Tuesday, February 23, 2010
TD Garden, 7:30 p.m.
TV: CSN New England
RADIO: WEEI 850 AM
By Marc D'Amico
February 23, 2010
Celtics.com
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are set to meet on the court at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the TD Garden, just five days after they exchanged five players in a trade that Boston hopes will jumpstart its bench for the remainder of the season.
Nate Robinson, the headline player involved in that deal, will make his Celtics debut tonight at home against his former team. He did not join Boston on the West Coast after the trade was completed Thursday evening because he was battling the flu.
The 5-foot-9 guard appeared in 30 games for the Knicks this season, scoring 13.2 PPG to go along with his 2.4 RPG and 3.7 APG. He'll now be looked upon as the primary offensive sparkplug off the Celtics' bench, a title Eddie House used to hold.
House, who was sent to New York along with J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker, has had mixed results in his two games as a Knickerbocker. He scored 24 points in his debut with the team, which also served as his reunion with run-and-gun coach Mike D'Antoni, but then shot only 4-of-16 from the floor for 10 points against the Bucks Monday night.
House will surely be aiming to light up the nets tonight in the building he built so many fond memories in during the past two-plus seasons. The C's, however, will be hoping that Robinson is the fresh face who contributes largely to tonight's scoring.
Boston might need that scoring more than ever tonight, as it sounds like Paul Pierce may not be available. He has played through a thumb injury since Thursday night in Los Angeles and at an appearance last night, stated that "getting it a few days off to rest" is something he'll need to consider.
Doc Rivers had actually already hinted at that possibility over the weekend. When a coach and player are on the same page regarding time off due to an injury, it's almost certain that it will happen.
If Pierce is out of the lineup, the start will go to either Tony Allen or Marquis Daniels. Allen has received seven starts in place of Pierce at the small forward position this season and averaged 9.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 3.1 APG in those contests. But all of those starts came before Daniels, who is more of a prototypical small forward, returned from injury.
Rivers usually likes to stick with what works -- a la starting Allen, who has performed successfully as a starter -- but he will need to think long and hard about putting Daniels out there with the first group tonight. With the recent acquisition of Tracy McGrady, New York is now one of the tallest and longest perimeter teams in the league. McGrady and Wilson Chandler, who are both 6-foot-8, hold down the shooting guard and small forward positions, and Daniels would match up better with both of them in terms of length.
Speaking of McGrady, he is the new face of the franchise in New York -- at least temporarily. The end-goal of acquiring McGrady was for the Knicks to reach out to two maximum contract free agents this summer, but in the meantime he'll be leaned on to be the team's go-to scorer.
His first game was a home run, as he poured in 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting. But just as House's did, McGrady's production fell off in his second game, as he scored only 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting.
McGrady and House weren't the only Knicks to struggle from the field last night, though. The team managed to score only 67 points against Milwaukee on 33.8 percent shooting from the floor. Much of that is due to the fact that D'Antoni has to new faces in his starting lineup, McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez, who was also acquired last week.
With the Knicks playing in the second night of a back-to-back and having issues with a new rotation, the C's should be able to capitalize at both ends of the court. Boston's defense has been stout of late, once again regaining the intimidation factor that most opponents have felt against them in the past. Tonight should be no different at that end of the court. Offensively, the Celts will be taking on a Knicks defense that gives up the sixth-most points in the league, so they should be able to break the century mark for only the second time in their past eight games.
Contain David Lee
Some say it's D'Antoni's system that made David Lee a first-time All-Star this season, but no matter how you look at it, this kid is putting up monster numbers, to the tune of 20.1 PPG, 11.5 RPG and 3.5 APG. He ranks fourth in the league in total rebounds (630), fourth in double-doubles (35) and seventh in field goals made (467).
Up until last night's dud performance by the Knicks, Lee had notched at least 20 points and eight rebounds in seven straight games, six of which were double-doubles. He is relentless on the glass, has added the mid-range jumper to his repertoire and has become an elite free throw shooter for his position.
Shutting Lee down, especially in this system, is nearly impossible, so Kendrick Perkins' job will be to simply contain Lee. Perk will need to limit Lee's hustle rebounds and also take away passing lanes. Lee's improved passing has helped him become somewhat of a point-forward in the Knicks' offense at times, so if Perk can take away his passing abilities it will pay big dividends for Boston's defense overall.
Lastly, Perk will have a clear size advantage offensively, so the C's are sure to get him the ball in the post. He leads the league in field goal percentage, and that's mostly due to his ability to get shots off within five feet of the bucket. He will need to bang with Lee on the block tonight and do his best to get off more shots like that, all while wearing the Knicks' center out physically.
Attack the Knicks' defense
New York has great length from point guard to power forward, but that's about all those players offer defensively. Wilson Chandler is by far the best defender of the Knicks' starters, and even he is not considered great at that end of the floor.
As a result, Boston will have the opportunity to attack the Knicks in many ways. Asserting players like Perkins, Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace on the block will certainly be a priority considering Boston's size advantage on the frontline. But while success around the paint will be expected, attacking off the dribble and excellent movement away from the ball should be, too.
If the C's work hard at the offensive end, they should get plenty of easy looks from all over the floor. Expect a big night from the C's offensively, because the Knicks just don't match up very well with them at that end of the court.
How will Robinson adjust?
As stated, this will be Robinson's first game in Celtics green, against the only team for which he's ever played an NBA game. He has never had to adjust to being traded, and he couldn't be coming into a system that's any farther from that of which he came.
D'Antoni's offense is free-flowing, has barely any constraints and allows its guards and perimeter players to dominate the game and play at a pace that's higher than nearly every other team's in the league.
Here in Boston, it's almost the exact opposite. Doc Rivers' offense is structured, with well-crafted plays that are based on discipline and execution. Boston's offense is also one of the slowest in the league, as the C's take the fewest field goal attempts per game of any team in the NBA.
So Robinson will not only have to adjust to a new city, lifestyle and teammates, he'll have to change the way he thinks and reacts on the floor. This will be his first game with the C's, so expect him to be a bit rusty in the new situation, but he's an intelligent player, so he should be able to handle it well.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Latin Academy wins third straight City championship
By Peter Martin, Globe Correspondent | February 19, 2010
Latin Academy won its third consecutive Boston City Championship yesterday 5-0 over East Boston at Matthews Arena at Northeastern University.
The Dragons overcame a lackluster first period effort by turning on the style in the final two frames and taking advantage of a series of Eastie penalties.
''We came out flat,'' Latin Academy coach Rob McCormick said. ''We had a good talk in the locker room after the first and really got the troops going.''
Those troops were led by sophomore Brendon Kerrigan who had two goals and two assists in the game. His efforts were rewarded with the game's Most Valuable Player award.
His linemate and fellow sophomore Kevin Moran chipped in two goals and an assist as well.
''Those guys are leaders for us,'' McCormick said. ''They are really coming into their own this year, we kept that line together to try to get them to build some chemistry and it really worked.''
The Dragons finally got their offense clicking late in the first despite peppering Logan Coughlin for the entire period. Kerrigan drew first blood with a wrist shot thanks to a feed from Moran at the 12:41 mark on the team's ninth shot of the period.
Latin Academy added another goal in the second period, this time from Moran. The sophomore was able to bury the puck in an open net after a pretty series of passes in the offensive zone from Kerrigan and linemate, Michael Clough.
''The guys on the team really wanted to do this for themselves,'' said McCormick. ''They knew that the winner here gets to the state tournament and they were really motivated.''
That motivation showed and the flood gates opened in the final frame when Latin Academy scored three more times. First, Kerrigan scored his second unassisted after a pretty individual move and then Moran grabbed his second, with a helper from Kerrigan.
Latin's final tally came from a freshman, Paul O'Keefe. His goal was icing on the cake coming with less than a minute to play.
The Dragons now return the the Division 3 North sectional tournament for the fourth straight year where they will look improve over last year's one-and-done performance against Tyngsboro.
Latin Academy won its third consecutive Boston City Championship yesterday 5-0 over East Boston at Matthews Arena at Northeastern University.
The Dragons overcame a lackluster first period effort by turning on the style in the final two frames and taking advantage of a series of Eastie penalties.
''We came out flat,'' Latin Academy coach Rob McCormick said. ''We had a good talk in the locker room after the first and really got the troops going.''
Those troops were led by sophomore Brendon Kerrigan who had two goals and two assists in the game. His efforts were rewarded with the game's Most Valuable Player award.
His linemate and fellow sophomore Kevin Moran chipped in two goals and an assist as well.
''Those guys are leaders for us,'' McCormick said. ''They are really coming into their own this year, we kept that line together to try to get them to build some chemistry and it really worked.''
The Dragons finally got their offense clicking late in the first despite peppering Logan Coughlin for the entire period. Kerrigan drew first blood with a wrist shot thanks to a feed from Moran at the 12:41 mark on the team's ninth shot of the period.
Latin Academy added another goal in the second period, this time from Moran. The sophomore was able to bury the puck in an open net after a pretty series of passes in the offensive zone from Kerrigan and linemate, Michael Clough.
''The guys on the team really wanted to do this for themselves,'' said McCormick. ''They knew that the winner here gets to the state tournament and they were really motivated.''
That motivation showed and the flood gates opened in the final frame when Latin Academy scored three more times. First, Kerrigan scored his second unassisted after a pretty individual move and then Moran grabbed his second, with a helper from Kerrigan.
Latin's final tally came from a freshman, Paul O'Keefe. His goal was icing on the cake coming with less than a minute to play.
The Dragons now return the the Division 3 North sectional tournament for the fourth straight year where they will look improve over last year's one-and-done performance against Tyngsboro.
Off the streets at last, on a fast break for hope
Mentors and new programs provide support for athletes that had been sorely lacking
By Bob Hohler, Globe Staff | February 21, 2010
As dusk fell one evening last May, Alex DoSouto was walking alone down a grim Dorchester street, headed toward home, which meant headed toward trouble.
Then he heard a sound he knew only too well.
From a passing car, two assailants with semiautomatic weapons opened fire. One round ripped into DoSouto’s leg, marking him as the fourth brother in his family wounded by gunshots - one died of a bullet to the heart - in the ongoing street war among Boston’s most violent Cape Verdean factions.
At 18, DoSouto was a jail veteran and high school dropout running with the so-called Cape Verdean Outlaws. When the bullet struck just above his court-ordered ankle monitor, he slumped to the pavement, steps from where his brother was fatally wounded three years earlier.
“It changed my life,’’ DoSouto said. “I could have been killed. I said, ‘I can’t keep living like this.’ ’’
In crisis, he turned back to the Boston Public Schools. Back to something he loved, interscholastic basketball. Back to the dream he’d abandoned, of college.
As city leaders confront gang violence, a high school dropout rate twice the state average, and the high cost of incarcerating youths rather than educating them, DoSouto embodies the spirit of a collaboration among the schools, youth-oriented nonprofits, and the new Boston Scholar Athlete program aimed at providing student-athletes, even last-chance students like DoSouto, the resources to succeed.
Five months removed from a jail cell, DoSouto enrolled last fall for his senior year at English High School, the bullet scar on his leg still fresh. School officials say he is on pace to graduate in June, with a chance to land a college basketball scholarship.
“Whatever happened in his life, Alex is filled with buoyancy,’’ English headmaster Sito Narcisse said. “We’re very excited about his prospects.’’
Community leaders hope DoSouto serves as an example of how education and sports can help divert at-risk youths from the streets. He is one of many student-athletes in Boston schools who have been perpetrators or victims of violent crimes.
“Not too long ago, Alex couldn’t picture any of this,’’ said Anthony Robinson, a street worker who helped DoSouto return to school and stick with it. “He was hanging in the streets, causing trouble, and trying to protect himself from the elements. Now he can see prosperity happening in his life.’’
DoSouto’s greatest supporters include two ex-convicts - older brothers Milton DoSouto and Mike Fernandes - who bear scars from a 15-year feud among Cape Verdean crews in Roxbury and Dorchester. Milton DoSouto, 28, who walks with a cane after suffering 11 gunshot wounds in two separate ambushes, and Fernandes, 26, who took a bullet to his leg, said Alex has a chance to reshape their family’s legacy.
The older brothers first landed behind bars as adolescents - Fernandes as a seventh-grader - and neither finished high school. Their criminal histories, including convictions for assaulting police officers, date to the 1990s.
“We don’t want Alex to follow in our footsteps,’’ said Fernandes, who was identified by the Boston Police in 2003 as one of the “impact players’’ in the Cape Verdean gang culture.
“Milton and I didn’t have an older brother to give us good advice,’’ Fernandes said. “We’re trying to teach him the opposite of the way we grew up.’’
Swept up in a deadly cycle of violence, the older brothers said they have buried at least one young relative or friend every year since the ’90s. Fernandes took issue, however, with law enforcement’s characterization of the family-affiliated Outlaws as a gang. He is one of 10 children raised by Alfredo DoSouto and Luisa Fernandes on Hamilton Street in Dorchester.
“One thing people fail to realize is that we are all blood family, blood brothers, and cousins,’’ Fernandes said. “You will never find someone in our group who is outside the family. If they want to blame us for protecting each other and fighting for each other, I don’t know what to call it.’’
Fernandes, who runs a memorabilia business, and his brother, Milton, a barber, indicated they are transitioning out of the street life, a difficult challenge given their deep-rooted conflicts with rival factions.
The two older brothers have attended nearly all of DoSouto’s basketball games since he gave up the streets for school. So has another brother, Steve DoSouto, 25, who is waging a personal campaign against the mayhem in their neighborhood near Bowdoin Street and Geneva Avenue.
Last November, Steve and Alex DoSouto arrived for a night basketball game at the Marshall Elementary School just as a gunman opened fire in the gym and shot one of their friends. The 22-year-old victim, whom police have not identified, fled to his nearby home, where the DoSoutos found him lying on the floor, bleeding from both hands.
Alex, who recently testified before a grand jury about the incident, said he used his shirt to bandage the victim, then rushed upstairs to inform the victim’s mother.
For Steve DoSouto, the attack became a tipping point, one senseless casualty too many.
“I decided to see what I could do to stop the violence,’’ he said.
He launched the Boston Peace Basketball League at the Marshall School. With grants from the Boston Foundation’s StreetSafe program and Robinson’s nonprofit Youth in Crisis Inc., the league provides a free alternative to the streets for dozens of at-risk youths. The Boston Police support the program by staffing the games with two officers to provide security.
“I was afraid kids would stop coming to the gym because they were scared,’’ Steve said. “I didn’t want them to think everyone who comes here is carrying a knife or a gun.’’
Alex plays in the league, coached by Milton, who recently made his own attempt to save children from the dangers of the streets. Meeting with students from the Curley K-8 School in Jamaica Plain, where a 13-year-old boy was charged in December with stabbing two other 13-year-olds in the school gym, Milton spoke about the toll of youth violence. “If you want to be out running the streets,’’ he recalled telling the students, “you’re going to end up burying your best friends, your cousins, your brothers.’’
By nearly all accounts, Alex avoided criminal activity until his brother, Luis DoSouto, was shot to death at the age of 25 in front of their home in 2006. Alex, then 16, saw his brother dying in the street.
“My brother’s life came down to a single moment and in that moment I felt a part of me slip away like the smoke that quickly rises and disappears after the flame on a candle has been put out,’’ Alex wrote last fall in his college admissions essay.
Alex, when asked during an interview at the Marshall School to reflect on how his brother’s death affected him, rushed home and returned with his essay, saying it expressed his genuine feelings about his personal history.
He wrote that he became “fearless’’ after his brother’s death, “not caring if I was shot or killed.’’
“He didn’t want to listen to anyone,’’ Steve said. “He went downhill pretty fast and kept getting locked up.’’
In February 2008, Alex was a junior at Dorchester High School and a star on the basketball team when his street life cost him his freedom. Still on probation for a 2007 marijuana offense, he was charged with driving a getaway car while accomplices robbed three individuals at gunpoint in separate assaults in Quincy.
Jailed for violating probation, Alex began a yearlong cycle in which he repeatedly was released from custody, only to land back behind bars on additional charges. In the most serious case, Alex allegedly punched a 46-year-old man in the Back Bay, knocking him to the ground before a gun-wielding accomplice robbed the victim and a companion of their wallets and a shoulder bag.
Alex, who pleaded not guilty to the armed robbery charges in Quincy and Boston, could face prison time or probation if he is convicted. With the cases pending, he declined to discuss his alleged criminal activities, other than to acknowledge, “I got caught up in the street life and went around starting trouble.’’
He wrote in his college essay that he recognized “the poor choices I had made, how far they had taken me from my childhood dream, and how I was responsible for being so far away from all that I was capable of.’’
In all, Alex spent nine months in jail for probation violations and pretrial detention. Then, two weeks after his last jail stint, came the ambush in front of his house that inspired him to step out of the firing line.
“I didn’t want to become another hole in my mother’s heart,’’ he wrote in his college essay.
At Alex’s request, a judge assigned Robinson to help him turn his life around. Robinson, 49, who grew up in the Bromley-Heath projects in Jamaica Plain and played basketball at English, had several counts in his own criminal history and had spent years working with youths across the city. He is known on the streets as “Big Time.’’
“I’ll always have love for him because of what he has done for my little brother,’’ Milton said.
(Robinson also embodies the risks of backsliding into trouble. He was arrested in November on charges of assaulting a police officer after a domestic altercation with his wife, and is awaiting trial.)
At English High, Alex has received intensive individual support, particularly from Rene Patten, the basketball team’s academic coach. Under the Boston Scholar Athlete program, every boys’ and girls’ basketball team has been assigned an academic coach and must participate in mandatory study halls, many staffed by volunteer tutors from area colleges. Mayor Thomas M. Menino launched the program last year after a Globe series detailed pervasive inadequacies in the city’s high school athletic system.
Patten said the extra attention has proven especially helpful for students like Alex.
“We have a lot of at-risk youths who are dealing with similar things,’’ she said. “It’s important they find somebody in the school to work with them because it gets overwhelming dealing with court dates and absences and trying to make up the work.’’
Narcisse, the English headmaster, raised expectations for the school’s student-athletes this year by increasing the minimum grade-point average to play interscholastic sports to 2.0 from the citywide standard of 1.67. Alex has posted a 2.16 GPA, Patten said, and is on track to improve that mark while carrying a full course load, including honors biology. He also is studying for the SATs.
“He’s a really bright student who picks things up quickly,’’ Patten said. “That works in his favor as he closes the gaps in his education.’’
Worried about Alex’s safety, Patten drives him to school every morning. She said he could be in danger riding a school bus, a concern Fernandes shared as he waited to drive Alex home from a basketball game.
“We could walk out the door right now and something could happen,’’ Fernandes said. “And if trouble comes, it won’t be a fistfight because they don’t come to fistfight.’’
Longtime English basketball coach Barry Robinson said Alex shares a characteristic with many street-hardened youths who have passed through his program.
“Does he still have a rough edge?’’ Robinson said. “Yes, he does. But he may need that rough edge to survive.’’
Alex has proven vital to Robinson’s team, emerging as one of the city’s top point guards. Beyond his exceptional court vision, passing ability, and leadership as a team captain, the 6-footer has given the undersize English roster a boost in scoring, logging 30 points against New Bedford, and 20 or more in several other games.
English is 13-7 (10-4 in the Boston City League) and bound for the state tournament. “Thank God for that young man,’’ Robinson said. “I don’t think we would have won too many games without him.’’
Alex has drawn interest from several colleges, including North Carolina A&T, a Division 1 program. His next challenge - while dealing with the court case - may be winning over admissions officers.
“My experiences in life . . . have all come together and taught me how to face adversity,’’ he wrote in his college essay. “This has not only made me a better person but has prepared me to face the challenges of my future as a man and college student.’’
A community is counting on him.
“I know he’s going to college,’’ Fernandes said. “He’s going to let a lot of people down if he doesn’t.’’
Bob Hohler can be reached at hohler@globe.com.
Lynn English’s Buzzy Barton penalized
Can’t coach in tourney
By Dan Ventura | Saturday, February 20, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
The Lynn English boys basketball team will get a chance to defend its sectional and Eastern Mass. titles.
The Bulldogs just won’t do it with their head coach, Buzzy Barton.
After listening to testimony Feb. 12 from East Boston headmaster Mike Rubin regarding Lynn English’s recruitment of former Jet Cory McMillan, a hearing board consisting of seven members from districts A and B agreed unanimously that Rule 44 of the MIAA Rulebook had been violated.
The biggest victim was Barton. As part of the punishment, Barton is ineligible to coach in the upcoming state tournament and must sit out either 10 games or 50 percent of next season’s schedule, whichever is greater. Barton can run practices, but must attend an MIAA coaches program before returning.
“This is unbelievable,” Barton said. “I think the punishment is unacceptable. I’m clearly not happy with this. It’s very unfair.”
Lynn English athletic director Gary Molea was surprised with the severity of the punishment. While he expected some sanctions against his staff, Molea thought it was an extremely stiff sentence.
“We were prepared for some things, but not this,” Molea said. “I have spoken to my principal (Andy Fila) and we are planning to appeal the punishment. I can see doing something about this year, but punishing Buzzy into next year is a little too much in my opinion.”
The committee also voted 7-0 on the additional punishments: 1) assistant coach Simmie Anderson, whom Rubin figured as the chief recruiter, is ineligible until further notice from coaching any MIAA inter-scholastic sport team; 2) Lynn English principal (Fila) will be sent a letter of reprimand citing his culpability in the recruitment of a student; and 3) a letter will be sent to Molea instructing him to work with the Superintendent of Schools (Catherine Latham) to establish clear guidelines in regards to residency and the transfer of students in and out of Lynn schools.
Fila is in Florida and was unavailable for comment.
There had been some talk that the team, which is 19-1 and seeded second in the upcoming Division 1 North state tournament, could face penalties. But committee members were swayed by Rubin’s comments at the meeting, insisting the players shouldn’t be punished for actions of the administration.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1234191
By Dan Ventura | Saturday, February 20, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
The Lynn English boys basketball team will get a chance to defend its sectional and Eastern Mass. titles.
The Bulldogs just won’t do it with their head coach, Buzzy Barton.
After listening to testimony Feb. 12 from East Boston headmaster Mike Rubin regarding Lynn English’s recruitment of former Jet Cory McMillan, a hearing board consisting of seven members from districts A and B agreed unanimously that Rule 44 of the MIAA Rulebook had been violated.
The biggest victim was Barton. As part of the punishment, Barton is ineligible to coach in the upcoming state tournament and must sit out either 10 games or 50 percent of next season’s schedule, whichever is greater. Barton can run practices, but must attend an MIAA coaches program before returning.
“This is unbelievable,” Barton said. “I think the punishment is unacceptable. I’m clearly not happy with this. It’s very unfair.”
Lynn English athletic director Gary Molea was surprised with the severity of the punishment. While he expected some sanctions against his staff, Molea thought it was an extremely stiff sentence.
“We were prepared for some things, but not this,” Molea said. “I have spoken to my principal (Andy Fila) and we are planning to appeal the punishment. I can see doing something about this year, but punishing Buzzy into next year is a little too much in my opinion.”
The committee also voted 7-0 on the additional punishments: 1) assistant coach Simmie Anderson, whom Rubin figured as the chief recruiter, is ineligible until further notice from coaching any MIAA inter-scholastic sport team; 2) Lynn English principal (Fila) will be sent a letter of reprimand citing his culpability in the recruitment of a student; and 3) a letter will be sent to Molea instructing him to work with the Superintendent of Schools (Catherine Latham) to establish clear guidelines in regards to residency and the transfer of students in and out of Lynn schools.
Fila is in Florida and was unavailable for comment.
There had been some talk that the team, which is 19-1 and seeded second in the upcoming Division 1 North state tournament, could face penalties. But committee members were swayed by Rubin’s comments at the meeting, insisting the players shouldn’t be punished for actions of the administration.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1234191
Cardinals rely on dazzling duo
By Bruce Lerch / City Boys Hoops | Saturday, February 20, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
The moment Madison Park point guard Spencer Braithwaite was able to establish the two-man, high-low game with center David Campbell was the moment that spelled doom for New Mission.
Campbell scored 17 of his game-high 25 points in the second half and the top-ranked Cardinals captured their second consecutive Boston City championship by defeating the Titans, 66-59, in front of a packed house at Madison Park High.
“The game plan was to get it inside to the horse, to the man,” MP coach Dennis Wilson said of Campbell. “There’s no big man that can stop him. He’s so athletic, he can shoot, he can take you off the dribble and he can post you up. The game plan was (to) take it inside, two-man basketball, and they made it work.”
New Mission (19-2) led 37-36 midway through the third quarter before Braithwaite started connecting with Campbell. Four straight times he put the ball in his big man’s hands, and Campbell’s array of post moves proved unstoppable. Braithwaite kept one for himself, draining a 3-pointer with 17 seconds left in the third quarter to cap a 11-0 run that gave MP a 47-37 lead.
“Spencer and I have been playing together for four years now and we really know each other’s games inside and out,” Campbell said. “He was able to get me the ball in space and I went strong to the hoop.”
Despite dominating the action, the Cardinals still couldn’t put the Titans away, and Osmel Odena (17 points), the man responsible for New Mission being in the finals, drained a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to five (58-53) with 2:53 to go.
New Mission kept fighting, closing to within three points after a two-handed dunk by Kachi Nzerem made the score 62-59 with 47 seconds to play. However, with the Titans looking to make it a one-point game, Jamal McCollum came down with the biggest rebound of the game and fired an outlet pass to Braithwaite, who then hit Campbell in stride for an easy layup, and the final dagger was inserted.
“We came out in the second half and went inside to DC a couple of times and he was hot,” said Braithwaite, who dished out 11 assists. “We knew we had to ride him from there, so we kept looking down low.”
The other key was Madison Park’s defense and rebounding. Campbell (12 rebounds) and Khayree Hudson (15 boards) dominated the glass, while Braithwaite (15 points, five steals) and Kevin Stokes (six steals) were responsible for harassing the New Mission guards.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1234188
The moment Madison Park point guard Spencer Braithwaite was able to establish the two-man, high-low game with center David Campbell was the moment that spelled doom for New Mission.
Campbell scored 17 of his game-high 25 points in the second half and the top-ranked Cardinals captured their second consecutive Boston City championship by defeating the Titans, 66-59, in front of a packed house at Madison Park High.
“The game plan was to get it inside to the horse, to the man,” MP coach Dennis Wilson said of Campbell. “There’s no big man that can stop him. He’s so athletic, he can shoot, he can take you off the dribble and he can post you up. The game plan was (to) take it inside, two-man basketball, and they made it work.”
New Mission (19-2) led 37-36 midway through the third quarter before Braithwaite started connecting with Campbell. Four straight times he put the ball in his big man’s hands, and Campbell’s array of post moves proved unstoppable. Braithwaite kept one for himself, draining a 3-pointer with 17 seconds left in the third quarter to cap a 11-0 run that gave MP a 47-37 lead.
“Spencer and I have been playing together for four years now and we really know each other’s games inside and out,” Campbell said. “He was able to get me the ball in space and I went strong to the hoop.”
Despite dominating the action, the Cardinals still couldn’t put the Titans away, and Osmel Odena (17 points), the man responsible for New Mission being in the finals, drained a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to five (58-53) with 2:53 to go.
New Mission kept fighting, closing to within three points after a two-handed dunk by Kachi Nzerem made the score 62-59 with 47 seconds to play. However, with the Titans looking to make it a one-point game, Jamal McCollum came down with the biggest rebound of the game and fired an outlet pass to Braithwaite, who then hit Campbell in stride for an easy layup, and the final dagger was inserted.
“We came out in the second half and went inside to DC a couple of times and he was hot,” said Braithwaite, who dished out 11 assists. “We knew we had to ride him from there, so we kept looking down low.”
The other key was Madison Park’s defense and rebounding. Campbell (12 rebounds) and Khayree Hudson (15 boards) dominated the glass, while Braithwaite (15 points, five steals) and Kevin Stokes (six steals) were responsible for harassing the New Mission guards.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1234188
Mission: Accomplished
Niesha Kelley’s big effort helps Titans land title
By Brian Fabry / City Girls Hoops | Saturday, February 20, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Senior guard Niesha Kelley nearly recorded a triple-double, and New Mission captured its second consecutive Boston City League title with a 59-32 rout of Burke yesterday.
The win was the Titans’ third this season against the Bulldogs, whose longtime coach, John Rice, lost a City League playoff game for the first time in 28 tries.
“Wow - to play against a coach of John’s caliber, you are playing history, so I was nervous but honored,” New Mission coach Greg Berry said. “We have a young team with only one senior, but I may cry in Niesha’s last game.”
Kelley collected 29 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
The entire Titans defense, meanwhile, neutralized All-Tournament selection Khadijah Ellison (15 points) with a modified 3-2 zone that utilized a two-player trap once the ball passed half court.
New Mission (16-3) held an 11-8 lead after the first quarter before really turning it on in the second. It held Burke (14-5) to just two points in the period as it took a commanding 30-10 lead into the break.
“They can’t shut (Ellison) down, she can only stop herself,” Rice said. “We are not talented in all areas, so tip of the hat to New Mission. (It) beat us three times, so the better team won. They are a real classy program, never pressed or ran it up on us, and they should be the favorites to win (the states).”
The second half was much of the same for the Titans.
Donnaizha Fountaine scored the first five points of the third quarter to give New Mission a 25-point lead some six minutes in.
Fountaine finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Edna Cristo-John grabbed a game-high 20 rebounds to go with 10 points.
Overall, New Mission dominated the offensive boards, 28-11.
“We now prepare to get ready, game-by-game . . . conduct practice, and I expect a long tourney run, so it’s going to be fun,” Berry said.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1234184
By Brian Fabry / City Girls Hoops | Saturday, February 20, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Senior guard Niesha Kelley nearly recorded a triple-double, and New Mission captured its second consecutive Boston City League title with a 59-32 rout of Burke yesterday.
The win was the Titans’ third this season against the Bulldogs, whose longtime coach, John Rice, lost a City League playoff game for the first time in 28 tries.
“Wow - to play against a coach of John’s caliber, you are playing history, so I was nervous but honored,” New Mission coach Greg Berry said. “We have a young team with only one senior, but I may cry in Niesha’s last game.”
Kelley collected 29 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
The entire Titans defense, meanwhile, neutralized All-Tournament selection Khadijah Ellison (15 points) with a modified 3-2 zone that utilized a two-player trap once the ball passed half court.
New Mission (16-3) held an 11-8 lead after the first quarter before really turning it on in the second. It held Burke (14-5) to just two points in the period as it took a commanding 30-10 lead into the break.
“They can’t shut (Ellison) down, she can only stop herself,” Rice said. “We are not talented in all areas, so tip of the hat to New Mission. (It) beat us three times, so the better team won. They are a real classy program, never pressed or ran it up on us, and they should be the favorites to win (the states).”
The second half was much of the same for the Titans.
Donnaizha Fountaine scored the first five points of the third quarter to give New Mission a 25-point lead some six minutes in.
Fountaine finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Edna Cristo-John grabbed a game-high 20 rebounds to go with 10 points.
Overall, New Mission dominated the offensive boards, 28-11.
“We now prepare to get ready, game-by-game . . . conduct practice, and I expect a long tourney run, so it’s going to be fun,” Berry said.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1234184
It’s Mission at buzzer
By Dan Ventura / City Playoffs | Friday, February 19, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Photo by Herald file
It wasn’t quite the way New Mission basketball coach Cory McCarthy drew it up, but he wasn’t quarreling about the end result.
Osmel Odena took an inbounds pass, dribbled to the top of the key and banked in a 3-pointer as time expired to give New Mission (19-1) a stunning 68-67 victory over East Boston in a Boston City League semifinal last night at Madison Park. The Titans will take on No. 1 Madison Park, a 70-52 winner over Boston English in the other semifinal.
“I knew it was do or die,” said Odena, who missed the first meeting between the teams because of a family emergency. “As soon as I let it go, I felt pretty confident that it was going in.”
New Mission needed a big defensive stop to keep its flickering hopes alive. The Titans forced a Jets turnover off an inbounds play with four seconds left to gain possession at midcourt.
“Our defense gave us a chance,” said McCarthy. “We kept telling the kids every time their heads were down to keep on fighting, fighting, fighting. I knew they would be rewarded for their hard work.”
East Boston (16-5) appeared primed to take over the game late in the third quarter. The Jets went on an 8-0 run to take a 45-37 lead, as Dimitri Coronel scored seven of his 11 points in the quarter. But as they did in the first half when they erased an early East Boston lead with a 10-0 run, the Titans scratched and clawed their way back into the game.
Johnathan Basile started the run with a 3-point shot, then Charles Gunter (14 points) went to work, converting a layup and a conventional 3-point play to cap an 11-0 run, giving New Mission a 47-45 lead after three.
The Jets regained the lead at 61-60 on a free throw by Elijah Chisholm (14 points, 10 rebounds), then built it up to as many as five. They appeared safe when Jeff Amazan hit two free throws with 47.2 seconds to make it a 66-62 game. But once again, the resilient Titans refused to cave in, getting a free throw from Odena and an offensive rebound bucket by 6-foot-8 Ousmane Drane (12 points, 14 rebounds, 10 blocked shots) to narrow the deficit to 66-65.
“This was nice, but we have another game to play,” said Odena. “I’ll enjoy this one if we win (tonight).”
In the first game, Madison Park (18-1) struggled to get any flow in the first half. The Cardinals trailed for much of the opening 16 minutes, before David Campbell (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Spencer Braithwaite (19 points), five assists) keyed a spurt to give the Cardinals a 33-27 lead at the half.
“Give Boston English credit, they came out here and battled to win a game,” said Madison Park coach Dennis Wilson. “Even when we built up a big lead in the second half, they fought right back to make a game of it.”
The comeback Wilson was referring to came at the start of the fourth quarter. Trailing 51-35 after three quarters, Boston English (13-8) opened the final stanza on a 13-0 run as Jose Figueroa (19 points) knocked down a 3-pointer. But Braithwaite picked up the pace at both ends, causing several turnovers while scoring eight points in the final five minutes.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1233943
Photo by Herald file
It wasn’t quite the way New Mission basketball coach Cory McCarthy drew it up, but he wasn’t quarreling about the end result.
Osmel Odena took an inbounds pass, dribbled to the top of the key and banked in a 3-pointer as time expired to give New Mission (19-1) a stunning 68-67 victory over East Boston in a Boston City League semifinal last night at Madison Park. The Titans will take on No. 1 Madison Park, a 70-52 winner over Boston English in the other semifinal.
“I knew it was do or die,” said Odena, who missed the first meeting between the teams because of a family emergency. “As soon as I let it go, I felt pretty confident that it was going in.”
New Mission needed a big defensive stop to keep its flickering hopes alive. The Titans forced a Jets turnover off an inbounds play with four seconds left to gain possession at midcourt.
“Our defense gave us a chance,” said McCarthy. “We kept telling the kids every time their heads were down to keep on fighting, fighting, fighting. I knew they would be rewarded for their hard work.”
East Boston (16-5) appeared primed to take over the game late in the third quarter. The Jets went on an 8-0 run to take a 45-37 lead, as Dimitri Coronel scored seven of his 11 points in the quarter. But as they did in the first half when they erased an early East Boston lead with a 10-0 run, the Titans scratched and clawed their way back into the game.
Johnathan Basile started the run with a 3-point shot, then Charles Gunter (14 points) went to work, converting a layup and a conventional 3-point play to cap an 11-0 run, giving New Mission a 47-45 lead after three.
The Jets regained the lead at 61-60 on a free throw by Elijah Chisholm (14 points, 10 rebounds), then built it up to as many as five. They appeared safe when Jeff Amazan hit two free throws with 47.2 seconds to make it a 66-62 game. But once again, the resilient Titans refused to cave in, getting a free throw from Odena and an offensive rebound bucket by 6-foot-8 Ousmane Drane (12 points, 14 rebounds, 10 blocked shots) to narrow the deficit to 66-65.
“This was nice, but we have another game to play,” said Odena. “I’ll enjoy this one if we win (tonight).”
In the first game, Madison Park (18-1) struggled to get any flow in the first half. The Cardinals trailed for much of the opening 16 minutes, before David Campbell (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Spencer Braithwaite (19 points), five assists) keyed a spurt to give the Cardinals a 33-27 lead at the half.
“Give Boston English credit, they came out here and battled to win a game,” said Madison Park coach Dennis Wilson. “Even when we built up a big lead in the second half, they fought right back to make a game of it.”
The comeback Wilson was referring to came at the start of the fourth quarter. Trailing 51-35 after three quarters, Boston English (13-8) opened the final stanza on a 13-0 run as Jose Figueroa (19 points) knocked down a 3-pointer. But Braithwaite picked up the pace at both ends, causing several turnovers while scoring eight points in the final five minutes.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1233943
Celtics acquire Nate Robinson, Marcus Landry from Knicks
BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics announced today that the club has acquired guard Nate Robinson and forward Marcus Landry from the New York Knicks in exchange for guards Eddie House, J.R. Giddens and forward Bill Walker.
"Nate is one of the great athletes in the league and he brings a dynamic scorer to our team," said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. "We have been seeking a second ball handler capable of penetrating the defense and we believe that he provides that. We love Nate's ability to pressure the ball defensively and we think he can add to our defense as well as our offense."
Robinson, a 5-foot-9 guard, is currently averaging 13.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. The former Washington Husky is also shooting a career-high 45.2 percent from the field in 30 games this season. Robinson connected for a season-high 41 points against Atlanta on Jan. 1 to go along with six rebounds and eight assists. The product of Seattle is the only three-time Slam Dunk champion in NBA history after winning the 2010 Sprite Slam Dunk competition at All-Star Weekend on Feb. 13. Robinson has netted 20 or more points seven times this season.
Landry, a 6-foot-7 forward, is averaging 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.4 minutes per game this season. The former Wisconsin Badger was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Knicks on Sept. 24, 2009 and posted a season-high eight points against Indiana on January 3. Landry pulled down a season-high four rebounds against Dallas on Jan. 24.
"It is tough to see Eddie go," said Ainge. "He was one of my favorite players to watch and he was a key element in winning the 2008 championship and a tremendous presence in the locker room along with his son Jaelen. J.R. and Billy are two talented young players that haven't had much of an opportunity to play. We thank them for their commitment and wish them well."
House, a 6-foot-1 guard, was averaging 7.2 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 16.9 minutes per game at the time of the trade. House in the Celtics' franchise record holder for three-point field goal percentage in a single season when he shot 44.5 percent from beyond the arc during the 2008-09 season. In his time with the Celtics, the Arizona State alum posted averages of 7.8 points, 1.4 assists and shot 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. House posted a season-high 22 points against Chicago on October 30.
Giddens, a 6-foot-5 guard, appeared in 21 games this season for the Celtics averaging 1.1 points and 1.0 rebound in 4.7 minutes per game. He registered season-highs of six points and seven rebounds against New Jersey on January 13. In four games on assignment for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League this season he averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steal in 31.8 minutes per game. During those four games the former New Mexico Lobo shot 64.4 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from three-point distance.
Walker, a 6-foot-6 forward, appeared in eight games for the Celtics this season averaging 1.0 point in 3.7 minutes per game. The former Kansas State Wildcat was named the 2009 Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation Community All-Star winner for the 2008-09 season for his outstanding work with Boston area charities. Walker appeared in nine games on assignment for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League this season and averaged 17.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
http://www.nba.com/celtics/
"Nate is one of the great athletes in the league and he brings a dynamic scorer to our team," said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. "We have been seeking a second ball handler capable of penetrating the defense and we believe that he provides that. We love Nate's ability to pressure the ball defensively and we think he can add to our defense as well as our offense."
Robinson, a 5-foot-9 guard, is currently averaging 13.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. The former Washington Husky is also shooting a career-high 45.2 percent from the field in 30 games this season. Robinson connected for a season-high 41 points against Atlanta on Jan. 1 to go along with six rebounds and eight assists. The product of Seattle is the only three-time Slam Dunk champion in NBA history after winning the 2010 Sprite Slam Dunk competition at All-Star Weekend on Feb. 13. Robinson has netted 20 or more points seven times this season.
Landry, a 6-foot-7 forward, is averaging 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.4 minutes per game this season. The former Wisconsin Badger was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Knicks on Sept. 24, 2009 and posted a season-high eight points against Indiana on January 3. Landry pulled down a season-high four rebounds against Dallas on Jan. 24.
"It is tough to see Eddie go," said Ainge. "He was one of my favorite players to watch and he was a key element in winning the 2008 championship and a tremendous presence in the locker room along with his son Jaelen. J.R. and Billy are two talented young players that haven't had much of an opportunity to play. We thank them for their commitment and wish them well."
House, a 6-foot-1 guard, was averaging 7.2 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 16.9 minutes per game at the time of the trade. House in the Celtics' franchise record holder for three-point field goal percentage in a single season when he shot 44.5 percent from beyond the arc during the 2008-09 season. In his time with the Celtics, the Arizona State alum posted averages of 7.8 points, 1.4 assists and shot 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. House posted a season-high 22 points against Chicago on October 30.
Giddens, a 6-foot-5 guard, appeared in 21 games this season for the Celtics averaging 1.1 points and 1.0 rebound in 4.7 minutes per game. He registered season-highs of six points and seven rebounds against New Jersey on January 13. In four games on assignment for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League this season he averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steal in 31.8 minutes per game. During those four games the former New Mexico Lobo shot 64.4 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from three-point distance.
Walker, a 6-foot-6 forward, appeared in eight games for the Celtics this season averaging 1.0 point in 3.7 minutes per game. The former Kansas State Wildcat was named the 2009 Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation Community All-Star winner for the 2008-09 season for his outstanding work with Boston area charities. Walker appeared in nine games on assignment for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League this season and averaged 17.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
http://www.nba.com/celtics/
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Burke, New Mission advance to City final
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | February 18, 2010
Falling backward with 2 minutes 20 seconds remaining, Khadijah Ellison pushed the ball off her fingertips and watched it fall through the hoop.
To call her final field goal of the Boston City League semifinals just a 3-pointer is an understatement, as Ellison was standing feet beyond the arc as she released the ball. But the junior guard drilled shots all day, tallying a game-high 35 points to lead Burke to a 66-62 victory over Fenway yesterday at Madison Park High School.
“She came to play,’’ Burke coach John Rice said of Ellison, who finished with five 3-pointers. “She’s tough as nails.’’
Burke (14-4) carried a 3-point lead into halftime, with Ellison and senior guard Kelsea Miles each netting 9 points. But Ellison exploded in the second half, posting 13 points in the third quarter and 11 in the fourth. Junior Frederika Lawson (16 points overall) was the only other player to post points for the Bulldogs after the break.
Sophomore guard Kayla Cox led the Panthers (14-5) with 20 points.
New Mission won the second semifinal, the defending city champion defeating Latin Academy, 52-48.
Nyiesha Kelley led the Titans with a game-high 26 points, while junior guard Robi Cardoso countered with 22 points for the Dragons.
New Mission (15-3) led by 10 points entering the fourth quarter, but Latin Academy (14-7) cut the margin to 5 on a basket by junior guard Davetta Kenner (18 points), setting up a tense final two minutes.
New Mission will face Burke tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Madison Park in the championship game.
Falling backward with 2 minutes 20 seconds remaining, Khadijah Ellison pushed the ball off her fingertips and watched it fall through the hoop.
To call her final field goal of the Boston City League semifinals just a 3-pointer is an understatement, as Ellison was standing feet beyond the arc as she released the ball. But the junior guard drilled shots all day, tallying a game-high 35 points to lead Burke to a 66-62 victory over Fenway yesterday at Madison Park High School.
“She came to play,’’ Burke coach John Rice said of Ellison, who finished with five 3-pointers. “She’s tough as nails.’’
Burke (14-4) carried a 3-point lead into halftime, with Ellison and senior guard Kelsea Miles each netting 9 points. But Ellison exploded in the second half, posting 13 points in the third quarter and 11 in the fourth. Junior Frederika Lawson (16 points overall) was the only other player to post points for the Bulldogs after the break.
Sophomore guard Kayla Cox led the Panthers (14-5) with 20 points.
New Mission won the second semifinal, the defending city champion defeating Latin Academy, 52-48.
Nyiesha Kelley led the Titans with a game-high 26 points, while junior guard Robi Cardoso countered with 22 points for the Dragons.
New Mission (15-3) led by 10 points entering the fourth quarter, but Latin Academy (14-7) cut the margin to 5 on a basket by junior guard Davetta Kenner (18 points), setting up a tense final two minutes.
New Mission will face Burke tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Madison Park in the championship game.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Happy returns for Napier in Lawrence win
By Bruce Lerch | Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com |
City basketball fans were treated to a sight they haven’t seen in a couple of years - Shabazz Napier filling up a scoresheet.
The former Charlestown star now suits up for Lawrence Academy, and Napier put on a big show in his return to Boston. He drained seven 3-pointers and scored 30 points to lead Lawrence Academy to a 78-66 victory against East Boston last night in the final game of the Black History Month Classic at the Reggie Lewis Center.
“It feels real good to be able to perform like this here in the city,” Napier said. “This is where I came from. I went to a prep school to help improve myself in life, but to be able to come back here and help support the city is great. It’s an honor to play here.”
East Boston (16-4) threatened to pull off a major upset thanks to a 9-2 run in the third quarter that shaved the Spartans’ lead down to just five points at 56-51.
Napier helped put an end to that, however, burying back-to-back 3s from well beyond the arc to open the fourth, and Lawrence Academy (22-0) was able to push its lead as high as 15 before the final buzzer.
Denzel Brito scored 15 points for the Spartans, while Sarkie Ampim added 14 points and eight rebounds. Elijah Chisholm led the Jets with 16 points and 10 boards, and Jeff Amazan contributed 15 points.
The opening game of the Classic pitted the Herald’s top-ranked Madison Park against Rivers. After trailing most of the game, the MP Machine cranked up a 15-2 run to open the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 61-55 victory.
Carlin Haymon (17 points), Taariq Allen (16) and Ben Patrick (14) carried Rivers (10-7) most of the way, but the Cardinals (17-1) turned on their vaunted pressure defense, which in turn ignited a balanced offensive attack.
“I have a saying here that pressure creates turnovers and leads to points,” said MP coach Dennis Wilson. “Once we were able to start forcing them to make bad decisions, our offense got a little spark from it.”
David Campbell and Spencer Brathwaite each scored 14 points to pace the Cardinals, and Kevin Stokes had eight of his 10 points in the second half. MP took the lead for good (51-50) following a Rivers turnover that led to a beautiful bounce-pass from Stokes through two defenders to a streaking Campbell for an easy layup.
Boston Trinity scored the first eight points of the game and never looked back, cruising to a 74-62 win against Lawrence. Sophomore Rodell Wigginton was unstoppable for the Lions (20-5), tossing in 26 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Vello Lukic chipped in with 15 points. Jaylen Alicea paced the Lancers (12-8) with 13.
In the only girls game of the day, La Salle (R.I.) got 17 points and 15 rebounds from Liann Raup to slip past New Mission, 58-52. The Titans (15-2) were led by Cherese Miller, who scored 21.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1233174
City basketball fans were treated to a sight they haven’t seen in a couple of years - Shabazz Napier filling up a scoresheet.
The former Charlestown star now suits up for Lawrence Academy, and Napier put on a big show in his return to Boston. He drained seven 3-pointers and scored 30 points to lead Lawrence Academy to a 78-66 victory against East Boston last night in the final game of the Black History Month Classic at the Reggie Lewis Center.
“It feels real good to be able to perform like this here in the city,” Napier said. “This is where I came from. I went to a prep school to help improve myself in life, but to be able to come back here and help support the city is great. It’s an honor to play here.”
East Boston (16-4) threatened to pull off a major upset thanks to a 9-2 run in the third quarter that shaved the Spartans’ lead down to just five points at 56-51.
Napier helped put an end to that, however, burying back-to-back 3s from well beyond the arc to open the fourth, and Lawrence Academy (22-0) was able to push its lead as high as 15 before the final buzzer.
Denzel Brito scored 15 points for the Spartans, while Sarkie Ampim added 14 points and eight rebounds. Elijah Chisholm led the Jets with 16 points and 10 boards, and Jeff Amazan contributed 15 points.
The opening game of the Classic pitted the Herald’s top-ranked Madison Park against Rivers. After trailing most of the game, the MP Machine cranked up a 15-2 run to open the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 61-55 victory.
Carlin Haymon (17 points), Taariq Allen (16) and Ben Patrick (14) carried Rivers (10-7) most of the way, but the Cardinals (17-1) turned on their vaunted pressure defense, which in turn ignited a balanced offensive attack.
“I have a saying here that pressure creates turnovers and leads to points,” said MP coach Dennis Wilson. “Once we were able to start forcing them to make bad decisions, our offense got a little spark from it.”
David Campbell and Spencer Brathwaite each scored 14 points to pace the Cardinals, and Kevin Stokes had eight of his 10 points in the second half. MP took the lead for good (51-50) following a Rivers turnover that led to a beautiful bounce-pass from Stokes through two defenders to a streaking Campbell for an easy layup.
Boston Trinity scored the first eight points of the game and never looked back, cruising to a 74-62 win against Lawrence. Sophomore Rodell Wigginton was unstoppable for the Lions (20-5), tossing in 26 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Vello Lukic chipped in with 15 points. Jaylen Alicea paced the Lancers (12-8) with 13.
In the only girls game of the day, La Salle (R.I.) got 17 points and 15 rebounds from Liann Raup to slip past New Mission, 58-52. The Titans (15-2) were led by Cherese Miller, who scored 21.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1233174
Napier delivers a Classic performance
By Brendan Hall and Peter Martin, Globe Correspondents | February 16, 2010
Shabazz Napier made his return home count.
The Lawrence Academy junior point guard played up to the packed house at the Reggie Lewis Center yesterday, which featured many of his former Charlestown High teammates, by swinging momentum at the start of the fourth quarter in the final basketball game of the Black History Month Classic. He nailed back-to-back 3-pointers - his sixth and seventh of the night to lift the Spartans over East Boston, 78-66.
“It’s an honor to come back to the city again,’’ said Napier, who ended up with 30 points. “You want to put on a show for the spectators, let them know you still got it.’’
Eastie’s rival, Madison Park, avoided an upset in the first game, storming back with a 15-2 run to start the fourth quarter to beat Rivers, 61-55. Boston Trinity then beat Lawrence High, 74-64, behind a strong showing from sophomore Roddell Wigginton (26 points, 9 rebounds). In the lone girls’ matchup, La Salle Academy (R.I.) held off a late New Mission rally to win, 58-52.
Globe link: http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/basketball/articles/2010/02/16/napier_delivers_a_classic_performance/
Shabazz Napier made his return home count.
The Lawrence Academy junior point guard played up to the packed house at the Reggie Lewis Center yesterday, which featured many of his former Charlestown High teammates, by swinging momentum at the start of the fourth quarter in the final basketball game of the Black History Month Classic. He nailed back-to-back 3-pointers - his sixth and seventh of the night to lift the Spartans over East Boston, 78-66.
“It’s an honor to come back to the city again,’’ said Napier, who ended up with 30 points. “You want to put on a show for the spectators, let them know you still got it.’’
Eastie’s rival, Madison Park, avoided an upset in the first game, storming back with a 15-2 run to start the fourth quarter to beat Rivers, 61-55. Boston Trinity then beat Lawrence High, 74-64, behind a strong showing from sophomore Roddell Wigginton (26 points, 9 rebounds). In the lone girls’ matchup, La Salle Academy (R.I.) held off a late New Mission rally to win, 58-52.
Globe link: http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/basketball/articles/2010/02/16/napier_delivers_a_classic_performance/
Monday, February 15, 2010
Titans on a mission in City League showdown
By Evan MacDonald, Globe Correspondent | February 15, 2010
On Thursday, the Boston City League semifinals will be held at Madison Park High School. Defending champion Madison Park faces Boston English at 4 p.m., followed by East Boston and New Mission at 5:30 p.m. The final is Friday at 6:30 p.m. A look at the semifinal matchups:
Madison Park (16-1) vs. Boston English (13-7)
The defending champion Cardinals will enter the tournament with virtually the same roster that helped them win the title last season.
Center David Campbell and guard Spencer Brathwaite are the team’s top scoring options, but the rest of the roster, with nine seniors, is deep and talented. Coach Dennis Wilson said forward Jamill Moquete has been a difference maker this season with his scoring and defense.
Jamal McCollum, Andre Mascoll, Jonathan Jean-Louis, and junior Khayree Hudson also provide size and athleticism in the front court. Senior guards Kevin Stokes and Tyler Pettus team with Brathwaite in the Cardinals’ fleet backcourt.
Wilson said he’s particularly enjoyed coaching these players, many of whom have been with him for three or four seasons. He said ending with another league championship would be a great way to head into the state tournament.
“[My players are] truly blessed with their attitude, and outlook; they stay hungry and focused,’’ Wilson said. “That’s our mantra, so to speak. We’re hungry for the next achievement, and focused on where we want to go, and that’s to defend our city crown.’’
Boston English, on the other hand, is a young team that has taken its lumps at times this season, including two losses to New Mission. The Blue and Blue came into the season with an entirely new roster than the one that qualified for last year’s city playoffs; coach Barry Robinson said none of the players were even in the program last season.
Still, English won some tough road games against Division 1 teams like New Bedford and Durfee in qualifying for the city playoffs. Seniors Antonio Jones, Alex DoSouto, and Jose Figueroa, and sophomore Shane Brown-Davis have been some of English’s key players, Robinson said.
For the Blue and Blue to take down the Cardinals, Robinson said his team will need to be efficient on offense and take what the defense gives them.
“We’ll need to cut down on turnovers against a veteran team like that,’’ he said. “But we’ll give them a game.’’
New Mission (17-1) vs. East Boston (15-3)
The Jets took a 68-66 decision when the teams met Jan. 24, but New Mission was without senior point guard Osmel Odena during that game. Titans coach Cory McCarthy said the key to this rematch could be which team is able to make the right adjustments.
The Titans like to pound the ball inside and play pressure defense. Odena directs the offense, while juniors Samir McDaniels, Charles Gunter, and Kachi Nzerem provide much of the scoring. Senior Ousmane Drame, at 6 feet 8 inches, anchors the team’s half-court pressure defense.
Senior Taj Banks, juniors Darius Davis, Jonathan Basile, and James Morgan Thames and freshman Nathaniel Anderson give the Titans depth, allowing the team to play an up-tempo style.
McCarthy said he thinks his team may have a psychological advantage entering the tournament because New Mission, the smallest school in the league, is playing for respect. While the other three teams qualified for the city playoffs last season, the Titans are new to the tournament.
“Madison, Boston English, and East Boston, they’re established,’’ he said. “Our kids are playing for a lot more than any other teams are, and hopefully that’ll make them hungrier.’’
East Boston, meanwhile, likes to push the tempo. A young, athletic roster has helped the Jets stay in the race for the league title.
Dimitry Coronel, Jeff Amazan, John Flakes, and Kevin Orenella comprise an athletic frontcourt, while guards Tweet Wynn, Walter Lewis, and Dion Ruff help the Jets push the ball in transition.
The Jets started 10-0 before losing three of four. But East Boston has recovered and enters the week on a four-game winning streak.
Tournament talk
The Third Annual Basketball X-Perts Black History Month Classic will be held today at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Boston. Madison Park and Rivers will play at noon, followed by Boston Trinity and Lawrence at 1:45 p.m. The New Mission girls will play against La Salle Academy at 3 p.m., and East Boston will close out the event against Lawrence Academy at 4:15 p.m.
The MIAA state tournament seeds will be announced this week. North, South, and Central pairings will be announced Friday, with the West pairings following Saturday.
Games of the week:
Monday: No. 10 Cambridge (14-3) at No. 3 Brockton (16-2), 7 p.m. - Both traditional powers are playing their best basketball late in the season, and this matchup will provide each with a solid tune-up entering the postseason.
Tuesday: Hamilton-Wenham (15-2) at No. 11 North Andover (17-2), 7 p.m. - The Generals, the Cape Ann Small champions, will try to prevent Large champs North Andover from finishing a perfect league season.
Wednesday: No. 5 St. John’s Prep (17-1) at No. 1 Central Catholic (18-1), 7 p.m. - This game could determine the top seed in the Division 1 North tournament, and may well be a preview of the North final at TD Garden March 5.
On Thursday, the Boston City League semifinals will be held at Madison Park High School. Defending champion Madison Park faces Boston English at 4 p.m., followed by East Boston and New Mission at 5:30 p.m. The final is Friday at 6:30 p.m. A look at the semifinal matchups:
Madison Park (16-1) vs. Boston English (13-7)
The defending champion Cardinals will enter the tournament with virtually the same roster that helped them win the title last season.
Center David Campbell and guard Spencer Brathwaite are the team’s top scoring options, but the rest of the roster, with nine seniors, is deep and talented. Coach Dennis Wilson said forward Jamill Moquete has been a difference maker this season with his scoring and defense.
Jamal McCollum, Andre Mascoll, Jonathan Jean-Louis, and junior Khayree Hudson also provide size and athleticism in the front court. Senior guards Kevin Stokes and Tyler Pettus team with Brathwaite in the Cardinals’ fleet backcourt.
Wilson said he’s particularly enjoyed coaching these players, many of whom have been with him for three or four seasons. He said ending with another league championship would be a great way to head into the state tournament.
“[My players are] truly blessed with their attitude, and outlook; they stay hungry and focused,’’ Wilson said. “That’s our mantra, so to speak. We’re hungry for the next achievement, and focused on where we want to go, and that’s to defend our city crown.’’
Boston English, on the other hand, is a young team that has taken its lumps at times this season, including two losses to New Mission. The Blue and Blue came into the season with an entirely new roster than the one that qualified for last year’s city playoffs; coach Barry Robinson said none of the players were even in the program last season.
Still, English won some tough road games against Division 1 teams like New Bedford and Durfee in qualifying for the city playoffs. Seniors Antonio Jones, Alex DoSouto, and Jose Figueroa, and sophomore Shane Brown-Davis have been some of English’s key players, Robinson said.
For the Blue and Blue to take down the Cardinals, Robinson said his team will need to be efficient on offense and take what the defense gives them.
“We’ll need to cut down on turnovers against a veteran team like that,’’ he said. “But we’ll give them a game.’’
New Mission (17-1) vs. East Boston (15-3)
The Jets took a 68-66 decision when the teams met Jan. 24, but New Mission was without senior point guard Osmel Odena during that game. Titans coach Cory McCarthy said the key to this rematch could be which team is able to make the right adjustments.
The Titans like to pound the ball inside and play pressure defense. Odena directs the offense, while juniors Samir McDaniels, Charles Gunter, and Kachi Nzerem provide much of the scoring. Senior Ousmane Drame, at 6 feet 8 inches, anchors the team’s half-court pressure defense.
Senior Taj Banks, juniors Darius Davis, Jonathan Basile, and James Morgan Thames and freshman Nathaniel Anderson give the Titans depth, allowing the team to play an up-tempo style.
McCarthy said he thinks his team may have a psychological advantage entering the tournament because New Mission, the smallest school in the league, is playing for respect. While the other three teams qualified for the city playoffs last season, the Titans are new to the tournament.
“Madison, Boston English, and East Boston, they’re established,’’ he said. “Our kids are playing for a lot more than any other teams are, and hopefully that’ll make them hungrier.’’
East Boston, meanwhile, likes to push the tempo. A young, athletic roster has helped the Jets stay in the race for the league title.
Dimitry Coronel, Jeff Amazan, John Flakes, and Kevin Orenella comprise an athletic frontcourt, while guards Tweet Wynn, Walter Lewis, and Dion Ruff help the Jets push the ball in transition.
The Jets started 10-0 before losing three of four. But East Boston has recovered and enters the week on a four-game winning streak.
Tournament talk
The Third Annual Basketball X-Perts Black History Month Classic will be held today at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Boston. Madison Park and Rivers will play at noon, followed by Boston Trinity and Lawrence at 1:45 p.m. The New Mission girls will play against La Salle Academy at 3 p.m., and East Boston will close out the event against Lawrence Academy at 4:15 p.m.
The MIAA state tournament seeds will be announced this week. North, South, and Central pairings will be announced Friday, with the West pairings following Saturday.
Games of the week:
Monday: No. 10 Cambridge (14-3) at No. 3 Brockton (16-2), 7 p.m. - Both traditional powers are playing their best basketball late in the season, and this matchup will provide each with a solid tune-up entering the postseason.
Tuesday: Hamilton-Wenham (15-2) at No. 11 North Andover (17-2), 7 p.m. - The Generals, the Cape Ann Small champions, will try to prevent Large champs North Andover from finishing a perfect league season.
Wednesday: No. 5 St. John’s Prep (17-1) at No. 1 Central Catholic (18-1), 7 p.m. - This game could determine the top seed in the Division 1 North tournament, and may well be a preview of the North final at TD Garden March 5.
For New Mission, a new mission
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | February 15, 2010
New Mission earned its first Boston City League championship title last year, defeating Brighton, 47-43, behind a 20-point performance by Bianca Flores.
The Titans return this season, having earned the No. 1 seed in the South but won’t have Flores or her 3-point shooting ability to rely on this week. In Wednesday’s semifinals at Madison Park High, Fenway takes on Burke in the opener at 4 p.m. and New Mission takes on Latin Academy at 5:30, with the winners meeting in Friday’s final at 5 p.m.
A look at the semifinal matchups:
New Mission (15-1, 13-1) vs. Latin Academy (10-2, 14-4) The Titans starters include sophomores Edna Cristo-Jon and Shacora Williams, freshman power forward Donaziah Fountain, junior small forward Chreese Hall, and their leading scorer Nyiesha Kelley.
Kelley is averaging 17.8 points per game, 9.2 assists, and 6.5 steals. Behind Kelley are Hall (15.5 ppg) and Fountain (14.3 ppg).
Coach Greg Berry called the 5-foot-10-inch Fountain the best eighth-grade basketball player in the city last year. Adding more height is 6-foot freshman Teakeyah White.
Berry said his team is faster and stronger defensively than last year’s league championship squad.
The Dragons, the second seed from the North, start junior Robi Cardoso at point guard, junior Davetta Kenner at guard, senior Tricia Deyoung at small forward, junior Maya Scott at power forward, and senior Kaelyn Sullivan at center. All started last season, with the exception of Kenner, who tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the second game of the season.
Cardoso leads Latin Academy offensively, averaging 23 points and eight assists per game. Scott is the leading rebounder, snagging about eight boards a game. Kenner also contributes about 15 points per game. Cardoso and Kenner are lethal from the 3-point range.
Latin Academy coach Bill Dever said this year’s team boasts a strong bench that goes about nine or 10 players deep. Off the bench are Kelly Sullivan, Delia Schroeder, and 5-11 junior Danielle Lydon.
The fourth-year coach also believes his team’s speed is one of its strengths, although he realizes New Mission is just as quick.
“I would say overall there are a lot of similarities,’’ Dever said. “Both teams don’t have a lot of size and both rely on speed to have success. What [New Mission is] good at is mostly capitalizing on a lot of turnovers.’’
Fenway (14-4, 14-0) vs. Burke (15-3, 11-3) Starting for the Panthers are freshman point guard Tajanay Veiga, sophomore guard Kayla Cox, junior Cleusa Sequeria, junior forward Regina Crawford, and senior center Naamah Brown.
Fenway is led by Veiga, who is the driving force of the young team and is averaging more than 20 points a game.
Coach Steve Drayton believes what sets his team apart from the other three is its experience outside of the city. The Panthers’ four losses were all to non-city teams: Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Lee, and Fontbonne.
“I tried explained it to the girls that the idea is not just to sit in the city, but to see other ball, and see how it’s played outside the city,’’ Drayton said. “Hopefully it has an effect in the city championships. If you look at the city teams, a lot of them go undefeated and go to states and lose in the first round.’’
But the Panthers will face stiff competition in Burke’s junior guard Khadijah Ellison, who is one of the top players in the state.
Burke’s lineup includes junior guard Khadijah Ellison, junior guard Frederika Lawson, senior guard Kelsea Miles, freshman center Cassandra Teneus, and senior guard Deanna Rivera.
Ellison and Lawson are both averaging about 23 points per game, and Burke coach John Rice believes his team has great chemistry and his backcourt could be one of the strongest in the state.
On ESPN’s women’s basketball recruiting website, Ellison is listed as the No. 54 player for the class of 2011. For comparison, Boston College-bound Katie Zenevitch of Central Catholic is listed as No. 63 for this year’s senior class.
But Rice knows a single player can’t carry an entire team.
“Overall our weakness is depth,’’ Rice explained. “We’re only going to have eight players for the cities, and two of those kids are freshman. This is their first time playing, so we don’t have much depth or so much size.’’
Undefeated
With No. 1 New Bedford’s loss last night to Whitman-Hanson, only three unbeaten teams remain: Wellesley (18-0), Pentucket (22-0), and Cohasset (20-0).
Milestones
Asia Ewing (Westford), Erin McNamara (Pentucket), and Tori Faieta (St. Mary’s) all scored their 1,000th career point this week . . . Lauren Battista of Oliver Ames broke the Tigers’ scoring record of 1,500 points during a 24-point performance against Franklin . . . Blue Hills coach Chris Flynn posted his 400th career win in the Warriors’ 62-32 rout of Diman and Ipswich coach Amanda Carter-Zegorowski earned her 100th win Tuesday with a 54-48 victory over Lynnfield.
New Mission earned its first Boston City League championship title last year, defeating Brighton, 47-43, behind a 20-point performance by Bianca Flores.
The Titans return this season, having earned the No. 1 seed in the South but won’t have Flores or her 3-point shooting ability to rely on this week. In Wednesday’s semifinals at Madison Park High, Fenway takes on Burke in the opener at 4 p.m. and New Mission takes on Latin Academy at 5:30, with the winners meeting in Friday’s final at 5 p.m.
A look at the semifinal matchups:
New Mission (15-1, 13-1) vs. Latin Academy (10-2, 14-4) The Titans starters include sophomores Edna Cristo-Jon and Shacora Williams, freshman power forward Donaziah Fountain, junior small forward Chreese Hall, and their leading scorer Nyiesha Kelley.
Kelley is averaging 17.8 points per game, 9.2 assists, and 6.5 steals. Behind Kelley are Hall (15.5 ppg) and Fountain (14.3 ppg).
Coach Greg Berry called the 5-foot-10-inch Fountain the best eighth-grade basketball player in the city last year. Adding more height is 6-foot freshman Teakeyah White.
Berry said his team is faster and stronger defensively than last year’s league championship squad.
The Dragons, the second seed from the North, start junior Robi Cardoso at point guard, junior Davetta Kenner at guard, senior Tricia Deyoung at small forward, junior Maya Scott at power forward, and senior Kaelyn Sullivan at center. All started last season, with the exception of Kenner, who tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the second game of the season.
Cardoso leads Latin Academy offensively, averaging 23 points and eight assists per game. Scott is the leading rebounder, snagging about eight boards a game. Kenner also contributes about 15 points per game. Cardoso and Kenner are lethal from the 3-point range.
Latin Academy coach Bill Dever said this year’s team boasts a strong bench that goes about nine or 10 players deep. Off the bench are Kelly Sullivan, Delia Schroeder, and 5-11 junior Danielle Lydon.
The fourth-year coach also believes his team’s speed is one of its strengths, although he realizes New Mission is just as quick.
“I would say overall there are a lot of similarities,’’ Dever said. “Both teams don’t have a lot of size and both rely on speed to have success. What [New Mission is] good at is mostly capitalizing on a lot of turnovers.’’
Fenway (14-4, 14-0) vs. Burke (15-3, 11-3) Starting for the Panthers are freshman point guard Tajanay Veiga, sophomore guard Kayla Cox, junior Cleusa Sequeria, junior forward Regina Crawford, and senior center Naamah Brown.
Fenway is led by Veiga, who is the driving force of the young team and is averaging more than 20 points a game.
Coach Steve Drayton believes what sets his team apart from the other three is its experience outside of the city. The Panthers’ four losses were all to non-city teams: Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Lee, and Fontbonne.
“I tried explained it to the girls that the idea is not just to sit in the city, but to see other ball, and see how it’s played outside the city,’’ Drayton said. “Hopefully it has an effect in the city championships. If you look at the city teams, a lot of them go undefeated and go to states and lose in the first round.’’
But the Panthers will face stiff competition in Burke’s junior guard Khadijah Ellison, who is one of the top players in the state.
Burke’s lineup includes junior guard Khadijah Ellison, junior guard Frederika Lawson, senior guard Kelsea Miles, freshman center Cassandra Teneus, and senior guard Deanna Rivera.
Ellison and Lawson are both averaging about 23 points per game, and Burke coach John Rice believes his team has great chemistry and his backcourt could be one of the strongest in the state.
On ESPN’s women’s basketball recruiting website, Ellison is listed as the No. 54 player for the class of 2011. For comparison, Boston College-bound Katie Zenevitch of Central Catholic is listed as No. 63 for this year’s senior class.
But Rice knows a single player can’t carry an entire team.
“Overall our weakness is depth,’’ Rice explained. “We’re only going to have eight players for the cities, and two of those kids are freshman. This is their first time playing, so we don’t have much depth or so much size.’’
Undefeated
With No. 1 New Bedford’s loss last night to Whitman-Hanson, only three unbeaten teams remain: Wellesley (18-0), Pentucket (22-0), and Cohasset (20-0).
Milestones
Asia Ewing (Westford), Erin McNamara (Pentucket), and Tori Faieta (St. Mary’s) all scored their 1,000th career point this week . . . Lauren Battista of Oliver Ames broke the Tigers’ scoring record of 1,500 points during a 24-point performance against Franklin . . . Blue Hills coach Chris Flynn posted his 400th career win in the Warriors’ 62-32 rout of Diman and Ipswich coach Amanda Carter-Zegorowski earned her 100th win Tuesday with a 54-48 victory over Lynnfield.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Harris Earns Scholarship
February 8th, 2010
New England Recruiting Report
Massachusetts native and Suffield post-grad recently accepted full ride to NE-10's St. Anselm's.
It is no secret to anyone in New England, that Allen Harris can score. The 6'5" swingman has been doing it for nearly four years at the varsity level. "He is one of the best scorers in New England," says his coach at Suffield Academy, Jeff Depelteau. Depelteau adds, "Allen can hurt you in so many ways. He has almost unlimited range to shoot the ball. Add that to his quick first step, which allows him to take it to the basket, or knock down shots with his patented mid-range game. He can be unguardable on some days."
In short, St. A's is getting a lethal scorer!
When asked why he chose St. Anselm, Harris told NERR, "Coach Moore and Coach Dickson did a great job recruiting me. I also felt very comfortable with the guys on the team, and I think I will fit very well in their four-out motion offense. It's a great school, a great basketball program, and the NE-10 is a great conference."
"I couldn't be happier for Allen. He has come a long way in such a short amount of time. It is no accident he earned a scholarship. He was in the gym at 6 am all fall with fellow post-graduate Nate Vernon, he was in the weight room in the afternoon, and he has been a leader throughout practices all season long," said Coach Depelteau of Harris.
The soft-spoken post-grad has not forgotten who has helped him along the way. "I want to thank Coach Depelteau and Coach Godin at Suffield; Coach Tobin at CM; and Oscar and Mo Vasquez at Metro Boston," adds Harris.
Harris becomes the third Metro Boston product to commit to play scholarship level basketball, joining Troy Robinson (Bryant), and Ike Azotam (Quinnipiac). He is also the second scholarship level player turned out by Suffield Academy in the last two years, joining Anthony Simmons who is currently a starter at Gannon University in Erie, PA.
New England Recruiting Report
Massachusetts native and Suffield post-grad recently accepted full ride to NE-10's St. Anselm's.
It is no secret to anyone in New England, that Allen Harris can score. The 6'5" swingman has been doing it for nearly four years at the varsity level. "He is one of the best scorers in New England," says his coach at Suffield Academy, Jeff Depelteau. Depelteau adds, "Allen can hurt you in so many ways. He has almost unlimited range to shoot the ball. Add that to his quick first step, which allows him to take it to the basket, or knock down shots with his patented mid-range game. He can be unguardable on some days."
In short, St. A's is getting a lethal scorer!
When asked why he chose St. Anselm, Harris told NERR, "Coach Moore and Coach Dickson did a great job recruiting me. I also felt very comfortable with the guys on the team, and I think I will fit very well in their four-out motion offense. It's a great school, a great basketball program, and the NE-10 is a great conference."
"I couldn't be happier for Allen. He has come a long way in such a short amount of time. It is no accident he earned a scholarship. He was in the gym at 6 am all fall with fellow post-graduate Nate Vernon, he was in the weight room in the afternoon, and he has been a leader throughout practices all season long," said Coach Depelteau of Harris.
The soft-spoken post-grad has not forgotten who has helped him along the way. "I want to thank Coach Depelteau and Coach Godin at Suffield; Coach Tobin at CM; and Oscar and Mo Vasquez at Metro Boston," adds Harris.
Harris becomes the third Metro Boston product to commit to play scholarship level basketball, joining Troy Robinson (Bryant), and Ike Azotam (Quinnipiac). He is also the second scholarship level player turned out by Suffield Academy in the last two years, joining Anthony Simmons who is currently a starter at Gannon University in Erie, PA.
Eastie calls foul on Lynn English
Makes recruiting charge
By Dan Ventura | Saturday, February 13, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com |
MALDEN - Mike Rubin isn’t looking to become a modern day vigilante, hell-bent on sucking the life blood out of the Lynn English boys basketball program.
All the East Boston headmaster seeks is fairness and accountability.
At a meeting between the District A and District B committees yesterday at Malden High, Rubin spelled out what he believes were blatant recruiting violations involving Cory McMillan, who transferred from East Boston to Lynn English this season. McMillan, who was denied a waiver, is sitting out the season and will have one year of eligibility remaining.
“All I want is a level playing field, I want the recruiting to stop,” said Rubin. “If we’re going to have championships, I want it to be pure. So, all I want is for everything to be on the up and up.”
According to Rubin, he received information in August that a member of the Lynn English coaching staff (believed to be assistant coach Simmie Anderson) was talking to McMillan, looking to get him to transfer to his school. Later that month, Rubin said he had a conversation with McMillan at which time he explained what Lynn English was doing was wrong and a violation.
Rubin also alleged that Lynn English officials set it up so that McMillan could live with a member of the coaching staff. LE school officials countered by stating McMillan’s father signed over guardianship to William Dutch, who lives in Lynn and helps out with the athletic teams, according to Lynn English athletic director Gary Molea.
“I don’t want to see the kids hurt,” said Rubin, “but the administration and the coaching staff need to be held accountable. In my mind, they need to face some sort of reprimand or sanction.”
When given their time to speak, Lynn English officials immediately let it be known that it took severe actions upon learning of the situation. Joining Molea was vice principal Thomas Strangie, school committee member Thomas Iarrobino and superintendent Catherine Latham. Principal Andy Fila was away and didn’t attend the meeting.
“Everything that took place was Simmie Anderson acting on his own,” said Strangie. “When it was brought to our attention, we took immediate action and suspended him for the rest of the year.”
Latham was next to speak and it was evident she was stung by the recruiting allegations. As Rubin spoke of the volume of transfers suddenly arriving at Lynn English to play basketball, Latham could be seen shaking her head in disgust.
“I’m embarrassed and apologetic,” said Latham. “We don’t tolerate recruiting. It is an unfortunate situation and we are putting new rules in place going forward.”
After the meeting, Molea was looking for some sort of closure.
“We want to get to the bottom of this,” Molea said. “We felt as though we did all the right things. The sad part is that Cory McMillan is missing his whole junior year for one reason or another.”
The standard procedure is for the committee to render its decision, then notify both schools of the verdict. As District B committee chairman Dana Brown of Malden spelled out at the start of the meeting, either side could appeal the decision to the MIAA board of directors.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1232570
By Dan Ventura | Saturday, February 13, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com |
MALDEN - Mike Rubin isn’t looking to become a modern day vigilante, hell-bent on sucking the life blood out of the Lynn English boys basketball program.
All the East Boston headmaster seeks is fairness and accountability.
At a meeting between the District A and District B committees yesterday at Malden High, Rubin spelled out what he believes were blatant recruiting violations involving Cory McMillan, who transferred from East Boston to Lynn English this season. McMillan, who was denied a waiver, is sitting out the season and will have one year of eligibility remaining.
“All I want is a level playing field, I want the recruiting to stop,” said Rubin. “If we’re going to have championships, I want it to be pure. So, all I want is for everything to be on the up and up.”
According to Rubin, he received information in August that a member of the Lynn English coaching staff (believed to be assistant coach Simmie Anderson) was talking to McMillan, looking to get him to transfer to his school. Later that month, Rubin said he had a conversation with McMillan at which time he explained what Lynn English was doing was wrong and a violation.
Rubin also alleged that Lynn English officials set it up so that McMillan could live with a member of the coaching staff. LE school officials countered by stating McMillan’s father signed over guardianship to William Dutch, who lives in Lynn and helps out with the athletic teams, according to Lynn English athletic director Gary Molea.
“I don’t want to see the kids hurt,” said Rubin, “but the administration and the coaching staff need to be held accountable. In my mind, they need to face some sort of reprimand or sanction.”
When given their time to speak, Lynn English officials immediately let it be known that it took severe actions upon learning of the situation. Joining Molea was vice principal Thomas Strangie, school committee member Thomas Iarrobino and superintendent Catherine Latham. Principal Andy Fila was away and didn’t attend the meeting.
“Everything that took place was Simmie Anderson acting on his own,” said Strangie. “When it was brought to our attention, we took immediate action and suspended him for the rest of the year.”
Latham was next to speak and it was evident she was stung by the recruiting allegations. As Rubin spoke of the volume of transfers suddenly arriving at Lynn English to play basketball, Latham could be seen shaking her head in disgust.
“I’m embarrassed and apologetic,” said Latham. “We don’t tolerate recruiting. It is an unfortunate situation and we are putting new rules in place going forward.”
After the meeting, Molea was looking for some sort of closure.
“We want to get to the bottom of this,” Molea said. “We felt as though we did all the right things. The sad part is that Cory McMillan is missing his whole junior year for one reason or another.”
The standard procedure is for the committee to render its decision, then notify both schools of the verdict. As District B committee chairman Dana Brown of Malden spelled out at the start of the meeting, either side could appeal the decision to the MIAA board of directors.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1232570
Madison Park wins 16th from line
By Bruce Lerch | Saturday, February 13, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com |
David Campbell had 23 points and nine rebounds and Spencer Brathwaite also scored 23 as No. 3 Madison Park used a 12-4 run in the fourth quarter to close out Cambridge, 71-63, last night at the Madidome.
Brathwaite was a perfect 6-of-6 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter and was a key cog in the Cardinals high-pressure defense.
“That was the key, making our free throws,” Brathwaite said. “We kept attacking the rim and got to the line, and we knew if we could keep knocking them down, the game would be over.”
It was Senior Night at the Madidome, and the Cardinals senior-laden squad seemed to be battling nerves at the start. Fortunately for them, neither team was able to establish any offensive flow in a first half that saw more than 30 fouls called and the Falcons (14-3) took a 30-28 lead into the break.
Madison Park (16-1) rallied behind the pressure defense it is known for, as Brathwaite, Jamal McCollum and Kevin Stokes led a wave of Cardinal defenders into the Falcons backcourt.
Just when MP appeared to be pulling away, Ahmad Charles (16 points) scored five straight points to pull Cambridge back to within three, and Jason Nunes knocked down a big 3-pointer to knot the game at 57-57 with 4:03 remaining before the Cardinals regained control.
“We’re a pressing team, that’s what we do,” said MP coach Dennis Wilson. “We press, we attack, and pressure creates turnovers. It wears you down and makes you do things you don’t want to do, and you certainly saw that in the fourth quarter.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1232575
David Campbell had 23 points and nine rebounds and Spencer Brathwaite also scored 23 as No. 3 Madison Park used a 12-4 run in the fourth quarter to close out Cambridge, 71-63, last night at the Madidome.
Brathwaite was a perfect 6-of-6 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter and was a key cog in the Cardinals high-pressure defense.
“That was the key, making our free throws,” Brathwaite said. “We kept attacking the rim and got to the line, and we knew if we could keep knocking them down, the game would be over.”
It was Senior Night at the Madidome, and the Cardinals senior-laden squad seemed to be battling nerves at the start. Fortunately for them, neither team was able to establish any offensive flow in a first half that saw more than 30 fouls called and the Falcons (14-3) took a 30-28 lead into the break.
Madison Park (16-1) rallied behind the pressure defense it is known for, as Brathwaite, Jamal McCollum and Kevin Stokes led a wave of Cardinal defenders into the Falcons backcourt.
Just when MP appeared to be pulling away, Ahmad Charles (16 points) scored five straight points to pull Cambridge back to within three, and Jason Nunes knocked down a big 3-pointer to knot the game at 57-57 with 4:03 remaining before the Cardinals regained control.
“We’re a pressing team, that’s what we do,” said MP coach Dennis Wilson. “We press, we attack, and pressure creates turnovers. It wears you down and makes you do things you don’t want to do, and you certainly saw that in the fourth quarter.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1232575
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Coaching Profile: Cory McCarthy of New Mission High School
Cory McCarthy is currently in his seventh season at New Mission High School (five as the girls coach and two as the boys coach). He has guided the Titans to a #4 ranking and a 15-1 record, and the overwhelming favorite in Division 4.
BH: How did you get started in coaching high school basketball?
CM: I got my start coaching CYO, and then moved on to BNBL. I just loved watching the college game so much as a kid that I knew that I’d be involved as a player or a coach.
BH: What is the most enjoyable thing about coaching?
CM: Watching kids develop. Sometimes I look at kids and say “you have no idea how much talent you have” then a year later I recognize how far they have come in terms of fundamentals, basketball language and IQ. Too bad most of the time the kids don’t see their own their development. If you leave it up to them they’ve been that talented since birth. It’s amusing.
BH: What do you consider to be the toughest part about coaching at the high school level?
CM: Teaching our kids to be mentally tough and thick skinned about the game, politics and their surroundings. Because we are a city team, people see our kids as being tough but in reality they are easy to rattle and sometimes let their emotions get the best of them in a competitive setting. Instilling those non tangible values about the game sometimes makes it difficult to be consistent as a coach on this level.
BH: What changes need to be made to high school basketball in Massachusetts to make it better?
CM: Coaches need to coach and be active with their players year round like the other states do. We are sending a message that these kids can only be around someone they look up for only 3 months out of the year. Where are they supposed to go for the other 9 months? We have to be more consistent in their lives and the rules take us in and out of their lives with respect to the game.
BH: Which coaches have influenced your style or philosophy?
CM: Hubie Brown, I have unlimited amounts of notes from his coaching clinics and I am particularly inspired but the job he did at Memphis. It takes a lot to turn a culture around and he used the game to do it. My assistant coach Paul Mahoney has taught me a ton about basketball along with former New Mission coach Darryl Hilliard.
BH: Tell the readers of Beantownhoops.com something that many people don’t know about you.
CM: My commitment to community service is my life’s calling. This year on MLK day the basketball team went to Pine St Inn and cooked and served breakfast for the homeless and I was as proud of my boys as I would if we won the city or state title.
http://beantownhoops.com/13.html
BH: How did you get started in coaching high school basketball?
CM: I got my start coaching CYO, and then moved on to BNBL. I just loved watching the college game so much as a kid that I knew that I’d be involved as a player or a coach.
BH: What is the most enjoyable thing about coaching?
CM: Watching kids develop. Sometimes I look at kids and say “you have no idea how much talent you have” then a year later I recognize how far they have come in terms of fundamentals, basketball language and IQ. Too bad most of the time the kids don’t see their own their development. If you leave it up to them they’ve been that talented since birth. It’s amusing.
BH: What do you consider to be the toughest part about coaching at the high school level?
CM: Teaching our kids to be mentally tough and thick skinned about the game, politics and their surroundings. Because we are a city team, people see our kids as being tough but in reality they are easy to rattle and sometimes let their emotions get the best of them in a competitive setting. Instilling those non tangible values about the game sometimes makes it difficult to be consistent as a coach on this level.
BH: What changes need to be made to high school basketball in Massachusetts to make it better?
CM: Coaches need to coach and be active with their players year round like the other states do. We are sending a message that these kids can only be around someone they look up for only 3 months out of the year. Where are they supposed to go for the other 9 months? We have to be more consistent in their lives and the rules take us in and out of their lives with respect to the game.
BH: Which coaches have influenced your style or philosophy?
CM: Hubie Brown, I have unlimited amounts of notes from his coaching clinics and I am particularly inspired but the job he did at Memphis. It takes a lot to turn a culture around and he used the game to do it. My assistant coach Paul Mahoney has taught me a ton about basketball along with former New Mission coach Darryl Hilliard.
BH: Tell the readers of Beantownhoops.com something that many people don’t know about you.
CM: My commitment to community service is my life’s calling. This year on MLK day the basketball team went to Pine St Inn and cooked and served breakfast for the homeless and I was as proud of my boys as I would if we won the city or state title.
http://beantownhoops.com/13.html
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
English scores in transition
Woumn, transfers lead the way
By Jason Mastrodonato | February 7, 2010
By the time a Lynn English foe takes a shot, watches the ball carom off the rim, and turns to run back and play defense, there’s a good chance Ryan Woumn is already soaring in for a layup.
“Transition baskets - that’s our game,’’ said English head coach Buzzy Barton. “We want to push the basketball, that’s what we do, and right now we’re doing it well.’’
The speedy Woumn has been the go-to man in transition this season; he scored a majority of his 29 points against Beverly by sprinting the other way on a possession change. And he did all of his damage in just three-quarters of play in an 86-56 victory.
“Coach wants us to push it,’’ said the 6-foot-3 senior guard. “Once we trap and get the steals, we just get it and push the ball up.’’
Last year’s MVP of the Northeastern Conference, Woumn is also a nominee to be named to the McDonald’s All-American team later this month.
“I’ve had Ryan since his freshman year,’’ said Barton, who owns a 74-10 record as the varsity head coach. “So I’ve watched him really grow. The bigger the game, the bigger Ryan played. He’s a special kid.’’
The Bulldogs graduated six rotation players from last year’s Division 1 state finalist that lost to St. John’s of Shrewsbury in the championship game. There have been plenty of challenges, but the disappointing ending left Woumn with added incentive.
“It’s definitely a good team,’’ Barton said, comparing this year’s squad with last year’s. “We have a long way to go after last season. We use that as motivation. Last year’s ending put a bad taste in Ryan’s mouth.’’
Building talent and depth around Woumn, English added four transfers in the off-season: 6-foot-5 Jarell Byrd (Lynn Classical), 6-2 Howard Holman (Lynn Tech), 6-6 Jordan Rogers (Brookline), and 6-5 Miguel Martinez-Rodriguez from the Dominican Republic. All are key players for a Bulldog squad that was 14-0 after Tuesday’s win over Beverly.
“Jarell is playing great defense,’’ said Barton. “The kid just has a lot of talent . . . Jordan is starting to really come around and he’s playing really good basketball. Miguel plays hard and does a great job. The [transition] seems to be going well.’’
With a new look to the team, the Bulldogs have made adjustments, using quickness and speed to force turnovers and create easy baskets. English tallied 18 steals against Beverly.
“It’s a different style of play but we still try to play our up-tempo basketball game,’’ Barton said. “Last year we were a tougher team but this year we have more basketball players. We use our speed well.’’
The Bulldogs lead the Northeastern Conference in scoring (77.3 points per game), but Barton acknowledged that sometimes the games have become one-man efforts rather than a display of teamwork.
“We’re trying to come together as a team instead of individual play,’’ Barton said. “And every now and then it happens where you’ll see the individualism come out. But we’re trying to keep it about the team.’’
With seven seniors on the 12-man roster, Barton and the Bulldogs are setting their goals high, playing one game at a time, but targeting a state championship at season’s end.
Woumn is still undecided where he’ll play in the fall. He remains hopeful of a Division 1 scholarship, though he hasn’t ruled out going to prep school.
Woumn’s dad, David, has been his biggest role model throughout his basketball career and hasn’t missed one of his son’s games. Through all of his success, Woumn has become a target of opposing fans, and heckling is not uncommon. But his father is happy to take the good with the bad.
“It’s part of the game,’’ David Woumn said. “They’re just fans of the game rooting for their team. It’s all part of the sport. It happens everywhere you go; college, pros, it’s just something you have to overcome.’’
Andover High girls have edge on rival
The Andover High girls’ basketball team has gotten the best of Merrimack Valley division rival Central Catholic in the 2009-2010 regular season.
After defeating the Raiders 60-54 behind sophomore guard Nicole Boudreau’s 25 points, including six three-pointers, Andover won its second game in three tries against Central this season.
“It’s a great rivalry,’’ said Andover coach Jim Tildsley. “They are a very, very good team and when we play each other the games are just electric.
“Our speed - it’s the only way we can beat them. They are still a quick team but it’s our job to be a little quicker and wear them down by the fourth quarter.’’
Behind Boudreau (21 points per game) and her fellow guard, junior Natalie Gomez-Martinez (nearly 14 per game), the Warriors lead the league in scoring, averaging 64 points per contest.
On a healthy knee, Sutherby is back
After missing all of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament tear, senior point guard Stephanie Sutherby has come back strong for the Ipswich girls’ basketball team.
Although she was sidelined, Sutherby attended every practice and game last year. Now fully healthy, she is averaging eight steals and more than six assists per game and has been a defensive force for the Tigers
“Her knee has been great,’’ said head coach Amanda Zegarowski. “And she has stepped in and is such a great leader with so much energy. She’s so quick it’s unbelievable. She plays the whole game.’’
Junior forward Hannah O’Flynn, a Cape Ann League All-Star, is leading the league, averaging 21 points per game for Ipswich (14-1).
Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jmastrodonato@globe.com
By Jason Mastrodonato | February 7, 2010
By the time a Lynn English foe takes a shot, watches the ball carom off the rim, and turns to run back and play defense, there’s a good chance Ryan Woumn is already soaring in for a layup.
“Transition baskets - that’s our game,’’ said English head coach Buzzy Barton. “We want to push the basketball, that’s what we do, and right now we’re doing it well.’’
The speedy Woumn has been the go-to man in transition this season; he scored a majority of his 29 points against Beverly by sprinting the other way on a possession change. And he did all of his damage in just three-quarters of play in an 86-56 victory.
“Coach wants us to push it,’’ said the 6-foot-3 senior guard. “Once we trap and get the steals, we just get it and push the ball up.’’
Last year’s MVP of the Northeastern Conference, Woumn is also a nominee to be named to the McDonald’s All-American team later this month.
“I’ve had Ryan since his freshman year,’’ said Barton, who owns a 74-10 record as the varsity head coach. “So I’ve watched him really grow. The bigger the game, the bigger Ryan played. He’s a special kid.’’
The Bulldogs graduated six rotation players from last year’s Division 1 state finalist that lost to St. John’s of Shrewsbury in the championship game. There have been plenty of challenges, but the disappointing ending left Woumn with added incentive.
“It’s definitely a good team,’’ Barton said, comparing this year’s squad with last year’s. “We have a long way to go after last season. We use that as motivation. Last year’s ending put a bad taste in Ryan’s mouth.’’
Building talent and depth around Woumn, English added four transfers in the off-season: 6-foot-5 Jarell Byrd (Lynn Classical), 6-2 Howard Holman (Lynn Tech), 6-6 Jordan Rogers (Brookline), and 6-5 Miguel Martinez-Rodriguez from the Dominican Republic. All are key players for a Bulldog squad that was 14-0 after Tuesday’s win over Beverly.
“Jarell is playing great defense,’’ said Barton. “The kid just has a lot of talent . . . Jordan is starting to really come around and he’s playing really good basketball. Miguel plays hard and does a great job. The [transition] seems to be going well.’’
With a new look to the team, the Bulldogs have made adjustments, using quickness and speed to force turnovers and create easy baskets. English tallied 18 steals against Beverly.
“It’s a different style of play but we still try to play our up-tempo basketball game,’’ Barton said. “Last year we were a tougher team but this year we have more basketball players. We use our speed well.’’
The Bulldogs lead the Northeastern Conference in scoring (77.3 points per game), but Barton acknowledged that sometimes the games have become one-man efforts rather than a display of teamwork.
“We’re trying to come together as a team instead of individual play,’’ Barton said. “And every now and then it happens where you’ll see the individualism come out. But we’re trying to keep it about the team.’’
With seven seniors on the 12-man roster, Barton and the Bulldogs are setting their goals high, playing one game at a time, but targeting a state championship at season’s end.
Woumn is still undecided where he’ll play in the fall. He remains hopeful of a Division 1 scholarship, though he hasn’t ruled out going to prep school.
Woumn’s dad, David, has been his biggest role model throughout his basketball career and hasn’t missed one of his son’s games. Through all of his success, Woumn has become a target of opposing fans, and heckling is not uncommon. But his father is happy to take the good with the bad.
“It’s part of the game,’’ David Woumn said. “They’re just fans of the game rooting for their team. It’s all part of the sport. It happens everywhere you go; college, pros, it’s just something you have to overcome.’’
Andover High girls have edge on rival
The Andover High girls’ basketball team has gotten the best of Merrimack Valley division rival Central Catholic in the 2009-2010 regular season.
After defeating the Raiders 60-54 behind sophomore guard Nicole Boudreau’s 25 points, including six three-pointers, Andover won its second game in three tries against Central this season.
“It’s a great rivalry,’’ said Andover coach Jim Tildsley. “They are a very, very good team and when we play each other the games are just electric.
“Our speed - it’s the only way we can beat them. They are still a quick team but it’s our job to be a little quicker and wear them down by the fourth quarter.’’
Behind Boudreau (21 points per game) and her fellow guard, junior Natalie Gomez-Martinez (nearly 14 per game), the Warriors lead the league in scoring, averaging 64 points per contest.
On a healthy knee, Sutherby is back
After missing all of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament tear, senior point guard Stephanie Sutherby has come back strong for the Ipswich girls’ basketball team.
Although she was sidelined, Sutherby attended every practice and game last year. Now fully healthy, she is averaging eight steals and more than six assists per game and has been a defensive force for the Tigers
“Her knee has been great,’’ said head coach Amanda Zegarowski. “And she has stepped in and is such a great leader with so much energy. She’s so quick it’s unbelievable. She plays the whole game.’’
Junior forward Hannah O’Flynn, a Cape Ann League All-Star, is leading the league, averaging 21 points per game for Ipswich (14-1).
Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jmastrodonato@globe.com
Girls’ basketball: Revamped Titans on a mission again
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | February 8, 2010
Coach Greg Berry boasted his own version of the Big Three last season, with Bianca Flores, Myesha Reynolds, and Nyiesha Kelley acting as the driving offensive force for New Mission.
But with Flores and Reynolds gone this season, the new year deserved a new catchphrase for Berry and company.
“It went from the Big Three to the Fab Five,’’ Berry joked. “This year this team is collectively the best team that I’ve coached, period. On any given day, of the five players on the floor, four of them can be in double figures and that’s the good thing about them.’’
The Titans starters include sensational sophomores Edna Cristo-Jon and Shacora Williams, freshman power forward Donaziah Fountain, junior small forward Chreese Hall, and the returning Kelley.
Fountain stands at 5 feet 10 inches, and the second-year coach referred to her as the best eighth-grade basketball player he’d seen last year. Another freshman, Teakeyah White, is 6 feet tall and adds more height to the lineup. Also on board are freshman Tshani Williams-Core and junior Kimyana Dardy.
Kelley is the leading scorer, averaging 17.8 points per game, 9.2 assists, and 6.5 steals. But she gets plenty of help from Hall (15.5 ppg) and Fountain (14.3 ppg). Kelley is also the team captain, and Berry is thankful to have her back.
“She’s actually taken on the challenge of running the team, and I think she’s arguably one of the best point guards and senior leaders that I’ve had in a long time,’’ Berry said. “That’s going to help her when she goes to college next year.’’
Kelley is currently being scouted by five colleges and has inspired a sense of academic excellence in the team.
“I think our whole team is looking to get scholarships,’’ Berry said. “They’ve all come in and had a strong impact in the classroom, as well. This year’s team is more focused on speed and becoming a better ballplayer, but also trying to maintain the word ‘student’ in student athlete.’’
Berry insists this year’s squad is stronger on defense and even more up-tempo than the last, and it’s had a strong season as the Boston City League championship approaches. The Titans stand at 14-1 overall and 12-1 in league play.
New Mission fell to West Roxbury, 51-39, in its second game of the season, but the team avenged that loss in the rematch, 64-41.
This week the team will focus on the future by reviewing the past, watching the tape of its 65-57 loss to Georgetown in last year’s North Division 4 final.
“For the returning players, if you bring up the team Georgetown with the date that we lost, they kind of drop their heads,’’ Berry said. “But they kind of take away the experience of getting that close and learning how to start games faster.’’
Pulling rank
Cardinal Spellman (11-5) enters the ranks at No. 18, after defeating ranked St. Mary’s, 40-37, Wednesday. The team’s only losses have been to Top 20 teams.
Milestones
Trinity Catholic junior center Taina Malary tallied 40 rebounds in Friday’s 43-36 overtime win over Marian. The rebound total tied for the eighth highest in girls’ basketball history, with the national single-game record standing at 54, set in 1995 by Andrea Keehne of Calvary Baptist in California.
Games to watch
Monday: No. 11 Durfee (13-3) at Carver (11-6), 6:30 p.m. - The Hilltoppers haven’t faced Carver since their first game of the season, when they won a 55-53 overtime nail-biter.
Tuesday: No. 5 Brockton (15-2) at No. 1 New Bedford (17-0), 7 p.m. - One of the last Big Three match-ups, this meeting between top-ranked and undefeated New Bedford and Brockton will be a high-energy showdown. The Whalers took their last game, 53-52.
Coach Greg Berry boasted his own version of the Big Three last season, with Bianca Flores, Myesha Reynolds, and Nyiesha Kelley acting as the driving offensive force for New Mission.
But with Flores and Reynolds gone this season, the new year deserved a new catchphrase for Berry and company.
“It went from the Big Three to the Fab Five,’’ Berry joked. “This year this team is collectively the best team that I’ve coached, period. On any given day, of the five players on the floor, four of them can be in double figures and that’s the good thing about them.’’
The Titans starters include sensational sophomores Edna Cristo-Jon and Shacora Williams, freshman power forward Donaziah Fountain, junior small forward Chreese Hall, and the returning Kelley.
Fountain stands at 5 feet 10 inches, and the second-year coach referred to her as the best eighth-grade basketball player he’d seen last year. Another freshman, Teakeyah White, is 6 feet tall and adds more height to the lineup. Also on board are freshman Tshani Williams-Core and junior Kimyana Dardy.
Kelley is the leading scorer, averaging 17.8 points per game, 9.2 assists, and 6.5 steals. But she gets plenty of help from Hall (15.5 ppg) and Fountain (14.3 ppg). Kelley is also the team captain, and Berry is thankful to have her back.
“She’s actually taken on the challenge of running the team, and I think she’s arguably one of the best point guards and senior leaders that I’ve had in a long time,’’ Berry said. “That’s going to help her when she goes to college next year.’’
Kelley is currently being scouted by five colleges and has inspired a sense of academic excellence in the team.
“I think our whole team is looking to get scholarships,’’ Berry said. “They’ve all come in and had a strong impact in the classroom, as well. This year’s team is more focused on speed and becoming a better ballplayer, but also trying to maintain the word ‘student’ in student athlete.’’
Berry insists this year’s squad is stronger on defense and even more up-tempo than the last, and it’s had a strong season as the Boston City League championship approaches. The Titans stand at 14-1 overall and 12-1 in league play.
New Mission fell to West Roxbury, 51-39, in its second game of the season, but the team avenged that loss in the rematch, 64-41.
This week the team will focus on the future by reviewing the past, watching the tape of its 65-57 loss to Georgetown in last year’s North Division 4 final.
“For the returning players, if you bring up the team Georgetown with the date that we lost, they kind of drop their heads,’’ Berry said. “But they kind of take away the experience of getting that close and learning how to start games faster.’’
Pulling rank
Cardinal Spellman (11-5) enters the ranks at No. 18, after defeating ranked St. Mary’s, 40-37, Wednesday. The team’s only losses have been to Top 20 teams.
Milestones
Trinity Catholic junior center Taina Malary tallied 40 rebounds in Friday’s 43-36 overtime win over Marian. The rebound total tied for the eighth highest in girls’ basketball history, with the national single-game record standing at 54, set in 1995 by Andrea Keehne of Calvary Baptist in California.
Games to watch
Monday: No. 11 Durfee (13-3) at Carver (11-6), 6:30 p.m. - The Hilltoppers haven’t faced Carver since their first game of the season, when they won a 55-53 overtime nail-biter.
Tuesday: No. 5 Brockton (15-2) at No. 1 New Bedford (17-0), 7 p.m. - One of the last Big Three match-ups, this meeting between top-ranked and undefeated New Bedford and Brockton will be a high-energy showdown. The Whalers took their last game, 53-52.
After down season, Cambridge on rebound
By Evan MacDonald, Globe Correspondent | February 8, 2010
Last season was a tough year for the Cambridge Rindge and Latin boys’ basketball program.
The Falcons finished 12-9 and lost in the first round of the Division 1 North tournament to eventual Eastern Mass. champion Lynn English, 67-65, in a game they led by 8 points early in the fourth quarter.
Seasons like last year have been few and far between for a team that has arguably been the best in Massachusetts over the past three decades, with six state championships during that span.
To top it off, the Falcons graduated nine seniors and looked to be headed for a rebuilding year.
Instead, the 12th-ranked Falcons have stormed to a 13-2 start, with their only losses coming against Greater Boston League rival Everett and Western Mass. power Sabis International. Cambridge has reeled off eight consecutive wins since the 59-55 setback against the Crimson Tide Jan. 8.
“We had some good role players, guys that were bench players last year, that had to step up into new roles as starters and leaders,’’ coach Lance Dottin said after Friday night’s 60-55 win over Somerville. “But we’re not looking too far ahead . . . we’re just going to get back to practice, because that’s what we need to do. Get back to practice, and get better.’’
The Cambridge program has a rich history. NBA Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing led the Falcons to three consecutive state titles from 1979-1981 under coach Mike Jarvis. Coach Al Cocolutto also guided Cambridge to championships in 1986 and 1990.
Dottin played on that 1986 team. In 14 years as coach, his resume also boasts the 2001 state championship and two other sectional titles, the most recent in 2007.
“I remember myself, coming up as a youth, all I ever wanted to do was play Cambridge basketball,’’ he said. “I was fortunate enough to win a state championship . . . hopefully these guys will aspire to do the same thing.’’
Senior captain Ahmad Charles said the history associated with the Cambridge uniform makes taking the court each night even more significant.
“It’s an honor to put on the Cambridge uniform, because there’s so much history behind it,’’ Charles said. “You want to go out there and not let your fans down, because wearing the uniform is a special thing.’’
Dottin’s teams have traditionally made the most of the entire roster, and this year is no different. The Falcons receive contributions from 12 or 13 players on any given night.
Seniors Charles, Jason Nunes, Paul Anderson, Jordan Grace, Kevin Paul, Kayaki Battle, and Darius Sealy see time on the wing positions along with sophomore Ladon Adair. Junior Deondre Starling, sophomores Gary Edwards, Kevin Lovaincy, Maurice Taylor and Troy DaCosta and freshman Marcus Faison do most of the work in the low post.
But the biggest addition - literally - to Cambridge this season has been Jacquil Taylor, a 6-foot-7-inch freshman who starts at center. Dottin said he averages close to 10 points and five blocks per game.
“Taylor’s really come on very strong,’’ Dottin said. “He can change a game in a hurry. We’re just hoping that he doesn’t hit the freshman wall. He keeps getting better every day in practice.’’
Lovaincy said since Cambridge plays virtually its whole roster, the players have a lot of trust in each other. At the same time, he thinks they have plenty of room for improvement before the state tournament.
“We’re big in size, and we’ve got a lot of guys who are willing to work hard,’’ Lovaincy said. “But I still think we have a lot of work to do. We’re not where we need to be yet.’’
None of the seven seniors played for the Falcons team that won the 2007 North sectional title when they were freshmen. Charles said losing last year against English served as more motivation for the Falcons to make their own mark this season.
“We used that [English loss] as a motivation to come out hard, to turn it around, and win games,’’ Charles said. “We’re very hungry. We want to see how it feels to get the glory.’’
Monday: Andover (12-6) at No. 14 North Andover (16-1), 7 p.m. - When these two met back on Dec. 23, the Golden Warriors emerged victorious, 52-50. But they’re in a rut, losing three straight.
Tuesday: Lynn Classical (12-6) at Salem (13-5), 7 p.m. - Both teams have been hot lately, and the Rams escaped with a 53-51 victory in the teams’ first meeting Dec. 21.
Wednesday: Boston English (11-5) at No. 8 New Mission (17-1), 5 p.m. - The Titans rolled, winning, 75-53, the first time the two met Jan. 15, but since then English has won six of seven.
Thursday: No. 6 Newton North (16-2) at Needham (11-5), 5:15 p.m. - The top two teams in the Bay State Carey square off. The Tigers took a 69-63 decision when the teams played Jan. 15 in Newton.
Friday: No. 12 Cambridge (13-2) at No. 5 Madison Park (13-1), 7 p.m. - Two traditional powers meet again. Last year’s game was a classic, with the Falcons winning, 77-72, in overtime on Senior Day.
Last season was a tough year for the Cambridge Rindge and Latin boys’ basketball program.
The Falcons finished 12-9 and lost in the first round of the Division 1 North tournament to eventual Eastern Mass. champion Lynn English, 67-65, in a game they led by 8 points early in the fourth quarter.
Seasons like last year have been few and far between for a team that has arguably been the best in Massachusetts over the past three decades, with six state championships during that span.
To top it off, the Falcons graduated nine seniors and looked to be headed for a rebuilding year.
Instead, the 12th-ranked Falcons have stormed to a 13-2 start, with their only losses coming against Greater Boston League rival Everett and Western Mass. power Sabis International. Cambridge has reeled off eight consecutive wins since the 59-55 setback against the Crimson Tide Jan. 8.
“We had some good role players, guys that were bench players last year, that had to step up into new roles as starters and leaders,’’ coach Lance Dottin said after Friday night’s 60-55 win over Somerville. “But we’re not looking too far ahead . . . we’re just going to get back to practice, because that’s what we need to do. Get back to practice, and get better.’’
The Cambridge program has a rich history. NBA Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing led the Falcons to three consecutive state titles from 1979-1981 under coach Mike Jarvis. Coach Al Cocolutto also guided Cambridge to championships in 1986 and 1990.
Dottin played on that 1986 team. In 14 years as coach, his resume also boasts the 2001 state championship and two other sectional titles, the most recent in 2007.
“I remember myself, coming up as a youth, all I ever wanted to do was play Cambridge basketball,’’ he said. “I was fortunate enough to win a state championship . . . hopefully these guys will aspire to do the same thing.’’
Senior captain Ahmad Charles said the history associated with the Cambridge uniform makes taking the court each night even more significant.
“It’s an honor to put on the Cambridge uniform, because there’s so much history behind it,’’ Charles said. “You want to go out there and not let your fans down, because wearing the uniform is a special thing.’’
Dottin’s teams have traditionally made the most of the entire roster, and this year is no different. The Falcons receive contributions from 12 or 13 players on any given night.
Seniors Charles, Jason Nunes, Paul Anderson, Jordan Grace, Kevin Paul, Kayaki Battle, and Darius Sealy see time on the wing positions along with sophomore Ladon Adair. Junior Deondre Starling, sophomores Gary Edwards, Kevin Lovaincy, Maurice Taylor and Troy DaCosta and freshman Marcus Faison do most of the work in the low post.
But the biggest addition - literally - to Cambridge this season has been Jacquil Taylor, a 6-foot-7-inch freshman who starts at center. Dottin said he averages close to 10 points and five blocks per game.
“Taylor’s really come on very strong,’’ Dottin said. “He can change a game in a hurry. We’re just hoping that he doesn’t hit the freshman wall. He keeps getting better every day in practice.’’
Lovaincy said since Cambridge plays virtually its whole roster, the players have a lot of trust in each other. At the same time, he thinks they have plenty of room for improvement before the state tournament.
“We’re big in size, and we’ve got a lot of guys who are willing to work hard,’’ Lovaincy said. “But I still think we have a lot of work to do. We’re not where we need to be yet.’’
None of the seven seniors played for the Falcons team that won the 2007 North sectional title when they were freshmen. Charles said losing last year against English served as more motivation for the Falcons to make their own mark this season.
“We used that [English loss] as a motivation to come out hard, to turn it around, and win games,’’ Charles said. “We’re very hungry. We want to see how it feels to get the glory.’’
Monday: Andover (12-6) at No. 14 North Andover (16-1), 7 p.m. - When these two met back on Dec. 23, the Golden Warriors emerged victorious, 52-50. But they’re in a rut, losing three straight.
Tuesday: Lynn Classical (12-6) at Salem (13-5), 7 p.m. - Both teams have been hot lately, and the Rams escaped with a 53-51 victory in the teams’ first meeting Dec. 21.
Wednesday: Boston English (11-5) at No. 8 New Mission (17-1), 5 p.m. - The Titans rolled, winning, 75-53, the first time the two met Jan. 15, but since then English has won six of seven.
Thursday: No. 6 Newton North (16-2) at Needham (11-5), 5:15 p.m. - The top two teams in the Bay State Carey square off. The Tigers took a 69-63 decision when the teams played Jan. 15 in Newton.
Friday: No. 12 Cambridge (13-2) at No. 5 Madison Park (13-1), 7 p.m. - Two traditional powers meet again. Last year’s game was a classic, with the Falcons winning, 77-72, in overtime on Senior Day.
Whalers clinch Big 3 title
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | February 10, 2010
Although Brockton and New Bedford feature high-powered offenses, coach Mickey Gonsalves chose to rave about his defense after the Whalers clinched the Big Three girls’ basketball title with a 59-56 victory over the Boxers in New Bedford last night.
About three minutes into the fourth quarter, junior guard Alyssa Roach stole an inbounds pass and banked in a layup to give New Bedford its first lead since halfway through the third. Two minutes later, the Whalers extended the margin to 8 points -- the largest of the game -- and the Boxers never recovered.
“She came up huge when we needed it,’’ Gonsalves said of Roach, who had 12 points and 4 assists. “I think we wore them down. We played tremendous defense in the second half, and that was a big key.’’
The largest margin through three quarters was 5 points, with the score tied at 25 heading at the half. Brockton carried a 42-39 lead into the final period.
Roach and Boxers junior Vanessa Suarez were the stars of the second half, each netting 10 points down the stretch. Suarez sank a pair of 3-pointers in the third, the last giving the visitors a lead they held until Roach took it away.
No. 1 New Bedford (18-0, 3-0) had three players in double figures, including sophomore guard Alexia Barros (14 points, four rebounds) and junior forward Arielle Gomes, who tallied a game-high 15 points, and had six rebounds.
Fifth-ranked Brockton (15-3, 2-2) had four players in double figures, including junior forward Jenn Rafuse (14 points), senior forward Morgan Thatcher (12), and sophomore guard Tianna Johnson (11).
Peabody 59, Lynn English 58 - Jenny Fleming’s free throw with a half-second remaining snapped the Bulldogs’ 29-game Northeast Conference winning streak. Fleming scored 19 points for Peabody (15-1, 13-1).
Waltham 65, Boston Latin 61 - Nadia Kern scored 29 points as the Hawks soared.
Braintree 52, Framingham 50 - Amanda McKenney poured in 22 points for the Wamps.
Quincy 44, Rockland 41 - Sophomore center Kiley McDonald had 16 points and 11 rebounds to spark the Presidents.
Lynn Classical 46, Salem 43 - Junior Hannah Byrne scored 18 points to propel the Rams.
Fenway 57, South Boston 17 - Freshman point guard Tajanay Veiga’s quadruple-double - 21 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals - led the Panthers to the blowout victory.
Boys’ basketball
Central Catholic 78, Haverhill 47 - Senior center Carson Derosiers had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists as No. 1 Central Catholic (17-1, 17-0) kept its Merrimack Valley Conference record spotless. Classmate Andrew Oullete added 15 points and four rebounds.
Madison Park 78, Charlestown 55 - Senior center David Campbell had 25 points and 15 rebounds as the Cardinals (15-1) clinched their second straight Boston City North title.
Snowden 67, Latin Academy 65 - Jose Vasquez had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Jherson Colon added 20 points and nine assists for the Cougars.
Greater Lawrence 66, Chelsea 64 - Donald Celestin pumped in 36 points as the Reggies (6-11) handed the Devils their first Commonwealth League (17-3, 13-1) loss of the season.
Although Brockton and New Bedford feature high-powered offenses, coach Mickey Gonsalves chose to rave about his defense after the Whalers clinched the Big Three girls’ basketball title with a 59-56 victory over the Boxers in New Bedford last night.
About three minutes into the fourth quarter, junior guard Alyssa Roach stole an inbounds pass and banked in a layup to give New Bedford its first lead since halfway through the third. Two minutes later, the Whalers extended the margin to 8 points -- the largest of the game -- and the Boxers never recovered.
“She came up huge when we needed it,’’ Gonsalves said of Roach, who had 12 points and 4 assists. “I think we wore them down. We played tremendous defense in the second half, and that was a big key.’’
The largest margin through three quarters was 5 points, with the score tied at 25 heading at the half. Brockton carried a 42-39 lead into the final period.
Roach and Boxers junior Vanessa Suarez were the stars of the second half, each netting 10 points down the stretch. Suarez sank a pair of 3-pointers in the third, the last giving the visitors a lead they held until Roach took it away.
No. 1 New Bedford (18-0, 3-0) had three players in double figures, including sophomore guard Alexia Barros (14 points, four rebounds) and junior forward Arielle Gomes, who tallied a game-high 15 points, and had six rebounds.
Fifth-ranked Brockton (15-3, 2-2) had four players in double figures, including junior forward Jenn Rafuse (14 points), senior forward Morgan Thatcher (12), and sophomore guard Tianna Johnson (11).
Peabody 59, Lynn English 58 - Jenny Fleming’s free throw with a half-second remaining snapped the Bulldogs’ 29-game Northeast Conference winning streak. Fleming scored 19 points for Peabody (15-1, 13-1).
Waltham 65, Boston Latin 61 - Nadia Kern scored 29 points as the Hawks soared.
Braintree 52, Framingham 50 - Amanda McKenney poured in 22 points for the Wamps.
Quincy 44, Rockland 41 - Sophomore center Kiley McDonald had 16 points and 11 rebounds to spark the Presidents.
Lynn Classical 46, Salem 43 - Junior Hannah Byrne scored 18 points to propel the Rams.
Fenway 57, South Boston 17 - Freshman point guard Tajanay Veiga’s quadruple-double - 21 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals - led the Panthers to the blowout victory.
Boys’ basketball
Central Catholic 78, Haverhill 47 - Senior center Carson Derosiers had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists as No. 1 Central Catholic (17-1, 17-0) kept its Merrimack Valley Conference record spotless. Classmate Andrew Oullete added 15 points and four rebounds.
Madison Park 78, Charlestown 55 - Senior center David Campbell had 25 points and 15 rebounds as the Cardinals (15-1) clinched their second straight Boston City North title.
Snowden 67, Latin Academy 65 - Jose Vasquez had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Jherson Colon added 20 points and nine assists for the Cougars.
Greater Lawrence 66, Chelsea 64 - Donald Celestin pumped in 36 points as the Reggies (6-11) handed the Devils their first Commonwealth League (17-3, 13-1) loss of the season.
English debate
Eastie files complaint regarding hoop transfer
By Dan Ventura / School Notebook | Tuesday, February 9, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Lynn English suffered its first loss of the boys basketball season last Sunday in Brockton. Now the Bulldogs could be facing some more potential woes.
Members of District A and District B will meet Friday morning at Malden High, with the central topic being a complaint filed by East Boston headmaster Michael Rubin against Lynn English. Rubin alleges that Lynn English illegally recruited Cory McMillan, a sophomore who led the Jets in scoring a year ago.
“I just think this whole thing is out of line and I want to put a stop to it,” Rubin said. “We’re not out to hurt the kid, but I do think the Lynn English coaching staff should be reprimanded for what happened. They took our kid, set him up with some football guy, just so that he could play basketball at Lynn English.
“There’s just no morals, no values over there.”
Lynn English school officials paint a different picture. Principal Andy Fila insisted it was McMillan’s family who sought out a way to get their son out of East Boston High.
“East Boston had five kids transfer out and the only one they complained about is Cory McMillan,” Fila said. “It didn’t seem to matter to them when he was tardy 93 times last year. McMillan and his family were looking to him to transfer for safety reasons. We’ve tried to talk to (East Boston), but they wouldn’t listen.”
Added English athletic director Gary Molea: “There’s always going to be two sides to every story. I know Cory said he wanted to come here for a better way of life because things were happening to him at East Boston.”
According to MIAA spokesperson Paul Wetzel, this sort of meeting so late into a season is very rare, and he couldn’t guess what sort of penalties could be levied against a school if found guilty.
Football update
The MIAA Football Committee held its annual postseason meeting yesterday in Franklin.
Among the topics discussed was the issue of the playoff proposal previously approved by the MIAA Board of Directors, who then took it upon themselves to clarify certain financial arrangements not originally detailed in the initial proposal.
Committee chairman Barry Cahill announced there will be no further adjustments to the proposal, stating that, “It will stand or fall on its own merits.” The proposal will be put to a final vote of MIAA member schools in a meeting to be held March 26.
The most discussed downsides of the proposal include issues surrounding travel, revenue and expenses. Proponents of the plan also set forth a recommendation that a secret ballot be used in an effort to alleviate pressure and allow each member school to vote in a manner that best serves the needs of its individual situation.
“Each school will have an opportunity to vote to give their student-athletes an opportunity to basically have a chance of being in the playoffs and playing for a state championship every year,” said Xaverian athletic director/football coach Charlie Stevenson.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1231626
By Dan Ventura / School Notebook | Tuesday, February 9, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Lynn English suffered its first loss of the boys basketball season last Sunday in Brockton. Now the Bulldogs could be facing some more potential woes.
Members of District A and District B will meet Friday morning at Malden High, with the central topic being a complaint filed by East Boston headmaster Michael Rubin against Lynn English. Rubin alleges that Lynn English illegally recruited Cory McMillan, a sophomore who led the Jets in scoring a year ago.
“I just think this whole thing is out of line and I want to put a stop to it,” Rubin said. “We’re not out to hurt the kid, but I do think the Lynn English coaching staff should be reprimanded for what happened. They took our kid, set him up with some football guy, just so that he could play basketball at Lynn English.
“There’s just no morals, no values over there.”
Lynn English school officials paint a different picture. Principal Andy Fila insisted it was McMillan’s family who sought out a way to get their son out of East Boston High.
“East Boston had five kids transfer out and the only one they complained about is Cory McMillan,” Fila said. “It didn’t seem to matter to them when he was tardy 93 times last year. McMillan and his family were looking to him to transfer for safety reasons. We’ve tried to talk to (East Boston), but they wouldn’t listen.”
Added English athletic director Gary Molea: “There’s always going to be two sides to every story. I know Cory said he wanted to come here for a better way of life because things were happening to him at East Boston.”
According to MIAA spokesperson Paul Wetzel, this sort of meeting so late into a season is very rare, and he couldn’t guess what sort of penalties could be levied against a school if found guilty.
Football update
The MIAA Football Committee held its annual postseason meeting yesterday in Franklin.
Among the topics discussed was the issue of the playoff proposal previously approved by the MIAA Board of Directors, who then took it upon themselves to clarify certain financial arrangements not originally detailed in the initial proposal.
Committee chairman Barry Cahill announced there will be no further adjustments to the proposal, stating that, “It will stand or fall on its own merits.” The proposal will be put to a final vote of MIAA member schools in a meeting to be held March 26.
The most discussed downsides of the proposal include issues surrounding travel, revenue and expenses. Proponents of the plan also set forth a recommendation that a secret ballot be used in an effort to alleviate pressure and allow each member school to vote in a manner that best serves the needs of its individual situation.
“Each school will have an opportunity to vote to give their student-athletes an opportunity to basically have a chance of being in the playoffs and playing for a state championship every year,” said Xaverian athletic director/football coach Charlie Stevenson.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1231626
O’Bryant sweeps city track again
By Joe Reardon / Schools | Wednesday, February 10, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Photo by Nancy Lane
Conway King had plenty on his mind Monday heading into the Reggie Lewis Center for the first day of the Boston City League Championships.
After capturing the shot put last year as a junior, King wanted to defend his title and climb to the top of the awards stand once again. More importantly, the best weight man ever to don a track uniform for O’Bryant wanted to see the squad walk away with its seventh consecutive boys title.
King’s plan played out just as he hoped. He ran away from the competition in the shot put, winning by 5 feet with a 48-foot, 1-inch effort and O’Bryant went on to easily capture the boys title with 91 points. Latin Academy was a distant second with 71 points and South Boston took third with 54.
King was happy with his effort but more concerned with the team’s performances yesterday.
“We have heart so we’re trying to pull this out,” said King, who has thrown a school-record 52-3 this season. “My strength is my speed. I’m working on my technique now.”
King, who also holds the outdoor shot put and discus marks, admitted he didn’t feel fully warmed up for his throws Monday.
“I’m used to there being a final,” King said. “I was being rushed, basically.”
The boys picked up a victory in the 600 with Missick Alvarez racing to a 1:29.40 clocking, as well as first in the 4x200 at 1:36.50. Overall, O’Bryant had nine finishes in the top six.
Coach Emmanuel Limage said the O’Bryant program’s winning tradition brings kids out for the team but that doesn’t guarantee them a league title.
“They know the tradition that’s been established,” said Limage. “They have to work hard though. When they buy into it, they reap the benefits.”
O’Bryant’s girls continued their vice-like grip on league title, winning for the 16th consecutive time with 139 points. That total easily outdistanced runner-up Latin Academy (104 points) and third-place West Roxbury (32 points).
Roksana Kozub captured the 600 by more than three seconds with her 1:49.2 and teammate Ngozi Nwaoha nailed down third in 1:53.40 for O’Bryant. The team came up big in the field events as Wendy Unaegbu led a 1-3-6 finish with her 4-8 leap. In the long jump, O’Bryant went 1-2 with Olukemi Salako leaping 15-11 and Nicolett Gordaon clinching second at 15-8. Emily Prado picked up points in the 2-mile with her win.
“They’ve (field events) have been the key to our success,” said coach Jose Ortega. “In this league, if you don’t do something in the field events, it’s tough to do well.”
Boys basketball
Trailing by nine points with three minutes remaining, Snowden rallied behind Jose Vasquez and Jherson Colon to overtake Latin Academy for a 67-65 victory in a Boston City North thriller. . . . Madison Park (15-1) clinched its second straight North championship with a 78-55 drubbing of Charlestown. Senior David Campbell paced the Cardinals with 25 points and 15 rebounds, and got help from his teammate Jamal McCollum, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Greater Lawrence (6-11) upended Chelsea, 66-64, behind a solid 36 points from Donald Celestin, handing Chelsea (17-3) its first loss in the Commonwealth Conference this season.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1231889
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Rebecca Robinson rolls 300
By Joe Reardon / Coaches Elite | Monday, February 1, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Rebecca Robinson’s sole focus at yesterday’s Coaches Elite Invitational was winning the 300-meter dash. She had an added incentive because she was going up against Mansfield’s Emily Broyles, who defeated her last year.
The Arlington sophomore accomplished her goal and a whole lot more at the Reggie Lewis Center. Robinson pulled away from the deep field and crossed the finish line in a stunning meet record of 39.64. Her time bettered the 2001 run of 39.66 by Hopkinton great Christine Moschella.
“It’s a dream,” Robinson said of the record. “I was nervous. I really just wanted to win and I’m glad I did. I had no idea what it (record) was.”
Robinson’s outstanding race was one of a slew of quality performances on the day. The girls 1,000 proved to be a burner with the top six finishers turning in the fastest times in the state this season. Beverly’s Monica Adler waited until the final backstretch before surging ahead of Bishop Feehan’s Jen Thomas on the way to a scalding 2:54.84 victory in her debut at the distance. Adler’s time vaulted her to No. 1 in the country. Emily Grotz of Oliver Ames was second in 2:56.15 with Newton South’s Melanie Fineman taking third in 2:56.33.
“There were so many really good girls out there, it was an opportunity for a fast time,” said the Dartmouth-bound Adler. “I was feeling good so I thought that was the time to take it.
“Cross country gave me the strength and I’ve been doing a lot of speed work.”
The girls 600 rivaled the 1,000 as the best and deepest race of the day with the top six finishers all setting personal bests.
Lincoln-Sudbury’s Andrea Keklak led from the start and was never challenged, finishing in 1:34.44.The state Division 1 cross country champion, Keklak credited her distance background for her success in just her second 600.
“A lot of the people in the 600 are 300 (or) 400 people so they’re going up in distance and I’m dropping down,” she said.
A pair of relay squads set new meet standards in the 4 x 200. Andover’s team of Mark Vetere, 55-meter dash winner Chris McConnell, Kerrick Stevens and Andrew Osberne clocked a 1:31.50, edging out Woburn’s previous mark of 1:31.53 set in 2008.
Boston Latin’s Alexandra Williams, Emma Rice, Tamika Reid and Meisha Brooks blazed to a 1:43.65 win, under the 1:44.60 set by Cambridge in 2005.
Newton South’s Kathy O’Keefe went through 800 meters in 2:28, on the way to a dominant 5:01.31 win.
Arlington’s Antony Taylor changed gears in the final 120 yards of the mile to pull out a 4:23.58 victory.
“I had something left and I wanted to save it until the end,” Taylor said. “I wanted to run 4:16 pace, but was going to do whatever it took to win the race.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1229729
Rebecca Robinson’s sole focus at yesterday’s Coaches Elite Invitational was winning the 300-meter dash. She had an added incentive because she was going up against Mansfield’s Emily Broyles, who defeated her last year.
The Arlington sophomore accomplished her goal and a whole lot more at the Reggie Lewis Center. Robinson pulled away from the deep field and crossed the finish line in a stunning meet record of 39.64. Her time bettered the 2001 run of 39.66 by Hopkinton great Christine Moschella.
“It’s a dream,” Robinson said of the record. “I was nervous. I really just wanted to win and I’m glad I did. I had no idea what it (record) was.”
Robinson’s outstanding race was one of a slew of quality performances on the day. The girls 1,000 proved to be a burner with the top six finishers turning in the fastest times in the state this season. Beverly’s Monica Adler waited until the final backstretch before surging ahead of Bishop Feehan’s Jen Thomas on the way to a scalding 2:54.84 victory in her debut at the distance. Adler’s time vaulted her to No. 1 in the country. Emily Grotz of Oliver Ames was second in 2:56.15 with Newton South’s Melanie Fineman taking third in 2:56.33.
“There were so many really good girls out there, it was an opportunity for a fast time,” said the Dartmouth-bound Adler. “I was feeling good so I thought that was the time to take it.
“Cross country gave me the strength and I’ve been doing a lot of speed work.”
The girls 600 rivaled the 1,000 as the best and deepest race of the day with the top six finishers all setting personal bests.
Lincoln-Sudbury’s Andrea Keklak led from the start and was never challenged, finishing in 1:34.44.The state Division 1 cross country champion, Keklak credited her distance background for her success in just her second 600.
“A lot of the people in the 600 are 300 (or) 400 people so they’re going up in distance and I’m dropping down,” she said.
A pair of relay squads set new meet standards in the 4 x 200. Andover’s team of Mark Vetere, 55-meter dash winner Chris McConnell, Kerrick Stevens and Andrew Osberne clocked a 1:31.50, edging out Woburn’s previous mark of 1:31.53 set in 2008.
Boston Latin’s Alexandra Williams, Emma Rice, Tamika Reid and Meisha Brooks blazed to a 1:43.65 win, under the 1:44.60 set by Cambridge in 2005.
Newton South’s Kathy O’Keefe went through 800 meters in 2:28, on the way to a dominant 5:01.31 win.
Arlington’s Antony Taylor changed gears in the final 120 yards of the mile to pull out a 4:23.58 victory.
“I had something left and I wanted to save it until the end,” Taylor said. “I wanted to run 4:16 pace, but was going to do whatever it took to win the race.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1229729
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