Story: Jaquam Bodden
The last two weeks of December are a pivotal point in the high school season. It’s still early in the season, but it’s a point where the games get tougher and you start to learn a-lot about your team.
This past weekend there were some big games where teams made statements in both leagues let’s look back.
Christ The King Creates 2nd Half Havoc on The Concourse.
The Christ The King Royals must be the only team that hasn’t played a home game yet. Taking a few bumps in the road with losses to Paul VI in London and Sierra Canyon prepared them for their game against Hayes where they dominated in the second half en route to a 78-48 win. It was a very close 1st half, but in the second the Royals dominated
UCLA commit Brandon Williams led CTK’s balanced attack with 19 points 7 boards. Junior Qingfang Pang scored 14 points and dished 15 boards. Dwayne Pierce added 14 and Devin Vanterpool scored 13 points and grabbed 8 boards.
The final result may come as a shocker as Both teams are loaded with tons of division one talent but the game shows that not one team in the CHSAA is safe. In one of the top leagues in the nation if you are not prepared and ready to compete for 32 minutes you will get exposed.
Last time CTK and Hayes met was the CHSAA quarterfinals in March where Hayes dominated CTK while on their city title run.
The good news to this is it’s still December so this isn’t much of a defining loss for Hayes, however adjustments will be made. Losses like this are a wake up call and If these two teams meet again in March expect a different type of energy.
Eagle Bronx takes down Eagle Brooklyn for bragging rights.
In a battle between two of the defending PSAL borough champions, Eagle Bronx took down Eagle Brooklyn 77-60 at home. Eagle Bronx raced out to a 17 point early in the first quarter and never looked back as they got 18 points from Jaryn Bull. Jaden Zimmerman scored 15 while Khalil Robinson added 14 and D’andre Gibbs scored 11.
A win like this for Eagle Bronx will give them a major boost in the team rankings due to the fact that they beat an Eagle BK squad that beat No. 1 Jefferson last Thursday.
Nazareth’s revenge tour invades Loughlin.
The Nazareth Kingsmen last year’s runner up in the CHSAA “A” city title game took down Bishop Loughlin 66-52 on Friday night. A game like this would make people wonder why Naz isn’t in the “AA” Division yet they will be soon but for now give Head coach Gary Ervin and his squad props for the big win. A squad with Juelz Dickerson, Halon Rawlins, and Andre Prescott can compete with just about anyone in the city.
Iona Prep continues to Roll.
On Saturday Iona Prep defeated St. Peter’s at home 57-55 Iona Prep is still undefeated with big games ahead against Xaverian and Hayes on the road this week.
Scanlan Handles Loughlin 67-57 in Home Opener
Behind 22 points 8 rebounds and 5 assists from Jabari Philip. Monsignor Scanlan beat Bishop Loughlin 67-57 On Sunday. Kaleb Popote added 11 for the Crusaders.
Jakai Sanders led Loughlin with 31 points
The South Shore Vikings are back in their Groove.
Defending PSAL champs South Shore dominated Brooklyn Collegiate 86-61 to make a three way tie for first place in the PSAL Brooklyn AA Division. The Vikings are peaking at the right time and they beat nationally ranked Wasatch Academy on Monday night 66-63. Wasatch ranked No.12 in the nation on ESPN’s SportsCenter Next rankings is the second highest ranked team this team has ever faced.
Stepinac at City of Palms
Stepinac is repping New York well at the City of Palms Classic in Florida. Step started the trip with a 52-44 win over Vashon (MO) behind 25 points from Boogie Fland. Unfortunately they fell to Philly powerhouse Imhotep at the Buzzer 46-44. The Crusaders still have some unfinished business though as they will be back in action tonight in the 5th place semifinal game.
Prolific Player of the Week: Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams with his big performance against Hayes gives him the Prolific Player of the Week. The 6-9 UCLA commit looked unguardable in the 30-point win over Hayes. Williams also showed up big in the national televised game against Sierra Canyon (CA)
