Varsity
Brooklyn/Queens Diocesan Championship:
Friday, 2/21 at Christ the King

7:30 pm BQ # 2 Christ the King vs. BQ #1 St. Francis Prep

Admission will be charged: Adults - $10.00 Students - $5.00

On the Intersectional Bracket the following spots can be filled in:
BQ #3 - Nazareth
BQ #4 - Holy Cross

"AA" Intersectional 2nd Round:

2/26/Wed @ Stepinac
6:00 pm BQ #5 Xaverian vs. NY #4 Cardinal Hayes
7:45 pm Winner Molloy/Mount vs. NY #3 Iona Prep

2/27/Thurs @ St. Francis Prep
6:00 pm NY #5 St. Peter vs. BQ #4 Holy Cross
7:45 pm Winner Msgr. Scanlan/Loughlin vs. BQ #3 Nazareth

Admission will be charged: Adults - $10.00 Students - $5.00

Freshmen
Intersectional 1/4 Finals:
Saturday 2/22 @ Christ the King

1:00 pm BQ #4 St. Francis Prep vs. NY #1 Msgr. Scanlan
2:30 pm NY #3 Iona Prep vs. BQ #2 Xaverian
4:15 pm NY #4 St. Raymond vs. BQ #1 Holy Cross
5:45 pm BQ #3 Molloy vs. NY #2 Stepinac


Admission will be charged: $5.00 per person
---
B & A
Varsity "B" Semi-Finals
Sunday 2/23 @ St. John's Prep
1:00 pm #3 Kennedy Catholic vs. #2 Sacred Heart
2:45 pm #4 Regis vs. #1 Cathedral Prep


Admission will be charged: Adults - $10.00 Students - $5.00
Freshmen "B" Finals
Saturday 2/22 @ Salesian
12:00 pm #2 Cardinal Spellman vs #1 Regis

JV "B" Finals
Saturday 2/22 @ Salesian
1:45 pm Winner Regis/All Hallows vs Winner Cardinal Spellman/Cathedral Prep
Freshmen "A" Finals
Saturday 2/22 @ Salesian
3:30 pm South #1 Msgr. Farrell vs North #1 Xavier

JV "A" Finals
Saturday 2/22 @ Salesian
5:15 pm South #4 Salesian vs South #3 Moore Catholic

Admission will be charged: $5.00 for everyone

Varsity
Archdiocesan Tournament Semi-Finals
Tuesday, 2/18 @ Mount St. Michael

5:30 pm #3 St. Raymond vs. #2 Iona Prep
7:30 pm #4 Cardinal Hayes vs. #1 Stepinac

Admission will be charged: Adults - $10.00 Students: $5.00

On the Intersectional Bracket the following can be filled in:
NY #5 - St. Peter's
NY #6 - Msgr. Scanlan
NY #7 - Mount St. Michael
----
Freshmen
Intersectional 2nd Round
Wednesday, 2/19

@ Msgr. Scanlan
5:00 pm BQ #5 Bishop Loughlin vs. NY #4 St. Raymond
6:30 pm BQ #6 Christ the King vs. NY #3 Iona Prep

@ Holy Cross
5:00 pm NY #5 St. Peter vs. BQ #4 St. Francis Prep
6:30 pm BQ #7 Nazareth vs. BQ #3 Molloy

Admission will be charged: $5.00 per person

JV
Intersectional 2nd Round
Thursday, 2/20

@ Msgr. Scanlan
5:00 pm BQ #5 St. Francis Prep vs. NY #4 St. Raymond
6:30 pm BQ #6 Holy Cross vs. NY #3 Msgr. Scanlan

@ Xaverian
5:00 pm NY #5 Iona Prep vs. BQ #4 Xaverian
6:30 pm BQ #7 Nazareth vs. BQ #3 Christ the King

Admission will be charged: $5.00 per person

Here are the match-ups for the opening rounds of the AA Playoffs:

Archdiocesan Tournament - 1st Round
Sunday 2/16 @ Mount St. Michael

1:00 pm #5 St. Peter vs. #4 Cardinal Hayes
2:45 pm #6 Msgr. Scanlan vs. #3 St. Raymond
4:30 pm #7 Mount St. Michael vs. #2 Iona Prep
#1 Seed (Bye) - Stepinac - Plays St. Peter vs. Cardinal Hayes Winner

B/Q Diocesan Tournament - 1st Round
Monday 2/17 @ Molloy

2:00 pm #6 Molloy vs #3 Nazareth
3:45 pm #7 Bishop Loughlin vs #2 Christ the King
5:30 pm #5 Holy Cross vs. #4 Xaverian

Admission will be charged at all games: Adults - $10.00 Students - $5.00
---
Here are the match-ups for the first round of the "AA" Division Freshman and JV playoffs:

Freshmen
Intersectional 1st Round
Sunday, 2/16 @ Bishop Loughlin

1:00 pm NY #7 Mount St. Michael vs. BQ #6 Christ the King
4:15 pm BQ #7 Nazareth vs. NY #6 Cardinal Hayes

JV
Intersectional 1st Round
Sunday, 2/16 @ Bishop Loughlin

2:30 pm NY #7 Mount St. Michael vs. BQ #6 Holy Cross
5:45 pm BQ #7 Nazareth vs. NY #6 Stepinac

Admission will be charged at all games: $5.00 for all spectators.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

WHITE PLAINS, NY - On Saturday, with former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Theo Ratliff watching their sons play against each other, Long Island Lutheran and Archbishop Stepinac scrimmaged against each other.

To be clear, this means that there were 6 periods as opposed to four quarters and that the bench players played in periods three and six It also meant that after each period the score was re-set back to 0 – 0 and players did not foul out.

That being said, it was a packed house with playoff intensity and while scrimmages are meant for teams to finetune offenses, defenses, etc. before the regular season, and not for win/loss, LuHi and Stepinac were clearly looking to dominate and win in every period.

Here is an overview.

Period One
Stepinac Starters break out early with offense from Jasiah Jervis and Hassan Koureissi and perimeter play from Adonis Ratliff. Nigel James kept LuHi within striking range, but Stepinac would lead from start to finish and win period one, 19 – 13 (Stepinac).

Period Two
In the second period, Lutheran starters adjusted with MJ Madison and Dylan Mingo leading the way. A momentum shifting slam dunk by Nico Onyekwere gave LuHi an edge that they exploited. Solid play from Mingo and James extended LuHi’s advantage, while withstanding a trifecta of three pointers from Darius Ratliff. 21 – 4 (L.I. Lutheran)

Period Three
Stepinac Bench wins, (20 – 18)

Period Four
LuHi starters bolted out to an early lead as both squads began to settle to playing against each other. Recent Syracuse commit Kiyan Anthony found his rhythm for LuHi as the team put forth a balanced attack en route to an impressive 23 – 16 win punctuated by another show stopping dunk by Onyekwere.

Period Five
Koureissi tied the game at 4 points apiece with 5 minutes left in the period. Unfortunately, Stepinac starters were stuck on four for 3 minutes while LuHi piled on a few points courtesy of James and won, (16 – 11.

Period Six
In the final period Stepinac’s bench defeated LuHi’s bench (15 – 13).

Hello Coaches,

I hope all of your seasons went well. I am reaching out because I am starting my Spring Fling at MS 158. 175 a team 60 ref fee. Guaranteed 4 games. The games will be on Mondays Thursdays and Fridays. I am looking at a April 15th start date. Please reach out and let me know. 718-753-1318

Tony Jones

The New York State Rivals.com site (NYCHoops.net aka NYHoops.com) is looking for writers (beat and recruiting). Journalism background helpful. Must be knowledgeable about high school and AAU basketball in the NYC, Long Island and/or Westchester/Upstate. Must be skilled and serious. Great resume builder.

Send resume to mwingate@hsbnetwork.com

Hello Everyone,

I have a tentative schedule for the upcoming CHSAA/PSAL event. Things are always subject to change and have changed since I last spoke to you.

Sunday, March 24th at LIU Brooklyn
5:00 PM AA Girls Game - Christ the King vs. PSAL Winner
7:00 PM AA Boys Game - Archbishop Stepinac vs. PSAL Winner

Monday, March 25th at LIU Brooklyn
5:00 PM A Girls Game - Kennedy Catholic vs. PSAL Winner
7:00 PM A Boys Game - Monsignor McClancy vs. PSAL Winner

Tuesday, March 26th at LIU Brooklyn
5:00 PM B Girls Game - Cardinal Spellman vs. PSAL Winner
7:00 PM B Boys Game - Regis HS vs. PSAL Winner

* The Tuesday game is a change from the original schedule. There was a scheduling issue at LIU Brooklyn that prompted the change.

Tickets will be sold online. Once I have confirmation of the link and the prices I will pass that along to you.

Thank you for your patience.

Paul Gilvary
CHSAA Basketball Chairman

The PSAL Boys Basketball Class 4A Championship Game (Eagle Academy for Young Men II vs. South Shore) scheduled for 7:30 PM at St. John’s University on Friday, March 15th has been cancelled.
Academics provide endless pathways to lifelong success, and every student-athlete in New York City Public Schools is first and foremost a student. The PSAL eligibility review staff conducted audit reviews of remaining teams scheduled to compete in the playoffs.

As a result of that review, the South Shore boys' varsity basketball team has been disqualified from the remainder of the post-season, which includes tonight's PSAL basketball championship game.

What do you think about the new "No profanity by high school coaches or players" rule where a violation = Technical Foul?
Login to view embedded media

[Tillary Park – Brooklyn, NY, July 28, 2023] - The stage is set, the anticipation is palpable, and the excitement is soaring as we announce the annual Gametime Summer Tournament High School Division, a showcase of talent, dedication, and sportsmanship among the city's rising basketball stars. With the prestigious tournament slated to tip-off on Monday, July 31st and culminate with the thrilling finals on Sunday, August 13th, basketball enthusiasts citywide are eagerly gearing up for an unforgettable display of skill and camaraderie among some of the best high schools in the city.

Organized by Funsport Basketball, this year's tournament promises to be the biggest and most competitive event yet, bringing together 16 high school teams from across all five boroughs. The teams have been carefully selected through rigorous regional competitions, ensuring that only the best of the best will have the chance to compete for the coveted championship rings.

"This summer I am thrilled to have the PSAL city champions over the past 5yrs in Eagle Academy II, South Shore, and Thomas Jefferson competing" said Rickey Rivers, President of Funsport Basketball. "This tournament is not just about basketball; it's about fostering teamwork, pursuing college scholarships, and the preparation of winning a state championship next year."

The tournament will be held at Tillary Park (95 Tillary Street, Brooklyn, NY) on weekdays starting at 3:30pm to 9:30pm. Each game will be a battle with teams in pool play and only 2 of the 4 teams in each pool making it to the playoffs.

The tournament's semifinals and finals will be broadcasted live on our social media platforms. These platforms will be abuzz with live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, ensuring that the excitement reaches every corner of the city and beyond.

As the tournament approaches, all of New York City is encouraged to come together to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and cheer on these young athletes as they showcase their talents on the hardwood.

Stay tuned for more updates on the event by following us on social media [@FunsportBasketball]. Let's make this year's tournament a slam dunk success!

Player of the Year
Jahmere Tripp. Rundown

First Team
Brandon Williams Rundown
KJ Satterfield Kips Bay
Josh Pascarelli Beacon Elite
Don Colon-Lewis Elmcor
Armoni Ziegler Rundown

Second Team
Conor Spratley Roads to Richies
Cornelius Robinson Difference Makers
Brandon Stores Jr Kips Bay
Taj Bryant Rundown
Seck Zongo Kips Bay

Third Team
Elijah Moore Roads to Riches
Zoe Holman CST Elite
Jaylin Simmons Beacon Elite
Tyliek Weeks 2G'z
Eric Acker NYC Finest

Game 1

The first game of the double header at Stony Brook featured the Class A matchup between Kings Park and Southside High School. Southside comes in on a 23 game winning streak and is currently ranked number three on the entire Island. Kings Park is back in LIC game once again after another terrific season.

In the first quarter the game plan for the Kingsmen was clear as they were going to run every possession through their leader 6’3” CG Matt Garside ‘23. He was able to find a teammate and then scored before 6’3” G Rob Pericolosi (Southside ’23) got the Cyclones on the board. Southside got a bucket, Garside knocked down a tough jumper, Pericolosi finished a layup and then Garside scored again.

Garside and Pericolosi went back and forth scoring almost every point for their team in the first. The Cyclones took a 14-10 lead into the second quarter. 6’3” G Josh Garelle (Southside ’23) was able to score inside, Garside slipped by his defender for two and then hit a jumper on the next trip. Southside’s defense was rotating, communicating, and getting stops throughout the first half. While their defense was getting the job done their offense went stone cold as they lost the quarter 7-6.

Southside took a 20-17 lead into halftime despite Garside leading all scorers with 15. The Cyclones got some offense to start the third plus got Garelle a few extra touches. He was able to finish through contact, Garside scored inside, Garelle slid past his defender for a bucket but once again Garside responded for KP. This Kingsmen offense has run through Garside all year and that’s how they were going to try and win this game.

The Cyclones and Garelle took a 33-27 lead into the third even with Kings Park’s captain having 25 points. Their defense was eliminating any open threes for teammates and fording Garside to make difficult shots every trip. He was starting to wear down as Southside scored then got a basket from Garelle. They started to stretch the lead when Garside scored but you could see he was running out of gas.

Southside’s defense was suffocating the Kingsmen as time was running out quickly. Kings Park fought for the final couple of minutes but just couldn’t score enough to keep the pace. The Cyclones pulled away in the final minutes winning the game 45-31 for their first title since 1978. Pericolosi and Garelle each had 14 points while Garside lead all scorers with 27 points.

Game 2

The second game of the double header at Stony Brook University featured the Class A matchup between Baldwin and Brentwood. These two powerhouse programs are always a threat to win an LIC and this season was no different. Let’s look at this terrific matchup.

Baldwin got out to a wild 12-2 run to start the game featuring a couple of baskets from 6’4” G Jaylen Brown ‘23 and 5’10” CG Dylan Madden ‘23. Brentwood answered with a couple of lay ups from their back court and got a nice bucket from 6’4” SG Marquese Dennis ‘24. The Bruins scored, Brentwood got a basket from 6’3” SF Freddie Diogene ‘23 who finished a tough layup.

The Indians fought back to tie it at 18 then got a basket from Diogene but gave up an easy one to Madden on the other end. Baldwin hit a jumper, Brentwood hit two free throws then got another basket from Diogene. Brentwood was doing an excellent job of forcing tough shots for Baldwin in the second who seemed to be slowing down after their hot start.

Suffolks AA champs took a 30-27 lead into halftime despite on two points from their leading scorer. Brentwood started the half on an 8-0 run featuring baskets from Diogene, Dennis and their point guard. Baldwin’s top scorer was a bit off as well during the game, luckily Brown and Madden were ready to step up. Madden scored, Brown did as well before Diogene responded for the Indians. Dennis and company won the third quarter 14-8 stretching their lead to nine points.

The Bruins needed a spark if they were going get back in this game as they tried to turn up the pressure. Baldwin hit a three, Dennis knocked down a triple, Madden scored and Dennis finished a tough inside hoop. Brentwood hit a free throw, Brown scored, the Bruins stole the ball for a layup and the Indians went 1/2 from the line. Dennis got a bucket, Baldwin converted an and1 then hit two more free throws.

They were closing the gap but also starting to run out of time. The Bruins scored, Brentwood hit a jumper, Baldwin finished a layup, but the Indians made both free throws. Baldwin tried to foul but Brentwood handled business at the line and sealed the victory. They won 62-53 with Dennis leading the way with 15 points including 9 in the fourth quarter as well as 10 rebounds. Diogene had 14 points and 18 rebounds, Madden had a team high 13 and Brown added 11.

What’s Next

Southside takes on Irondequoit Section V Champ 3/17 at Cool Insuring Arena 7:45 PM
Brentwood takes on Victor Section V Champ
3/17 at Cool Insuring Arena 2:45 PM

By Brian Reichert

Southside 57 Manhasset 46
Game 1 of the Section VIII Championships featured two terrific A programs in Manhasset and Southside. Manhasset was our number two ranked team on Long Island while Southside comes in as number four plus is riding a 20 game winning streak.

The Indians were missing some threes early in the first as 5’10” James Bivona Southside ‘23 got offense going for the Cyclones. He was excellent, scoring 8 in the first as Southside started to build a lead after a big 9-0 run. Manhasset was struggling to break down the matchup zone and ended up trailing 16-6 after the first.

Manhasset caused three straight turnovers to start the half and also went on 6-0 run. 6” James Notias Manhasset ‘24 hit a key shot and then started to find the big underneath. The Indians also got a big lift from 6’4” SG Liam Connor ‘24 who had a big quarter and got in some rhythm offensively. Southside was able to knock down a few shots but saw their lead dwindle to one.

Notias found a teammate for a layup, Connor scored, the Cyclones answered with a basket then knocked down a three. The three gave them a 30-28 lead, they got a stop then Bivona drilled his third three of the game. This momentum lead to a 10-2 lead as the Cyclones zone held Manhasset to just eight points in the quarter.

Southside lead 37-30 and they pushed the lead to 11 thanks to 6’4” G Josh Garelle ‘23. Connor was able to get free for a basket, Notias scored but Garelle answered for Southside. The Cyclones got fouled a ton in the quarter and were making their free throws. They answered every run with a basket or a stop with their zone. Manhasset kept fouling hoping for some misses but Southside did what they needed to do.

The Cyclones pulled away and emptied the bench as they won 57-46. They held Manhasset to just 28% from the field and really limited their three pointers. Garelle lead the Cyclones with 16 points while Bivona added 13. Connor ended a fantastic career with 15 points and Notias chipped in 14.


Baldwin 45 Port Washington 39
Game 2 of the doubleheader at Hofstra featured the AA matchup of the number one seed Baldwin Bruins against their rival the Port Washington Vikings. Baldwin won both regular season matchups, but each game was tight.

Baldwin’s game plan is always bing the energy and pressure that’s just what they do. The Vikings, being prepared were able to get some offense early on. 6’1” SG Trevor Amalfitano Port Washington ‘24 is the Vikings top scorer and they looked for him early and often. The Bruins were forcing tough shots but weren’t having too much success on the offensive end.

Port Washington to an 11-8 lead in to the second and were looking to extend the lead. They had a few shots rattle in and out but still kept Baldwin off balance on offense. The Bruins got a steal, then 5’10” CG Dylan Madden ‘23 scored and 5’10” G Chase Timberlake ‘25 did as well. Baldwin really ramped up the intensity in the second causing the Vikings to panic.

Baldwin took a 19-16 lead into halftime and felt like they had the momentum. Port Washington was ready to fight back as they knocked down a shot, got a basket from Amalfitano and dug in defensively. The Bruins got a bit sloppy and cold for multiple stretches in the third. Amalfitano found a teammate for a basket, Madden hit a three but the Vikings scored again.

The Vikings lead 26-24 after three quarters and Baldwin was starting to rack up the fouls. While the Bruins top two scorers were getting all the focus it allowed guys like Madden and Timberlake step up. Timberlake made a big three, made a clutch stop while Madden went four for four from the line in the fourth. Baldwin sped up the game taking the Vikings a little outside their comfort zone.

Port Washington were letting the Bruins generate easy buckets from pressure and transition. Baldwin scored and took a five point lead with about minutes to go. The Vikings rallied to tie it up with 1:33 left when Baldwin drilled a three, got a stop then made both of their free throws. Port Washington despite their best offensive quarter gave up 21 points. Baldwin beat them for the third time this season by the final of 45-39. Madden lead the Bruins with 14 while Timberlake added 11. Amalfitano had 9 points and fought hard from start to finish.

What’s Next

3/11 At Stony Brook University

2 PM Southside vs Kings Park

4:30 PM Baldwin vs Brentwood

Intersectional "A" Semi-Finals:
Tuesday 2/28 @ Xaverian

5:00 pm #3 Msgr Farrell (Dark) vs. #2 St. Edmund (White)
7:00 pm #4 St. Joseph by the Sea (Dark) vs. #1 Nazareth (White)

On the Intersectional Varsity Bracket the following spots can be filled in:
BQ #1 - Christ the King
BQ #2 - St. Francis Prep
NY #1 - Cardinal Hayes
NY #2 - Stepinac

“AA" Intersectional 2nd Round:

3/1/Wed @ St. Francis Prep
6:00 pm BQ #5 Bishop Loughlin (Dark) vs. NY #4 St. Raymond (White)
7:45 pm NY #6 Msgr. Scanlan (Dark) vs. BQ #3 Molloy (White)

3/2/Thurs @ St. Raymond
6:00 pm NY #5 St. Peter's (Dark) vs. BQ #4 Xaverian (White)
7:45 pm Holy Cross (Dark) vs. NY #3 Iona Prep (White)

Game 1

Chaminade chases Holy Trinity down.

The number 1 seed Chaminade Flyers took on number 4 seed Holy Trinity in the first matchup of the NSCHSAA Semi Finals at Farmingdale State College yesterday. Chaminade had beaten the Titans twice during the regular season and were heavy favorites going into the game. Let’s look at the recap.

Holy Trinity came out firing in the first quarter despite being the younger and more inexperienced roster. Their young guards were making plays and scoring. Chaminade came out a bit tight missing several shots early on. They were settling in when 6’1” G Matt Defalco (Holy Trinity ’23) knocked a shot to keep HT cruising.

The Titans lead 19-9 after 1 and we wouldn’t lie to you we were a bit shocked. Chaminade had a nice start to the second with 5’10” SG Dave DeBusschere ‘23 scoring a couple of buckets to help settle the Flyers. Trinity kept coming, pressuring defensively, and getting inside baskets. Late into the 2nd quarter the Flyers had cut the lead to 29-25 when Trinity stole the ball for a breakaway lay in. DeBusschere scored on the next two possessions to cut the lead to two points when the Titans banked a three at the buzzer.

Chaminade, trailing 34-29 at the half gave up an easy score but then got a pair of free throws from 6’2” SG Antoni Vlogianitis ‘23 who they needed to step up. Defalco canned a three, Chaminade went 1/2 from the line but the Titans scored again. Trinity got fouled missed both, gave up and1 to Vlogianitis who then hit a three after a stop. The Flyers now trailed 41-38 with 4 minutes left in the quarter when they took a big charge. Defalco scored, DeBusschere answered with a three then Vlogianitis got fouled and made both.

DeBusschere hit a floater, Defalco got by his defender for a layup and then both teams came up empty as the quarter ended. The fourth started with both teams at 45 as Trinity scored, DeBusschere hit a deep three, but Defalco finished a beautiful inside basket. Chaminade made a pair of free throws, Defalco only made 1/2 when Vlogianitis hit a monster three for the Flyers. Vlogianitis converted two more free throws, Trinity turned it over after a timeout then had their big man foul out.

The Flyers went 1/2 from the line, got a stop and scored then on the following possession dove on the floor for a loose ball and got back the basketball. They got the timeout, drew up a terrific three point shot for Vlogianitis who drilled it but the Titans scored on the other end. Holy Trinity got the timeout, sent Chaminade to the line where they converted both but then came up empty.

Holy Trinity, who had all the momentum had lost it and were desperately fouling to try to trim the lead. Chaminade was clutch down the stretch forcing awful shots and knocking down every free throw. The Flyers won 71-56 in a well-earned victory over the Titans. DeBusschere was our player of the game ending up with 19 points we still can’t understand how he’s not committed to playing somewhere next year. Vlogianitis was outstanding in the second half finishing with 18 points while Defalco had 19 points for Holy Trinity.

Game 2

St. Anthonys outworks SJB

The second game of the CHSAA double header featured the number 2 seed St. John the Baptist and the number 3 seed St. Anthony’s Friars. These two teams split during the regular season and despite the Cougars having a great start to the season they came into the game reeling a bit even with the bye.

St. Anthony’s may not have had the star power SJB has but they didn’t care as they jumped the Cougars 9-0 to start the game. The Cougars called timeout then got back to back baskets from their star 6’2” PG Carter Wilson ‘25. They hit a three then converted a tough and1 to take a 10-9 lead. SJB then got four straight blocks from their young big man plus had another one of their young guards knock down a three.

The Friars looking for answers after their hot start found them in 6’5” F KJ Duff ‘25 who’s one of the top football players in the state. Duff scored on back to back trips getting the score to 13-13 with less than two minutes remaining. SJB scored, got another block then Wilson finished a layup at the buzzer giving the Cougars a 4-point lead after the 1st.

St. Anthony’s converted a big and1, Wilson scored inside then found a forward for an easy deuce. Wilson got fouled, made 1/2 from the line then Duff got fouled and made both. Duff who was killing SJB on the boards grabbed multiple offensive rebounds then got fouled when he made the putback. Duff missed the free throw, then the Friars missed a pair but SJB was getting sloppy. Friars beat the Cougars down court for an easy score, they scored again then drew a nice charge. Duff cut by his guy for an easy layup, St. John’s tried to score and then got a last second putback.

St. Anthony’s lead 28-26 at half time and came out scoring the first six points. Carter got by three defenders for a basket, Friars beat them down the floor for an easy layup but Wilson scored again. Duff cut by his again for a layup, SJB scored, Friars hit a three but gave up a basket to the Cougars. Wilson broke down the defense for a basket to cut it to 5 late in the second but the Friars answered again giving them a 43-36 lead after three quarters of play.

The Cougars turned it over multiple times to start quarter but then got a monster and1 from Wilson to cut it to 7. Friars banked in a shot, Duff made a pair of free throws after several offensive rebounds then threw down a dunk ahead of the St. John the Baptist defense. The lead was now 52-39 just under 5 minutes to go SJB couldn’t get an easy basket forcing everything into multiple defenders plus weren’t getting back on the defensive end.

St. Anthony’s got another turnover, banked in a shot, gave up a score but then got another lay up for Duff ahead of the defense. The Cougars scored but had to start playing the foul game down 13 with just under 3 minutes to play. Friars finished out SJB 65-51 after making their free throws down the stretch. Duff, who recently got an offer from Texas A&M to play football was the best athlete on the floor and played like it. He finished with 22 points, almost 20 rebounds and a bunch of blocks. Wilson had excellent moments as well ending up with a team high 20 for SJB.



What’s Next

2/28 7:30 at Hofstra

Chaminade takes on St. Anthony’s

The Kingsmen of Kings Park came in as the number one seed after having a little bit of a scare against Wyandanch in the last game. They take on Mt. Sinai who features an all guard lineup that just took down Amityville. This game took place at Stony Brook University and was a great atmosphere for high school basketball.

Kings Park’s gameplan was clear they were going to run every possession through their Captain 6’3” Union College commit Matt Garside ‘23. He got off to a great start scoring 11 of Kings Park’s 17 points in the first quarter. Garside got to the line six times and was able to do a ton of damage inside the Mustangs interior defense. Luckily for Mt. Sinai they leaned on their go to scorer 6’3” CG Drew Feinstein ‘23 early and often. The lefty was able to keep the score within reach, finishing the quarter with 8.

Mt. Sinai trailed 17-13 after the 1st but starting things off with a nice three. Kings Park answered with an inside hoop, Feinstein scored then Garside hit a three. The Mustangs hit another three, hit a pair of free throws but gave an easy bucket for KP. Garside scored and the defense started to completely be focused on him allowing 5’10” SG Tom Matonti ‘24 to get open for a three. He scored again, the Mustangs made a basket and drew the foul but failed to convert the free throw.

The Kingsmen held a 31-27 lead into halftime and it the game looked up for grabs. They started with a three, they converted a free throw, but Mt. Sinai responded with a three of their own. Kingsmen were getting stops but weren’t capitalizing on the offensive end until Matonti buried a deep three. Feinstein scored, Garside banked a three and Matonti closed out the third with a huge three.

Mt. Sinai only had 5 points in the third and needed to put their foot on the gas or this was going to get ugly quick. Feinstein hit a three, Garside scored inside, the Mustangs finished a layup but Garside converted a pair of free throws. The time was running out as Mt. Sinai was trying to trade baskets for fouls but Kings Park wasn’t missing from the line.

Matonti and Garside sealed the deal sinking multiple free throws down the stretch for KP. Kings Park won 67-54 and will take on whoever comes out as the Nassau A winner. Garside was sensational and clearly was player of the game with a game high 29 points. Matonti had a huge second half scoring 13 of his 18 points when his squad needed it. Mt. Sinai graduates some great Seniors who had terrific careers and Feinstein who had exceptional moments finished with 20 points.

Brandon Williams 2nd Team?
Dwayne Pierce 3rd Team?
Qin Pang 3rd Team?

Not Higher? Really?

The PSAL Playoff seeds are in as the first round is set to take place on February 28th. We wanted to highlight a few intriguing players in the B Division that are worth checking out. This league definitely has some prospects who can play at the next level.

6’4” G Raphael Tawil (Scholars Academy ’23)
Tawil does it all for Scholars and then some as he averages 26, 11 and 7 a game. He’s been fantastic all season for them earning them a respectable 2 Seed this year and will earn a bye in the first round. His ability to finish in traffic, score in the post, hit shots and take guys off the dribble is impressive. We expect them to be a make a very deep with Tawil leading the way.

5’11” PG Sean Lopez (Maspeth ’24)
Lopez is the floor general and leading for the under Argonauts. He’s averaging overing 16 points and 5.5 assists per game plus has an excellent assist to turnover ratio. His ability to find teammates, communicate, move the ball and generate offense himself gives us confidence in Maspeth. The favorites are on a roll and will be ready to take on everyone’s best shot as they look to make history.

5’11” PG Amara Jagana (Bathgate ’23)
Jagana is a terrific student athlete and an even better person off the floor. His coaches rave about how is willing to help teammates and even students in the classroom. The Salutatorian is running the show for #8 seed averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds a game plus chasing the Valectorian in the classroom every day. He plays hard, wants to win and is a tremendous on ball defender. His team could be a pesky out and shouldn’t be underestimated.

6’3” G Isaiah Rivera (Fannie Lou Hammer ’24)
Rivera is the top scorer and rebounders for the Panthers this season. He’s a smart player who understands the game and how to be effective. Fannie Lou is the number three seed and will look to feature Rivera who’s stepped all season when they needed it. We could easily see them in the championship if they continue to play well together as a team.

6’4” G Brandon Berrios (Goldstein ’23)
Berrios is a very athletic and strong guard who can finish above the rim. He’s been superb all season averaging 27 points and 9 rebounds plus has improved defensively. His squad is a sneaky six seed and they could easily make a deep run if Berrios does his thing. We believe he could definitely help with a few programs next year, especially if he keeps developing.

Varsity "A" 1st Round
Tuesday, 2/21 @ Christ the King
4:00 pm #11 Cardinal Spellman (Dark) vs. #6 Fordham Prep (White)
5:45 pm #9 All Hallows (Dark) vs. #8 Salesian (White)
7:30 pm #10 LaSalle (Dark) vs. #7 McClancy (White)

Varsity "B" 1st Round
Wednesday, 2/22 @ Salesian
5:00 pm #7 Sacred Heart (Dark) vs. #2 Moore Catholic (White)
6:30 pm #6 Kennedy Catholic (Dark) vs. #3 St. John's Prep (White)

@ Christ the King
4:00 pm #5 Cristo Rey Brooklyn (Dark) vs. #4 Cathedral Prep (White)

The word on the street is that five-star NY point guard Boogie Fland will commit to UConn. You heard it here first.

Thoughts?

There has been unsteadiness and confusion at and with the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) lately. This following the sudden passing in 2021 of Donald Douglas who was its Executive Director. We're now hearing that Danny Harris , who was second in command to Douglas, will be returning to the PSAL in the capacity of Senior Executive Director after a brief stint as an executive with the newly formed National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC).

AA’ Division Player of the Week
Archbishop Stepinac - Ben Lyttle
The 6’5 Senior Guard/Forward tallied a double double in a season opening win at Cardinal Hayes in a clash of two nationally ranked teams. The Senior, with a 4.0 GPA had 19points and 10 rebounds in the win.

‘A’ Division Player of the Week
St. Joes by the Sea - Christian Greeley
The Senior Guard in victories over Moore Catholic and La Salle averaged 22ppg and 11rpg for the week with a high of 25 points vs. La Salle.

‘B’ Division Player of the Week
Cathedral Prep - Zaire Macklin
The 6'3 Sophomore Forward was named Most Valuable Player in the Martin Luther Tournament while recording two double, doubles. He had 13 points & 11 rebounds in the Championship game vs Martin Luther.