Jason Lewis wouldn’t let a repeat happen. The senior Berkeley Carroll Lions’ leading scorer didn’t forget last year’s crushing ACIS quarterfinal home upset at the hands of Packer.

This time, there would be no miraculous fourth quarter Packer comeback with a three-point buzzer beater. That’s because in his team’s biggest game of the season, J Lew went off for 34 points leading the Lions past a scrappy Packer team 59-46 at the BC Athletic Center in Park Slope. 

Before they even tipped off, a fired up Lewis yelled into the huddle reminding his teammates what happened last year. Not in their house this time around. That much was evident as the senior floor leader scored early and often helping BC run off the game’s first four buckets against a lesser experienced foe which came out tight.

The Lions led from start to finish due to arguably Lewis’ best performance. He got at least eight in the opening quarter as BC built a nine-point lead.

It would only get better from there. Using his full arsenal, J Lew combined sharp perimeter shooting including a couple of daggers from downtown with some strong drives to the basket which featured a nice finish and three-point play. With junior small forward Giancarlo Hirsch banking in a trey after beating a Packer defender to a loose ball, the Lions built a 23-point lead going into the locker room up 41-18.

By the half, Lewis had accounted for more than half his team’s points getting 14 in the second quarter.

“It’s only the first step,” the guard said later pointedly. “Two more to go.”

Meanwhile, Hirsch also had a solid first 16 minutes netting double digits. He finished with 11.

Trailing by 23, a pesky Packer squad never gave up slowly chipping away at it reminding Berkeley Carroll second-year Varsity coach Bob Merrill of what happened a year prior on the same court.

They sliced the deficit to 13 with under four minutes left in the fourth quarter. Unlike last year’s ACIS quarterfinal, Lewis’ and teammates didn’t panic. Following a couple of empty trips, Lewis converted a steal into a lefty reverse lay-up to give his team a huge hoop to go back up 15.

Some fancy dribbling by the 1,250-plus scorer helped break a press. That along with some smart ballhandling and passing allowed his teammates to breathe easier as they advanced to the ACIS playoff semifinals.

It’s anticipated that Dwight will be the likely opponent tomorrow night at the Al Smith Recreation Center in Manhattan.

Dwight took on Brooklyn Friends in the other quarter earlier tonight. They swept the regular season series from the Lions winning 68-52 at home on Jan.25 and edging BC a week later 46-44 back at the beginning of this month.

If they’re the opponent, Lewis and Co. will be looking for a different end result.

Girls Varsity visits Martin Luther in PSAA Semis Tuesday: While the boys play in Manhattan, the BC Girls Varsity will be visiting Martin Luther in a PSAA semifinal tomorrow afternoon in Queens.

Having finished the regular season with five straight wins including a 10-point home win last week over Dwight to qualify and defend their ACIS league title, the girls will be looking to avenge a 62-53 road loss from a month ago when they battle Martin Luther.

Led by 1,500-plus career scorer Zoe Cohen, senior Elena Levi along with junior Ashley Privett and rising freshman Keyanka Bailey, the Lions will try to improve their 13-7 record by going for No.6 in a row. They tipoff at 5:45.

There are beat writers and columnists who cover sports. Then there’s SportsFan Magazine’s very own Greg Wyshynski. The gifted Wyshynski has been publishing his “The Jester’s Quart” for 11 years running. It’s a satire look at sports, the pop culture and my all-time fave aspect of why NHL commish Gary Bettman is a jackass.

His column is always an entertaining read never to be taken too seriously. He also covers the Washington Capitals and contributes a daily NHL column to The Fourth Period (TFP). But that’s not all folks. He is also a frequent contribute to AOL’s FanHouse Sports Blog and chimes in today on the trade status of Tampa Bay center Brad Richards.

With the NHL trade deadline a little over 24 hours away, the avid Devil fan took time out of his hectic schedule to join us for an interview about this hockey season as well as what we could see take place tomorrow.

Hitting Back: What are your thoughts on the Eastern race at the top?

Greg Wyshynski: I’m not sure what the larger stunner is: The Devils playing as well as they are with that defense, or the Penguins hanging as tough as they are without Crosby and with Conklin. In the Devils’ case, it’s classic New Jersey hockey: A different hero every night, and Brodeur playing out of his mind when they need him. The goals are coming easier than expected — I just don’t believe they’ll continue to flow without a little deadline upgrade.
 
I think it’s rather important that the Devils win the division this season, because a 4-5 series against either Montreal or Ottawa would be a very tough draw compared with one against the Rangers, Boston or Buffalo.

As for Pittsburgh, I’m a ConkBlock believer. He is no longer ConkSuck.

HB: Are you surprised that the Senators have comeback to the pack? Will they still finish with the East’s best record or do you see the Habs, Devs or Pens overtaking them?

GW: I don’t believe they will finish with the best record for one reason: Their schedule the rest of the way. Boston four more times, Montreal at least three more times and a West Coast swing in March. It’s a very tough draw.

HB: What is the biggest surprise?

A.The Canadiens rise in the conference.

B. Evgeni Malkin’s dominance since Crosby went down taking the Pens on his back near the top.

C.The Devils continued success despite not a great blueline.

I’d go with C, because this is the weakest group of defensemen Marty’s ever had, on paper and in reality. Look at 1995 and look at this year, and you’d think Marty signed with an ECHL team.

HB: Seven points separates first from fourth in the Southeast. Who do you see taking the division?

GW: Carolina’s playing miraculous hockey right now without Brind’Amour. I still believe Washington will win the division, but the Caps need to play more consistent hockey and must, must, must win their next two games against the Hurricanes.

HB: If the season ended today, who would be your MVP?

GW: Marc Andre-Fleury, for having the good sense to get injured.

HB: Who’s better? Malkin or Ovechkin?

GW: Ovechkin is a more complete player, but Malkin’s ability to use his body and strength is something special. I’d still give the nod to Ovechkin, especially after seeing what kind of tail he pulls.

HB:  What do you think the three metro area teams need at Tuesday’s deadline?

GW: Devils — A veteran scorer to solidify a second line or a second power play unit.

Rangers — There are two many holes to address any specific needs. Maybe someone dumb enough to take Jagr off their hands.

Islanders — Some help on the blueline after these injuries.

HB: Which star do you see most likely getting moved?

A.Mats Sundin

B.Marian Hossa

C.Brian Campbell

D.Rob Blake

GW: Well, obviously not Sundin, whose selfish personal pride screwed the team he claims to love. Certainly Hossa, though.

HB: Given their recent struggles, does Detroit need to make a trade?

GW: I believe Detroit is a team that needs to figure out what changed from the ass-kicking group that was dominating the league for five months to this inconsistent team playing today. But another big body up front would help, too.

HB:  What is the biggest surprise out West?

GW: That the best stories in the West – Phoenix, Colorado, Columbus, St. Louis, and Chicago — all could finish outside of the postseason, rendering the Western Conference playoffs rather tedious.

HB: If you had to pick one team to win the Western Conference, who would it be?

GW: If San Jose makes the deadline deals I believe it could make, the Sharks are still my Cup pick. But now that they have a fully armed and operational battle station, it’s the Ducks.

HB: Final question: Can Marty Brodeur start every game and take his team through three rounds to another Cup Final?

GW: Of course. Marty’s better.

Kyle McAlarney has been referred to as a gym rat. Well, the kid out of Moore Catholic High has come a very long way in his junior season at South Bend. The Notre Dame guard lit up the Syracuse Orangemen connecting on nine three-pointers en route to a game high 30 in a 94-87 home win, improving the No.21 ranked Fighting Irish (21-5) to 11-3 in the Big East. 

He finished 9-for-11 from beyond the arc including draining a 26-footer which gave his team a seven-point lead.

“I’m going to call Colin (Falls) up tonight and rub it in his face,” the Staten Island product remarked to reporters of breaking his former teammate’s three-point school record which was shared by two other players.

Notre Dame coach Mike Brey wasn’t too surprised that McAlarney’s record-breaker came at the expense of Jim Boeheim’s patented Syracuse zone.

“All my guys I’ve had, when they see that zone, they start drooling. You almost need a towel to wipe their chin off because they can cut and move,” he later pointed out.

McAlarney also hit both free throws down the stretch as a furious Orangemen rally fell short due to Notre Dame sinking nine of 12 from the charity stripe in the final 84 seconds.

Sophomore forward Luke Harangody finished with a double double (14 pts & 14 rebs). Five Irish hit for double digits in the win.

McAlarney also contributed four rebounds and three assists while playing a team high 38 of 40 minutes. 

He is a deadly outside shooter who entered over 44 percent from downtown. That percentage went up yesterday thanks to a brilliant performance.

“I need beer and alcohol” 

I cxan’t fucking lie

Cause we all gonna die

Just feelin completely vyuzzed in fukkl affect

cause i guess i like getting cvomplwtely wrecked

this is the D to the B to the F in a totally crazy way

You allk know my gamr amd oi got so much to say

Drinking is fun and the olar opposite of boring

Who the fuck wqANTS TO Hear my boy Harry’s snoring

We al;l; need to get down and feel ourselves

Be cool and hang out woith the drunken elves

Who da hecxk are they well i don’t evberm know

Just rewlize that it’s finally tiojmne to go

Yes yes ya’ll yes ya;ll feeling da vibe

Cause drinkin keeps ya so alive

I need some motyha fuckin beer

So wea;ll gonna laugh and cheer

Be all craty lijke we all can be

This be da Shaolin characters’s odyssey

Feel your different side and let it all hang out

Showing no fear without a motha fuckin bdoube

This is tjhe crazzzy kid you never ever see

But he’s always been there with plenty of glee

I just don’t givce a fuck about nothin’ no more

Just want to chill and dance and be for real sure

This is the hidden jewesl in this boring neighvborhood

Where punk asses act like all thsaty whwen thety’rwe up to no good

So I say again I need more beer

Just buy it up and send it over here

So you can see the Mightt DF like never before

Just feel my kick as slyrics now hear me roar

You never seen me this way oijn a long fucking time

B ut I;m mad cool cause i’m, innovative and can always rhyme

Bring your game cause you’ll still get mad dissed

I got more flavor than the Club Abyss

Thisd is the onwe and only SI G money to the fullest

Someone who’s got it all nd will never be dullest

Beer and drinks all the time

Dancing to the beat all this is my crime3

Cops act like they’re all that when they’re complete frauds

Abusihng the law lkike a bunch opf lightning rods

Fuck ya’ll who think you’re cooler than the real peeps

Ya never knew kjacl shit and bs in your fucking jeeps

I’m a true person who always cxomes from the heart

So hear me l;oud and clear cause i’ play my fucking part

I like being buzzed cause it’s way much more fun

Then being plain boring asnd totally done

So give me beer or alcohol and you’ll see my real side

Hope ya’ll ar ecool and drive safe till the next ride

Evgeni Malkin or Alexander Ovechkin??? If you’re a true puck supporter, then you know who we’re pumping up here. Only arguably the two leading candidates for the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

If you know Russian as I do, here’s it in simpler terms?

Malkun-Da y Net

Obechkun-Da y Net

Both Russian superstars have lit the NHL on fire taking still a predominantly North American influenced league by storm. With a less than two months remaining in an exciting regular season, it’s no surprise that these two high caliber players are 1-2 in the NHL scoring race.

With another virtuoso performance notching a tying goal on a breakaway and assisting on two others including teammate Sergei Gonchar’s power play winner with under 10 minutes left in the third period of a great 5-4 win over the Canadiens Thursday night, the 21 year-old Malkin became the first player this season to reach 80 points. In fact, his 35 goals and 47 helpers for 82 points pace the league.

Since last year’s Hart winner Sidney Crosby went down to a sprained ankle, the super soph has taken it upon himself to carry his team on his back lifting them to a first place tie with the Devils and within a point of conference leader Ottawa. It was the eight multi-point game of what’s been a brilliant month in which he’s registered a point in all 10 games.

Just how remarkable has he been? According to Elias Sports Bureau, Malkin was tied for 13th in league scoring with 58 points at the end of January. That means that in only 10 games so far in February, he already has 24 points (8-16-24) with still four games left to play including an afternoon home tilt against the Senators with the top spot up for grabs.

While Malkin has stepped out of Crosby’s shadow, his Russian comrade Ovechkin has been having his own special season with the Capitals. The former 2005-06 Calder winner is trying to get his team into their first postseason since 2002-03.

Even without free agent pickup Michael Nylander (out for season), the 22 year-old former Caps’ first overall selection has been flat out awesome in his third NHL campaign. He leads the league in four different offensive categories including goals (48), power play goals (17), shots on goal (328) and is tied with Calgary’s Jarome Iginla and Dallas’ Niklas Hagman for game-winners (8).

It’s no wonder Washington rewarded their electrifying franchise superstar with an NHL record 13-year contract worth over $124 million almost six weeks ago.

Why not? In not even three full seasons, Ovechkin has scored 146 goals, tallied 130 assists already totaling 276 points in just 224 games.

His 78 points (48-30-78) trail only Malkin putting him four behind for the league scoring race. It looks like Tampa Bay’s Vincent Lecavalier (32-45-77) could be the only marquee player who stands between the exciting Russian pair from going 1-2 in points.

However, unless his spiraling team does a remarkable turnaround, Lecavalier’s name won’t be coming up for the league MVP.

The real question is who deserves it more? Hard to say. There’s little doubt that Malkin has a better supporting cast. However, when Crosby went down, he suddenly became his team’s best player and stepped up forming solid chemistry with linemates Ryan Malone and Petr Sykora. How do you think Sykora went from close to done to suddenly reemerging as a reliable threat? He’s on pace for his best season in at least five years while Malone needs three more goals to set a new career high.

When Crosby returns, there’s no way coach Michel Therrien can break up the trio. So, will the Pens be a better team when he comes back? If he’s soooo great, then he should be able to play with any other two forwards on their roster.

Ovechkin’s team must win their division to make the postseason. They currently sit second in the Southeast with 63 points trailing first place Carolina by four. The good news is they have three more games remaining than the Hurricanes, who have just 18 left. The bad news is they have 28 wins- three less than their rival with Wins being the first tiebreaker if the teams finish tied on the final day of the season.

It’s a dumb rule. One NHL brass needs to change. Why should that decide who gets in? It should either be who wins the season series or a play-in game. I personally like the second option. Make it like baseball. One game with the winner going on a la the Rockies last Fall. The loser goes home. It would work.

I’ve said in this space before that if Ovechkin gets his team in, he should win the Hart. No player means more to his team than AO. His 48 goals have accounted for 28.1 percent of Washington’s 171. The next highest goalscorer on their roster is fellow Russian Alexander Semin with 17 and he’s only played 42 games. Defenseman Mike Green is third with 15.

In case you’re wondering, you won’t find a larger discrepancy between the top finisher and second scorer on any other NHL roster. Out of curiosity, Malkin’s 35 of the Pens’ 176 is a shade under 20 percent.

So, who is the better player? Most including yours truly would’ve laughed at this same question if it were posed to us a couple of months prior.

It’s no laughing matter anymore. Just two of the league’s elite players who have one thing in common. They’re both Russian.

Ochenb ochenb xorosho!!!!!

By now everyone, whether you pay attention to sports, or not is aware of an incident in the NFL dubbed “Spy-gate”. A Clever play on the Watergate Scandals, of the Nixon presidency. I won’t be monotonous, with too much detail about the scandal. Hey I’m not exactly Matt Walsh here.

Instead I will offer a little background info on Belichick, The Patriots, and what it means for the immediate future.

In 2000 Bill Belichick took over as head coach of the New England Patriots. A team who had enjoyed some, but albeit limited success in the 7 years prior to his taking over. 4 playoff appearances from 93-99, including a Super Bowl XXXI 35-21 loss to the GB Packers. A total Win- Loss record of 59-53. With a 3-4 record in the post season. That would all change under Belichick.

Under Belichick the Patriots would go on, to Dynasty-esque stardom. Going 91-37, including a 14-3 record in the playoffs. 4 Super Bowl appearances, 3 Lombardi trophy’s. Now folks this was a man who prior to his time in NE, had a career head coaching record of, 36-44, with a playoff record of 1-1, during his much scrutinized tenure, as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

I know what some of you out there are thinking right now. “But it’s possible he was just in a much better situation. You can’t blame Belichick, for a team that had to ship out of town.” You’d be 100% right about that.

It’s not Belichick’s fault for his previous, Richard Jauron- esque coaching record. Sometimes, No most of the time, talent trumps coaching. You really can’t make chicken soup, out of chicken well you know.

One can go on all day, about Belichick’s character, or lack of. This goes beyond that. In a nutshell, Spy-gate may seem harmless. So they were trying to get a competitive advantage, who doesn’t do that. If you’re in sports, and you’re not trying to get ahead, well to put it nicely. You need to find a new job.

Of course everyone tries to get ahead. Just like everyone drives above the speed limit. However, only one team has been caught illegally filming the opposition. It’s an almost unfair competitive advantage. A team who won their 3 Super Bowls, by a mere 3 points.

One could also think, that this must affect their division rivals. The Bills have been a game or 2 from making the playoffs a few times, since 2000. For a team, that is in flux over their long term viability in Western NY. The question has to be asked. Did Roger Goodell’s punishment really fit the crime?

With more info becoming available daily, on Spy-Gate. Including new accusations, by a presently unnamed former Patriots Player, of illegal filming dating back to the 2000 preseason against the Tampa Bay Bucs. As well as Matt Walsh, claiming to have video tapes, that will damage the Patriots.

The slap on the wrist mentality, hasn’t been Goodell’s mo, during his tenure. Curious to say the least. That the Man who once said “If more information regarding Illegal taping, becomes available, he would act accordingly.” Now act’s like he’d rather brush it under the rug, and pretend it never happened.

Next time, I join you here, I will be going a bit more in depth. Quote ables, from around the league. Regarding Spy-Gate. What can be done to offset, signal stealing. As well as my theory on was the Spy-Gate pressure, the reason the Giants won Super Bowl XLII? Until Next time…. Keep those cameras rolling.

I’m DereksConscience, a new voice here on Hitting Back. My job is to provide another point of view and keep Derek in check. With that in mind, I have a few words to say about Ben Wallace, now former Chicago Bull.

Way back in the summer of 2006, the Chicago Bulls decided that their team needed an upgrade. With plenty of money to spend, GM John Paxson decided to get a lot older with free agent Ben Wallace, inked to a 4 year, $60 million contract. The move was questionable at the time - the Bulls had a duplicate player in Tyson Chandler, who was younger, cheaper, and taller - and grew more indefensible as time went on. Hindsight is 20/20, but it’s difficult to understand why the Bulls decided to get rid of Chandler only to bring in Wallace. There was no problem here with trading Tyson Chandler if the idea was to go in a new direction. Free agents Joel Prizbilla or Chris Wilcox would’ve made a lot more sense as cheap stopgaps.

Although Wallace provided some help in 2006-2007, he had clearly declined from his peak. As a 6′7″ PF/C, Wallace relied on superior strength and athleticism to play his position. As a 32 year old man, the legs simply weren’t there any more. The Bulls did make the playoffs and advanced past the first round, but attributing this success to Wallace is foolish. By the beginning of this season, it was clear that Wallace’s time had come. His rebounding numbers fell dramatically, and his always abysmal offense reached new lows - the man is shooting 37% from the field as a low post player. Every advanced statistical measure save for the Wages of Wins revealed Wallace as one of the worst starters in the league. Even worse, Wallace and fellow old man Joe Smith kept rookies Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah on the bench. This might be acceptable on a playoff team, but for a team struggling to reach .500? Please. Wallace teamed up with fellow worthless player Adrian Griffin to suspend Joakim Noah for yelling at an assistant coach. One wonders where Wallace gained this power.

And now, less than 2 seasons into his tenure with the Bulls, Wallace is gone. I thank him for absolutely nothing, and I wish him all the worst with his new team. Although it remains to be seen, it is possible that Wallace cost both Scott Skiles and John Paxson their positions with the Chicago Bulls. Maybe this will be a lesson to those who value “veteran presence” and “playoff experience” over simple measures such as production.

With it being a yucky snowy day, I figured it would be a good time to look at one of the most influential groups in the rap game.

Fresh from Staten Island or as I like to say Shaolin, the Wu-Tang Clan has been around since 1991 making albums and producing several big name artists such as Method Man, Ghostface Killah, the now deceased Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB), Raekwon, etc.

Their music is what real rap should sound like. You can really feel where they’re coming from. Aside from the strong lyrics is the great scenery in some of these classic videos. They are shot great and it allows anyone from this area to appreciate things even more.

Here are some of their best work:

Wu-Tang Clan: “Protect Ya Neck“  well produced with classic shots in the background. Very strong stuff.

Wu-Tang Clan: “C.R.E.AM.” a classic track in every sense. Cash rules everythin’ around me CREAM hit the money, dollah, dollah bill yoooooo!

Wu-Tang Clan: “Ice Cream” A dope ass track. No rapper today can sound better describing women than how Meth, Raekwon and the Clan do it in this song. Unreal lyrics. Untouchable.

Method Man: “Bring The Pain” very smooth popular track from Method Man’s debut album back in 1994. Great video. Who shoots stuff on a local bus? Sick.

Wu-Tang Clan: “Bring Da Ruckus” I don’t know how the person who made this video did it but just have to agree with general sentiment. It fucking works!

Wu-Tang Clan: “Gravel Pit [2001]“ How much did it cost to make this video?!?!?!?!?! Omfg!!!!! :rofl:

Wu-Tang Clan: “Protect Ya Neck Live 1993“  They all rocked the mic in this early performance at The Uptown Comedy Club.

I’d link up more but we’d be here a while because there’s only so much you can cover with Wu-Tang. They also released a very popular clothing line called Wu-Wear which has brought in plenty of extra income over the last decade. It’s mad expensive but if you have a little extra cash, there is an excellent selection to choose from. Who knows? I might be sporting a little something something one of these days.

We’ll just have to wait and see.

With the NBA trade deadline a minute away yesterday afternoon, the Cavs, Bulls and Sonics completed a blockbuster 11 player trade.

In an attempt to give franchise superstar LeBron James an improved supporting cast, Cleveland GM Danny Ferry acquired Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Delonte West and Wally Sczerbiak from both the Bulls and Sonics in a massive overhaul to try to reach a second straight NBA Finals. 

First, Ferry sent guard Larry Hughes, power forward Drew Gooden along with Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown to the Bulls in exchange for Wallace, Smith and Chicago’s second round pick in 2009.

Then, he acquired West and Sczerbiak from Seattle for forwards Donyell Marshall and Ira Newble. The rebuilding Sonics also received veteran guard Adrian Griffin from Chicago as part of the blockbuster trade.

HB Analysis: What the hell did the Cavaliers do here? Unless Big Ben discovers the fountain of youth, he looks to be old and washed up. He was only pulling down 8.8 boards-a-game and netting just over five points a night- his worst output since 1999-00. The 33 year-old former NBA Defensive Player of the Year’s body is breaking down. He’s slower now.

My good buddy John Giagnorio must have been doing backwards cartwheels when this was announced because this was a trade which made the Bulls younger and more athletic. Gooden is a solid four who will put up decent numbers. It also allows Tyrus Thomas and rookie Joakim Noah to get more minutes. A must for Chicago’s rebuild process to start.

The streaky Hughes needed a change of scenery after a dreadful playoff showing last Spring despite playing through pain. He moves into a crowded backcourt which includes Kirk Hinrich, Chris Duhon and super sub Ben Gordon. Wonder what it means for Gordon, who is seeking a huge raise.

The Sonics basically revamped at the deadline also moving veteran big man Kurt Thomas to the Spurs for shooting guard Brent Barry, Francisco Elson plus a first round pick. With Barry putting their roster over the max, they then waived the three-point specialist saving $8 million in cap space over the next couple of years.  He could wind up back with the defending champion Spurs if no other team signs him over the next 30 days.

As for Cleveland, the big deal hinges on Wallace. Will the former All-Star center who helped lead the Pistons to their third NBA title a few years ago be motivated enough playing with LeBron to bring a championship to Cleveland? We’ll find out.

The Cavs didn’t do badly in terms of improving their bench when they go up against the East’s elite in Boston, Detroit and Orlando. Sczerbiak has comeback healthy from offseason ankle surgery averaging 13.1 PPG with Seattle. The Long Island product can score from the perimeter where he shoots better than 42 percent from beyond the arc.

They also added West, who along with Sczerbiak were part of the Ray Allen trade to Boston in the 2007 NBA Draft. The former St. Joe’s star didn’t play as much as expected in Seattle. With sharp shooter Daniel Gibson expected to miss six weeks due to an ankle sprain, that should change. West is a capable backup PG who can contribute points, rebounds and assists if you play him. He should see an increased role in Cleveland.

The other player Smith is a reliable offensive threat who can step out and knock it down from 17. He was having a nice season with the Bulls averaging 11.2 PPG and 5.3 RPG.

If Gibson comes back healthy in time for the playoffs and energizer Anderson “Sideshow Bob” Varejao also is injury free from an ankle which has sidelined him nearly a month, the Cavs should be a very deep team. They also still have Sasha Pavlovich coming off the bench and big man Zydrunas Ilgauskas starting.

If this new look roster gets healthy, they should be tough to beat. The real test won’t come until the second round.

When the game’s on the line, just put the ball in your best player’s hands. That wise strategy worked out quite well as senior Zoe Cohen’s 37 points helped lead the Berkeley Girls Varsity Basketball team past ACIS rival Dwight 63-53 at the BC Athletic Center in Park Slope Thursday afternoon.

They needed every one of the 1,500-plus scorer’s points to pull out a hard fought final regular season game which allowed them to qualify for the ACIS League playoffs, giving them a chance to defend their championship.

Junior forward Ashley Privett chipped in with 10 including four big buckets in the second half to help the Lions rally from a six-point halftime deficit.

A strong third quarter by the BC Lions helped offset a solid first half by the visitors who were looking to avenge their championship game loss a year ago. Instead, it was a couple of quick baskets by Privett including a pivotal three-point play which swung the momentum.

Privett’s inspired play sparked her teammates as they slowly built an eight-point lead. In the final quarter, Cohen nailed a couple of step back treys which increased it to double digits forcing Dwight to call for time.

Fresh in their memory banks was how the Lions ran away with the ACIS title thanks to an unbelievable run erasing as much as a 12-point deficit. This time, it was Dwight trying to turn the tables. A three along with a three-point play sliced it to 51-48. But with the game on the line, Cohen wouldn’t let her school down in front of a packed gym sinking every free throw needed to preserve the win.

That along with a huge left baseline jumper from freshman Keyanka Bailey and some clutch free throws from senior guard Elena Levi allowed them to breath easier as they notched their fifth consecutive win to conclude the regular season.

Boys fall short in rematch against Friends Seminary: Just six days following a tough four-point road loss at Friends Seminary, the Berkeley Carroll Boys Varsity again fell just short in another exciting close game decided again by a few points.

Going basket for basket most of the game at a frenetic pace, the Lions held a six-point halftime lead sparked by the return of junior starting small forward Giancarlo Hirsch (three triples). Much like last game though, BC was done in by stellar guard play from the Friends Seminary tandem of No.12 and No.24.

No.12 once again picked up a technical in the first half getting into foul trouble with three by the half. But he raised his game a couple of notches like in last week’s back and forth fourth quarter getting at least 14 after the break on an assortment. Whether it was via the three-point play or stepping out for a couple of three-point daggers, he was the difference.

When it looked like BC was done, they rallied to tie the score thanks to a couple of nice finishes by junior shooting guard Philip Seay and senior forward Danny Halper. Senior guard Jason Lewis started the run with a turnaround jumper from the charity stripe. When Seay tied it with less than two minutes left, the gym rocked as the home team had all the momentum.

That’s when No.12 stepped to the forefront converting the game’s biggest bucket the hard way. With the shot clock running down, he narrowly slipped under the right baseline and then finished off a nifty play with a left-handed lay-in to give his team a two-point lead.

Following a wild sequence in which Berkeley was unable to get the tying bucket, they fouled on the floor with 34 ticks left. With the shot clock off, they needed to foul twice more to put their opponents in the bonus.

However, a mix-up in coverage resulted in an easy Friends Seminary bucket suddenly making it a two possession game. With Hirsch having four personals, he couldn’t foul which led to the giveaway.

It would prove to be too much to overcome. Despite a steal by Halper with 14 seconds left allowing them call for time to setup a tying three, Lewis’ off balance trey wouldn’t go.

A couple of more free throws from No.12 iced the game allowing Friends to sweep the regular season series by a combined nine points.

With any luck, BC could still see the two-time defending ACIS champions in next week’s final. They’ll have to go through No.5 seeded Packer at their gym Monday and likely Dwight in the semis.

Lewis honored before game: Before they tipped off in the second game of a doubleheader, senior Jason Lewis was honored by BC coach Bob Merrill for surpassing 1,250 career points. The second-year Varsity coach made a nice speech crediting his floor leader for accomplishments on and off the court, also pointing to the senior’s maturity and leadership as well as thanking his family for their support.