MAR. 7
PIAA State Playoffs- Sweet 16 Preview
            Welcome to the second round of the PIAA State Playoffs: the Sweet 16.  Before now, it seemed as though that term was only reserved for the NCAA Tournament that is looming just days ahead, but not it can be applied to High School basketball, and it’s, well, it’s pretty darn cool.  In my first round of predictions I didn’t fare too badly as I picked seven out of eight Public League outcomes correctly, and on my bracket that I filled out at home for AAAA, got fourteen out of sixteen teams correct.  Hopefully my good luck streak can continue.
            For the second round of games, the winners try to play at a neutral site that is halfway between the two schools so that it’s easy for fans to get there.  The competition is fiercer, and it goes without saying that the crowds should be bigger, louder, and better than ever.  Three out of eight Pub teams live to fight another day, and it’s up to you to decide whether that is too many, or far too few.  Enough of the chit-chat, let’s get to the games and predictions (with a little use of good ol’ Huck’s style):
1-1   Chester (23-6) v. 3-2 Harrisburg (28-1)
     Many see Chester as the best team in the state, and if they are, this is the game to turn that thought into fact.  Harrisburg pulled a St. Joe’s by finishing an undefeated season and then losing in the District 3 tournament (That’s why they are seeded #2- Central Dauphin is #1).  However, in no way does that take away from this team’s ability.  For Chester, Wilmore and Tribbett look to make some serious noise in this year’s tourney.
Prediction: Chester Clips (get it ‘cause they are the Clippers) 77-75
12-2 Frankford (20-4) v. 11-1 Whitehall (27-3)
   The Pioneers handled Truman a lot better than the nine point victory leads one to believe, while Whitehall (from up north a little bit) steamrolled Scranton.  Whitehall has the chance to be a serious sleeper in this tournament, while Frankford (as is said so often) can beat anyone when they fire on all cylinders and play like a team.  I think Whitehall has just a little too much fire power for the Pub’s second seed this time around.
Prediction: Whitehall Whitewashes 52-48
1-5 Wissahickon (23-7) v. 1-2 Cheltenham (24-5)
   This looks to be an awesome match-up.  The odds are not in Wissahickon's favor, however, as Cheltenham has already beaten then two times this year (since both teams are from Division I).  Wissahickon also lost three times this year to Plymouth-Whitemarsh, so their track record against respectable District I school is not so good.  For some who may not be clear, other Districts might not have a Chester County School District Champion (like the Philadelphia School District Champion) but rather, a tournament (exactly like the A-10 or Big East Tourneys) that determine seeding in the state playoffs, so for these teams, this is their championship, whereas for Pub teams, it’s like an added bonus.  Anyway, from what Ted says, and from what I’ve read, Cheltenham is the real deal and although it’s very hard for one team to beat another four times in one year, they will score a victory.
Prediction: Cheltenham Conquers 70-61
12-1 Central (26-2) v. 1-3 Plymouth-Whitemarsh (26-4)
   After the Lancers miracle victory against Chambersburg and PW’s huge win over a Gratz team they thought they’d have more trouble with, two of the areas best teams will go head to head.  If you remember, PW star Thomas Young went to Central before transferring out, and becoming the District's leading scorer, so that makes the match-up even more interesting.  Central and PW played earlier in the year in the Play-by-Play tournament held at Philadelphia University.  Central won the game 68-63, but it was very close throughout, and PW made an awesome run towards the end of the contest.  This game is truly a toss-up, and a must see for anyone who wants to be entertained.
Prediction: Central Celebrates 68-65
3-1 Central Dauphin (22-6) v. 1-4 Lower Merion (22-8)
   I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know half as much about this half of the bracket (the West) as I do about the East.  I’ll give it my best show though.  Central Dauphin has to be respectable if they claimed the District 3 title over Harrisburg, who was previously undefeated.  Lower Merion is also a contender, because to finish fourth in the District 1 Tourney is not too shabby at all, especially when the teams ahead of you are Chester, Cheltenham, and PW.
Prediction: Central Dauphin Dominates 82-73
1-7 Conestoga (23-7) v. 6-1 State College (24-2)
   To tell you the truth, I didn’t think Conestoga would make it past their first round match-up against Red Lion, but they did, and what do they get for it?  A head to head battle with one of the best in the state.  State College, which hails from District 6 (smack dab in the middle of PA) is a very powerful and high scoring team that can beat you many ways.  I don’t see a number seven seed pulling off anything spectacular here.
Prediction: State College Sautés 79-61
7-1 Upper Saint Clair (27-2) v. 8-1 Schenley (24-4)
   I don’t really know much about either of these teams except that’s it’s a battle of the number one seeds.  Schenley is a Pittsburg school, while USC (hehe… USC) hails from just outside of Pitt.  Both had easy times of it in the first round, who knows for the second.
Prediction: Schenley Slams 51-43
7-2 Mount Lebanon (22-7) v. 10-1 Cathedral Prep (24-4)
   Cathedral Prep is quite arguably the hottest team in the tournament, while Mount Lebanon squeaked past District rival New Castle by five points.  North Hills (the District 7 three seed) got sent packing in a hurry by the team from way out in District 10.  Don’t be surprised to see Prep make a real run at this thing.
Prediction: Cathedral Prep Claims 91-88

   Best Sweet 16 Match-up: Chester v. Harrisburg: This could go either way.  That’s basically all I need to say about that.  Two amazing teams, it’s a shame one of them has to go out this early.  (One could make a case for the Central v. PW game to go here, but this game is just too juicy)
   Worst Sweet 16 Match-up: State College v. Conestoga: I would make a corny Conestoga wagon joke about how they will have to pack up and get out of town after the loss, but that’d be below me now, wouldn’t it (smile).
   Nick’s Upset Pick: No clue why, or how, but there’s something I like about Schenley.
   And to keep track of the other Pub teams still alive:
In Class AA action:
12-1 Prep Charter (22-5) v. 3-3 York Catholic (23-8)
   Once again, I find myself uttering the phrase “I don’t really know much about York Catholic,” but I do know a lot about Prep Charter.  The twins and Mr. Green did the Pub proud in their first round game, and look to do much of the same this time around.
Prediction: Prep Charter Pummels 79-52
   Be sure to enjoy the Sweet Sixteen everybody!

MAR. 5
PIAA STATE PLAYOFFS, CLASS AAAA
Central 57, Chambersburg 56
            Everyone was waiting for when it would finally happen.  They knew it was going to, but after every other school suffered a loss in every sport, the Public League was getting frustrated.  Than, it happened… in the most dramatic fashion possible.  The Public League won its first-ever PIAA State Playoff game.  The Lancers of Central High School (after claming the Public League Title) took their show to the state playoffs, and brought home a win for the city.
            The historic day started off a little slowly for both teams as the score was only 4-4 with around four minutes left in the first quarter.  Play started to pick up, however, as Chambersburg’s Jamill Whitehead scored on a layup, and on the next play dished the ball out to Jared Olson, who drained a three-ball.  I’ll say this right now; Chambersburg was a very, very good shooting team.  The finished 16-for-31 from the floor, and 5-for-9 on treys, which isn’t that impressive, but if you knew how the game was going, it is.  Many of their players had a developed outside shot, and were almost perfect on foul shots (19-for-23).  Central countered in the foul shot department, however, finishing the game an astounding 19-for-22.  The score after a quarter of play favored the Trojans 14-12.  As the second quarter started, it was much of the same.  I’ll take a break here to note a few interesting things…
            One, Scott Rodgers already had two fouls and wasn’t playing for the entire first half of the second quarter…
            Two, the officiating left something to be desired.  I know that the refs were not Pub refs, but rather official PIAA refs, and I surely hope that that’s not the quality some other teams got.  Calls both ways, and non-calls both ways.  There were two techs tossed out in this one as well, one which I can talk about now, and one later.  As many know, Coach Harper is infamous for walking up and down the court, taking off his tie, and slamming his chair.  Part one (walking up and down the court) got him in trouble with the ref, who warned him to stay in the box.  When Harp countered with, “But it’s an exciting game, I’m just excited, let them play!” the ref wouldn’t hear it, and gave him some more warnings.  Then Harper took off his tie (number two), and pushed his chair backwards (number three).  At that point the ref decided that was enough, and issued the technical foul.  I also find it interesting to note that Chambersburg’s coach (Coach Shreffler) was outside of the box, and even on the court for almost the entire game.  Odd.
            Anyway, with three minutes left to go in the half, it became the Lamar Williams and Scott Rodgers show.  The two put together a quarter with fifteen combined points, and five assists (all one to the other).  This was especially sweet because Rodgers has an abysmal start to the game, missing his first five shots.  The only other point made by a Lancer in the quarter was a free-throw by Kenny St. George.  For the Trojans, Chas Rahauser caught fire.  He was wearing a “Richard Hamilton-esque” facemask, but it didn’t seem to impede his vision much as he knocked down two threes in the quarter, finishing the game with 15 to lead his team.  Central got murdered on the glass in the first half, and in the game.  The final rebound totals favored Chambersburg 25-14.  Right before the half ended (Central was down two at the time) they tried to pull off another Prep Charter like end to the half, as Williams held for the last shot.  The Trojan defense was tight, however, and forced Rashiid Coleman (Who had an off game, freshman Sean Gadson actually started the second half in his place; Coleman might have been hurt) to take an off-balance shot which missed wide right.  Chambersburg led at the half: 30-28.
            In the third much of the same once again… bad calls, okay shooting, and lots of excitement.  This time, it was Chamberburg’s Jonathan Motichka who knocked down two from beyond the arc in the quarter.  Central had a pretty balanced attacked, and started to rebound much better, as Andre Woodlin (who finished the game with 13 point and 6 boards) grabbed three of the glass in the quarter.  The score after three favored ‘Burg by 3… 45-42.
           The Trojans seemingly took off and packed for home from there, as Central was already over the 1&1 for fouls, and the Trojans wasted no time getting them over the limit.  The sprung to a 7-0 run (all on foul shots) to start the quarter.  That put their lead at 10, but Central was no stranger to coming back from 10 or more with time running down in the fourth.  St. George, who did not shoot well on the day (3-for-10), made two key baskets late in the game to pull Central very close.  Turnovers by Chambersburg let the Lancers claw their way back into it.  Here’s a wacky stat: Central had 11 steals, and only 4 turnovers, while the Trojans had only 2 steals, and committed 19 turnovers.  Central has been lucky with how generous teams have been with the ball in the past two games.  Scott Rodgers had been playing with four fouls for quite some time.  On a phantom call at mid-court, Rodgers got called for a block.  Mind you this was with over three minutes left in the quarter, and Rodgers would be out.  The look on his face when he stared down the official was not a pretty one at all… Harper and some players had to calm him down, and hold him back.
             Now the fun begins.  Let me set the mood: Play is in the Chambersburg end and a scuffle for the ball after a pass ensues.  Both Marcellus Garrett and Chas Rahauser were involved.  It looked like Garrett pushed a little bit, and then a whistle was blown (as if the refs were ready to make a call against Garrett).  Just then, Rahauser gives a huge elbow to Garrett, and gets an instant T.  After everything is sorted out, Rahauser shoots his two, and makes them, and St. George (shooting the tech) makes both as well.  A turnover by ‘Burg gives the ball to Central, and Woodlin makes a two.  The score is now 56-55 in favor of the Trojans.  On the inbound Chambersburg carries down the court, but missed their shot.  After a timeout by Central, there were 33 seconds remaining.  Central controlled the ball and wanted the last shot.  With time running down, St. George dished to Williams in the near corner who took a risky 18-footer.  The ball bounced on the rim and looked as if it were going to fall right out.  It bounced again, and again, and again, until it finally dropped in.  The building erupted.  57-56 Central, six second left.  Chambersburg inbounded and called a time out.  There were four seconds remaining on the clock, but during the timeout, the refs noticed the scoreboard said 58-56 Central.  There was a not so lengthy discussion on whether or not it was a three ball (it wasn’t) and the scoreboard was corrected.  You just wonder if that affected what Coach Shreffler was telling his boyss in the huddle.  After all was said and done, the Trojans gave the ball to Alan Bender, who came in from outside the arc, ran under the net and tried a layup.  It didn’t go.  Central stormed the court as the thrills of victory touched them once again.
          Player of the Game: Lamar Williams.  If you score the winning basket with under seven seconds left to go… how could you not be?
         Bench Player of the Game: Tougher choice here, but Urese Taylor came in and did some nice things down low, as well as score six points for his team. (2-for-2 from the floor and 2-for-2 on free throws).

FEB. 25
PUBLIC LEAGUE FINAL
Central 52, Prep Charter 46
           The Central Lancers Boys' Basketball team of 2004-2005 is made of something special.  You wouldn’t know that, however, unless you came to a game, or talked to one of the players, or turned on Comcast SportsNet to see a segment featuring the Lancers of Central High.  As I’m sure you know by now the Central Lancers and Lady Lancers swept the 2004-2005 Public League Basketball Championships.  This is only the second time in the history of the league that this remarkable feat has ever been accomplished.  University City did it in 1995.
            Another year that may stick out in your memory is 1932.  That is the last time the boys’ basketball team won a Public League Championship.  Back then, the series was a best of three, and Central swept Germantown winning both games by a margin of three points.  Back then, the cost of a stamp was $0.02, bread cost $0.05 a loaf, and a twenty five pound bag of sugar cost $1.23.
            Anyway, you don’t have to be one of coach Haviland Harper’s math students to realize that that is a very long time.  That’s why when all of the players held up “’05” with their fists and fingers on the court after winning the championship, it was an extremely special moment on many levels.
            To know exactly how the Lancers got where they did, let’s glance at the regular season.  Central’s regular season was one that not many Philadelphia teams get to experience, with the exception of the 2003 St. Joseph’s Hawks, the 1993 Simon Gratz Bulldogs (when they had Mr. Wallace, and actually), and some other back when Ted was born (smile).  That feat (if you haven’t guessed already) was an undefeated Public League season, 14-0.  The squad finished the entire season with a mark of 21-2, with their only two losses coming to very tough PIAA District I opponents: against Ridley (60-56) and Chester (65-48).  Regular season highlights included: a one point victory over Inter-Ac powerhouse Germantown Academy thanks to a buzzer-beating three pointer by Scott Rodgers, a two point win over Archbishop Ryan, a two point victory over Simon Gratz at Gratz (The first time a team other than Bartram had won at Gratz in over 17 years), and an exciting overtime win against Bartram at home, which basically wrapped up the Public League Division A title.  After a well fought playoff run, Central found itself in the championship.
            Their opponent: Prep Charter (The first charter school to ever play in a Pub Championship).  After all the hype, and all of the anticipation, it was finally time to play.  After the first five minutes of the game, everyone had to do a double take of the scoreboard… 10-0 PC, 17-5 PC??  Central was down 18-7 after one quarter as Prep Charter laid it on hard (in fancy fashion I might add, giving the fans two alley-oops in the first quarter).  Being the team that they are, however, Central showed no quit and scratched their way back into this game.  With under a minute left to play in the first half, the Lancers tied the game at 22, and held for the last shot of the half.  Lamar Williams passed to Andre Woodlin who took two steps and sunk the shot.  Central went into the half leading: 24-22.
             The fans were in a frenzy, and rightfully so, as the Lancers came back out at the start of the 3rd and laid it on.  A 7-0 run to start the quarter, and they never looked back.  Even though PC tied the game at points, or was only down by two, you felt the Lancers were in control.  The play of the game, which, in my opinion, turned the entire contest around, was when Scott Rodgers caught PC’s Lamaar Trice from behind and blocked his attempt at a wide open lay-up.  He then got the ball back for the Lancers, and the offense scored a bucket on the same play.
             Not enough can be said about the way Prep Charter played this game, and for being so young… watch out, this team will be very good next year.  The Morris Twins (Markieff and Marcus) are very talented, as is Rodney Green, a junior who has NBA potential.  34 turnovers is about the only stat to look at when trying to figure out why PC lost this game.
             After the game was over, nothing mattered.  No point totals, no boards, no dunks, nothing except for the fact that Central High School was a champion for the first time in 73 years.  The championship was for the players, and the players know it was for Coach Harper, who was on the verge of tears after the final horn sounded.  It was truly a magical moment that Friday night in February… one which this school should never forget.
             As for the atmosphere that Ted hinted about on Monday, I’ll have to say it was pretty disappointing.  The players and managers and coaches wore their medals, and many students were excited, but the majority seemed like they could care less.  I expected an outcry of joy when Mr. Greco made his daily announcement about athletic teams at Central, but barely anyone cheered.  You would think people would be screaming in the halls all day, but not really.  I was kind of upset, because there is a group of very loyal Lancers fans (who were in the house for the chip) and outside of them (and many teachers), students are apathetic.  It’s not too often that you have TWO basketball teams win the Public League Championship in one year; in fact this was only the second time in history, so the atmosphere should have been electric.  And that’s not even mentioning all of the various championships the school has won this year already.  Maybe I’m expecting too much, because for the players, managers, Coach Harper, and the administrators, it was an amazing day, but from a fan’s standpoint (which I don’t usually give that often anymore) I wanted a little bit more excitement.
             Hopefully that excitement will show up in the form of the PIAA State Playoffs.  Not only do the Lancers have the first seed in District XII, but they are coming into the game against Chambersburg with a full head of steam having won six games in a row.  Chambersburg, the fourth seed in District 3 boasts a record of 18-9, while Central comes into the contest 25-2.

FEB. 22
Nick’s Public League Fabulous 15
* Denotes PIAA State Playoff Participant
1) *Central (24-2)
2) *Prep Charter (21-4)
3) *Simon Gratz (17-9)
4) *Frankford (19-4)
5) *University City (17-6)
6) Freire Charter (20-5)
7) *FLC (19-7)
8) Strawberry Mansion (15-8)
9) *Bok (10-7)
10) Dobbins (13-7)
11) Washington (11-8)
12) *E & S (13-10)
13) Imhotep (11-9)
14) Overbrook (12-8)
15) Ben Franklin (11-7)
Games to Watch:
2/22:
Gratz v. U. City (PIAA AAAA Match-up for 3rd and 4th seed)
2/25:
Public League Championship:
Central v. Prep Charter

FEB. 22
THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP
   The Central Lancers Boys' Basketball team has made the Public League Championship for the first time since 1950.  They have a chance to win their first Public League Championship since 1932, when the team played eight games in a season, and beat Germantown 2-0 in a best of three series for the title.  Let me say it again… the Central Lancers are in the championship.
   You know there had to be a reason why I was holding out on the write-ups for the playoffs… so I could include them all in this one amazing (Comcast Sports Net-like -- smile) re-cap of the Lancers playoff run!  This is a very exciting time for Central athletics in general, as the senior class (better known as 264) is giving the department one of its best years in recent memory.
   The Lancers entered the playoffs with the highest of expectations.  After finishing an undefeated season in the Public League, which included key wins over Simon Gratz (54-52) and John Bartram (67-64 in OT).   They secured first place in Division A with those wins, and finished the year with an overall record of 21-2.  The two losses came against Ridley (60-56) and Chester (65-48), both very tough PIAA District I opponents.  After their last win against Roxborough on February 8th (to complete the undefeated Pub season), it was on to the first round playoff game against Ben Franklin- the fourth seed in Division B.
   The Electrons entered the game with a record of 11-6, and high hopes of scoring a major upset.  It was not to be, however, as Central started strong and jumped out to a 44-31 halftime lead.  Scott Rodgers had a monster first half scoring 23 of his 29 points, and 13 of them in the first quarter.   As a team, this was one of the most balanced games the Lancers played as all of the starters were in double digits. Kenny St. George netted 14, Andre Woodlin (returning from an injury) scored 12, Rashiid Coleman had 12 points, and sophomore Marcus Morris had 12.  For Ben Franklin, Andre Glover looked to combat Rodgers punch for punch.   He finished the game with 28, but didn’t shoot nearly as well: 12-for-26 from the floor, while Rodgers was 11-for-19.  Franklin’s problem was really teamwork, as Glover carried everyone along.  It’s a problem when your second leading scorer finishes with 8.  So as the final horn sounded, Central found themselves on top 79-64, and had just advanced further than the previous year (a first round loss to Olney).  Their next opponent was the winner of a game between Washington and U. City.
   University City prevailed, 65-60, and looked to avenge a regular season loss to Central, at Central.  It was clear that the Jaguars came to play when the first quarter ended in a deadlock 16-16.  Once again Rodgers led the Lancers with 11 points in the first quarter, and 26 in the game.  Rodgers’ U. City counterpart was Anthony Morrison who had just recently scored his 1,000th point against GW.  Morrison finished the game with 15.   However, an 18 point second quarter gave the Lancers a 34-24 lead going into the half, and they never looked back.  Andre Woodlin was second on the team in points, and came up huge when Rodgers got into foul trouble.  9 of his 19 came in the 4th quarter, including a slam dunk.  For those who don’t know… this is Andre Woodlin we’re talking about, who never dunked all year, and never even practiced dunks. That dunk put the fans in a frenzy, as well as locked up the game for Central, who won 67-48.  Immediately after the game, many Central fans and parents were calling anyone and everyone to find out what was happening at the Gratz-Frankford game.  Many mixed stories came in, but amidst all the hoopla, it was determined that Frankford had won the game.  Before I forget, let me mention Raheem Mapp, the best clock-man in the Pub.
   The Public League Semi-Finals… always an exciting time of year.   And the excitement level was no different here, but once the game started something was.  Frankford is a very strong team, but they became frustrated way too early, and that let Central become even more confident as the game went on (Coach Harper didn’t even take his tie off -- smile). This one looked like a low scoring contest from the start, and was basically a defensive battle throughout.  The score at the half was only 23-13… and it wasn’t a Catholic League North game (that could quite possibly be the most overused joke of the year, but hey, I hadn’t used it yet…).  The big stars for both teams in this one did not have very good games at all.  Rodgers shot only 5-for-16 from the floor, and 10-for-14 on foul shots (where he got most of his points), while Lewis Leonard shot 4-for-22, and 3-for-7 on foul shots.   He finished with 12, as did Kenny Spotswood.  Central’s Marcus Morris went 5-for-5 from the floor, en route to 10 points.  You could tell that both were very talented teams, but for some reason neither of them seemed to perform their best.  After the excitement from the Central girls game just before, it seemed like the fans were tired out.  It was still a very amazing moment on the floor for Central, and Coach Harper, who has been amazing in guiding the Lancers in this historic playoff run.  The other semi-final winner was Prep Charter, who entered the league in 2002.  They scored a 69-55 victory over E & S.
   The Championship game will be played at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, Friday February 25, at 8:00 PM.
Projected Starting Line-Ups:
Central Lancers (24-2)                                               Prep Charter (21-4)
Sr. Scott Rodgers                                                          Sr. Jason Dogan
Sr. Andre Woodlin                                                        Sr. Haven Wroten
Jr. Kenny St. George                                                     Jr. Rodney Green
Jr. Rashiid Coleman                                                       So. Markieff Morris
So. Marcus Morris                                                        Sr. Bilal Rogers
Meanwhile . . . there will be two Marcus Morrises (PC's is he sixth man; have fun announcers!

Here’s a game-by-game re-cap of Central’s season:
12/07 v. Lamberton- W 79-49 (1-0)
12/08 @ Glen Mills- W 82-72 (2-0)
12/09 v. Furness- W 80-51 (3-0)
12/10 v. E & S- W 53-33 (4-0)
12/14 @ Southern- W 79-60 (5-0)
12/16 v. FTC- W 78-25 (6-0)
12/17 v. Ryan- W 42-40 (7-0)
12/18 @ Germantown Academy- W 57-56 (8-0)
12/21 @ Swenson- W 89-40 (9-0)
12/23 v. Bok- W 92-73 (10-0)
12/27 v. Ridley- L 60-56 (10-1)
12/28 v. Plymouth Whitemarsh- W 68-63 (11-1)
01/04 @ Overbrook- W 53-49 (12-1)
01/06 @ West Philly- W 72-58 (13-1)
01/08 v. Dougherty- W (14-1)
01/11 @ MLK- W 69-51 (15-1)
01/13 v. U. City- W 60-45 (16-1)
01/18 @ Germantown- W 74-54 (17-1)
01/27 @ Simon Gratz- W 54-52 (18-1)
01/29 v. Chester- L 65-48 (18-2)
01/31 v. Bartram- W 67-64 OT (19-2)
02/01 @ Parkway- W 90-45 (20-2)
02/08 v. Roxborough- W 86-52 (21-2)
Playoffs:
02/10 v. Ben Franklin- W 79-64 (22-2)
02/15 v. University City- W 67-48 (23-2)
02/20 v. Frankford- W 54-43 (24-2)
02/25 v. Prep Charter- ??

JAN. 22
Nick’s Public League Fabulous 15
1) Central (17-1): Still playing up there with the top teams in the Pub.  Next week’s games are the most important of the season.
2) Simon Gratz (14-6): The Bulldogs have put themselves through about as much stiff competition as one team can handle.  Next week will be the test when everything flies out for the top spot in Division A.
3) Bartram (13-4): No longer undefeated in league play as U. City scored a major upset over the Maroon Wave.  That’s still no biggie, as this team should never be taken lightly.
4) Frankford (12-3): Last years runner up is making it tough for the rest of the Public League B Division.  It’d be interesting to see what this team could do against any of the top three.
5) FLC (13-6): Best in C by far.  FLC is always solid in hoops (both boys & girls). 
6) University City (11-5): Scored a big win over Bartram.  Might be one of those sleeper teams come playoff time.
7) Freire Charter (15-3): Playing extremely well in the C division
8) Prep Charter (13-4): Another very solid team out of the C division.
9) Strawberry Mansion (12-7): Mansion would like to continue their great basketball history with a run at the championship.
10) Ben Franklin (9-4): A very feisty, strong team.  Playing in a tough division.
11) Bok (6-5): Salley knows how to play, they just need more size.
12) Lincoln (10-4): Lincoln is having a great year in athletics.
13) George Washington (8-5): Washington’s basketball team isn’t as good as the players on the grid-iron, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
14) Overbrook (9-7): Overbrook is turning a lot of heads this year.
15) Imhotep (12-6):  So are these guys…
Who’s Hot: Simon Gratz, Central, Delaware Valley
Who’s Not: Roxborough, Mastbaum, Germantown
Games to Watch:
1/25:
Bartram @ Central
Lincoln @ Frankford
Engineering & Science @ Delaware Valley Charter
1/27:
Central @ Simon Gratz
Olney @ Lincoln
Imhotep Charter @ Hope Charter

JAN. 18
Central 74, Germantown 54
   (*Note to Readers: Sorry everyone, my lack of responsibility on the reports has been hurting me as much as it has you.  I have updated all of January’s games, and am currently working on a re-cap of all the December games I didn’t post in my column.  Also, if any of the teams mentioned in the reports want or need stats from the game, don’t hesitate to e-mail me.  Sorry again for the lateness, I feel awful, but this has just been a very hard time of the year for me).  Now onto the game…
            You know it’s going to be a good day for Central when you walk into Germantown High School and all of the players meet and greet a security guard who used to work at Central.
            This game was a very close one until about half way through the third quarter when Central started to pull away.  Central was only up by six at the half, this was due in large part to the methodical play of the Bears, and solid defense.  Despite committing twelve turnovers in the first half, G-town still managed to make a game out of it.  They were a well coached group of kids from what I saw, and much more disciplined than the football team.  The pace of the game was very fast at times, as well as extremely slow when it needed to be.  There was also a little trouble with the table, involving the score and the clock.  At one point, the ref stopped the game for about three minutes to try and have the Germantown scorers correct the board.  Nevertheless, both teams but forth a great effort.
            Leading the Lancers in points was Scott Rodgers who posted 24.  He shot 9-for-15 from the floor (0-for-3 from three point land), and was 6-for-7 from the line. In addition he grabbed 7 rebounds, and five assists, three of which went to Lamar Williams, who had an amazing game.  Not only did Williams rack up 22 points, but he nailed four treys, shot 7-for-8 from the floor (4-for-4 from beyond the arc), 4-for-5 from the line, recorded 2 boards, and 3 steals.  As always the rest of Central’s starters, they did a very solid job as always.  Andre Woodlin, and Marcus Morris both had eight, while Kenny St. George scored nine.  Towards the end of the game, all of the younger players came into the game, and got a little time.  It was fun to watch both of the future stars on both teams slug it out in the last minute or so.
            For Germantown (who has to have the most people who wear jersey numbers in the 40’s and 50’s I’ve seen this year) Elijah Clark, Tyrell Coleman, and Kevin Burwell led the charge.  Clark led the Bears in scoring, with 13 points.  Burwell was the Bears threat from beyond the arc, and went 2-for-4 from out there.  Burwell also led the team in assists, with three.  Marquise Davis was a monster on the boards, and was Clark.  Both weren’t afraid to get beat around, especially Clark who took some nasty falls down low.  Davis finished with eight boards, wile Clark hauled in seven.  Coleman didn’t have a bad game, but got into foul trouble early, and only finished with ten.  I have a feeling it could have been a lot more if those four fouls weren’t looming overhead.
            Next, the Lancers will face Bartram (12-4) at home, while Germantown also taken on the Maroon Wave at home. (The Lancers have a bye on the 20th).
Play of the Game: Another game, another Scott Rodgers dunk.  This time, however, it came right of the inbound.  Rodgers stole the ball at half court, and drove in untouched.  Germantown called a 30 immediately after.
Player of the Game: Lamar Williams.  This was by far his best game of the year, as he was on fire in every way a player can be.
Bench Player of the Game: Tim Nesmith.  He only scored two points, but whenever he comes into the game, the bench & fans go crazy… I guess there’s just something about Tim.
The Up-Down Drill:
Up- Xavier Shaw- Nice game overall.  2-for-3 shooting, 2 assists, 5 rebounds.
Down- Kevin Smith- 2-for-6 from the floor.  Way too many turnovers.
Up- Lamar Williams- Very solid game.
Down- Rashiid Coleman- Still in a bit of a funk.  Needs a game where he knocks home a few three, that should get him back on track.
*Interesting Points:
--- Lots of team fouls for both teams in this one.  38 total.
--- Quote of the game comes from Central’s Mike Lewis.  Because the young players got in the game for a good two minutes, afterwards he came up to me and talked.  “I tried to get ya some stats, I really did.” Nick: Well, you did have one missed shot…” Mike: “Hey, thaaaanks.”

JAN. 13
Central 60, University City 45
            You could feel it in the gym, even before you walked in.  The Central students were out in full force for what was to be not only one of the most competitive games of the year to date, but also a game in which Scott Rodgers had a chance to score his 1,000th career point.  He needed “21” when the game began.  More on why 21 is in quotes later on.  Anyway, the Lancers entered the game with a record of 8-0 in league play, and 15-1 overall, while the Jaguars came in touting a 6-1 league record, and an overall mark of 10-3.
            In the first quarter of the game Rodgers got the crowd right into it as he hit three three-pointers.  Kenny St. George also added a three in the first, a quarter in which Central looked very impressive.  The Lancers committed only three turnovers in the first quarter, compared to University City’s six.  In terms of the quality of league opponents, this was probably Central’s toughest match-up so far.  After one, Central led 25-12, and never looked back.  Though sloppy at times, Central managed to contain U. City’s game and keep the Jaguars somewhat off balance.  What would have been the prominent story line entering the game if Rodgers was not so close to 1,000.  The story line would still have included Rodgers, but Anthony Morrison would have been thrown in the mix.  Morrison, a senior, is a stand-out for U. City who is also chasing 1,000.  Morrison has a very nice shot, and it was nice to see two great players going back and forth on the hardwood.
            Central had a ton of assists in this game, including five from Andre Woodlin.  I think now is as good a time as any to mention how important Woodlin is to this team.   Sometimes his steady 11 points, 7-10 rebounds, and 3 assists go unnoticed when other players are simply spectacular on the floor.  However every game I see, I notice something Woodlin does to get open, or find the shooting lane, and it helps the team tremendously.  He finished the night with 10, while St. George led all scorers with 21, and Rodgers had 20.  Also, Rashiid Coleman looked great, dishing out five assists, and stealing the ball five times.
           For University City, the player (besides Morrison) who impressed me the most was Ervin Jordan.  He went 5-for-8 from the floor, and gathered 14 points.  Wasn’t so hot on foul shots (4-for-7) but did grab four rebounds, and one assist.  Noone else really stepped up, and no other player on the team had more than four points.   That might be one of the weaknesses involved with this team.  They will really be tested in a little bit when they face Bartram and Gratz.
            As the game progressed, the crowd got more and more anxious.  You got the feeling that some of them knew exactly how many points he needed, and others just didn’t care, they were going to let it all out on every bucket.  In fact, exactly how many points he needed was kind of a sticky situation.  To start, before the game Coach Haviland Harper told Rodgers he was “close to 1,000”, but no specific numbers. In the official books, Rodgers had 979 coming into the game, which means he needed 21 to reach the goal.  However, turns out the MLK score was called in wrong (Listed he had nineteen instead of the twenty he actually scored).  So that number changed to only needing 20 coming into the game.  That, coupled with a non-league point that was missed gave Scott 1,000 on a foul shot from the line.  Central’s Athletic Director Frank Greco stopped the game and gave the ball to Scott.  He then flung the ball into the stands, having seen his girlfriend Jessica Berry sitting in the top row before the game.  Turns out she was on the floor when the 1,000th point went in, so the ball got passed all the way back down.
            Interestingly enough, Rodgers didn’t lead the team in scoring, but rather, St. George who seems to get better and better with each game he plays.  He finished with 21, and added three assists, one block, seven rebounds, and four steals.
    Play of the Game: Has to be Rodgers move to the basket in the fourth quarter.  Near the top left of the key, Rodgers executed the sickest move anyone will ever see in high school basketball.   It’s one of those “have to see it to believe it” type of things.  The play ended with a foul called on University City, and Rodgers made the And 1 for the three point play.
   Player of the Game: Once again it was Mr. Rodgers.   What a great day for him to showcase everything he has done, and all his hard work for this Central team.
   Bench Player of the Game: Sean Gadson.   Nothing like getting your first point of the year.
The Up-Down Drill:
Up- Sean Gadson- Scored his first point of the year after being out with an injury.
Down- Rashiid Coleman- Only shot 1-for-4 from the floor.  Hasn’t been scoring much lately, and got into some foul trouble.  Don’t worry, he’ll turn it around soon.
Up- Mike Thompson- The sophomore is getting more and more time every game, learning how to set up picks, and finding the open lane.
Down- Robert Mosby- Went 1-for-7 from the floor… not so hot.
*Interesting Points:
--- Another stellar effort turned in by AVC Brian Young who captured every moment of the game, including Rodgers’ 1,000th point.
--- It wouldn’t be fair to go through this entire season without also acknowledging Mychal Reed.  The official scorekeeper for Central does a consistently stellar job at the table interacting with the coaches and referees.
--- Both Chris Banks and Mr. Silary himself were in the house for this one.