TAPPAN ZEE (22-0) vs. SETON CATHOLIC CENTRAL (16-4)
Class A regional semifinal
When: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.
Where: Johnson City High School, Section 4
Key players: Tappan Zee Billy O’Shea (6-1), Sr., F; Pat Peterson (6-1), Sr., G/F; Joe Letizia (5-8), Jr., PG; Brian McLaughlin (6-0), Sr., G. Seton Catholic Central Tommy Torto (6-2), Sr., G; Cole Smothers (6-7), Sr., F; John Armstrong (6-1), Sr., G; Jarrell Regan (6-3), Sr., F.
Notes: Tappan Zee starting center Brendan Donohue (ankle, back spasms) sat out the Section 1 final after playing sparingly in the semifinals and is questionable. … SCC starting point guard John Martin (ankle) did not play in the Section 4 final and is not expected to play again. … SCC played Mount Vernon in the STOP-DWI Holiday Classic in December and led at one point in the fourth quarter before eventually losing, 64-48. Jarrel Marshall did not play in the game for Mount Vernon. … SCC won the last three Section 4 Class B championships before it was bumped to Class A.
Outlook: Seton Catholic Central enters having won 11 of its last 12, including a 41-38 win over last year’s section champ Maine-Endwell, a team Byram Hills beat in the 2011 regionals. Two players average in double figures – the sturdy Torto, who’s at 16.6 PPG, and the rangy Smothers, who’s at 12.9 PPG. The remainder of the consists primarily of role players, although the absence of the point guard Martin is significant. He’s among the best of that supporting cast. Tappan Zee could be without a key piece, too. Donohue tried to prepare to play on Sunday but couldn’t go. The Dutchmen had less than 48 hours to recover after beating Poughkeepsie Sunday. They’ll have to execute to beat SCC, which is primarily a man-to-man team.
Next up: The winner will play Section 9 champion Marlboro Friday night at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh at 7:45 p.m. in the regional finals. Marlboro received a bye.
ALBERTUS MAGNUS (20-2) vs. BURKE CATHOLIC (17-3)
Class B regional semifinal
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, Section 9
Key players: Albertus Magnus Tyler Sayre (6-5), Sr., F; Pat McGuinness (5-11), Sr., PG; Jack Sullivan (5-11), Jr., G; Arnell Dandridge (6-0), Sr., G. Burke Catholic Zach Rufer (6-2), Sr., G; Billy Garneau (6-6), Sr., F; Stan Buczek (6-6), Jr., F.
Notes: Burke Catholic beat Albertus 75-65 in last year’s regional semifinals at the County Center behind 24 points from Rufer. Buczek had a big game off the bench, scoring 17. Garneau added 10. Sayre and McGuinness each scored 21 points for the Falcons, with Dandridge adding 10. … Burke is the defending Class B state champ. It lost in the state Federation semifinals to eventual champ Collegiate. … Rufer, a Lafayette-bound guard, is the lone returning starter, although Garneau and Buczek were the first two players off the bench last season.
Outlook: Last year’s game started about as well as humanly possible for Albertus, which jumped out to a 22-13 lead thanks to 9-of-14 shooting in the first quarter. But Burke rallied just before halftime to cut its deficit to one point, then assumed control for good with a 17-5 third quarter. The Falcons cut their deficit to six points late, but lost momentum when a charging violation wiped out a basket by McGuinness. A margin of more than 10 points may have separated these teams last year, but Albertus’ improvement and Burke’s heavy losses to graduation have narrowed that gap. But by how much? Burke’s only losses this season were against Don Bosco Prep, Albany Academy and Christ the King (by just seven points). Burke earned several notable wins, including Section 9 Class AA champ Middletown and a non-league game against Stepinac. A key could be if Dandridge can make Rufer work for his points. The senior star has upped his scoring average by more than six point in each of the last two postseasons. Dandridge, Albertus’ defensive stopper, will likely be asked to slow Rufer down.
Next up: The winner will play the Long Island champion, either Section 8’s Locust Valley or Section 11’s Center Moriches Saturday at SUNY New Paltz at 1 p.m. The Long Island championship game is Tuesday night.
TUCKAHOE (21-0) vs. PINE PLAINS (18-2)
Class C regional semifinal
When: Tuesday, 4:45 p.m.
Where: Westchester County Center
Key players: Tuckahoe Sky Williams (6-0), Sr., G; Justin Nolan (6-2), Sr., F; Shyheim Nixon (5-9), Sr., G; Tyler Friere (5-10), Sr., G; Mark Raymond (6-5), Sr., C. Pine Plains Rob Lamont (6-5), Sr., F; Tyler Lydon (6-8), So., G/F; Zach Lydon (6-9), Jr., C; Adam Miller (6-6), So., F; Justin Cooper (6-3), Jr., PG.
Notes: The teams met in last season’s regional semifinal. Tuckahoe won in a blowout, 91-64, behind 32 points from Williams. … Tuckahoe is one of only two remaining unbeatens in Section 1 along with Tappan Zee. Pine Plains’ only two losses were against Section 9 Class A runner-up Red Hook and champ Marlboro. … Lamont is a 1,000-point scorer. Miller is a transfer from Red Hook.
Outlook: If you remember my story from this game last year, Tuckahoe was so hot from the field Pine Plains coach Brendan LoBrutto turned to the scorer’s table and asked if the Tigers ever missed. That night, it seemed like they didn’t. In truth, it’s easy to gawk at Pine Plains’ size and wonder how Tuckahoe will handle it, but it’s actually the opposite. Although the Section 9 champ earned a few extra possessions last year, it couldn’t keep up with Tuckahoe’s speed and athleticism. The team has apparently improved since then, which makes sense because Lamont and the Lydons were its top players a year ago. Tuckahoe is better, too, of course, as evidenced by its results. Williams should prove to be a nightmarish matchup in the open court for Pine Plains.
Next up: The winner will play the Long Island champion, either Section 8’s East Rockaway or Section 11’s Pierson Saturday at SUNY New Paltz at 2:45 p.m. The Long Island championship game is Tuesday night.
GREENBURGH ACADEMY (9-9) vs. LIVINGSTON MANOR (14-5)
Class D regional semifinal
When: Tuesday, 3 p.m.
Where: Westchester County Center
Key players: Greenburgh Academy Tony Testagrose, Sr., F; Taylor Cummings, So., G; Yubiny Rodriguez, Jr., C. Livingston Manor Mike Mills, Sr., SG; Ken Fisk, Sr., C; Troy Correa, Sr., PG.
Notes: Greenburgh Academy was declared Section 1 Class D champions on Sunday after the winner of Friday’s championship, Biondi, was ruled to have used an ineligible player. Biondi appealed the ruling but it was upheld after a Monday hearing. … Both Greenburgh and Livingston Manor will make their first state tournament appearances. … LM unseated five-time defending champ Coleman in the Section 9 championship game. … Head coach Charlie Hicks has already announced he will step down after the season. … Mills was a top pitcher on last year’s state championship baseball team. He leads the team with 14.1 PPG. Fisk averages 13.6 PPG and 9.5 RPG. Correa rounds out a well-rounded group of leading scorers with 12.1 PPG to go with 6.3 APG.
Outlook: The game is so hard to read. What is the mindset of Greenburgh, a first time state tournament participant, after being declared section champs away from the court? How much has the team even prepared for the game? Livingston Manor won’t exactly be comfortable either making its first state playoff appearance. Both teams may work out the kinks in a fast-paced game. LM likes to run and play physical and Greenburgh will most likely comply. All of the variables make this perhaps the most unpredictable game of the regional semis.
Next up: The winner will play on Saturday against Long Island champion Bridgehampton (Section 11) at SUNY New Paltz at 4:30 p.m. (Section 8 does not have any Class D teams.)
PICTURED ABOVE: – Tappan Zee’s Pat Peterson – Albertus Magnus’ Arnell Dandridge (left) and Jack Sullivan (right) talking to coach Pat McFadden – Tuckahoe’s Tyler Friere – Greenburgh Academy’s Josh Pacheco
48 Comments
JOSH,
SHYHEIM NIXON IS A JUNIOR FOR TUCKAHOE HE WILL BE THE MAN IN FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL NEXT YEAR.
Too bad the schedules too tight & you can’t swing bye New Paltz for the Bing-ton/ M-town game. You’ll have to write up a nice report for us come Fri. You do some nice work my friend. Safe travels & be well. After Fri I’m going to Hofstra to see Baldwin/Floyd. If you want any info you know how to find me. Baldwin’s got a nice team w/ a decent Pt. It’s starting to heat up fellas!
Seems like TZ and AM are really going to have their hands full. Burke is a big team, which is normally the type of squad that gives AM trouble. They will have to shoot really well to have a shot at Burke.
STATESMAN,
WE KNOW WHAT JEN IS EATING,WHAT ARE YOU HAVING FOR LUNCH?LLLLLLOOOOOLLLLL,SMH,LLLLLLOOOOOLLLLL
Wood,
loool, the phrase “I’ll have what she is having does not apply in this situation!”
Hope your boys are working hard. Another Federation is well within their reach if they come to work every day. I have a feeling Seton Hill is going to do to TZ what Pok didn’t—Turn the game into a track meet. Hope they have the energy to keep it going!
I think TZ will win and Magnus has a shot. Burke is the only opponent i have seen play and they are very good. I can’t beleive how big Pine Plains is. Out of their 5 key players their smallest guy is 6’3?
Reality Check, are you going to see the A game. I think Harborfields has a shot to go upstate and shock JD.
STATESMAN,
NEXT YEAR-GOLD
Wood,
No excuses. I’m proud of them, played their hearts out and had a chance to shock the world. TZ left that court knowing they played no pushovers. The only thing I want the guys to take away is the experience and now realize that they have to get in the gym!
STATESMAN,
AMEN-TO THE BOXOUT,AND YOU ALL DON’T HERE ME-TO THE TURNOVER-AS THE PREACHER KEPT PREACHING,LOL
Cuse
The 2pm game fits nicely into my pending itinerary. Check out the AA LI Championship & continue East to see the Barbarian Bros. In the Moriches area. Couple of big boys one of who put Central Fla U’s football on the map when he went there & started at fullback before Donte Culpepper gave the school even more noteriety. But you never know, still I don’t see anyone beating JD & Coleman. Kid’s a one and done type prospect for Calipari to be recruiting him
lol @ The Coach Cal comment, you aren’t lying though. I just hope he [Coleman] doesn’t set himself up for disaster going that route.
Statesman
Coach Cal has a new nickname, they call him”The Vacater”
Cuse,
Pine Plains is huge. They all can put the ball on the floor which is an added bonus. Still they lost to Malboro and Red Hook. Two good teams in their own right but both are down this year. TZ should run through them.
Tuckahoe has a great shot with Pine Plains. The games they played vs Eastchester and Greeley specifically will help them. You guys can get at me for this but I think Tuckahoe could have beaten TZ on a good day. Touch to be a Class C team that can play with good A’s and AA’s.
Can’t wait to see how Harborfields does, if they get to JD or whomever and run, it’s “Good night sweetheart” for them as my good friend Lee Corso would put it.
Check,
lol, perfect nickname…
Did you hear Coach Cal’s comment on his b-day?
Reporter: “Coach, how does it feel to be 53?”
Coach Cal: “Good, but in reality I’m 51, I had two years vacated.”
At least he has a sense of humor about it, lol.
OK, here we go. It’s, perhaps, the best part of the high school sports year.
The Section 9 boys’ basketball tournament kicks off Saturday with five classes — AA, A, B, C and D. The winners move on to the state tournament, where the final destination is New York basketball’s hallowed grounds — the Glens Falls Civic Center.
Check out Varsity845 for even more coverage during the Section 9 tournament. Also follow me on Twitter at justinrod845. We will be posting Section 9 boys’ basketball preview videos on Friday and Monday. I will have the schedules and brackets up later tonight (Thursday)
Here is a detailed look at each bracket – packed with information:
NFA guard Jarrod Scurlock in action during the regular-season. (Chet Gordon photo, THR)
Class AA
Nobody expected Newburgh Free Academy to all of a sudden morph into a Section 9 doormat this season. Still, the Goldbacks faced questions entering the year, losing three key players due to academic and disciplinary issues.
But what do you know? Newburgh is in the mix, playing its best basketball, as March approaches. The Goldbacks have won three consecutive Class AA titles and guard Jarrod Scurlock is bent on making it four.
“I knew we were still good,” said Scurlock, a senior, averaging 21 points per game. “We just had to get used to each other. We want to win it because it’s been happening for a while at Newburgh. The last time we didn’t win (2008), it was bad.”
Newburgh, 85-23 over the last five years, looked ready for a potential fall after losing to Washingtonville and Kingston early in the season. But the Goldbacks have won eight of nine since losing at Kingston on Jan. 10. Newburgh ended the Tigers’ perfect season with a 64-56 win earlier this month. Newburgh vs. Kingston, Part III is a potential must-see Class AA championship.
Scurlock and senior forward Jonte Rutty (14 points and 10 rebounds) have led the way for the Goldbacks this season. Senior forward Jason McAllister (eight points, seven rebounds) compliments Rutty inside and sophomore guard Donovan Fields (11 points) could also be a factor. Fearless forward Jovan Coffey (15 points, 11 rebounds) has been Kingston’s most consistent player. The Tigers also roll out point guard Justin Robinson (14 points, eight assists).
Still, this draw isn’t all about Newburgh and Kingston. Other teams to watch include Middletown, 1-7 against Newburgh over the last three years, and the Class AA runner-up the past two seasons. The Middies lost two heartbreakers to the Goldbacks during the regular-season. Also lurking is Washingtonville, which as the sixth seed last year, upset host Kingston in the quarterfinals. The Wizards pushed Middletown, before falling in the semis.
“I think there will be some surprises,” said Middletown point guard Kendrick Ray, averaging 23.2 points. “I think teams might be blowing us off, but we can surprise them. We can definitely win, we just have to focus and go out there and get the job done.”
Middletown beat visiting Kingston 66-63 on Tuesday, sending the Tigers to their second loss in three games. Kingston lost at Newburgh 64-56 on Feb. 8 and, in between, got all it could handle from Pine Bush.
That leaves some Section 9 players looking to bury the Tigers.
“We feel fine, Kingston coach Ron Kelder said. “We lost to two good opponents on the road. We had slow starts in both games and we had two chances in the last minute to beat Middletown. We have fought all year, for the most part, we’ve played well. We will see what happens, but we have what we want, the top seed.”
The top seed means Kingston isn’t a part of a potential semifinal match-up from hell. Instead, Newburgh and Middletown could go at it in the semis.
“We wanted to avoid that game,” Kelder said. “But we have to keep our guard up. Washingtonville came up to our gym last year and beat us (in the quarterfinals.”
Championship prediction: Newburgh 68, Kingston 66
Players to watch in Class AA (in alphabetical order)
Jovan Coffey, Kingston: You want find a more active player in the paint in the draw. Coffey can post up, slash and has nice tough with the jumper.
Calvin Crawford, Valley Central: If he is hot, VC is a dangerous team. Crawford, 6-foot-6, is averaging 18 points and has had several big games.
D.J. LaRocca, Washingtonville: Has one of the sweetest 3-point strokes in Section 9. And, when the Wizards start hitting the three-ball, they are dangerous. Joey Picone is another dangerous Washingtonville 3-point shooter.
Aaron Ray, Middletown: A versatile player, Ray can play inside and out. He also rebounds and is effective in traffic, driving for baskets. Aaron Ray averages 12 points per game.
Kendrick Ray, Middletown: As he goes, Middletown goes. Ray might need to carry the Middies on his back if Middletown is to win its first Section 9 title since 2001.
Justin Robinson, Kingston: The junior point guard has been slumping, for his standards, down the stretch. But one big assist, one big shot could get him going.
Jonte Rutty, Newburgh: A nice inside-outside player, Rutty has done some of his best work banging inside the paint.
Jarrod Scurlock, Newburgh: Can score off the dribble, penetrate and is tough on the ball. This is Newburgh’s difference maker and he always wants the rock in the big spot.
Class A
This is one of the deepest and toughest Section 9 draws in several years – in any class. Four teams, Cornwall, Red Hook, Marlboro and Saugerties, have a legitimate shot at winning the championship.
Then there are the dangerous teams lurking in the draw such as Rondout Valley and New Paltz. Don’t count out Goshen or Monticello, either.
“It’s going to be a battle royale,” Cornwall coach Tom Howe said.
Added Red Hook coach Rod Chando: “It’s going to be crazy.”
Red Hook (14-3) is the two-time defending champion, blitzing Cornwall 56-33 in last year’s championship.
“I have a lot of regret about that (Red Hook) game and we’re going to come out with vengeance,” Cornwall forward Sean Malvey said. “Every time we play this year, I think about that game, we just didn’t play well. This year, I think we can get it done.”
Cornwall has its own version of ‘The Big Three’ – Malvey (12.3), junior sharpshooter Zach Bouton (14) and senior swingman Joe O’Rourke (13.7). Red Hook senior swingman Joe Stortini leads Section 9 in scoring with 24.6 points per game.
Marlboro is the hottest team in the tournament, defeating Red Hook and Pine Plains to win its first Mid-Hudson Athletic League tournament last week. The Iron Dukes have won 10 games in a row.
“Obviously, it’s a different story, now that we have won the MHAL’s,” said Marlboro guard Mike Tamburri, who averages 15 points per game. “Everything changes, we aren’t the underdog anymore. I kind of liked that, but now we have a target on our back. We just have to work harder.”
Saugerties, which has wins over Marlboro and Red Hook this season, is led by senior guard Marc Whitaker, averaging 18 points. Scott Melville and J.T. Elmendorf, both guards, average nine rebounds apiece. Saugerties plays with a four-guard lineup.
“It’s going to be tough from one through eight. On any given night, a team like Cornwall can go down,” Saugerties coach Mike Tiano said. “We could be upset. There are no guarantees who will win this.”
Championship prediction: Red Hook 60, Marlboro 58
Class A players to watch
Zack Cone, New Paltz: Is one of several players (also see Bryan Krebs) that make New Paltz a potential dangerous draw in the tournament. Cone, a swingman, averages 14 points.
Sean Malvey, Cornwall: Is coming off one of his best games – 27 points against – Monticello and has been a consistent scorer, along with 3-point artist Zach Bouton and Joe O’Rourke this year.
Alex Smith, Marlboro: Smith continues to develop inside as streaking Marlboro gains more and more confidence. He averages 15 points and eight rebounds.
Joe Stortini, Red Hook: The best player in the draw, period. And if he starts dropping jumpers, look out. Stortini averages 24 points per game.
Mike Tamburri, Marlboro: The tenacious guard is averaging 12 points per game and he’s the defender nobody wants to face.
Manny Ukoh, Goshen: Ukoh, a swingman averaging 15 points per game, will likely have to go for Goshen to make a run in the tournament. Still, Goshen has other talented players in Ian Schupp and Section 9’s version of Linsanity – Flynnsanity. Paul Flynn arrived for Goshen with 25 points, including seven 3-pointers, in a win over Port Jervis last week.
Marc Whitaker, Saugerties: He’s had some of the biggest games in the MHAL this year, this side of Stortini.
Zach Rufer defends Middletown’s Aaron Ray earlier this month
Class B
Don’t look for an upset here. Once again, top-seeded Burke Catholic is the overwhelming favorite to win the Class B championship.
Burke Catholic cake walked to the title last year, defeating Ellenville 73-46 in the championship. It marked the Eagles’ third straight Section 9 title and Burke Catholic went on to defeat Potsdam 62-52 for the Class B state championship.
The March Mission for Burke Catholic is to simple: Repeat as state champions.
“I think we can repeat. We have the ability to do it,” senior Burke Catholic sharpshooter Zach Rufer said.
The Eagles are led by the ‘Big Three’ – Rufer, the reigning Varsity845 Player of the Year, junior forward Stan Buczek and senior swingman Billy Garneau. All three can hit the 3-pointer. Buczek plays inside and out and Garneau is dangerous from the wing. Garneau leads the team with 14.6 points, followed by Rufer (14.4) and Buczek (13.5).
According to Rufer, who will play at Lafayette next year, Burke Catholic is playing its best ball of the season right now. The Eagles, 55-10 over the last three seasons, defeated Class AA Middletown last week and played famed New York City power Christ The King tough in Queens, losing 76-69.
“I’ve been looking forward to the playoffs all season,” Rufer said. “The regular-season doesn’t matter as much as the playoffs. I’m excited.”
As for a potential miracle on the hardwood, an underdog beating Burke Catholic, Ellenville coach Bryan Bonitz had this to say: “Listen, I scouted them the other night against Sullivan West. They were up 40-11 at halftime and their starters sat for most of the time. Can anybody beat them? It’s possible, but not probable. You would need a perfect storm.”
Added Spackenkill coach Terry Feeley: “I stopped going to watch Burke Catholic play because, after that, I couldn’t sleep at night. I don’t want to sound cocky, but I would take my chances against them on a big floor. I might lose by 40, who knows, but it beats playing them at home.”
Championship prediction: Burke Catholic 77, Ellenville 50
Class B players to watch
Stan Buczek, Burke Catholic: The junior does it all for Burke Catholic – from posting up to hitting the smooth jumper. Does a nice job of sharing the ball.
Eddie Byrd, Liberty: An explosive scorer, Byrd is averaging 20 points per game. Liberty, which forfeited four games earlier this season, petitioned Section 9 to get in the tournament.
Mark Candelario, Ellenville: Ellenville’s 6-7 center puts up 15 point and 17 rebounds per game.
Matt Cardona, Sullivan West: His 12.8 points lead a balanced scoring attack. Sullivan West is playing in the Section 9 tournament for the first time in three years.
Billy Garneau, Burke Catholic: Garneau is a 3-point shooter extraordinaire and has been on fire lately.
Josh Riley, Spackenkill: A standout football player, Riley, a physical inside player, averages 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Zach Rufer, Burke Catholic: Rufer is coming on late in the season and may even be better when the bright lights of the postseason are on.
Class C
S.S. Seward enters the tournament as the hottest team, winning 12 games in a row. The Spartans haven’t loss since Dec. 19 against Goshen – a Class A team. All three of Seward’s losses have come in December.
The Spartans also lost to Class AA Warwick (Dec. 6) and James I. O’Neill (Dec. 1). Still, defending champion Pine Plains is the favorite. The Bombers defeated Seward 46-45 for the Class C title last year – a loss coach Rob Gravelle called the toughest of his 17-year career after the game.
Pine Plains has more height than some Division I teams, starting out Zach Lydon (6-foot-9), Tyler Lydon (6-7), Adam Miller (6-6), Rob Lamont (6-5) and Justin Cooper (6-3). Lamont leads a balanced scoring attack with 15.6 points, followed by Tyler Lydon (15.0) and Cooper (14.6). Zach Lydon averages 9.4 points.
“They are definitely going to be tough,” said Seward swingman Anthony Bailey, averaging 19.2 points. “but I think we can do it. We just have to get around them and get to the basket. I know we have to play our best and I think we keep getting better.”
Said Pine Plains coach Brendan LoBrutto of Seward: “Obviously, both teams have to take care of business first. But Seward is an absolute dangerous team. They are talented, disciplined and I have a lot of respect for them.
Fallsburg, which returned its entire team this season, and Millbrook are also teams to watch in Class C.
Championship Prediction: Pine Plains 56, Seward 53
Class C players to watch
Anthony Bailey, S.S. Seward: Bailey he was given the responsibility of leading Seward at the beginning of the season. He nailed the assignment and has evolved into one of Section 9’s prime time players.
Justin Cooper, Pine Plains: A guard capable of a big game. Cooper scored 30 against Ellenville earlier this month.
Tyler Dahlin, Millbrook: A streaky shooter who could cause problems for opponents.
Shawn Howell, S.S. Seward: A reserve last season, Howell has been a stable presence inside for Seward. He averages about eight points and seven rebounds.
Tyler Lydon, Pine Plains: He’s a 6-7 guard who can shoot and handle the ball. It’s no wonder that Virginia Tech, Syracuse and Siena have inquired about Lydon, according to Pine Plains coach Brendan LoBrutto.
Michael Robinson, Fallsburg: One of several Fallsburg talents, Robinson leads the team with 16.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. Junior point guard Rakkir Watson is also a playmaker.
Class D
Livingston Manor’s baseball and softball teams turned the tiny town into “Title town” by winning Class D state titles on the same weekend last June. A Section 9 boys’ basketball championship would also put ‘Manor’ into a frenzy.
Livingston Manor’s boys’ basketball team has never won a Section 9 title. However, this could be the year. The Wildcats are the top seeds in Class D and, according to coach Charlie Hicks, peaking at the right time.
“We’re playing great basketball,” Hicks said. “I usually don’t tell my guys that, but we are playing great team basketball. I think the team wants to win this one for me because I’ve been harping on it so much. It would be great for everyone.”
Livingston Manor (12-5) has lost in the Section 9 Class D championship three times, including a 58-37 defeat to John A. Coleman Catholic in last year’s final. Coleman Catholic went on to the Class D state championship, where it lost to New York Mills 47-42. The Statesmen are the second seed this season with far less firepower than last year.
Mike Mills leads Livingston Manor with 14 points per game. Senior forward Ken Fisk, a role-player last season, has stepped up this winter and is averaging with 13.6 points and 10 rebounds. Point guard Troy Correa averages 12.1 points, 6.4 assists and 4.1 steals.
Coleman Catholic, the five-time defending Section 9 Class D champion, graduated four seniors from last season. Junior guard Jordan Shaw and sophomore Dino Celadon can lead the Statesmen, who aren’t ready to give up the title, in scoring on any given night.
“The kids definitely want to go for it,” Coleman Catholic coach John Funk said. “After last year, the word on the street was that we would struggle. Should we decide to show up against Livingston Manor, which has been an issue all season, we are going to give them a game.”
Championship prediction: Livingston Manor 57, Coleman Catholic 52
Class D players to watch
Dino Celadon, Coleman Catholic: Is averaging 15 points per game.
Ken Fisk, Livingston Manor: Could be Livingston Manor’s hottest player, seemingly gaining confidence with every game.
Mike Mills, Livingston Manor: Can play just about every position on the floor – and does it well.
Jordan Shaw, Coleman Catholic: Coleman’s most experienced player from last season averages 14.5 points per game. He is a 5-foot-10 guard.
2011 Section 9 Class boys’ basketball championship results
AA: Newburgh 54, Middletown 41 (Newburgh lost to Mount Vernon 72-49 in first round of the state playoffs)
A: Red Hook 56, Cornwall 33 (Red Hook lost Maine-Endwell 55-44 in first round of state playoffs)
B: Burke Catholic 73, Ellenville 46 (Burke Catholic defeated Albertus Magnus 75-65 in first round of state playoffs, following with victories over Mattituck (75-59, quarterfinals), Westhill (63-58, semifinals) and Potsdam (62-52, state championship). Burke Catholic lost to NYC’s Collegiate School 71-55 in state federation championship.
C: Pine Plains 46, S.S. Seward 45 (Pine Plains lost to Tuckahoe 91-64 in the first round of the state tournament)
D: John A. Coleman Catholic 58, Livingston Manor 37 (defeated Biondi Center 50-45 in the quarterfinals, following with a win over C.G. Finney (71-70, two overtimes) in the semifinals. Coleman Catholic lost to New York Mills 47-42 in the state championship).
As far as I know Coleman is going to Syracuse. Has that changed? And without a doubt, Harborfields can beat Dewitt. I have watched Harborfields a lot over the years and they have the personal, the coach and PG to knock them off. They also played Luhi, Mount, Stepinac, HHHW, etc in preparation. Coleman will get his, but so will Woodhouse and if the perimeter players for Harborfields shoot like they can, they are walking away with a chip.
HRs,
Is #1 Harborfield’s starting PG?
Yes sir… I posted this the other day. Here is some video of him. 1:08 great move
http://www.msgvarsity.com/long-island/woodhouse-leads-harborfields-past-amityville-1.958734
Ah man, kid is a player. Would have loved to see him and Dancy play against one another. Very similar builds. He is a much better shooter though. Maybe they can meet up on the AAU circuit.
Wish I had the vid of Dancy making Leitzia fall. Missed the shot after but it did give us something to smile about in the midst of the loss, lol.
Not an optimum subscriber, don’t offer it up here
GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE FANS AND TEAMS STILL MARCHING FOR STATES
States you would love him. He is a joy to watch. That Dancy move was sweet. If he looks to do that more…watch out. Way to passive for my taste. Laffin needs to get in his ear and tell him flat out to take over games. He has the skill set, just needs to get an edge.
I looked for some Youtube of him and there isn’t any. I have to find some other video of him for you. Longwood got a sleeper for sure in Woodhouse.
Speaking of ridiculous officiating calls. Check this one out.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/georgia-star-helps-team-reach-state-final-four-194930124.html
HRS,
Have you had a chance to see Mount this year? They are playing very well at the right time. I thought they were very good, but they looked excellent beating CTK on Sunday. Malik Gill is a very, very good HS PG.
West 1,
I guess we in NYS have to count our blessings. Get ejected you miss playing one game. In GA you miss 2 games.
Hoops I have seen the Mount quite a bit on MSG Varsity(several games) and I saw them live last year twice. Well coached group and they play tough. To transition from the A to AA and get to the semis is impressive.
Malik Gill has drastically improved and is lightning fast. His football type body is helping him down the stretch in terms of stamina and the ability to take the blows going to the rack. He plays every minute and is wearing down his opponents. Love the way he carries himself to. He has developed into a D1 guard. I think they beat Holy Cross tomorrow and get to the final.
Pine Plains is very good. Saw them up close two times. They are a little limited on defensive end as they play zone. Man d is not an option as they are not quick laterally. Coaching is ok but could use a veteran asst to help young inexperienced coach. It s one thing to beat section nine teams but to win at higher level is another thing.
Hoops comment went into moderation.. Josh will clear it when he has time.
Middletown, Binghamton tied at 22 at the half.
Had to pull out last yrs Final 4 program to refresh the gray matter. JD, Byram Hills, Aquinas & Harborfields All I can remember was Dominance & Dejection & bye the way JD wasn’t dejected. Good luck TZ if You even get there, but please don’t take that negatively, cause you’ve been there & everything. All the comments are coming back to me at once. Harborfields or whoever isn’t beating JD that kid is that good
48-43 Middletown. 3:46 left in 4th
HRs,
You are right. He was scared to do it all year b/c he thinks he’ll get beat up. Some more weight on his frame and a killer instinct will make him even better. I’ve seen him take it through transition and dunk easily w/ two hands off two feet. Get that confidence and he’ll be ok.
Good luck TZ!
57-51 Middletown
lourdes accepted into section nine in 2013—14 but would have to play aa in all sports. now up to them if they want to accept.
Jets,
No way they accept if Burke gets to stay down.
Back from SUNY NP…. as Westchester 1 stated, a 57-51 Middletown win [Time Herald Record reporter get major props for predicting a 54-50 Middletown victory].
Mount Vernon had better get a major game plan in place for Mr. Kendrick Ray who lit up Binghamton and single handedly carried his team this evening. He can break you down off the dribble like no one I’ve seen in a while and has a sweet jumper with excellent elevation and hang time. Might not be a bad idea to double him with two guards whenever possible…simply b/c he likes to create for himself first and look for the pass second.
Middletown is very quick, far far quick than Mahopac and plays decent defense as well. BUT they can be broken down and I believe that Mount Vernon’s perimeter game can make them pay for their overplaying the ball.
Also Binghamton got back in the game with a half decent trap and I believe Mt. Vernon could do an even better job with their trap.
I didn’t see too many set plays beyond the basic weave for Middletown. Single high screens by the big man on the outside, but not much pick and roll and few back door cuts.
#22 or #10 will probably take Cousins…so I imagine Randy Stephens could do real damage if he can get the Ray kid in foul trouble.
The 6’6” a well-developed, physical 7th grader impressed me with his defensive play but has a lot to learn on the offensive end. Good rebounder but no low post moves.
Beyond Kendrick Ray…nothing out there impressed me that much. Lots of off balance, forced shots and what we called “chucking” back in the day. Case in point was #22 with 27 on the shot clock and 29 seconds on the game clock in the 3rd quarter. Rather than running the clock down and setting up a play he decides to go one on three and puts up a brick with 25 seconds left. Binghamton comes down with ample time to run a set play and drains a 3 at the buzzer to close the gap to 5 instead of being down by at least 8 to start the fourth quarter. Mount Vernon has the discipline to make the right plays and not give away freebie points as this kid did.
Stop Kendrick Ray and to a lesser extend his younger brother and you will pretty much will stop Middletown. Then on to the Falls and destiny! Go Knights!!
According to MV coach who scouted the game Kendrick Ray had 28pts on 68% shooting & he’s a bigtime player. Said his brothers Alken Ray Fr St Rays & Nova. So they’ve got a bigtime player who scored half their points against a team from Binghamton. We’ve got the depth & talent to beat them. The fellas just need to show-up ready to go & focused. There won’t be a late tip-off after a very long wait like before the CS game. I really like the Knights chances & I get to see them play against a real talent. Should be great!
Reality Check… Please stop indirectly insulting teams Mount Vernon has faced in recent weeks. If all the players weren’t good, as you imply, one of them wouldn’t have had 25 points and 15 rebounds against your team. So let’s be fair.
Lets be fair Josh. One guy bashes MV all the time and I never see you comment on it.
This is what someone wrote right after the MV South game.
“Well I will tell the truth. Mount Vernon stunk up the County Center last night.. Looked like a lousy team in my opinion. ....Sorry if the truth hurts”.
Not an indirect insult, but a direct insult. What was Josh’s response? Nothing. There are many many more. Josh, what was said above that required your input that is not said everyday. You are very inconsistent.
funny….
I am the one usually defending MV but it would be foolhardy to defend them or anyone else for that matter, 24/7.
Even the best of the best teams have subpar games. I certainly remembering hearing coaches like Boeheim, Calhoun, Calipari, Huggins, etc. say in effect, “Last night we stunk up the gym.”...”We played without a purpose.” ...”It seemed like we decided to take the night off.” I have seen Mt. Vernon play raggedy, sloppy ball in games they could ill afford to do so [eg. in 2010 regional finals at West Point vs. NFA].
So I do not rush to judgment against those who criticize MV at every turn. I take what they say with a grain of salt and be open to the fact that there might be a grain of truth in what they are saying.
Ultimately, MV is not invincible. I have long felt that they should be confident but never get too full of themselves and their legacy. One’s reputation is only as good as the game that is in front of them. The players need to represent with intensity and focus and allow their skills to do the talking. Enough said.
Josh…this moderation software is more like malware.
Seems like I can’t get a decent post past the gates of scrutiny these days. What’s up with that!!
Josh, you let mud and racism fly all over this blog and then you get involved in an indirect comment which you interpret as a negative statement. I went back checked all of the negative comments that you let people get away with. I’m starting to think that you have a bone to pick with certain programs.
funny… Please direct me to comments you found inappropriate. Because I’m not always on the computer this time of year because of traveling or a packed schedule, I may miss something. Let me know if something offended you and I’ll take a look at it.
mvhs… Thank some of our friends from the football season. Too much vitriol spewed that was causing problems. I had to put a lot of words on the naughty list.
funny… 1. Mount Vernon did not play a good game vs. South. Cimmino and the players were not shy to admit that. 2. If somebody thinks Mount Vernon is a “lousy team,” there’s almost nothing to say. It’s so wrong it does not even deserve a response. 3. The post did not say anything negative about players, who I’m more defensive of than teams because the players are teenagers playing high school basketball.
Josh,
You commented on Reality Check for saying that MV will play some real talent, and you had a problem with it. The comment I posted above, was a blogger saying that Mt Vernon was a lousy team, not that they played lousy.
For weeks I have been begging you to stop the hating on this blog. People with names such as Mahopacwhytetrash and upyourazz as well as others, use offensive names and make offensive statements. I have a 15 year old who loves basketball, but I feel like I need to monitor what he reads on this blog. I cringe at what I read on here sometimes. This is not a NY Knick blog. It is a blog about “kids” playing sports. Adults need to watch what they say because kids read this stuff. The same people who criticizes a kid’s behavior, turn right around and set poor examples to them with the things they write. When the story about the kid from Children’s Village came out, some adults went off the deep end including calling the superintendent, stupidintendent. Poor behavior adult. I am glad you finally acknowledged me. I had a crusade to draw attention to this, and hope that all unnecessary comments will be addressed in the future.
Funny never talks basketball. All this guy does is complain to Josh about others. Ban his ip screws forever. Does not follow any hs team