Meyer's midweek report

Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst

Recently North Carolina has had a strong presence on the recruiting trail. Tuesday night four-star prospect Casey Prather put on a show for one of the UNC assistants. National Recruiting Analyst Jerry Meyer breaks down Prather's performance and other news around the country in his midweek report.

NORTH CAROLINA RECRUITS

With assistants from Georgia Tech and North Carolina in the crowd, Prather had a huge night in a six point loss in the district championship game. Prather put up 36 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and four blocks for Jackson (Tenn.) North Side.

Along with interest from Kentucky, Michigan and North Carolina, Prather holds offers from Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Wake Forest.

Four-star prospect Travis McKie is one of four small forwards on the North Carolina radar along with Harrison Barnes , who has the offer, Prather and Roscoe Smith . On Friday night Head Coach Roy Williams checked in on McKie himself.

Smith checked out North Carolina and another school recruiting him Maryland at the Comcast Center this weekend.

P.J. Hairston , a North Carolina recruit in the 2011 class, was in Gainesville, Fla., over the weekend watching Florida's win over Vanderbilt. Hairston, who is also considering Wake Forest, followed up his visit with a 31 point out burst in his Monday night game.

UNDEFEATED TEAMS

Harrison Barnes led Ames (Iowa) Senior High heads into the playoffs with an undefeated record of 21-0. Barnes finished off the regular season in style with a 28 point performance.

Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep stretched its record to 29-0 with a 74-51 win over DeSoto (Texas) God's Academy. Texas signee Avery Bradley paced Findlay with 22 points on only 12 field goal attempts.

Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill Academy has racked up 35 wins without a loss this year. In their last win, Keith Gallon and Lamont Jones scored 19 points each.

Houston Strake Jesuit is at 32 wins without a loss behind duo of Notre Dame signee Joey Brooks and Penn State signee Tim Frazier .

Five-star prospect and Minnesota signee Royce White was snubbed by the McDonald's All American Game, but his Hopkins (Minn.) team is 21-0. White and his teammates Trent Lockett and Mike Broghammer all had big games last week.

Bloomington (Ind.) South High School is now getting some national attention after upended nationally ranked Detroit Country Day. Indiana signee Jordan Hulls , who is the catalyst of the South attack, ranked up 27 points in the big win.

CALIFORNIA PLAYOFFS

Behind the star power of five-star shooting guard Michael Snaer , Moreno Valley (Calif.) Rancho Verde High School made one of the top teams in the country Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei High (29-0) sweat out its smallest margin of victory of the season. In a 72-75 loss, Snaer, a Florida State signee pumped in 31 points.

Also in California playoff action, Los Angeles Fairfax High School cruised to a win over Freemont Washington High School. Both Renardo Sidney and Solomon Hill tallied double/doubles- Sidney with 10 points and 16 rebounds, Hill with 16 points and 16 rebounds.

The two USC commitments will lead Fairfax into their future home the Galen Center for a match up against Woodland Hills Taft. UNLV signee Justin Hawkins led Taft in its win with 20 points.

ALABAMA SHOWDOWN

DeMarcus Cousins exploded for 35 points and 13 rebounds in a close regional finals win over Eufaula (Ala.) High School. Cousins Mobile LeFlore squad will take on Eric Bledsoe 's Birmingham Parker team in the semifinals of the state on Friday.

Xaverian crushes Loughlin, advances to B/Q final

By Dylan Butler
Fiveborosports.com

It’s easy to point out what the Xaverian boys’ basketball team doesn’t have, specifically size and star power. But the Clippers play hard and play for each other. Sure, there’s no blue chippers on the roster, but they’re all blue-collar players.

That’s why Xaverian will play top-seeded Christ the King in the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens Diocesan final Friday night, why the Clippers crushed Bishop Loughlin, 59-39, in the semifinals Wednesday after losing both regular-season meetings.

“All five of us are in there rebounding,” Justin Exum said. “We knew we had to do it. We just play hard ‘D,’ we made our shots and here we are, in the championship.”

One sequence in the third quarter perfectly tells the story of Xaverian’s work ethic. Despite giving up three inches, Yandell Denis hustled back to block Trevon Hamlet’s nonchalant layup attempt midway through the frame.

The 6-foot-3 junior then converted a 3-point play and drew a charge on the other end. All the hustle plays -- the rebounds, loose balls and charges -- went to Bishop Loughlin in a 55-39 victory two weeks ago.

“Yandell probably typifies what this team is about,” Xaverian coach Jack Alesi said. “He’s a 6-foot-3 kid who plays center for us. We said early on in the year he’d have to do this, but he sacrificed playing his normal position and he takes on all the big guys and does it without a complaint.”

But in the Brooklyn/Queens semifinals Wednesday, Xaverian outworked a reeling and depleted Loughlin team that is missing star junior forward Jayvaughn Pinkston, who has been ruled academically ineligible and is out indefinitely.

While Xaverian (14-12) will play for the Brooklyn/Queens title for the first time since 2005, last year’s champion Bishop Loughlin (15-10) will need to shake off a two-game losing streak as it heads to the CHSAA Class AA intersectional quarterfinals next week.

“I have to basically play faster than everyone and smarter because I’m only 6-foot-3,” Denis said. “
I’ve got to take charges, do all the dirty work.”

For a second straight game, the Lions guards struggled and forwards Hamlet and Rasi Jenkins didn’t play hard. While he wasn’t available for comment after the game, Bishop Loughlin coach Rudy King used the word “soft” to describe his team several times during the course of the game.

Xaverian led 9-4 after one quarter and 20-12 at the half. The Lions slowly chipped away until a 15-2 run capped by a Rasheem King layup early in the fourth quarter gave Xaverian an 18-point lead.

“We thought, offensively, we’d be fine in the game, but we wanted to give them a potpourri of defenses,” Alesi said. “We wanted to show different looks, play differently. … We wanted to really keep them off balance with our defense.”

Loughlin got as close as 12, 46-34, on a 3-pointer by Branden Frazier, but the Lions missed a pair of one-and-one bonus free throws and Xaverian, while not perfect, did go 7-of-12 from the line in the next 90 seconds to put the game away.

Exum scored a game-high 15 points and Denis added 11 for Xaverian, the only team in the city to have wins against Rice and Christ the King on its résumé. Antoine Brown had 10 points for Bishop Loughlin, which is playing its worst basketball of the season heading into the intersectional playoffs.

“We know what we have ahead of us,” Alesi said.

“We’re not unrealistic about it. We don’t think we’re the team to beat in the city, but we like it that way. We like to be the team that’s taking shots at everybody. We feel good about the way we’re playing.”

Smith wins the battle, but Christ the King wins the war

(Sean Johnson)

By Dylan Butler
Fiveborosports.com

His team is the tournament’s top seed, was playing at home and had defeated Archbishop Molloy twice during the regular season. But first-year Royals coach Joe Arbitello was scared to death about facing the Stanners in the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens Diocesan semifinals Wednesday night.

“I always thought they were the second best team in Brooklyn/Queens because I thought they had a player in every position,” Arbitello said. “And it’s hard to beat a good team three times in a season.”

In a thrilling display of attacking basketball, Christ the King defeated fourth-seeded Archbishop Molloy, 87-85, to advance to Friday night’s championship game against third-seeded Xaverian, which crushed Bishop Loughlin in the other semifinal.

The nightcap was a scintillating match-up between two of the top open-court scorers in the city: Christ the King’s Sean Johnson and Molloy’s Russ Smith. On Tuesday, Johnson was named MVP of the CHSAA ‘AA’ league in a vote of the league coaches, while Smith earned a spot on the All-CHSAA first team.

Smith was sensational for Molloy (15-10), tying a career-high with 47 points, scoring in an array of ways. But it seemed every time Smith scored a big basket, Johnson had the response.

When Smith banked in a 3-pointer with 2:34 left in the fourth quarter, Johnson came down and scored on a layup. Another 3-pointer by Smith cut the Stanners deficit to 83-81 with 53 seconds left, but Johnson then had an old-fashioned 3-point play.

Smith did take some bad shots, especially when he was forced to take jumpers after picking up two early fouls. His worst decision came with an ill-advised 3-point attempt with 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Smith might have outscored Johnson, who had 33 points, but the Royals (22-3) will be playing in the final on Friday night and that’s all the CK senior guard cares about.

“I really don’t care how many points he had, as long as we come up with the ‘W,’” Johnson said. “It really don’t matter to me.”

Lost in the offensive explosion between Smith and Johnson was the best performance of Corey Edwards’ young career. The sophomore point guard scored a career-high 21 points, getting to the basket at will.

“At practice, I was working on getting to the basket and finishing,” Edwards said. “Coach told me that Russ doesn’t play defense at all, he just wanders around the floor. Luckily he got four fouls so he started playing tentative and I was able to get to the basket, dish the ball off and make opportunities for my teammates.”

Said Arbitello: “If that’s an indication of what we’ve got for the next two years, I’m a pretty happy guy.”

Ernest Rouse scored 10 of his 12 points in the third quarter as the Stanners took a 65-62 lead into the fourth.

The Royals came out in a 2-1-2 zone and immediately went on a 12-2 run, capped by a Johnson 3-pointer from the top of the key to give CK a 74-67 lead with 5:38 left. The Stanners got as close as one, 76-75, following another triple by Smith, but Maurice Barrow (11 points) was fouled on a putback and completed the 3-point play to extend the Royals’ lead.

“Every team has a strength and ours is go, go, go,” Arbitello said. “Molloy took some quick shots in the zone and we were able to rebound the ball and go, which is what we want to do every game.”

While Christ the King is excited about having a chance to avenge a loss to Xaverian at home two weeks ago, Molloy isn’t discouraged. Smith had a remarkable scoring night, Ryan Dillon (12 points) was deadly from downtown, Rouse was a good complimentary scorer and Jin Hong played one of his most complete games of the season for Molloy, which will play in the intersectional quarterfinals next week against an opponent to be determined.

“We’re playing good,” legendary Molloy coach Jack Curran said. “We could beat anybody. We could have beaten them tonight.”

Bayside takes step in right direction despite early exit

(Lebrent Walker)

By Zachary Braziller
Fiveborosports.com

Carlos (Georgie) Solano banked in his desperation 3-point shot from the top of the key, then went down to a knee, tears flowing down his cheeks.

The Bayside boys’ basketball team had fallen short – by a point – to No. 15 Lehman in the PSAL Class AA outbracket round, held in the Bronx Wednesday afternoon.

Solano’s wasn’t the only one with moist cheeks wearing a blue jersey. Others’ eyes were likewise red and hugs were handed out like Kleenex as the first year of Cory Semper’s tenure ended with a thud.

But the prevailing feeling was a positive one, buoyed by the play of dynamic freshman LeBrent Walker and junior Kevin Chang, two talented guards that figure to give the rest of Queens trouble next winter.

“Next year they’re gonna be great,” Solano said. “I can’t imagine what the team is gonna be like when LeBrent is a senior.”

“None of it was hype,” he added, referring to the explosive freshman. “He worked for everything. Watch out for him. He’s something special.”

One of the top eighth graders in the city a year ago, Walker was at Our Savior New American (L.I.) in September before transferring to Bayside on Dec. 1. After taking part in the requisite 10 practices, the PSAL approved his eligibility after reviewing the case.

The 6-foot-2 athletically gifted guard with a relentless motor didn’t disappoint, leading all first-year players in scoring. He averaged 20 points per game and four rebounds. A southpaw, Walker could improve his jump shot and decision making, skills he figures to work on this offseason with the Long Island Lightning AAU program. There aren’t many guards that get into the lane with as much force and ease.

“His best attribute is he wants it,” said Semper, the first-year coach, referring to Walker, who scored 19 points in the loss. “The sky’s the limit.”

With a nod to Semper, Walker said he was pleased with his first year at Bayside, as much for his work in the classroom as on the court. He has over a 70 average, but would like to get it up to a 90 by next year. Confident by nature, Walker said he had hoped to play in the Garden this year – site of the PSAL Class AA championship game – and expects to be there next March.
“That’s LeBrent,” Semper said.

Walker said he doesn’t plan to change schools until its time to pick a college three years from now.

“Yeah, I’m home,” he said. “This is my family. I’m going to be at Bayside next year.”

Semper, a former assistant coach at Molloy College, came in preaching academics first, followed by athletics. The Commodores, the 18th seed in the citywide playoffs, lacked size but not effort. Proof was in the team’s seven league losses by single digits, including close setbacks against borough powers Thomas Edison and Forest Hills.

“I wouldn’t play for no other team,” said Solano, a 6-foot-1 senior guard who will likely go to junior college in September. He scored his 1,000th point in the loss.

The program, Walker said, became a family, working to help one another any means possible. They shared the ball and played out of position. There was nothing that could be done about the rebounding divide that cost the Commodores so many close games, including this one.

“We don’t have anything to hang our heads about,” Semper said. “It’s our first year here. I got guys returning who are going to be great. There’s nothing but positives.”=

LeFlore's Cousins headed to elite all-star games

Written by: al.com

LeFlore center DeMarcus Cousins has been selected for two of the nation's top all-star basketball games, further confirming his status as one of the nation's top players.

Cousins has been selected to play in the 2009 Jordan Brand Classic and the 2009 McDonald's All-American Game. Announcements of rosters for both teams have been made in the past 10 days.

The McDonald's All-American Game, which includes the top 24 boys and girls players from around the country, is set for April 1 in Miami. Players will participate in activities from March 30-April 1.

Details about the McDonald's game can be found at www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com.

The Jordan Brand Classic is scheduled for April 18 at 7 p.m., at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game is set to be televised by ESPN2.

Cousins, a 6-foot-10 center, is one of the nation's top unsigned prospects. He will lead LeFlore (29-2) into this week's AHSAA Class 5A state tournament in Birmingham. The Rattlers play at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center against Parker. If LeFlore wins, the Rattlers will advance to Saturday's title game, set for 7 p.m.

Last week at the South Regional in Troy, Cousins scored 35 points to lead LeFlore to a come-from-behind victory over No. 2-ranked Eufaula.

Gilchrist breaks foot, may miss rest of season

Written BY: Adam Zagoria
Special to Rivals High

TRENTON, N.J. – Mike Gilchrist was looking forward to showcasing his skills and helping Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick win its fifth New Jersey Tournament of Champions title next month at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J.

Instead, it appears that the 6-foot-7 sophomore will have to watch from the sideline after he suffered a broken foot on the final play of practice Friday.

Gilchrist, according to Rivals.com analyst Jerry Meyer, could make a case for no. 1 player in 2011.

"He didn't make a big fuss out of it," said St. Patrick coach Kevin Boyle, whose team will play in the Union County semifinals on Tuesday night. "We thought it was a light sprain. They went to the ER to get it checked and he's in a soft cast."

"We have no idea right now how severe it is and how long it is," Boyle said. "Even if it's a slight fracture, for all intents and purposes you're looking at the end of the year.

"He's a sophomore so hopefully he gets more chances to get to the counties and the Tournament of Champions."

Given his immense natural talent, fierce determination and the strong support of his parents, Vince and Cindy Richardson, Gilchrist should have many more opportunities to shine in the future.

His father, Michael Gilchrist Sr., starred alongside Milt Wagner at Camden High School (Wagner would go on to win a national championship at Louisville in 1986 and play in the NBA). And the boy was given a basketball before the father died when Michael was 3.

"His first toy was a basketball and that's all his father ever taught him for the first almost three years of his life," Cindy said. "Michael plays basketball like his father. A lot has to do with his genetics."

Cindy later married Vince, who favors a green "St. Patrick" sweat suit when he isn't working long hours as a truck driver to pay the family bills, and she now refers to him as "Michael's father."

Vince said he noticed early on that Gilchrist had a facility for rebounding the basketball, even if he was a bit clumsy because of the size of his feet. By the age of 8, he was wearing a size 8 shoe. He now wears size 16 sneakers.

"He would fall to the ground, but he would rebound and he would score," Vince recalled. "He wasn't coordinated. I think it was his feet."

It wasn't long before a swarm of AAU and summer coaches began calling after the young man, and Cindy didn't quite understand what the fuss was all about.

"When Michael was little, 5, 6 and 7 years old, coaches were coming and AAU coaches were coming to see him play," Cindy recalled. "When I explained that to [Vince], he was like, 'This is what AAU is.' I didn't know that. My husband educated me on this process."

Two years ago, Gilchrist and his family decided that he would commute 80 miles every day from Somerdale, N.J., outside of Camden, to St. Patrick, a small Catholic school with about 220 students that is annually ranked among the top high school basketball programs in the nation.

Despite criticism from outsiders, Cindy said Boyle never recruited her son and that Michael loves his time at the school.

"Nobody recruited my son to St. Pat's," Cindy said. "I'm going to say it for the record: He was not recruited to go to St. Pat's. It was a family decision. What I will say is my son is happy about being in St. Pat's. We don't make him do anything."

During Michael's freshman year, Cindy would drive her son to school every morning and when his day was done he would take the train to Piscataway where Cindy worked.

This year, Gilchrist wakes up by 5 o'clock every morning and his parents back the car out of the driveway at 5:30. After stopping to pick up a breakfast of fruit and water, he takes the train from Hamilton to Elizabeth, and then gets on a bus to school. He makes the daily journey with Dana Razor, a friend and teammate who plays for the St. Patrick JV.

"He's doing this on his own and he's not stressed out by this process. He loves doing it," Cindy said. "That's how you teach your child the true meaning of tenacity and responsibility. How better than to teach your children than to have them do it?"

On the court, Gilchrist is blessed with a tremendous skill set and enthusiasm for the game.

He was named the outstanding player at the LeBron James Academy last summer in Akron, Ohio. Gilchrist also scored 30 points against Raleigh (N.C.) Word of God in the City of Palms tournament in Florida and was named MVP of the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., after dropping 31 points on Marietta (Ga.) Wheeler in the tournament final. He recently scored a game-high 28 points against Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill Academy in a loss at the Primetime Shootout.

On one play, he elevated between two defenders and threw down a vicious dunk to put the exclamation point on an alley oop. The next time down the floor, he drove to the hoop and put a soft touch on an underhand scoop layup.

"Nice, that was pretty," Vince yelled from the first row of seats. "You're in a zone now."

Seated next to her husband, Cindy enthusiastically waved a green and yellow pompom.

"Simply put, Gilchrist has a chance to be the best in his class," Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Jerry Meyer said. "All the tools are in place as far as length, athleticism, motor, feel for the game and a broad skill base. He just needs to continue to develop and refine his skills and improve his physical strength. He is young for his grade, so that is a plus when considering his upside. Whether or not he establishes himself as the best in his class depends primarily on just improving as a shooter, ball-handler, passer, etc."

Added Boyle, who has sent Samuel Dalembert and Al Harrington to the NBA and numerous players to the Division I ranks: "He's going to get better and better. He's getting 30 and 12 and he's just tapping the surface. I see him being like a Scottie Pippen type down the road. I think by next year you'll see him draining outside shots consistently."

Shy and reserved, Gilchrist only gives interviews in the presence of his parents. After the Oak Hill game, he was understandably too tired to talk.

Asked recently by the Philadelphia Inquirer how much he had improved since his time at St. Patrick, Gilchrist said: "On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say 8."

His teammate, North Carolina-bound senior guard Dexter Strickland , said Gilchrist's ceiling is virtually unlimited.

"That's a big night for [Gilchrist]," Strickland said after the Oak Hill game. "He's going to bring it every night. His mentality on the court is just a killer mentality.

"If he gets stronger and gets his ball-dribbling down, he's already unstoppable. But he'll be on another planet if he does that."

A long line of college coaches have already started courting Gilchrist and his family. Villanova coach Jay Wright sat courtside for the Oak Hill game and slapped Vince's hand after walking past him at one point.

One person Cindy and Vince can turn to for advice in the recruiting process is William Wesley. Known in basketball circles as "Worldwide Wes," Wesley was chronicled in a 2007 GQ article that referred to him as "The Most Powerful Man in Sports."

A Camden native and close family friend, Cindy refers to Wesley as her "brother" and Gilchrist calls him his "uncle."

"He's my brother," Cindy said. "I've known him for almost 30 years. He's just not around for basketball in our home."

Wesley has longstanding relationships with many of the top people in sports and entertainment, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Allen Iverson, the Clintons, Phil Knight and Jay-Z.

"People who really know Wes," super sports agent David Falk told GQ, "know that he's one of the two or three most powerful people in the sport."

Wesley has a strong relationship with Memphis coach John Calipari – Wesley helped send Calipari former Camden stars DeJuan Wagner, Milt's son, and Arthur Barclay – and Calipari told GQ, "Wes is a goodwill ambassador to our program."

Because of that relationship, some outsiders speculate that Gilchrist will eventually wind up at Memphis.

"That's the speculation," Vince said.

Yet the family says they will make the decision that is best for Michael and that Wesley will support them in whatever they decide.

"Every college is Michael's favorite," Cindy said. "He looks at it as an opportunity. He has Villanova, Memphis, of course, Rutgers, UConn and the University of Virginia. Right now that's it. He can only have a top five. We don't want to get into the 10, 15 or 20 schools and create stress.

"If one college comes his way and is willing to be a blessing to my family, that's what it's going to be."

Imhotep Takes First Pub Title (Philly)

Sam Prescott Cuts Down the Net

Written By: Brian Crownover (Caainsider.com)

The Philadelphia Public League has a history of talented players. While this year's Championship contest doesn't have any big names, a pair of future MAAC players really dueled it out. Sam Prescott , who is heading to Marist , went head to head with future Siena Saint Denzel Yard .

Neither player disappointed and it should be a great matchup in northern New York for years to come. In the end, it was Prescott and Imhotep Charter who took home a much deserved Championship, 49-43. CAA Insider was on hand at Temple University to take in the action. Here is a look at all the standout players.

Imhotep Charter

Sam Prescott (2009, 6-3 PG/SG) Committed to Marist
Sam had a nice summer last year, but has put together an even better winter. The explosive guard added Public League Title game MVP to his résumé in this one after a huge 24 point game. Sam is so quick and athletic and gets to the rim with ease. He's a terrific finisher who can adjust in traffic.

Sam's most impressive play was a beautiful scoop finish that really showed his athletic ability. He also showed his ability to elevate on a alley oop finish after picking up a steal earlier in the play. He scored on an old fashioned three point play. Sam was fantastic on the glass on both ends of the court in this one, including scoring on a couple putbacks.

He nearly did cost his team late in the contest as he missed 3 of 4 free throws at one point. Sam bounced back though and came up with a huge steal and runner and finished off the game by hitting 6 of 8 free throws in the final minute. Sam will be heading to play for the Marist Red Foxes next year and looks to be a real steal for coach Chuck Martin. He doesn't shoot much, so it's tough to tell how good that aspect of his game is, but he does just about everything else well.

Parrish Grant (2009, 5-10 PG)
Parrish put together a nice game. The quick guard was able to attack off the dribble. On one play, he banked home a shot after a beautiful spin move. He converted on a big runner late in the contest when FLC was coming back. Parrish hit a pull up three pointer, but did miss a couple other deep shots. He had an alley oop assist and a few other fine passes. He struggled with several turnovers though. Parrish finished in double figures with 10 points.

Will Adams (2009, 6-3 SG) committed to Towson
It certainly wasn't the type of day that the future Towson guard would've dreamed of having in the Public League Title game. Will really had a rough outing. He did come up with a huge dunk in transition late in this tight contest. That was his lone bucket of the game though. Will struggled from beyond the arc as he missed three pointer after three pointer. He missed badly on a pair of those shots too. Will did have a nice drive and dish play. On the defensive end, he picked up a steal. In the end it was a tough day for Will, but he was still smiling after the big victory.

Erik Copes (2011, 6-8 PF/C)
This big youngster has the potential to be a good player. Erik has good size and a nice pair of hands. He made most of his impact on the boards. He grabbed several offensive rebounds. Erik really struggled to finish though. He had one nice quick spin move in the post, but failed to convert. With all the depth and talented guards on this team, Erik doesn't get many touches. On the defensive end, he blocked a shot. His progress will be interesting to track over the next few years.

Kenny Battle (2009 6-2 SG)
This physical guard made a few nice plays. Kenny hit a pretty fall away jumper after grabbing an offensive rebound. He also had a fine drive and finish with his left hand. He came up with a steal too. Kenny did miss a jumper and had a turnover after a drive.

Jamal Jones (2010, 6-5 SF/PF)
Jamal played a nice game when we saw him earlier in the year. The undersized forward was quiet in this one. This physical player made most of his impact on the boards. He had a nice putback on one play. Jamal drew a foul after a short drive. He came up with a steal too.

Franklin Learning Center

Denzel Yard (2009, 6-0 PG/SG) Committed to Siena
Much like his future MAAC counterpart, Denzel is super quick off the dribble and can get into the lane. The small guard is terrific at adjusting in traffic and finishing around the rim too. He opened the game with a pair of steals and converted a lay-up after the first one.

Denzel then banked home a shot after a crossover move. He loves to use the glass after attacking. After one drive, Denzel scored on a nearly impossible underhand scoop shot. He had it going from the outside as well during this one. Denzel can pull up and hit from nearly anywhere. He nailed a few pull up jumpers. He could help his stock by showing more point guard skills, but there's no denying that Denzel can really light up the scoreboard. His 24 point outburst wasn't quite enough without the benefit of a strong supporting cast.

Jerrod Johnson (2010, 6-3 SG/SF)
This big wing player was solid. He uses his size and attacks off the dribble to get into the lane. Jarrod is a solid ball handler, but could actually improve in that area. He drew a foul on one drive and also hit a mid range jumper. Jarrod scored three of his points from the foul line. He did miss a couple jumpers in the game.=

RealScout.net NYC Uncommitted Seniors List (Part 4) Final Chapter

(Pictured: Lamont Samuell)

Written BY: Nathan Blue (Realscout.net)

RealScout.net NYC Uncommitted Seniors List
(Part 4) Final Chapter

Lamont Samuell 6'1 Boys & Girls (Brooklyn)
22ppg, 11rpg, 5apg (Playoff Stats)

His transformation into a elite point guard says it all. Samuels can play at the Highest Level, similar to Kentucky's Ramel Bradley. He's the most creative guard in the city.

Jin Hong 6'7 Molloy (Queens)

Hong is a great role player. Natural 4 man but can play the 5 or 3 if needed. Hong is a DII level player.

Anthony Hammer 5'10 Loughlin PG (Brooklyn)

Hammer is one of the best defensive guards in the CHSAA. Always a reliable player, Hammer gives you 32 minutes of hard work. DIII/DII Level

Johnathan Williams 6'3 & Charles Fenner 6'2
Rice HS (Manhattan)

Durand Scott and Lamont Jones were two of the most talked about freshman in the city. Scott has since committed to Miami and Jones to Vtech. Williams and Fenner weren't suppose to be big time players, and they aren't ACC/Big East Level.

But, they are two solid guards who make the Rice Raiders go. You would never know there names, but you would feel the impact they have on any given game. Both have the talent to be top scores and all-around players if they were to play in the PSAL. I have no idea where these two guys are going, but like mostly everyone I named. You will hear about there destinations in the near future.

Eric Klingsberg 6'3 Holy Cross (Queens)

E.K. will probably end up playing DI Basketball. His ability to score is needed by many teams in some of our area, like the NEC and America East. If the EK ends up going DII which can always happen too EK will be a terror.

Marion Smith 5'10 Christ the King (Queens)

The quiet leader for the Royals. Smith will be a better college player than he was in high school. To appreciate Marion's worth to CK, you really needed to watch his progression over the last four years.

Johnathan Douglass 5'11 Newtown HS (Queens)

Will be a guard you hear about in the long run. Hard worker and didn't get alot of exposure playing for his "A" school. Douglass will most likely end up in junior college.

(Picture from Fiveborosports.com)

73-year-old Ken Mink Juco Player Fails of the Team.

By Eamonn Brennan
YahooSports

Ken Mink's is by now a familiar tale . The Roane State College walk-on who was according to his account falsely accused of delinquency as a college hoopster in 1956, revived his career this year at the ripe age of 73.

It's a goofy little feel-good story about a man fighting back against the march of time. Or something. It's really just an old dude that gets to sit on a basketball bench for a season, but it's fun, so I blog about it.

Anyway, there's some slightly shocking news regarding Mink, news that you might want to be sitting down for. (Are you sitting? Of course you are. You're at a computer.) It seems Mink has lost his eligibility after failing a Spanish class, and his team is being asked to forfeit a game . College kids these days. Does the "student" in "student-athlete" mean nothing to them?

The NCJAA reportedly ruled that Mink had not maintained the minimum required number of credits an athlete must pass in a semester in order to remain eligible to participate in sports. "I told coach (Randy Nesbit) early on that I was having trouble in Spanish," Mink told the News Sentinel.

Fearing he might fail the Spanish class, Mink said he enrolled in a Sociology class on another campus, hoping that a passing grade there would give him the credits he needed to retain his eligibility. But that class was apparently completed too late to apply to the semester in question.

Mink is contending that it's the administration's fault for not sorting out his transfer to the Sociology class, and that he shouldn't be blamed for the eligibility issues. First of all, as Rush the Court notes , that sounds conspicously familiar to Mink's explanation for his original dismissal in 1956.

Second of all, sorry, Ken. That's not how it works. Believe it or not, I went to college, and in college if you're failing a class you have to drop it before the drop deadline. What's more, you don't just get to pick up another class on another campus. You take a "W" on you record and you deal with it. (If you play your cards right, you sneak out of Indiana University with a way better GPA than if you had stayed in Finite Math for a whole semester.) In any case, Mink was the one failing Spanish in the first place. He has to take the rap on this.

And here we were, still innocently thinking some college athletes cared about their educations. For shame, Ken Mink. For shame.

Kansas fans go all out for Lance

Written by Gary Bedore (Kusports.com)

Kansas University’s students made it clear they want Lance Stephenson to play basketball for the Jayhawks next season.

Students made several banners recognizing the presence of the 6-foot-5 Brooklyn, N.Y., Lincoln High guard, who sat behind KU’s bench as part of his official recruiting visit.

“We Like Lance-A-Lot,” one banner read.

“Born Ready to Rock Chalk,” read two others.

One student held up an oversized picture of Stephenson’s face and had Stephenson sign the back of the picture.

What’s more, the fans chanted “Rock Chalk Stephenson” in the final seconds of the game and cheered wildly as he exited with coach Bill Self and KU’s players out of the northwest tunnel following the final horn.

The Jayhawks were intent on making sure the McDonald’s All-American, who is considering KU, St. John’s, Maryland, USC and UCLA, had a great time this weekend.

“We’ll go watch the (OU-Texas) game, but we’ve got a recruit in town. We’ve got to show him a good time,” Sherron Collins said. “We’ll take him out to eat and probably do something with him, let him know we’re trying to get him here, too.”

Villanueva scores 36 as Bucks edge Nuggets 120-117

Milwaukee Bucks' Charlie Villanueva, center, reacts after hitting a basket against the Denver Nuggets in the second half of a basketball game Sunday, Feb 22, 2009, in Milwaukee. Bucks won 120-117. (AP Photo/Darren Hauck)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Charlie Villanueva scored nine of his season-high 36 points in the fourth quarter to help the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Denver Nuggets 120-117 on Sunday.

Villanueva tied his career high with seven 3-pointers, and Ramon Sessions added 27 points for the Bucks.

Carmelo Anthony scored 33 points and Chauncey Billups added 21 for the Nuggets, who ended a season-high eight-game road trip with a 5-3 mark. Denver plays its first game at home since February 3 on Monday against the Boston Celtics.

Villanueva made four 3-pointers in the first quarter, one each in the second and third before hitting one in the fourth. It was the most 3s Denver has allowed since Jason Kidd had six for Dallas on Nov. 7.

Villanueva hit a short jumper over Linas Kleiza to put Milwaukee up 116-113 with 33.3 seconds left. Anthony fouled Luke Ridnour who made one free throw, but Anthony answered with a driving layup as he muscled through the Bucks' defense.

Sessions made one of two free throws to push the lead to 118-115 and then hounded Billups who missed a shot and Milwaukee grabbed the rebound.

Charlie Bell made two free throws for the Bucks' final points and Kleiza was ignored by Milwaukee defenders as he drove in for a dunk, Denver's final points.

Anthony turned in another gritty effort since bruising his left knee February 18 at Philadelphia. The team's leading scorer with a 21.6 average, he managed just 12 points on Friday in 116-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls and was a game-time decision against Milwaukee. He had 20 points in the first half, shooting 6-of-9 from the floor and made eight of 10 free throws.

Denver's loss to the Bucks (28-31) was only their fourth this season against a sub-.500 opponent.

Villanueva missed a technical called on Anthony who then sank one of two free throws to tie it at 105 with 6:46 to play before Nene dunked to give Denver the lead at 107-105.

The lead changed six times down the stretch before Richard Jefferson, who had 17 points, scored on a driving layup that gave Milwaukee a 114-113 lead with 1:39 left to play. Villanueva's short jumper pushed the lead to three and the Bucks hung on for the victory.

Villanueva's 3 with 10:08 left to play gave the Bucks a 103-98 lead. Chris Andersen made a layup and two free throws to pull Denver within one at 103-102, but Villanueva made a short hook in traffic to put Milwaukee back up by three.

Renaldo Balkman started for Kenyon Martin, who was out with back spasms.

The Northwest Division-leading Nuggets have been on the road 19 days, but won't get a lot of rest immediately. They play three games in five days, facing the Celtics without Kevin Garnett (right knee sprain) on Monday, the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday and the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.

Thompson takes the court for Findlay Prep

By Jeff Miller Special to ESPNRISE.com

UNIVERSITY PARK, Texas -- For Tristan Thompson , Friday night's debut for the Findlay Prep Pilots (Henderson, Nev.) amounted to dipping his toe in the water.

The 6-foot-9 junior post who last week left St. Benedict's (Newark, N.J.) played four second-half minutes as Findlay, No. 3 in the ESPNRISE national rankings, defeated God's Academy (Dallas) 74-51 at SMU's Moody Coliseum as part of the five-game Dallas Basketball Classic. Thompson, who is from Toronto, scored one point and had one block as the Pilots improved their record to 29-0.

"I''m just getting used to everything, but it was cool," Thompson said. "It was a great win."

Thompson, who has verbally committed to Texas, said he decided to try to transfer to Findlay Prep after it was clear that he wouldn't play again for St. Benedict's, ranked No. 8 by ESPN RISE. He said he called two Findlay Prep players that he already knew -- boyhood friend and AAU teammate Cory Joseph and Texas signee Avery Bradley .

"Findlay is the right fit for me," Thompson said. "There wasn't one reason why I left [St. Benedict's]. It's wasn't just basketball. Coaches make mistakes; players make mistakes. Coach [Dan] Hurley wished me the best."

Findlay Prep coach Michael Peck said he decided to pursue adding Thompson to the team immediately after hearing from Joseph and Bradley that Thompson was interested in coming to the Las Vegas-area team that has lost only one game in two seasons.

"He's out there. And he's a good player. And a good kid," Peck said.

Thompson practiced with the Pilots on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"We want to ease him in," Peck said. "He didn't force anything. He's going to be fine."

Findlay originally came to the Dallas area to play Duncanville (Texas), ESPN RISE's preseason No. 1 team. But Duncanville and Cedar Hill (Texas) tied for first place in their Class 5A district and decided to play a tie-breaker game as part of the Classic. Organizers of the event matched Findlay with God's Academy, which also plays as an independent private school. The Pilots trailed by one point early in the second quarter but pulled away after intermision.

"I don't think we played as well as we have, the way we should have," Peck said. "We used this as an indicator of what's coming up in April [at the National High School Invitational]."

Said Bradley, who led Findlay Prep with 22 points: "Tristan's good with us on and off the court. I can't wait until he gets into a game with us and helps us to get the national championship."

Surprise! Renardo Sidney commits to USC

Written by: Adam Rose (NYtimes.com)

Six-foot-11 high school basketball phenom Renardo Sidney did a good job keeping his college decision under wraps.

In fact, it was wrapped so well it took him about 2 1/2 minutes to open a box containing a baseball cap featuring the logo of his choice -- the USC Trojans.

The packaging was his mom's idea, an endearing touch that paired well with a heartfelt message from Sidney to his Fairfax High teammates and a speech from a doting Godmother who admonished the media to be respectful of her little, er, big boy.

"Inside that body -- that talent that God has given these kids -- is a human being," said the Godmother in front of the crowd gathered in Fairfax's gym. "So try to get your facts right."

It was a real All-American scene -- warm, loving, hyped up, and with a little suspicion and gossip swirling in the air.

Sidney actually is an All-American, making it three straight seasons Tim Floyd has lured one to play for USC.

He almost wound up in Westwood, as multiple sources indicated that Sidney was leaning toward UCLA on Monday. That fell through on Wednesday -- Sidney said that even he wasn't sure exactly what happened -- and by Thursday he had made up his mind to play for the Trojans.

In a news conference after the announcement, the 19-year-old told reporters that his decision was a nail-biter. Mississippi State, Virginia and Memphis had been in the mix. Sidney never considered playing in Europe, like his friend Brandon Jennings , and insisted that he would have gone to college even if the NBA didn't require players to wait a year after high school before entering the draft.

Sidney said a major part of his decision was based on a belief that USC's coaches would prepare him for the NBA, as well as the built-in comfort of playing just a few miles from his high school. "I think Tim Floyd is a good coach," said Sidney. "He's been coaching on every level -- high school, college and pro. I have ex-teammates that go there, and I'm just real excited to go back to playing with them."

Sidney is friends with current Trojans forward Taj Gibson and is already planning on being roommates with Solomon Hill , a teammate at Fairfax and fellow USC commit.

None of this can become official until April 8, which is the first day the NCAA will allow him to sign paperwork with the school. Between now and then, he will need to earn a qualifying score on the SAT, which he intends to take in March.

If and when Sidney takes the court for USC, he's expected to make an immediate impact -- much like O.J. Mayo . The two had spoken about Sidney's decision, with Mayo giving a solid plug for Floyd.

And like Mayo, questions will swirl around Sidney's off-court relationships. He was flanked during the entire conference by Chris Rivers , a family friend who works for Reebok. "I'm here on Chris Rivers time," he insisted, adding that USC isn't a Reebok school.

The Sidneys are a Reebok family, though. Renardo Sr. has been employed there for the last three years.

Gilchrist Out With Broken Foot

Written by: Adam Zagoria (Zagsblog.net)

St. Patrick’s run to the Tournament of Champions crown just got a little tougher.

That’s because Michael Gilchrist , a 6-foot-7 sophomore ranked No. 1 among small forwards in the Class of 2011 by Rivals, broke his foot on the last play of practice Friday.

“He didn’t make a big fuss out of it,” St. Patrick coach Kevin Boyle said Sunday by phone. “We thought it was a light sprain. They went to the ER to get it checked and he’ s in a soft cast. They’re going to see an expert Monday.”

Boyle said it’s unlikely Gilchrist would play again this season.

“We have no idea right now how severe it is and how long it is. Even if it’s a light fracture, for all intents and purposes you’re looking at the end of the year.

“He’s a sophomore so hopefully he gets more chances to get to the counties and the Tournament of Champions.”

Gilchrist is being recruited by many top programs in the nation and his mother, Cindy Richardson, recently told me his top five included Villanova, Memphis, UConn, Rutgers and Virginia .

Without Gilchrist, top-seeded St. Patrick still routed Roselle 75-37 Saturday night in the Union County Tournament quarterfinals behind 24 points from junior guard Kyrie Irving . The Celtics advanced Tuesday night’s semifinal meeting with No. 5 Linden at the Dunn Center in Elizabeth.

In other tragic St. Patrick news, Boyle’s older brother, Neil, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

“It’s for the best,” Boyle said. “It was eating him up inside.”

Boyle said he likely wouldn’t coach in the semifinal game as a result.

“I don’t think I’ll be there Tuesday,” Boyle said.

Basketball Spotlight Hits The Maryland Invitational

Written By Mike Melton (Bballspotlight.com)

Basketball Spotlight will heading down Interstate 95 South to Maryland Invitational. This event should feature some of the top teams in the country and we will be there to give your full reports. Basketball Spotlight will be focusing on some of the out of the area so we can spread the word. Here are some of the squads we will be taking a look at this weekend.

Team Takeover (MD)
Sam Cassell (MD)
Washington Warriors (WA)
Virginia Cardinals (PV)
Albany Dream Team (NY)
Houston Select (TX)
Youth Interlock (PA)
Richmond Metro (VA)
MD Bulls (MD)
And Many More


Check the Links Below and Check Bballspotlight.com

http://www.bballspotlight.com/2009/02/maryland-invitational-day-1-top.html

http://www.bballspotlight.com/2009/02/maryland-invitational-day-1-top_15.html

http://www.bballspotlight.com/2009/02/mit-recap-13-and-under-houston-selects.html

http://www.bballspotlight.com/2009/02/mit-recap-12-and-under-team-takeover.html

Collier On The Verge of Big Things

By Dave Telep (Scout.com)
National Recruiting Director

Devon Collier is on the receiving end of a Hall of Fame basketball education. Under the tutelage of Bob Hurley, the St. Anthony's junior is expanding and improving his game.

Devon Collier transferred into St. Anthony’s for his junior season. The 6-foot-8 power forward is not the same guy he was last summer. It’s not that he wasn’t a good player, that’s not the case. Nowadays, he’s demonstrating different aspects of his game.

“From last year to this year I feel like I’ve made improvements,” Collier told Scout.com. “The coach has pushed me to my potential. They moved me down to the three man, the year before I was playing the four and the five. I get to extend my game and be versatile.”

Collier has super size and he’s a mixture of inside and out. When he catches on the wing, Collier wants to drive and attack. He’s a unique big man with a skill set that seems to be experiencing an awakening.

“I see myself as a four man but next year I’ll be a three man. Coach Hurley is making me guard guards and play outside and extend my position.”

Collier has embraced the St. Anthony’s experience. Bob Hurley commands respect and drives Collier to challenge himself. The change, Collier says, has been very good for him.

“The difference is Hurley wants perfection. We’ve got to listen to him. He pushed us to where we need to be.”

Once the spring and summer roll around, the word will get out. Collier runs with New Heights and it looks as though he’s prepared to crank his overall game up a notch. He has plenty of suitors as it stands but this list seems destined to be invaded by even more big name programs.

Villanova, Connecticut, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Xavier and Virginia are showing consistent interest. Memphis has been tagging him lately as well.

Thompson Ready for Next Step

By Gerry Hamilton
Scout.com Co-Publisher

Top ranked junior Tristan Thompson is ready for the next step in his basketball career. On Friday night at 9pm in Moody Coliseum on the campus of SMU, the 6-9, 215-pound forward will take the court again this time for Findlay Prep. Burnt Orange Beat will be in Dallas to watch Thompson's first game with his new team.

On Friday night at 9pm at SMU, Tristan Thompson will be back on the basketball court and very likely catching passes from another longtime friend and teammate. This time, it will be Findlay Prep point guard Corey Joseph, who also plays with Grassroots Canada, dishing the rock and the #1 prospect in the 2010 class couldn’t be more excited about his new home and being reunited with his longtime friend.
“Findlay Prep is a good academic school and it’s a nice area to live,” Thompson said. “I’m excited about the opportunity. I will still have my 3.2 grade point average. I’m looking to step up in the classroom and keep improving my GPA. That my focus,” Thompson said on Thursday.

Thompson added, “I’m good friends with Corey Joseph. I’ve known him since the 4th grade. I gave him a call about Findlay Prep and he told me it was a good school and he liked it there. I guess I just went from one Canadian point guard to another. I know (Texas signee) Avery Bradley as well and I’m looking forward to playing with those guys.”

Undefeated Findlay Prep will be taking on Dallas area’s God’s Academy following the Duncanville-Cedar Hill showdown for the district title. With only two regular season games remaining, Thompson is unsure of how many games he will get to play for the nationally ranked power, but has had three practices in preparation for his first game with his new team.

“I think we have two games and then the national tournament in D.C. I guess it will be five or six games. I’ve practiced three days, Tuesday, Wednesday and today (Thursday). It’s been an easy transition. I’m happy to be here and excited to play with Corey and Avery,” Thompson said.

Joining the Findlay Prep team so late in the season, the skilled left-hander is just looking to do anything he can even if it is in the mode of cheerleader.

“I’m just going to come in with no expectations. If I play one minute and help the team, I’ll be happy,” Thompson said.

When Thompson is on the floor for Findlay Prep, it’s likely he will play on the perimeter due to the Pilots playing a four out/one in offense.

“I know I’ll be playing the four. Findlay plays a four out, one in, so I’ll get the chance to show my perimeter skills some,” Thompson said.

Burnt Orange Beat will be on hand Friday night at SMU for all of the action featuring 2009 signees Avery Bradley and Shawn Williams in addition to Thompson

Joseph Gets More Exposure; Takes Visits

By Evan Daniels
Recruiting Analyst

A few years ago Canadian Devoe Joseph was a heavy topic of conversation among college coaches, now it's his brother, Cory, that is getting the attention.

Since making the move from Canada to Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep, Cory Joseph has become a big topic of conversation among college coaches from coast to coast.
Having played his previous high school seasons in Canada, Joseph says he wasn't getting exposure during his high school season. Keep in mind, he made his mark on the summer circuit with Grassroots Canada, and now is backing up his play on one of the nation’s top teams.

“It’s been a huge difference,” Joseph said. “Since being down here we’ve had a lot of games on Wazoo Sports and we’ve had a lot of nationwide games. A lot more people have gotten to see our games and more coaches have come to see us play. In Canada there’s not a lot of exposure.”

Joseph, a four-star prospect, is getting college attention because he’s equipped with a good-looking shot from long range, has the quickness to break down defenders and can create for teammates.

And the attention for Joseph is mounting as Louisville, Minnesota, Memphis, Georgetown, Connecticut, Florida, Virginia Tech, Villanova, Kansas, Virginia, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Texas, UNLV, Marquette, Iowa State and California are all involved in his recruitment.

“It’s going great,” he said of his recruitment. “Since I came [to Findlay] I’ve started to blow up a lot more. It’s been a lot more exposure. It’s going to be great. I’m just trying to start looking at schools and hopefully I’ll take a few more visits.”

Joseph took recent trips to Louisville, Minnesota and Ohio State. He stopped by Louisville prior to participating in an event in Kentucky, while he went to OSU when they played against Minnesota.

“Louisville has great facilities and we got to watch them practice,” Joseph said. “Coach Rick Pitino is a great coach and coach Richard [Pitino] is a great guy. They are just great coaches.”

“I went to the Ohio State versus Minnesota game, so I got to watch my brother play. After the game I checked out the locker room and went around the gym and saw their facilities and weight room and had a brief talk with them. It was nice.”

Having his brother at Minnesota has to give them a slight advantage, but Joseph was quick to point out that he’ll be making the best decision for him.

“I like all the schools,” he said. “I’m just looking for the school that fits me best. It’s not just because my brother is there I want to go there. That’s an upside for them, but I’m looking at all the schools because whichever school fits me best is the one I should go to.”

Joseph certainly doesn’t have a shortage of options, but that doesn’t mean he’s in a rush to come up with a decision. He’s hoping to take a few more visits, before he considers making a commitment.

“I haven’t thought about it that much, but I’m starting to think about it more and more as the season has progressed,” Joseph said. “I have to go on some unofficials, take the SATs and hopefully go on some officials and then figure it out.”

Amid the Grieving, a rare act of sportsmanship

Johntel Franklin scored 10 points in the game following the loss of his mother

Associated Press

The coach never considered any other option.
It didn't matter that his DeKalb, Ill., High School basketball team had ridden a bus two and a half hours to get to Milwaukee, then waited another hour past game time to play. Didn't matter that the game was close, or that this was a chance to beat a big city team.

Something else was on Dave Rohlman's mind when he asked for a volunteer to shoot two free throws awarded his team on a technical foul in the second quarter. His senior captain raised his hand, ready to go to the line as he had many times before.

Only this time it was different.

"You realize you're going to miss them, don't you?" Rohlman said.

Darius McNeal nodded his head. He understood what had to be done.

It was a Saturday night in February, and the Barbs were playing a non-conference game on the road against Milwaukee Madison. It was the third meeting between the two schools, who were developing a friendly rivalry that spanned two states.

The teams planned to get together after the game and share some pizzas and soda. But the game itself almost never took place.

Hours earlier, the mother of Milwaukee Madison senior captain Johntel Franklin died at a local hospital. Carlitha Franklin had been in remission after a five-year fight with cervical cancer, but she began to hemorrhage that morning while Johntel was taking his college ACT exam.

Her son and several of his teammates were at the hospital late that afternoon when the decision was made to turn off the life-support system. Carlitha Franklin was just 39.

"She was young and they were real close," said Milwaukee coach Aaron Womack Jr., who was at the hospital. "He was very distraught and it happened so suddenly he didn't have time to grieve."

Womack was going to cancel the game, but Franklin told him he wanted the team to play. And play they did, even though the game started late and Milwaukee Madison dressed only eight players.

Early in the second quarter, Womack saw someone out of the corner of his eye. It was Franklin, who came there directly from the hospital to root his teammates on.

The Knights had possession, so Womack called a time out. His players went over and hugged their grieving teammate. Fans came out of the stands to do the same.

"We got back to playing the game and I asked if he wanted to come and sit on the bench," Womack said during a telephone interview.

"No," Franklin replied. "I want to play."

There was just one problem. Since Franklin wasn't on the pre-game roster, putting him in meant drawing a technical foul that would give DeKalb two free throws.

Though it was a tight game, Womack was willing to give up the two points. It was more important to help his senior guard and co-captain deal with his grief by playing.

Over on the other bench, though, Rohlman wasn't so willing to take them. He told the referees to forget the technical and just let Franklin play.

"I could hear them arguing for five to seven minutes, saying, `We're not taking it, we're not taking it," Womack said. "The refs told them, no, that's the rule. You have to take them."

That's when Rohlman asked for volunteers, and McNeal's hand went up.

He went alone to the free throw line, dribbled the ball a couple of times, and looked at the rim.

His first attempt went about two feet, bouncing a couple of times as it rolled toward the end line. The second barely left his hand.

It didn't take long for the Milwaukee players to figure out what was going on.

They stood and turned toward the DeKalb bench and started applauding the gesture of sportsmanship. Soon, so did everybody in the stands.

"I did it for the guy who lost his mom," McNeal told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It was the right thing to do."

Franklin would go on to score 10 points, and Milwaukee Madison broke open the game in the second half to win 62-47. Afterward, the teams went out for pizza, two players from each team sharing each pie.
Franklin stopped by briefly, thankful that his team was there for him.

"I got kind of emotional but it helped a lot just to play," he said. "I felt like I had a lot of support out there."

Carlitha Franklin's funeral was last Friday, and the school turned out for her and her son. Cheerleaders came in uniform, and everyone from the principal and teachers to Johntel's classmates were there.

"Even the cooks from school showed up," Womack said. "It lets you know what kind of kid he is."

Basketball is a second sport for the 18-year-old Franklin, who says he has had some scholarship nibbles and plans to play football in college. He just has a few games left for the Knights, who are 6-11 and got beat 71-36 Tuesday night by Milwaukee Hamilton.

It hasn't been the greatest season for the team, but they have stuck together through a lot of adversity.

"We maybe don't have the best basketball players in the world but they go to class and take care of business," Womack said. "We have a losing record but there's life lessons going on, good ones."

None so good, though, as the moment a team and a player decided there were more important things than winning and having good stats.

Yes, DeKalb would go home with a loss. But it was a trip they'll never forget.

"This is something our kids will hold for a lifetime," Rohlman said. "They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night."

RealScout.net "Top Unsigned Players in New York City- Part 3"

Pictured Rasheem king

Written BY: Nathan Blue (Realscout.net)

"Players who call NYC Home" commitment list.

Danny Jennings (West VA), Omari Lawrence (St. John's), Dwight Hardy (St. John's), Kevin Parrom (Xavier), Durand Scott (Miami), James Padgett (Maryland), Chaz Williams (Hofstra), Yves Jules (Hofstra), Devon Petterson (Kansas St), , Vincent Council (Providence), Dave Imes (Hofstra), James Southerland (Syracuse), Darwin Ellis (St. Francis NY)

In my 10th year of evaluating talent. I have realized what it takes to become a good basketball player. Over 100 college basketball coaches read RealScout.net, in a effort to recruit new york city.
In this Four-Part series, I would like to put my honest opinions out there and discuss some of our top available players of 2009.

All these players aren't Division One superstars, but should be playing college basketball for free, in 2009.

RealScout.net NYC Uncommitted Seniors List
Part 3

Rasheem King 6'4 Xaverian HS (Brooklyn)
King's versatility has been on display this season for the Clippers. King can handle and get to the basket better than most. His ability to post smaller guards and get a easy bucket is one of the many talents of this 2009 D1 player. King holds a offer from Manhattan College. With schools coming around late, expect Rasheem to make a decision in late April.

Alex Hall 6'5 Forest Hills (Queens)
12.6ppg 6rpg
Hall has been one of the biggest stories in NYC Basketball for the past week. Leading his Forest Hills Rangers to their first ever PSAL Queens Borough Championship. Hall has all the tools of a Low D1/D2 player.

Armand Thomas 6'7 Herbert Lehman (Bronx)
11ppg 6rpg
Thomas is one of the biggest players in the PSAL. A 6'7 270pound Center that is a excellent rebound a winner on the basketball court. Built like an offensive lineman, Thomas is formerly of St. Raymond's High School, and was the key player on a frosh squad which featured Tyreak Johnson and Omari Lawrence. Thomas is a shaq like figure in NYC Public School basketball.

Keith Spellman 6'3 Thomas Jefferson (Brooklyn) 19.8ppg, 7.8rpg, 5.6apg
The face of Thomas Jefferson for the last four seasons has been Keith Spellman. A athletic tough combo guard, that maybe could have won a PSAL crown if not for Lincoln in years past. Spellman is currently being treated for back spasms and is rumored to not have a single offer. While I think spellman does have offers, but not the ones he may want. The 2,000 point scorer and one of the states best will be playing D1 Ball next season.

Argelix Gil 6'4 Franklin K. Lane (Brooklyn)
24.8ppg, 16.1rpg, 3.2apg
Gil is easily a top 10 player in New York City. I really can't explain his game other than he's one of the best in the city. He can shoot, rebound, jump, defend, score, pass, and is extremely talented. I don't wanna talk him up like he's a Big Time D1 Talent. But, he is a Low D1 player in a "A League" School, that will never get the props he deserves...besides on realscout.net

Picture courtesy of FiveBoroSports.com

Southwell makes up for lost time with Rice Raiders

Shane Southwell played in a pair of showcase events in two of first three games in a Rice uniform. Photo by Damion Reid

By Dylan Butler
Fiveborosports.com

Shane Southwell had never been without basketball for more than two weeks, and that’s because he was between tournaments. And after agonizing on the Rice bench for three months following a transfer out of All Hallows, the junior from Harlem has returned to the court in a big way.

After making his Raiders debut at Archbishop Molloy last Tuesday, the 6-foot-6 wing faced Paterson Catholic (N.J.) in the Nike Super Six at Rose Hill Gymnasium and Rancocas Valley (N.J.) at the Primetime Shootout at Sovereign Bank Arena in back-to-back showcase events over the weekend.

“You want to come back in a great game,” Southwell said. “You don’t want to come back and play against a nobody. You want to play in games like this, especially in your first couple of games.”

Southwell has made his presence felt immediately for the Raiders, a favorite to play in the CHSAA Class AA intersectional final. He came off the bench to score 10 points in a 67-63 win against the Cougars Friday night and then had another solid performance in a 61-35 drubbing of Rancocas Valley in Trenton, N.J., the next day.

“He has to be inserted,” Rice coach Mo Hicks said on Friday. “He’s an impact player. We didn’t start him. I told him he has to work for that. This is the second game he’s played and he’s played extremely well and he’s staring to assert himself as a leader.”

At first, Southwell was concerned about butting heads on his return. After all, it’s not like Rice was struggling at 13-2 before Southwell stepped on the floor. But because he’s been able to practice with the team, Southwell was already acclimated with his new teammates.

“The beauty of it is you do get him in a practice setting and he knew everything,” Hicks said. “The problem was how and where and who I’m going to sub. It’s a coaching problem; I don’t think it’s a problem for the kids.”

Southwell always had a love for Rice, but he chose to attend All Hallows because he “wanted to go somewhere where I could leave a legacy.” That was the plan when he, Devon Collier and Mohammed Lee enrolled three years ago.

But things didn’t go according to plan. The Gaels have been on a downward spiral for a few years and the losing started to affect Southwell.

“It was getting to the point it was frustrating, giving your all and then you look up at the scoreboard and you’re down 17,” he said.

Lee went the prep school route and enrolled at Notre Dame Prep (Mass.) and Collier and Southwell had an altercation after a game against Cardinal Hayes last year. Collier left for St. Anthony’s (N.J.) and Southwell chose Rice.

“There was a lot of dedication on his part because most kids would have flocked to Jersey where they could play right away. But he wanted to come to Rice High School and he knew the consequences behind it,” Hicks said. “He came in like a gentleman and did what he had to do academically, sat out his time and now it’s his time to play. He’s going to be good.”

Southwell said he wasn’t interested in being part of the mass exodus to the Garden State. He wanted to go somewhere he knew and there was no place he knew better than Rice.

“I’ve been wanting to go to Rice since fifth grade,” Southwell said. “We were watching a DVD on the bus and you could see me in the videos with them when I was a little kid. I felt, why go somewhere else when I could stay with family?”

Southwell said he already has offers from Xavier, St. John’s, Marquette and South Carolina and has drawn interest from Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Providence, Miami and Kansas.

But where he will play in college isn’t of great interest for Southwell right now.

“I’m not really worried about it right now,” Southwell said. “I’m worried about winning, helping my team out and getting better.”

Bledsoe expecting important visitor

Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst

Four-star point guard Eric Bledsoe is having a strong run through the Alabama playoffs. Numerous teams have checked in on him lately, and one of the premier programs will be at his region finals game on Friday.

Bledsoe is a coveted point guard. Bledsoe, a 6-foot, 160-pound point guard from Birmingham (Ala.) Parker High School, is seeing his college options increase with every game during his senior year. Four schools have recently offered him after seeing him play, and one of his favorite schools is now recruiting him.

"Duke is supposed to watch my game tomorrow," Bledsoe told Rivals.com. "I've been liking Duke for a long time. I never thought they would call. I've talked to Coach James and Coach K, and they are saying I need to come visit."

Bledsoe fully understands that at this point he is a back up to John Wall as far as Duke and Memphis are concerned, but he does have offers from Cincinnati, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss, South Florida and Tennessee.

Recently Cincinnati, Florida, Kentucky, Oregon and Tennessee have watched Bledsoe play while he has averaged 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds during his team's playoff run.

With more schools getting in on his recruitment, Bledsoe considers himself wide open and in no hurry to make a decision. And although uncertainty about his academics led to a late start in his recruitment, Bledsoe is confident he will qualify.

After the season Bledsoe has all five of his official visits at his disposal.

With his stock on the rise, Bledsoe is presently the No. 12 ranked point guard and No. 67 ranked prospect in the Rivals150.

Adams makes his pick

Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst

Perhaps the fasting rising unsigned prospect in the senior class Jeremy Adams whittled his recruitment down to two schools before making it official on Wednesday that he will play in the Big 12.

Adams is a big-bodied wing scorer. With only mid-major offers during the early signing period, Adams, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound shooting guard from Madison (Miss.) Central High School, will now sign with Texas A&M during the spring signing period. After a weekend trip where he visited his two finalist Arkansas and Texas A&M, Adams was convinced that Texas A&M was the best fit for him.

"In the end it came down to my relationship with the coaches and players," Adams told Rivals.com.

"On my visit I just clicked with everyone and could really see myself playing there in the future."

Adams, who averaged 27 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals per game this year, will now focus his attention on getting his game to where he can be an instant contributor next year.

"The coaches told me how much I play is up to me," he said. "I want to get better at everything, but I know I need to improve defensively because the players at this level are so much better than what I've played against in high school."

Adams is the fifth Texas A&M commitment in the 2009 class. He joins four-star prospect Naji Hibbert and three-star prospects Khris Middleton , Kourtney Roberson and Ray Turner .

McDonald's Boys All-American Team Announced (Guest Speaker "Lance Stephenson" Pictured with players at The Real Scout Top 80 MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP 2008)

Trio of uncommitted stars and potential lottery picks highlight rosters for 32nd annual event.

By Mitch Stephens
MaxPreps.com

The biggest headliners selected to the 2009 McDonald’s All-American boys team might just be the uncommitted.

DeMarcus Cousins, a 6-foot-11 post from LeFlore (Mobile, Ala.), 6-6 forward Lance Stephenson (Lincoln, Brooklyn, N.Y.) and 6-10 center Renardo Sidney (Fairfax, Los Angeles) were the only three from the list of 24 announced today who have not either signed or committed to college.

All three are projected NBA lottery picks in 2010 or 2011 according to MaxPreps Basketball editor Dave Krider.

The 32nd annual game is slated for April 1st in Miami . See complete team below or go to McDonald’s website .

Kenny Boynton Jr. (American Heritage, signed to Florida) and Derrick Favors (South Atlanta, Georgia Tech) and West pick Xavier Henry (Putnam City, Memphis) have also been identified as players slated to exit college after one or two years to enter the NBA.

If the selections are any indication, North Carolina has a loaded 2009 class as four All-Americans are slated to become Tar Heels next season: 6-10 forwards David and Travis Wear (Mater Dei, Calif.) and John Henson (Sickles, Fla.) and 6-3 guard Dexter Strickland (St. Patrick, N.J.).

The state of Washington has two participants who will be playing against one another.

Peyton Siva, a dynamic 6-foot guard from Franklin (Seattle), was selected to play for the East and Abdul Gaddy Jr., a 6-3 guard from Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma), will play for the West.

Among the greatest to be selected in the McDonald’s All-American game are Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, Paul Pierce, Shaquille O’Neal, Ralph Sampson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Jason Kidd.


2009 BOYS MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICAN TEAM – EAST

G Kenny Boynton Jr., 6-3, 190, American Heritage (Pompano Beach, Fla.), Florida

G Dominic Cheek, 6-6, 185, St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.), Villanova

C DeMarcus Cousins, 6-11, 265, Leflore Magnet (Mobile, Ala.), undecided

F Derrick Favors, 6-9, 235, South Atlanta (Ga.), Georgia Tech

F Milton Jennings, 6-9, 215, Pinewood Prep (Cottageville, S.C.), Clemson

F Ryan Kelly, 6-10, 217, Ravenscroft School (Raleigh, N.C.), Duke

C Alex Oriakhi, 6-9, 240, Tilton School (N.H.), Connecticut

G Peyton Siva, 6-0, 175, Franklin (Seattle, Wash.), Louisville

F Lance Stephenson, 6-6, 220, Lincoln (Brooklyn , N.Y.), undecided

G Dexter Strickland, 6-3, 180, St. Patrick (Rahway, N.J.), North Carolina

F Dante Taylor, 6-9, 230, National Christian Academy (White Plains, N.Y.), Pittsburgh

G Maalik Wayns, 6-1, 185, Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.), Villanova

Co-coaches: Darryl Burrows (Dillard, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. ), Mark Lieberman (Monsignor Edward Pace, Miami Gardens , Fla. )



2009 BOYS MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICAN TEAM – WEST

G Avery Bradley, 6-3, 180, Findley College Prep (Nev.), Texas

G Abdul Gaddy Jr., 6-3, 183, Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma, Wash.), Washington

C Keith Gallon, 6-9, 293, Oak Hill Academy (Va.), Oklahoma

G Xavier Henry, 6-6, 225, Putnam City (Oklahoma City, Okla. ), Memphis

F John Henson, 6-10, 200, Sickles (Odessa, Fla.), North Carolina

F Wally Judge, 6-9, 230, Arlington Country Day (Landover, Md.), Kansas State

G Tommy Mason-Griffin, 5-11, 192, James Madison (Houston, Texas), Oklahoma

F Mason Plumlee, 6-11, 220, Christ School (N.C.), Duke

C Renardo Sidney, 6-10, 250, Fairfax (Los Angeles , Calif.), undecided

G Michael Snaer, 6-5, 200, Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley, Calif. ), Florida State

F David Wear, 6-10, 225, Mater Dei (Santa Ana , Calif.), North Carolina

F Travis Wear, 6-10, 230, Mater Dei (Santa Ana , Calif. ), North Carolina

Coach: Pat Clatchey (Mount St. Joseph , Baltimore, Md. )

Sophomore Drummond In Midst Of Huge Season (CT's Next Big Thing)

By Dave Telep (scout.com)

As a freshman, Hartford (Conn.) Capitol Prep center/forward Andre Drummond moonlighted on the junior varsity and varsity. By the time the end of the season rolled around, Drummond was a double-double guy. A year later, well, suffice it to say he’s pretty talented and much improved.

“I think last year, in his first game he didn’t do so well,” coach Levy Gillespie said. Throughout the season he constantly improved and averaged close to a double-double. This year, I think he’s up to about 20 points, 17 rebounds and eight blocks and four steals (a game).”

Connecticut’s Jim Calhoun has seen a game up close and Drummond returned the favor on multiple occasions as a spectator for UConn games. Interest is coming hot and heavy from Big East schools such as a West Virginia and Georgtetown. Massachusetts is eyeballing him too.

“Andre, the funny thing about it is, I think prior to him coming to high school he never really thought he was good or could be good,” Gillespie said. “He sort of has a nonchalant attitude about a lot of things that will happen for him. He’s taking all the stuff in stride. I think there will be a lot of overwhelming interest in what he can do.”

At Capitol, Drummond is a big fish in a smaller pond but doesn’t see himself as the catch of the day. “Everybody knows him. He’s Andre. People outside of the school are seeing him in a different way. At one game a guy came up and asked him for an autograph. He looked at me and smiled and gave the guy an autograph. He’s not fazed by all this, he takes it in stride.”

Drummond doesn’t come from a basketball family, get’s B’s and C’s in school and, according to Gillespie, has a hunger to keep improving. “We’ve talked a lot about what he wants to do with basketball. He’s big but he wants to be an all-around player. His drive propels him to be a complete guy and get close to meeting some of his goals.”

Drummond turned 15 last August. By all accounts, 2009 is his coming out party. He’ll roll with the Connecticut Basketball Club in the spring and big things could be on the horizon. Now he’s made a little noise with his numbers and play. This summer we’ll see if he turns it into a big bang on the national scene.

Our Savior New American Soph Has Decent Game

Written By: Mike Sullivan (Scout.com)

It wasn't long ago when Our Savior New American fielded some of the best talent both locally and nationally. Through the hard work of the coaching staff, the Pioneers are attempting to move back to that elite status.
A player who could perhaps move them in the right direction is Steele Davis, a 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward. We've had a few opportunities to watch his individual game and understand his strengths and the areas he needs to work on.

We'll also have a chance to watch him play a couple more times this week. Here is our previous evaluation of his individual game:

STEELE DAVIS scores most of his points near the rim. He does his most consistent work following up missed shots or running the floor in transition.

When he tries to get too fancy by hanging near the three-point line, defenders usually swarm and look for an opportunity to steal the ball.

Perhaps in the future we'll see Davis improved with his handle and able to beat his man to the basket with the rock. Currently, he's tough to handle in the paint.

Some new guard play has helped the Pioneers recently. So we're looking forward to watching some new backcourt talent.

STEELE DAVIS' EARLY LIST OF SCHOOLS: Syracuse, South Carolina, Kentucky, Maryland, Memphis, Miami of Florida, Florida, Georgia, Southern California, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, and DePaul.

Renardo Sidney to Announce Sunday

Written by: Adam Zagoria (Zagsblog.com)

Renardo Sidney, the 6-foot-11, 250-pound power forward out of Los Angeles Fairfax High, will announce his college choice on Sunday at 4 o’clock Pacific time in the Fairfax gym, according to reports.

The No. 10 player in the Rivals 150, Sidney will choose from among UCLA, USC, UNLV, Mississippi State and Texas.

He is averaging 26.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.6 blocks and still must take the SAT next month to gain NCAA eligibility, according to the L.A. Times.

If Sidney picks UCLA, it might mean that the Bruins are out of the Lance Stephenson Sweepstakes (assuming they are really in it to begin with), since UCLA would be over its scholarship level.

Whispers: Leader emerges for Adams

Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst

Jeremy Adams of Madison (Miss.) Central, perhaps the hottest under-the-radar prospect to emerge during his senior season, hit the road this weekend to check out the two finalists in his recruitment.

Jeremy Adams was at Arkansas and Texas A&M the last few days. Saturday, Adams was in Fayetteville, Ark., where he watched Arkansas fall to Kentucky. Monday night, he was in College Station, Texas, witnessing Texas A&M's dismantling of Texas.

Adams, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound shooting guard, had positive things to say about both schools.

"I enjoyed both visits," Adams said. "They are both college towns with very friendly people. The teams and the coaches were friendly."

Texas A&M, however, has the upper hand in a recruiting battle that could end soon.

"I think they are my leader," he said of the Aggies.
"The way I feel comfortable with the players and coaches at Texas A&M, I can see myself playing there in the future. I'm going to go home and talk with my family about it and think about it. I will probably have a decision soon."

A sharpshooter with size, Adams has the type of game to fill the shoes of departing senior Josh Carter .

"Coach [Mark] Turgeon said he wanted someone to come in and shoot the ball and score," Adams said.


MORE MISSISSIPPI NEWS

A leader has emerged for Jackson (Miss.) Provine High School power forward Jalen Courtney . A ranked member of the 2010 class, Courtney spent some time this weekend at his top school, LSU.

"I've been an LSU fan since I was 11 years old," Courtney said. "This year I've gotten to know Coach [Trent] Johnson on another level, and I love where the program is going. I love the way they play and the way Coach Johnson coaches."

Courtney also has Missouri high on his school list. In addition to LSU and Missouri, he has offers from Auburn, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Georgia State.


STEPHENSON THROWS ANOTHER CURVE

The ever evolving school list of top-10 prospect Lance Stephenson shifted again recently. After Maryland entered the fray with a surprise official visit from Stephenson a couple weeks ago, Stephenson has now added Wake Forest and UCLA to his short list.

This weekend Stephenson will officially visit Kansas, and hometown school St. John's rounds out Stephenson's top five. Stephenson told Rivals.com this week that he would like to visit both Wake Forest and UCLA before making a decision.


TENNESSEE PROSPECT NEWS

Class of 2011 prospect Kedren Johnson picked up an offer from Tennessee following a 42-point performance. Kedren Johnson , a 2011 all-purpose perimeter player from Lewisburg (Tenn.) Marshall County, received his first high-major offer from Tennessee after the Vols watched him put up 42 points on Friday night.

Clemson is the latest school to offer 2010 four-star prospect Casey Prather of Jackson (Tenn.) North Side, joining a high number of schools that have already offered the athletic wing.


FREE THROWS
Elite freshman prospect Perry Ellis continued his unofficial visit tour by taking in the rivalry matchup of his in-state schools Kansas and Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan.

Homestead (Fla.) South Dade High School point guard Vincent Williams will visit St. Louis this week. UAB is trying to get him on campus for a visit as well.

After being removed from his Newark (N.J.) St. Benedict's high school team, top-10 2010 prospect Tristan Thompson has landed at Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep.

Chris Denson of Midland, Ga., a 2010 point guard prospect, will unofficially visit South Carolina this weekend. Denson also is being recruited by Connecticut, and assistant coach Patrick Sellers is expected to watch Denson play in his regional tournament. Alabama A&M, Tennessee Tech and Western Carolina have offered Denson.

Arizona assistant Reggie Geary proved that you don't have to have a permanent head coach in place to land a commitment. Geary secured a commitment from power forward Tremayne Johnson of Los Angeles Southwest Junior College.

Smith scores 40 as Molloy outlasts St. Raymond's

By Zachary Braziller
Fiveborosports.com

Jack Curran is enamored with Russ Smith. The legendary Archbishop Molloy boys’ basketball coach appreciates everything about the talented lead guard.

Well, almost everything.

He spent much of the first half chewing out Smith for lackadaisical defense and impatience on the offensive end.

“He expects a lot from me,” Smith said after scoring 40 points in the Stanners’ 85-79 overtime win over St. Raymond’s Tuesday night at Jack Curran Gymnasium in Queens. “I can’t be mad at him. He’s had great players like Kenny Anderson, Kenny Smith and (Sundiata Gaines). He knows what it takes.”

The harsh words paid off in overtime.

Smith, who also had seven rebounds and three assists, forced guard Jatone Pierce-Bias into a turnover by picking him up full court. He then waited for the ensuing play on offense to develop – as Curran had requested – before driving baseline for the eventual go-ahead layup with less than a minute remaining. He added two free throws later on to seal Molloy’s second consecutive league win.

“He’s just so good,” Curran said of Smith, who had 29 points after halftime and shot 13-of-25 from the field altogether. “When he’s in the flow, you have to give him the ball.”

Fellow senior Ryan Dillon was pretty good, too. He scored 25 points and had five 3-pointers, including 18 points in the first half to make up for Smith’s early lack of production. Forward LeBrandon Smith added 12 points and seven rebounds.

“In warm-ups, the way I was shooting, I didn’t feel too jittery,” Dillon said.

Nerves, however, spread through the entire gym for much of the fourth quarter after St. Ray’s (14-9, 7-3 CHSAA ‘AA’) erased a 10-point, second-quarter deficit by pounding the ball inside to 6-foot-8 center Sidiki Johnson (nine points, 12 rebounds). When the Stanners (14-7, 6-6) doubled down on the sophomore big man, guards Tyreak Johnson (14 points), Harold McBride (13) and Nkeruwem Okoro (13) made them pay, hitting open jumpers or slashing to the hoop.

Tyreak Johnson capped a 13-5 run near the end of the third quarter with five consecutive points, getting the Ravens even at 57. The lead switched hands several times over the final quarter. St. Ray’s got its first lead since the opening quarter early in the last stanza when Tyreak Johnson buried a 3-pointer from the left wing with 7:00 remaining.

Smith, though, answered with six consecutive points, including one 3-pointer in which he nearly jack hammered himself into the ground with a series of extraneous crossovers. He eventually found his balance and drilled a step back jumper.

“He hits some crazy shots,” Dillon said.

“It’s composure,” Smith added. “When most guys are under pressure like that they look to pass. I see what’s there.”

St. Ray’s seemed to be in the driver’s seat early in overtime. Molloy center Jin Hong fouled out 13 seconds into the extra session, leaving Sidiki Johnson free to roam the paint. Except, after Tyreak Johnson fouled out, too, the Ravens’ lost the sure-handed guard to get him the ball. Big man LeBrandon Smith successfully fronted his Ravens counterpart.

“The guards played good defense,” Curran said.

Thanks to Russ Smith’s recent heroics – he scored a career-high 47 points in last Friday’s 86-50 victory over St. Francis Prep – the Stanners are closing in on the No. 3 seed in the upcoming Brooklyn/Queens Diocesan playoffs.

A win Friday over Holy Cross on Senior Night guarantees the spot, which would set up an opening-round game against the Terriers and will allow Molloy to avoid borough power and top seed Christ the King until the final.

“Once we start to get our confidence going,” Dillon said, “we can beat anyone as long as we play together.”