Here is Nancy Haggerty’s story on Mount Vernon’s win at White Plains.
WHITE PLAINS It took them awhile. More than a half, in fact.
But the Mount Vernon Knights boys basketball team eventually looked at least a little like the defending state AA champions here Tuesday, defeating White Plains 72-53.
The Knights proved big on the boards, hauling down 40 rebounds, 17 on the offensive side.
The Knights’ 6-foot-3 forward Brandon Martin (pictured below left) led all scorers with 15 points.
But the game was hardly the cakewalk some might have envisioned.
The Knights entered the game at 6-1, the loss coming with Martin sidelined by a one-game suspension.
White Plains had won just two of its 10 games.
But while Mount Vernon at one point scored five points off three consecutive steals in the second quarter — Martin, Jamal Lewis and Josh Doughty (pictured above right) picking the Tigers’ pockets — White Plains was very much in the game at the half, trailing just 33-21.
It could have been much worse except for the Knights’ foul shooting (4 for 15 at the half, 16 for 34 overall), which Knights coach Bob Cimmino later termed “embarrassing.”
While Cimmino found some bright spots, including the energized play of subs Yhanni Bartley (eight points) and Jalen David (11 points), he criticized his team’s approach to the game.
“We just thought that some magic talent was going to gather to us and lead us to a magical victory,” he said, criticizing his team in part for turning the ball over.
Despite losing 6-foot-5 center Nate Hudson (four points) to fouls late in the third quarter, White Plains was still hanging in, behind 46-32 entering the fourth.
But Doughty’s baseline 3-pointer (he had nine points) and Lewis’ conversion (11 points) of his offensive rebound put the Knights up 51-32.
With the quarter not yet half over, White Plains lost Robby Lorden, who was held to two points, to his fifth personal.
When the Tigers’ go-to guard, Mike DeMello, hit his first field goal, a long 3 with 3:18 left, the game was essentially over, the Knights up by 21.
White Plains was led by Marshon Morris and Devon Thomas who each had 12 points.
Martin pointed to the Knights’ success in attacking the Tigers’ zone defense in the second half as key to the win.
“As a team we’re getting there. We’re bonding together and trying to win states,” he said.
DeMello, whose five points included two fourth-quarter free-throws, didn’t appear overly impressed with Mount Vernon, explaining that with fewer turnovers and fouls it could have been a different outcome.
Setting up an interesting dynamic for their next meeting, he said of Mount Vernon and of its reputation, “Obviously, we could play with them. I believe it’s all hype.”
Photos courtesy of Matthew Brown/The Journal News. Click here for the entire gallery.
48 Comments
Wow Demello with some strong words. That’s how I see Mt V takes advantage of teams literally giving false hopes to a team like WP. Mt Vernon played terrible yesterday but still WP presented no threat. I’d be more worried about mt v playing bad against a team like new ro with this rivalry could go either way. But sorry Demello your team will not come close next time
WOW, IS RIGHT,I GUESS WHITE PLAINS WAS HAPPY TO LOSE BY 19 POINTS,I’LL SAY THIS RIGHT NOW,MV BY 40 AT HOME
Mt Vernon beats everyone by 40 at home.
The WP kids played hard to the end. Mv did
what they do best glass work and weir you down
with using 10 players and no drop off. Must improve Ft%. As for WP top 3 players are juniors
And the JV team Beat us. It’s nice to see kids
Wanting to beat the best. Keep trying because
What MV kids love the most Is to be in a dog
Fight it makes for great games.
Hype… I think the pot just called the kettle black
21 point loss in your own gym ” I believe it is hype” “a couple of turnovers and fouls…” I will take the over in the next match up. Calling out MV as HYPE is not going to end well for WP.
DeMello must be in denial. He did not score against Poghkeepsie he did not score against MV. Hype? Can lohud rerun the big TRANSFER article that they ran back over the summer? Obvious that the media has a job to do but stop giving this kid ink. He is a nice player but not a superstar. A superstar would be able to get points against the best.
Yeah his statements were kind of crazy if you ask me
In all fairness, maybe what he said was taken out of context. He is still a kid and possibly was backed into a corner by a journalist trying to get something juicy, or maybe he just said something without thinking which he regrets. Lets hope he learns from this…
I agree with Spacecadet,I think the kid was frustrated after having an off day
And said something he probably shouldn’t have. He’s 16 give him a break. I will.
MVfan and Space
absolutely right and fair he’s still a kid, that said when dad is a legendary coach and Spencer great leader they need to tell him he is always going to be the target and you just cant say that..especially the way the season has gone.no sense riling the Knight up before you go into his Courtyard !.. Haywood is right except MV by 50 at home !
Mike D played with the JR knights for 2yrs. Great
Kid great family and dad even coached at MV before Heading into the city to coach at Rice.
This is not this kids MO Just loves playing ball.
The good thing about kids getting interview exposure early these days is that they can learn in a safe zone for future references. In a few years let’s say we have a Section 1 Baller at UNC, he’ll know now not to say that in regards to Duke unless he’s that good and is confident in his abilities.
The quote made me laugh more then anything so let’s see how he comes next time around. 1 vs 5 against the Knights is an uphill battle :/
NEW RO NOW;
MOUNT VERNON WILL SHOW ITS GUTS AND HEART ON THURSDAY,A MOUNT VERNON WIN AND NEW RO COULD BE LOOKING AT A REAL BAD SEED”LET’S GO KNIGHTS
NEW RO WILL GET BACK ON TRACK STARTING WITH THURSDAY’S GAME!!... WE WILL RE-PAY SCARSDALE!!....
HAYWOOD… WHAT’S UP BUDDY!!.....
PRINCE,
JUST TRYING TO BE A GOOD #KNIGHT#,LLLOOOLLL
You know in a way you can’t be mad at Demello because mt v did play really sloppy
Prince,
Not addressing that prediction for your boys yesterday I see!
Statesman January 16th, 2013 at 11:31 am
Prince,
Not addressing that prediction for your boys yesterday I see!
STATES… I HAVE TO TAKE OVER THE BASKETBALL I SEE!!.. LOL!!!
WE WILL BE FINE!!..
HAYWOOD January 16th, 2013 at 11:07 am
PRINCE,
JUST TRYING TO BE A GOOD #KNIGHT#,LLLOOOLLL
HAYWOOD… YOUR FAILING!!... LOL!!!
THE KID SPOKE OUT OF FRUSTRATION!!!.....HE WANTED TO DO WELL, SHOW THAT HE BELONGS, AND IT DID NOT HAPPEN….
Yup,the kid is frustrated about the season and is looking for hope. Probably very angry and is searching for answers.
REPUTATION PRECEDES MT VERNON. If any team deserves the reputation for being good it is them. However, the team scores on pressing turnovers and layups. If it was a skills contest that determined the outcome, MT vernon would be in the middle of the pack. BUT basketball at this level is more about intensity and overwhelming pressure. Make the other team uncomfortable. Section 1 coaches can not simulate Mt. Vernon pressure in practice unless you have your team play against 7 or 8 guys. And that in itself won’t do it because coaches won’t let their teams run up and down the court for more than 3 minute intervals. Well that is great, because at the first sub, Mt Vernon is bringing in 5 other guys who are actually more intense because they are trying to break into the starting lineup and want to impress even more.
In my opinion, this will be a lean year as far as Class AA in New York State is concerned. The strength of Class AA Teams, in comparsion to New York City and Upstate is clearly DOWN. Mount Vernon has shown so far this season that, while they have some talent, that are clearly NOT the same team that they have been in the past and New Rochelle has disappointed many and clearly are not the team that many expected.
So don’t expect anything beyond a Sectional Championship this year in CLASS AA
Sorry Folks !
Hallie,
I think the 1 AA rep can still win the State Championship but fall in Feds like MV did last year. Outside of the city and LI, we still play the best ball around.
Kingston is a top 3 AA school in 9 but struggled with Mahopac which is 5 of above in the AA fray dependent on who you ask and in my opinion will struggle vs PK on Sunday [I hope].
I forgot Monday is a holiday so I can catch that with no worries, God willing.
I do agree with all your other points. 1 AA is a little down this year, but it’s good to see the resurgence of North Rockland, Scarsdale and Mamaroneck. SV has joined the fold very nicely—good year for them to transition up.
HYPE January 16th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
REPUTATION PRECEDES MT VERNON. If any team deserves the reputation for being good it is them. However, the team scores on pressing turnovers and layups. If it was a skills contest that determined the outcome, MT vernon would be in the middle of the pack. BUT basketball at this level is more about intensity and overwhelming pressure. Make the other team uncomfortable. Section 1 coaches can not simulate Mt. Vernon pressure in practice unless you have your team play against 7 or 8 guys. And that in itself won’t do it because coaches won’t let their teams run up and down the court for more than 3 minute intervals. Well that is great, because at the first sub, Mt Vernon is bringing in 5 other guys who are actually more intense because they are trying to break into the starting lineup and want to impress even more.
THIS SMELL LIKE A ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE CHSFL… LOOSE SCREWS!!!...... H8’N!!!... SMH!!
Prince,
I saw that as a compliment to the MV program. The press does help them beat teams that can’t handle it into submission though.
HALLIE,
YOU GOT MONEY?,2 WINS GETS YOU TO GLEN FALLS AFTER COUNTY CENTER
STATES..
the team scores on pressing turnovers and layups. If it was a skills contest that determined the outcome, MT vernon would be in the middle of the pack.
STATES… THATS A TYPICAL CHSFL CHICK COMMENT!!... HE IS CLAIMING THAT WHAT THERE DOING IS NOT TALENT RELATED!!.. BUT MORE OF SUCCESS FROM A SCHEME!!...
Prince,
It’s a mix of both. More so talent but you can’t say the scheme isn’t a big factor. At higher levels where ball handling and passing are better you don’t see teams as successful with the press.
I’ll be the objective voice.
STATES
I’M NOT A BIG BASKETBALL FAN BUT I RESPECT VERY GOOD COACHING!!..... #YOU HAVE TO RESPECT BOB SUCCESS…. TRUST ME IT WAS JAB AT SEC1 PUBLIC SCHOOL SPORTS!!....
PPR,
Stay off the basketball threads…you know nothing about basketball and more particularly know nothing about basketball in the CHSAA (as evidenced by your continuing to call it the CHSFL) – stick to football and start worrying about next year. Pressure is part of basketball – anyone who is a CHSAA fan sees pressure all of the time since a large portion of CHSAA schools employ pressure in some form (Step runs a 3/4 court trap a lot to speed up the tempo of the game). The person who made the comments above clearly isn’t a CHSAA fan, because if they were they would be used to seeing pressure basketball and have an appreciation for it. It seems pretty clear to me that the person making the comments about pressure basketball/talent was one of these suburban fans who’ve not been exposed to city basketball. Don’t weakly attempt to blame every crackpot on the blogs on the CHSAA/CHSFL, particularly when they are clearly a Sect 1 fan.
Statesman January 16th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Prince,
It’s a mix of both. More so talent but you can’t say the scheme isn’t a big factor. At higher levels where ball handling and passing are better you don’t see teams as successful with the press.
I’ll be the objective voice.
STATES… I GET YOU!!.. BUT I THINK IT’S A KNOCK ON SEC1!!.... I DN’T EXACTLY KNOW HOW MANY D1-D2 PLAYERS MT V HAS HAD THE PAST 12YRS (HAYWOOD NEED YOUR HELP)... BUT I’M PRETTY SURE IT WAS NOT B/C THEY PRESSED WELL IN HIGH SCHOOL!... THERE WAS SOME HIGH LEVEL OF TALENT AND B/BALL IQ ALSO!!...
Hoops fan January 16th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
PPR,
Stay off the basketball threads…you know nothing about basketball and more particularly know nothing about basketball in the CHSAA (as evidenced by your continuing to call it the CHSFL) – stick to football and start worrying about next year. Pressure is part of basketball – anyone who is a CHSAA fan sees pressure all of the time since a large portion of CHSAA schools employ pressure in some form (Step runs a 3/4 court trap a lot to speed up the tempo of the game). The person who made the comments above clearly isn’t a CHSAA fan, because if they were they would be used to seeing pressure basketball and have an appreciation for it. It seems pretty clear to me that the person making the comments about pressure basketball/talent was one of these suburban fans who’ve not been exposed to city basketball. Don’t weakly attempt to blame every crackpot on the blogs on the CHSAA/CHSFL, particularly when they are clearly a Sect 1 fan.
HOOPS… HOW ABOUT YOU ATTEMPT TO WIN A CHIP AGAINST THE BIG BOYS (FOOTBALL OR BASKETBALL)!!... CHSFL/CHSAA CATHOLIC BOY, CATHOLIC GIRL IT’S NO DIFFERENCE!... AND IT WAS ONE OF YOUR KRACK POT CHSAA/CHSFL BOY/GIRL FANS!!...
#NEW RO SEC1 CHAMPS AGAIN AND #1 IN WESTCHESTER AGAIN!!!....
Prince,
I WOULD GUESS AT LEAST 12 IN THE LAST 12 YEARS ,IT COULD EASILY BE MORE
HAYWOOD
THANK YOU!!...
SNEAK PREVIEW;
TOMORROW,JAMAL LEWIS WILL BRING DOWN THE HOUSE WITH A SPECTACULAR DUNK.
HAYWOOD
SNEAK PREVIEW JOE CLARKE DROPS 28 POINTS
PRINCE,
HE MIGHT BUT WHAT DOES IT MATTER IF YOUR OFFENSE ONLY SCORES 50
Statesman,
Do you know Riverside’s record? They are playing Poughkeepsie on the 26th, and no one I’ve talked with seems to know anything about this year’s team.
Thanks for any information.
Po Fan,
About 5-2 I think. Bring back about their entire team. Their best player Ian Parker will be the best leaper on the floor. He’s about as good as it gets in Class A but 1 guy will be hard pressed to beat 5. It was close last yr until PK pulled away in the 2nd half. PK should win but stranger things have happened.
ARE YOU KIDDING;
POK-79. RIVERSIDE-57
Prince,
Agreed. I’ll be the first to tip my cap to Bob. Gets it done year after year further cementing a great legacy at MV. A 3 point game can baloon to 12 quick vs MV. Pressing takes an offense out their comfort zone so I see no issue w/ it. If they dont want it, give it to them anyway fits here I surmise.
I have to say, I was happy to see MV not be able to get the ball up the floor at times the last time they played PK due to the 3/4 court trap. I’ve seen many a team fall victim to it so I enjoyed the brief moment.
Wood,
Sounds about right. Hope it works out.
Wood/Prince is a lot more kids than 12 in 12 years. Every year, 2-4 kids go somewhere. Last year alone you had 4 kids right? The year before that you had Jabarie and two others, and the list will be similar year after year. Kids like Vaughn Miller are the ones that make me smile. Fly under the radar. Worked his way to a 1st all conference player and will be playing basketball somewhere when college is over!
HRs,
I can’t count that high,LLLLLLOOOOOLLLLL
The Knights played down to the level of their competition yesterday. I’d read some HYPE about a decent guard from white plains. After watching most of yesterday’s game I finally realized who the kid was from the PA annoucer Usually if a kid’s a player you pick him up earlier then toward the end of a game. This young man needs to think more about his comments to the media. The Knights hopefully will teach this young man some humilty on Feb 8th
Mt vernon is in the middle of the pack for talent??? You must be joking, right?
A “Go To” Guard who hits his 1st FG w/3:18 to go & down by 21 Should keep his Mouth Shut. Really Surprising & Delusional. Why Run your mouth when it comes to the Knights? Did he make the same comments after Scarsdale Beat WP badly on MSGV?