Below is my debut column for The Journal News and it’s a story that is far from finished.
Dobbs Ferry junior Eric Paschall delivered a dominant performance Wednesday afternoon with 31 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks in a 72-66 Class B semifinal win over North Salem to lead the Eagles into a third straight championship game.
Of course, his return to the championship game is noteworthy enough after a one-game suspension last season kept him from playing against Albertus Magnus. Paschall also has lifted from a midseason funk to play his best basketball in the playoffs.
With a big decision looming this offseason about whether to stay in Dobbs Ferry or reclassify at a prep school, this could be his last chance at redemption. Read on to find out what it means to finally have this chance:
WHITE PLAINS — The two best players on the floor were chest to chest, their closest confrontation all afternoon to that point. So when North Salem’s Umar Singh rose, Dobbs Ferry’s Eric Paschall leapt with him, extending a long arm up toward the sky.
The 6-foot-6 Paschall got a piece of the shot but the closest official ruled he got a piece of Singh, too. Immediately, Paschall’s mouth dropped in shock, but he caught himself and instead clapped, gesturing his approval for the call whether he agreed with it or not.
Even in the midst of arguably his best big-game performance as a high school star, the Dobbs Ferry junior couldn’t help but remember his lowest point and the lesson he learned.
“That’s what I thought about,” he said. “The refs are really strict in these games. I knew I had to control myself all game.”
Paschall controlled his emotions and his game here at the County Center, leading the Eagles over upset-minded North Salem 72-66 and into Saturday’s Class B championship game.
The area’s “Mr. Basketball” played up to that honor Wednesday afternoon and his team continued to thrive because of his focus. That much was evident again in a thoroughly dominant performance that included 31 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks.
“It’s just growth over the course of the season,” Dobbs Ferry coach Scott Patrillo said. “It’s understanding that a player at the level he’s at is not going to get every call and he has to push through that.”
Paschall’s personal development will remain one of the key storylines entering this weekend’s championship games. Although his team played in the last two finals, Paschall didn’t play a minute in either. He was a reserve in 2011 and was quite infamously forced to serve a one-game suspension in 2012 after being ejected from the semifinal against Blind Brook.
The ejection remains a vivid memory from last year’s Championship Week. Paschall was handed a technical for cursing and another for hanging on the rim. He and Patrillo objected to calls then and continue to, but that moment helped sharpen his focus.
“I can’t wait to play in this game,” he said.
Paschall couldn’t even attend last year’s final, a second straight loss to Albertus Magnus, instead holing up in his room at home. He has never watched it.
At times this season, Paschall and his team appeared mired in a similar funk. He missed two games in December due to a scheduling conflict with a family trip. Even when he played, questions lingered about whether he would stay at the school as a senior.
“He was very frustrated,” Juan Paschall said of his son. After one subpar performance, even the elder Paschall questioned his son’s effort.
A troubling loss to Edgemont in the regular season finale was the moment Paschall and his team finally began to realize their potential together. Afterward, a Division I college coach (Patrillo wouldn’t identify the school) critiqued Paschall’s game.
“For him to hear from an outside person who is at the highest level of college basketball what he needed to do to take it to the next level and what he needed to do to mature and grow his game, I think it was incredibly motivating,” Patrillo said.
Paschall has played his best basketball since, averaging 26.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game in the postseason, improving on all three numbers in the process.
Paschall’s father admitted there is “always discussion in my household” about whether his son will remain in Dobbs Ferry for his senior season. The family has considered staying, but it has already begun to explore several prep schools.
This might not be Paschall’s chance for redemption. It might be his only chance for a gold ball.
“I really want this bad,” he said. “My teammates want it, too. We can’t wait to play on Saturday.”
36 Comments
Went to all 4 games yesterday and this was the best game. Both teams shot well and Paschall was the best player of the night. He can start on any team and be the star of that team in westchester. North Salem had 2 kids who could shoot well also. Best played game of the night.
Lourdes I had not seen before. They play great team ball and I can see why they give bigger schools with even more talent, problems. Putnam Valley looked like they were not ready for the moment. They couldn’t hit anything. Even the wide open shots. Great fan support though.
Eastchester was just to small. One of the smallest A schools I have ever seen at the CC. Looked like they wore down after they cut it to 5 in the 3rd. PK did not play great but you can see how athletic they are. And carter is very good, need him on the court. Again great fan support, filled up 3 quarters of the CC.
The last game was a bit disturbing. On the opening tip the center from Byram Hills put his hand out to shake the hand of the PK center and he ignored him. You kind of knew it would go downhill from there. How #1 from Peekskill did not get tossed is mind boggling. After a tie up and whistle, he hits the Byram player in the face, then looks back with attitude, everyone saw it but the 3 refs. Coach Lou leaves him in the game then 2 minutes later after another tie up, he picks the player up with the ball then slams him to the court. The Byram fans became obnoxious with their chants and it was ugly. Then ofcourse it spills into the crowd. No flow to the game. Just seemed like when the game got out of hand Peekskill played dirty. Never seen a Peekskill team play like that before, usually more disciplined.
After seeing Paschall play yesterday he has nothing else to prove at this level. He would be better served to find a Prep School to build on his skills. Shooting over 6-0 kids is easy…but if looks to the next level he needs to hone his skills. Good Luck to him – he has a bright future as long as he keeps developing. On the dark side – Dobbs would be average to below without him next year – exposing all the other complimentary players who thrive because of Paschall. enjoy it while you have him at your school.
Paschall plays AAU ball and plays against top players. Dont think he hast to go prep. Maybe he likes playing with his friends and for his community. It’s not hurting his scholarship opportunities. He keeps getting more as the days go by.
Cuse,
Totally in agreement.
I have seen peekskill mulitple times this year, and every time they are down they start playing dirty. Coach Lou P is clearly not teaching these kids life lessons and seems to be teaching just for the W. Poor and ugly showing for them last night, was embarassed just watching them, Lou needs to make better decisions with these kids and teach them some sportsmanship. Seems like he has little control and kids have little respect for him.
Cuse,
I disagree. High school ball and AAU are completely different. And yes the scholarship offers will come but it’s all about being prepared to play at the next level. He can play against top AAU competition all summer long but will not face the defensive schemes and pressure he does in high school basketball. There’s no substitute for the defensive intensity he will face during the high school season. Prep school would give him a year to really see where he fits at the next level.
Ball,
Too true, too true. He might be past his time, I’d hate to see his career and on that note so I hope he comes back for redemption next season. Even if they lose in Sectionals again, he can ride out classy in defeat.
It’s in poor taste to talk about Prep school at this point in the season for Dobbs. There will be time for that article if/ when he leaves. This isn’t the NBA… it’s not LeBron… it’s not free agency. The focus should be on how great Eric played, how the supporting cast performed and can they be Lourdes??? (which is by no means a guarantee). Don’t think his father should have been quoted either. Haven’t seen any Mt. Vernon dads quoted over the years (or any others) so I think it set up some needless speculation and talk at a time when it’s not needed. As of now, Dobbs is right where they were the past two years. The focus should be getting over the hump. Good luck.
there’s been talk of Eric leaving dobbs since 8th grade and he hasn’t left yet. lets go get that gold ball
Sheart,
If thats what the father said, why shouldn’t he be quoted? I agree it does feel a little strange discussing prep school options for next season while the kid’s season is still ongoing, but in this case if it wasn’t mentioned it would be a giant elephant in the room.
Cuse,
Scholarship offers are based on his potential – and at 6’6” with great athleticism and the ability to shoot offers will come. But as someone else mentioned, its all about getting a kid ready for the next level. Think about it – Mookie Jones played against much better comp at Peekskill and he still showed up at Syracuse way, way behind and never got off the bench. Not only is it about playing against better competition and facing kids who can compete athletically, but its also about developing a mentality of having to bring it 100% every night – few kids are born with that mentality and its easy for kids to coast when they can dominate physically.
The focus should be on his current play, his teams current play and the opportunity to win a gold ball. There’s time for all the rest. Someone above wrote there’s nothing else for him to prove? How about a Gold Ball? How about a State Title? As long as there’s a tournament to be played, there’s more to prove. He’s a great kid and a great talent. The team is jelling at the right time. I feel the coverage is starting to morph into page six of the post.
Prep,
He is in the NYC metro area and plays high profile AAU and played in a high profile classic in the fall….which really really brought attention to him!
No need to go to Prep School. Prep Schools are the death of high school basketball and even impact local communities in which they take players from. He will get seen regardless.
As for Poughkeepsie last night. Good win, but we will need to play much better to beat Byram Hills. They are as good as advertised.
Rocket,
Pretty much. If there is any day to shake off the rust, I’m glad it was last night.
Hoops fan –
I don’t totally disagree with you on your Prep School argument but I’ll play devil’s advocate because I think you may be overstating the importance that high school ball has on how well a player does at the next level.
You mentioned that Mookie Jones coasted in high school and then couldn’t handle the grind of high major ball. This may be true but take a look at a player like Mark Blount from Dobbs Ferry – he pretty much coasted there and then at Pitt and he still wound up playing for the Celtics for a few years.
On the other side of the fence take a look at some players from Mt Vernon who have been less than stellar in college despite coming from the best program that Section 1 has ever produced.
Heck, look at some players from Stepinac and how they did at the next level. Melquan Bolding couldn’t make it on a weak A-10 team. A kid like Conroy Baltimore who was a beast for Stepinac has done little to distinguish himself in the Patriot League which is one of the lowest ranked Divsion 1 conferences in the country. Is that Stepinac and Tim Philips’ fault? I dont’ think so – somtimes these things are just circumstantial.
Who you played for in high school is not a sure fire predictor of success at the next level. If you don’t believe me just ask Otis Hill or Danya Abrams.
Cuse
I think you captured it . He has proven himself, playing and winning with your friends provides a lifetime of memories.
If you are good enough, colleges coaches find you at Dobbs or MV and its their job to project how you make the next level. Eric is a great player and a great kid, his tough choice should not be prep or Dobbs, but rather whether he wants to ‘play’ at a D 1 program or just be a ‘part’ of a D1 program. Becuase there are schools that he has offers from where he can be a star and have a great experience, and others where he may not see meanginful minutes. So the young man needs to focus on what is more important to him. Either way, he has earned these great choices.
Coach Reeves,
I couldn’t disagree with you more. And your examples actually hurt your case. Your perspective seems to look at all players as essentially equals – thats not how sports works! A kid’s potential is based on his talent. Paschall has great height, hops, can handle the ball and can shoot – that is a lot of potential there when you combine all of those attributes.
Let’s take all of them one by one.
Mt Vernon – which MV players have underachieved in college? I can’t think of too many. Sure some kids aren’t superstars, but those are kids without as much potential as Paschall. Keith Benjamin was a 6’2” wing and had a nice career at Pitt. Coburn was a PG without the athletic skills of superstars and was a starter in the Big East. Mitchell was a double digit Big East scorer.
Bolding – Melquan’s issues wasn’t a matter of not being able to cut it at Duquesne – he was on the All-Rookie team as a frosh, averaged 10ppg as a frosh and 12ppg as a soph. I don’t want to be critical of any kids, so I’ll leave it at that, but lack of talent or production at Duquesne was not his problem.
Baltimore is a 6’5” PF without the ballhandling and shooting skills of Paschall. Compairing Baltimore to Pashcall is silly. Baltimore also was starting at some point this year, so he clearly is making his mark on a pretty darn good team at Lehigh…maybe you heard, they beat DUKE last year!!!!!!
Mark Blount is another bad example. He didn’t spend 4 years at DF – he spent one year there. Do you remember where he was before DF? I’ll tell you – Oak Hill! Clearly the kid had comp in HS.
Hill and Abrams are interesting cases. You could probably throw Elton in there. I would argue that its different for big men than it is for wings/guards. Skill development for big men and guards is very, very different. If Paschall was a 6’9” post player I might agree with you…but being a guard is a different story.
States,
Last night was def the night to do it. Gotta be on point for BH!
Coach Reeves,
One more thing. Im not espousing prep schools – I generally don’t like prep schools poaching players for one season. I would feel completely differently if Paschall played in Sect 1 AA or in the CHSAA AA – in those leagues he’d be challenged.
Hoops fan –
I again think that you place too much emphasis on the high school program and not enough on the individual make-up/talent of a player.
Your blurb on Blount makes my point – he went through high schools the way most people change socks and he still made the NBA. Did Dobbs help him? Oak Hill? – didn’t matter where he went he had the talent. Period. He didn’t need Sect 1 AA or CHSAA or PSAL.
If you think that a high school program gives the player the motor and drive they need for the next level – well, as you said, let’s leave Bolding out of this. How many minutes did Baltimore play in that Duke game? OK let’s move on – I only said something because you opened the door.
Stepinac didn’t make Bolding just as Peekskill didn’t make Elton.
Getting back to the original subject – it is entirely conceivable that Paschall could make a smooth transition to a Division 1 program without playing in Section 1 AA or CHSAA or PSAL. It’s really what he does off the HS court (summer leagues, coaching, training, school work – you know the drill) that will place him in position to excel at the next level – not being on a Mt Vernon team that won a High School Gold ball.
You continue to place an emphasis on where the kid played high school ball as the all important factor for these kids – I think it’s overrated and even go one better. It’s possible to play Division 1 ball without even playing high school basketball. How you like them apples?
Not to start anything but Paschalls AAU team would beat Mt Vernon. NO DOUBT!!!!!
and they are all 16!!!!!
Stepinac defeated Holy Cross last night. Just in case Haywood or States was wondering. I will hope Mt Vermin wins tomorrow bu in case thy do not I will refrain from laughing or from joke making about child abuse with in the public schools.
Haywood,
Enjoy yours laat day with the gold ball because tomorrow it’s time to give that baby up. Congrats on a nice run but its ova tomorrow
Who does Paschall play AAU basketball for? Also was Peekskill that dirty? Any technical fouls? How were he officials? I didn’t think coach P would tolerate that? I saw Peekskll vs Yorktown and that kid #1 got a tech in that game too.
step fan no. 1 team in the country last year15uhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=109TEDGC9_o
Coach reeves,
I don’t think a HS program is the only factor in a kids development. Not at all. But I think playing for a top program, being pushed in practice every day by other talented kids and playing against top competition helps tremendously in a kids development. You’re right that a kids motor and individual makeup are a huge factor, along with their talent. But if you can take the same kid and put him on a Class B team or put him on a AA team playing against multiple D1 players – I’d rather the kid playing at the competitive AA team every time.
ThE one point you seem to miss is that the kids development has already been an issue. Read the article above, then comment again. The college coach gave some constructive criticism to help.
Think for a minute just how much talent Paschall has. How many kids in Westchester have been 6’6”, can play on the wing, can shoot and have hops? I can’t think of too many, can you? The closest I can think of would be the Austin brothers at WP, but they didn’t have the hops of Paschall. Sherrod Wright wasn’t 6’6”. I can’t think of anyone in awhile.
Everyone thinks they are an expert. If a kid is legit d1 he can get an offer from a d1 college just by a coach watching him in a practice or open gym. Coaches know how to spot talent, its what they get paid for.
Playing aau and going prep is so overated. Majority of the prep schools stink and aau is so watered down now, everyone plays aau!!
Info,
Respectfully, the conversation isn’t about getting offers. Agreed, a big time talent can get offers anywhere. The question is more about a kid developing his game.
Hoops Fan –
I agree with your last post – I think there is a reason that the CHSAA has produced as many NBA players as they have. Great player do seek out the challenge of playing against other great players – so in some ways it is natural for them to move to where the competition is best.
But there are other stories too – look at Jimmer Fredette who played for Glens Falls, that hot-bed of high school basketball talent. A lot of Jimmer’s development occurred playing for the Albany City Rocks and going up against elite talent over the Summer. His relentless work ethic turned him into the first round NBA draft pick he became – not the high school program he came from.
If Paschall had a problem with ennui this year then that is a make-up issue. Ultimately he has to answer for that and not his high school basketball coach. Whether he stays at Dobbs or goes to South Kent he will be playing for a Division 1 program – how far he goes is on him.
Great thread
Melquan Bolding did fine at Duquesne frosh year, but it didn’t work out for reasons I have not heard. This season he is a top player at Fairleigh Dickinson, but will turn 25 this year???.
Jonathan Mitchel did not play at Florida but did resurrect himself at Rutgers. Mookie did not play at Syracuse. Mookie is the biggest disappointment of local basketball talent I have witnessed in a long time.
All great local HS players. Local players need better advice. Need to select your college honestly, and avoid the baloney being shoved down your throat from the local posse and advisers giving terrible advice that ends up in the college basketball heartache that these guys experienced.
Iona prep is for real. Surprised they advanced to quarters in a tough league
Coach reeves,
I can’t see a single comparison between Fredette and Paschall besides the fact they play basketball. Fredette was average height, average athletic gifts – clearly a special type of player who was an incredible self-motivator. How many kids have that type of work ethic? Paschall is physically gifted. Two very, very different types of players.
Most kids aren’t like Fredette. But there are plenty of kids not like Fredette who can still be big time basketball players – those with tremendous talent can even be college stars or pros.
Paschall should go prep, he needs the competition at both the HS and AAU level. On Elton Brand, he was well coached with Lou P, he stated AAU with the Westchester Express, who was affiliated with Riverside Hawks. After one season with the Westchester Express he played for us at Riverside. The competition in the HS league combined with the AAU exposure and his natural talent attracted every big time school and we know the ending of his story. Paschall Family, it will be a tough decision to leave a great place like Dobbs Ferry, the pros his level of recruitment will increase, he is a DI player non the less, the cons, he leaves his community. A tough family decision.
Info, everyone does play AAU but only elite programs play in the open view tournaments that coaches attend during the open period. Therefore only a select group of teams are actually scouted by DI. If you play at a small school like Paschall the coaches will find you based on recruiting services and evaluations at Five Star or Hoop Group camps. Joke in Vegas Tournaments, 800 teams between Reebok, Nike and Adidas, only the top 24 of each tournament actually gets the look, the rest are the profits.
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