New Ro-Mount Vernon II
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- February
- 6
Today they are involved in a big showcase event. On Monday is the rematch. New Rochelle beat Mount Vernon a week ago at NRHS, a come-from-behind victory that showed us that the Class AA playoffs are going to be very competitive this year.
Monday they meet again at Mount Vernon at 4:15 p.m.
You can catch it right here live, by clicking here, or by going to www.lohud.com/vcsports1.
Meanwhile, today’s a pretty big day.
Mount Vernon’s got a showcase:
Port Chester vs. Pelham, 10 a.m.; Sleepy Hollow vs. Edgemont, noon; Valhalla vs. Tuckahoe, 2 p.m.; Mamaroneck vs. Mount Vernon, 4 p.m.; Salesian vs. Gorton, 6 p.m.
And there’s this triple-header at New Rochelle:
Scarsdale vs. Cardinal Spellman,11 a.m.; Peekskill vs. All Hallows, 12:45 p.m.; Iona Prep at New Rochelle, 2:30 p.m.
The Iona-New Ro game could be one of the best in the area this season.
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Josh Thomson has done some of everything since joining The Journal News in March 2003. He began working for the Gannett weeklies during the winter of 2002 as a freelance writer. He joined the daily staff soon after and has since covered various high school and pro sports. Away from sportswriting, Josh lives in Westchester and spends his free time either with his wife, Sarah, or expertly managing his various championship-winning fantasy sports teams. He's visited 21 major-league baseball stadiums and insists that Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are the best by far. Josh graduated from Carmel High School in 1998, then went to Boston University, where, in 2002, he received a degree in communications with a minor in history.
anyone gonna have updates from new ro today? unable to make it down there
is the iona new ro game at iona college or new rochelle high school today?
PK-NFA starts in 30…
PK leads 15-12 end of 1st
Half: NFA 41, PK 28
quite a run by nfa. pk needs to chip away in the 3rd
Jeff. Did it get that ugly that you missed the end of 3rd Quarter score. lol
Final: NFA 82, PK 69
That 17-0 run made all the difference. Cant dig yourself out a hole like that vs a team of this caliber and expect to win. Sounds like NFA played a great game. Good job and good luck vs Middletown Tuesday. Hopefully PK can regroup from this loss and use it to make them better down the road. Very dispointed to see this one.
can we get a game recap
NFA PK Game Recap:
PK came out hot and put up 15 quick points. NFA settled down after the 1st and played there game. 2nd qtr NFA changed to a full court press. NFA denied Whitaker the ball the last 3 qtrs which made someone else take the ball up court, this was disasterous for the pioneers. There was points in which PK turned the ball over several times in a row.
As far as PK offense is concerned there was alot of 1 on 1 which in my opinion played right into NFA hands.
NFA shot about 10% from the free thow line, Im not kidding. They should have dropped over 90 on PK.
Mcleod and Henderson both had solid games for NFA, Jarrod Scurlock had a monster 1st half. At one point he had 3 or 4 steals in a row and a few fast break points.
anybody know what happened in the new ro vs. iona prep game?
Wow what horrible updating on some good games that were played. We need kevin back
NewRo beat Iona Prep by about 10. They led the whole game, but Iona Prep stayed in it behind Brian Voelkel. Antoine had some incredible dunks in the game. Peekskill lost by about 7 to All Hallows. They just can’t put a complete game together. Scarsdale lost to Cardinal Spellman in the first game.
Sorry, meant to say Antonie Mason in the last post, in case anybody didn’t know who he was. LOL
By the way, the Iona Prep-NewRo game will be on MSG tomorrow morning. It was the game of the week.
Sounds like iona had a little hangover from last nights thrashing.
BTW. Mcleod For NFA had a monster game against poughkeepsie 30 and 12.
These are the days us PK Fans miss Duane Clarke. Monster game by McLeoud. Couldnt keep him from hitting the boards. He’s always been a man-child
I love Iona must of had a hangover ?? Last week they get headlines for not running in a track race . An entire article was written not on who won but because they were not allowed to run.
& today it is a hangover from last night thrashing. Maybe they should have won the rockland county championships today also. They are Iona!
New Rochelle beats Iona. Let see what headlines say tomorrow. I am sure JN will have an excuse why Iona lost in there headlines. We should just start calling it The Iona News instead of the the Journal news.
Thanks for the new ro-Iona update
Kudos to New Rochelle on their win-
Iona did not seem to have their legs after playing a big league rival in Stepinac-Even so New Rochelle played the better game and deserved the win. Brian Voelkel was the only player who performed beyond expectations-
Iona had some problems getting back on defense which led to some easy dunks by Mason and Torres-
Playing Mount on Tues, Stepinac on Friday and then New Rochelle today caught up to Iona who only plays 7 players-
5 thoughts on the NFA/POK game:
5) Whitaker rose to the level of competition today—played better than he did v. Peekskill. Was deadly from outside hitting some very difficult jumpers from all over the court. Kid should be a nice Mid Major player somewhere next year.
4) Nate Gause didn’t have his best game but he showed somethings on the defensive end today that he didn’t show last week during his 39 pt outburst v. Peekskill. I’m not sure there is another player in the Section who can pick Marcus Henderson’s pocket and also swat shots underneath the hoop – tremndous defensive versatility. NFA also had trouble handling him in the open court. Awesome potential for this kid.
3) Mccloud is a silent killer – he doesn’t go above the rim or between his legs with a pass but he may be the most productive player NFA has. He scores, passes and rebounds with great effectiveness – he can litter up a stat sheet real fast.
2) A couple of weeks ago I thought that McMillan was a nice addition but maybe not the addition that was needed to make a state title run. I was dead wrong – I believe that Coach D must turn over the PG duties to this kid. He’s got a ‘been there done that’ confidence level that seems to calm down a sometimes out of control NFA. Henderson appears to be a shoot first PG this year—I think he’s forcing shots way too much. McMillan has by far the best looking stroke on that team and probably in Section 1 or 9. Kid has calves like tree trunks and very tight rotation on a shot that has plenty of strength from behind the arc. He can also finish with the best of them in the NYSPHSAA. Defensively – he switched the momentum in the game several times today. The road to Glens Falls goes through NFA.
1) POK fans have been defending their depth on this blog all week. Unfortunately it was exactly that which torpedoed their hopes of winning today. After Gause picked up a quick 2 they looked badly undermanned. NFA took control before the half and it was a laugher the rest of the way. I like POK to make the County Center but I think the buck stops there. If they are able to grab the chip, I don’t think they get past NFA who I think would still survive POK even of they had an off night.
Coach R,
You’re assesments are well valued and make a lot of sense. It was a tough game for the Pioneers, however, games like this in this part of the year do more good then harm. The Pioneers played a tough foe and came up short. Now they know what they need to do to improve. It is a litmus test so to speak. I wish PK was in Sect. 9 so we could see if this was an aberration or not. It is not to be, you never know what can happen. Maybe a 3/4 court shot will drop for the Pioneers and they’ll meet NFA again
. What’s up with news around Section 1/CHSPHAA today?
I thought the officials were horrible in the NFA/Pok game. They pretty much let NFA grab and slap on everything. Good assessment on Gause. He went down with two and the bench was horrible. McLaurin had a really bad game. Too many turnovers on his part. He looked weaker then the NFA guard that pushed him around. He better hit the weightroom or he will be a nice DIII player. NFA had too much depth but the best player I think was Whitaker. McLeod is very good as well. New Ro beats NFA though.
Sorry for my lack of updates; I’ve been away from the computer all day. Will offer my thoughts later…
Bulldog,
You are right when you say the refs where bad but you have to be objective. My team won and the refs where bad both ways. Ticky tack and phantom calls all over the place and then guys being mugged in the paint by both teams and no call at all. Questionable at best. BUT! In no way where the refs at fault for PK loss. Whitaker and guase where both very talented but I didnt see much ball movement at all, Both guys plus that number 4 where black holes with the ball. Take your man 1 on 1 and try to score. That may work against lesser comp but it wont work against teams like NFA. NFA played betted D, Moved the ball better and took shots within the flow of the offense. Not to mention PK couldnt bring the ball up the court for the 2nd and part of the 3rd qtr. I was not impressed with PK coaching/Game plan. That could be lack of execution but to me it appeared to be lack of preparation. Again, guys just trying to beat there guy 1 on 1. They have two kids that can score but you cant rely on that for 4 qtrs against a good team.
Coach Reeves, to call a game a laugher from there means you didnt watch the rest of the game or you would know Pok cut it to single digits a couple of times and was always within a run away from Nfa just couldnt get it together after that run in the 2nd quarter credit Nfa ,But as good as Nfa , they and Pok played a 41-41 second half (that means it was a even 2nd half) not quit the laugher u say it was. I’ll take Pok if they meet again Why, this is my 5th time seeing Nfa play and they play the same they’re not getting any better , if gause doesn’t sit early nfa doesn’t pull away period.I think Pok will be the end of Newro now that they lost and have something to prove, if it takes 30 turnovers to beat Pok by 13 then Pok is alot better then even i give them credit for .
As I said in numerous posts last week, POK’s depth would kill them against NFA. POK has two studs – however – its stops there. NFA legitimately goes 7 deep. Defensively the game was apples and oranges – POK’s defense is going to kill them in the Section 1 tourney. They’re not beating New Ro or MV – mark that one down. NFA’s defense was smothering and reminiscent of the defense that helped them win States last year. Scurlock had an incredible first half off the bench and McMillan was the difference yet again. His 3 pull up jumpers at the end of the first half were huge. Lastly, NFA better sure up their free throw shooting – they should’ve dropped 100 points today.
Well, I’ve just read what everyone else has had to say about Poughkeepsie-Newburgh and I don’t have anything to add… While I do agree that PK couldn’t catch a break from the officials, you also can’t place yourself in a position to have them decide the game. Having both Gause and Crowell pick up two fouls in the first half definitely compromised PK’s effectiveness on the boards; it seems like the Pioneers backed off on defense to avoid picking up any more fouls. Still, that doesn’t take away from the fact that NFA is every bit as strong as it was last year; like statesman said, the best thing PK can do is to learn from this setback and get ready for the sectionals…
Exciting Class C contest during a well orchestrated “Super-Saturday” at Mount Vernon H S between Valhalla and Tuckahoe. Coach Visconti’s Tuck. squad has shown great improvement and gave Valhalla a battle ‘til the end.
James Jensen did the yeoman’s work for a scrappy Valhalla team. The Vikings are getting used to the return of their point guard who had missed six weeks of the season due to an injury.
If Valhalla can play as a team they have the potential to be successful in the post season.
Valhalla nearly beat Briarcliff and Pleasantville, the top 2 teams in Class B this season along with Woodlands..
Valhalla is an overwhelming favotite to win class C. If they do not win the Class C gold ball, it is a serious choke!
You guys get on here and act like teams can’t adjust or get better , hello Pok was undefeated they had no reason to believe there game plan wouldn’t work because they haven’t lost. Pok defense was fine the diff. was they’re turnovers(over 25) they still was within 8 to 14 points after all those turnovers. Mark my word Pok will adjust here’s some food for thought , Newro will be the 1 seed even if they lose to MV due to less nys loses , Pok is locked in to the 2 seed with 1 loss(newro has no nys losses yet but will beat pok by strength of schedule. even if the loss to Mv) North roc will out point Mv for the 3 because Mv played more out of state games that don’t count even if they won (NR has more nys wins then Mv even if they end up with the same amount of nys losses 2). know that leaves Mv at the 4 seed can Newro beat Mv at the County center and then turn around and beat Pok right after i don’t think so
Mvrep,
NFA Missed about 12 foul shots in the 2nd half so by your logic PK actually stayed within 14-20 points. You know if NFA didnt miss those shots, Wait, what? im confused. NFA missed those shots and PK coughed up the ball and NFA won.
Im sorry. I think im sleep typing….
And if my Granmother had balls shed be my grandfather. I think!
Where is Jayden? We need a voice of reason here.
No one said New Ro’s path will be easy – No one in Section 1 will have it easy.
POK has played one good team and got man-handled by them. sure – they were undefeated – but they play an atrocious schedule. they’ll get to same point they got last year.
Funny how you mention 1 on 1 ball for PK. I guess that’s right. PK has always been that run and gun team. Tonight they ran into a team with a Bigger Gun. Time to adjust, 30’s Turnovers is a lot. This sounds like how PK ran on that 22-0 run last year Early and NFA never quite recovered. Games were kind of mirrors of each other. Great Gameplan from Coach Dino. Everyone has to bring their ‘A’ game now or they’re going home mindset from now on.
when will people start realizing that pelham can win a gold ball ? if portchester won today they would be fighting for the number 1 seed in the A tournament, but they got blown out by a team from a very underated league. give pelham some respect, these kids are gonna reek havic at the county center
Jmoose Nfa is and was the better team i know that everybody knows that(what are they gonna due when they lose there top 6 next yr), Yes they missed there foul shots ok , but if Pok cuts there turnover in half ( cause even half is alot lol)if they meet again it would be a diff. story just my opinion i could be wrong. Every yr you guys complain about pok’s schedule last time i checked Newro is 0-3 against Pok while playing a much harder schedule every yr. Anyway good luck with middletown on Tues i heard they are pretty good this yr. Its time for me to worry about Newro MV 2 now lol.
can someone please explain the playoff format in nys high school basketball. How many games do you have to win in order to win the section? After that, how many do you have to win in the state playoffs to make it all the way? thanks
How many games you win in the section depends on your seed. I think the low seeds need to win 3 or 4 in sec 1. 3 In sec 9.
The state playoffs have a rotational bye in the regionals so if you have the bye you have to win 1 (regional final) 2 if you dont to get to the final 4. Win 2 games upstate and you are the NYSPHSAA champ. Then there is the federation tournament of champions the week after that. The winner of the CHSAA, PSAL and NYSPHSAA play in a 3 team tourny with a rotational bye.
Jmoose get it all out now, because your team is going to be weak next year and so on. You got a special group. Love it now and pound that chest. Oh and if you were in Sect 1, you wouldn’t dominate a thing on a consistent basis. POK had 30 turnovers. End of discussion, you don’t in games like that no excuses. They were outplayed. But POK is young and will continue to win each year like they tend to.
Same goes for Iona. They better win the state and maybe feds this year… Next year, back to reality. Lets also applaud New Ro for being the best team in the area. Wondering why a loud mouth joke fan like “iona” isn’t around now?
We should all applaud teams like Mount Vernon and Peekskill. CONSISTENCY is what its all about. Year after year they are around the top. New Ro’s’, NFA’s will have a few years here and there, but they are second fiddle and will always be….
This is what should be taken from that Iona/New Ro game
1) Mason and Torres were the best players on the court today.
2) Iona has no depth
3) New Rochelle is a better all around team
4) Carrisimo was out athleted and looked out of place
5) Voekel continues to show why he is a dominate high school player. Vermont got a gem.
6) New Ro’s championship to lose this year. They have the best team, but I could easily see MV or POK beating them.
sec 1
It sounds like you are also a loudmouth fan yourself-
Your comments about Iona back to reality are hysterical-
In 4 out of the last 6 seasons Iona will have won more than 20 games-
We all know that you have some animosity toward Iona.
sec 1
Also stop trying to manufacture “Iona Fans” making antagonistic comments on this seasons basketball forum-People have for the most part kept it too basketball-Stop trying to fan the flames.
Sec 1,
What are you talking about? Get what out? Im here on this board and the sec 9 board AND the syracuse.com board win or lose by the Goldbacks. Sounds like sour grapes to me bro. NFA will be fine next year. They wont be the caliber of this years team but so what! Im not a band wagon fan. Im a NEWBURGH fan. Win or lose I follow the games and the players. I dont think I have ever pounded my chest on this blog. If i have it was in jest. I know that we are talking about kids here and not paid pro’s so we have to dial it back a bit.
What do you mean dominate on a consistent basis. NFA has given Mighty Mt Vernon 3 of there toughest games in the last five years. Five years of competitve basketball sounds pretty consistent to me.
Maybe you should follow your own advice and “get it out now”. Thats right get it out! Get all the whining out now, you will feel much better when you are done. And why you are whining NFA will be winning because they are hitting there stride as just the right time. Just like last year.
BTW. The kid dominating PK yesterday for a qtr or 2 was Jarrod Scurlock (soph) and the kid dominating on JV was Justin Rutty’s little brother at 6’6” lefty (frosh). So I will take my chances with those kids for the next couple of years but thanks for worrying about my boys.
GO GOLDBACKS
Who was on here not Applauding Mt Vernon?
I think the vast majority of bloggers here tip there cap to the program all the time. They are probably the premier PUBLIC high school in the country. At least on the east coast. Top 5 nationally.
Peekskill is right there and again aside from a couple angry fans/rivals everyone applauds that program as well.
Anything less would be sour grapes which you apoparently know alittle bit about. LOL….
Stop drinking and blogging you sound like an idiot!
Not one mention of the fact that Greeley beat Ossining by 42 yesterday. Up 31 at halftime. If it was Mt. Vernon or Peekskill playing they would had run up the score… Greeley could have won by 60+. Clearly not there style. The so called Power Rankings had Ossining at 5 in ‘’AA”. As of today, it looks as though the 4th seed is Greeley’s. Kudos to Coach Fernandes and his players.
‘AA”
there = their
Iona Power you are a complete and total tool and an excuse maker. I like how you made it seem like Iona was tired. New Ro is better and was better that day, no need to try and make a lame excuse. Back to reality is right and any non-homer will agree. You have a special class and it is going to be a LOOOOONG time if ever that you duplicate this. Keep winning 20 games you hypocrite. Your concern is an end all goal, we all know that. Notice you didn’t mention a state or fed championship.. Your a hypocrite. And I have nothing at all against Iona. There are a lot of people who blog under section 1. I am realistic you are wearing homer glasses. Take em off
jmoose normally I enjoy your comments but you are nothing more than a dope now. Five years of consistent ball and you think your program is top flight huh. I am talking about year in and year out…like a MV. Your NFA program will never smell the tip of that. You will also never win another state championship for a long time. You heard it hear. Keep thinking Shurlock is the next stud. Yes he is a kid, so I will keep the comments light, but if you have your faith in that player your just silly. What am I getting out now you bozo? The fact that NFA has a great class. Who cares? I am not rooting against kids. If NFA wins great, if they lose so what.
And hitting there stride huh? You are a homer like Iona Pooper. They are not winning a state or fed this year. Be realistic. I have seen your boys play three times already. They are one of the most inconsistent teams out there. They are under sized, they rely too much on the jump shot. They play down to their opponents, they are wild. Should I continue? Look at the big picture. They have a shot to get past Section 1(Which I doubt), but when they run into the state, they are done. So then that leaves next year… Newburgh will be back to normal
You and Iona Poop can say all you want, but be realistic. Both programs are going to take HUGE hits. Both programs have had special classes, both programs may not get to this level again. Try and deny it…
Iona power no one has dogged Iona this year because bloggers like Iona, iona pep crazed and even you at times have kept quiet. If you think its anything else your wrong. Last year every win equated to Iona beating the Lakers. Now with multiple loses and most recently one to New Ro the Iona faithful is quiet(and should be).
They don’t need to beat the world, they need to beat the opponents that are in the path of a championship.
Sect 1 is a little harsh, but makes a lot of sense. I see the point as I am impartial to the teams mentioned. Both programs will take steps back. The talent there is special. That is not a secret.
sect 1
Myself and Jmoose have enough of pride and support our programs- You on the other hand seem to hide behind your little “sec 1” name – BE A MAN AND TELL US WHO YOU SUPPORT!! ALL YOU DO DURING THE FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL SEASONS IS PERSONALLY ATTACK CATHOLIC LEAGUE SUPPORTERS-
observations
The facts are that Iona is 17-4 with a realistic shot at winning the Class A Federation- If people want to come out of the woodwork and question Iona as a team after a loss on the road to a very good New Rochelle team then that is fine-
Also the facts are that you get individuals like “sec 1” who just ripped myself and jmoose becuase we support programs who he may not like.
Can you imagine if someone from Iona ripped apart a section 1 school- We can go back on these basketball blogs from back in November and I bet you will not find anyone from Iona overhyping this years team.
Iona Poop you got the wrong sect 1. I don’t follow football and I don’t have a personal vendetta when it comes to catholic schools or their supporters. So stop trying to play inspector gadget you dope. I didn’t realize being a man is admitting which group of 15-18yr olds you root for????? To even make a comment like that is ridiculous. Being a man is taking care of your family. Not who you root for…just a weird statement by you. But if it will make you happy, I will tell you. I root for MV always have and always will. But I watch a lot of hoops and I am realistic. I have seen a lot of talent over the years.
Like I said earlier and I will say it again.. Iona and NFA have special classes. After this year its back to reality baby. MV is down this year(for MV) but I can admit that. Still not counting us out because we have the best coach and one of the best players..
Jmoose yeah you played us tough, but look at the over success…BRO. One state championship and now you think you have stank on your hang lo…PLEASE!
Sect 1 – Before I read your final comment – I knew you would eventually admit you were an MV fan. Your criticisms of Iona and NFA are simply sour grapes. It’s hard to be on top for years and years – and then simply fall by the way side for a year or two or maybe more. I’d be bummed too – if I were you. You call NFA erratic and wild – the MV team that I watched against New Ro was exactly that. And inconsistent? MV has been the most inconsistent team I’ve watched this year – aside from Peekskill.
MV is the standard – I’ll give you that. They’re the Yankees of HS hoops. Yankee fans want to kill themselves on down years – and obviously so do MV fans. Give respect where respect is due – NFA and Iona have had two incredible years. Deal with it.
sect 1,
Coming on here to make somewhat snide remarks about two programs, Iona and NFA that were in the Federation championships last year and have a chance to go back this year seems disengenuous. Sure, very, very few programs can expect to make the Feds EVERY year. comparing any local team to a MV is ridiculous because MV is one of the best HS programs in America. Iona and NFA have very solid programs who have been exceptionally with their senior class. They’ll both be solid for years to come. There is no shame in having solid teams that don’t make the Feds. In the meantime, let’s all show respect to their current teams that are Fed contenders and not be a hater looking towards next year when both will be relatively down from the past couple years. Believe me, as a Stepinac fan, I very much look forward to Iona/Stepinac NEXT year when Stepinac can get back to being the better program as usual (sorry Iona fans, I had to throw that in their, but I say it with admiration), but I wouldn’t be foolish enough to dismiss what Iona and NFA are trying to do this year. The facts remain that New Ro, Iona, MV and NFA are outstanding teams this year. Pok, North Rockland, Mount St Michael, Peekskill and Stepinac very good. We’re all fortunate to have a lot of excellent basketball locally this year!
Scott oh Scott another NFA fan. I was waiting for you or your boyfriend Jmoose to comment.
Lets see MV is down with the best all around player and highest recruited kid in the area huh? MV is down when they have one local loss? Hallows was a bad loss, but Hillhouse and the PA losses are fine. Quality competition can do that to you. Oh and both teams would have beat NFA. Last time I checked your boys weren’t undefeated.
Do me a favor, don’t question the style of MV. Coach C is the best and the game plan is far from erratic and wild. They are inconsistent which is totally different. So if you are going to try and critic them, do it without your NFA underwear off.
I am still laughing as you think MV is down. It really shows how incompetent you are as a NFA fan. DO you think MV is down next year too? Lets see..NFA loses their whole team, New Ro loses their best player, POK loses Whitaker… MV will have Hinds and the youth movement that is playing better each game… hmmm who is down again?????
Scott you want to try and mock MV..go ahead, won’t work. Wrong program to mock. Go look at the hardware and go look at the actual court to see who is on it.. Enjoy NFA this year, cause next year its back to being MV’s red headed step child, like you almost always are…
Hoops I find myself to be realistic as oppose to disingenuous. I stated the truth and fans don’t want to hear it. MV is not at its highest point right now and I realize that. But I am a fortunate fan and I know that a down year for MV is still a top year for most.
I 100% applaud the group of kids NFA and Iona have right now. They are excellent and have been a joy to watch. But please stop trying to tell me this is the norm. Please don’t tell me 5 years of solid hoops resembles MV. Thats all I am saying. Enjoy the run and when you can keep it up like MV or Peekskill, then talk.
Sect 1 – See this is the difference from being a homer, which you obviously are – and a true analyst of local basketball.
Anyone who knows me – knows I applaud MV and Coach C any chance I get – so you’re obviously missing on that attempt at an insult. But – as an objective observer – MV is down this year – and they will be next year – I’m not sure what this youth movement is – but they don’t have one player on their team nearly as good as Mitchell, Coburn, Sharrod, etc. Jabarie is good – I’ll give you that – but it stops at good.
So, New Ro loses some players, NFA loses some players, POK loses one player – so next year we’ll be back to even I guess – those teams won’t be better than MV – but THIS YEAR – guess what – they are. Sorry, bro.
Hoops fan
Lets compare Iona-Stepinac becuase you your quote that Stepinac is the better program as usual is off point-
Since 1998 Iona has won the CHSAA City Championship 3 times (1998, 2002 and 2009)
They made it to CHSAA City Championship in 2008.
They also won the League Champiosnhip in 2004.
Now the last 3 years Iona has beaten Stepinac home and home-
I would like to hear you make some Stepinac points of what they have done since the late 1990’s
Also I would not start predicting automatic wins for Stepinac in the future because the games need to be played.
Sect 1,
I think when some people have said MV is “down” thats just relatively speaking in terms of how they were a couple years ago with Mitchell, Coburn, Jones, Wright, etc. Several of those MV teams had three legitimate studs. This year and next looks to have one superstar – there is a difference. That being said, going into next year I think Mt Vernon will probably be better than they are this year. New Ro loses a lot. Iona loses a ton and becomes a good, but not outstanding team. Stepinac, Mount St Michael and Poughkeepsie seem to return a lot of players. I’d say MV, Stepinac, Mount, and Pok and New Ro go into next year as the top 5 local teams.
IonaPower,
Since 1998, I would probably agree Iona has had more good teams including the last three years. But keep in mind the last three years were an aberration for Iona basketball. Never, I repeat never, was Iona as good as they’ve been the last three years in basketball. I give them all the credit in the world, but this class of kids who fell out of the atmosphere at Iona doesn’t happen often at any school. You and I have been around long enough to remember Stepinac dominating Iona for years and years before 1998 so don’t act like both programs started 12 years ago. Even in the past few years, the beatings that Melquan Bolding and Tony Taylor put on Iona two years in a row were among the worst I’ve seen in that rivalry. So while including the last three years, Iona probably leads the rivalry over the past 12 years in win/loss it would still be close.
Keep a few things in mind. 1) Last year’s Iona team was probably the best EVER at Iona. 2) This year’s Iona team is probably the 2nd best ever at Iona. 3) the Jackette/Delfico team at Iona in 1998 or 1999 was probably the 3rd best team ever at Iona. Judging the Stepinac/Iona rivalry only by the last 12 years is shortsighted and we both know that. Someone posted the all-time Stepinac/Iona won/loss on this blog a couple years ago and it was very lopsided in Stepinac’s favor. As you well know, I have the utmost respect for Iona’s football and basketball programs (and their head coach who happens to be a Stepinac grad). If Iona advances to the Federations I’ll definitely be rooting for them, but let’s not lose sight that a rivalry is made over several decades, not just one. Any Iona fans who’ve been around will remember Stepinac having the better program overall going back forever. Of course, Iona had teams that won, many times, but overall, I don’t think its that close.
If you were a true analyst and actually knew talent, then you wouldn’t say Jabarie is just good. You are clueless if you really think that. As the college recruiters if he is just good. You exposed yourself to know squat by making that comment… If you respect and applaud Coach C, you don’t attempt to belittle his game plan. Nor critique it. Inconsistent makes sense. Your other comments were off base.
And guess what..the championship still hasn’t been won yet, nor has the post season started so they aren’t down this year at all. The loses were to good team. Two of which they blew big leads. Thats youth and it won’t happen again.
No local team or your beloved NFA team will want to play them. So get over it
Until Jabarie dominates a game when it matters like Jones or Sharrod or Coburn – I’ll stick with the fact that he is “just good.” When crunch time calls, Jabarie fades. Look at the New Ro game and the NFA game @ Pace last year. Jabarie might as well been on the bench.
College recruiters flock to “big name” schools every year – drool over the talent – and then those players sit on the bench – look at Mitchell and Coburn. Jabarie can go to Wake or UCONN – but if you think for a second he can run with kids in the ACC or Big East – you are a true homer. Now if he was smart – he’d do what Sharrod did – go to a lesser conference – and be able to hang. I’m sure you’ll have him slotted as the #1 pick in the NBA Draft in June.
It amazes me that MV fans can have sooooo many good years in a row and be such haters when they finally have a “down” year.
Sec 1,
I have news for you! NFA has been consistent for the last 5 – 6 years because of the feeder programs not because of an influx of talent. In fact, this years team if you go top to bottom is not better than a few teams that I can remember. The coaches at the lower levels have stepped up. Do you follow AAU? Im sure you do. Ever hear of the Zion Lions or the BC Eagles? Im sure you have. They are competetive on the AAU circuit every year. So yes, of course NFA will be down next year in terms of their over all talent, that as you know is the cycle of high school talent. I hope for your sake you are not expecting another 10 year run like MV had this past decade. That was a run for the ages and the odds are against you. Who thought NFA would win last year against MV? Coach of the century Cimino by the way had his shoes coached off in the regional last year by a coach from NFA.
NFA may repeat and they may not. Either way I will enjoy the ride. Just like I did last year and the 07 and 06 teams that lost by 2 to MV. I enjoyed watching this group lose to Minisink 2 years ago. I enjoy the sport, I enjoy seeing kids from my Alma mater succeed. I dont however enjoy interacting with an angry spoiled brat MV fan who cant take a little of his won medicine. You should stop typing and go see if you can muster up some kids to take Mitchell, Coburn, Jones and Wrights spot because if not you are going to look aweful stupid in a year or 2.
In the mean time I will enjoy my inconsistent goldbacks pick apart MV again in the regional final. Thats if they can get by PK or New Ro.
By the way. Hinds seems like a fine young man, you should stop running your mouth and making him and his marginal teammates look bad on this blog.
GO GOLDBACKS
Hoops fan
Everything you say I can’t disagree with-As you know I value a lot of the knowledge you bring to these forums-But I also think comparing programs over the last 10-12 years like I did is not off base-A lot of programs that were once power programs may have fallen and some that were left for dead are know power programs.
My knowledge does not date back really before the mid 1980’s so I can’t comment on teams before that era- I started really following the basketball landscape during the Kenny Anderson era which was also near the end of the Tolentine era-
As far as comparing Iona – Stepinac I think in basketball each team has had their moments in cycles- The Bolding
Taylor teams swept Iona for those two yearsNow when Taylor was a senior Iona did beat Stepinac twice-My main point was that Iona has won 3 CHSAA City Championships with two of them coming before this great 3 year run with the current group of kids-Stepinac meanwhile with some of the great talent they have had in Bolding and Taylor have not made it to the Championship game-
Also while Iona loses excellent talent the cupboard is not going to bare- They will have an above average team that in a 24 game season should go around 15-9 or 14-10 which would be respectable for a CHSAA team-
Scott now you are more of an analyst that all the college coaches and recruiters. All of the national scouting services and all of the AAU circuit. Seriously you are a fool to doubt anything this kid does and he has another year to get bigger, stronger and better. Clueless should be your name not Scott. You want to pick apart a kid, pick apart a tweener. Not a sure fire kid who is going to go on to have an outstanding career. Your a dope. And you comparing Jabari to Colburn is even funnier…Colburn was a great high school player..not a college player. Jabari will be better where it counts on the next level. I am done with you.. your evaluation of talent is putrid.
And jmoose..enjoy the ride. Your program will always be second to MV. And if getting out coached equates to winning on a half court heave, your clueless..
Do everyone a favor and go back to your weak Sect 9. Be proud that you dominate that joke of a section. And the only thing that looks bad is you trying to compare NFA to MV. Not close, never will be. Go back to making out with Scott. Enjoy the superbowl.. NFA should be playing in that too..
Mitchell was “sure-fire” too – He played about 8 minutes combined at UF. Everyone from MV is sure fire to you, bro – there are 5th graders in MV that just joined their first travel league that are sure fire to you. You’re critical eye is rose-colored. I’d expect nothing less.
Who mentioned Jmitch? And did you ever here of fitting into the right system? Or is that being a homer? Your right Scott, no player can benefit from certain systems right? Jmitch is doing pretty well at Rutgers now. Why not bring up Ben Gordon genius? I guess you just try to dog kids instead. What’s funny is your trying to do a kid who is getting a free education and will eventually play in Europe..
See your going down a bad road. MV has/have kids playing all over college. Some in NBA, some in Eurpoe. All graduating.. Tell me about NFA Scott???? I can’t wait to hear about this..
Sec 1,
You are a tool! ive never seen a bigger sore loser than you. Come on man, take the maroon and gold colored glasses off! Cimino stayed with a game plan that wasnt working, thats why NFA was in the game at the end against a more talented mv team. coach dino swithced defenses almost every other trip and kept mv off there game. hell, if not for 14 straight points by sharrod you lose by a half dozen. watch the video of henderson with jabarie a step behind playing catch up the whole game. Its great!
When did i ever compare NFA to mv? Everyone knows that mv is the measuring stick. I have no issue with mv as a program. again, i have praised the coach, kids and program for years. NFA has probably beaten them 4 times since 1980. Its ok. i still sleep at night.
You know what? you remind of a bulls fan after jordan retired! Are you a Bulls fan? All the bulls “fans” where angry little bastards. Its ok to lose! you cant win them all, even super-cimino has to lose sometimes. Just thank the good lord that you are a MV fan. You are lucky! There arent to many public High Schools in the country with MV’s resume. Just dont be such a sore loser when they have an off year or 2. You just sound petty and bitter.
Come on up to the regionals if NFA makes it that far, sec 9 hosts this year. I will have Will Bouton sign your Mt Vernon foam “where number 1” thingy!
When all is said and done – you’re just not very smart or adept at arguing.
That being said, MV has had 2 good college players in the decade-long run – Jones and Gordon. NFA’s approach to college and recruiting was atrocious for YEARS – I can say that because I actually criticize my team rather than blindly polish everything they do with my tongue.
Regardless of all this college stuff, MV is an under-achieving team that won’t get to the Final Four for the 2nd straight year. Stings, eh?
Sec 1,
WAIT A MINUTE! Are you jayden? Or do you just carpool with jayden out to the Island to dry hump tobias harris and his father? Im suprised you havent mentioned Hills west yet.
Thats a sight for sore losers i mean eyes. You two with your foam Mt Vernon were number 1 thingy’s dry humping Tobias Harris.
See Scott by your answer you are the one who can’t argue and looks like a fool with that response. And again, two good college players huh. You are a dummy. Every hear of Chris Lowe recently? Go look at his college stats genius. Go look at Shanty’s at St. Rose, Look at Jenkins at Iona, Benjamin at Pitt. All solid contributors on and off the court. Those are just a few. You know nothing about talent and you know nothing about what a good college career is…
Nothing stings as I have experienced many championships. MV also hasn’t lost anything yet. I also concern myself more with the college aspect and the fine young men that Ciminio produces. What should sting is the fact that you have barely any hardware and your kids aren’t going on to school. A dwon year with the best player around..I will take that any day of the week. And any educated fan would too. Not some NFA clown who couldn’t even mention Chris Lowe as having a great college career…
jmoose your a complete and total moron. Your as funny as cancer.
Jayden is a fan like me. He can speak for himself. You and your rump ranger Scott are pathetic. Go back to your Section 9 boards. Its probably hoping…LOL. Get off MV’s jock. You all will be back struggling to beat Kingston sooner than later…Well unless of course you start stealing players or having mom’s move to your town to get their son’s.. oh wait that happens already…maybe you will still be good each year..
Todays lesson!
Every team except Mount Vernon should forfeit the rest of there games because its not fair to MV and theyre fans to not be as dominant this year as in the past.
I expect all forfeit letters to be submitted in triplicate no later than monday morning to Sec 1 and or Jayden.
Furthermore! Any team wishing to question Mount Vernons dominance and natural born right to the gold ball, state and federation championships will be sentenced to washing dishes at Densel Washingtons house for a period of 6 months.
“I wont tolerate cowards in my army” General George S. Patton and Coach Cimino
You started it! Lol….
Are you that assistant coach from MV that was dancing around the court when he thought they won last year. Priceless and classless all that the same time. I hope Cimino made him run laps for that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oD-LcXDxgQ
This is my favorite angle. These guys must have been MV fans. Hear the guy screaming “NOOOOO” in the background? Is that you?
Hey Jmoose and everybody , dont pay attention to Sec 1 he’s not a fan he’s a fanboy(troll) . Anyway me as a Mv fan respect Nfa ,and Pok the most cause those are the two teams that i can say if we beat them then we can beat everybody else. while this is Pok last yr in AA i hope this is not the yr they finally beat us. Unlike some people i actually watch Jv and freshman teams play and from what I’ve seen, Nfa is Loaded and Pok is gonna be good to for a while (i think Poks freshman team is better then their Jv team). Anyway Good luck with whatever team we send to new paltz to oppose you
Mvrep,
I figured as much. Just having a little fun. I have no beef with anyone on this board. I enjoy the debate and most of all the competition. I know MV is dangerous and unless something crazy happens and as long as cimino is there they will be tops in the state more times than not. Thanks and good luck to you.
Jmoose why go down this road? You are a great contributor to this forum and there is no need to feed into this stupidity. NFA is a solid program and will continue to be. Same goes for Iona. Let’s leave it at that.
Talk about NFA’s remaining schedule. Are they going to be tested again?
NFA has Middletown twice – they’re undefeated but haven’t played anyone. They also play St. Benedict’s on the 16th in Newark. Should be an interesting match-up.
Thanks Scott. That St. Benny’s game will be a great tune up for the playoffs. Kambola and Kabongo may give NFA fits. I may have to go to this game!
Yeah – I’m gonna be there – I’d guess NFA will lose by about 10-15. Kabongo is the truth. It will be one last wake-up call before the playoffs. NFA gets the bye this year in the state tourney – so they won’t play a state playoff game until they face the Section 1 winner. So – they’ll need to be fresh and hungry.
If they stay within 10-15 that is pretty damn solid. Great scheduling by your coach to have this game where it is.
HRs,
I know, I know! Just having some fun. I detected a little bit of bitterness on sec 1’s part and I fed the fire a little bit. Its all in good fun. Come on though, the foam were #1 thingy joke was good.
But yes back to business! NFA at Middletown. If NFA plays even close to the way they played for 2 qtrs against PK they will blow the doors off of Middletown. No disrespect to the Middies it is good to see them back in the mix after a number of years in the basement. I just dont believe they have any guards to contend with NFA and they certainly have not seen anyone with NFA’s team speed. As you know speed kills if you havent played agianst it. Find yourself in a hole rapidly. They cant press NFA with Henderson and Mcmillan. Heck they cant press NFA without Mcmillan.
Im gonna be conservative and say NFA by 15. If all cylinders are clicking it could get ugly. I guarantee NFA has this circled on the schedule. This will be the 2nd undefeated state ranked team NFA will face in 4 days so I think it will be a statement game for them.
Could be wrong but I dont think so.
That was funny! We can’t always be all business. So you are right, you should have gotten after it a little.
NFA will beat Middletown. If they haven’t really been tested due to a weak schedule they are in big trouble. NFA is going to blow them out. POK has three real good players, but weren’t really tested. We saw what happened…30 turnovers. In my opinion(not just towards POK) you can’t properly be ready for a team of NFA’s caliber unless you play/played a few top level teams.
Good luck to your boys. If not Newark, Pace is when I will see the Gbacks next!
Anyone have a Stepinac/Bishop Loughlin score?
IonaPower,
I understand your points. Just for the sake of discussion, if you started following Iona and Stepinac basketball in the mid-80’s, lets make that the cut off. Which program has been better since the mid-80’s? I don’t think there is any doubt it is Stepinac. Stepinac was loaded in the early-mid 80’s winning 20+ games several times back when there was not a AA and an A, only one CHSAA league. Stepinac played in the same league with St Rays, Hayes, etc, and was still winning 20 games. Marty Conlon’s Stepinac teams would beat these Iona teams without a doubt in my mind. Marty’s Sr year Stepinac went to the CHSAA semi’s losing by 3 to eventual champ Molloy and Kenny Anderson. In his junior year they went to the quarterfinals (can’t remember who they lost to, maybe St Rays). Also, don’t forget the top teams in the CHSAA were much deeper back then, almost no one was leaving the city to go to prep schools back then and the PSAl was mostly weaker than today. The Stepinac championship teams of the early 90’s were also loaded. If you think this year’s Iona Prep team had trouble with the athletes at New Ro yesterday, there is no way this year’s Iona team beats the Chris Watson Stepinac team that also had Llewelyn Cole and Eric Ogbogu – probably the most athletic front line I’ve ever seen in Westchester. Voelkel would have major problems with them. Cole went to Providence, Watson was All-MAAC two or three times at Niagara and Ogbogu played 8 or 9 years in the NFL.
We both know and agree Stepinac had a few down years before Coach Philp got there. Clearly, he’s turned things around and I don’t know much about how they JV and freshman levels are, but I’d be surprised to see a big let down.
You also make an interesting point saying Iona will still be good next year winning 14-15 games. You’re probably right. But thats 14-15 games playing a normal Iona schedule. Not a schedule like Iona and Stepinac played this year. Keep in mind, this year did not look like a super team for Stepinac, but they still scheduled a brutal schedule. I give credit to Iona was also playing a great schedule, but I think Stepinac’s was probably even better this year (in large part to Iona being Stepinac’s opponent twice). Stepinac will probably end up with 13-14 regular season wins this year, but playing a schedule like they have, thats still somewhat impressive. I also think Stepinac may make a run in the playoffs, they seem close to getting over the hump at times.
Hoops Fan
I know that back in the 1980’s Stepinac was a stronger program than Iona- The CHSAA was a much different landscape than it is today-An example is St. Raymonds- Before Gary Massey arrived in the mid 1980’s they were at the bottom- Also Iona from a demographic standpoint is much different today than back in the 1980’s.
As far as Iona down the road I will stick to my 14-10 type of prediction. If you look at the CHSAA A North next year I would predict the following order of finish.
1. Cardinal Hayes (Great young talent throughout all classes- 5 Sophomores on the varsity- Will be a favorite to win the next few CHSAA A City Championships
2. Mount (Aguilar and Gill make them the second best- Also Mount is a big school with a lot of talent always walking through the door)
3. Stepinac (Baltimore and good young players will make them a threat)
4. Iona (Will take a step back from what they have done over the last 3 years- They do have a very good transfer from Beacon which should help offset some of the losses in talent- With a lighter non league schedule can be a 15-10 type of team
5. Fordham- (Better talent coming up and could contend for the 4th spot.)
6. Spellman ( Decent young talent but the loss of Manhertz will keep them at the bottom)
7. Regis
8. Scanlon
As far as future talent you will be very happy with the Stepinac young talent in the pipeline- They have a very good freshmen class-Coach Philip has done a great job over the last three years of marketing the Stepinac basketball program and of course the school-
ionapower / hoops fan:
at the end of it all the most important factor of one’s program is college participation! stepinac and iona each throughout the course of their history have won around 5 championships each. i believe stepinac in the early 60s was actually ranked in the country.
but the more impressive FACT is that stepinac has had
60+ players go on to play division 1 college basketball and appx. 70+ players go on to play d2 / d3 basketball since 1960. do the math and those numbers are very impressive! and that is not including those who are active at the college level coaching.
mvernon is the only school to compare – period – and that is a fact, not my opinion.
hanging banners are great but i think hanging jersey’s are even better! both are good / classy programs with good players and good coaching.
it is actually pretty amazing that next year the 2 schools will have the following players at the d1 level:
melquan bolding – duquesne
tony taylor – g.w.
brian voelkel – vermont
sandro carrismo – vermont
jordan bronner – monmoth / b.u…??
that say alot for the chsaa.
we should all be cheering for these student / athletes rather then argue who is better!
crusader parent
Hoops fan and myself have had some great dialogues over the last few seasons and actually agree with each other 95% of the time-
In the end you are correct about the overall experiences of students who attend both Iona and Stepinac.
crusader parent,
Nice sentiments. I agree with you 100%. IonaPower and I aren’t really arguing, just sharing opinions, which is fun. We both obviously respect the other and their respective schools.
IonaPower,
I agree Hayes has the five sophomores on varsity this year, but besides the big guy I don’t know if the others are stars. I think next years A North would be Mount 1A, Stepinac 1B and Hayes 1C. I can see each splitting with eachother
Hoops fan
Hayes has major young talent- The 5 sophomores on the varsity are all talented plus they have a very good Freshmen class- Over the next 2-3 years they have CHSAA AA talent unless the PSAL starts trying to raid their talent-
IonaPower,
The 5% disagreement with Hoops Fan must be the football side.
jabarie is definitely more than just good.
ionapower:
stepinac / mount / ford / hayes have the best freshmen classes. i would say all about even.
but alot can happen between now and 2013!! and the psal will probably have something to do with it.
Jmoose –
Re: Henderson – I thought his poor play in the 1st Qtr Saturday really helped POK. He’s got an outstanding handle but his size prevents him from being a great finisher. Love to see him find the open man more often. Agreed that he did a better job in the 2nd half.
McMillan can penetrate, shoot and dish. He’s the most accomplished player NFA has.
One thing I noticed was that McMillan’s presence seems to have reduced the roles of Bouton & Cousar. Both of them were far bigger contributors pre-McMillan at the Slam Dunk Tourney. Was that just a one game thing or is that something to look for come playoff time?
I was at the Stepinac vs. Loughlin game yesterday and since I didn’t see anything about online I thought I’d give a brief recap. I did see the game is mentioned in the NY Post though. Stepinac played very well in the first, they led 15-14 after the qtr. Both teams shot the ball well in the second qtr. The All American from Loughlin #23 Pinkston started to assert himself more in the 2nd. Loughlin led 36-33 at the half. Stepinac came out a little slow in the 3rd and Loughlin came out hot. Loughlin stretched the lead to about 10. Both teams made a couple runs in the fourth, but Loughlin was able to hold lead at about 10-12 into the final minute.
I was definitely impressed with Stepinac’s effort. This is my third time seeing them this year. They shot the ball the best from the outside that I’ve seen. #21 Chillemi hit I think 3 threes. #23 Richie Whitten hit some nice shots and attacked the basket. #5 Julian Wright did a really nice job fronting Pinkston on defense. Conroy, who I’m really high on as a player, did his usual outstanding job on the boards and blocking shots. He even blocked one or two of Pinkston’s shots around the rim. Conroy also showed a nice touch facing up from about 15 feet. I was really interested to see Jayvaughn Pinkston from Loughlin. I’d heard he was heading to Villanova and just made the McDonald’s game. He’s definitely skilled. He had no problem taking threes and handled the ball in the halfcourt and has quick feet. He gets off the ground well for a big guy, he caught a nice one handed alley oop on a break. He’s also got great natural size. He’s probably about 6’7” 240. He doesn’t have defined muscle yet, but I’m sure a few months in Villanova’s strength program will have him in top physical shape. Overall, I think with some work on his body he can be immediate contributor in the Big East. I should say I think Stepinac did a very good job defending him. He probably had 18-20 points, but didn’t dominate the game.
With Baltimore, Chillemi and Wright as juniors, Stepinac has a very nice group coming back next year. Obviously, I’m sure they’re more interested in making a run this year, which they definitely seem capable of doing if they put it all together. I’ve also seen the freshmen at Stepinac play and they can probably step right into the backcourt rotation next year. I’ve also heard the two transfers are going to be very good.
Coach Reeves,
Henderson had 9 points, 6 assists and 4 steals against a MAAC level player in Whitaker. I thought he played great. Whitaker is a freak athlete. There where times when Henderson played tough D and had a hand right in his face and Davon burried shots. Big Time! But yes I think Mcmillan is much more gifted than Henderson. They look good on the floor together thats for sure. Sharing the ball so I think its gonna work out fine between those two.
To say that someone isnt going to lose some PT with Mcmillan on the team would be a lie. Right? I wouldnt say that he has taken time from any particular player. Dino has pretty much subbed him in first for whoever is tired and or not getting it done. Bouton left Fri nights game at the end I think he might have been sick. Sat. against PK he was in and out of the locker room all game holding his stomach so Im pretty sure he was sick. He dropped 24 against Kingston so Mcmillan def didnt affect him that night.
Cousar is a different type of player than Bouton. They really dont run plays for him he just rebounds and hustles and gets his points from there. He is usually a recipient of some fast braek layups or dunks because he is very quick on the break. So its not like they stopped running plays for Cousar because of McMillans pressence. I think he had 16 against Kingston fri night.
I have heard some rumors about a litte resentment for Mcmillan but I havent seen it in a game yet. He seems to be hitting his stride within the offense and everyone is high fivin. Its not like with Jeff Ryan where there was visible tension at times. Not yet anyway.
chsaa
I know last year Nazereth had a great Frosh class which should have allowed their varsity to have a good young team similar to how Hayes has incorporated the 5 Sophs this year-
So you never know what happens down the line- I will say that Iona and Stepinac have to work harder to get players becuase Mount and Hayes are bigger schools and are located in areas where great talent walks into your door.
Jmoose –
All good points.
I think that NFA will need to expand McMillan’s role in order to strengthen the team this year—meaning that they will need to find more minutes for him and have him touch the ball more. For a kid that has a reputation for being crazy, he seems to have a very cool head out there.
That’s a tough job for Dino because they’re kids who have put in a lot more sweat equity for the NFA program than McMillan. The new kid just happens to be the most talented. Coach D will have to handle that one carefully in order to avoid a morale problem on the team.
Coach Reeves,
I think the coach will find him minutes. He already has for the most part. If you mean to say start him its not going to happen. If these guys werent state champs i would say start him but Dino doesnt want to lose these kids. Mcmillan is one of those kids that on most nights can defend 3 or positions so he is somewhat interchangeable. Like I said before he subs for anyone on the floor not just Henderson! Remember, its not like they have a 6’7” low post guy. They are all guards anyway you look at them. When they announce the starters they are all announced as guards which is kind of cool.
I dont know if they will repeat, I dont have a crystal ball but if they play the way they did against PK from here on out I think they will get to the Final 4. What happens there is up for grabs. I dont know of any post dominating teams in the state this year so who knows. I will take NFA’s 8 guards over alot of other players thats for sure.
Jmoose –
Starting McMillan is irrelevant – minutes on the floor is what matters.
Agree that NFA’s depth stacks up with anyone.
As to your point about NFA making the final 4 as long as they play as they did against POK—not so fast. They were horrific from the stripe. Also, Gause was in foul trouble which blew any chance that POK had of winning that game.
NFA did fine job and took care of business on Saturday. They definitely can make it to Glens Falls—but POK is not the standard bearer of the team they need to beat.
Horrific from the stripe would be an understatement! I guess I meant to say the way they ran there offense and played D. Hope they got that out of there system.
I didnt think PK was as good as advertised. Dont get me wrong PK fans. Whitaker and Gause and I think Mclaurin are all fine ball players, Great athletes. That just doesnt win games at the higher levels. You have to be able to run your offense. You cant rely on 1 on 1 to win games down the stretch in my opinion. Although I think Gause is very good if you dont work the ball good teams will switch to a 1-3-1 or a 3-2 and clog the half court and make you bomb 3s to beat them. It was only one game and maybe it was just a coincodence but I didnt see Laffin do anything about it. He seemed content to let those guys go 1 on 1.