Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn and Jake Taylor are warming up for a new season.

As the exciting, action packed Vancouver 2010 Winter Games draw to a close with Team USA (that’s right!!!!!) battling Canada for Olympic Gold in men’s hockey later today, believe it or not baseball’s around the corner.

February’s gotta be the fastest month ever. Especially with President’s Week and you know. The whole leap year thing. Normally, I don’t mind it but this winter’s been one of the craziest with plenty of white stuff here in Shaolin and all over NYC, the Garden State, CT and the East coast. Just wild. We got hit pretty bad the other night with another foot-plus flying down in the morning hours. Should’ve seen how it looked outside my window. As Crazy Eddie might chime:

“Insane!”

March can’t get here soon enough and is tomorrow! Spring Training will be in full bloom as prognosticators get ready for another season. Can the Yankees do it again minus World Series MVP Godzilla and Johnny Damon? Will Curtis Granderson light it up in center field and Nick Johnson make fans forget Hideki Matsui? Can Jason Bay carry the Mets until Carlos Beltran gets back? Is Jose Reyes batting third a novel concept or just more proof that Jerry Manuel has lost it? What about Oliver Perez, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey? Bounce back or Amazin’ attack? Can Javier Vazquez II work in the Bronx? Will Da Melkman be missed? What of Joba and Phil Hughes?

All are great questions for locals. Getting more to the point, baseball’s already started up in the land of BK. Park Slope to be exact where coach Walter Paller’s Berkeley Carroll Lions take aim at defending their title. Last year was a coming out party for one of the best baseball programs this city has to offer.

The BC Lions dethroned heavy favorite Poly Prep in a classic, hanging on for dear life thanks to a great diving catch by right fielder Theo Guest (Dayton University) and superb closing from Phil Seay (Denison College), who look to help their new schools this Spring as will former ace James McDonagh (Trinity College). Senior backstop Walker Harrison returns looking to lead Paller’s club to the promised land again along with slugger Rob Paller. He’ll be joined by plenty of hoop ‘mates such as Sean Cunningham, Nate Barr, Jesse Chalfin, Joey Martinez, Mike Andria and Adam Kochman.

With the crack of the bat and pounding of the mitt coming before you know it, one of our favorites from Major League to get warmed up and melt away all the snow. Paging Willie Mays Hayes, Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn, Jake Taylor, Roger Dorn and Pedro Cerrano!

AZ's classic style reminds us of how hip hop once was.

Lately, I’ve been on an oldschool kick. Notorious was on HBO again. Even after exciting Olympic hockey with Slovakia holding off upstart Norway, it never gets old. Plus the movie on Biggie is recent and portrayed well. That final scene where his Mom played by Angela Bassett takes him home one last time still gets me.

It’s still fresh how both Big and Pac were picked off less than a year apart. That was the pinnacle of rap/hip hop. They’ll always be on top in my book. East/West. It don’t matter because they’re both gone for way too long. But their memories live on cause like I’ve said before:

Legends Never Die

Since we’re on the subject of great rappers, it’s time to mention another gunner who doesn’t get enough due. AZ’s been in the game for years. Sugar Hill’s still one of our faves. Of course, it’s the only one that everyone knows along with his work with Nas on epic Life’s A Bitch, The Firm and numerous other tracks. They’ve convened on plenty of stuff combining Queensbridge and BK for classic hip hop. Take a gather of more greatness in How Ya Livin‘.

If you’ve ever heard AZ spit, then you know the homie comes hard, always bringing it. He’s just never had the commercial success of more well known artists we hear all the time. Doesn’t make him any less gifted. If you want that nostalgic sound, he supplies it, which brings us to today’s selection. Every time I’ve heard “The Come Up,” it always gets my juices flowing. It’s real and got street to back it up. Listen to every word because they all have meaning. Delivered with authority. Our favorite line:

“It’s still crazy how them suckers hit up Big. Pac is gone. The state of hip hop is wrong. You want more, then log onto AZ.com.“

Strong lyrics. That’s only a hint. Take it all in along with the classic scene as it was well shot. As P would say, this stuff is crack. So are Sour Skittles.

The dream is alive for at least one Berkeley Carroll basketball team. Earlier today, the Lady Lions avenged a prior loss by coming away with a 41-22 PSAA semifinal win over Evangel Christian at the Queens school- advancing to the league final Thursday against Long Island Lutheran Martin Luther.

Second year coach Morgan Sevigny’s BC squad got a balanced attack with leading scorer Keyanka Bailey paving the way with a game high 20. Point guard Tess Salvatore had 11 while teammates Olivia Wilson (7 Pts) and Sarah Paller (3 Pts) also hit the score sheet.

It was the Lady Lions’ eighth win of the season. They’ll aim for elusive No.9 against a tough opponent over in enemy territory with tip off at 4 PM at Glen Head, New York.

PARK SLOPE, BK-Perhaps playing the same team twice wasn’t a good omen for the Berkeley Carroll JV Lions. Especially when it came four days apart in the form of ACIS rival St. Ann’s, who ended their season yesterday posting a 39-36 quarterfinal win at the Athletic Center in The Slope.

With first-year coach Carmine Giovino back on the sideline, his players appeared elsewhere at the start. After previously holding off St. Ann’s last week to gain home court advantage, the Lions came out lethargic while their crisper opponent built an 11-point opening quarter lead. In fact, they blanked them by executing perfectly.

Even with their best player in early foul trouble following an early hoop from in close, others picked up the slack with four different players contributing. Moving the ball well and able to get open looks, the visitors made BC pay the price. They also did it defensively really forcing the Lions to the perimeter. Part of the issue may have been due to nerves with the Brooklyn hosts stagnant on offense- forcing too many quick shots which played right into St. Ann’s hands.

After they stretched the lead to eight, Giovino used a timeout trying to settle down his club. The good news is they only allowed three points. The bad was t they didn’t break the shutout, ending the forgettable quarter with a goose egg. While they walked back to the bench mystified, every St. Ann’s player were up cheering with the leader pointing out the obvious:

“We shut them out.“

Even more support from a couple of Varsity girls who play their PSAA playoff semifinal later today at Evangel Christian couldn’t shake the young Lions out of the doldrums. Despite a better start to the second quarter that featured four in a row thanks to a nice Mike Andria finish and an offensive Dondre Benson put back, Berkeley Carroll couldn’t sustain it scoring only five more for nine points at halftime.

Getting timely perimeter shooting including a couple of three-point daggers, St. Ann’s turned it around outscoring BC 14-5 to take a commanding 16-point cushion into intermission.

While the much happier road team stayed on the court, a fiery Giovino laid into his guys downstairs, urging them to play with more intensity. The plea worked as a different bunch of Lions showed, finally pushing back against the guests. Playing much more aggressively on both ends, they immediately got the first four cutting the deficit to a cool dozen. Benson was more assertive offensively and every BC player guarded with intensity, scrapping for every loose ball which led to turnovers. In particular, Andria was a beast getting the uniform dirty. His sheer determination resulted in steals, firing up the bench.

Giovino also inserted both Anthony Spina and Will Perry, who each provided sparks with Perry committing at least half a dozen thefts and Spina picking up the offensive slack with a few big hoops that got BC within single digits. Max Jens also came off the bench and scored immediately, generating enthusiasm.

The Lions’ relentless style helped rack up fouls. However, a key reason their comeback bid fell short was that they didn’t take advantage, missing on 13 of 17 free throws. Ultimately, falling behind by as much as 18 along with the clanks doomed them. They had a few three-point play opportunities but never converted.

St. Ann’s got a huge bucket in the closing seconds of the third off a broken play. Milo Ben Amotz came up with a steal but the Lions handed it right back, paying when the visitors’ best outside threat drained a long two increasing the margin to 29-19 with one quarter left.

Berkeley Carroll continued to force their suddenly shaky foe into mistakes. Despite that, they could only shave two points off staying within range. Going a little cold, it looked like the end was near. But a full court press paid dividends with the Lions scoring quickly to get within 35-30 with under two minutes to play. In the double bonus, they used one of two Andria freebies and a Benson put back to make it 37-33 with under a minute to go.

With a crowd that also included prepping varsity baseball players and a few varsity boys hoops as well, they forced another miscue, getting the ball back with 37.5 ticks remaining. But after a St. Ann’s timeout, Benson forced a prayer that turned it back over. Forced to foul, they put the guests’ center at the line. Even with a few silly girls trying to distract him, he coolly sank a pair for 39-33.

Following another wild miss, Ben Amotz fouled one last time with 3.2 left. After two misses, they got the ball to Spina, whose 25-footer swished at the buzzer for the disappointing final score. One they’d rather forget until next Fall.

Note: The girls varsity visits Evangel Christian, who edged them in the only meeting at Park Slope 35-33. Coach Morgan Sevigny’s crew were shorthanded, minus leading scorer Keyanka Bailey, who’ll be a go tomorrow with tipoff at the Queens school’s gym set for 3:45 PM. If they advance, the PSAA championship is Thursday.

While T-Mac scored big in his Knick debut, Eddie House impressed as well.

Of the moves Donnie Walsh pulled off at Thursday’s deadline, the one we liked the most was moving headache Nate Robinson to Beantown for sharp shooter Eddie House in a five player deal that also included a conditional second round pick. Previously, we had it as a No.1. Our sincere apologies.

Reuniting with former Suns’ coach Mike D’Antoni, the 31 year-old vet didn’t miss a beat, pumping home a season high 24 points in his trademark role off the bench. While bigger pickup Tracy McGrady wowed the Garden with 19 of 26 in a splendid first half, all Fast Eddie did was go an efficient 8-of-14 from the floor bombing away from the outside. That included four from downtown with the well traveled Berkeley, California native using his quick release to hurt the Thunder. One instance saw him sink an off balance jumper inside the key.

Smooth stuff from a player on his ninth different team over 10 years. Something MSG hoop analyst Walt “Clyde” Frazier couldn’t figure out why. Neither can we. No matter what uniform he puts on, House provides a reliable perimeter threat who’s not afraid to take the big shot. In a league where accurate outside shooting ain’t what it used to be, the career 39.5 three-point bomber (41.3 overall) is a nice commodity. He drained some big shots during the Celtics’ run to the title two years ago.

Most admirable is he’s a pro who gets the job done. Fans shouldn’t expect him to see as much PT as last night’s 36-plus- also a season best. However, he certainly showed off the whole repertoire even making a perfect dish to a cutting T-Mac for an easy lay-in during crunch time. The man also was a perfect 4-of-4 from the line. Something not uncommon for a consistent shooter.

Knick fans will enjoy McGrady as evidenced by the “We Want T-Mac, We Want T-Mac, We Want T-Mac” chants when the 29 year-old All-Star didn’t go much down the stretch due to having no legs. An honest answer from a prideful player hoping to salvage his career. Hopefully, it has a happy ending. If it works out, great. Hopefully, T-Mac stays and lures a max player or two to the biggest stage.

Fast Eddie should come along for the ride.

Will Donnie Walsh's big gamble land LeBron or D-Wade this summer?

So, the Knicks did what they had to do clearing enough space to ready for this summer and chase the dream LeBron and D-Wade. That’s all well and fine moving forward for a dysfunctional franchise that hasn’t been taken seriously for a decade. Maybe Donnie Walsh will luck out. He’s essentially throwing all his eggs in one basket, sacrificing future No.1 picks (’11, ’12) and draft flop Jordan Hill in a desperate attempt to lure King James to Broadway.

Will it work? You probably have a better shot at dating Ana Ivanovic. James, Wade and other prospective big names Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire have to decide what’s best for their careers. With a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Knick roster, can they win right away in the Big Apple? A pro outlook would be that young guns Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler are solid ballers who should only improve. Adding T-Mac who’s off to a decent start in his Orange and Blue debut donning Starbury’s No.3, is low risk. If he performs, maybe they convince him to stay thinking he can convince a couple of big names to team up. Whatever happens, McGrady’s contract comes off regardless.

Adding long distance threat Eddie House to the mix is wise as he’s proven it in the spotlight helping the Celtics to an NBA title. The 31 year-old 10-year vet will be a perfect fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system. Hey. They rid themselves of self-serving Nate Robinson, who despite talent needed a change of scenery. Perhaps going to Beantown under Doc Rivers with demanding stars KG and Paul Pierce will pay off as Boston takes another run at the brass ring. Good luck! An added bonus for Walsh is that he got a No.1 pick conditional second rounder back for a player who was a team headache and wasn’t returning. Big ups for the former Pacer executive.

What about “Mr. Double Double” David Lee?!?!?!?!?! No question the late No.1 pick under Lord Isiah has been a good pro earning his first All-Star appearance even if it was due to injury. It’s hard not to admire the 26 year-old former Gator who’s improved every year. The undersized starting center gets 20.1 pPG and 11.5 rebounds along with a career high 3.5 assists. All excellent numbers which make him a staple of D’Antoni’s offense. However, he can’t play a lick of D frequently getting beat up inside. Unfortunately, playing out of position against stiffer competition has its drawbacks. He’ll be a free agent again after the season looking for a nice raise. Last year, there wasn’t any market. So, he stayed put and has been a good soldier. As sufficient as he is offensively, it’s doubtful the Knicks re-sign him.

Let’s say they land LeBron or Wade. Would Lee take less to stay or does he move on? Buyers also might ask if he’s a product of the system. Valid question. Honestly, he would be better served on a team boasting a legit big which would alleviate pressure.

Based on what we’ve seen from McGrady, who’s got a team high 19 along with three dimes in the first half versus Kevin Durant and the Thunder, he’s shown flashes- finishing strong scoring the last five on a trey from the left key plus a bucket putting the Knicks on top 57-52 at the break. He’s 7-of-12 from the field with a trey and 4-of-4 from the line in 17-plus. A nice debut yet there’s still two more quarters to go. At the opening press conference, he did indicate he’d consider taking less if they could land a big fish. But let’s also remember this is a former top star playing for a contract, who’s back from microfracture surgery with his career at stake. In short, he has to do what’s best for T-Mac.

If there’s a negative, it’s that both Gallinari and Chandler hardly touched the ball, combining for only six points in the opening 24 minutes. Not what you want to see. Sergio Rodriguez and Chris Duhon both have goose eggs with just three assists. For as much attention as what the organization has done for the Class of 2010, the glaring weaknesses of no true PG or center are still apparent. Unless Spanish Chocolate or MIA Tony Douglas prove otherwise, that’s a huge hole.

Walsh also failed to move Al Harrington, who’s still in the rotation. Sure. The former St. Patrick’s star has been a solid Knick putting up respectable numbers. But he’s taking away minutes from a kid. Al’s not part of the future. So, it doesn’t make much sense.

Then again, it’s easy to forget that the franchise is still run by Jazzy Jim. One thing that’s lost is that Dolan wants the big names to make the team a hot ticket. He doesn’t necessarily care about winning championships. It still will be intriguing to see how the big summer plays out. For now, the offensive-minded Knicks play out the string with few part of the plan.

We’ll see if the big gamble pays off.

PARK SLOPE, BK-It ended well for the Berkeley Carroll Lady Lions, who posted a 37-15 win over LREI in their home finale at the Athletic Center in Park Slope Friday afternoon. Originally slated for last Wednesday, the blizzard which dumped over a foot of snow forced them to reschedule.

A day removed from a tough 12-point loss to Dwight, Coach Morgan Sevigny’s club rebounded for their seventh win, concluding the regular portion of the season on a high note. Ironically, BC played the role of Dwight using experience to overwhelm a younger opponent. That they’re young themselves with everyone expected back next Fall speaks highly of the program’s future.

All five starters got on the score sheet with junior Keyanka Bailey pacing everyone with 11. The school’s top scorer led a balanced attack that included nine apiece from Tess Salvatore and Sarah Paller while sidekicks Morgo Miller (6 Pts) and Olivia Wilson (2 Pts) contributed as well.

Though they were clearly superior, Berkeley Carroll still had to overcome a three minute first quarter lull. After getting out quickly, they allowed LREI to run off six straight falling behind 8-7 with a minute left. But before the quarter ended, Bailey scored four in a row including a steal and coast to coast finish prior to the buzzer.

From there, it was smooth sailing for the Brooklyn hosts who after permitting four hoops in the opening eight, gave up only three the rest of the way. In fact, they outscored Little Red School 30-7 after trailing just once. Afterwards, Sevigny duly noted how sometimes, teams play down to opponents. Bailey’s timely hoops helped stem the tide as the Lady Lions executed better to cruise.

Playing tenacious defense, BC forced their bewildered foe into quite a few turnovers. In a second quarter which they outscored LREI 8-3, the Varsity girls passed the challenge, moving the ball efficiently. Miller hit a couple of open baseline jumpers as they took a 19-11 lead into the break.

They got even better in a dominant third, getting the first half dozen to open up a 14-point cushion. Berkeley Carroll used their strength inside to hurt the mid-Manhattan school on the boards. Particularly, Bailey who had her way. Wilson also did a solid job scoring her deuce on a putback while recording a few steals on the opoosite end.

Paller got most of her points in the second half, draining a three along with two buckets plus one of two from the line in the late going. Salvatore also had a solid day canning three treys, including a pair over the final 16 minutes. The pesky point guard also played standout defense as did the rest of her teammates. As they pulled away, Sevigny wisely subbed in and out for Bailey, who was banged up yesterday. The second-year coach managed her starters well, giving valuable experience to Gianni LaTange and other players off the bench.

Before she departed, Bailey went for a three-point play. With Tuesday’s PSAA playoff semifinal coming up at Evangel Christian, there was little reason to keep her in. Especially when she got hit a few times under the basket without many fouls called. Better to be safe than sorry with their best player, who missed a two-point loss last month to the same opponent.

With Bailey out, Paller scored her best bucket on a nifty crossover stepback drawing ooohs and ahhhs from the bench. As time wound down, LREI made its seventh shot from the field. The Lady Lions finally ran the clock out for the 22-point victory.

Notes: Game time for BC’s semi rematch at Evangel Christian is 3:45 PM Tuesday in Queens. … It was the first time Sevigny had a full bench all year. … In their final tuneup before a Monday playoff quarter, the JV Boys took on UNIS. With coach Carmine Giovino out a second straight game, Walter Paller ran the show a day after Joe Wood guided them to triumph. … Start time for the JV quarter is 4:30 PM Monday.

PARK SLOPE, BK-The Winter Games have started with rapid fire over in Vancouver, generating plenty of excitement when NBC isn’t screwing over viewers. While many dramas unfold in British Columbia, there was a different kind much closer to home over in The Slope off President Street between sixth and seventh Avenue.

Indeed, the final hoops doubleheader of a hectic season took place with the Berkeley Carroll Girls Varsity and the JV Boys splitting in two entertaining games at the Athletic Center. The action was spontaneous with each game having their own storyline that gave loyal supporters plenty to cheer for.

In the first game, the Lady Lions fought hard but came up a little short losing to ACIS league rival Dwight 41-29. Second-year coach Morgan Sevigny’s club got off to a decent start trading baskets with their more experienced foe. One issue was their opponent’s size. Top scorer Keyanka Bailey had her hands full against a trio that made her and teammates work. Thanks to a Morgo Miller bucket, they still led 7-6 in a low scoring first quarter in which both schools misfired and turned the ball over.

With BC paying close attention to Dwight’s dangerous junior scoring guard, it eventually led to open looks for the Upper Manhattan school who turned a poor shooting close half around. They went on a 14-2 run to take a comfortable 20-9 lead into the break. But as they have all season, the Lady Lions responded quickly with a three-point barrage. Tess Salvatore finally hit from downtown and Bailey- who earlier spent most of the second on the bench due to a turned ankle- nailed a couple as well as BC went on a 12-2 run slicing the deficit to 22-18.

The swing in momentum forced Dwight to call for time and regroup. They did with their speedy junior guard setting up a teammate for three consecutive baskets, pushing it back to 10. Bailey, who scored more than half her team high 17 in the second half, kept them in it with another trey as did first-year starter Sarah Paller. They still trailed by eight thanks to a three from Dwight’s leading scorer who finished with 20. Plus she set up her open floor mate again for an easy deuce.

Despite a few sloppy turnovers due in large part to the defense they faced, the younger Berkeley Carroll squad played hard nosed D themselves to stay afloat, getting a couple of steals from Olivia Wilson along with a Bailey theft and sweet finish. Another trifecta from Salvatore cut it to 35-29 with four and change left. However, they couldn’t draw any nearer despite forcing Dwight into a miscue.

Instead, the bitter rival who BC came back to stun for the league title a few years back finished strong, running off the final six to win by a dozen.

The back end of the double was just as fun with AD Joe Wood subbing for coach Carmine Giovino with success as his boys held off St. Ann’s 49-44. Minus their emotional leader, the JV did just fine with Wood, who coaches a strong BC middle school girls team, doing an admirable job. He even got help from Varsity player Adam Kochman, who scored 11 in a five-point road defeat at St. Ann’s.

Thanks to some hot shooting from new starter Blaise Cohen, the Lions came out quickly, taking an early 9-4 lead. Cohen scored six of his eight in the opening stanza, including three in succession. Though they fell behind early, St. Ann’s hung around thanks to plenty of finish from the game’s leading scorer, who got most of his 20 inside the paint. Berkeley Carroll had a tough time containing him.

They also got a few inside baskets from another starter. Following a strong start, Wood’s club struggled with their opponent’s full court pressure, turning the ball over. While St. Ann’s took advantage suddenly using an 8-0 spurt to surge ahead 18-17, the Lions were a little unnerved taking a few quick shots. However, a nice finish from sixth man Anthony Spina helped them stay ahead at the half.

After intermission, Berkeley Carroll built the lead back up with both Dondre Benson and Milo Ben Amotz going to work. Benson got more than half his team best 13 and Ben Amotz, who hit from downtown, chipped in with 11 including a nice finish for a three-point play earlier.

A big plus for Wood’s crew was that seven different players factored in with both Spina and Cohen each netting eight. The prideful Lions AD also subbed people in and out, keeping his guys fresh. When it got tight in the final frame, he used a timeout to restore order. The Lions also switched to a tight 2-3 zone packing it in against a team that didn’t have any perimeter threats. With the exception of a couple of instances, the strategic change paid dividends, allowing them to preserve a four-point lead.

With St. Ann’s putting on large halfcourt pressure, Spina recovered in time to help set up the biggest hoop of the game from Mike Andria, who made his two count with an easy finish for 44-38. Some sweet dishing allowed Benson to extend to eight. From there, they held their feisty opponent off earning a win to conclude the regular season.

Notes: Duncan Hardy and Will Perry also made the scoresheet with key baskets. … Depending on where they finished, the Lions could host a playoff quarterfinal next Monday. … The Lady Lions conclude the regular season by making up last week’s snowout versus L.R.E.I. tomorrow afternoon with tipoff at 4 PM.

It’s late Sunday night on President’s weekend. Black history month. And all in the brain playing over and over is the classic Nas hit “Hate Me Now,” featuring P Diddy off I Am… back in 1999.

Great song and better video featuring Nasir Jones carrying a crucifix and being tied to it while haters toss objects at the recreated Jesus scene. Pretty crazy intense as he disses them the only way the man from Queensbridge knows how. With epic poetry in motion.

Don’t hate me, hate the money I see, clothes that I buy
Ice that I wear, clothes that I try, close your eyes
Picture me rollin, sixes, money foldin
Bitches honies that swollen to riches, Nas get in ya
Most critically acclaimed Pulitzer, prize winner
Best storyteller thug narrator my style’s greater
Model dater, big threat to a lot of you haters
Commentators ringside try watchin my paper
Almost a decade, quite impressive
Most of the best is in the essence
for this rap shit that I stand for
Expandin more to the big screen, Bill Gates dreams
But it seems you’d rather see me in jail with state greens
Want me off the scene fast, but good things last
like your favorite MC still makin some mean cash
First rapper to bring a platinum plaque, back to the projects
but you still wanna hate, be my guest, I suggest

You wanna hate me then hate me; what can I do
but keep gettin money, funny I was just like you
I had to hustle hard never give up, until I made it
Now y’all sayin that’s a clever nigga, nuttin to play with
Hate on me, I blew but I’m the same ol G
People warn me, when you’re on top there’s envy
Took my niggas out the hood, but you doubt on us
Sayin we left the hood but can’t get it out of us
My bad, should I step out my shoes, give ‘em to you?
Here’s my cars and my house, you can live in that too
Criticize when I flow for the streets, hate my dress code
Gucci this, Fendi that, what you expect hoe?
Nickname Esco’, took this game to its threshold
Best flow I bet the whole U.S. know
Try to make it like you the realest, but who the illest?
Think we all know the answer to that, cause niggas feel this right

It’s a thin line between paper and hate
friends and snakes, nine millis and thirty-eights
Hell or the pearly gates; I was destined to come
Predicted, blame God, he blew breath in my lungs
Second to none, wicked turn wives to widows
Shoot through satin pillows, the desolate one
Took a little time to claim my spot
Chairman of the board until this game stop, and I side with the Lord
Ride for the cause while drivin niggas shot at my doors
Plottin I’m sure to catch me with they glocks to my jaws
Tried, stickin me up, but I flipped on these ducks (you tried)
Instead of me, ambulances were picking them up (that’s what you get)
Niggas fear what they don’t understand, hate what they can’t conquer
Guess it’s just the fury of man
Became a monster, on top of the world, never fallin
I’m as real as they come, from day one, forever ballin
C’mon

PARK SLOPE, BK-They might have come up just short in Friday’s heartbreaking 53-51 home finale against L.R.E.I. But for the five seniors who played their last Varsity hoops game for Berkeley Carroll at the Athletic Center in The Slope, there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Instead, they should hold their heads high in what amounted to an inspired second half comeback that left proud parents giving them a nice sendoff on Senior Day. In what’s been a trying season for the Lions who’ve been decimated by injuries, Coach Mike Kubera’s eight-man squad battled to the buzzer against another deeper opponent that just hung on for the win.

For much of the first half, it looked like the visitors from Manhattan were on the verge of blowing Berkeley Carroll out of the gym. However, plenty of leadership was shown from captain John O’Shaughnessy and his four senior teammates Sean Cunningham, Nate Barr, Walker Harrison and Paul Bendernagel, who all started. Each contributed on both ends of the floor as the Lions clawed back from a large double digit deficit to make it a game. While the veteran of the club O’Shaughnessy showed his usual scrappiness inside scoring and fighting for every rebound, Cunningham heated up in the second quarter, hitting a triple and netting seven of 18 to cut the deficit to 29-20.  But a couple of late three-point daggers stretched LREI’s lead back to 15 at the half.

At halftime, the Lions honored each senior with great words said by Kubera and his assistant on how much they’ve all meant to the program. The traditional flowers were presented to players and family members who stayed to take pictures. Plenty of Kodak memories that will last a lifetime.

Perhaps the longer than usual break helped because the guys wearing the home white and maroon jerseys came out on fire. Getting contributions from everyone including underclassmen Adam Kochman (5 Pts), Joe Martinez and Jesse Chalfin, BC quickly got the deficit into single digits.

Cunningham continued to score, finishing in transition and hitting from downtown. Both O’Shaughnessy who got into foul trouble- and Harrison did the grunt work, fighting for every loose ball. Each went over double digits on the glass, drawing plenty of fouls. The Lions played great defense, really closing the lane and limiting perimeter opportunities for LREI’s shooters who did most of their damage early.

With a few players on the road club foul plagued, momentum was with Berkeley Carroll. Even when a tough call (charge) went against a disappointed Barr in the final quarter, the Lions never gave up. L.R.E.I. never could put them away with Kubera’s bunch staying within striking distance. BC got plenty of second and third chances with everyone crashing the basket. Most came from Harrison and O’Shaughnessy, who was a beast in his final home quarter scoring 11 of his 18, including a big three-point play and a few from the charity stripe. Harrison- who returned to the court following two years off to concentrate on helping the Lions win a championship behind the plate- finished with five. Though he missed a few chippies, his effort was extraordinary, including a charge taken even if a bit of a break.

Kochman, who likely will be a full-time starter this Fall nailed a trey from the left corner drawing BC even closer. For most of the day, Barr couldn’t get untracked but continued to excel defensively coming up with steals as did the rest of his senior ‘mates. However, he finally got a jumper to go and added a free throw. Speaking of which, if there was one area the Lions could’ve done better at, it was at the line where some key misses hurt in crunch time.

Even when LREI seemed to have it put away up four with under 45 seconds left, the pesky Lions stayed alive thanks to a wild sequence that saw O’Shaughnessy finish cutting it to 53-51 with time to spare. They quickly fouled and got feint hope when a player missed a pair. But with under three ticks left, all Harrison who rebounded the ball could do was launch a desperation heave that didn’t hit its destined target.

When the buzzer sounded, those who supported the Lions from start to finish cheered the effort. Even if the final score said they lost, it didn’t feel like it. On Friday, there were only winners.

Notes: Cunningham and O’Shaughnessy combined for 36 of BC’s 51 points with Harrison (5), Barr (3) and Bendernagel (2) all on the scoresheet. … Due to last Wednesday’s blizzard that dumped over a foot of snow in the metro area, the game was a makeup.

… This Friday, the Lady Lions tilt versus L.R.E.I will be made up as well. They’ll also take on ACIS league rival Dwight Thursday in the first of a doubleheader featuring Coach Carmine Giovino’s JV hosting St. Ann’s in a possible playoff preview. … The Boys Varsity conclude their season the same day at St. Ann’s.