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/
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
