Duck Tales, Basketball 2009-10

MARCH 13
PIAA AAAA FIRST ROUND
Neshaminy 69, John Bartram 58
The Redskins of Neshaminy got off to a good start in the game’s early moments. The suburban squad raced to control in the first period taking control with a 22-10 first quarter and leading by the count of 29-16 in the middle of the 2nd quarter. The Braves responded with an eleven to zero run. Neshaminy was able to close the first half with a five point lead. The Braves got off to a slow start in the 3rd period as they missed early chances to score at the foul line. The Redskins took advantage of those mistakes and capitalized with key baskets. Adding to the Southwest Philly’s team’s miseries was the foul trouble experienced by star guard Tyrone Garland. Bartram did show some fight and seemed prepared for a big final period, Quasim Jones (21 points) swished a buzzer beating trey to get the D-12 squad within seven as the final quarter started. Garland was called for a couple of questionable fouls and the foul in which he left the game in particular was a suspect call with 1:33 remaining and Bartram only down six at that juncture. Neshaminy was led by precocious sophomore guard Ryan Arcidiacono, who had 26 points and was eleven of twelve from the foul line in the clutch. The 6’3 guard had 11 rebounds and 7 assists. Two other Neshaminy players deserve mention 6’5 Dwight Williams (17 points) and 6’6 Michael McGarry (11 points). It was interesting when watching both Williams and McGarry, I noticed that they were smooth but not soft skill forwards. I had a difficult time recalling seeing any more than a few players who fit that description in watching quite a bit of Public League basketball this season. In the early to mid 90’s, most successful Public League teams had players that fit that description. In fact many schools had plenty of players that were similar to Williams and McGarry. It is important because when you saw Neshaminy run their flex offense you could see how valuable players at that height with that set of skills can be especially when they are not players of similar skills and height to guard them. Garland bowed out with 14 points as he was unable to pass Wilt Chamberlain’s 2,206 for second in city history. The Virginia Tech signee finished with 2,198.
Table Talk - Why are there always the same referees on these games? Honestly, only one of the three seemed worthy to be on the game. Another thing: Since everybody was so pumped to join the state tourney, why did Neshaminy outdraw Bartram/city basketball community? And only a couple PL coaches came to support their colleagues in Bartram, which has to stop. Since there are million high schools nowadays you would think if there was Brotherly Love we would have crowds for this. Also, the NCAA is about to go to a 96 team NCAA tournament- talk about March Madness. I could not stay for the Imhotep game; I went downtown to sign a petition for, ironically, a Wilt Chamberlain postal stamp. Cool stuff.

FEB. 27
PL QUARTERFINAL/AA CHAMPIONSHIP
Imhotep Charter 65, Ben Franklin 45
This could have been billed as David vs. Goliath. When Franklin took the court it was extremely obvious that they were far smaller than Imhotep. The Panthers were in control from the start until the finish but they did not really dominate Franklin until the game's last few minutes. The Panthers were leading by nine in the 4th and Franklin missed a corner trey. The Electrons got another chance and were fouled. They missed both free throws and Imhotep showed its mettle, cruising home. David Appolon was active all over the court and totaled 23 points, 7 steals, 6 assists and 3 rebounds. Appolon, a talented 6’2 junior guard, is one of the most improved players in the area. Appolon does a good job of using his nice first step to create opportunities either for himself or his teammates. Ameen Tanksley added 14 points and 12 rebounds. Tyhiem Perrin, one of the Public League’s most active players, also had 12 rebounds. For Ben Franklin, the ultra-smooth and underrated guard Kenny Bey-Brown led the way with 19 points while Jeff Giddings and Shawn Penn had moments.
Table Talk- Imhotep is a strong threat to win back to back Public League Championships. The last squad to do so was Ben Franklin in 1998-1999 seasons . . . After this game, Big Steve Reid and I caught the last two overtimes of that classic Bartram-Frankford game.

FEB. 27
PL QUARTERFINAL/DISTRICT 12 AND PUB A CHAMPIONSHIP
Mathematics, Civics and Sciences 85, Constitution 74
This one was off and going from the opening tip. MCS Charter has guards and in particular their guards control very early in the game. Kwahmere Gredic, a 5’10 point guard, looked terrific as the Elephants built leads of 17-5 and 21-9. The Generals of Constitution did not have a good start and Gredic using quick bursts to the hoop and good vision to help set up his teammates was a large reason why. His partner in the backcourt Tommy Moore was also deadly from deep with two big treys as the Elephants led 21-11 after one. We moved to the 2nd stanza and more of the same with Gredic slashing through the Generals’ defense and Moore swishing outside bombs. MCS was able to further their advantage in the period and they led 42-26 at the end of the half. Third quarter and MCS has to deal with Constitution’s big man Erik Raleigh, who was getting more touches and making some inside shots. MCS counters with more solid play from Gredic and Moore with some inside support coming from Andre Thomas. The Elephants went into the final period ahead by eleven, 56-45. During an early 4th quarter sequence, Gredic, Chris Stokes and then Gredic swished consecutive treys and put the Elephants on top by the score of 68-49. The Generals then made a valiant push late in the final period spearheaded by junior guard Marvin Champ. Champ was able to procure six of his seven steals in the final period. Champ had fifteen of his team high 18 in the period and the score was 79-74 with 34.1 seconds remaining in the game. At the juncture Stokes (11 points) buried two big free throws. Add a Nigel Caldwell dunk, two more free throws from Stokes and Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter secured their 2nd consecutive District 12 A championship. The flashy but coolheaded Gredic finished with 21 points, 6 assists and 3 steals while Moore added 25 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Raleigh showed more than a few flashes with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 7 blocks, Abdul King had 17 points and 8 rebounds before he, Raleigh and Champ fouled out. MCS move on to play Imhotep Charter.
Table Talk - South Philly has a beautiful new gymnasium and I really would love to see this gym with retired numbers inside the gym. I know you can see Lionel Simmons’ jersey in a case but with the many greats who have played here from Stan "Loady" Brown to the modern era I would love for out-of-the-area teams to see those jerseys inside the “field of play.“ This was Constitution’s 1st loss in an actual Public League contest. Their two regular season losses were by forfeit. I got down to the game early right after watching Wayne Bridge refuse to shake hands with John Terry. Most of you do not have a clue what I’m talking about but let me explain: if an ex-teammate screws around with my wife, I don't shake his hand either. Manchester City (Bridge) beat Chelsea (Terry) 4-2. Good Game.

FEB. 23
PUBLIC LEAGUE ROUND-OF-16 PLAYOFF
(Class AA Semifinal)
Imhotep Charter 53, Prep Charter 49
You know some schools are rivals: always have been and always will be. That is the case with Panthers of Imhotep and the Huskies of Prep Charter. And in this intense game the spectators were treated to one of those games that only rivals can face. The Panthers jumped out to an early five point lead but the Huskies were able to fight back and the game became ultra-competitive from the early stages of the 1st quarter until the final whistle. The Panthers' early scoring was provided by 6’5 junior wing guard Ameen Tanksley, who formerly attended Prep Charter. Tanksley often drove to the basket and either converted a layup or drew the foul. In the second period the play picked up as Prep Charter’s guards Akhir Frazier and Abraham Massaley began to assert themselves against the Panther defense. The two young guards (Frazier is a sophomore and Massaley is a freshman) were handling the pressure defense that was applied by the Panthers along with crafty 6’5 forward Mark Wilmer (14 points) the Huskies led by one 21-20 before a three-point play from junior forward Tyhiem "Redz" Perrin (12 points and 11 rebounds.) The Panthers led by two at the half as a result of the play. Third quarter and the Panthers prove their mettle as they expand their advantage. A couple of nice baskets occur as Terrell Johnson (10 points and 4 steals) found Erik Copes for a nice one hand dunk to ignite the 'hotep crowd. The Panthers led by seven after the 3rd quarter. 4th quarter and Imhotep gets some big baskets from Tanksley (17 points) and Bakari White. The Panthers held a 48-40 lead before Frazier (10 points) buried a trey to get the Huskies within five. Massaley would get them closer by forcing a turnover and making a lay-up to make the score 48-46 with 1:48 remaining. After Johnson converted 1-2 from the line with 1:05 remaining to put the Panthers up three, the game became more intense. After a PC timeout with 39.9 remaining the Huskies got a good look at a tying trey with about 15 seconds remaining after the shot went long, Perrin procured the rebound and was promptly fouled. Perrin swished both free throws and he added two more freebies after securing another rebound following another missed PC trey. Matt Hankerson drained a last second trey to finish the scoring. Imhotep, the defending league champions are a serious threat to bring the PL crown back to the Northwest Philadelphia. This game had an excellent coaching match-up between Danny Brinkley (Prep Charter) and Andre Noble (Imhotep). Both coaches did an excellent job all game long whether it was Brinkley’s switching defenses or Noble’s game management. It was nice to watch. I must mention that the three-point play that Perrin had at the end of the 1st half came with some controversy. It appeared that a referee had called a foul before Perrin had even received the ball, but the official on the other side of the court had not heard the whistle. It is a difficult play to describe but I am rather certain that Coach Brinkley is very upset about that play.
Table Talk- I’m not going to beat around the bush. I’m going to be straight to the point. There have been upsets this year and I guess what it proves is that the Public League title still means a lot. Sorry, folks, I must admit the State tourney has grown on me a little. The City Title thing was always something that I wanted to see, so only minimal argument. I would like to see league champ versus league champ. But back to the "Pub Chip" . . . Players often care more about defeating those that they see daily because it lasts. You win or lose against some team out by Jim Thorpe, Pa., there is a strong feeling that may last a while, but when you win or lose to some team from your town or neighborhood it definitely lasts a long time.

FEB. 22
PUBLIC LEAGUE FIRST ROUND
(Class AAAA QUARTERFINAL)
West Philadelphia 46, Engineering and Science 36
Oh what a Daye??!!! Early in this contest, held in front of a sizeable crowd inside West Philly’s gymnasium, West Philly star Terrell “Sleepy” Daye snatched a rebound and went coast to coast for a three-point play the old fashioned way. That play was important because Daye helped to establish an aggressive approach for the Speedboys. Interestingly enough, the Engineers had the better of the first quarter play and led by the score of 11-5 after the 1st period. Daye’s aggressive approach proved contagious and Coach Frank Steed’s crew took control with an excellent 2nd quarter behind Daye and his co-workers Naquil Jones, Shaquille Bowman and Raymond “Meatball” Nesbitt. Jones, a tricky lefty with tenacity, made a big trey in the 2nd quarter and played hard throughout the game. Bowman, a 6’5 wide body, was a force on the glass by snatching 9 rebounds, Nesbitt only scored 7 points but he looked extremely impressive in scoring those points. West pretty much put E&S to "sleep’ with 3:18 remaining in the game, when Daye made an ultra smooth baseline jumper to make the score 37-30. E&S did not quit and was able to get within four at 37-33 on a Bruce Brown jumper with 2:38 remaining. Thereafter, Jones buried two freebies and West coasted home for their first regular playoff win in quite some time. (1997- "the Donnell Feaster game.” Ironically the opposing coach was Kenny Hamilton, now an assistant to C.M. Brown of E&S.) Daye led the Speedboys with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Jones added 9 points. E&S star Mark "Stretch" Houston did his very best for his club with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks in his last high school game. Houston, a 6’6 forward, showed a nice soft touch several times swishing 15-18 footers. Zach Spence and Brown also had moments.
Table Talk- West Philly’s crowd exploded unto the court after the game and engulfed their team. They yelled “Speedboys” so loud you could hear it in North Philly. Amongst the crowd: Bartram's 2003 championship game hero and former Indiana State star- Todd “Kojack” McCoy, he is related to E&S' Spence. West Philly did introductions and Star-Spangled Banner. Also, the cheerleaders were good. Looking at the first-round results, a lot of newer coaches registered their first playoff wins today, Steed was one of them. West Philly is headed to 17th and Hunting Park for a matchup with Simon Gratz. I’m headed to Prep Charter at Imhotep.

FEB. 19
PUBLIC LEAGUE D
Constitution 86 Parkway 50
Before I begin with game details I have to speak on the gym. I loved it! Parkway plays in a gym located on a church campus in Northwest Philly. The gym is located inside Gilphin Hall and when you walk inside the hall you have to walk up these gothic stairs into the gym. The gym looks like something out of the Gene Hackman movie "Hoosiers." The game was interesting in the early going as the Hoyas were able to keep things close. The score at halftime was 33-27 Constitution. Third quarter and the Generals went off behind the arc; Marcel Nothcutt hit six second half treys and eight three-pointers for the game. Northcutt had 31 points while Shaun Levine added 17 points. Junior Abdul King is an extremely important player for Coach Rob Moore. King had 9 rebounds and 8 assists to go with his 13 points. King also did an effective defensive job on Parkway star Kyle McNair. King limited the 6’4 small forward McNair to only 10 points. Constitution center Erik Raleigh was able to add 10 points and 8 rebounds while dealing with foul trouble. Constitution has two key players out with injuries; Xavier Harris has his arm in a sling and junior Faison Jones is currently in a neck brace. Parkway received good play from junior point guard Michael Stewart who scored 16 points and had 4 assists. Stewart has a quick first step and he bears some watching. McNair is a senior and he should be looked at by many small colleges. Constitution’s guard play will be vital to their success in the playoffs as well as the return of Harris.
Table Talk - A nice turnout of students from the nearby Parkway Northwest Campus and they were a little loud in the early going.

FEB. 18
PUBLIC A
Germantown 46, Overbrook 41
This game was a little ugly at times. I’m disappointed to report that turnovers, missed layups and bricked free throws were in large supply in this one. Overbrook started out the better team and controlled the game through the first quarter and was leading by the score of 18-10 in the middle of the 2nd quarter when a couple of steals occurred on back to back possessions. First, Shawn Green made a steal and layup, and then Ramadan Abdullah made a steal and found Dominique Twiggs on an ally-oop play. The Bears took control from that juncture on behind their full court press. The game went into the second half knotted at 19 but in the early going of the third quarter, the Bears took the lead and did not look back. Overbrook came within five during the last minute or so but as the final score indicates they could not get any closer. Abdullah had 12 points, 6 assists and 3 steals; the extremely athletic Twiggs added seven of his nine points in the final quarter. Also showing flashes for the Bears were sophomore guard Kamani Jordan (3 steals) and 6'6 senior forward Eddie Callender (12 rebounds and 3 blocks). The Panthers had me a little perplexed at their record (3 wins 9 losses in league) because the talent is obviously there. Senior forward Cashad McFadden, who does not start, shows a lot of talent. Senior guard Raheem Nelson led the Panthers with 10 and he had some nice moves. Junior guards Corey Watkins and Dante Glover show plenty of potential as well and 6'5 junior forward Brandon Fulton had 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Overbrook goes back to the drawing board while Germantown and promising 1st year Head Coach Matt Wahl is heading to the playoffs after a Friday showdown with the Trojans of Olney.
Table Talk- There were a few college coaches in attendance; Kutztown and Philadelphia University were the clearest to my eye… Had a funny talk with Michelle Grace, thus far the only female to carry a football in a high school game in Philadelphia… It is so difficult to stomach each season as the Public League continues to grow. How many teams and players do you get a chance to eyeball each season? It's difficult to follow this league anymore.

FEB. 16
PUBLIC LEAGUE A
Central 59, Martin Luther King 56
Yo, I thought these teams were coming off of a long break from basketball because of snowstorms. This game had a playoff feel and it was extremely well played! Central was able to get out in front early behind a solid team effort. The Lancers have always been an unselfish squad and their selfless, scrappy style of play had them on top by the score of 14-7 at the end of the 1st quarter. Second quarter and King was able to ease back into the game behind the play of their guards: Mike Wilson, Trayvon King, Kenny Edwards and Sean Rogers. Central was led by Mark Sanders and Kamell Alston throughout the game as King was able to neutralize Brandon Smith, the Lancer’s leading scorer and rebounder. Sanders was able to score often by taking passes from teammates and attacking the baseline. Alston was alive in the fourth quarter as he and Wilson staged an exceptional duel. Alston scored thirteen of his seventeen points in the period and Wilson scored thirteen of his nineteen in the final quarter as well. Wilson often used a nice first step, along with a tricky scoring move to score in traffic whether against zone defenses. Wilson conjures memories of many tricky lefties who have played in the Public League. The action in the fourth quarter was wonderful as the times went back and forth possession after possession with the score seesawing between two point leads and ties. Central did have an early four-point lead in the final quarter, when Wilson converted a steal and lay-up, then with help from Edwards forced a ten second call. After two free throws from Wilson the score was tied at 43. Alston then responded with a tough lay-up in traffic. Wilson came back with a tough lay-up in traffic. Alston was fouled on a tough drive and he made two free throws. Then Wilson would make two free throws. With the score knotted at 49, Sanders made one of two from the foul line and gave Central a 50-49 lead. Following a missed shot, King in bounded under their basket and Alston was able to intercept the ball and draw a foul. Alston made both free throws and after a defensive rebound, Alston was hacked again and made both free throws. Wilson responded with two freebies of his own and the game continued like this until another inbounds pass was plucked from the air by Alston who responded at the line with two free throws, with twenty five seconds remaining. Wilson fouled out at this juncture. The Cougars still were fighting, King made a tough lay-up to get them within 58-56. An immediate foul was given and Alston made the first of two with eight seconds remaining. After Kamell missed the second, Rogers rebounded and following a timeout King was set to inbound under the Central basket with seven seconds remaining. T. King drove the ball up court and found Edwards on the left wing open for trey; the shot came off the side of the rim and bounced harmlessly away as the buzzer sounded. What a good game!! I wonder what would happen if snow delayed games all the time!! Smith was still key to Central with 7 points and 12 rebounds. The Lancers have a nice team core of seniors, who all share the ball and work well together. Joshua Welles (11 points), Sanders (18 points) and Alston (7-8 from the line in the 4th quarter) make this team a dangerous opponent in 4A portion of the PL playoffs. King in addition to Wilson (19 points, 6 steals) got solid performances from Rogers (14 points, 4 steals, 2-4 from trey) and King (11 points). The Cougars playoff hopes however were dealt a serious blow in this one.
Table Talk- Is it me or on cultural holidays held on Tuesdays in February we have Classic Public League games. On Groundhog’s Day, I had a five-overtime game and on Mardi Gras I had this one… Central coach Haviland Harper and King’s coaching staff of Head Coach Mike George and his awesome assistants Will Kahn and Officer Butler were engaged in a chess match in this one. Great atmosphere at King with player introductions, Star-Spangled Banner, hip-hop music and loud fans -- kudos to Ms. Stinson. Play of the game; a sick bounce pass from Trayvon King to Kenny Edwards for a lay-up. You want to talk about irony, when I woke up this morning and I turned on the television and had just missed the final scene in one of my favorite movies - The Hustler. I had some time this morning, so being the fan of the film that I am, I put the DVD in the player and tried to watch it. For some reason it would not work. Anyhow, this game had the feel of the scene when Paul Newman (Eddie Felson) and Jackie Gleason (Minnesota Fats) were playing pool against each other until Fats eventually won that duel early in the movie. So when I get home, I put the DVD in and guess what? It worked!!!!

FEB. 4
PUBLIC LEAGUE B
FLC 67 Mastery Charter South 55
This was a very competitive game from opening tip to final whistle. (One whistle by the way as in one official.) The Bobcats prevailed but were taken to their limits by the Bulldogs. Junior guard Turhan Griffin was able to register 29 points, highlighted by a 5-6 showing from behind the arc. Griffin has become one of the Public League’s best juniors. MCS led for a portion of third quarter behind solid play from their backcourt tandem of Eric Cottman (20 points) and Wanyae Hartsfield (16 points). Hartsfield is going to be a really good small college point guard. Hartsfield is a nice outside shooter and a speedy ball handler. The game itself was a see-saw affair until a huge right corner “trey ball” for FLC senior Jerrod “JJ” Johnson put the Bobcats ahead 50-47 with 5:32 remaining. The underrated Johnson was able to supply 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals despite heavy foul trouble. Junior point guard Aahmid Mink was able to score 10 points all in the final period. Mink was seven for eight from the foul line down the stretch. After the game Johnson, Antonio Strickland (4 points and lots of hustle) and Mike Mooney (injured) were honored for being senior basketball players for the Bobcats. FLC has won eight straight in the league but they do not have the same feel as the “Give us an inch and we’ll take a Yard” squad of All-State guard Denzel Yard and the then coach of the 2008-2009 season. The Bobcats are now coached by former Simon Gratz head man Leonard Poole and they are eerily similar in style of play to his former Bulldog teams.
Table Talk- In town today was Malcolm Eleby and a couple of his St. Bonaventure teammates to say hello to the players and some school staff before leaving for practice at 3:30 p.m. The Bonnies play St. Joseph's on Saturday…. Happy Birthday and career high 10 points to FLC sophomore forward George “Tony” Ellis…. MCS coach Omar Richburg, a Speedy Morris disciple, is going to be a huge hit in this league. When Cottman and Hartsfield were going I remember watching Randy Woods and Doug Overton play for La Salle on Channel 17 when I was a kid. Hartsfield and Cottman are not Randy and Doug however….Excellent job by the Lady Bobcat cheerleaders.

FEB. 2
PUBLIC LEAGUE C (For "Classic")
Strawberry Mansion 88, Imhotep Charter 82 (5 Overtimes)
Each year on this date the nation stops to watch if a groundhog sees his shadow. Whether or not he sees his shadow means a great deal in the minds of many. I have told people for years he comes out to watch basketball and this year he wanted to watch a whole lot of it. The Panthers of Imhotep and the Knights of Strawberry Mansion represent two of the most intense basketball communities in this city. As this game began I noticed Donyell Marshall (former Philadelphia 76er) over in a corner. The intensity inside Imhotep’s gym, (I call it "The Temple") was beyond intense even ten minutes before the game started -- lots of music, dancing and non-stop chanting back and forth. Imhotep students chanted ’ho- tep’ Mansion supporters replied with ‘Man-sion!’ Imhotep started of controlling the glass and for almost the entire game they disrupted Mansion’s offense with a well executed 1-3-1 zone. The Panthers played this game without one of their sharpshooters as David Appollon injured his knee in their one-point loss to Communications Tech. This was Mansion’s first game with two notable additions; Jamal Jones (who formerly attended and started for Imhotep) and Saadiq Berry, a talented wing scorer who previously starred at Future. The Panthers led after the first period by the count of 12-9. The Knights responded with some better play in the second period as they were able to enter the half knotted at 22. The third period was a back and forth period as Knights began attacking the zone. The Panthers were unfazed and in fact, they entered the final period with a two-point lead. Imhotep junior Earl Brown (22 points, 13 rebounds) had an absolutely sickening one hand dunk during the 3rd period that ignited the crowd and drew well deserved high-fives from teammates. The final period more of the same from both teams and after Brown hit one of two from the line with two minutes and fourteen seconds remaining, the Panthers led by one 46-45. Mansion senior guard Marque Griffin (18 points and 6 assists) hit one of two from the line to return the favor. After an Imhotep star missed two free throws at one minute and five seconds remaining, Mansion held the ball against the 1-3-1 zone until calling timeout with 9.3 seconds left. The Knights got the ball to their star Devonte' "DJ" Newbill and Newbill got a look at a trey but the shot fell harmlessly off of the back rim as the horn sounds. In the first overtime, the score was tied again (54-54) with Mansion holding the ball against the 1-3-1 zone until taking a timeout with eight seconds remaining. Imhotep was content to stay in the 1-3-1 zone and although Mansion sophomore Khyree Wooten (18 points, 4 steals) got a decent look at a right corner trey, it failed to connect and we went to double overtime. Guess what? Yes, you guessed it the second overtime session came to a similar conclusion. With 1:28 remaining and the score noted at 58, Mansion held the ball again and called timeout with 7.4 seconds remaining. The offensive play did not work again and went into the third overtime. In the third overtime session, Mansion took control after a Griffin foul line jumper at 1:12, a huge team defensive stop and steal by Jones, Griffin made two big free throws at 19.9. Mansion led 67-63 with 19.9 on the clock. Terrell Johnson (19 points) pushed the ball all the way down court and made a lay-up on the left side of the rim while being fouled. With 15.9 seconds left, Johnson missed the free throw but Brown made a wonderful rebound tip basket. Griffin pushed the ball down court and looked for Jones near the basket, but his pass is kicked out of bounds with exactly eight seconds remaining. Mansion gets a shot for Cedrick Powell in the left corner but the shot is short. Fourth overtime, and in this period, Imhotep takes control behind solid play from Johnson and Brown. The Panthers lead by the score of 78-72 with Khalil Meadows (14 points) at the foul line. Meadows made two at the line and then hit a massive right corner trey to get the Knights within one at 23.8. Imhotep then committed a foul on while trying to inbound the basketball. The foul sent Powell to the line and he converted one of two from the line with 13.5 remaining in the fourth overtime stanza. Imhotep struggled to advance the ball and in fact Mansion stole the ball and had two chances at victory go awry as the Panthers recovered on defense and the lay-up and rebound attempt were contested. The score is 78-78 after four overtimes. Fifth overtime and Mansion strikes first with Meadows making a strong move and lay-up at 2:48. After Imhotep missed two free throws, Imhotep jumped into a man to man defense, Meadows drew a foul at 2:15. Meadows missed both free throws but Mansion was able to retain possession, as Jones knocked the rebound off of Brown’s shin. On the ensuing play, Wooten drew a foul and made both free throws. Imhotep reserve guard Marcus Glover, who played extremely well, converted a seven foot jumper to make the score 82-80. Newbill made a huge block on a Johnson lay-up attempt, the ball was rebounded by Griffin who advanced the ball up court and drew a foul with 58.3 seconds remaining. Griffin made the first free throw to make it 83-80; Jones claimed the rebound of his missed second shot. Mansion was able to retain possession and Coach Stan Laws called timeout with 37.7 seconds remaining. Meadows is fouled with 29.5 seconds remaining. Meadows made one of two from the line. Johnson finds Glover near the left elbow and Glover (8 points) threw in a floater with 14.9 seconds remaining. Griffin is fouled with 11.8 seconds left and after a small pep talk from his coach coolly drained both free throws. After a failed Imhotep shot attempt, Meadows drained two at the line with 4.5 remaining. That brought the score to 88-82, and Johnson’s heave from behind half-court could not have sent this to a sixth overtime even if it had connected. From now on February 2nd when people tell you about the shadow of a groundhog, just remember on this date there was a certain basketball tale witnessed by a Duck! How much of a story was this one? Early examination of www.pahoops.org indicates there has been a thirteen overtime game somewhere in North Carolina, and eight and six overtime games across the state. The city of Philadelphia counts higher for me in my skewed view of basketball, so this may have been in a record in a noted hoops hotbed. (Ted's note: I covered an eight-OT game in 1972, back when OT periods were three minutes rather than four. I also have vague memory of a five-OT CL game -- maybe North vs. Wood? -- and a five- or six-OT Inter-Ac game that involved Haverford School? Maybe against CHA? Not positive.)
Table Talk- More legends in the gym than you can count or mention from college coaches to AAU coaches. Mansion’s traveling fans were in rare from they chanted numerous times and the comments from the gallery were hilarious. Like for instance: “He don’t want to play. He just want to watch the game, so put him on the bench!” Newbill (who formerly attended Imhotep) had only five points through the first three regulation periods but finished with 22 points. The Marquette signee showed that he rises to the occasion in ‘money time.’ Imhotep’s Tyhiem Perrin (9 points, 5 steals and 7 rebounds) is from the Mansion neighborhood and in fact he had an older brother who played for Mansion. They probably will take about this one for a long time. Meadows played sparingly during regulation and in fact Mansion fans called for him, he was ready when called on. After the game,I noted to Coach Andre Noble and his assistant Jarrard "Mutch" Jones that this was the 1st time Imhotep had lost at home and before I could finish the sentence Noble took the words out of my moth - "and it had to be special."Excellent atmosphere great music when the DJ played the late Michael Jackson’s classic “You wanna be starting something?” I believe we were in the second overtime. Interesting…

JAN. 29
PUBLIC B
Murrell Dobbins 62, Mastery Charter South 56
This was my first time watching a game in Dawn Staley gymnasium. The Mustang girls had their senior day game against Central inside the “Hank” so this game was held inside the girls' gym. The game only had one official because the officials assigned to the game were not present. (Not my line: just repeating it.) I cannot remember seeing a lackluster game inside the Hank and this one was no different. The Mustangs are led by 6’8 junior center Jerrell Wright and he is a player. His stats for today were 25 points, 18 rebounds and 3 blocks. The scary part is that he is a good passer and finishes everything near the rim. His top playmates are 6’2 junior swingman Basir Fulmore (13 points), sophomore point guard Courtland “Red” Gilliam (3 steals) and senior guard Fred Jones. In addition to this foursome, the Mustangs have several scrappy players who provide the team with some depth and for the most part youth. The Flame and Steel’s roster is packed with sophomores, juniors and freshmen. In this contest they led most of the way but as young teams do were caught surprised as the Bulldogs got within five late in the game. The coach of Mastery Charter South is Omar Richburg, a long time assistant at St. Joseph’s Prep. In time, I suspect that Richburg will have a high level of success at the school. His team is led by senior guard Wanyae Hartsfield (17points, 5 assists) and they received a great effort in this one from his backcourt mate- Eric Cottman (17 points). The two guards created a lot of havoc all over the court and late in the game the Bulldogs only trailed by three points with a minute and forty eight seconds remaining. Fulmore netted a pair of free throws and the Mustangs held on. No lackluster game here, both teams played hard and intelligently, both teams have talented young coaches in Richburg and William “B.J.” Johnson of Dobbins
Table Talk - Up next for Dobbins is a match-up Sunday with Constitution High School. One of the interesting subplots of that game will be the two talented 6’8 junior centers in Constitution’s Erik Raleigh and Dobbins’ Jerrell Wright. That game is scheduled for 5:45 pm at Ben Franklin High School. The schedule for the Dr. Eric Bray Winterfest is as follows - 2:00pm Octorara- Vaux, 3:45pm Robeson-Franklin, 5:45pm Dobbins-Constitution, 7:30pm- Wissahickon-Comm. Tech. ….I watched this one with Dobbins’ all-timer Horace “Pappy” Owens, an assistant at La Salle University. … Mastery played this one with eight players.

JAN. 28
PUBLIC LEAGUE C
Ben Franklin 33, Roberts Vaux 31
As the score indicated this one was very defensive. Vaux was in control for the majority of the game. In fact they led 25-19 after the third period. (Yes it was 25-19 after three periods.) The Electrons got some quick baskets from crafty star Kenny Bey-Brown. Those baskets in tandem with some good defense and two more key baskets. A Shawn Penn trey and a Bahir Lacy basket off of a Bey-Brown pass led the Electrons to the key victory. The Cougars are a good squad but they are not very experienced and that played a part in this one. Franklin always keeps the ball in the hand of their top players and those top players are very familiar with making plays in pressure time. Vaux is slightly younger and they really struggled offensively in the final period. The only offensive player who had any success in crunch time was 6’4 junior James Butler. Butler scored twice on offensive rebounds and finished with 9 points and 10 rebounds. Bey-Brown finished with 9 points as did Penn. Also, playing a key role for the Electrons was point guard Jeff Giddings who did a good job of controlling the game’s tempo.
Table Talk - The gym was unbelievably hot. Vaux freshman Rysheed Jordan was held to eight points; he still had some impressive moves.

JAN. 26
PUBLIC LEAGUE D
World Communications 49, Mastery Charter North 41
Well, this was not the prettiest game on the eyes and in large part that had to do with the amazing amount of youth on the court for both teams. World Communications has only one senior in the person of Jean-Pierre Forte (a transfer from Lamberton). The Pumas of Mastery Charter North have no seniors on the squad. Basically it was a young team versus an even younger team. WC took control early and led for the majority of the game but never was able to extend their lead into double-digits. The top player for Coach Kenyatta “I dress better than my mentor Bill Ellerbee” McKinney is 6’3 junior Markeith Mont. Mont is a versatile performer and plays anywhere from the power forward position to the point guard spot for this squad. Mont was not at his best in this contest but did muster 13 points and 5 rebounds. The hero today was Mont’s fellow junior Elijah Johnson. Johnson went on a roll in the third quarter and scored ten of his 13 points in the period. Elijah also scored the game’s decisive play with an open court layup with 24 seconds remaining to make the score 47-39. Also, key to WC's cause was point guard Shon Phillips and 6’7 forward Anthony Guess. Phillips did a more than competent job handling and distributing the ball for his team; he does have to work on his ball security as the season progresses. Guess was able to snag 9 rebounds. As for the Pumas, Khalik Long was a game-long force with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. Long, only a sophomore, plays the game with poise and tenacity. Freshman Michael Foster, only 6’1, was able to battle with several taller players inside and was able to snare 7 boards. Sophomore point man Myles Booker had some nice passes dropped; he does appear to have some potential. Both teams should do better in the future in large part because both programs have so many players in only their first or second year with their programs. It is something that I have noticed across the city with the player movements from school to school on a yearly basis teams lack the continuity during the regular season and it is not until the playoffs that we normally see the best from teams.
Table Talk - When I arrived at the school it took me awhile to locate the entrance. When I finally got inside I had to walk through the first floor to get to the gym. I noticed some sights inside the school I walked by some really good looking teachers conducting classes. Also, because the game was a little boring I really want to thank the lady at the door who kept me awake. A word to the male students at Mastery Charter North: If my teachers and school staff looked like them, I would have not missed a day of school, a homework assignment or roamed the halls the entire twelve years of comprehensive education . . . Also, there is no way possible that the rims are ten feet from the floor . . . Coach Ron Brown appears to be putting forth a solid effort.

JAN. 23
GREATER PHILA./CHELTENHAM CHALLENGE
Souderton 57, Central 42
Allentown Allen 74, North Catholic 68
Simon Gratz 51, Cheltenham 37
This event went well. Souderton has a terrific guard named A.J. Picard who was able to torch the Lancers for 28 points. Central hung with the Indians most of the way but during the last six minutes of the game Souderton coolly extended their lead and posted the final margin. Brandon Smith was terrific for Central with 15 points while Kamell Alston and Mark Sanders had flashes . . . The second game was a basketball treat. Up and down competitive hoops. Allen won in large part because of senior guard George Williams (24 points) and junior forward Jalen Cannon (17 points). The game was not decided until the final three minutes, when it was clear that Allen was a little bit more careful with the basketball. The Falcons were led by Mike Terry, who slashed and willed his way to 20 points. Jaleel Mack showed a nice offensive arsenal with 17 points. Last but not least Bobby Makor played well on both ends of the court for the Falcons. In hockey there is a term called a two-way forward -- Makor is the definition of that. I still find the Falcons dangerous because if some of the other players start to pay attention to some simple defensive principles, they could really improve . . . The final game was competitive as well. The Bulldogs were led by Tyree Smith, who showed a variety of skills in scoring 15 points. In the early part of the fourth quarter, junior Andrew Moye was able to take control of the game with three consecutive baskets; each score was a determined finish despite intense defensive presence. Cheltenham star Robert Mansell, an underrated performer, was able to muster 11 hard fought points.
Table Talk - This Sunday, January 31, beginning at 2:00 p.m., The Greater Philadelphia League will have its 2nd Annual Dr. Eric Bray Winterfest. The games were rescheduled because of the Dec. 19 snowstorm. The games are as follows: 2, Octorara vs. Roberts Vaux; 3:45, Paul Robeson vs. Ben Franklin; 5:45, Murrell Dobbins vs. Constitution; and at 7:30 Wissahickon vs. Communications Tech. The games will be held at Ben Franklin, Broad and Green Streets (one block above Spring Garden).

JAN. 21
PUBLIC LEAGUE A
Bartram 63, Germantown 62 (OT)
This was a goodie my friends… Well we will begin in the late stages of the fourth quarter with Bartram holding onto a six-point lead until Shawn Green (16 points) buried a left wing trey. Following a missed foul shot from the Braves, Green tried a right wing trey and was fouled in the process. With only 12.5 seconds remaining in regulation Green stepped to the line and coolly drained the first two free throws and, following a timeout called by Bartram, Green buried the final free throw. Unable to connect with a last ditch shot attempt, this game goes to overtime. Overtime was a beauty as well, Bartram got on the board first with star guard Tyrone Garland making two free throws and G-Town was able to reply with a nice step-back jumper from late-blooming forward Eddie Callender. On the next possession, Germantown point guard Ramadan Abdullah (15 points and 7 assists) fouled out with 2:56 remaining. Abdullah’s replacement, sophomore Kamani Jordan, proved prominent as the game ended. Jordan promptly made a tough floater in traffic and two clutch freebies. Bartram’s Quasim Jones followed with a tough runner with fifty-eight seconds remaining. After Callender was forced into a turnover, Garland found Jones in the left corner and he drained the winning shot with thirteen seconds to go. After a failed possession from G-Town, a Bartram player goes to the line and misses them both with 4.1 seconds remaining. After Callender claimed his eighth rebound, Germantown failed to get a last shot. Very exciting contest highlighted by loud fans and good plays. Jones was super clutch for the Braves; he finished with 20 points and was six for six from the line in the 4th period in addition to the overtime heroics. Garland was off from the field, but the future “Hokie” was able to post 18 points highlighted by a nasty slam dunk plus the foul during the 3rd period. Green did a very good job defending Tyrone during the fourth quarter in a box and one. Despite defeat Callender looked impressive- he is a 6-6 lefty small forward with shooting range and length. Many spectators were enamored. He finished with 16 points and, get this, twenty months ago he was 5-9!!
Table Talk- During one sequence when Abdullah and Garland were fighting for a loose ball, I joked to a friend it was the “Battle of the Braids.” Zaahir Allen was extremely important with 13 points, highlighted by three deep treys.

JAN. 19
PUBLIC LEAGUE B
William Penn 67, Roxborough 59
The Public League’s B Division (3A enrollment) appears to be an interesting and intriguing division as these are interesting and intriguing teams. The Lions of Penn were victorious in this one and I have to commend them on their team unity. Penn got control of the game behind the fine outside shooting of Lawrence Inman, who nailed three treys in the second quarter and was five for eight from “trey” for the game. The point guard for the Lions is Mike Gray and he was vital throughout the game producing 10 points and 7 assists. M. Gray made key basketball plays late in the game as the Lions held off a valiant late game charge from the Indians. In particular, M. Gray did a good job of directing the ‘four corners’ offense for the Lions in the late stages of the game. But the eye-catcher for Coach James Ockimey’s team is 6’4 center Mark “Stretch” Blount. Blount had a whale of a game with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. The extremely-long armed Blount was able to slam home to huge baskets late and was four-four from the line in the final period. Yup, he has the look of a classic late-bloomer. Inman was able to lead the Lions with 21 points. Penn led by seven heading into the final stanza, but the action became back and forth and “Rox” was within three on a few occasions, but the aforementioned ball control and dunks prevented them from getting closer. The Indians have a hidden gem in junior point guard Rashawn “Shawn” Anderson who was able to produce 25 points. Anderson has a better than average handle, a streaky outside shot and some midrange skills. His top playmate is 6’4 senior forward Anthony Patterson, who is one of those long athletes who has a nice first step and likes to own the baseline. Patterson was able to produce 20 points. Senior forward Kalik Stanley was a factor at times but was in foul trouble throughout the game. The Indians appear to have some sophomores who in time with hard work could become solid varsity performers. Honestly if a couple of those kids could play jayvee and varsity you could probably see the development at a quicker level. In fact, this season more than most you sense that same assessment with a lot of Public League teams. At Penn that is not the case because they're all seniors. Like I said interesting and intriguing division and interesting and intriguing teams.
Table Talk - Not much of a crowd but man did they talk a lot. I like that. … Simple analysis: one excellent official, one official who seemed overwhelmed. Good job by the Roxborough cheerleaders… Ockimey is competently assisted by Mr. Leonard Slack, who has been coaching in the Public League (mostly on the girls' side) since the '80s. .. Neumann University was present.

JAN. 14
PUBLIC A
Central 66, Olney 57
This was a good basketball game. Both teams played well and for the most part in an unselfish manner. The Lancers are a solid unit and from the opening tip they played traditional Central basketball. The traits of "Lancer ball" under Coach Havilland “Biff” Harper are: share the ball, look for and take good shots and play hard on the defensive end. In this one, that is what they did. The top player for Central is a 6’6 center Brandon Smith. Smith is a capable scorer inside and tough rebounder. One thing I liked about Smith is that he is capable passer with his back to the basket. “B” packed 10 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. Smith virtually ended this one with a three-point play the old-fashioned way with a little over three minutes to go. Also, aiding the Lancer cause were their guards: Kamell Alston (11 points and 6 assists) and Joshua Welles (16 points). Miles Henry hustled all game long and was able to muster 13 points. Football quarterback DeVonne Boler hustled all game long and was able to claim key loose balls. In the fourth quarter, sixth man Mark Sanders came in and was able to provide a key basket (nice pull-up jumper) and several good basketball plays as the Lancers kept the Trojans at bay. Now the Trojans must look at this game and realize that they are capable of a better result. No doubt winning at Central is not a simple task, but Olney was within three at the end of third period following a picturesque “trey-ball” from talented junior Ray Jaggon. Jaggon’s basket was not followed up with the kind of smart, hard playing that the Trojans showed they were capable of earlier in the game. In more plain terms, Olney did not play their best at the crucial stages of the game. Jaggon appears to be one of the Public League’s top underclassmen; he is a dangerous scorer on the wing and is skilled. The same kind of evaluation can be said of Olney’s top player - Jabreil McLeod. McLeod is a savvy scorer with an athletic build and heart. McLeod is a transfer from Philadelphia Electrical where he starred last season, McLeod led all scorers with 23 points and 5 assists. McLeod’s co-star Kadeem Patterson had a rough outing; he was 0-7 from three-point land and finished with only 5 points. Patterson did not do a good job on the glass or on defense, something that he has to do when his outside shot is not working. Darrelle Sherman splashed two early treys but did get many shots on inside or perimeter. Thus far I have to say that I’m intrigued with the Public League A Division it appears that you have to be on the ball each and every game to win in the Division, which is how it is supposed to be.
Table Talk- Great cheerleading from Central once again. The pep squad was in top form as well and the atmosphere was terrific.

JAN. 12
PUBLIC C
Delaware Valley Charter 68, Benjamin Franklin 55
This was a good game at times but for the most part the Warriors appeared to be stronger both in physical sense and a team- cohesiveness sense. The Warriors jumped out to a 7-0 lead courtesy of star senior wing guard Rysheen Dorn. Dorn is a terrific scorer and team leader he plays hard on each and every possession. His main assistance came from football star big Fred Ruff (10 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks) and junior wing sniper Christian McNeely (22 points). McNeely has beautiful rotation on his shot and he has nice lift as well. The junior still has to work on his other skills (ballhandling and defense) but he is promising. Ruff goes 6’5 320 and gets up and down the court. He takes up space and he can play. Ruff made a couple key baskets where he showed his nimble feet and soft touch. Franklin came within four late. They are led by extremely underrated senior guard Kenny Bey-Brown (25 points with four treys). Shawn Penn, junior Tevin Whitehead (3 steals) and Jeff Giddings ( 11 points) all showed well in the backcourt for Coach Larry Gainey, who obviously needs his young interior players to grow up quickly.
Table Talk- Nice crowd and active fans from Franklin… Both coaches Antoine Brockington (Delaware Valley) and Gainey starred as players in Public League.

JAN. 5
PUBLIC LEAGUE A
Southern 57, Martin Luther King 42
This one was defensive and that was for a couple of reasons. Both teams are more than reasonably sound on the defensive end and both teams have lost some of their summer-time scorers to transfer. The Rams of Southern are a collection of hard-nosed kids who have a nice collective feel. Coach George Anderson is obviously hoping that the sum can consistently be better than the parts. The point guard for Anderson is 5’4 junior Antwain Rucker (13 points, 5 steals) who is a competitive player on the defensive end and a selfless player on offense. The same can be said of the other starting guard Heywood Henderson, who made some terrific passes to set up some scores. Henderson had 12 points and 3 assists. The third starting guard, Shaq Gaskins, was in foul trouble early but as always he does well in the little things department. Off the bench Mac Stokes was able to pop in 13 points highlighted by a 6-7 showing from the foul line, five for six from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter. King was led by senior Sean Rogers, who slashed his way to 13 points. Cougars headliner Mike Wilson did not have a day he would like to remember, as he only was able to connect on one shot from the field -- a left-wing trey -- and was held to a season low 6 points. Wilson did have 13 rebounds and 4 assists, but has to stay in the game mentally. Fellow guard Kenny Edwards had moments so he also bears watching on the perimeter. 6-0 forward Tareek Massey was a solid force inside but neither team has much in the post department. As far as game-play the game was pretty much back and forth good action in front of a nice-sized crowd. The score was 37-33 Southern heading into the final stanza and steady play highlighted by Rucker, Henderson, Stokes and athletic junior forward Rodney Chandler the Rams took control early in the fourth and the Cougars were not able to get it going. This Southern team looks to be one of those squads that Coach Anderson seems more comfortable with, not the big-time talents but the heart department is not lacking. King seems dangerous and it will be interesting to see what occurs as this most intriguing Public League season unfolds.
Table Talk- Always a fun time at King but the gym was too hot. I had fun hanging with fellow stat-man Steve Reid. Some legends in the building for this one: Curtis Drake (receiver at Penn State), Jamil Drake (key player on last year’s Cinderella team from FLC), Margie Stinson (Athletic Director at King), Harry Wood (former King coach in three sports including basketball) and Southern Assistant Bill Williams, a legend in hoops circles.

JAN. 4
PUBLIC LEAGUE D
New Media 88, Randolph 57
This game was not ideal for the first game of the new decade. The score does tell a lot of the story but the players did play hard all game-long. New Media has the look of a sleeper squad they have thirteen seniors amongst their fifteen players on their team. They took control from the opening tap and ran out to a 21-4 first quarter lead. The top players for the Jaguars are senior guards Joshua Stevens, Isiah Clark and Bryton Hawthorne. The frontcourt has some size and today was highlighted by 6’3 senior Jemiel Parker’s twenty point effort and some good moments from 6’5 center Harold Gordon. Stevens, a transfer from North Catholic, is effective on offense, witness the 15 points and 5 assists, but he also plays sound on the defensive end. Clark is a quick guard who can cause havoc all over the court as well. Clark had 18 points and it was in extremely limited action. Hawthorne is a true combination guard because he plays both the point and the two for this time. Bryton has improved as a shooter and defender. They are other players for the Jaguars but I will make it a point to come back soon and see them against stiffer competition. Randolph has a couple of guys who can play but they do not seem like a cohesive team in even a remote sense. Senior guard Amir Stringfield was able to muster 23 points, showing the touch on some deep wing treys and a couple of tough drives. His top playmate is junior Samir “Bud” Hill, who had a couple of nice moves as well. They are a couple of other kids that can play but the squad is low on overall talent and structure. That is not representative of the name Asa Philip Randolph, a man I studied in college.
Table Talk- New Media is located in a beautiful building that I have passed countless times, but today was my first time inside. It is beautiful on the inside as well.

DEC. 29
NON-LEAGUE
Northeast 54, Samuel Fels 52
This one was quite interesting. The old Catholic North is alive and well in the Public League’s A division. Fels is coached by Mark Heimerdinger, who was of course a legendary coach for amazingly long duration at Cardinal Dougherty. Northeast is coached by Bob DiFlorio, a former coach at Neumann (I know they were in the South) and he is assisted by Frank Cahill, who for the last couple of seasons coached at Father Judge. The Vikings jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the blink of an eye. Senior guard Dan Patriarca was the early scoring catalyst for the Vikes. Patriarca has a solid backcourt mate in fellow senior Dante Collier. The Vikings’ biggest weapon is junior Anthony Fuscellaro, a transfer from Philadelphia Electrical. Fuscellaro is 6’7 270, still growing and he loves to rebound. Fels, coming off a big victory, was able to get things going after a poor start. The top players for Coach Heimerdinger are senior point guard Devon Perrin, junior forward Teree Johnson and junior sixth man Kevin Steed. The Panthers took their first lead at 29-28 after Perrin buried a pair of free throws with 5:33 remaining in the third quarter. Fels led by three entering the final stanza, but that lead was over on the first offensive play of the last period, when Fuscellaro scored a bucket plus the free throw to tie things. A pair of jumpers from senior forward Eric Jean-Simon, and the Vikings were in control late. Meanwhile, the Panthers went cold in the final period, not scoring their first point in the period until a free throw by T. Johnson with 2:59 remaining. Johnson’s freebie made the score 46-41. From that juncture, the backcourt shined again for Northeast with Patriarca making three of four from the line and Collier scoring two big layups to keep the Panthers at bay. The Panthers got to the final score with a trey from Greg Davis off of a nice set-up from Perrin with one second remaining. The final play was a safe inbounds so that negated Fels’ hope of victory. Fuscellaro finished with 13 rebounds and seven points. Patriarca, looking like a good small college prospect, registered 22 points highlighted by 3 treys. Collier added 11. Perrin had 12 points and 3 assists. Robert Jones had 13 as did Johnson. Steed hustled off the bench with 8 rebounds and 5 assists. The Panthers and the Vikings are both getting used to their new systems. It will be interesting to see these teams at the end of the regular seasons because they should be far more advanced than they are now.
Table Talk - Northeast’s Simon added 7 rebounds and along with Yusef Savage and Balil Ferguson did a lot of solid little things. …I watched this one with noted local hoops guru Norm Eavenson . . . Some of you will understand this: Thanks for the support. It is greatly appreciated.

DEC. 15
PUBLIC LEAGUE C
Vaux 57, Delaware Valley Charter 54
When I walked into Vaux High School’s beautiful state of the art gymnasium, I had a feeling that the game was going to be extremely competitive and I was correct from the opening tip it was an intense affair with impassioned fans from both schools cheering back and forth. Vaux started the game off well behind the play of Jeral “Melo” Taylor, a 6’0 senior swingman who was able to score both inside and out in the early going. Delaware Valley kept pace behind the play of Rysheen Dorn, who is one of the Public League’s top players. Dorn, a reed thin 6’3 scoring machine, is a dangerous player with shooting range and athleticism. Despite some good moves from Dorn and 6’6 widebody/football star Fred Ruff, the Warriors trailed at the half 24-19. The third stanza was different Dorn and his teammates were able to overtake the cougars in the period despite a severe ankle injury to guard Jordan Mack, which halted the game for 35 minutes with 58.2 seconds remaining in the period. After the break in action, Dorn took off for a serious one-hand slam that got the crowd excited. The Warriors led at the end of the third quarter by the count of 33-32. To this point, neither team really showed great offensive cohesion. As the period began Dorn made several tough baskets in traffic and the Warriors seemed poised to take this game behind their star player. However, a player from Vaux erupted in final stanza with ten of his twelve points coming in the period. Rasheed Jordan, a very promising 5’10 freshman guard came up big in the final period. Jordan swished two treys and was 2-3 from the line in the closing moments of the game. Junior guard Jahlil Williams was able to put the Cougars on top 51-50 when he swished two free throws with two minutes and thirteen seconds remaining, that lead was not relinquished. Jordan buried two free-throws with one minute and eleven seconds remaining to extend the lead to five. Delaware Valley on two key possessions late in the game did not get the ball to Dorn; which is something I feel that the coaching staff did not find acceptable. Taylor made a big layup late and finished with 19 points. Junior forward James Butler hustled for 6 points and 9 rebounds. J. Williams was able to mix 10 points with 6 assists. Dorn mustered an impressive 27 points and 11 rebounds. The Division I prospect had eleven of those points in the fourth quarter.
Table Talk - Delaware Valley is coached by former Northeast High School and Coppin State star Antoine Brockington and assisting Vaux Coach Vic Otarola is athletic director and former Frankford/Eastern Kentucky star Jamie Ross. That is always good to see in the Public League. The crowd was extremely involved as DV had a sizeable traveling contingent and that group came into the gym supportive and that got an already raucous crowd cheering back and forth. Classic Public League stuff.