Thanks to a very good pick of North Salem over Briarcliff, Dan surged three games ahead, including one in this year’s playoff picks. We both guessed wrong on Peekskill, which we both picked to lose to Albertus.
Let’s see what today has in store. The favorites have ruled so far. Will that continue, or will a Cinderella put on that glass slipper?
2012-13 Records —
Josh: 62-23 (35-8 playoffs)
Dan: 65-20 (36-7 playoffs)
• Outbracket
• Opening round
• Class A and B quarterfinals
Class AA quarterfinals
No. 9 New Rochelle at No. 1 Spring Valley, 6 p.m. —
Josh: Spring Valley, 74-69. This could easily be a situation of men vs. boys, with New Rochelle’s rugged seniors overwhelming Spring Valley’s crop of underclassmen. But the most underrated element of the Tigers’ success is their unusual maturity for such a young team. Willie Worsley demands success. I expect his team to deliver. Pressure, pressure, pressure.
Dan: New Rochelle, 66-63. I think the Huguenots saved their best for last. If anyone recognizes how important peaking at the right time is it’s New Rochelle. Khalil Edney comes up big to help take the load off Joe Clarke.
No. 5 Mahopac at No. 4 Arlington, 6 p.m. —
Josh: Mahopac, 62-55. The Indians don’t know what they’ll get from Dan Tully, who sat out Friday’s win with an injury. That will weaken their backcourt in what is already Arlington’s main strength. But don’t expect Mahopac to squander two double-digit leads like it did in the regular season opener. Ryan Simone and John Vitkus are far different players. Mahopac has improved so much.
Dan: Mahopac, 67-65. Mahopac’s first loss of the season came to Arlington in a game they don’t believe they played their best basketball. The Admirals fell to Mahopac in this same round last season in double overtime. To say both teams want this win bad is a bit of an understatement. I just have to give the edge to the Indians. The seniors on this team are very familiar with the path to the County Center and plan on making one more before they graduate.
No. 6 Fox Lane at No. 3 Mount Vernon, 4:30 p.m. —
Josh: Mount Vernon, 77-52. Fox Lane is taking a dip in the deep end this afternoon. The two biggest problems will be handling Mount Vernon’s speed and depth. Even if the Foxes’ top weapons play well, they’ll need some oxygen when the Knights dip into their bench for a fresh group.
Dan: Mount Vernon, 80-65. This Mount Vernon team continues to get better. The scary part is you never know who will step up and have a big game.
No. 7 Scarsdale at No. 2 North Rockland, 5 p.m. —
Josh: North Rockland, 70-60. Scarsdale will need an unconscious game from 3 to upset the Red Raiders. It’s possible. Jon Cohen and Tyler Nathan can get hot from deep, but, assuming an average game, North Rockland holds the edge.
Dan: North Rockland, 68-65. Scarsdale doesn’t hold the same size advantage they had last round against Clarkstown North. North Rockland is just too big and too good.
Class C quarterfinals
No. 8 Hawthorne Cedar Knolls at No. 1 Children’s Village, 5 p.m. —
Josh: Children’s Village, 68-51. The Hawks were a state title contender in Class D, but their still right there with Palisade Prep and Tuckahoe as gold ball favorites in C. Getting to the County Center won’t be an issue.
Dan: Children’s Village, 54-45. Reclassification or not, Children’s Village is still the odds on favorite.
No. 7 Hamilton at No. 2 Palisade Prep, 6 p.m. —
Josh: Palisade Prep, 68-55. The Phoenix has an experienced group that has matured over the court of three years. Last time, in 2011, Palisade Prep earned an automatic berth into the County Center. This time, it earns one.
Dan: Palisade Prep, 60-55. Despite losing the top seed, I still think Palisade Prep punches their ticket to the County Center.
No. 6 Haldane at No. 3 Solomon Schechter, 4:30 p.m. —
Josh: Haldane, 51-43. If you compare their resumes, it’d be tough to tell who is the 3-seed and who is the 6-seed. This one’s a toss-up.
Dan: Solomon Schechter, 57-50. Expect a big game out of the Lions’ Jake Diamond.
No. 5 Tuckahoe at No. 4 Keio, 4:30 p.m. —
Josh: Tuckahoe, 61-51. You know I picked Tuckahoe to win it all. I think Stan Hamlet will have a few wrinkles, but the Tigers are ready.
Dan: Tuckahoe, 62-50. All those tough regular season games will pay off now for the reigning Class C state champions.
34 Comments
Shocked that Dan picked against Arlington!
So pumped up for this game !!..gonna be fun
Bawler,
You going? [Why am I even asking]
If I could I’d leave now ..lol
It’s a no-brainer that MV is going to win the Gold Ball. They are too deep for any team in Section 1 to hang with by the 4th quarter. It doesn’t matter if they are in foul trouble, or if 1 or 2 of their starters are having a bad game. Someone will step up and ensure they prevail and blow away any one of the remaining teams. With that being said, I would like to see Spring Valley have a chance to play against MV in the Final. They are a young very talented team with a tremendous history in basketball. It’s a crime to hear their sports program is in serious jeopardy for next year. It would be nice for those hard-working young men to have a chance to compete in the Final, and hopefully wake up the decision-makers in Spring Valley.
Those are not inexperienced sophs on Spring Valley. Those kids have been playing year round high level competition including D-1 AAU basketball since 4th grade. They have played much better competition. They will beat New Ro. Mahopac which has a huge edge in coaching will also win.
Bawler,
lmbo, I’ll be logged on for updates.
I will do my best..I have a dog in the race so I will occuoccupied..I will send out what I can
Bawler,
I feel you. Maybe a post a quarter. If that TZ game didn’t get muddy early I would have been occupied myself haha. This game will have a Championship feel to it, going to be a packed house—but you guys are used to that.
I too would love to see Spring Valley at the CC. From what i have read, a very good, young and athletic team that I have not seen play this year. I have seen new ro, not beating mt Vernon. Hopefully spring valley keeps their sports, and if they do, keep their players. From what i hear, they can have a special team the next couple of years. However, when the jersey Catholics smell talent across the bridge, they will pull out all the stops…...
Lets go mt Vernon. I don’t like when people guarantee victories. Anything can happen!
Mahopac v Arlington is going to be a battle. If Mahopac can defend the way they have been lately they will win. Mahopac has the ability to blow this team out of the gym, but i dont see that happening. Both teams want this one bad. Mahopac wins a close one. I also Agree with Ball Fan – Section 1 is too easy for Mt. Vernon, its a huge dissapointment if they dont win a gold ball each year, and it should be!
Cuse,
I hope SV can band together and make a stand. Let’s build something huge in Rockland and all of Section 1. Imagine how much more talented/stronger our teams, programs, leagues reputation for recruiting purposes could be.
Wood,
Looks like your boy PJ Torres is set the transfer. I wonder what his options are? I never thought he was better than Nat’e so it’s not very surprising.
Hope he’s an education first type of guys. Young kids everywhere need to realize that playing a college sport is great but a 2.0 to 2.7 GPA is not.
I Like PAC over Arlington…Revenge game… MV wins the Gold Ball…History repeats itself.
(Voice of The Most Interesting Man in the World)
“I don’t always go to Arlington games, but when I do, I prefer Playoff Basketball”
Definitely a game worth checking out; I’ll see if I can make it there…
Statesman,
As much as I’d like to show my Admiral pride and rep the maroon and gold, I just think the Indians are too good and on a warpath to get revenge from that early season lost.
Just goes to show there is no bias here on the VI blog.
Dan,
Well said and much respected. Can’t lie I was mulling over this pick on the train into 125 this am.
I think if the Pac game was at a nuetral site Pac wins convinivley. Very tough for any team to go to Dutchess and win. The bigs will have to stay out of foul trouble which will be difficult with thier style of play. Still think Pac wins but close.
The street has Mahopac as a 12-14 point favorite tonight. With MV being the powerhouse that it is with all the ballers from MV and those who move in from the Bronx, it makes it almost impossible to defeat them. Does seem unfair that those in Section 1 biggest hope is to get to the County Center and just be able to compete. Maybe, just maybe one year there will be a “1980 Miricle on Ice moment” at the County Center, if and when it happens it will be known forever as “The Miracle at the County Center”. Sounds like a Christmas theme lol.
Don’t care if its 1 or 21 ..just wanna win !!
COACH B,
SOUNDS LIKE YOUR TRYING TO WALK ON WATER AGAIN,LLLOOOLLL,
Coach B …just focus on tonight..long way to MV
is there a class d tournament?
The miracle that Coach B is talking about will be delivered by the Red Raiders next week. Sorry Wood
Tony b,
LLLLLLOOOOOLLLLL,GOOD LUCK,YOU’LL NEED IT
Good luck! ahs 58 pac 54
Bawler,
Mahopac wins drinks on you at a bar in Yonkers..your choice..
Bawler,
PS… i am bringing the Mc cray brothers with me..lol…
Don’t..saw enough of them ..lol…thanks stepfan!! (Wow. Never thought those two words would come out of my mouth together)
Mahopac wins by 20
Cuse,
The corner of 304 and Germionds Rd., (AM), would be a better fit for them and Section 1.
Josh,
Looks like Dan pulled away to a insurmountable lead!
[...] 2012-13 Records — Josh: 69-24 (42-9 playoffs) Dan: 72-21 (43-8 playoffs) • Outbracket • Opening round • Class A and B quarterfinals • Class AA and C quarterfinals [...]