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Amauro's Corner Amauro "Amar" Austin is
a headliner among our trusty observers. He is not to be confused with Ruben Amaro,
the Phillies' general manager. Like "Huck" Palmer,
Amauro is a West Catholic graduate. He will make reports on games he sees. |
JAN. 22
PUBLIC LEAGUE D
Saul 50, GAMP 40
I never mind when asked to check out some of the
League's lesser lights as there almost always seem to be a few bright lights
flying below. Today's assignment was to hope the struggling Pioneers would win
so that much deserved ink could go to city scoring leader sr. CG LaRon
Byrd (29.3), but also knowing that Saul was deserving as they are
having their best season in 5 years of existence. This just wasn't Byrd's day
(just 3-for-18 shooting & 8-for-14 at the line) day if it had been, his team
would have marched to victory. That's ok, he's still one of the City's best
guards and probably could compete with even the best. Today was versatile jr.
G/F Joseph "Jo-Jo" McClain's (11P, 13R, 7A, 3S) day. This kid
is more than capable of achieving a triple double at this level with his
multitude of skills. Plus he's a staunch defender, which was proven today as the
lead man in box-and-one-ing Byrd (just 14 points). What I liked the most were
his leadership attributes and the way he truly improved as the game went on.
That's always a plus! And most importantly, the fact that he truly respects the
game, being that he never took even one play off. That's what separates the true
ballers from the pump fakers, folks! Jr. SF Alonzo Jackson
(10P, 7R) is another great athlete. He was McClain's partner in hounding Byrd.
Sr. PG Tyrell Smith, the team leader, settled for 9P & 6R. Sr.
PF Dom Randall corralled 10 boards. Byrd just never got going
for GAMP and that just can't happen if they are to ever win. Jr. SF Carl
Guignard (6-2 135 probably -- smile) was solid en route to a game high
17 points. He's got sniper capabilities.
AA's Notes: I LOVE covering these games. The
kids always are deserving of ink and here was no different. Plus both coaches
were well prepared and both teams, for the most part, were disciplined...
McClain is a true small college hoops prospect who I wouldn't be shocked if he
played at the D-II level... Byrd has a VERY good tutor on the bench in assistant
coach Terrance "Nip" Cook (Dobbins '98). The "Nipster" was a
helluva lead guard himself. I also know for a fact he's doing plenty to spread
the word about his protege' and that's what it's all about... And the trail
continues...
JAN. 20
INTER-AC LEAGUE
Germantown Academy 50, Malvern Prep 48
The young Friars almost stole one on the road here, falling a shade short of a
big league upset while playing without one of their top players (soph. F
Lamon Church). The Friars pretty much controlled the scoreboard
throughout and even had the last shot of the game, but in the money quarter (the
4th), the Patriots' experience proved to be the key as they made key plays on O
and locked the doors on D. The top Pat was 6-6 240-lb sr. PF-C Jeff
Holton (15 points). He scored 8 of his game high 15 in the 4th. I know
he's a multi-dimensional offensive player, but for my money every time he goes
inside at this level he scores (5-for-5 in the paint here). Especially during
the stretch run of the season this detail should be paid serious attention to.
Jr. WG Cameron Ayers had a decent line: 13P, 7R, 3A, but I left
feeling he could have done more. Plus it didn't help that he struggled when
guarded one-on-one by the rugged soph. G/F DeQuann Walker. Sr.
Fs Dean Melchionni (8P, 4R, 4A) & Jack McDonnell
(9P, 2A, 5S) both excelled in the little things department. The Friars got a
great effort from sr. G Brendan McNulty (14P, 3S) & 6-5 Frosh.
SF Brendan Kilpatrick (11P, 3 treys, 3 steals) was again
impressive. Walker probably played just over half the game due to foul woes, but
still battled for 10P, 5R, 2A. With him playing 3-4 more meaningful minutes, the
outcome undoubtedly would have been different. He brings so much to the table
and almost night in and night out is the hardest worker and toughest player on
the court. He MUST find a way to stay out of foul trouble.
AA's Notes: It's always good to see cleanly
played hoops especially considering that I've left some games with a serious
headache lately due to sloppy/scattered play... It's always good to get up to
GA's Ft. Washington campus as year in and year out, they are capable of
competing with the area's best. This young Friar club is starting to take that
shape as well... And the trail continues...
JAN. 15
PUBLIC LEAGUE C
Sayre 80, lamberton 74
Sorry for being late with this report, folks, but I've been a shade busy the
last few days and haven't even had a chance to get on the computer let alone
write a report. Anyway, this one deserved some justice and it's better late than
never. Both of these clubs have some college prospects and may not get much
coverage this year so it works out pretty good. Sayre has a three-pronged attack
with sr. PG Ramair "Juice" Garner (21P, 6A, 3S), 6-6 sr. F
Deione "Dex" Lathem (17P, 10R, 3A) & 6-6 sr. PF-C Shawn
Washington (22P, 17R, 6B). These three could sneak them into the
playoffs as a dangerous lower seed, too. Garner is the team leader as he loves
to bark out orders and is a tricky/crafty type who plays for keeps. Lathem could
be really good down the road as he's an inside/outside threat with multiple
skills coupled with size. While Washington is the best college prospect of the
three. He's a long, athletic, skilled post player who gives it his all on both
ends. He's somewhat of a sleeper, but should be recruited by D-IIs. His best
basketball is ahead of him. He's got a great frame along with a decent skill
level. Plus he's said to be a decent student which is more than half the battle.
Sr. WG Donte Goodman, a lefty, was also key. He hustled all
afternoon, but scored all 10 of his points after halftime to along with 6R, 3A &
5S. Lamberton played today without 2 or 3 starters, one being their best player
in sr. WG Jamil Brown (team issue/injury), but that was ok
because they had J.P. Who is J.P., you ask? Introducing jr. PG
Jean-Pierre Forte. The "Hatian Sensation" went berserk here going for
43 points (20 in the 4th quarter) on 14-for-21 shooting (6 treys), 9-for-11 from
the line. He also plucked 8 steals and totally outplayed his PG counterpart in
Garner. Everything was in the flow of the game too and even more amazing while
he was still trying to do true point guard things (many of his passes were
fumbled). This kid was extremely efficient and is now on the city's radar. I
just love the way he plays! He has all of the three Ps most good point guards
possess: Poise, patience & pace (while also being quick & athletic). His pace
especially makes him good as he's almost never flying off half-cocked. It was
almost lime here he moved in slow motion while everyone else froze. Sr. Fs
Carlos Terry & Shevin Comer halved 20 points.
Comer snatched 13 boards.
AA's Notes: It's truly a treat to see a kid
come from nowhere and be as efficient as J.P. Forte was here while also having a
monster- type game. This kid's got serious game and just needs to build upon it
by playing more meaningful basketball. He NEEDS to be a fixture on the
off-season circuit. You never know what might happen thereafter... Again, Sayre
is a dangerous club with multiple weapons. They cannot be taken lightly... This
was a battle of the two historical West Philly schools' offshoots and big
reasons why both are down as the Lamberton kids could easily be playing for
Overbrook and the Sayre kids for West. In fact, both schools' kids who play FB
do play for their big brother schools. Up until a few years ago, Sayre was a
middle school that fed both West & Brook. All that being said, it's very sad
that Overbrook and West aren't playing this year. All involved should be ashamed
of themselves for not moving mountains to make it happen. It's only the city's
most historical rivalry. And the trail continues...
JAN. 13
PUBLIC LEAGUE A
Olney 61, University City 60
Another great afternoon in the Pub. Yeah, I've bitched and moaned over the
years that the Pub should have JV/Varsity doubleheaders with most Varsity games
on Thursdays being played at night (5 or 6) and I still feel that way as it
would be what's best for the league, but there's nothing like an exciting Pub
game on a Tuesday afternoon and never will be. These two neighborhood schools
did battle and both teams gave it their all which is all you can ask for. The
ending was the cherry on top. After a fast and furious first 7:37 of the 4th,
Olney led by 1 with :23 left. UC called time to set on a play. The ball went to
jr. WG Martez Lyles who launched a deep jumper. It was blocked
by Olney star WG Jesse "Booge" Morgan. UC sr. CG Kevin
Garris finally pulled in a loose rebound with :04 remaining and quickly
dished again to a wide open this time Lyles who was ironically standing in the
same spot. This time he got the jumper off only for it to get stuck in between
the basket and backboard, game over! I don't remember Olney ever trailing until
:32 were left in the 4th, but the game was always anyone's game. Morgan was
again terrific going for 29 points (4 treys), 16 boards, 4 assists & 4 steals.
Its early, but Jesse is probably a lock for 1st Team All-City as these types of
performances have been the norm thus far this season. This year will only be a
springboard to bigger and better things for a kid that most scouting services
consider one of the top unsigned wing guard prospects in America. Sr. SF
Terrance "T-Mac" Bennett (6-5 165), who has to play center on this
team, often incurring foul trouble, was very efficient in half a game shooting
5-for-6 (1 trey) en route to 13 points while also dishing 2 key 4th quarter
assists. He's a JC SPECIAL! whose best days are ahead once he
adds weight to his wriy, yet suprisingly durable frame. Jr. WG-SF Kadeem
Patterson (13P, 5A) once again had his moments, but the way
he's playing he's kind of cheating himself and the team. More often than not, he
stands on the wing and jacks up long jumpers instead of attacking the rim and
making something happen. This kid could live on the line with his strong frame.
He might be the key to his team's future success, but that's only if he plays
the right way. UC's attack is keyed by sr. CGs Marcus Holland
(17P, 10R, 4A, 3S) & Garris (15P, 8R, 5A, 3S). Both are 6-2 and
play the same positions, but are very different. Holland more a 2/1 who likes to
slash to the basket and finish at the rim with his strong build and big time
hops. Garris more of a wing sniper with a point guard mentality.
AA's Notes: UC could be a dangerous club once
again in a few weeks. Always a slow starter, the Jags seem to always be around
in the end. remember a few years ago, when they disposed of heavily favored
Pennsbury in the state playoffs. This could be that kind of year... Garris is
the son of Tyrone Garris (Penn/JC/New Orleans) and is really
coming along nicely. He was probably only 5-9 last year and is now a legit 6-2
and still growing. He will probably head the same route as dad and I'd bet we'll
hear from him later... Morgan is hearing from High major D-I schools far and
wide and rightfully so. Its funny, but maybe he should have gone to Olney from
Day One. He might have been a 2,000-point scorer. Nothing against Prep Charter
-- he won two state titles and made his mark there -- but everything ain't for
everybody. The situation is great because it proves that there's nothing wrong
with going to your neighborhood school. As "Booge" now knows, you can become a
hero in your community. And the train continues...
JAN. 8
PUBLIC LEAGUE A
Fels 64, Northeast 59
I still have a hint of a headache after watching this one. Sloppy play was the
norm in this neighborhood rivalry, but Fels was able to hold down the stretch to
secure the W. Luckily for me and everyone else involved that the Panthers have
sr. PG Shannon Givens (Drexel). The kid just makes all the
right plays at all the right times and is known for his winning spirit. He
should even lead this group to the playoffs which is something current Temple
superstar Dionte Christmas didn't even do in his senior year.
Givens simply went for 16P, 6R, 10A & 3S while he probably should have had 5-7
more dimes if things would have gone right. He truly understands game
management: when to stop, when to go, when to pass, when to shoot, etc. which
will make him a fine player at Drexel and there's much to be said for that as it
ain't easy to run Coach Bruiser Flint's (He's a slave driver --
smile) team. The next most impressive player was jr. F Devin Perrin
(11P, 8R). Perrin is normally a reserve, but got the starting nod here and IMO
probably should stay in the first five. He's active and athletic plus he adds
size. Ultra-athletic sr. F Malik Jackson scored 11 of his 16 in
the 3rd quarter while taking turns working both the high post and baseline. He
even drained his only trey while also adding 9 boards. NE, has a mixture of
athletic FB players and scrappy guards. Sr. SF Steve Pinckney &
sr. CG Devin Colston (a sleeper very recruitable for IIIs)
halved 22 points. Colston hustled for 12 boards and plucked 3 steals. He's a
very tough defender who could get better in college. Jr. sniper Dan
Patriarca came of the bench to bomb 3-of-4 treys en route to 10 points.
AA's Notes: Givens has been a welcome addition
to the Fels community which is one on the rise. Just think guys like N-G's
Tony Chennault, Apex Academy and formerly Dougherty's
Zaahir Allen & Del Val's Fred Ruff all live in the
Fels zone among others over the years. With a brand new school opening next year
with new facilities good things could be in the works... Back to Givens: His Pub
experience will serve him well as he's met some very good guards on a daily
basis: From Olney's Jesse Morgan to Southern's Deshon
Minnis to Edison's Luis Martinez to Bartram's
Tyrone Garland, etc. There's NEVER a night off... This will be NE
Coach/AD Elsa Cohen's final year. All and all she's done a more
than adequate job over the years having as many D-I guys in recent memory as
anyone. The latest being current St. John's University soph. starting PF
Sean Evans. She will be missed.
JAN. 6
INTER-AC LEAGUE
Chestnut Hill 61, Malvern Prep 47
In a quick summary: Great game for the Blue Devils/Hillers, bad game for
the Friars. CHA pretty much clicked on all cylinders in this one, shooting a
sweltering 21-for-34 overall, including 10-for-13 on treys, as they pretty much
cruised to victory over a club that owns some serious Ws this year. The
ringleader here was improving 6-4 jr. WG-SF Todd "Mr. Perfect" Cramer. His
perfectness only drained all 8 shots he took, including 4 treys, and made all
four of his free throws en route to 22 points to go along with 5 boards and his
normal number of floor burns. It doesn't get more efficient than that, folks.
Sr. PG Kevin Maguire wasn't bad himself with 15 points (3-for-5 on treys)
& 3 dishes. Sr. SF-PF Gary Lawrence (One of the area's top
unsigned prospects) was quiet early due to foul woes, but came on late to finish
with a decent line: 14P, 6R, 2A, 2B. 6-4 jr. SF Pat Connaghan
(5R, 4A) is the king of little things and he also performed his main assignment
of the day better than anyone. That was to make sure star soph. SF-PF
Lamon Church (9 points on 3-for-15 shooting) had a rough night. This
was my second look at Malvern and this go-'round they were very much out of
sync, which can be commonplace from time to time when your top 3-4 players are
freshmen and sophs. The best Friar IMO today and that earlier day is/was soph.
power guard/baseline beast DeQuann "Bootsie" Walker (12P, 9R,
4S). The powerfully built 6-3 lefty owns the baseline, but has improved his
handle and court sense to where he now has to be called a guard. Plus he's got
great leadership qualities and great versatility at this level as he probably
could guard every position except the point guard at the high school level.
Church had a rough offensive game, but still got after it as has been his early
trademark. Another soph. burly PF-C Tracy Peal struggled
early, then scored all 8 of his points in the 4th while the Friars hung around.
he also snatched 4 boards. And very impressive was 6-4 (maybe a shade taller)
freshman swingman Brendan Kilpatrick (10 points, 2 treys). He
already owns a feathery, perfectly formed jumper and he's got spring in his step
which makes him one to watch.
AA's Notes: The Friars may well have one of the
better collections of young talent in this area. Beginning with Church and
Walker, who are both Chester natives dedicated enough to rise early and get home
late while enduring the rigors of the education at a place like Malvern. Both
are said to be GREAT kids who seem to get it and that alone WILL take you a long
way not only in this great game, but the even greater game called life... CHA
coach Bill Dooley is one of my favorite coaches to watch in the
area. His club really executes offensively while his demeanor is very laid
back... Finally, I took in this one with AAU Team Partner Kamal Yard
(Philly Pride). Beforehand, he talked about how he loved Todd
Cramer's game and how hard he played. In the latter stages, I teased him about
being Cramer's good luck charm. Classic stuff folks as the trail now must go on
. . .
DEC. 18
PUBLIC LEAGUE C
Imhotep 60, Freire Charter 49
Going in I was thinking, this could be a goodie. A night game, at
Imhotep's new beautiful facility, against an archrival. It doesn't get any
better. Ah, but then came the news: Imhotep was missing two starters (sr. G/Fs
Sam Prescott & Ivory Wells) to injuries and
Freire got beat by me to the gym and when they got there, they brought more bad
news. FC was missing 5 rotation guys, 4 starters for various reasons. Ugh! I
thought inside. Maybe I can go home now. I'm glad I didn't as the Dragons were
very competitive behind rookie (Haha really a true veteran) coach Leon
Shamsid-deen and even made the heavily favored Panthers sweat even late
down the stretch. It was a great sight to see -- teenagers learning the act of
perseverance. Great job, coach! Anyway, the Panthers won because of the
game-long stability of their inside grunts jr. PF Jamal Jones
(10P, 12R & loads of grit) & 6-8 soph. C Erik Copes (3P, 9R,
5B). They held down the fort just long enough for sr. WG Will Adams
(Towson) to find his way. After going only 1-for-10 (0-for-5 on treys) through
three quarters, Adams scored 13 of his 16 points (3A) in the 4th shooting 5-of-6
(a trey) & 2-of-3 at the line. Sr. PG Parrish Grant (4 stls),
one of the area's top unsigned point guards, got them
started with 8 of his 10 in the 1st quarter. He too was rather stable
thereafter. The Dragons were led by soph. WG Jabril Trawick (13
points, 6 boards & 3 assists). He was pretty impressive given the circumstances,
being a tough cover all night long. He's very shifty and just athletic enough.
Plus the youngsters finishes strong in traffic. He's one to watch... Sr. PG
Shykee Brooks (11P, 5R, 2S) was also solid. He was very strong
with the ball and made excellent decisions throughout. Believe me, folks, at
full strength this team WILL be reckoned with!
AA's Notes: Coach Shamsid-deen is a rookie head
coach in name only. He's been a fixture in this city for around 20 years with an
extensive coaching resume. He's quite dangerous to match wits with for anyone
and was very impressive today. No disrespect, but if he'd been at the helm last
March, there would have been a state title banner at 20th & Chestnut . . .
Imhotep seems to be going through a rough stretch right now, but I'm confident
Coach Andre Noble will figure things out come crunch time. Oh,
and BTW, if you get a chance, get over to the new school at 21st & Godfrey. Its
truly a bright light in that dark East Germantown Community.
DEC. 15
NON-LEAGUE
Del Val 81, Olney 70
As always going to Pub afternoon games can be an adventure.
Today I went to Olney, about a half mile from the regular job office and there
is great morale in the school because its hoops team is flying high and looking
to make a run in class 4A, but today the two top Trojans were out for various
reasons, plus another regular was out as well. They still hung tough against a
very good Del Val squad that's looking to prove that they belong in the
discussion in the League's (possibly the area and state's as well!!!) best
division, AA. DV is very entertaining to watch as they share the ball while
constantly putting pressure on the defense almost like a team from NY. Plus they
play with 4 guards at almost all times and that can be a trip all in itself. All
four starting guards scored in double figures here. Two are srs, the other two
are jrs. Let's start with the srs: CG Dain "DJ" Suber & WG-SF
Kevin Mack (16 points). Mack has the look of the team's go-to
guy. He's a springy, jump shooter with equal slashing ability. D-IIs should be
all over this sleeper. Suber was today's leading scorer thanks to puttin' on a
jump shooting clinic in the 4th quarter. He scored 12 of his 21 here with an
array of deep jumpers, 2 treys. You have to love his patience which leads to
that ever important calming effect on his teammates. Plus he's a Varsity vet,
4th year with the big boys. Every team needs a guy like this. The juniors
weren't bad either in PG Khalil Meadows (12P, 6R, 6A) & SF
Rysheen Dorn (18P). Meadows is the consummate point guard. He
gets everyone involved and truly gets after it on both ends. He was my favorite
guy on the court to watch because he truly respected the game and almost always
made the right plays. I never remember him taking a play off and when a teammate
needed a touch, he made sure they got it. Keep up he good work young man! Dorn,
a transfer from Friere Charter, loves to work the baseline. He, too has that
scorer's mentality. Large contributions (Large, literally... Smile) were also
made by 6-7 290-lb jr. C Fred Ruff (10P, 10R). The big lefty
has some game. He keeps the ball high, positions himself for rebounds, plays
tall and wide & makes lay-ups. He has that diamond in the Ruff (I mean rough --
smile again) look. The Trojan attack was pretty much two-pronged here with its
top 2 scorers out. Jr. power guard Kadeem Patterson (26 points)
& sr. PG Khailief "Kizzy" Coates (16P, 5R, 7A) held down the
fort. Patterson is much improved although he did go half cocked at times here,
but that was because he had to look for shots without his main playmates here.
He has that look of the consummate third scorer who really complements the
others' skills with his own. He's at his best when he's bulling his way to the
basket with his fullback like frame, but he can now knock down the occasional
treyball. Coates should be a major target for D-IIIs. He plays with much energy
and seems to enjoy getting his teammates involved. He, too was fun to watch
especially in his battle with Meadows. There will be better days at Front &
Duncannon so let's just say, I'll return there soon...
AA's Notes: This might be Olney's best team in
4 years. Some feel that they could surprise people at full strength come
February... Del Val isn't to be counted out either in AA. They sport a very good
team themselves... Back to Olney: Its good to see the neighborhood schools doing
well. For many reasons, it's especially good for these schools to have a star.
When I first got a taste of the Pub experience, it seemed like they all had a
star guy who probably could even play D-I ball, but with the talent spread so
thin amongst sixty-plus schools, that's not the case anymore. This should be
fun.
DEC. 10
NON-LEAGUE
Strawberry Mansion 53, Glen Mills 40
This is an annual stop on the trail for me and more often than not, the
Glen Mills Tip-Off Tourney ends with these two squads. This is the 2nd stright
year the Knights reigned supreme in impressive fashion too. This was a sloppy
one, but playing in this venue is as tough as they come. Plus the Bulls have one
of the Nation's Top 25 Prospects in 6-11 270-lb sr. C Aaric Murray
(21P, 12R, 2A) a La Salle signee who is true to form. He's not one of these big,
strong guys that is just that. He can flat out play this game at a very high
level. The Knights won this one with defense as their guards especially were
very active and their bigs made the big guy work for his as well. SM has a nice
mix of vets and youngsters + a few key transfers that could easily take them all
the way back to State College. Five guys stood out here. Sr. CG Darren
Lawrence is the key vet on this team and made his way to MVP honors.
Here he went for 22 points, 4 boards, 4 assists & 7 steals while playing with
constant aggression. I like the fact that he's in much better shape than in the
past and that for the most part he understands how to make the right plays while
still getting after it as hard as anyone. The next best player and probably the
team's best overall prospect was frosh. WG Khyree Wooten (13
points). Folks, they don't make youngsters like this one and that's no joke. He
goes at least 6-1 and is a lefty, but uses his right just as well as he showed
with a soaring right handed finger roll and a breakaway righthanded slam. He
also showed tricky-dick lefty-ness with some darting/slashing moves while he
also nailed a deep corner trey. This is as impressive as its gets for a
youngster. Through their first 3 games, he's leading the Knights in scoring off
the bench! He indeed bears a close watch. Soph. F Eric Jefferson
(8R, 3B, 3S) also came off the bench and lent loads of athleticism and
toughness. In fact, he was the game's best pure athlete. I couldn't help but
think how much of a great wideout he'd make as he goes probably 6-3 190. Two
transfers are still working their way into things in 6-9 sr. C Bilal Kelley
(Bracetti) & 6-3 jr. PG Devonte "D.J." Newbill (Imhotep,
Mansion in 9th grade). Both started and did some nice things. Kelly should have
Low D-Is all over him. He's big and nimble with room to grow. He battled foul
trouble throughout, but he did swat three shots and once after a B&R sequence
ran the floor, caught in stride and finished on the move at the rim, VERY
impressive big fella! Newbill is considered by many city hoopsheads as one of
the most improved players in the city. He's a big guard who's also a true point
guard. IMO, he's Mansion's smartest and most skilled player. I like that he's
trying to find his way right now and not rushing things. His time will come and
it seems that he can see that. Its what's best for the team.
AA's Notes: The consolation game featured
Central-Lamberton. Standouts: Central 6-5 jr. SF-PF Brandon Smith
& high scoring Lamberton sr. CG Jamil Brown claimed All-Tourney
honors...Its unreal how tough Div. C or the AA division is in the Pub. Some feel
its the state's best division. With Comm Tech, Mansion, Imhotep, Prep, Del Val,
Franklin & Freire, you have 7 teams that can and probably will knock each other
off on a given night. I just feel bad for the 4 or 5 that will be left out of
the states because all 7 may well be competent enough to go to states by
season's end.