 |
Amauro's Corner Return to TedSilary.com Home Page Amauro "Amar" Austin is
another of our trusty observers. He is not to be confused with Ruben Amaro,
the Phillies' assistant general manager. Like "Huck" Palmer,
Amauro is a West Catholic graduate. He will file reports on the MANY games he sees. |
DEC. 23
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Central 92, Bok 73
This was Pub Basketball at its best.
There were serious runs, technical fouls, edgy players, high flying dunks and a
spirited crowd. I'll say this: In my eyes, Bok was extremely impressive. They
never gave up and fought hard until the end. They are the best 3A team I've seen
so far in this area and that may include District I. Let's see where it all
goes. Central moved to 10-0 with the W as they move on to take on undefeated
Ridley, Monday night in a Christmas Tourney at Philly U. St. Joe's Prep, who has
one loss will take on undefeated Plymouth Whitemarsh in the other semi. The
Lancers showed their mettle here today as well and had to do for the last 13
minutes without their star Scott Rodgers (scored 26 points in half the
game). Rodgers was hit with a T at the 4:50 mark of the 3rd quarter. He may have
been well on his way to 40 points, but Coach Haviland Harper disciplined
him. The kid is probably the Pub's best player and should learn from this. Harp'
made a good decision by doing so. Rodgers must learn to channel his emotions. In
his absence, 6-3 sr. SF Andre Woodlin really stepped up. He went for 24
points, 10 boards & 3 steals while making smart play after smart play, ect. You
could hear Harper yell, "Andre Woodlin!" each time he did too. He is the
epitome of the position, utility man. He does a little of everything pretty
good, solid enough of a handle to run the point and a good enough rebounder to
play the post. The D-IIs are beginning to pick up the scent too as he has just
under 1000 on the SAT and is a solid student. 6-4 jr. PG Kenny St. George
scored 10 of his 14 in the 4th. He too made great decisions time and time again.
He also dished 6 assists and plucked 4 steals. Sr. G Lamar Williams (12
points) & jr. G Rashiid Coleman (3 of each rebounds, assists & steals)
were also key contributors. Now on to Bok. Coach Lloyd Jenkins constantly
argued with the officials during the 1st half generating a technical of his own
in the 2nd quarter. The Wildcats went into halftime down 45-30. The Lancers went
on a 12-2 run to start the 3rd making the lead swell to 57-32 by the 5:33 mark.
Bok never quit though as they went on a huge 23-6 run of their own to end the
3rd down only 8 63-55. They probably ran out of gas in the 4th, but this was a
great showing on the road against one the area's best. Whirlwind sr. G
Marquise Salley (28 points, 7 assists, 3 steals) is a player in the mold of
Allen Iverson. He is constantly moving without the ball, always diving on
the floor and he is one of those old school type shot makers (makes wild/tough
shots -- falling to the ground, contested, ect.). He competes as hard as anyone
and has that outer fire. I love guys like this. They are born to win. He is next
to impossible to check and seems to be getting better and better with
time/confidence. The D-IIs should be all over him, but prep school should be a
strong option for this underrated guard. 6-2 sr. WG Lamont Butler (22
points) is another nice prospect to check out. He's a weird Pub mix -- a sweet
shooter and very good athlete. The D-IIs need to at least check him out. He's a
D-III special! Sr. PG Corey Moultrie (15 points, 4 assists & 5 steals)
had the play of the day as he got out on the break and slammed over a Central
defender causing the gym to go wild. He had some other nice moments as well
prompted me to think that he could be a D-II basketball type if he were to
concentrate on hoops. He was easily the quickest/most athletic player out there.
6-4 225-lb sr. F-C Keith Mitchell didn't score, but corralled 10 boards
and swatted 3 shots. He constantly fought and has that nasty streak every big
guy should have. The D-IIIs need to check him out.
AA's Notes: Here's the weirdest stat of the year: Bok was
11-for-11 in the first 12 minutes of the game, but in that span they had turned
the ball over 15 times. They finished the game on a 27-for-42 clip... This
Central team would have seriously challenged for top team in the area honors had
3 key guys still been in the building. F Malcolm Ingram (Solebury
School), G-F Thomas Young (Plymouth Whitemarsh) & G-F Nate Edwards
(North Catholic) were all in the building in the last few years. With Ingram
down low giving them a bona fide rebounder and Young, who may have turned
himself into a D-I prospect playing all over & Edwards adding fire power off the
bench this team would be terribly hard to stop. Boy I know Coach Harper may lose
sleep every now and then thinking about that line-up...
DEC. 22
NON LEAGUE
Neumann-Goretti 76, Southern 50
Not much to talk about here. The rams
were a bit undermanned making them a ripe for the picking for the Saints. I will
say this: No one has player a tougher early season schedule than Southern and
that should pay dividends in the very near future as they vie for the 4th and
final Division A playoff spot. They'll have to beat U-City, Overbook and King,
but they have been prepped to do so, should be interesting... Another solid
performance for the Saints. How can't you like jr. G D.J Rivera? This kid
is team-glue personified. This is a huge statement, but he could challenge
Reggie Redding (Prep) & Malik Perry (Roman) for League MVP honors
when its all said and done. He reminds so much of one of my All-Time Neumann
favorites, James Fowler in how he gets after it. Schools at the Mid and
High Major levels are picking up the scent. Just like James did, he sure can
find a way to stand out on a team full of stars -- most of which may even be
more talented. In my book, talent can be very overrated. Production trumps
talent any day. His relentlessness/energy can be demoralizing on the opponent. I
loved the way Southern sr. G Amir Ryan competed here. He gave everything
he had and wound up cramping up early in the 4th leaving the game with 21
points. I feel the kid has Low D-I ability, but will need Prep/JC. The same goes
for 6-8 230-lb sr. C Ervin Spuriel. This is his first season of organized
ball, but the big guy just swallows rebounds. He only needs seasoning. Darryl
Schofield's Lutheran Christian Academy program would do wonders for this
kid. I've seen worse come away from there with a D-I scholie. The Rams will need
him to do more than he did here as he is the biggest man in the Pub, but I do
like the way he uses his body to go after rebounds.
AA's Notes: Always great to watch this game. Its one of the great
neighborhood rivalries... The Saints remain undefeated and have 5 D-I prospects
in their starting line-up. They will however NEED one or two guys to step it up
off the bench to keep sustained success as the road ahead only gets tougher...
DEC. 21
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Franklin 66, Kensington 38
Maybe I'm wrong for what I am about to
say, but boy this was bad. Kensington's guards continuously turned the ball over
leading to easy buckets at the other end for the Electrons. Kensington has one
quality player and he is 6-4 jr. SF Reggie James (15P, 7R, 6B, 3S). He
almost never touched the ball in prime scoring position and many times had to
create stuff on his own. James is a smooth/slinky 3-man with NICE shooting
form. His best days are ahead especially if he adds two more Ss -- strength &
savvy. He has a young-looking face so he could grow another couple inches. He
looks to be a shade over 6-4 now. Franklin has some quality guys. None are over
6-3. I really like sr. WG Jason Blake (12 points). He, too has the baby
face and much room to grow. He makes some very authorative moves. He's one of
these guys that could bloom late and become a D-III star. Sr. PG Deondray
King (10P, 5A, 4S) & sr. F-C John Warren (11 points) also played
well. The Electrons may be bolstered by some other guys in the very near future
who are out right now for different reasons. One will be MAJOR difference maker.
AA's Notes: Boy its a shame to come to Franklin's gym these days
compared to the way things used to be. Even three/four years ago, the beautiful
Blue and Gold gym would be packed to the rafters and the community would come
out. Now days I wouldn't even say Franklin is a shell of its old self. At the
start of this one, there were about 8 people watching. It then swelled to about
60. There used to be about 8 x 60 (480) every time the Electrons played in years
past at home. Oh well maybe one day soon this will change, but for now its
pretty sad...
DEC. 20
NON LEAGUE
Cheltenham 55, Gratz 51
Won't say much about this one except
that once again the Bulldog PGs didn't make good decisions down the stretch and
against good teams that just won't cut it. The Panthers are led by 6-3 185-lb
sr. WG Harris Mansell, a Rider signee. He'll STAR there one day. He's
owns the sweetest stroke I've seen all year. Its amazing the way each and every
time he shoots that it looks as if the ball is supposed to go through the net.
It just falls and falls then swoosh. He scored 21 of his 26 after the half
including 12 in the decisive 3rd quarter when he nailed 3 treys. He then buried
a trey to start the 4th. hands were in his face. He was closely guarded. None of
it mattered. C-Ham has two other good guards in stocky 5-9 sr. PG Pat Fluery
& 6-1 jr. Combo Pat Mansell. Both are solid D-II prospects with the
younger Mansell having a shot at D-I as well. All have played together forever
making the Panthers a State Title contender. So the Dawgs didn't lose to some
Suburban jokers. It looks to me that Coach Leonard Poole is still trying
to feel his team out. Remember he lost his top 6 to graduation including three
who are playing D-I. Only two returnees (6-7 sr. C Abdullah Moon (played
very well here) & 5-10 sr. PG Jamar Bruce) saw meaningful action. There
are two talented transfers in the fold (whirlwind jr. G Malik Alvin
& 6-4 sr. strongman Ameer Ali), but they still have to learn the pride
you must always play with when putting on the Red and White. Ditto for the two
talented Freshman guards (PG Velton Jones & CG Charles White) in
the rotation. So needless to say, this is a very inexperienced team that will be
very dangerous come playoff time.
AA's Notes: I must once again show love to the Cheltenham cheering
section. For the 2nd year in a row that I've been in their presence, they've
shouted to the rafters an AMAURO AUSTIN chant. You just don't know how
much that is appreciated. Thanks guys, great job!.. The Bulldogs schedule don't
get no easier. Besides the wars of the Pub to come with Southern, Central,
U-City, Overbrook, King & Bartram, they have tough dates with mater Dei (CA) and
Episcopal Academy in January along with a trip to Bristol, TN over the holidays
against a National field at the Arby's Classic...
DEC. 16
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Parkway 49, Roxborough 44
This wasn't the best game in world.
Roxborough is VERY inexperienced and Parkway had 2 of their top 8 missing for
one reason or another. They could challenge Mansion for 3A honors with them. The
Hoyahs managed to tough out a W and I guess that's all that matters. They did it
by forcing (and not forcing) the Indians into 26 turnovers. 6-4 sr. G-F Larz
Jeter struggled from the field (3-for-13), but managed to score 6 of his 8
points in the decisive 4th quarter. The first 2 was a three quarter court steal
finished by a contested left-handed slam, VERY IMPRESSIVE! He was more
impressive in grabbing 8 boards, dishing 7 assists & plucking 5 steals. He did
so while playing every possible position during the game. Jeter is very athletic
with room to grow. He'd be a top get for a D-III and should garner some D-II
sniffs before long. He's also a smart kid (3.6 gpa & 920 SAT). His main help
came from strong jr. WG Tyrone Palmer (15P, 6R) & impressive 6-4 so. SF
Ishmawiyl McFadden (14P, 8R, 3S). McFadden has a chance to be a D-I
prospect down the road. He's long, athletic & skilled. He's already a good mid
range jump shooter which is the most skilled shot a player can make. Sr.
swingman Ganiyu Adekunle (5P, 5R) is the mystro of hustle. The Indians
got 11 points apiece from wings sr. Darryl Singleton (3 treys) & so.
Derrick Segers (2 treys) though neither was particularly strong with the
ball. 5-10 220-lb sr. PG Vinson Jones had a pretty nice night with 6P,
5R, 5A & 6S. He has very quick hands and feet for a kid with his build. 6-3 sr.
SF Jared Nichols is probably the top Indian. He scored 9 points, snatched
15 boards & blocked 4 shots. His two 6-9 brothers, Hakim Warrick (one of
the top player in the land at Syracuse) & Jamal Nichols (DePaul) would be
very proud. He didn't play his best game, but didn't force things either.
AA's Notes: Coach Kermit West, jr. is an old school type.
The Parkway kids are still adjusted to him, but it'll pay off for them in the
end. I expect them and Bok to challenge Mansion for a spot in the 3A playoffs...
The Indians are in for a long season the way it looks now. They do have 3
quality sophs so that may help matters...
DEC. 14
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 64, Northeast 58
What a wild affair this was! When I
first checked the schedule late last month I circled this one as a few of the FB
players from both schools also play B-Ball. As a matter of fact, GW's best and
NE's top-3 are all football players as well. There was a pretty good crowd on
hand with much trash talking amongst the fans. The Eagles pretty much kept the
Vikings at bay for the entire game leading by between 6 and 12 throughout.
Today's star was 6-4 210-lb sr. swingman Dominique Curry, a freakishly
athletic lefty. Well folks we already knew that Curry was a D-I FB prospect
because his huge upside on both sides of the ball, but we now are figuring out
that Low D-Is and High IIs should probably sniff for basketball if he so chooses
to go that route. Here Dom' went for 23 points (9-for-12, 2-of-3 on treys,
3-of-6). He also snatched 8 boards, dished 2 assists, swatted 3 & plucked 5. Oh
yeah and he only had 5 powerful slams. In the first quarter he drove the right
baseline double-pumped over an NE defender and slammed it home hard with two
hands. Amazing! In the 2nd, he got a steal at half court and took off from the
dotted line for a left-handed punch. He then got another steal and took it all
the way in missing the lay-up only to tip dunk his miss in. In the 3rd, he took
a pass in stride on the left wing from sr. G Corey White for another high
flying flush. Then finally he took a rap around from sr. G Marc Appolon
for a powerful two-hander off the vertical. He's not a vocal leader, but does a
great job by example. Villanova head football coach Andy Talley was
spotted watching the first half. I'm pretty sure he liked what he saw. White was
the next best Eagle nailing 5 treys en route to 23 points of his own. He must
start hitting his foul shots especially late. That's very important in closing a
team out. Appolon dished 6 assists and was much more under control than in the
past though he did lose focus a few times. He should be OK though especially if
he listens to his coaches. Sr. big guys Pat Martin (7P, 7R) and
Terrance Neal (10R, 4B) are both 6-7 225ish give or take. Martin is better
offensively while Neal thrives defensively. Both are vitally important to the
overall cause. Both are also said to be academically qualified for college.
Therefore competitive IIIs & good IIs need to give them a long look. The Vikings
were led the hardnosed play of its backcourt brassy seniors PG Kyle Sample
(18 points, 7 assists) & WG Cordia "Chop" Mosley (21 points, 3 assists, 2
steals). Both hot 2 treys. Neither ever gave up. They'd still be fighting hard
if there were time on the clock. That kind of play should earn the Vikes a few
Ws and possibly a playoff berth. 6-4 jr. F-C Rockeed McCarter, who rivals
Curry in the physical, is still rounding into shape, but he did manage 11
points, 7 boards & 4 steals.
AA's Notes: GW is another one of these weird new age Pub teams with
lefty's galore. The Eagles have 4 with Curry, Appolon, jr. WG Frank Peters
& jr. PG Ranald Lindsey... Again just like the last 3 years, the Eagles
could really give some of the better teams a scare. They could indeed sneak
their way into a state playoff berth... The Vikes only had 3 guys in uniform for
various reasons. They'll get better as the year goes on as the FB players round
into shape...
DEC. 13
NON-LEAGUE
Bartram 84, Olney 49
This was my first look at both squads.
The Braves took a 33-point thrashing at the hands of St. Dominic's of Long
Island, NY over the weekend so it was interesting to see how they'd bounce back.
They did by doing the same to the Visiting Trojans. Being honest this isn't the
best Olney team I've seen, but Bartram pretty much did what it wanted and this W
should build confidence for the big one with Southern on Thursday. Most of the
Braves did well, but we'll focus on them at a later time... Olney really only
has one true player and he is 6-5 sr. pogo-sticking F Kevin Riley (21
points, 10 Boards & 4 Blocks). Riley is widely known as one of the League's best
athletes ( He just might me the very best!), but he's probably one of the best
players 6-5 and over. He truly has a decent feel for the game and made some more
impressive plays besides his two powerful slams. For now, I'd say he's a top get
for a D-II, but Low-Is have to check on him as his future may be on the wing.
Plus the fact that his brother Brahin played at Drexel via Northeast in the Mid
90s adds extra incentive.
AA's Notes: Bartram also has two seniors deserving of high
D-II/Low D-I attention in 5-10 PG Marquise Carrington (22 points, 6
boards, 6 assists) and 6-5 F Daziah Miller (20 points -- 10-for-10 at the
line, 7 boards, 3 assists, 4 steals). Both have started the season strong.
Carrington may be the most improved player in the League. He rivals Gratz'
Malik Alvin athletically/physically. He also already owns a qualifying SAT
score (over 900)... Olney's interim coach Jeff McKenna (regular coach
John Rech is out on medical leave) graciously let me take their team picture
after the game as they arrived a shade late. Now maybe someone can email us most
of their IDs, managers included...
DEC. 11
Coaches vs Cancer Recap @ Gwynedd Mercy College
Prep Charter (Phila, PA) 69, American Christian
School (Aston, PA) 63
This game pitted some of the better young
players in the area against each other as about five D-I prospects took the
floor. It was a back and forth affair, but the much deeper PC squad outlasted
the upstarts. PC is a small school in South Philadelphia and is one of the
leading candidates to take the 2A State Title. They were led here by 6-5 jr.
swingman Rodney Green with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Green is
able to play 3 positions (1, 2 & 3) and often does for this team. He scored
mostly on breakaways and slashes to the basket. He was also probably the best
athlete on the floor. Mid Major D-Is are beginning to pick up the scent on this
sleeper. He received help from bookend 6-4 sr. SFs Jason Dogan (12P, 5R,
6A) & Haven Wroten (10P, 7R, 4A). Both could be very good small college
players. However 6-8 so. C Markieff Morris was the key here. He went for
17 points, 13 boards & 5 blocks. He is one half of the future high major
identical twin tandem with his 6-7 SF brother Marcus. ACS was led by 6-4
freshman sensation Tyreke Evans with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists & 3
steals. He is already widely considered one of the top 10 freshman prospects
nationally and rightfully so. 6-4 freshman F Nasir Robinson toughed out
17 points & 7 boards before fouling out.
Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, VA) 58,
Frankford (Phila, PA) 54
The veteran Pioneers of Frankford gave a game effort against the mighty O’Connell of the DCIAA. O’Connell is led by North Carolina signee 6-5 combo guard Marcus Ginyard (17 points, 5 boards, 3 assists & 3 steals). He has many skills and now has added 15-lbs to his frame over the summer. He’ll be a pleasant surprise next year at UNC because of his versatility and court demeanor. 6-6 260-lb F-C Dave Neal was the difference. The big fella with Boston U. & Holy Cross watching grabbed 18 points and snatched 18 boards. He ruled the paint. Frankford’s leader was 5-8 sr. PG Ryan Smith with 8 assists & 3 steals. He really controlled the game on both ends of the floor. Smith is a strong student with 1130 on the SAT and deserves top small college interest. 6-3 jr. swingman Lewis Leonard scored all 14 of his points in the 2nd half in very impressive fashion. The lefty is very athletic and a future D-I prospect. Scrappy sr. guards Alfred Thomas (13 points) & Maurice Miller (10 points) were also major factors. Both nailed two treys. While 6-5 freshman F Malik Tinsley (8P, 4R) is one to watch. He is a natural to the game.
St. Joseph’s Prep (Phila, PA) 47, Penn Charter (Phila,
PA) 30
This is the 3rd year in a row that these two have played at this even and the same outcome has come each time. This year the Prep is led by 6-4 jr swingman Reggie Redding. He just may be a high major prospect. He owns a sweet stroke and a top notch basketball IQ. Here he scored 23 points and grabbed 12 boards. The senior backcourt of PG Joe Fox (9P, 5A) & WG Corey O’Rourke (10P, 6R, 3A) are opening the eyes of many-a-small college. 6-5 freshman F Larry Loughery is one to watch for the Prep as is 6-8 so. C Kevin Gallagher. Coach Speedy Morris will whip them into headliners before long. Penn Charter’s lone bright spot was 6-1 so. PG Sam Zeglinski (11 points).
Neumann-Goretti (Phila, PA) 51, Abington Friends School
(Jenkintown, PA) 47
This was to be the game of the night, but didn’t have any life until late. Nevertheless, the Saints showed well and toughed out a hard fought victory. Four Saints are already on the high major radar. Their best player in my eyes at this level is 6-2 jr. G D.J Rivera. Here he scored 14 points, grabbed 6 boards and plucked 5 steals. He is the best defensive guard in the East region (VA to Maine). I’ve yet to see one better. He also plays with a high level of energy and toughness. He gave Penn signee Aaron Cohen fits all night. 6-5 jr. swingman Earl Pettis scored 10 points, 9 boards & plucked 2 steals. 6-2 so. PG Scoop Jardine scored 10, dished 3 assists & plucked 2 steals. He is thought of as our area’s best sophomore. 6-5 sr. F David Burton scored 13 points and grabbed 13 boards which may have been most important in securing the W. Cohen did manage 15 points and 9 rebounds. He fought hard all game long too. I really liked so. PG Doug Davis (10 points) as well. He made great decisions and huge shots. He also never got rattled. 6-9 jr. twin towers Andrew Jones (11 boards, 3 blocks) & Jason Love (3 blocks) were both average. Both are on the high major radar.
DEC. 10
WASHINGTON TIP-OFF
Life Center (NJ) 48, Washington 45
I'm not a big moral victory guy, but
the Eagles deserve one here. This was their first game of the year and probably
LC's 8th and also they were down by 17 at the half to this powerhouse. In the
second half, they found out they could play with the bigger/stronger prep team
(How many times will we say that?) and even believed they'd win only to come up
inches short. LC may have up to 5 D-I prospects on their roster. Four are
foreign kids. Two of them are giants in 6-11 jr. Center Hamady Ndiaye
(10R, 3B) & 6-9 255-lb sr. F/C Wojciech Bocianowski (11R, 3B). The Eagles
were led by the game long effort of 6-4 210-lb sr. WG Dominique Curry
(12R, 4A, 2B). The strong lefty didn't shoot well probably because of Football
rust, but he was a defensive terror and great leader. He had the play of the day
to jump start the comeback. A jump through the basket, and I mean literally,
ally-oop slam in which both of his elbows (maybe even his head) were over the
rim. Sr. Combo guard Corey White looked very shaky in the first, but
rebounded nicely in the second scoring all 12 of his points on 4 treys. 6-6
225-lb sr. F-C Terrance Neal grabbed 8 boards and played tough post
defense. Sr. PG-WG Marc Appolon (11 points) did likewise on the ball. The
Eagles also got great bench help from 6-4 sr. F Marcel Roane (9P, 5R, 2B
& tough post D) & sr. G Chris Powell (2R, 2A, loads of intangibles). Both
were in during the stretch run.
AA's Notes: This was a great game for the Eagles who could be the
sleeper of the League and would love the steal one of those 4 spots for the
state playoffs... They'll get better production from 6-7 220-lb sr. F-C Pat
Martin. He's probably a D-II prospect, but didn't have it today. Once he
comes around and Curry rounds into shape, this squad will be complete...
Dougherty 51, Mansion 46
This was the second time in 3 days that I've seen
the Knights and once again they dropped a tough one. This will be great
experience come February which is when the Knights are always tough. Its a huge
W for the Cards who played without 6-6 sr. C Chris McNicholas. He's their
only real size. Everyone else is basically a point or wing guard. Five
sophomores are the nucleus of this squad and the lumps they take now will surely
pay off two years from now. Coach Mark Heimerdinger seems extremely
upbeat about this group and looks to be having fun again. The best of the
youngsters is probably 6-1 combo guard Josh Martin (7R, 6A, 3S). He
struggled early, but came through with big play after big play late for the
Cards. He seems much more comfortable when on the ball, but for now he shares PG
duties with sr. PG Dwight Lyons (7 of his 9 in the 4th). Two other sophs
were impressive here though in 6-2 SF Rob Townsend (14 points, 8 boards,
2 blocks & 4 steals) & WG Khalil Mumford (16 points -- 4 treys). Townsend
is a hard-driving athletic swingman and could be the CL's top 6th man of the
year candidate. He's just what the doctor ordered for a guy coming off the pine,
energy personified. Mumford is a quick-sniping lefty with loads of brass. Where
he is on the floor must be monitored at all times. The Knights led about 90% of
this game. They made bad decisions down the stretch and when 6-5 jr. F-C John
Brooks (12 points & 10 boards) left with foul trouble in the 2nd half, they
game seemed to change in CD's favor. He was hard to control. Sr. WG Leon
Squeek" Rollins battled foul woes for 9 & 7. Jr. PG Matthew "Moo" Johnson
(13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists) was the top Knight. Sr. WG Dominique Nixon
is also a good 6th man. He, too is a wing sniping lefty and he buried 3 treys
here. Ironically, he badly missed all three of his free throw attempts.
AA's Notes: This was a pretty good early season contest. CD will
be one of my favorites to watch this year. Those youngsters really get after it
and I loved the passion McNicholas played Football with. I'm sure he'll bring
the same to the court... The Knights are 0-3, but not to worry. They've yet to
play one cupcake and are preparing for the 3A State playoffs...
DEC. 8
GLEN MILLS TIP-OFF
Championship
Central 82, Glen Mills 72
What a way to start the early season.
It was great to see that Pub still has some talented players. After watching
Lancer 6-3 205-lb sr. swingman Scott Rodgers tonight, I could breathe
again. Rodgers is by far and away the top senior in the Pub and proved it by
going off for 37 points against Glen Mills, at Glen Mills (VERY hostile
environment). How many people can say they did that? It wasn't easy either as
the Mills had 5 strong/athletic sub 6-foot guards after him all game long. No
doubt at least three of them were FB players. All were carved out of comic
books. On top of that, Rodgers played most of the second half with three and
four fouls. You could see that this was right up his alley too. His finishing
line was 10-for-17 from the floor, 2-for-3 on treys & 15-of-16 from the line
(including 10-of-10 in the 4th). He also grabbed 10 boards, dished 5 assists &
played all 5 positions at varying times during the game. Needless to say, he was
the Tourney MVP after posting 36 yesterday in a drubbing of Lamberton. I think
Drexel may have stole one here folks as if he would have waited, the A-10
schools would have come sniffing. 6-4 jr. swingman Kenny St. George was
his steady self with 18 points, 6 boards, 4 assists & 3 steals. He, should
garner D-I attention this off-season at least at the Low major level. Rodgers,
St. George & jr. PG Rashiid Coleman (9P, 2A, 2S) shared the PG duties
while sr. incumbent Lamar Williams is out for the moment. With him,
they'll be even tougher to handle. 6-3 sr. swingman Andre Woodlin (5R,
3A, 3S) is another utility man. He should be the 2nd scorer this year, but
battled through foul trouble tonight. The Lancers are a fun team to watch as
they are unselfish and play a free-wheeling brand of ball. The Battlin' Bulls
are fun as well. They'll be one of the top-5 in District I come February. Sr. PG
Wendell Simpkins (22 points, 11 boards & 3 steals) goes 5-9 190 and boy
is he mean. I hear he's from the Mansion area and that he's also a football
standout at RB and DB. High level D-IIs and JCs need to call coach Craig
Mellinger. This kid's a miny version of Ron Artest the player. I
couldn't count how many times he hit the floor or got his hands on a loose ball.
Oh yeah, he also EASILY threw down two dunks at 5-9! Another Mansion area
product is jr. PG Vernine Griffen (8P, 8R, 7A). He'll garner the same
type of interest next year. The Mills also has a 6-10+ jr. C named Arsenio
Carter. he never left the bench here, but you can't teach his height.
AA's Notes: This was easily the best early season performance to
date. Rodgers looks focused and hungry and that does not bode well for the rest
of the city... The Lancers look poised to enter State competition and this was a
statement win at an intense place like the Mills. Coach Haviland Harper
could be overheard saying afterwards to his guys, "This is Big Time!.." Everyone
who is a hoops nut should watch a game at Glen Mills. There is organized
cheering and boy does it get loud... Finally, I got a chance to see some old
friends form my days at West that now work at Glen Mills. Names like Harvey
Renwrick, Marlon Belfon & Greg McCleary may ring a bell. All
three are king-sized these days and you know I teased them. Its bad when I'm the
smallest of the three and I go 6-2+ 215 (smile)...
Consolation Game
Lamberton 84, Mansion 76 (3OT)
This marathon was also a great contest as the Blue Devils
showed that they planned on being a force in Division C and hope to gain a berth
in the 2A state playoffs. They may have the biggest team in the League. Their
starting frontline of jr. C Leonard Chaplin, sr. F Courtney Temple
& sr. F Bobby Green goes 6-8 275, 6-5 190 & 6-4 205. Two bench players
who weren't in uniform, but in attendance are sr. C Cameron Brickle (6-4 310) &
jr. F-C Marcellus Miller (6-7 265). Then deep bench player jr. F
Antoine Rice goes 6-3 250. Can you say where's the beef? I though Fb season
was over. This looked more like an O-line than a frontcourt. Anyway, the top
Blue Devil is actually a small guy. He is 5-10 sr. PG Rob Phillips and no
one is quicker folks. he may hold his own in race between himself and GW RB
Jerry Butler! No Knight could stay in front of him and many times they tried
denying him the ball because when he had it, he was a terror going for 33 points
(10 in the 3rd OT), dishing 5 assists & plucking 3 steals. Phillips should have
high level JCs and IIs all over him. After two years of JC, D-Is would be on the
case. He's very similar to former Blue Devil Kareem Pilgrim. Green scored
20 points on 9-for-15 & 2-of-5. He also snatched 9 boards. Temple scored 10
points, grabbed 14 rebounds & dished 6 assists. Green is a solid student with a
qualifying SAT score. He deserves interest from D-IIIs. Temple has high upside
as a 6-5 athletic 3-man. He is a junior with sr. eligibility, but may graduate
this year so Prep schools and JCs should be on the case. Chaplin is an improving
big man who is a load to handle inside. He battled foul trouble for 11 points
(5-for-5), 8 boards & 4 blocks. When he gets position on the low block, there's
nothing anyone can do to stop him! Jr. WG Nafis Ricks battled for 8P, 6R,
4A. Mansion's leader was 6-1 sr. swingman Leon "Squeek" Rollins (27
points, 10 boards, 7 assists & 4 steals). He's the next in a long line of
mansion high scoring seniors. He can score from anywhere on the floor and no one
plays harder. Jr. PG Matthew "Moo" Johnson has had better days. he
shot a terrible 2-for-16 en route to 9 points, but did get 4 of each boards,
assists & steals. Two juniors insiders both in the 6-4 range, maybe taller
showed well in C John Brooks (8R) & F Chaz Philpot (10R), a
lefty. Both
fouled out, but are a nice foundation to build upon.
AA's Notes: The Knights took a huge blow when their most talented
kid jr. WG Eugene Moss decided to move to Middletown, DE with his father.
They happen to be the #1 Team in the state and defending state Champions. We
wish Eugene well. he is their starting WG... The Knights are 0-2, but never
count them out. They are still my pick to represent D-XII for the 3A playoffs.
They have 8 solid players and will have gelled by Mid January... The Blue Devils
in Phillips have the best PG in their division and also have as big and as deep
a frontcourt as Prep Charter. They could do serious damage come state time...
DEC. 7
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Human Services 84, World Communications Charter 59
Well once again I made a remedial stop on the trail by
checking out some of the lesser lights of the new Pub. Not bad action either.
There was a frantic pace to this one in HSHS' freshly painted E&S-like gym.
Principal Roger Jackson deserves to be commended for a job well done on
quickly getting a program established. He even kept the scorebook! How many
times will you see a principal do that? The Huskies success came behind a game
long full-court press that caused 32 turnovers (OUCH!). And though the committed
28 fouls, they regularly used 11 players. Their best player for my liking was
slashing 6-1 sr. swingman Anthony Spivery (21 points, 6 rebounds, 3
assists & 3 steals). Spivery seemed to be everywhere he wanted to be. He's very
athletic and very slinky with a future that could be at the point. D-IIIs should
give him a look. The second best player was also a senior in WG Karl Jackson
(18P, 3A, 2S). He also may warrant some D-III attention. He seemed to always be
under control and though he forced some shots (everyone else did as well), he
mostly made the right decisions. 6-1 so. SF Dominic Medlock worked hard
for 13 points, 9 boards & 3 steals. So. PG Thaddeus Fauntleroy (7P, 5S)
shows some future promise. He's almost impossible to strip. He's extra low to
the ground and a very crafty ball handler. He also plays with an edge. WC had
four good ones of their own led by their lone senior in 6-2 3-man Antonio
Boyd, a high flyer. Boyd battled foul trouble for 21 points (8-for-10,
5-of-10), 7 boards & 3 steals. He, too deserves some serious D-III love. I liked
jr. PG Tysheen Younger (7 assists) as well. He had a tough job in these
confines. The best prospect on the floor was 6-5 (listed -- probably a bit
taller) 230-lb jr. C Ishmael Khalid. He pulled 11 boards and swatted 5
shots. With hard work, he could be a serious force and he has a good teacher in
former early 90s Gratz player Corey Griffin (head coach). Another goodie
was 6-0 freshman swingman Jeff Thompson (12 points). He fouled out, but
no one played harder. His future is very bright.
AA's Notes: This was a weird setting for a game. The scorer's
table is based in the bottom left corner of the gym, while the home bench is on
the top left corner. The road bench is in the bottom right corner. Fans stand
all the way around. Roughly 75 people including cheerleaders can watch and boy
does it get loud (I still have a headache...). As I stated earlier, principal
Jackson deserves credit for a job well done... Its great to see long time
Bartram supporter Rob Powlen back in the game. He's a teacher at HS and
the assistant coach. He's pretty excited about their future possibilities which
look good because of four quality sophs and a good freshman that are all in the
rotation... In typical Pub fashion, this one was slated to start at 3:30 because
of a school Pep rally, but didn't wind up getting started until oh 3:50ish
because of WC running late. The icing on the cake was that HS only had the WC's
players first names in the book because that's the only way that the manager
knew them all. Oh great! And for add 47 foul calls to equal me not getting out
of there until around 5:35...
DEC. 3
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Masterman 54, Hope Charter 49
Welcome to the world of the new and improved (???) Public
League. With the influx of 8 Charter Schools and 3 other schools, the Pub has
swelled from 35 to 46 teams with more to come in the next few years as two more
Charters could come in next year as well as at least 3 former Middle schools.
Soon there will be 60 teams for us to cover in the Pub. As if it wasn't already
hard enough dealing with some of this stuff. Almost doubling the stakes makes it
even harder. I hope it all works out for the better. This year teams like Gratz
(Pre-Season Ranked #1 in the state for 4A schools by the Harrisburg Patriot
News) and Frankford (ranked #4) for 4A and Prep Charter (ranked 5th for 2A
schools) for 2A all have state title aspirations and could realistically realize
them come late March. It'll be interesting to see how it shakes out. This may be
the busiest season we've had in some time, but for some odd reason I'm the least
enthused about it. Maybe it'll all grow on me. As for this game, I got the treat
of watching quite possibly the Pub's best prospect in 6-6 jr. SF Zahir
Carrington. "Zah" has really worked hard this off season on his ball skills
and now appears to be doing 75% of his damage from the wing even though he's at
least five inches taller than any other regular. I'd still like to see him post
a bit more often for the simple fact that no one in this league can stop him
down there, but he was solid today while on the move. He struggled from the
field (mostly unfinished drives) only shooting 6-for-21 (1 trey) en route to 18
points. He did grad 10 boards and blocked 4 shots. He also knows positioning
cold and is an excellent defender. He handled right and left (sometimes even
brought up the ball) and drained a few long Js. His body, coordination and
athleticism is very similar to former Dougherty star Shane Clark (now at
Hargrave Military in VA and headed for Maryland) and that's saying a lot! Not
saying he's that good, but with hard work -- who knows? The next most impressive
Blue Dragon was fellow junior CG Mike Mack. When tough-as-nails 5-4 sr.
PG Pierre Milburn (5R, 6S) went to the bench with foul trouble early in
the 3rd, the brassy Mack move from the wing to the point and put on a show
dishing all 8 of his assists after halftime off of quick bursts in the lane. He
also put in 10 points, grabbed 5 boards & plucked 2 steals. So. WG "Irish"
Mickie McGuire was on the receiving end for the most part with 14 points.
He's a true wing sniper and doesn't need much time to launch. He's also a gritty
one. The Dragons could have put this one away late, but they missed 12-of-15
free throws in the 4th quarter and watched a 10 point lead go down to 1-point
deep into the game. Hope's best two players could easily be playing for
Frankford. They are sr. point forward Lamarr Sanders (11 points, 13
boards & 3 assists) & stocky 6-1 jr. PG David Hill (13 points). Sanders
is a ball handling wizard, excellent passer and has a great feel for the game.
Oh yeah, he goes 6-3 250ish. He plays with an excellent sense of pace and is
always in proper position. If he were to get himself in top shape (say down to
220-225), top JCs could do worse. Hill plays with attitude and does a gob job
controlling tempo. His thick build allows him to post smaller guards. His
emotions get the best of him at times, but he does indeed play for keeps and
that makes me like him as a player. 6-2 jr. swingman Khaleef Murray (9P &
7R) is very athletic and has a solid stroke. Jr. PG Xavier Vincent gave
great energy off the bench scoring 8 points and plucking 3 steals. Hope will
give many-a-team trouble in division C. They have some good athletes and can go
8-9 deep.
AA's Notes: Not a bad outing for the first time out 'ey. Hope
Charter is located in West Oak Lane right near MLKhs. Its emphasis, though not
its sole purpose, is on kid's that are behind academically and has been very
successful the last few years... Masterman will be right in there in every
division game. I'd be shocked if they aren't in the top-5 and don't challenge
for division honors which includes a spot in the 2A state playoffs. As I've
already said, they may have the League top player and he'll only get better as
the year goes on... On the 2A playoffs, the Pub (3 seeds) eventually will have
to break up the teams into class playoffs to make things easier for state
seeding purposes. Let's say this year, the PL had a 4-team playoff in Division
C. The two finalists would both go as would the winner of the consolation game.
Wouldn't that make things pretty simple? For 3A, which only gets one seed, the
top 3A team from Division A should take on the top team from B for the right to
go to the states. Sounds pretty simple right. For 4A, an 8 team playoff would
suffice to garner the 4 spots. Four teams would go from A and four from B. This
just may be the way we have to go. We could even go 8 teams for 2A (3 spots), 4
teams for 3A (1 spot) & 16 teams (4 spots) for 4A, but something's going to have
to give at some point. We have to get organized of we want to take over the
state...