Furious Knick rally bodes well

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Derek Felix

Maybe it will work after all in the Big Apple for ‘Melo and Amar’e. That’s because the overlooked star in the much hyped blockbuster trade at last week’s NBA deadline, Chauncey Billups has shown up ready to ball.

In three games thus far, it’s Mr. Big Shot’s leadership and intangibles that have stood out. After nearly carrying his new team to victory in Cleveland, Billups once again stepped up in crunch time- helping the orange and blue stun the Big Three and the rest of the Heat 91-86 last night in South Beach. For most of the first half, it looked like the new Knicks just weren’t in Miami’s league. Then, down by 15 with nothing going right, they stunned the Heat with a 16-0 run closing the half up one courtesy of Bill Walker’s playground three-point banker.

Just like that, the Knicks led 51-50. However, it didn’t last long as the Heat reestablished momentum by coming out with a 10-2 run. They led for most of the night and were in good position to make it three for four on the season against Mike D’Antoni’s guys. The difference was they played D-Fence, apparently heeding my text message I sent to a few buddies prior to getting back in it.

On a night Amar’e Stoudemire had a workman like 16 and 10 boards, it was the play of Carmelo Anthony along with ex-Nugget running ‘mate Billups who rode the Knicks to victory. Taking over down the stretch with their team trailing 84-78 with a few minutes left, ‘Melo and Billups made all the winning plays to stun LeBron, D-Wade and Chris Bosh. Anthony sank a pair of free throws to cut it to four and then Billups hit a tough runner which he was fouled on. But the Knicks didn’t get calls all night. So, they were down two.

After another stop, here came the biggest sequence when Billups held the ball as Stoudemire got position. With Wade plkaying off him in case of the double, it gave Mr. Big Shot enough room to fire a deep trey that hit nothing but net. Just like that:

KNICKS 85 HEAT 84

It became even better when Billups stole the ball from LeBron and set up trailer Shawne Williams, who after missing the gimme, made both free throws to put them up three. The Knicks had run off nine straight until LeBron’s hard drive allowed him to hit two freebies while being booed at the line by a strong New York contingent. The Heat don’t have fans. Just frauds who couldn’t even fill up the empties close to courtside. Between their cheesy PA announcer urging them on and how quiet it was all game in primetime on ESPN, you’d have mistaken it for a funeral.

Maybe that explained the final two possessions. After Williams dropped a Billups entry pass off an in-bounds with less than 13 seconds to go, Miami had a great chance to win it. Instead, Amar’e came flying in to block James’ driving lay-up, neatly pinning it against the glass to Williams, who was fouled. The Knicks’ secret shooting guard whose minutes have hiked since Danilo Gallinari’s departure, cooly sank a pair making it 89-86.

One more opportunity for the star-studded Heat to force overtime. But instead of using LeBron as a decoy and having him set up reliable deep threat Eddie House or even Mike Miller, they isolated James and he took a contested three by Anthony, which never had a chance. Two more Williams’ free throws gave the Knicks an emphatic win, responding to the misery in Cleveland that led D’Antoni to practice extra hard on D.

All in all, a step in the right direction for this new batch of superstars still getting better acquainted. The win also made the Heat 5-11 in games decided by 5-or-less. Problem for them is you can’t put the ball in everyone’s hands. For our money, Wade’s a better one-on-one player down the stretch. But now, it’s James’ team. That didn’t work in Cleveland. Will it in Miami? We’ll see.

The Knicks are back at it tomorrow against red hot Dwight Howard and the Magic. How will they deal with the big man? A great question considering the lack of a true center. It should be interesting.

New look Knicks, Same feel

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Derek Felix

Game Two of the Melo Era didn’t go as smoothly as the superstar’s home Knicks debut which included a cool separate intro with the former Syracuse standout donning the unfamiliar No.7 with the spotlight on him Broadway style. His 27 and 10 including a pair of tough shots helped his new team close out the Bucks the other night.

Instead, a reality check came for Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and Amar’e Stoudemire last night in Cleveland of all places with the Cavs outgunning the Knicks 115-110 minus new acquisition Baron Davis. Nobody said it would be all roses for these new look Knicks who still remind of that old familiar feel in Coach Mike No’D'Antoni’s run ‘n gun philosophy.

In Game Two, Melo struggled after a strong 16-point first quarter, finishing with just 11 the rest of the way, including a measly deuce in crunch time. Not what you expect from one of the game’s best finishers. However, it was partially due to Billups, who after getting zilch in the first half, exploded for 26 with 18 coming in the final stanza. Billups and Stoudemire did the bulk of the scoring, combining for 28 of the orange and blue’s 24 in the fourth.

Trouble was they couldn’t get any stops at the other end. With Melo forced to guard the bigger Antawn Jamison (28 Pts, 13 Rebs) and Stoudemire unable to contain J.J. Hickson (24 and 15, 5 Blks), the Knicks simply couldn’t get it done down the stretch against one of the NBA’s worst teams. Sure, the Cavs have produced upsets like a recent home win over the Lakers but that also was due to a long road trip due to the Grammy’s. What were the Knicks’ excuses?

One of the problems last night was the Knicks’ inability to stop Ramon Sessions’ dribble penetration with the lightning quick guard getting into the lane at will, finding open ‘mates for easy scores. Anthony Parker also hurt New York by converting some tough shots while going an efficient five of six from the field for 16 points.

Most disturbing was the edge on the glass with the Cavs dismantling the Knicks 62-42, featuring 19 offensive rebounds to our 13. One of the problems D’Antoni’s new guys will have going forward is the lack of a true starting center. Ronny Turiaf’s all heart but just isn’t capable of providing reliable minutes. Bringing in Jared Jeffries or Earl Barron probably won’t change that much. But at least it will be another fresh body.

Aside from that, D’Antoni must decide what his rotation will be with only Tony Douglas proven off the bench. Renaldo Balkman got in last night but was a step slow picking up fouls. What about Corey Brewer and is Sheldon Williams out completely?

A daunting task for the coaching staff with tough road tests at Miami tomorrow in primetime and Orlando coming up.

Packer ends Lion season to advance to league JV final

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Derek Felix

TODT HILL, SI-A good season came to a screeching halt today for the Berkeley Carroll JV Lions, who were ousted by top seeded Packer 67-30 in the ACIS semifinals at Staten Island Academy in Westerleigh. The Lions fell for the third time to their close Brooklyn rival, who advanced to the championship game where they’ll meet UNIS, who earlier held off Friends Seminary 47-44. It along with the winners of the two Varsity semis still going on will be played Monday at Poly Tech.

Unfortunately, Coach Walter Paller’s Lions will not be continuing their season due to a well balanced Packer attack that proved too much to overcome at the Tigers’ gym. It didn’t start out that way with freshman Jasper Kitchen doing all he could to give his team a chance, scoring nine of a team high 18 in the opening stanza. Kitchen beat Packer to the hoop three times for nice finishes, helping Berkeley Carroll go up by one.

But top seeded Packer closed the quarter on a 8-0 run to take an 18-11 lead. They did it by taking advantage of the Lions’ aggressive full court defense, transitioning down the floor for quick buckets. On a much bigger floor than their home turf back in Park Slope, the pressure D backfired. Instead, Packer moved the ball efficiently and used their size edge to score inside. In particular, they hurt them in the paint and on the glass, converting second and third chances.

With Kitchen trying his best to keep Coach Paller’s club aflaot by scoring seven more in an identical second period (18-11 Packer), the Lions found themselves in a 14-point hole (36-22) at the half. Complicating matters, Thursday’s hero Will Reagan struggled all day to find his shot while blowing several chippies that could’ve prevented Packer from pushing the margin into double digits. With Reagan unable to get untracked, it allowed the No.1 seed to focus on blanketing Kitchen, who eventually cooled considerably in a frustrating second half.

Josiah Murrell played a strong game finishing with eight but simply wasn’t enough to keep a smart Packer squad from getting the shots they wanted. In particular, the play of their starting point guard No.3 was pivotal due to his ability to penetrate and dish to open teammates. The unselfish guard also scored when necessary, hitting a couple of daggers from deep. While the Lions struggled to get consistent scoring, that wasn’t an issue for Packer who had four players with at least eight by intermission.

Another factor was the officiating, which allowed both teams to play, giving the longer and more physical top seeds a decisive advantage. In fact, they weren’t called for a foul until the fourth quarter. Something which infuriated Coach Paller who made it a point to ask the refs to at least call it even. Instead, the fouls were five-zip at halftime and six-zero through 24 minutes. While he and Varsity coach Carmine Giovino had a point about how it was being called, the Lions never got the kind of overall effort needed to get back in the game.

They tried but committed too many turnovers and were particularly undisciplined in the first part of the third when Packer gave them opportunities to get back in it, by taking bad shots and turning the ball over. However, Berkeley Carroll didn’t take its chance finding it difficult to score with Kitchen locked up. Eventually, Packer settled down, outscoring BC 13-6 in building a 21-point cushion after three.

The final stanza turned ugly when starting point guard Robert Graham was called for a questionable technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. The play in question was an in-bounds which saw the heart of the team throw the ball off No.11′s legs out of bounds. Normally, you maintain possession but in this instance, the referee indicated that he intentionally did it, further aggravating Paller who stuck up for Graham and got T’d up- handing Packer four free throws.

Though they only made one, the psychological damage was done. The Lions simply were unable to recover from a tough finish to the first half that allowed Packer to gain more confidence. If they were going to come back, it would’ve come in the third when their opponent took its foot off the gas pedal.

It only got worse when Graham was ejected for a flagrant foul with the ref saying he punched No.11 in the back. The situation nearly became ugly with the players almost coming to blows before being separated. At least cooler heads prevailed, allowing both benches to get in at the end with Packer putting the finishing touches on a convincing 37-point win to make the league final. They’ll try to complete an unbeaten season against UNIS Monday in the first of the double dip in Brooklyn Heights.

For the Lions, Kitchen finished with 18 while Murrell played inspired, finishing with eight. Reagan scored only four in a forgettable afternoon. They were the only three who scored with Matteo Heilbrun unable to get going and Graham shut out.

Certainly a disappointing conclusion to a good season that saw the JV Lions come together under Coach Paller after an 0-3 start. They played great down the stretch and finished 11-7 overall,, including a memorable quarterfinal rally edging Staten Island Academy in a fun game that was good for the program.

These young men should be proud of the effort they gave and take the positive experience with them for next Fall.

Lions rally past Tigers to advance to JV semis

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Derek Felix

PARK SLOPE, BK-What looked easy early on wasn’t for the Berkeley Carroll JV Lions, who rallied past the Staten Island Academy Tigers 63-60 at the Lions’ Den- advancing to the ACIS semifinals tomorrow at Todt Hill.

Coming out fast due to their trademark run ‘n gun style that produced the game’s first nine points, it looked like JV Coach Walter Paller’s hot club would blow their Staten Island opponent out of the gym. However, after a 30 second timeout in which the Tigers’ coach got on their case, Staten Island Academy settled down. Falling behind by as much as 13 with Lions’ high man Will Reagan netting 16 of a game high 25 in the first half, the Tigers methodically chipped away, climbing within nine by the end of the first 19-10.

The strong play of Lions’ duo Reagan and Jasper Kitchen boosted the Park Slope school to a 13-point lead before SIA got back in the game. Both combined for quick buckets in transition off Coach Paller’s attacking press that’s been a team staple. While Kitchen did most of his damage inside, Reagan showed a nice touch from the perimeter, nailing three triples in a big first half.

Tiger freshman James Morisano kept his club afloat with nine second quarter points. The majority came underneath where he finished off easy lay-ins, highlighting a 6-0 run. The Lions had a chance to bury the pesky Todt Hill school but never could put them away. A putback before the buzzer allowed Staten Island Academy to trail 37-30 at intermission.

Berkeley Carroll nearly paid the price with a more confident Staten Island Academy using a 19-8 third quarter to suddenly push in front by four. Much credit for the turnaround goes to leading scorer Robit Udeh, who exploded for 20 second half points on his way to 22.The streaky scorer took a page from the Lions by beating them down court for easy baskets. He also dialed long distance, nailing three from downtown, including a potential dagger from deep that gave the Tigers a 63-59 lead entering the final stanza.

Berkeley Carroll had trailed by eight before a Josiah Murrell’s first hoop woke them up. A 7-0 run cut it to one before Udeh’s long three. With the two league rivals splitting the season series, it wasn’t surprising that such an unpredictable game had a wild finish.

Urged on by a strong Lions’ home crowd, Paller’s team wouldn’t die with their season on the line. Reagan caught fire in the fourth when his teammates needed it most. He scored eight more huge points by playing aggressively. Sinking another trey along with a driving lay-ip, Reagan put the Lions back on top. But Udeh responded with a quick deuce as the teams went back and forth.

Murrell and Matteo Heilbrun each had timely buckets that pushed the Lions ahead by four. But the Tigers didn’t go away with some more hooping from Udeh, who tried to carry his team with Morisano on the bench after an undisciplined technical fouled him out of the game.

SIA also got a key putback to close to one with less than a minute to go. They then called for time. It was a one-point difference with 33.5 ticks left, which meant the shot clock was off. So, the Tigers had to foul. Instead, they didn’t come after Coach Paller’s club. In the huddle, the unique coach who once guided the Girls Varsity to a league championship told his players not to be afraid to score. As fate had it, floor general Robert Graham decided to take an uncontested three from the right key. The risky strategy paid off with it hitting nothing but net, making it 63-59 with 18 seconds remaining.

“That’s how we’ve played all year. You can’t be afraid to score,” explained a relieved Paller afterwards.

That’s cause his team drove him nuts with Reagan committing a silly foul that put one of the Tigers at the line for three free throws. After splitting the first two, he missed the third with the ball bouncing right to a Tiger, who then found an open teammate for a last second three. But their prayers weren’t answered as it hit the back of the rim, allowing the Lions to escape with an exciting 63-60 come from behind win.

“That would’ve been one of the worst losses of the season,” Paller told his club who plays on tomorrow at 12:30 on the Tigers floor in Staten Island. Instead, they’ll look to advance to the championship game with tough Brooklyn rival Packer standing in the way.

It should be a good game. Be there.

Melo vs Deron

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Derek Felix

Who is the better superstar? It looks like we’re about to find out. A couple of days after the Knicks closed their long awaited blockbuster trade with the Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony, the Nets responded by making one of their own, acquiring Deron Williams from the Jazz earlier today.

Both are two top 10 players you build your franchise around. Though the Knicks are further along with Melo set to team with Amar’e Stoudemire beginning tonight in what will be a circus-like atmosphere at Madison Square Garden when the orange and blue host the Bucks on Legends Night. Yep. Talk about great timing. The likes of Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and popular Knick John Starks will all be in the building for Day One of Melo Madness. The Knicks’ new savior is being introduced now at a gala press conference.

So, did Jazzy Jim overpay for Melo? Is water wet? Is the sky blue? Is the price of gasoline insane? Of course, the foolish MSG owner panicked when the Nets played poker, making Denver a better offer chock full of potential lottery picks along with last year’s first rounder Derrick Favors and Devin Harris. Ironically, that same package wound up in Salt Lake City for Williams, who is arguably the best point guard in the league though we prefer Rajon Rondo.

What’s better to have? A franchise point guard or two of the best finishers along with a championship proven floor general in Chauncey Billups? It all depends on who you root for. The Nets are clearly in rebuilding mode, having also dumped Troy Murphy on Golden State for Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric. With Williams ready to team with center Brooke Lopez despite being unhappy after forcing Jerry Sloan into retirement, the Nets become much better. They now have one of the best one’s in the game who makes others around him better. But is he a coach killer? The Nets and quirky Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov hope not. Avery Johnson is a good coach who knows what it takes to go deep into the playoffs. He may not be as demanding as Sloan but is cut out of the same mold.

The Nets risked three first round picks with potential lottery value for an unhappy player who isn’t signed after 2012. Will the gamble pay off? They must get Williams to buy into their plan for the future. Figure Dwight Howard to be at the top of the list.

While the Nets’ future remains cloudy, the Knicks coughed up half of MSG for the self-serving Melo. Sure. He’s one of the premier scorers in the game, able to beat opponents inside and out better than LeBron James, who too often drifts to the perimeter. Anthony is great at getting to the line and will relieve pressure from Stoudemire, who’s had to carry the load for the 28-26 Knicks, who sit sixth in the East. If Billups buys in to Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun system, then it will work. But it’s hard to see a half court veteran who likes playing D fitting in. The subtraction of a younger and faster Ray Felton might hinder the Knicks if Billups isn’t happy.

Anthony doesn’t play much defense and neither does Amar’e, who at least can block shots as will injury prone new starting center Ronny Turiaf. While a top four of Billups, Melo, Amar’e and bright rookie Landry Fields is great, questions linger about their bench. Sure. No ‘D’ uses a thin rotation, which can force his stars to play mega minutes. But without a reliable bench, there’s little shot at winning anything. Even if the time table isn’t to challenge for a championship now, you know Knick fans’ expectations have increased. No longer is it only about making the playoffs but seeing how far this star-laden team can go. All contingent on the chemistry on and off the court.

Gone are baby faces Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler who were part of the 13-player monster trade that also involved the Timberwolves who took Eddy Curry and bust Anthony Randolph for key piece Corey Brewer. Figure Brewer to get some minutes under D’Antoni. Also gone are Felton and Russian big Timofey Mozgov, who the organization was reluctant to part with. That all changed once Dolan stepped in with rival Prokhorov looming.

This is a turf war. Especially with the future of the Nets in Brooklyn, who have strong basketball roots. So, the Knicks coughed up the kitchen sink including a 2014 first round pick, two second rounders plus cash just to deliver Anthony here along with Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams and former Knick draft pick Renaldo Balkman, who makes his triumphant return. What Knick fan isn’t excited about that?!?!?!?! And Balkman plays D and is a bundle of energy. Play him No ‘D!’

So, who wins? We won’t know for a while. The Knicks are further along in terms of contending now that they got two superstars. But the Celtics, Heat and Bulls are still ahead. It won’t be easy but it sure will be exciting to watch. Even if this blogger hated how much they parted with, how can you not get pumped up for this?

Knicks versus Nets never had more meaning. Melo vs Deron. Who will rule NYC first? Just wait and see.

Dwight too much for Lions in season finale

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Derek Felix

PARK SLOPE, BK- In their previous meeting, first-year coach Carmine Giovino’s Berkeley Carroll Lions gave three-time defending champ Dwight all they wanted before the more experienced Manhattan rival won by double digits. Perhaps that close call had Dwight coach Matt Lewis on alert as his club turned a close game into a comfortable 57-32 blowout win over the playoff bound Lions at the BC gym in Park Slope Friday.

The undersized Lions had no answer for Dwight’s big center who paced everyone with 26 and double figures on the glass for a double/double. He had plenty of help from the senior point guard who was instrumental during a 12-2 run in the third quarter following a technical on Giovino for arguing a call. At that point, the Lions trailed 30-19 with five and a half minutes to go in the pivotal stanza. With a loud Berkeley Carroll crowd getting on him at the free throw line where he had four free throws due to a foul and the tech, he missed the first three drawing cheers. Clearly amused by the situation, he sank the next one and then promptly took over, scoring three big buckets in succession to boost Dwight to a 19-point cushion.

During the run, the Lions struggled from the field due to tight defense from their well schooled opponent who didn’t allow them the same looks they got in the first meeting two weeks ago. With Dwight extending out on D, it limited Berkeley Carroll’s long range game- forcing shooters to put the ball on the floor and take tough shots with the shot clock running down.

While Berkeley Carroll was working extra hard just to get good looks, Dwight used a high pick n’ roll to perfection between their two best players. The strategy paid off late in the second quarter allowing them to open up a nine-point lead (29-20) at the half. Prior, Coach Giovino’s hard working crew were right in it playing stellar D in a low scoring first quarter that saw neither team hit double digits. Despite giving away so much length inside for easy baskets, they found a way to hang in thanks to a few nifty driving scores from freshman leading scorer Shane Pearley, who paced them with 12.

Unfortunately, Pearley was the only consistent offense on what amounted to a frustrating final day of the regular season. Junior Joe Longo was moved back into the starting lineup but ran into foul problems after hitting a couple of free throws. The fouls limited his production with the crafty point guard held to only four while spending too much time on the bench after debating an offensive foul with the refs.

Adam Kochman couldn’t get untracked, misfiring on an open three from the right corner and Cole Kitchen also had a tough game- showing his frustration during one defensive sequence. Dwight also did a better job on Pearley in the second half, which allowed them to pull away. The point guard made a pair of tough jumpers with the clock running out and the center not only hurt the Lions inside but even sank two mid-range jumpers.

Another Dwight starter hurt Berkeley Carroll from the outside by sticking two of his three trifectas during the lopsided third quarter in which they held the Lions to five points. A once close game turned into a 29-point deficit when the road team who were really playing their final home game came out with the same intensity at the start of the fourth quarter.

With nothing to gain moving forward, Coach Giovino pulled his starters and gave Duncan Hardy, Max Jens, Ian Miller, Milo Ben-Amotz and Jesse Chalfin the bulk of the minutes. Each played well with Miller scoring five including one from downtown while Jens executed off a high roll for an easy lay-up, earning praise from Giovino.

They helped make the score a little more respectable in an otherwise forgettable day for the Park Slope school. Now, they must put it behind them and get ready for a tough St. Ann’s team next Thursday on the road. They’ll have to deal with another low post presence who can also step out and set up teammates featuring a high scoring guard who crushed them in the first league meeting this season.

The Lions know they’re better than how they performed yesterday and must refocus on what turned around their season to reach the playoffs. It’s all on the line next week as it will be for JV Boys Coach Walter Paller when they host a game Thursday at 4:30. It should be exciting. Don’t miss it.

Paller’s JV Lions blast Dwight

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Derek Felix

PARK SLOPE, BK-In a game that was never close, Berkeley Carroll JV coach Walter Paller saw his young Lions take apart Dwight yesterday 53-21 at the Lions’ Den in The Slope. It was another big win for his hot team who look ready for the ACIS League playoffs taking place next week.

Using a blanketing full court press which forced numerous turnovers from an overwhelmed Manhattan league rival, the Lions made short work of a playoff team they could see down the line. For whatever reason, Dwight just wasn’t prepared for Paller’s all court attack. Remarkably, they got the first basket going ahead 2-0. The rest of the first quarter saw an all out Lion blitz as they scored 19 unanswered led by top scorer freshman Jasper Kitchen. Kitchen took full advantage of Dwight miscues scoring off steals for easy lay-ups in transition. At one point, he scored nine in a row on his way to 11 points in the quarter. The future star finished with 17.

It would get no better for Dwight, who really were the home team in the second meeting after losing by 18 the first time. A team that has no home court had little advantage with the Lions getting strong support from students and faculty in the stands.

Berkeley Carroll was relentless continuing to force Dwight into errors and hurt them offensively. They outscored the navy blue and gray 18-6 highlighted by a lay-in and trey from Will Reagan. Matteo Heilbrun also got involved, nailing a triple from the left corner. Point guard Robert Graham got into the act with one from downtown and Josiah Murrell scored four of six in the frame. The Lions took a 37-8 lead into intermission with Henry Weasley coming off the bench to drain a three from the right wing at the buzzer.

The starting five of Graham, Heilbrun, Kitchen, Murrell and Reagan combined for 42 of Berkeley Carroll’s 51 through three quarters. Naturally, Coach Paller rested them the majority of the second half not wanting to run it up. The classy move allowed some of his bench to contribute with Harry Davidson and Zach Llewlyn each scoring a bucket while Benno Batall hit from downtown.

It all added up to a 32-point blowout win for a team that started 0-3. Much credit goes to Coach Paller for keeping his Lions together. But the players listened and have produced- turning around their season. They finished 10-6 and now await their first round opponent.

Varsity Makes Playoffs: After missing the playoffs last year, the Varsity Boys rallied from 18 down the other day at UNIS to qualify for the ACIS league postseason. Like the JV, first-year Coach Carmine Giovino’s Lions started out slowly- suffering some tough losses. However, despite team leader Joe Longo missing nearly two months due to an ankle injury, his together club have stuck together.

The turnaround included a remarkable fourth quarter comeback win versus rival Staten Island Academy recently. Now, they can add UNIS as well after avenging an earlier defeat at home by showing heart down the stretch in pulling out a well earned come from behind seven-point road win to make the cut. A lot of credit goes to junior Adam Kochman, who’s run an efficient offense while playing out of position for Longo. In his second year on Varsity, Kochman’s sacrificed for the good of the team by making teammates better while still scoring in crunch time when they needed it.

It’s that kind of unselfishness that epitomizes these Lions as they prepare for a rematch with Dwight tomorrow. They gave the three-time defending champs something to think about last time, playing inspired during a 13-point defeat which was a lot closer than the score indicated. With Longo rounding into shape off the bench and junior Cole Kitchen playing better, the Lions are clicking at the right time. Suddenly, they have a few options offensively with budding ninth grader Shane Pearley pacing them. Dondre Benson is also one to watch as he has the uncanny ability to make difficult shots in traffic.

There’s also freshman long range threat Ian “White Regg” Miller who if left open, can burn opponents. Giovino has also made good use out of Anthony Spina, who usually provides a lift by grabbing a offensive rebound and finishing. Jesse Chalfin also always brings tremendous energy off the bench.

Along with valuable bigs Mike Andria, Duncan Hardy and Max Jens, Coach Giovino has gotten the most out of a team without any seniors. What fans have gotten is a team that’s improved throughout the cold Winter who believe they’re never out of a game. That work ethic is one that bodes well as they get ready for the playoffs.

Evangel Christian ends Lady Lions’ season

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Derek Felix

PARK SLOPE, BK- Sometimes, sports can be cruel. It doesn’t always go your way. Such was the case for the Berkeley Carroll Lady Lions yesterday in a bitter end to their season in a PSAA semifinal loss to Evangel Christian, 48-39 in The Slope.

In a rematch of a regular season meeting they won, the Lady Lions didn’t bring their ‘A’ game. Despite a decent start, sloppy play crept up into their game- ultimately costing them a chance to face Martin Luther in tomorrow’s PSAA championship. Instead, a sharper and determined Evangel Christian senior laden group took advantage of turnovers and uncharacteristic lackluster D to advance to the final.

They were led by center Angie Arroyo, who did most of her damage in the first half on en route to a game high 15. After a tough start that saw them fall behind 12-3, the guests seized control by getting the ball inside to Arroyo who feasted for easy lay-ups. In fact, 10 of her points came in a dominant second quarter that saw Evangel Christian outscore Berkeley Carroll by 13 turning a five-point deficit into a 29-21 halftime lead. Freshman Lily Morales came off the bench scoring all seven of her points in the quarter, hitting three jumpers in succession including a triple to spark her team.

While Evangel Christian got good shots, the Lady Lions often settled with senior duo Keyanka Bailey and Tess Salvatore struggling from the perimeter. On Senior Day which saw them honored for their committment to the program, it wasn’t too memorable. Despite an inefficient day, Bailey still paced BC with 14, including a tough stepback three before the wheels fell off in the first half. Meanwhile, Salvatore misfired on several tries from the outside before finally getting one to go in the Lady Lions’ last ditch effort to pull out the semifinal.

Berkeley Carroll fell behind by 13 to an opponent they handled the first time. But as often is the case in the playoffs, the intensity picks up making past meetings irrelevant. Even though Bailey and Salvatore provided senior leadership, they were no match for a bevy of more experienced opponents who came ready from the start. Early on, Evangel Christian missed some easy chances with the rim treating them unkind. During an early timeout, their coach reminded them that they were getting more opportunities than the Brooklyn hosts. The talking to motivated his team who were superior Tuesday when it mattered most.

Overall, the Lady Lions just made too many mistakes. Though it wasn’t all negative with emerging star Sarah Paller and eighth grade sensation Courtney Bowen leading a third quarter rally. Down 12, Paller sank a couple from the outside including her second trey of the day on her way to 10. Her younger, lankier teammate was a beast on the inside combining outstanding defense on Arroyo (3 second half points) with superb work on the low box, finishing off nice set ups including on a designed inbounds off a good timeout by third-year coach Morgan Sevigny. Bowen also made three of four from the line showing a nice touch. She finished with eight, hit double digits in rebounds and a pair of blocks.

During the run, Salvatore hit from downtown and Bailey scored twice in transition to help the Lady Lions knot the score at 32. But just when momentum finally was going their way, a couple of timely buckets by Evangel Christian allowed them to stem the tide, taking a 38-34 lead after three.

In the pivotal final stanza, it came down to execution. Evangel Christian was simply better on this day. A couple of early hoops allowed them to extend to 42-34. Much like the turning point which came in the second quarter, the guests from Long Island City locked down on D, limiting Berkeley Carroll’s chances while doing enough offensively to prevail. A driving lay-in off a nice inbounds doomed the Lady Lions, who concluded a good season in disappointing fashion.

Gone are co-captains Tess Salvatore and Keyanka Bailey, who had superb careers for the Park Slope school over at Lincoln Place. Both were rewarded with Salvatore making PSAA All First Team while Bailey took League MVP. Now, it becomes Olivia Wilson’s team. The outstanding junior forward was awarded before the game top defensive player. An honor she deserved. She’ll be the lone senior on next year’s club that returns three starters including Sarah Paller and Morgo Miller, who scored her only hoop at the start of the game. The trio along with Courtney Bowen, Olivia Saleh, Becca Bender, Georgia Horton and Eleanor Pearson will be asked to do more under Coach Sevigny.

And so, a tough offseason begins wondering what might have been.

Bowen Makes Dalton: Updating this story, Courtney Bowen made Dalton. The school on the Upper East Side always hosts an early tournament each season which Berkeley Carroll has taken part in. If she decides to leave for Dalton this Fall, Bowen could see some familiar faces going up against her.

Bailey goes over 1,000 in BC win

Posted on February 12, 2011 by Derek Felix

PARK SLOPE, BK-For five years, Keyanka Bailey has given her heart and soul to the Berkeley Carroll Varsity Girls Basketball program in Park Slope. An outstanding career will soon be coming to an end with the next chapter in her life, Division III college at Meredith in North Carolina next.

Before it concludes, there’s plenty of celebrate for a dedicated player who was an integral part of the school’s only ACIS league championship five years ago in a thrilling come from behind win over Dwight at Poly Tech. Expectations were high for the then phenom who adjusted well to demanding former coach Walter Paller’s system. Never an easy thing for such a young player to do, making the leap from middle school hoops to Varsity. Somehow, Bailey managed to fit right in on a good team filled with juniors and seniors including the last Girls Varsity 1,000 point scorer Zoe Cohen (New Paltz). That team which also included Rachel Leit and Elena Levi was special, overcoming a double digit deficit to win the title. Without Bailey, it likely doesn’t come to fruition.

The maturity she demonstated on and off the court has continued throughout making her Lady Lions’ career memorable. In yesterday’s 65-45 home win over Long Island Lutheran before a packed gym, Bailey followed Cohen eclipsing 1,000 to a standing ovation and plenty of fun filled chants from cousin Andre. Needing seven points to hit the century mark, it didn’t come right away. Despite a strong first quarter from her teammates with other senior Tess Salvatore draining two three’s, Olivia Wilson rolling in a jumper, Sarah Paller banking in a long trey and Morgo Miller converting a lay-up- Bailey came out tight missing a couple of easy baskets and struggling from the line. She also picked up three fouls.

However, that wasn’t going to stop her from coming out and dominating the second quarter. Urged on by the crowd, Bailey caught fire. After scoring twice in transition, the lightning fast small forward took a rebound and dribbled past defenders for another runner, finally reaching the milestone. Rather than stop the game, coach Morgan Sevigny waited until afterwards to pay homage to her standout player.

With plenty of supporters including Bailey’s proud Mom who got so excited, she jumped on the court- it was a special day for all involved including privileged scorekeeper Derek Felix who had the best seat in the house for all five years of a brilliant career. Keyanka is a winner personified who always has a smile on her face and is ready to lead her team. We wish her nothing but the best moving forward.

After just a free throw in the opening eight minutes, Bailey scored 11 in the second as her team pulled away from a younger opponent who got solid play from an eighth grader. She hit a couple of three’s on her way to 12 points in defeat while another teammate finished strong, pacing L.I. Lutheran with 15.

While Bailey took care of business the only way she knows how (in the blink of an eye), another eighth grade sensation was having a big day of her own. Courtney Bowen came off the bench netting 10 of a career high 18 in the first half. The lanky big did most of the damage inside using her long arms to pull down offensive rebounds for easy putbacks. She also hit nothing but net on a pair of free throws, which had to be encouraging for the coaching staff. Bowen already moves well with and without the ball. She knows where to go, reminding of a younger Bailey. She hopes one day she’ll get to celebrate a similar accomplishment like the senior leader.

“It feels really good,” said an excited Bailey of reaching the milestone. “Now, I’ll definitely be remembered.”

Whether she reached 1,000 or not, it’s our vantage point that the understated Bailey would’ve always been remembered for her maturity and unselfish play getting teammates involved. What gets lost is that aside from a couple of 37-point performances, Bailey was willing to sacrifice offense for the good of the team. She also is a good passer as has been on display all season with some nifty backdoor feeds setting up open teammates. A great quality to have in life.

With Bailey scoring eight more in the third to pace Berkeley Carroll with 20, she came off to deserved cheers. In a classy move, Coach Sevigny didn’t play most of her starters in the final stanza. Instead, an evolving bench got the bulk of the minutes, faring well. They contributed 30 of the 62 with Becca Bender hitting a three and sinking a few free throws. Olivia Saleh also netted three while Eleanor Pearson added two. Mia Kellman also hit a jumper as BC won for the sixth time in seven.

Following the win, Bailey’s senior ‘mate Tess Salvatore delivered a nice speech and then presented her with flowers to a nice ovation. Bailey and Coach Sevigny took pictures which will last a lifetime. A day they’ll never forget. They’ll have another memorable game Tuesday on Senior Day. Tipoff is at 4.

BERKELEY CARROLL

Total Pts

Bailey 20, Bowen 18, Salvatore 6, Bender 5, Miller 4, Saleh 3, Paller 3, Wilson 2, Kellman 2, Pearson 2

Kitchen carries Lions to third straight win

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Derek Felix

PARK SLOPE, BK-This time, it didn’t come easy for Coach Walter Paller’s Berkeley Carroll JV. Playing for a third consecutive day, they ran into stiff competition against Claremont Prep. Despite a challenging year that’s seen the kids from Wall Street only produce three wins, a shorthanded club gave the Lions all they could handle yesterday at the BC home gym in Brooklyn.

Nothing separated the teams during an ultra competitive first half that saw Prep take the lead thanks to solid D and some strong play from their leading scorer. When they surged ahead by eight, it looked like tired legs might prevent Paller’s club from winning for a third straight day. But Jasper Kitchen had other ideas. The freshman guard exploded for 18 second half points including a 12-point barrage turning the third quarter around. At one point, the streaky Lions’ leading scorer scored 10 points in a row- sandwiching a pair of nifty driving lay-ins around two trifectas.

Kitchen’s big second half turned the game around as teammates followed suit in a strong fourth quarter- pulling away for a 59-47 home win. He paced all scorers with 30, accounting for more than half BC’s total. Will Reagan chipped in with 12 and the Lions got inspired play from starting trio Robert Graham, Matteo Heilbrun and Josiah Murrell, who all finished the game strong.

While much of the focus was on Kitchen for his theatrics, Paller’s JV doesn’t win without the contributions of the other three along with Harry Davidson, who came off the bench to provide a lift. He got important minutes down the stretch, playing solid defense that led to a few steals and making smart plays that set up scores.

It was that kind of hustle that allowed Berkeley Carroll to prevail after a lackluster first half put their win streak in jeopardy. Much credit must go out to Claremont Prep who had only six players but gave the Lions all they could handle. The Wall Street school did a good job guarding the perimeter and used balanced scoring to take early control. With the shots not falling for BC, they found themselves in the kind of game they should expect in the playoffs.

Unable to score in transition, the Lions had to adjust. When Kitchen got hot, it allowed them to finally press which turned the contest around. Finally able to force a few turnovers, Berkeley Carroll pounced with Kitchen the beneficiary. He connected twice from downtown and made like the flash through Claremont defenders for easy buckets. The ninth grade phenom also was money at the line sinking at least four to further damage their pesky foe.

Coach Paller was pleased with the performances of Kitchen’s teammates who elevated their play during a dominant final stanza that saw them outscore Claremont Prep 20-7 turning a one-point deficit into a 12-point win. Graham had a couple of strong driving lay-ups drawing contact. He also looked for his shot, just missing on an open three that went in and out.

Both Heilbrun and Murrell were each shutout the first three quarters but sprung to life when their team needed them most, combining for eight points. They each finished close to the basket, swinging the momentum. Reagan and Kitchen also chipped in as did three-point specialist Mike Dosik, who drained one three from the right wing in the second half.

It was the second time in three days the Lions stepped up in the fourth quarter. They also pulled away from Staten Island Academy earlier this week in similar fashion. In the playoffs, most games are decided in crunch time. Paller’s club passed the test this week. We’ll see if they’re ready for prime time.

Girls host LI Lutheran Tomorrow: The Lady Lions return home tomorrow to take on Long Island Lutheran. They defeated the perennial power last year. Coach Morgan Sevigny’s ladies will be looking to put an ACIS blowout semi loss to SIA behind them in one of the final games for senior leaders Tess Salvatore and Keyanka Bailey. Tipoff is 4:30.

Hitting Back :: A New York Sports Blog

Hitting Back is something I came up with a while back. It's a way to give my take on what's happening in the sports world. Not limited to just that, I also love chiming in on hot music videos as well as other rock news. This gives me a platform to express myself. Hit back at me anytime!

Monthly Archives: February 2011