1. Jersey City, N.J., St. Anthony 0-0 two-time Prep Poll champ, # 9. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep 0-0 Guard Andrew Pusar will play at Harvard, # 11. Mount Vernon, N.Y. 0-0 junior forward Jonathan Mitchell a starter since freshman year and # 15. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's 1-0 defending New York Catholic champ.

11/23/04 Newsday: 'NYC Boys Preseason rankings -- 1. Christ the King - Don't expect a slow start this season because the Royals are loaded. 2. St. Raymond's - Ricky Torres on the outside and Chris Bethel on the inside will be a lethal combination.  3. Xaverian - Levance Fields leads an experienced team that fell just short of the CHSAA state title last season.  4. Cardozo - Vic Morris, Theo Davis and Drew Gladstone make an impressive trio.  5. Rice - Edgar Sosa, Taskico Brown and Curtis Kelly should keep Rice in the championship mix. 6. Lincoln - Nyan Boateng and Kevin White lead a team that will still also be in the title mix.  7. Bishop Loughlin - Herbie Allen and Darius Gabriel are tough to stop.  8. Banneker - Anthony Stukes, along with new addition Mike Davis, makes Banneker a strong contender.  9. Wings - Andre Tarver and Rasheem Jenkins could form the PSAL's top backcourt.  10. Holy Cross - Four three-year starters returning makes Holy Cross a nice sleeper pick.'

11/22/04 National Prep Basketball Poll - Preseason includes # 1. Jersey City, N.J., St. Anthony  Coach Bob Hurley has 826 wins. # 9. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep 26-3 Forward Brandon Costner headed to N.C. State. # 13. Mount Vernon, N.Y. 27-3 Chicago Bulls rookie Ben Gordon an alum,  # 16. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's 23-8 must replace four Division I players.

Northeast Region: # 1. Jersey City, N.J., St. Anthony (30-0), # 2. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep (26-3), # 3. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (27-3), # 4. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's (23-8), # 5. Fort Washington, Pa., Germantown Academy (24-8), # 6. Chester, Pa. (27-7), # 7. Merion, Pa., Episcopal (22-6), # 8. Middle Village, N.Y., Christ the King (17-7), # 9. Elizabeth, N.J., St. Patrick's (15-11) and # 10. Waterbury, Conn. Crosby (26-1).

11/17/04 USA Today Super 25 boys' basketball rankings includes # 3. St. Anthony, Jersey City, N.J. (30-0), # 4. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (27-3), # 11. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (16-10), # 22. Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J. (26-3) and # 23. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (17-10).

10/30/04 Street & Smith's Preseason Top 25 High School Boys Teams includes # 1. St. Anthony (Jersey City, NJ), # 3. Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, NY), # 9. Xaverian (Brooklyn, NY) and  # 13. Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, NJ).

10/19/04  HoopsUSA pre-season top teams regular poll includes 3  St. Anthony – Jersey City, NJ, 4  Seton Hall Prep – West Orange, NJ, 8  St. Patrick – Elizabeth, NJ, 15  Christ The King – Middle Village, NY, 16  Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, NY, 45 St. Raymonds – Bronx, NY, 51 Rice – Manhattan, NY, 58 St. Mary's - Manhasset, NY, 59 Frederick Douglas – Harlem, NY, 70 Cardozo – Bayside, NY, 81 Xaverian - Brooklyn, NY and 86 St. Augustine – Richland, NJ.

Prep poll includes 3 St. Benedicts – Newark, NJ and 4 Our Savior New American – Centereach, NY.

10/19/04 Student Sports Fab 50 preseason basketball rankings includes six teams from our region (no preps, so no St Benedict or Our Savior New American, but skipping Cardozo was a mistake):  # 1. St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) 30-0. # 4. Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) 27-3. # 12. Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, N.J.) 26-3. # 14. St. Patrick's (Elizabeth, N.J.) 15-11. # 29. St. Mary's (Manhasset, N.Y.) 24-2. # 33. Christ The King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 18-10 # 47. Rice (New York, N.Y.) 22-6 

10/1/04 2004-05 ABQ Boys Preseason Overall National Top 25 includes # 5. St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) 30-0, # 6. St. Raymond's (Bronx, N.Y.) 23-8, # 13. Mount Vernon (N.Y.) 28-3 and # 17. Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, N.J.) 26-3.