HIGH SCHOOL
LONG ISLAND'S HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
Hofstra Team Camp
PLAYOFFS
The Hofstra Team Camp ended in exciting fashion, starting with two excellent semifinal games featuring two big comebacks. Hills East came from way behind to defeat Chaminade in one semifinal, with sophomore sensation Savion Lewis leading a second half charge, and then Baldwin set up a rematch of yesterday's excellent pool play showdown by holding off a furious rally by Deer Park, escaping with a 1 point win after the Falcons came up short on three attempts in the final seconds. The championship game was less dramatic, but still a good game. Baldwin built an early 21-9 lead on the strength of the strong inside game of Zion Stephens, but a left baseline three pointer by sophomore Julien Crittendon and three straight drives by Savion Lewis cut it to 28-25. Stephens hit a nice turn around jumper in the lane to bump the lead back to 5, but another big 3 by Crittendon and a putback by Lewis tied it at 30. A free throw made it 31-30 Baldwin at the half. Crittendon's right baseline three put the Thunderbirds on top as the second half got underway, but a Stephens runner from the top and then his jumper from just outside the lane reclaimed the lead, and he added a running hook shot to make it 38-34 Baldwin. Stephens scored again, this time with a basket from underneath to put the Bruins up by 6, but Crittendon's left wing three kept it close. The Bruins answered with a decisive run, with Jon Smith's basket from underneath, a fast break basket by Matt Trepeta and a baseline jumper by Stephens giving them a 10 point lead with 7:08 to play, and then a Stephens three point play and Norman Wilson's left elbow jumper made it 56-43 with 3:45 left and East was in trouble. They did not fold, however, with a Crittendon drive cutting it to 58-52 with 2:11 to play, and it was still a 6 point game after a putback by Kenny Mathurin with 56 seconds left, but the T-Birds came up empty down the stretch and the Bruins hit enough of their free throws to put it away, with a Stephens fast break dunk capping off his big night and Baldwin's impressive 66-56 victory. In the 3rd Place Game, Chaminade bounced back to defeat Deer Park, finishing 7-1, and Holy Trinity was 6-2, stopping St. Anthonyâs for 5th place. The Friars were 6-2 as well.
DAY 3
There were more good games on Day 3 of the Hofstra Team Camp, with Island Trees edging Bayside in OT, Center Moriches pulling away from Northport down the stretch, St. Anthony's pulling away from Commack, and Deer Park pulling away from Farmingdale, all games that were tight at the half, but everyone was waiting for the big showdown between 5-0 Baldwin and 5-0 Hills East, and it was a good one, with the Bruins surviving a late turnover to hold on for a dramatic one point win. To set the scene, when the players came out for the opening tap, Baldwin star Jared Rhodin was not one of them, missing both of the day's games, so the possibility that the game might be anticlimactic had to cross everyone's minds. But the Bruins are so deep and so athletic, and Zion Stephens and Elijah Bovell both emerging stars as well, and it was the duel from start to finish that everyone had hoped for. East's legit D1 prospect, sophomore Savion Lewis, was amazing right from the start, slicing through Baldwin's staunch defense from every angle and coming up with big plays every time the Thunderbirds needed one, but Stephens stepped up in Rhoden's absence and skillfully led the Bruin attack, riddling the Hills East defense as well, and Bovell added key baskets and big rebounds, and they kept pace with Lewis the whole way. It all came down to the finals seconds, with the Thunderbirds getting two good looks at the basket trailing by one, but they couldn't convert and Baldwin held on for the win. Playoffs start tomorrow, and the possibility of a rematch in the championship game is very real, but 6-0 Chaminade will have something to say about that.
OVERALL STANDINGS
Baldwin 6-0
Chaminade 6-0
Hills East 5-1
St. Anthonyâs 5-1
Deer Park 5-1
Holy Trinity 4-2
Manhasset 3-3
Center Moriches 3-3
Massapequa 2-4
Northport 2-4
Bayside 2-4
Island Trees 2-4
Port Washington 2-4
Farmingdale 1-5
Commack 0-6
Herricks 0-6
DAY 2
There are certain events we look forward to every offseason, and the Hofstra Team Camp, with 16 boys varsity teams battling it out for the Camp Championship, is one of them. We started this yearâs coverage on night two of the four day camp, looking forward to what we considered the top matchup of the day between Holy Trinity and Hills East, and other good matchups between Chaminade and Deer Park, and Baldwin and Northport. The Hills East/Holy Trinity game lived up to expectations, but it played out in surprising fashion, with Hills East leading the very competitive game pretty much fom start to finish, led by rising junior Savion Lewis, who was very impressive as usual. Fellow rising junior forward Kenny Mathurin also caught our eye, playing with skill and aggression despite being a classic undersized big man, and so did rising senior Kionoi Nedd and rising junior Julien Crittendon. Tyler Small and Thornton Scott impressed for the Titans, with Small carrying much of the scoring load and Scott knocking down threes and picking up assists with his pinpoint passing. Hills East is one of three teams at 4-0 so far, while the Catholic League preseason favorite Holy Trinity is a surprising 2-2, but they have played one of the most difficult schedules, with their two loses coming to undefeated Baldwin and undefeated Hills East, both AA schools. Baldwin/Northport was one sided, with the Tigers starting out well, but the Bruins came from behind with a vengeance, rolling to a convincing win after their slow start, and Baldwin finished the day 4-0, winning by big margins in both of Tuesdayâs games. Rising senior and returning All New York State player Jared Rhoden, along with Elijah Bovell and Zion Stephens, were all outstanding for the Bruins. Northport pretty much graduated their whole team from last season, so it will take time for them to get up to speed, but they finished day 2 a respectable 2-2, and Baldwin has made everyone look bad so far. Chaminade was also impressive, finishing 4-0, and handled a scrappy but shorthanded Deer Park team fairly easily. Departing senior Mike McGuireâs younger brother Brendan caught our eye as a player to watch this coming season on the always solid and well coached Flyers, and rising senior Kyle Murphy was his relentless self. Deer Park star Darien Jenkins is injured and could not play, but the Falcons have to be happy, going 3-1 without him. Class B Center Moriches was also impressive, with a deceiving 1-3 record, more than holding their own despite playing a tough early schedule against much large schools, and Manhasset looked good too - well coached and hard nosed as usual , going 2-2 so far. We will be there again tonight and will update you again tomorrow. If you want to come watch, games start at 6, with four games going on at the same time every hour, and the last set beginning at 9pm. Not much room for spectators though.
OVERALL STANDINGS
Baldwin 4-0
Chaminade 4-0
Hills East 4-0
Deer Park 3-1
St. Anthonyâs 3-1
Holy Trinity 2-2
Manhasset 2-2
Massapequa 2-2
Northport 2-2
Bayside 1-3
Farmingdale 1-3
Island Trees 1-3
Port Washington 1-3
Commack 0-4
Herricks 0-4
Titans Triumph
Thornton Scott was having a big game, penetrating to the basket and scoring, kicking it out to open shooters, and stepping back and knocking down long range threes, so the defense focused on him intently as the final seconds ticked down in a tied game. He drew two defenders to him when he took two long steps towards the paint from the top, and as they closed in on him, he found Tyler Small making a perfectly timed cut down the right baseline for an easy basket, giving Holy Trinity a dramatic 66-64 win over Baldwin and the 2016 Kennedy Park Summer League Championship. Scott collected MVP honors, and righly so, finishing with 21 points and at least half a dozen assists. It was a tight game throughout between two teams projected to be in the preseason Sweet 16, and there were lots of lead changes, but the Titans got off to a quick start behind Scott, whose NBA range three pointer put them up 10-4. The Bruins rallied to take a 21-16 lead on a 7-0 run, capped off by a fast break basket by Elijah Bovell and a putback by Jon Smith, but the Titans responded, cutting it to 23-21 at the first quarter buzzer on a right wing three pointer by Cameron Wynter and a coast to coast basket by Scott. Scott tied it as the second quarter got underway, scoring from underneath, Small gave Holy Trinity the lead with a nice turn around jumper from just inside the foul line, and Scott extended it with a right wing three. His second three of the quarter gave the Titans an 8 point advantage, but a Jabeon Bivins right elbow jumper brought Baldwin back within 5 at the half. The Bruins raced in front as the second half got underway, with Bovell spinnng off a defender and knocking down a fall away jumper from the lane, and Derrick Ruffin scoring back to back fast break baskets, but a three pointer by Taj Jenkins stalled their momentum and the teams traded baskets from there right down to the the 1:20 mark of the quarter, when Small's jumper from behind the left elbow off an inbound play put the Titans back on top 54-52. Bovell responded with a three from the wing to give Baldwin another lead as the fourth quarter got underway, but Small answered with a fast break basket and the terrific back and forth action resumed. A foul line jumper by Bellamy Marcus put Holy Trinity up 64-61 with 2:28 to play, but he missed the "and one" free throw and then Wynter missed the front end of a one and one to open the door for the Bruins. Nasin Cylin took advantage, first knocking down a free throw, and then putting back a missed shot with 15 second left to tie it, setting up the dramatic finish. The Titans brought the ball into the front court and called time at the 9.9 second mark, and then came out and exectuted the game winning play to perfection. Small finished with 16 points for Holy Trinity, while Bovell had 19 and Bivens 18 for Baldwin.
Summer League Updates
Kennedy Park Summer League
Championship
Holy Trinity 66 Baldwin 64
MVP: Thornton Scott
Semifinals
Baldwin 78 Hempstead 61
Holy Trinity 76 Roosevelt 46
Championship game Tuesday 8/23 8pm
West Babylon Summer league
Championship
North Babylon 52 Copiague 45
Semifinals
North Babylon over Central Islip
Copiague over Amityville
Huntington Summer League
St. Anthony's defeated Deer Park in final
Baldwin Summer League
Championship
Baldwin 66 Roosevelt 61
MVP: Elijah Bovell, Baldwin
Semifinals
Roosevelt 77 Elmont 62
Baldwin 60 Masapequa 48
Brookhaven Summer League
Large School Championship
Bellport 41 Sachem East 40
MVP: Teandre Rountree, Bellport
Small School Championship
Center Moriches 47 Islip 23
MVP: Sean Braithwaite, C. Moriches
Northport Camp Champs
The Northport Tigers Varsity Team won the SUNY New Paltz Team Camp Championship.
SUMMER UPDATES
Longwood HS won the Varsity Division Title at The Hamptons Summer Classic
Friends Academy won the TOB/PAL Varsity Summer League Championship
The groundbreaking meetings that have been put together to welcome the new Long Island Nets franchise into our basketball community continued, with many more of Long Island’s community leaders gathering from every corner of the Island to discuss the state of basketball. The leaders shared their goals and aspirations, their successes and their failures, and everyone, once again led by the Nets, expressed their commitment to working together to help bring about the next Golden Age of Long Island basketball. The most moving presentation was given by Elton and Kristen George of the Brentwood Youth Association, who brought everyone up to date on the profound effects that the terrible gang violence in their community is having on the kids and families, and all the assembled leaders pledged to help BYA develop and expand their programs and help them get more kids involved and in a safe and constructive environment. Mike Gonzalez from the St. Cyril program of the CYO shared his recipe for putting together a great coaches clinic utilizing local college and high school coaches and other local resources, Steve Schmitt of Eaton’s Neck Basketball offered to share the techniques he has used to increase enrollment and most importantly, parental participation and cooperation in his league of 100+ teams, Jerry Flynn of the LI Hoops Adult Basketball Leagues offered to help find coaching volunteers through his adult programs, help other programs find gym space, and announced plans to add a youth program, and the Nets stepped up big time once again, offering to work with every program attending and anxious to begin the process. LongIslandBasketball.com took the opportunity to announce a new program of their own, called The Coaching Revolution, which will be under the direction of Tom Rottcamp. The new program will collect input from all of the participants of these historic meetings and use their in depth knowledge and experience to design and set up seminars for youth programs and youth coaches. The goal is to find and train new volunteer coaches, and to give all youth coaches the training they need to produce fundamentally sound players and navigate through one of the most challenging aspects of coaching a team - working effectively with today's players and parents. Once again, another great meeting, and again we promise, one of many more to come. If you think your Long Island based basketball organization would benefit from being part of the next Long Island Basketball Summit, LET US KNOW, and if you would like to join us in welcoming the Nets back to Long Island and learn more about the team that will be based at the new Nassau Coliseum, GO TO THEIR WEBSITE.
2016-17 Rules Changes
by Skip Yutzler/Ask The Ref
Every year the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee meets to make changes to the rules for High School play. As has been the case for the past couple of years, the changes this year are minimal.
1. REPLACEMENT OF DISQUALIFIED OR INJURED PLAYER
A minor change has been made so that a coach now has 15 seconds (instead of 20) to determine his substitute for a disqualified (5th foul), ejected (flagrant foul) or injured player. The sequence is for the official to notify the coach that he has 15 seconds, followed by notifying the timer, and lastly the disqualified player. The timer will sound his horn immediately to signify that the 15 seconds is being timed and a second horn will be sounded to alert all concerned when the 15 seconds are expired. The replacement should have been made by this time. Since these situations can sometimes be hectic, the officials should meet to make sure they are ready to handle the situation correctly and in the right sequence before notifying the various parties involved.
2. FREE THROW SEMI-CIRCLE
The change is simply a clarification of an unwritten interpretation from last season. The objective of this (new) rule is that during a free throw, a player in a "marked lane space" may not enter the portion of the free throw semi-circle where the shooter is located until the ball strikes the goal. This means that both the shooter and the defender (typically the one who has the assignment to "box out the shooter") will have similar restrictions as far as that part of the court is concerned. That is, the shooter can't leave the semi-circle and the defender can't enter it until the ball hits the goal. The defender is still permitted to enter the LANE on the release of the free throw but if he contacts the shooter before the ball hits the goal, a personal foul will be called. If the defender only enters that semi-circle, a "delayed free throw violation" will be called and if the free throw was unsuccessful, a substitute free throw will be awarded. However if the free throw shooter is contacted before the ball hits the goal, a foul will be called. The shooter will get to take a substitute free throw (if he missed.....) and will also be awarded additional free throws (if his team is in the bonus).
3. UNDERSHIRT LOGO
Starting this year, the undershirt and the entire uniform all have the same restrictions. That is, the undershirt can only have one (small) logo (not made clear in last year's rules) but the other provisions remain. The undershirt must be the same color as the predominant color of the jersey. Any non-jersey apparel can match the color of the uniform OR it may be black, white or tan and all these items must be the same color as anything worn by other team members.
4. POSITIONING OF NON PLAYING PERSONNEL
This was an occasional problem, but now it is clarified in the Rule Book. Non-playing personnel (photographers, cheerleaders, etc.) may not be in the area of the free throw lane extended. It's a safety issue as well as a distraction issue.
5. KNEE BRACES AND COMPRESSION SHORTS
The job of the "clothing police" (aka "referees") is getting easier. There used to be questions about what constituted a "knee brace" and what the difference was between "tights" and "compression shorts." Now, if it looks and acts like a knee brace (not a knee pad) that's good enough. And, all materials that show up on arms and legs may have different new-fangled descriptions, but they will all simply fall under the same rules and restrictions as the arm and leg paraphernalia of last year.
Playing In College
Do I have to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center?
Yes. If you want to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics in your first year of college, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and be certified academically and as an amateur.
When should I register with the
NCAA Eligibility Center?
Register for the NCAA Eligibility Center at the beginning of your junior year in high school. The “My Sports” section
should be updated regularly so that colleges or universities recruiting you will have up-to-date information
about you. Be sure to ask your high school counselor to send your high school transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center after you have completed at least six semesters of high school coursework.
Is there a registration deadline?
No. However, you must be certified both academically and as an amateur before you are eligible to compete at an NCAA Division I or II college or university during your first year of collegiate enrollment.
MORE USEFULL LINKS
FALL REPORT
Amityville knocked off Comsewogue in the Finals of the Premier Basketball Fall League at SUSA Sports. Amityville, who has been impressive all fall, was led by Jr. Guard Josh Serrano's 30 points while Kenny Matherin added 23. Comsewogue gave Amityville all they could handle, especially from behind the arc, hitting 13 threes in the contest. They were led by Jr Guard Tyler Petruzzi who had a game high 37 points, 25 of those coming in the 2nd half..... Center Moriches defeated Brentwood 58-52 in OT in the championship game of a preseason high school tournament held in Suffolk County..... Hills East has looked good all summer and fall, and they added the NorthSport Fall League title to their resume, rolling over an always tough Salvation Army squad..... LuHi took the Beacon Fall League title, pounding Wings Academy 74-49. Returning All-New York State junior Donatas Kupsas was awarded MVP. Hills East also did well, falling to Wings in the semifinals. They were also led by a returning All-New York State player - Savion Lewis, who finished with 25 points..... Ward Melville defeated a good Copiague team in the West Babylon Fall League Championship Game. They also beat two other good teams - Harborfields in the first round and Central Islip in the semifinals. Better add them to your “Teams To Watch” list! ..... Upper Room rolled over the visiting Tsinghua High School team from China. Osbel Caraballo led the way with 32 points, Carlos Lemus added 22, and Brentwood transfer Lester Quinones finished with 20..... Amityville defeated Brentwood to advance to the Championship Game of Rob Pavinelli's Fall League.
Kellenberg Impressive
When you graduate two thousand point scorers, you have a lot to make up for, but Kellenberg seems to have found the right formula, rolling to a 54-36 win over Valley Stream Central behind Michael Geisweller's 18 points and 6 assists. Tyler Ramsey added 11 points, while Elijah Robinson had 10 for VSC. 11/30
Friends Over GNS
Friends Academy was bumped up into Class A from Class C two years ago because they and many other private schools in New York State had been dominant playing against schools their own size. The Quakers have quickly adjusted, making the playoffs in Class A last season and they are off to a good start again this season, defeating always tough Great Neck South 47-39 in the first round of Oyster Bay's annual tournament. Hutch Tyree was the big gun, finishing with 24 points for Friends, who will take on Glen Cove in the final. 11/30
Longwood Rocks WB
Longwood had a good summer and fall, and just might be a serious contender in Suffolk League 1 this season, rolling over West Babylon 72-36 with a 45 point second half. Most encouraging for the Lions, they did it with a balanced attack - Jalen Ryan led the way with 15 points and 12 rebounds, Latrell Horton had 12 points and 5 assists, and Isaiah and Elijah Whitty combined for 21 points. Rob Chiddick was the bright spot for West Bab, matching Ryan with a game high 15 points. 11/29
FLASHBACK
SWEET 16 TEN YEARS AGO!
1. St. Dominic
2. St. John T Baptist
3. Bay Shore
4. St. Mary’s
5. Uniondale
6. Jericho
7. Elmont
8. Lindenhurst
9. Hempstead
10. South Side
11. East Hampton
12. Deer Park
13. Longwood
14. Hills West
15. Farmingdale
16. Westbury
FEDERATION OPENER
The New York State Federation basketball season opened Saturday, locally with a CHSAA matchup at St. Dominic, and the Bayhawks dropped a 46-37 decision to Salesian in their home opener. Section 11 teams get started Monday, and the first Section 8 games are Wednesday. SEE THE SCHEDULE PAGE for all of the high school matchups, and college and pro games too. 11/26
No Larry Brown
Doesn't look like Hall of Fame Coach Larry Brown will become the head basketball coach at East Hampton High School after all. The Long Beach native and East Hampton resident seriously considered it, hoping to help the school out of a jam caused when their newly hired coach resigned just weeks before the start of the season, but he had too many other commitments and felt that he wouldn't be able to give the kids the attention they deserved. Looks like former Pierson Coach Dan White will get the job, and Brown may still help out, but in an advisory role.
Upstate/Downstate
Challenge
at Uniondale High School
Uniondale At Buzzer
Uniondale and New Rochelle waged
a back and forth battle from whistle to whistle, but as the final seconds ticked down, it looked like the Huguenots would prevail. Danny Ashley saved the day, drilling a three pointer from the right baseline with defenders draped all over him for a dramatic 71-70 victory.
FULL COVERAGE LATER
Baldwin Rallies
The Bruins looked overmatched in
the early going, but in classic Bruin style, trapped, pressed, and hustled their way to a 60-57 victory over an excellent Mt. St. Michael team.
FULL COVERAGE LATER
Elmont Reloads
KC Ndefo, an important role player
on last season’s State Championship team, looks like he's ready to lead
the Spartans in defense of their title, first earning MVP honors at the Alzheimer’s Preseason All Star Game, and now scoring 28 points, including 5 three pointers, to lead the Spartans to an impressive 57-46 win over upstate Class AA power Christian Brothers Academy.
FULL COVERAGE LATER.
LuHi Juggernaught
LuHi demolished two time defending Section 9 Champion Middletown 97-57. FULL COVERAGE LATER
Inspirational Loss
The South Side Cyclones were without three starters, and seemingly in a hopeless situation against a good Fox Lane team, but battled them right down to the wire before falling 52-50. FULL COVERAGE LATER
Hills East Tops North Bab
In the first heavyweight matchup of the season, 4th ranked Hills East jumped in front with a hounding pressing/trapping defense and a balanced attack led by Savion Lewis and Julien Crittendon, and looked like they would run away with it, but North Babylon big man Billy Muller asserted himself in the second half and kept the Bulldogs within striking distance. In the end, the Thunderbirds remained in control, holding off several North Babylon runs to take an impressive 72-63 decision at home. One of the first things you notice about this Hills East team is their speed and quickness, and they put it to use right from the tap, following up North Babylon’s Brandon Sobotker, who opened the game with a three-pointer, with fast break baskets by Kenny Mathurin, Kendall Nero-Clark, and Lewis for a quick 6-3 lead. Devon Hicks cut diagonally across the lane, got the dish and pulled up for a short jumper to cut it to 6-5, but a beautiful give and go to Lewis sparked another high-speed run, and a putback by Nero-Clark and a fast break basket by Kioni Nedd gave the Thunderbirds a 12-5 advantage with 4:32 to play in the opening quarter. Mathurin’s fast break dunk off a turnover and a steal and basket by Lewis turned it into an 11 point lead and what looked like the beginning of a decisive run, but a big 3 by Jason Okanlawon from the left wing stopped it, and then Sobotker’s two free throws and his running hook shot and the Bulldogs were back in it, trailing 16-12. Hills East responded, scoring 9 straight points to close out the quarter, capped off by a 3 pointer by Shane Dean from the deep right wing, and they had a solid 25-12 lead with one quarter complete. Dean kept it going, opening the second quarter with a left baseline 3 pointer to put the Bulldogs on the ropes once again, and although Michael Picataggio answered with a left wing 3, Dean responded with his third straight triple, this one from the right wing, to keep the pressure on. Give North Babylon credit: Hills East was doing a great job limiting Billy Muller's touches, but his teammates stepped up, with Shavonte Thomas looping one in from the lane and Hicks knocking down two free throws to get the Bulldogs back within striking distance. The teams traded baskets and free throws the rest of the half, with Crittendon carrying the load for the Thunderbirds, and just as Hills started to ease away once again, North Baylon got clutch back to back 3s from Okanlawon to cut it to 45-33 Thunderbirds at intermission. You could tell that North Babylon was determined to get the ball into the hands of Muller as the second half got underway, and they did and he responded, opening the half with 7 straight points to bring the Bulldogs back within 5. Nero-Clark stopped the run, rebounding his own miss and scoring, and then he scored again, this time on the break after a turnover. Crittendon followed him with another fast break basket and before you knew it, Hills was up by double digits again, but Cori Sanders renewed the North Babylon push with a right wing 3, and Muller’s two free throws made it a 6 point game. Lewis, who is racking up D1 offers, answered with back to baskets, Nedd stole the ball and scored, Sean Lulley knocked down a baseline jumper, and Lewis scored again back to back, making it 63-45 East with 1:02 to play in the quarter in what surely was the decisive run, but maybe not! Muller scored off an inbound play and knocked down a baseline jumper in the final seconds, cutting it to 63-49 with three quarters in the books and it felt like the Bulldogs were still alive. Muller confirmed it, hitting a nice turn-around jumper to open the 4th quarter, and the teams traded baskets down to the 4-minute mark when a Sanders putback of a missed free throw and a running hook shot by Hicks cut it to 68-59. Nero-Clark scored another clutch basket for Hills, rebounding and scoring with 2:36 to play, but Muller answered with another turn-around and NB still had hope. It quickly vanished, with both teams struggling to score down the stretch. The Thunderbirds added two free throws by Nedd, and Muller scored once again for the 72-63 final. Crittendon led Hills East with 21 points, Lewis had 16 and 5 assists, Kendall Nero-Clark finished with 12 points, and Dean with 11. For North Babylon, Muller matched Crittendon with 21 points and Picataggio had 11. 12/1
BBP Islip Tourney Champs
Bayport-Blue Point looks like a Class A contender again this season after pounding Class AA West Babylon 105-77 in the final of Islip's Anil John Tournament. Mike Darby led the way with 32 points and 5 assists, Zach Walker added 27 points and 8 steals, and Andrew Riefenstahl chipped in 21 points. They defeated host Isip 86-53 in the first round, and it was Kevin Doty who led the way with 24 points 12/3.
Floral Park Routs Babylon
Floral Park is another team to keep your eye on this season, crushing Babylon 79-40 in their opener behind 29 points from Brian Fox, 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists from TJ Cleuss, and 8 points and 7 assists from Frank Phelan. 12/3
Hewlett Takes Opener
Playing without Top 40 All-Star Alyjah Hill, Nassau Class A contender Hewlett opened their season with a solid 58-47 win over a good Sewanhaka team.
Zach Bromfeld led the way with 23 points and Matt Mannino added 11. 12/2
Bellmore Shaw Champs
Bellmore JFK defeated host MacArthur 43-36 to capture the 2016 Jeff Shaw Memorial Basketball Tournament Championship. Marco Travaglione led the way with 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Steve Carlson added 15 points. The Cougars defeated Division 51-38 in the first round behind 14 points from Josh Eisner, 13 from Carlson, and 12 from Matt Muscarella. In the Consolation Game, Mike Tamburello hit an incredible 12 three pointers, finishing with 40 points in Division's win over Denmark. 12/2
Smithtown West Cruises
12th ranked Smithtown West jumped out to a 27-5 lead and rolled to a 66-42 win over Mt. Sinai in the season opener for both teams. 12/1
The Mighty Have Fallen
Two of New York State's greatest basketball programs have fallen on hard times and are in the process of rebuilding under new leadership. St. Mary's opened their season with a 60-32 loss to St. Francis Prep, while St. Dominic fell to 0-2 with a 59-52 loss to Portledge. 11/29
Section 11 Openers!
Comsewogue Road Win
In the first official game of the Section XI season, Comsewogue built a 14 point lead and then held off host Hauppauge for a 61-58 victory. Shane Wolff’s three-pointer was the difference - his only basket. Hauppauge had a chance to tie it in regulation, but the potential buzzer beater came up short. David Heller had a big game, with 20 points and 17 rebounds, Joey Carillo did too, scoring 12 points and handing out 11 assists, and Tom McGuire added 12 points for Comsewogue. Brendan Ilnitzki led Hauppauge with 24 points, Eric Sanfilippo finished with 18, and Nick Salerno 13.
Hampton Bays Rocks Shelter I.
..... In other opening day action, Hampton Bays rolled over Shelter Island 50-24 behind Josh Aube's 12 points and 9 rebounds and Antonio Scotto's 11 points, 4 assists and 6 steals. 11/28
COACHES POLL
1 LuHi
2 Baldwin
3 Hills East
4 St. Anthony’s
5 Westbury
6 Copiague
7 Elmont
8 Holy Trinity
9 Bay Shore
10 Uniondale
11 Smithtown W
12 Chaminade
13 Massapequa
14 Harborfields
15 Deer Park
16 VS North
DECEMBER 4TH
SWEET 16
Farrell Nips #3 Titans
Monsignor Farrell surprised 3rd ranked Holy Trinity 41-40, holding the Titans to just three 4th quarter points. Tyler Small had a big game for Holy Trinity, finishing with 21 points. The Titans played without All-Star Thorton Scott, who is recovering from a foot injury. STORY 12/3
All-Star Doubleheader
NASSAU SWEEPS!
The Nassau and Suffolk County Coaches Associations introduced a new format for the annual Public School Preseason All-Star Game, and it was a big hit. A good sized crowd gathered and the All-Star double header kicked off with an excellent, down to the wire Underclassmen’s game, with Nassau coming from behind for a 62-60 win, and then game two featured the All-Stars from this year’s senior class, and Nassau won again, pulling away for a 68-52 victory.
ALL-STAR UNDERCLASSMEN
The underclassmen’s game was the new wrinkle, and I have to say, the kids were impressive, moving the ball well, playing good defense, and doing a lot of team oriented things that you don’t always see in an All-Star game. Hats off to the coaches, Roosevelt’s Jayson Williams and Nick Thomas from Center Moriches, and to the kids too. We all know how All-Star games can be, and these youngsters showed that they are not only talented, but coachable as well. Elmont’s Victor Olawoye got things going with a nice runner for Nassau, but Suffolk answered right back, with Greg Cassiano from East Islip scoring from underneath to tie it. Southampton’s Micah Snowden knocked down a baseline three pointer put Suffolk up 9-8 with just over 13 minutes to go in the half, but Uniondale’s Zion Styles answered with a three pointer from the top, and then his drive from the right wing made it made it 14-9 Nassau. Alex Sobel from Ward Melville looped one in from the baseline, drawing a foul, and his free throw brought Suffolk back within 2 with 10 minutes left, and then Snowden tied it on a nice give and go, adding a free throw to put Suffolk up 15-14. The tight, back and forth action continued, but as the half started to wind down, Cassiano executed a beautiful spin move out of the low post, Southampton’s Elijah Wingfield scored on the break, and Sean Braithwaite from Center Moriches sliced through the defense from the left wing and scored to put Suffolk up 25-18. Hewlett's Alyjah Hill would not things get out of hand, answering with a running hook shot and a free throw to cut it to 25-21, but Suffolk did not relent, with Cassiano converting a three point play and Wingfield scoring 4 straight points on two free throws and a fast break basket, good for an 11 point Suffolk advantage with 1:14 remaining. Calhoun’s Jalen Rosemond brought the lead back down to single digits with two free throws, but Braithwaite drilled a baseline three pointer to bump the lead to 35-23. Nassau crept closer again, hitting 2 out of 4 free throws after a foul and technical foul call, and then Parker Appel from Locust Valley jab stepped, gathered himself and drilled a baseline three pointer to cut it to 35-28, and that was the score at intermission. The teams traded baskets early in the second half, but Nassau started to cut into the lead on a Styles three pointer from behind the left elbow, making it a 3 point game, and then Floral Park’s Brian Fox pulled up for a short baseline jumper, cutting the lead to 42-41. Nassau proceeded to take the lead on Olawoye’s basket off an inbound play with 10:20 remaining, but Troy Goode, Jr. from Center Moriches tied it on a basket off a turnover, and then Sobel rebounded and scored to make it 50-48 Suffolk with 6:35 to play. Oyster Bay’s Anthony Reilly nailed a baseline three to put Nassau back on top, and the teams continued to exchange baskets and the lead down to the 1:26 mark, when a Styles steal and basket put Nassau up 59-55. Westhampton’s Jake Gaudiello hit a right wing three to cut it to 59-58 with 1:10 showing, but Suffolk committed the first of two fatal errors down the stretch - this one ruled an intentional foul with 41 seconds left, and Styles knocked down both free throws, giving Nassau a 3 point lead and the ball. Then the second fatal error occured and resulted in a technical foul call, and a free throw gave Nassau a big 4 point lead with 20 seconds left. Suffolk needed to score and score quickly, but they came up empty on their end, so even though Nassau proceeded to miss the front end of a 1 and 1, the door had already closed and Gaudiello’s basket in the closing seconds, which cut it to 62-60, was too little too late. Styles led all scorers with 16 points, Cassiano had 11, and Hill and Sobel both finished with 9.
SENIOR ALL STARS
In the seniors game, Bay Shore’s Kyrie Sawyer looped down the lane and scored and William Floyd’s Michael Thomas knocked down a three pointer from the top to give Suffolk an early 8-2 lead, but back to back baskets by Westbury’s Khalid Ketchen cut it to 8-6. Suffolk tried again to get some separation, with a drive through traffic by Sayville’s Joe Harclerode giving them a 14-8 lead, but Ketchen responded again from underneath, then a fast break basket by Roosevelt’s Jaisym Smith brought Nassau was back within 3, and Valley Stream North’s Noah Shy scored, also on the break, to make it a 1 point game with 13:35 remaining in the half. Amityville’s Marquell Sterling answered with a drive and running hook shot, but two free throws by Smith and two by Freeport’s Rajah Mayo gave Nassau the lead, and then a steal and fast break basket and two free throws by Plainview’s Jack Stafford put them up 24-19 as the clock dipped under the 2 minute mark. Baldwin’s Norman Wilson converted a three point play to make it 28-21 Nassau, and that was the score at the half. Shy’s fast break basket put Nassau up 34-23 early in the second half, and then Stafford’s give and go basket put them up 41-28 with 14:03 still to play. A drive by Sawyer and a low post basket and free throw by Ali Campos from Sachem East cut the margin to 9, but Wilson’s baseline drive and Mayo’s left wing drive made it 50-37 Nassau, and then two free throws by Shy at the 7:24 mark stretched the lead to 14. Ward Melville’s Matt Hudzik tried to keep Suffolk in it, knocking down a three from the top, but a putback by Valley Stream South’s Osborne Trail and a steal and fast break dunk by Stafford made it 57-42 with 4:32 to play and Nassau was in command. Port Washington’s Xavier Merriweather drilled a three pointer from the top and Ketchen added a fast break basket a few moments later to remove all doubt. Ketchen led all scorers with 12 points, and Stafford, Sawyer, and Shy all finished with 10. 10/30
ALL-STAR ROSTERS
Nassau All-Stars
Rajah Mayo - Freeport
Jack Stafford - Plainview JFK
Xavier Merriweather - Pt Washington
Jaisym Smith - Roosevelt
Connor McPartland - Hicksville
Noah Shy - Valley Stream N
Osborne Trail - Valley Stream S
Khalid Ketchen - Westbury
Brandon Grayson - South Side
Norman Wilson - Baldwin
Suffolk All-Stars
Coach: Alex Piccirillo - Ward Melville
Ali Campos - Sachem East
Anthony White-Howard - Sachem E.
Joe Harclerode - Sayville
Kenneth DeGolyer - SWR
Kyrie Sawyer - Bay Shore
Matt Hudzik - Ward Melville
Marcus Morning - Bellport
Marquell Sterling - Amityville
Michael Thomas - William Floyd
Rashan Allen - Copiague
Timothy Alejo- Southampton
UNDERCLASSMEN
Nassau All-Stars
Zion Styles - Uniondale
Jalen Rosemond - Calhoun
Alyjah Hill - Hewlett
Parker Appel - Locust Valley
Victor Olawoye - Elmont Memorial
Conrad Ihaza - Elmont Memorial
Jaylin Miller - Elmont Memorial
Brian Fox - Floral Park
Kevin Voigt - Massapequa
Anthony Reilly - Oyster Bay
Suffolk All-Stars
Coach: Nick Thomas - C. Moriches
Alex Sobel - Ward Melville
Dean Wright - Bay Shore
Elijah Wingfield - Southampton
Greg Cassiano - East Islip
Jack Reese - East Hampton
Jake Gaudiello - Westhampton
Justin Graziano - Commack
Micah Snowden - Southampton
Sean Braithwaite - Center Moriches
Troy Goode - Center Moriches
Alternates:
Travis Angus - Amityville
Tyiquon Nix - Center Moriches
The New York State
Summer Hoops Festival
With over 50 college coaches in attendance, the Basketball Coaches Association of New York's annual Summer Hoops Festival, which matches up All-Star teams from every region of New York State, concluded Sunday and unfortunately, all of the Long Island teams struggled. In boys competition, Rochester defeated Syracuse 83-71 in the semifinals and Buffalo 75-66 in the championship game, finishing undefeated, and while our two teams lost some close games, neither Suffolk nor Nassau advanced to the championship round. On the girls side, Hudson Valley defeated Adirondack 69-66 in the semifinals and then won the title with a 69-60 win over Rochester. Suffolk did pick up their second win on the final day, trouncing Mid Hudson 82-52, but once again, neither they nor Nassau advanced to the championship round. In the much anticipated Dunk Contest, Rochester's Naz Carter had
Representing Nassau County
BOYS ROSTER
Taliq Abdul-Rahim/Valley St. North
Darius Young/Westbury
Norman Wilson/Baldwin
Brian Fox/Floral Park
Noah Shy/Valley Stream North
Dami Awosika/South Side
Dashawn Meadors/Hempstead
Brandon Grayson/South Side
Tommy Ammendola/Massapequa
Ian Rieger/Baldwin
Rolando Meyers-Turner/Uniondale
Zion Styles/Uniondale
GIRLS ROSTER
Flo Hunte/Sewanhaka
Cherish Francis/Sewanhaka
Gianna Gotti/Oyster Bay
Caitlin Albanese/Wantagh
Carly Bolivar/Sewanhaka
Savannah Augustine/Oyster Bay
Iyana Mitchell/Roosevelt
Alessia Drevynyak/East Rockaway
Nora Tracy/Levittown Division
Honora Campbell/Calhoon
Catherine Kramer/Island Trees
Rachel Mahler/Syosset
Representing Suffolk County
BOYS ROSTER
Tim Darby/Bayport Blue Point
Paul Cooper/Kings Park
Matt Hudzik/Ward Melville
Chris Crespo/Smithtown West
Alex Merhige/Harborfields
Kyle LaGuardia/Smithtown West
Sean Braithwaite/Center Moriches
Billy Mueller/North Babylon
Jake Russo/West Islip
GIRLS ROSTER
Jill Spagnuola/Commack
Alex Heuwitter/Huntington
Anna Zabroska/Copaigue
Gabby Aspuru/Sachem East
Sam Schultz/Kings Park
Tiffany Slicklein/Kings Park
Kaitlyn Wolff/Sachem East
Brenna Farrington/Northport
Nora Gabel/Comsewogue
Meg Steinman/Lindenhurst
Hannah Stockman/Northport
Casey Travers/Eastport
Summer Workouts
Now is the time to build your body and polish your skills, so if you know a good, free online basketball workout you'd like to share, or one you've put together yourself, LET US KNOW!
THE WORKOUTS
Knox Dominates Camp
This years Stony Brook Team Camp was in round-robin format, so no champion was crowned, but the consensus best team was from the new prep school program at the Knox School. They rolled over Brentwood, Boys & Girls, and Scanlan by big margins.
Have You Heard?
Both Southampton and Wyandanch are moving up to Class A from Class B next season.. Two of Long Island's preseason favorites - Baldwin and Westbury, will be in the same conference next season.. The Knox School, a Suffolk County private school that played in a Class C league last season, is ratcheting up their basketball program, and will play a demanding prep school schedule this coming season. SEND US YOUR NEWS!
Around The Net
Stories from around the internet that we think you will find interesting:
In a Texas case involving one of the nation's top ranked high school basketball teams, the University Interscholastic State League's executive committee rejected an appeal by two players and upheld 20 forfeits that destroyed a 21-0 start to the season. Players Grant Jackman and Hayden Baker were found to have violated UIL rules regarding amateur status by accepting money as assistant coaches for a local Little League BASEBALL team. Jackman and Baker were paid $1,500 between February and April to do what has been described as "grunt work" such as keeping the scorebook, helping youngsters put on equipment and collecting baseballs. The players returned the money and the school self-reported the violation.
West NorthSport Champs
Smithtown West rolled to the NorthSport Summer League Varsity Championship, defeating Salvation Army 57-37 to finish the season 9-0. The Bulls began to pull away when Chris Crespo knocked down a three from behind the left elbow, followed it with a coast to coast basket, and then Mike Gannon got his own rebound and scored, and followed that with a right wing three pointer to make it 30-14 Smithtown with 1:41 to play in the half. West was never seriously threatened after that.
Program Notes
Brentwood
The Brentwood High School program has been racking up win after win and producing college level talent year after year in recent years, and it looks like that trend will continue well into the future, with rising sophomore Jordan Mosley and rising freshmen Zed Key and Bryce Harris all coming off excellent travel seasons and hoping to contribute to the 2016-17 squad. Key has all the marks of Long Island's next dominant big man, while Mosley and Harris will continue the program's tradition of producing outstanding backcourts.
All is not golden for the Indians, however. It looks like Lester Quinones, who was expected to be one of the stars of this year's team and a strong candidate for All Long Island and all New York State honors, transferred to Upper Room.
Nassau Top 40
The Nassau County Top 40 All-Star Doubleheader, sponsored by the Nassau County PAL, was played at the Town Of Oyster Bay PAL Center in Hicksville, and there were some outstanding performances and one dramatic finish. In Game 1, Alyijah Hill of Hewlett and Xavier Merriweather of Port Washington led the White squad to a 38-32 halftime advantage with 9 points each, while Jack Stafford from Plainview, who hit three 3's in the half, and Rajah Mayo, Jr. from Freeport kept the Blue Squad within striking distance, also tallying 9 points a piece. The pace picked up in the 2nd half, with both teams going back and forth and neither taking command, and it all came down to the final 10 seconds, when Blue’s Dan Wilson from Locust Valley tied it with a three pointer, and then White came down and Merriweather got off a three point attempt with just one second on the clock, drawing a foul and knocking down the pressure packed free throw for the win! Merriweather led all scorers with 18 points, Jaisym Smith from Roosevelt had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Hill and Stafford both had 14 points, Zion Styles from Uniondale finished with 12, and Mayo with 10. In Game 2, the White squad took a 4 point halftime lead with a balanced attack, while Osborne Trail III of Valley Stream South and Connor McPartland of Hicksville helped Blue keep pace with 8 and 7 points respectively, but White eased away in the second half for a 10 point win. Only one player broke double figures in Game 2 - McPartland with 11, Trail finished with 9, and Brian Fox of Floral Park and Noah Shy from Valley Stream North both had 7.
The following players have been selected to play in the Nassau County
Top 40 All-Star Doubleheader
Sunday, October 16th
at the Hicksville PAL Center
The Nassau County Public School All-Star Team that will face off against the Suffolk County All-Stars will be chosen from the players invited to participate in this game. Congratulations to all who made it and thank you to everyone that came down to play and volunteer. Players, please arrive at least 30 minutes before your game time.
GAME 1 - CHANGE 2:00 PM
BLUE JERSEYS
Jabeon Bivins, Baldwin
Giovanny Brice, Sewanhaka
Rajah Mayo Jr, Freeport
Jalen Rosemond, Calhoun
Timothy Santana, Roosevelt
Warren Shivers, Lawrence
Jack Stafford, Plainview JFK
Zion Styles, Uniondale
Kevin Voigt, Massapequa
Danny Wilson, Locust Valley
WHITE JERSEYS
Rahim Akinwumni Sewanhaka
Tommy Ammendola, Massapequa
Parker Appel, Locust Valley
Dominick Arcordia, Valley Stream So.
Matthew Gonzalez, Carey
Kobe Hewlett, Uniondale
Alyjah Hill, Hewlett
Xavier Merriweather, Pt. Washington
Daniel Sarpong, Valley Stream So.
Jaisym Smith, Roosevelt
GAME 2 - CHANGE 3:30 PM
BLUE JERSEYS
Jacori Clemons, New Hyde Park
Jonathan Diachok, Seaford
Patrick Gardner, Calhoun
Connor McPartland, Hicksville
David Moore, Elmont
Victor Olawoye, Elmont
Frankie Phelan, Floral Park
Noah Shy, Valley Stream North
Osbourne Trail III, Valley Stream So.
Norman Wilson, Baldwin
WHITE JERSEYS
Michael Baierlein, Massapequa
Brian Fox, Floral Park
Brandon Grayson, South Side
Sean Gutfleisch, Wantagh
Conrad Ihaza, Elmont
Khalid Ketchen, Westbury
Joseph Langan, New Hyde Park
Jaylin Miller, Elmont
Anthony Reilly, Oyster Bay
Ian Rieger, Baldwin
Darius Burton To HOF
Our good friend and the outstanding basketball coach of the Baldwin Bruins, Darius Burton, was inducted into the Nassau County Hall Of Fame last night for his incredible career AS A PLAYER! His bio from the ceremony reads:
DARIUS BURTON, JR. – ATHLETE – Burton was an All-County and All-American athlete in both soccer and basketball. The Baldwin High School graduate went on to play basketball at Hofstra University. He returned to Baldwin High School to continue his outstanding athlete career as a Physical Education and coach at his alma mater.
Our heartfelt congratulation go out to him, and to all recipiants, past and present, of this great honor. It won't be long until Darius is inducted as a coach too!
NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER
Tips For First Time Coaches
Suffolk Showcase Champs!
Nassau finished 3rd
The 2nd Annual IWorks Showcase was held on Tuesday, Oct 11th, at The College of Staten Island, and it featured All-Star teams from New York City's five boroughs and one team each from Nassau and Suffolk. The College Exposure Showcase, run by St. Joseph's By The Sea boys varsity Coach Mike Cortese, was a 3 game championship format designed for Seniors to gain exposure to many Division 2 and 3 colleges around the Tri-State area, and over 30 colleges were represented. Suffolk County, led by Center Moriches Head Coach Nick Thomas, went 3-0 and came away with the championship in dramatic fashion, while Nassau finished 2-1 to finish 3rd. Suffolk County defeated Manhattan in the 1st game 45-31. They were led by strong performances on the perimeter by Copiague's dynamic backcourt, Rashan Allen and Rigard Ryan Destine, and on the inside by Alex Merhige (Harborfields) and Jake Russo (West Islip). Next up was a matchup against Nassau County, coached by Kellenberg High School Assistant Coach Chris Lyons. Despite strong performances by Westbury's Darius Young and Jonathan Dean, Suffolk came away with an easy victory, 65-35. Kashawn Charles (Wyandanch) led the way offensively for Suffolk, and they also received strong contributions defensively and from behind the arc by Mike Darby (Bayport-Blue Point) and Mike Pavinelli (St Anthony). In the championship game against Staten Island, Suffolk fell behind early by double digits and it certainly looked like the home team was going to put Suffolk away. That is when Kashawn Charles and Alex Merhige took over, scoring baskets on drives to the hoop, mid range jumpers and from downtown. Suffolk stormed back and the lead changed hands several times in the 2nd half. Staten Island had a chance to put Suffolk away from the free throw line, but could not capitalize. With 5 seconds remaining, Staten Island missed the front end of a 1 and 1 and Suffolk raced the ball up the court and found Alex Merhige outside the 3 point circle with 1 second left. Merhige, who was outstanding all tournament long, caught the pass and in one motion, knocked down the 3 pointer as the buzzer sounded, giving Suffolk the 55-52 victory. Nassau County represented us well too, losing only to Suffolk while defeating the Bronx and Staten Island to take 3rd. Westbury's Darius Young led the way offensively, hitting 3's and getting to the basket, Roslyn's Omar Burns showed great energy and was able to rebound and run the floor and finish, Kellenberg's Mike Geisweller knocked down open 3's and was able to create for others, and Chaminade's Kyle Murphy had a good overall game, playing tough around the rim and also stepping out to knock down shots. LONG ISLAND ROSTERS
Fall League Update
LuHi Clips Wings
Two of the upcoming season's highly regarded teams faced off in a fall league game, and the Long Island Lutheran Crusaders held off Wings Academy 54-44. STORY
Prepare For Tryouts!
Articles to help you get ready!
HAVE A FAVORITE ARTICLE OR TIPS FOR TRYOUTS? SEND THEM IN!
Campisi to Hall of Fame
Emanuel Campisi, who at the tender age of 80 is still a Suffolk County basketball official, has been inducted into the West Babylon Hall Of Fame. The long time principal of JFK Elementary school, for whom the street in front of the school has been named, proudly served the West Babylon School District with distinction for 36 years. A sellout crowd, including many local polititians and community leaders, past and present, attended the celebration.
Not Good Enough?
You learn at an early age that it's not always best to be brutally honest, but some times it is, and I ran across an article about why kids get the playing time they do, and thought it might provide an important reality check for some of us, who I think deep down, know the reasons, but naturally think the most of our kids and are just trying to keep them from getting discouraged. It was mostly a football article, so I edited it and boiled it down, and this is my version:
Why isn't my kid getting playing time? Maybe he/she just isn't good enough!
Most coaches have learned that diplomacy is necessary if they want to keep their jobs, and are rarely this frank, but given the chance to speak anonymously about why kids get the playing they get, they will tell you:
The player or players that play ahead of your kid are just better! Period! Better how? Some are more athletic, some more skilled, some smarter, or more mature, or just work harder, or are more team oriented, or are just taller or stonger. It can be any one of those reasons, or a combination. That's it, plain and simple! Like I said, brutally honest, but what I like about it is that it really drives home why participation in sports is such an invaluable learning experience. You learn skills at an early age that we all need in life, like how to deal with adversity and overcome obstacles - without giving in to the impulse to quit. We learn that you can come from behind - even from way behind - and win, and that it happens all the time and nothing feels better. Most important, we learn that hard work and determination make up for so many things, and that recognizing your own weaknesses gives you the opportunity to work on them and turn them into strengths. The truth is, the players that make it out onto the floor, in basketball and in life, aren't always the most gifted ones, but the ones that make the most of what they have, work hard for things that are important to them, and embrace the concepts of good teamwork to overcome obstacles that are bigger than themselves. Good lessons that go way beyond sports!
Around The Net
Kelly New St. Dom's Coach
Mike Kelly has been named the new Boys Varsity basketball coach at St. Dominic High school, replacing Bruno Cotumaccio. An assistant at Adelphi the past two seasons, Kelly began his basketball coaching career in 2005 at Hofstra as a part of Tom Pecora staff and followed Coach Pecora to Fordham University in 2010.
Zed Key Hoop Group MVP
Brentwood's Zed Key, an important member of the 14U AAU National Champion Lightning/Wagner team, was named MVP of the Hoop Group Fab Frosh All-Star Game!
Johnson 3 Peat
Bridgehampton coach Carl Johnson is the only person ever to have won three New York State basketball championships as a player and three as a coach….
Most Sports Injuries!
Basketball causes the most injuries
Team Camp Results
With good teams from all over the Metropolitan Area, Farmindale State Team Camp has quickly become one of the best around, and there were some outstanding matchups this season. Here are this years results:
1ST ROUND
St. Anthony’s 57 Brentwood 55
Monsignor Farrell 45 Saunders 44
St. Peters (Staten Island) 78 Hills East 52
Holy Cross (Queens) 69 Copiague 62
Holy Trinity 64 Kennedy Catholic 52
Plainview 47 Northport 28
2ND ROUND
St. Anthony’s 51 Saunders 34
Msgr. Farrell 55 Brentwood 52 2OT
Holy Cross 65 Hills East 56
Copiague 56 St. Peter’s 53 OT
Kennedy Catholic 59 Plainview 52
Holy Trinity 53 Northport 42
Most Popular HS Sports
According to the most recent numbers, basketball is the most popular boys high school sport in New York State, based on the number of teams fielded. Here they are:
Basketball 758
Baseball 725
Soccer 691
Track & Field 674
Golf 558
Football 548
Wrestling 508
Tennis 481
Bowling 366
Lacrosse 332
I have to admit, I got a chuckle out of Lacrosse trailing Bowling.
2016-17 Season Notes
First day for public school tryouts/practices is November 14th, and the season begins November 26th. Suffolk school teams can play 20 regular season games this season, up from 18. Nassau schools remain at 19.... Catholic Schools can start November 11th, and play 24 games, and Private Schools that are NYSAISAA members can start October 31st, and can play 23 games
COACHES WANTED
Find school vacancies HERE
Nassau Alzheimer's Tryouts
Good turnout finally at the Nassau County Boy's Alzheimer's Game tryouts, with some very good players in attendance. One last round now necessary on October 11th, 6PM at Roosevelt HS for those that survived last night's cuts. They are:
Jabeon Bivens, Baldwin
Elijah Bovell, Balwin
Calvin Brown, Roosevelt
Chris Coleman, LI Lutheran
Aidan Igiehon, Lawrence Woodmere
Donatas Kupsas, LI Lutheran
Rajo Mayo, Freeport
Connor McPartland, Hicksville
Kyle Murphy, Chaminade
K.C. Ndefo, Elmont
Victor Olawoye, Elmont
Thornton Scott, Holy Trinity
Tyler Small, Holy Trinity
Jack Stafford, Plainview
Zion Stiles, Uniondale
Harrison Warnock, LI Lutheran
Cameron Wynter, Holy Trinity
Darius Young, Westbury
Coming into the tryouts, Nassau looked much stronger on paper, and after the last tryout, it looks like they will live up to that, but a very good turnout in Suffolk, especially from the private school kids, has equalized things and it should be a war once again this year! Really looking forward to it!
D1 Coaches Returning!
We've been saying that Long Island basketball has been on the upswing, and will only get better, and the evidence is starting to accumulate to back that up. We are getting reports from all over the Island that D1 coaches are here in good numbers checking out the talent, and more are on their way! Wait till they get a look at the 9th grade class! It might be the strongest in decades!
Poor Attendance For Nassau
The turnout at the Nassau Boys tryouts for the Alzheimer's Charity Game has been very low - a fraction of what it's been in past years, and also a fraction of the turnout at the Suffolk tryouts. Mysteriously, virtually no catholic school players have attended the Nassau tryouts, even though some of the county's top players come from catholic schools. There will be one last tryout Friday, October 7th from 7:30pm-8:30pm @ Baldwin HS.
Suffolk Team Coming Together
The talent level went up a few notches on day two of the Suffolk County tryouts for this year's Alzheimer's Game, and you could start to see the beginnings of a final roster. At least one more round of tryouts will be needed, and that will be at 6:30 PM on Oct. 6th at Amityville HS. Here are the players that survived round two cuts:
Timothy Alejo
Rashan Allen
Savion Barker
Ryan Beckles
Arthur Brzozka
Kashawn Charles
Julien Crittendon
Mike Darby
Rigard Ryan Destine
Boki Diakite
Malik Edmead
Omar Elsheikh
Mekhi Hall
Tyler Hammond
Angel Jimenez
Savion Lewis
Kyle Locastro
Nicolas Lopez
Tyrone Lyons, Jr.
Kenny Matherin
Alex Merhige
Wassef Methnani
Alejandro Minota
Lavon Montgomery
Michael Paunell
Josh Pismeny
Lester Quinonas
Angel Rivera
Kyree Sawyer
Joshua Serrano
Anthony Simpson
Marquell Sterling
Laurynas Stonkus
Brett Talbert
Karis Watson
Elijah Wingsfield
Good First Day At Alzheimers
Alzheimer's Game tryouts got off to a great start with a good turnout at the first round of tryouts in Suffolk. The following players have been invited back for round 2, which is 9/28 at SUSA. They will be joined by players who were given a first round bye.
109 – Timothy Alejo
66 – Rahmel Allen
99 – Rashan Allen
164 – Eddie Arnold
49 – Ryan Beckles
13 – Sean Braithwaithe
6 – Arthur Brzozka
2 – Tyler Carey
51 – Julien Crittendon
2 – Tyler Carey
31 – Mike Darby
38 – J. Davis
50 – Rigard Ryan Destime
25 – Kevin Doty
180 – Alec Downs
47 – Mikhi Hall
68 – Tyler Hammond
36 – Devon Hicks
116 – Angel Jimenez
14 – Zed Key
53 – Savion Lewis
42 – Kyle Locastro
101 – Divaahd Lucas
115 – Tyrone Lyons, Jr.
24 – Kenny Mathurin
111 – Alex Merhige
5 – Billy Muller
48 – Michael Parnell
80 – Lester Quinones
3 – Kyree Sawyer
20 – Joshua Serano
1 – Anthony Simpson
56 – Micah Snowden
108 – Mike Snowden
100 – Marquell Sterling
17 – Koral Watson
54 – Elijah Wingfield
8 – Dion Wright
ALZHEIMER'S GAME ROSTERS
GAME OCT 23RD
at Bay Shore HS
NASSAU BOYS
Jabeon Bivens, Baldwin
Elijah Bovell, Baldwin
Chris Coalmon, LI Lutheran
Thornton Scott, Holy Trinity
Tyler Small, Holy Trinity
Donates Kupsas, LI Lutheran
Rajo Mayo, Freeport
Kyle Murphy, Chaminade
KC Ndefo, Elmont
Jack Stafford, Plainview
Harry Warnock, LI Lutheran
Cameron Wynter, Holy Trinity
Alternate
Darius Young, Westbury
SUFFOLK BOYS
Rashan Allen, Copiague
Osbel Caraballo, Upper Room
Bouki Diakite, OSNA
Tyler Hammond, Knox School
Carlos Lemus, Upper Room
Tyron Lyons, St Anthony’s
Alex Merhige, Harborfields
Lavon Montgmery, Bay Shore
Lester Quinones, Upper Room
Josh Serrano, Amityville
Laurynas Stomkas, Knox School
Elijah Wingfield, Southampton
NASSAU GIRLS
Jenna Annecchiario, Baldwin
Kadaja Bailey, St. Mary’s
Emma Cuccurullo, LI Lutheran
Gianna Gotti, Oyster Bay
Kaia Harrison, Baldwin
Aziah Hudson, Baldwin
Kem Nwabudu, Elmont
Jaida Patrick, LI Lutheran
Gabby Sapiro, Friends Academy
Morgan Staab, Kellenberg
Celeste Taylor, LI Lutheran
Zhanela Thybulle, Elmont
Alternates
Mary Anne Bagonis, Mepham
Alessia Drevneyak, East Rockaway
Dajiah Martin, St. Mary’s
SUFFOLK GIRLS
Naabea-Janaan Assibey-Bonsu, C. I.
Danielle Cosgrove, Sachem East
Lauren Hansen, Ward Mellville
Tyzhea Hawkins, Brentwood
Kimora Jenkins, Deer Park
Tamia Lawhorne, St. Anthony’s
Maia Moffitt, St. Anthony’s
Katie Murphy, Hauppauge
Victoria Pearce, Bay Shore
Samantha Schultz, Kings Park
Taylor Triptree, Ward Mellville
Jasmine White, St. Anthony’s
Alternates:
Lauren Hackett, St Anthony’s
Ashia Smith, St Anthony’s
Nassau Boys In OT!
LuHi's Harrison Warnock and Donatas Kupsas led Nassau to a big halftime lead, but Lester Quinones and Osbel Caraballo from Upper Room and former teammate Rashan Allen from Copiague dramatically brought Suffolk from behind, hitting big shot after big shot to tie it in regulation. The eastern Long Islanders seemed to have seized all the momentum, but Nassau dug in defensively in the extra session, holding Suffolk to just two free throws, and a big three pointer by Thorton Scott from Holy Trinity put them ahead for good and they went on to an 87-82 victory. KC Ndefo from Elmont collected MVP honors with an inspired performance on the defensive end, blocking shot after shot, and he was a force on the boards as well. He added a highlight film putback dunk that helped keep Nassau alive in regulation and also a big basket in OT off a nice feed from Scott that iced the win. FULL RECAP
Nassau Girls Prevail
Nassau withstood an outstanding performance by hometown hero Victoria Pearce of Bay Shore, who finished with a game high 26 points, pulling away to defeat Suffolk 86-77. LuHi's Celeste Taylor was a force for Nassau, finishing with 24.
DETAILS LATER
"Twin" Redd Passes
Very sad news. Edwin “Twin” Redd, a Westburt HS Assistant Coach and also a big part of the Bunky Reid All-Stars program, passed away two weeks ago unexpectedly. He was one of those people that I always looked forward to seeing and talking to every season, and he was not just a terrific guy, but a great father and an excellent coach. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
RETURNING
ALL NY STATE
CLASS AA
Jonathan Dean, Westbury
Donatas Kupsas, LuHi
Savion Lewis, Hills East
Darius Young, Westbury
CLASS A
Kashawn Charles, Wyand.*
Micah Snowden, Southam*
*Both Southampton and Wyandanch are moving up to Class A from Class B
CLASS B
Sean Braithwaite, Center M.
CLASS C
Aiden Igiehon, LWA
TOP RETURNING SCORERS
FINAL - REGULAR SEASON
Osbel Caraballo
Upper Room 22.8
Joshua Serrano
Amityville 21.6
Jonathan Dean
Westbury 21.5
Jordan Dingle
LWA 21.4
Darius Young
Westbury 20.6
Kashawn Charles
Wyandanch 20.4
RECENT STATE CHAMPIONS
2016 NYSPHSAA A
Elmont
2015 NYSPHSAA D Bridgehampton
2014 CHSAA A
Holy Trinity
2012 NYSPHSAA A Harborfields
2012 Federation A
LI Lutheran
2012 NYSAIS A
LI Lutheran
2011 Federation A
LI lutheran
2011 NYSPHSAA C
Friends Academy
2011 CHSAA A
St. Mary's
NOTE:
LI Lutheran has also been NYSAIS State Champion in 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013, but as the only NYSAIS representative in their class, did not have to play for it. They did, however, advance to the Federation State Championship Games in two of those years - 2014 and 2013.
The Long Island
Hoops Summit
A historic event recently occurred on Long Island when the leaders of our basketball community all came together as a group, for the first time ever, in what will surely come to be known as the First Annual Long Island Hoops Summit. The purpose of the gathering was to welcome the new Long Island Nets D League franchise to the community, but thanks to the Nets and their impressive staff, it turned out to be much more than that. It became an outstanding three hour long discussion, with everyone sharing ideas and offering solutions on how to improve and promote basketball on Long Island at all levels. The Nets jumped right in, emphasizing their commitment to the process and their willingness to pitch in and help in any way they can. Ideas discussed ranged from doubleheaders featuring big high school games and Nets games, exciting college match-ups and Nets games, high school and college showcases, a post season High School All-Star Game, and all at a beautiful new Nassau Coliseum! Grassroots youth basketball was also a hot topic, and we all agreed that there has to be a special emphasis placed on it, and that we have to give youth coaches the training and tools they need to help them develop the next generation of players. You couldn't help but be excited by the prospect of this diverse group of community leaders working together to raise the level of basketball on Long Island for everyone. The assembled hoops fanatics were particularly pleased to hear that the Nets plan to make their games the perfect outing for hoops loving families, creating a fun atmosphere for kids of all ages and keeping ticket prices affordable to all. Rest assured, this historic event will now take place on a regular basis, and hopefully, be the first steps in our quest to bring about the next Golden Age of Long Island basketball!
In attendance:
Walter Bachman
Basketball Coordinator, Section 8, NYSPHSAA/Head Coach, Jericho HS
John Buck
IPPSAL/Head Coach, Long Island Lutheran HS
Alton Byrd
Vice President, Business Operations, Long Island Nets
Jethro Cardona
Program Director, Police Athletic League of Nassau County (PAL)
Brian Carey
Suffolk County Basketball/Camp Director, The Shooters School/Head Coach, Huntington HS
Marlon Clarke
Coordinator, Community Relations, Long Island Nets
Joe Conefry
NSCHSAA/Head Coach, Holy Trinity
Jim Fox
Governor, AAU Metropolitan District/Director, Lightning AAU Program/President, Island Garden
Jeffrey Hathaway
Athletic Director/HofstraÂ
George Holub
President, Nassau County Basketball Coaches Association/Head Coach, Elmont High School
Terence Kelly
Community Affairs, Nassau Coliseum
Amanda Landstrom
Marketing Coordinator, Long Island Nets
Robert Mayo
Basketball Committee State Chairman and Section 11 Basketball coordinator, NYSPHSAA/Retired AD
Jack McCutchen
NSCHSAA/Head Coach, Kellenberg HS
Joseph Mihalich
Head Coach, Hofstra
Ronald Nored
Head Coach, Long Island Nets
Matt Riccardi
Assistant General Manager, Long Island Nets
Gaelle Romain
Coordinator, Administrative Services, Long Island Nets
Erik Smiles
Head Coach, LIU/Post
Nick Thomas
Director, Long Island Elite AAU Program/Head Coach, Center Moriches HS
Ted Thomas
Long Island Rep, New York State Sportswriters Association/Editor, LongIslandbasketball.com
Bernard Tomlin
Head Coach, SUNY Old Westbury
Nick Vaerewyck
Senior Director, Programming, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment/Nassau Coliseum
A.J. Wynder
Head Coach, Nassau Community College
Knox 3-0 At Prep Event
The Zero Gravity Prep Classic
Knox School 71 Spire Academy 61
A closely contested matchup that saw Spire lead early in the first half and Knox pull away after halftime driven by guard Tyler Hammond with 17 points and 7 assists.
Knox 60 Toronto Basketball Acad 58
This Knox School program knows what it takes to win tough matchups – they get key buckets at crucial points in the game, lock down defensively and do not turn the ball over. Knox’s excellent guard play was the difference and Tyler Hammond should be a player to watch this season.
Knox School 72 NY International 62
Knox School swept the field this weekend, led by Player of the Game W. Methani who posted 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Excerpted from articles on NERR2.0
NCAA Student/Athlete Guide
Playing In College
A GAMS PLAN
STEP ONE: TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS!
If you haven't already, go to the NCAA Eligibility Center right now and find out what you need to do in high school in order to qualify to play college basketball as a freshman. There is nothing worse than being a senior and discovering that you didn't take the right courses or get the grades you needed to qualify to play when you easily could have with a little extra effort, but it happens to good players all the time because they leave important things like that up to others instead of taking care of business! Once you know what you have to do and you're putting together your game plan, never forget that you have to work hard to be sure to get what's important to you in life, and work harder than your competition, so if playing basketball in college is what you want, then you have to work harder on both your grades and your basketball skills to get there. There's no way around it. Only serious players and serious students get the privilege of playing in college, so guess what? It's time to get serious! What's the best strategy? Always focus on your weaknesses, both on the court and in the classroom, and spend as much time as you can EVERY DAY working on them. Don't be too proud to ask for help and advice either! You don't have the time to be the best at everything, so let others who are better than you at certain things help you get better too. Use your teachers and guidance counselors as your academic coaches and advisors - they know what it takes for you to succeed, and they will show you and help you if you let them. Turn your fellow students and family membes into your teammates, and do homework with them and study with them just like you practice with and learn hoops skills from other good players. And don't get cheated! Everything you need to be a success in the classroom is there for you at your school - all the advice, support, and resources you can ask for. It's there for the taking, but it won't just drop in your lap. You have to go get it, and when stand up for yuorself, you will get extra time with teachers after school to go over things you didn't understand the first time through, advice from your counselors when things aren't going your way, and support from your friends and other fellow students when you put your heads together with in study groups and study halls and work together to figure things out. The biggest difference between good and bad students is that good students ask questions and do extra work when they don't understand something and won't allow themselves to get behind. That's really the biggest difference! They've learned that once you get behind, everything that comes after stops making sense and the hole just gets deeper, and they're not afraid to look stupid as long as they dig themselves out of that hole. If you're already in a deep hole, your guidance counselor usually has a list of some really good students and even teachers that will work with you one on one to earn a little extra money or community service credits. Use them just like you would a good basketball trainer and dig out! On the court? You know what to do! Again, work every day on your weaknesses and on the skills that separate you from the pack. Become a great free throw shooter and rebounder, set good screens and move without the ball, make good low risk passes, be detemined to be a great defender, and talk talk talk on the floor! And NEVER be critical of your teammates. Be helpful and supportive ALL THE TIME. Those are the kinds of things college coaches look for. Stay in the mindset that you will do whatever it takes for you to achieve your goal of playing college basketball, and never let anybody stop you or discourage you from doing the right thing. If you have the talent and are determined to take control of your future, you will reach your goals. Here is an important tip: Start taking SAT and ACT practice tests as early as you can - even in 8th grade - so you are very familiar with the tests, and don't be intimidated if they are difficult for you. They are for everybody. What you are doing when you start early is learning about what the test is like, and what you need to work on to get a qualifying score. It's just like playing basketball with older kids. It makes you a tougher test taker and teaches you little test taking tricks you only learn from experience. Here's a good one: Believe it or not, many of the questions on the practice tests you find in books or on the internet are the same ones or very similar to the ones they ask on the real tests! So take as many practice tests as you can find and go over and over the questions you miss until you have the right answers memorized. There is no better feeling than seeing a question on the real test that you've gone over a hundred times before on practice tests! Another tip: Make sure you take your first real test in your junior year AT THE VERY LATEST, so you have time to take it a few more times if you need to. Again, never wait till the last minute. I can't tell you how many good players with good grades wait until late in their senior year to take their first test, and then don't get qualifying scores and end up in prep school or junior college when they had the college offer they wanted. What if you don't get qualifying scores or good enough grades? You may have to revise your plans, but nothing worthwhile comes easily. It's never too late to step up and control your destiny! You can always catch up as long as you put in the work, and you're not too proud to ask for help from whomever you can. You're young and time is on your side. Stay determined! Don't fool yourself though. If you don't eventually dig in and put in the work you need to get passing grades or qualifying SAT/ACT scores, you're not going to play college basketball. Period! No matter how talented you are! Prep schools and junior colleges might help, but they can't help if you can't pass a class. You have to put in the work sooner or later, and when you do, there is no better feeling than getting that passing grade and knowing you qualify, especially if you've fallen short a few times. The list of great basketball players from Long Island that never made it to college or couldn't stay eligible once they got there is a mile long, and it includes lots of All Long Island Players and D1 prospects that thought they could slide by without putting in the work. The world has changed. You can't. Don't be the next talented player on the list! Take care of business now!
STEP TWO: Once that's done and your grades and test score are sufficient, you can't just sit back and wait for colleges to come calling. This is your future and you have to take things into your own hands to get what you want and get the jump on your competition. The best way to find a college is to decide what level you can realistically play at, and then sit down and put together a list of your favorite schools without taking basketball into account AT ALL. Why? You have to be happy where you go in order to be successful - academically and on the court, and you don't want to have to transfer or stay somewhere you are miserable if you don't have to, so its very important for you to choose schools that are a good fit for you academically, socially, geographically, and financially first, and THEN narrow that list down with basketball factors. Spread your school choices over at least two divisions - D1 and D2, or D2 and D3, and follow the same advice guidance counselors give all students - have one or two long shot dream schools on your list and a few safety valve schools that you're confident you can get into and play for. Once you have your list of say, 10 schools, you really have to do your homework. Look carefully at the rosters and game recaps from last season to see how deep the teams are at your position and when the players at your position graduate. Go through stories posted about transfers and new recruits that have already committed or have been offered. When you find schools that look like a good fit, send them each a personalized letter (never a form letter) to the head coach and CC his assistants, telling them that you would like to play for them and why, and then lay out your academic and basketball qualifications for them just like you would with your work experience in a job resume. INCLUDE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FROM BOTH YOUR SCHOOL AND TRAVEL TEAM COACH IF YOU CAN. EWhere do you send them? Email addresses are usually available on a school's basketball website, either on the roster or on a separate Coaching Staff page. If not, you'll iusually find contact info in the schools general directory. I can't tell you how important it is to personalize every letter - the coaches get barraged by form letters, most of which they don't even read. They really appreciate personal letters from a sincere recruit that has done his homework. Use the coaches name instead of Dear Coach, and include things like references to last season and previous seasons, mention the team's record last season, the names of players at your position that are graduating, maybe something from the coaches background, and the teams prospects for next season. Do anything that shows you've done your homework and you really want to go to that school and play for that coach! Don't forget to include your school and travel team schedules and contact info for your coaches and trainers, attach links to highlight and game videos, and give them an email address and a phone number to contact you directly. Then every couple of weeks, send out follow up emails to everyone, adding any new information, and let them know you'd like to come for a visit or workout, or for them to come see you play. Remember, these are your top choices, so don't give up on them easily. Then keep the process going by adding schools, and continuously keep adding new schools to your list and don't stop until you get a real offer. Yes, it's a lot of work, but remember, there are THOUSANDS of good basketball players all across the country trying to get the same roster spots you are, so you have to show the coaches something that nobody else is showing them to get an edge. But don't put all your eggs in one basket when you get positive feedback from a school. Coaches have to find as many candidates as they can to fill their openings, and can't afford not to have backups if their #1 recruit doesn't come through. You just might be a backup, and might not even be the #1 backup! You have to keep going until you get a formal offer, not just interest. Again. I can't tell you how many kids I've heard from over the years that were counting on getting an offer from a particular school and ignoring real offers from other schools, only to find out the school they wanted offered someone else and the other schools no longer have room. Your goal is to get your name in front of as many coaches as you can, all of them looking for players just like you, and get REAL OFFERS. The more thorough you are in researching what each coach needs, and the more schools you contact, the better your odds are at finding the right school. Good luck, and see you on the court!
2015-16 MILESTONES
NYS BASKETBALL
HALL OF FAME
Tom Diana/Uniondale
FIRST STATE CHAMPONSHIP
Elmont Spartans
2500 POINT CLUB
Devonte Green
ALL TIME
SCORING LEADERS
Mike Almonacy/Brentwood
Alex Sorenson/South Side
Steve Torre/Kellenberg
Danny Fusco/East Rockaway
1000 POINT CLUB
Jamel Allen/Brentwood
Mike Almonacy/Brentwood
Keandre Augustine/Roslyn
Kyle DeVerna/Kellenberg
Tylik Furman /Bridgeh
Danny Fusco/E Rockaway
Cole Eiber/Herricks
Brendan Fitzpatrick/Plainv
Brandon Kennedy-Gay/E.H.
Charles Manning/LuHi
Hunter Schenkel/Sayville
Alex Sorensen/South Side
Steve Torre/Kellenberg
Tristian Wisseman/S.I.
300 WINS
Mike Hickey/Stony Brook
200 WINS
Bill Mitaritonna/Hills West
IF WE'RE MISSING SOMEONE
