PARK SLOPE, BK-All season long, Olivia Wilson has carried the burden for Berkeley Carroll. The lone senior on a young Lady Lions squad has led by example by taking on all comers. No matter the competition, she only knows one way to play, which is all out.

That’s why today was such a big day for the BC captain, who was honored on Senior Day by coaches and teammates, who appreciated her effort. Aside from being the school’s leading scorer, she also paced them in rebounds and steals, which was acknowledged during a very well put together halftime ceremony that included two bouquets of flowers along with an team signed jersey- made even more special with her family in attendance.

Only one thing was needed to put an exclamation point on it and that was a resounding home win led by Wilson’s usual tenacity as they easily defeated Evangel Christian 64-28. Having recorded a triple double in an earlier defeat to Trevor Day, the Lady Lions’ captain put together another terrific game with 16 points and 27 rebounds as Berkeley Carroll clinched a home quarterfinal against Evangel Christian.

While Wilson shined, she got plenty of support as juniors Mia Kellman (game high 21, five treys) and Sarah Paller (11 of 14 after intermission) helped a well balanced attack in the 34-point rout. Despite only having one senior, the Lady Lions were just too strong for an opponent that got a superb performance from Blanca, who paced the guests with 18 while her backcourt mate had the other 10.

First-year coach Sydney Blumstein also saw some of her younger chargers contribute with sophomore Becca Bender netting seven while Olivia Saleh had four and Shayna finished with a bucket. They also got outstanding hustle defensively from junior Margo Miller, who crashed the offensive glass for second and third chances while also moving the ball effectively.

Aside from a big second half that saw Paller do damage from the perimeter, she also handed out nine assists. It was the kind of effort Blumstein could be proud of. Of course, Wilson never took a possession off, playing relentless defense. The ’10-11 all league defender committed several thefts while grabbing every rebound she could. If that wasn’t enough, she beat Evangel Christian for a couple of easy putaways while also showing enough confidence to sink a pair of 12-foot jumpers.

Such a great day can only be emphasized by Wilson’s dedication, which had to make her parents and sister especially proud. Having to take a train and Ferry back home to Mariners Harbor in Staten Island can’t be easy. However, you wouldn’t know it by the energy she brings to the court.

When the final buzzer sounded, it was only fitting that she heard more “Oli-via Wil-son” chants from the partisans while also being presented not one but two homemade cakes- making it truly a day she’ll never forget.

Perhaps the best aspect is it’s not over. Wilson still has a few more games to play in which she’ll get the chance to lead her team in the playoffs. Coming off last year’s disappointment, you know she’ll have everyone ready.

PARK SLOPE, BK- Sometimes, a little hard work pays off. For third-year Lady Lion Sarah Paller, her commitment to basketball has never been questioned.  From an eighth grader who joined the Varsity in ’09-10, she’s started mostly under two different coaches. Much was expected this year, which is why her recent struggles were a concern. However, extra practice helped as a different player led Berkeley Carroll to a 38-24 home win over league rival United Nations International yesterday.

Paller’s 17 paced the Lady Lions, who after a sloppy start took control the last three quarters to pull away from UNIS for an important victory. After a tough January that included a recent loss to Dwight on Spirit Day, perhaps the change of the calendar was all they needed. Especially with it the final month of the season.

A turnover plagued first quarter saw first-year coach Sydney Blumstein use an early timeout to help her team regroup. They didn’t respond until the second period thanks to some timely hooping from Paller, who netted half her leading output on an array of driving lay-ups and a long range bomb that got the bench up. Showing more confidence offensively, the sophomore shooting guard made wise decisions, also getting teammates involved.

While Paller paced the Lady Lions in scoring, she also was part of sturdy defense led by lone senior Olivia Wilson, who wreaked havoc against UNIS. Wilson outhustled the Eastern Manhattan school to loose balls with reckless abandon. She had a few steals and rebounded, which allowed Paller to hurt United Nations in transition. Paller also had a couple of thefts and easy finishes that helped extend a five-point lead to double digits at the half.

Junior Margo Miller also hit the offensive glass with a nice putback along with some extra possessions through effort. It was contagious as Blumstein played everyone, which could bode well down the stretch. In fact, almost every player made the stat sheet, including Becca Bender, who showed improvement defensively.

The Lady Lions built a 15-point margin during a big third, limiting UNIS to only one bucket from the field. Olivia Saleh contributed with five while Mia Kellman (3) and Wilson (5) also got involved.

It was their best effort in a while. They’re right back at it tomorrow with a visit to Nightingale-Bamford.

Lions visit Packer: Meanwhile, the Berkeley Carroll Lions paid a visit to nemesis Packer this afternoon. They were trying to avenge a blowout defeat last December that saw senior Joe Longo reinjure his ankle. Longo has been back and the Lions were healthier for the Brooklyn rematch. We’ll try to update later who won. … The JV also were in action at Packer as part of the double.

PARK SLOPE, BK- It was a tough day for both the Berkeley Carroll Varsity Women’s and Men’s hoop teams. Both dropped their respective games against battle tested Trevor Day School yesterday in Brooklyn.

For the Lady Lions, it ended a difficult week with a young Trevor Day squad led by eighth grade sensation Lauren Dynes netting a game high 25 in a close win over the Park Slope hosts. Dynes sliced and diced her way through the paint, doing damage. She scored six of her team’s 10 in an up and down first quarter that saw plenty of inconsistent play. Berkeley Carroll fought their way to an 11-10 lead thanks to senior captain Olivia Wilson, who had two buckets en route to a team best 17.

The Lady Lions turned up the heat in the second stanza thanks to inspired play from sophomore forward Liv Saleh. She came off the bench and provided a lift with four points and a pair of nifty assists, including a nice set up for a Wilson finish. Only the play of Dynes (5 in 2nd) kept her team within striking distance. They trailed 23-19 at the break.

If the game was won or lost, it probably took place in the third where first-year coach Sidney Blumstein saw her club struggle offensively. They didn’t make one field goal with their three points coming from the line on a pair of Wilson free throws and one from Saleh. Compounding it were questionable officiating with 18 fouls called. Remarkably nine fouls for each side after a mistake by one referee on a foul call on the visitors that led to a dispute. Perhaps it impacted the many whistles following that left both sides exasperated.

With it called tightly, it worked against Blumstein’s team due to taking away the aggressiveness of Wilson, who picked up her fourth foul before the third expired. Frustration mounted with starters Sarah Paller and Mia Kellman also plagued with four as well. Both stayed in to try to rally their team down the stretch.

After being outscored 10-3 to trail by three, BC continued to struggle with poor execution offensively. Turnovers were a theme with Trevor Day taking advantage of a full court press that resulted in easy buckets from Dynes, who also was aided by teammates Lexi Velaguer (8) and Malina Schmit (7).  Both came through in crunch time when the Lady Lions made a late charge led by Kellman and Wilson. Consecutive transition hoops including a Wilson steal and hoop cut a nine-point deficit to four.

A Kellman three drew them within one, forcing Trevor Day to call for time. But the visitors remained poised thanks to a timely bucket from Velasguer, who made two critical ones. Schmidt salted it away from the line to help the visitors post a four-point win.

In the second match-up, third-year coach Carmine Giovino’s club fell to an experienced Trevor Day group 62-39. However, the 23-point loss wasn’t really an indication of a hotly contested game that saw his Lions claw back from a nine-point first quarter hole to within 21-18 at the half.

They limited top man Will Kronberger to six in the first two quarters by getting him in foul trouble. Kronberger got all six in a 16-7 first that saw Trevor Day exploit their size edge. Shane Pearley netted five of his team best 14 to keep his team within range.

The Lions turned up the D in a strong second period led by senior guard Cole Kitchen, who was aggressive on both ends. Along with subs Mike Andria, Josiah Murrell and Will Reagen, Kitchen had five points on a trey and driving lay-in that got them back in it. In particular, the physical play of Andria and Murrell limited Trevor Day’s effectiveness in the paint. Forcing them to the perimeter, Berkeley Carroll controlled the tempo- outscoring their opponents 11-5 to get within three at intermission.

A quick start to the third saw the Lions tie it up at 23. However, Trevor Day responded by picking up the tempo. A 19-1 run turned the game into a 42-24 advantage. Off a deadly half-court trap, they forced the Lions into multiple turnovers which were easily converted by Eli Frater, who put in most of his lucky 13 in the second half. Cleo Markman also drained a couple from downtown on his way to a team best 14.

Trevor Day placed six different scorers in the boxscore during the third onslaught. It allowed Kronberger to rest before returning to finish with 13 by posting seven in the final 16 minutes.

The Lions never gave up, continuing to work in an 11-point final quarter. Pearley had a couple of nice putbacks and Reagen contributed with seven. Giovino took most of his regulars out, allowing Reagen and a few others to get experience. Though they fell, the return of Joe Longo from an ankle injury should be cause for optimism. He’s a key part of BC, who still only has one loss in the ACIS league. Longo only had a basket but looked alright. His timing will come back, which can only boost the Lions’ championship aspirations.

They’ll need to maintain a high work ethic and consistency. Something captain Adam Kochman always preaches. With Giovino able to sub in and out thanks to a deep bench that also features sophomore Jasper Kitchen (younger brother of Cole), the Lions should be a tough team come February. It could be a very interesting finish.

PARK SLOPE, BK- Often in sports, you don’t know until you play the game. Never assume anything. Even if a league doormat visits your court as was the case in yesterday’s too close for comfort 50-46 Lion win over Dwight. The story coming in was that the once mighty ACIS former champ was now on the opposite end, experiencing growing pains. They entered without a league win. However, that didn’t undeter the upper Manhattan school from providing a tough challenge for Berkeley Carroll, who held off a late push to pull out a four-point win.

Third-year coach Carmine Giovino pushed all the right buttons down the stretch, including key defensive sub Mike Andria, who sparked the Lions to a big win. The senior bruiser understands his role and will help the team anyway he can. His impact was felt on the defensive end where he had a steal that proved large with Dwight right on their tails. Andria also blocked out bigger forward Sean Nelson, pushing him away from the basket for a few big rebounds. Without his effort late, the Lions very well could’ve suffered a tough loss to a determined club hell bent on getting that first win in Park Slope.

It was nip and tuck all the way with Dwight coming out strong by scoring the first two buckets. Perhaps that should’ve alerted the Lions, whose only league defeat came a month ago to Packer in familiar surroundings. Nelson scored half his eight in a closely fought opening quarter where two points separated the rivals. Lewis Ruggiero also scored inside. For the Lions, sophomore starter Ian Miller provided most of the offense with seven of their dozen on a pair of treys and a free throw. They led 13-11 after one.

In the second quarter, Berkeley Carroll got off to a good start by pushing the ball to Giovino’s liking. A driving lay-in from Shane Pearley and a conventional three-point play from senior captain Adam Kochman allowed the Lions to go up seven. However, they never could put Dwight away. The pesky opponent chipped away with tenacious defense and timely hooping from leading scorer Teddy Snow, who got nine of his 15 in the quarter. Most of his work came off drives while also stepping out to drain a triple. His steal and uncontested lay-up before the half put Dwight down one and in position to pull the upset.

Up till that point, Lions’ leading man Shane Pearley had been kept quiet with only four points. He turned it around in the second half with nine in a better third for Giovino’s club. A Pearley-led 6-0 spurt that featured a three and three-point play pushed the Lions ahead 35-30. Duncan Hardy also converted off a tough shot inside. The Lions built a nine-point lead with Jasper Kitchen netting a triple. But just when it seemed they’d finally erase any doubt, two late Dwight buckets from Peewee Kirkland off back cuts sliced it to five headed into the fourth. 

The Lions scored the first two hoops of the final stanza, again increasing to nine. However, Ruggiero caught fire with back-to-back trifectas to suddenly cut it to 43-40 with plenty of time left. A quarter earlier, he was hit up with a quick technical foul for disputing a call. Now, Ruggiero’s timely shooting threatened to do in Berkeley Carroll. He followed a Josiah Murrell hoop with another from downtown, pulling Dwight within 45-43.  But a big Pearley finish in transition put the Lions back up four. With time winding down, Dwight was forced to foul. An Andria steal and long toss to Miller put him at the line but he missed the front end of a one-on-one, keeping Dwight alive. They came down and found Ruggiero for a three from the right key to suddenly get within one with 12 seconds left and immediately called for time.

A nerve racking moment for Pearley almost led to a turnover but a wise Kochman yelled for time before Dwight got the turnover they needed with eight ticks left. Ironically, it would be a long toss from Kochman to Miller which put the sophomore guard on the line, where he split a pair. With BC up 48-46, Dwight came down with the rebound but threw the ball away with two seconds left. Two free throws from Pearley finally sealed it. The Lions had escaped.

JV edges Dwight: In a preview, first-year coach Terrence Caufield’s JV had similar problems with pesky Dwight, who they couldn’t quite finish off. Despite turning a five-point halftime lead which featured some sloppy ball into a 15-point cushion after three, the younger Lions nearly learned a valuable lesson. Never underestimate your opponent. Especially when you think you got it won.

All day, BC had a balanced attack with as many as seven different scorers, including Matteo Heilbrun, who came off the bench for four in a strong third that saw the Lions outscore Dwight 21-11. Kyle Graber converted twice inside and a nice passing play between twin brothers Chris Colon and David Colon, allowed for an easy finish off a break. They combined for 17 while Izzy David did most of his work when the Lions needed it most. He scored half his 14 in a final stanza that saw Dwight pull within 42-36 before a David left circle trey and four free throws put it out of reach.

It allowed Caufield to breathe easier following strong fourth quarters from Alex Yaraghi (6 of 14 in 4th) and Harrison Pergament (8 of 14 in 4th) had them thinking upset. But it wasn’t to be as the JV continued its dominance by posting a 50-40 home win. Chris Harper also contributed nine and Zach Llewlyn added two.

Lady Lions fall again to Luther: In Thursday’s rematch at Queens, the Lady Lions fell again to Martin Luther, who put the clamps down holding Berkeley Carroll to 22 points in a 42-22 win. Sarah Paller paced BC with 12.

PARK SLOPE, BK- The effort was certainly there. But ultimately, it wasn’t enough for the Berkeley Carroll Lady Lions, whose rally fell short in a 60-50 loss to league rival Martin Luther.

A seesaw contest unfolded at the BC Athletic Center between two good teams. Martin Luther came out strong by scoring eight of the game’s first 10 points. Trailing 10-4, first-year coach Sydney Blumstein took an early 30-second timeout to regroup her club. It seemed to work with the Lady Lions responding with an 8-4 run to close the quarter. They were led by Morga Miller’s three steals and two baskets, including a nice score off a swipe that also drew a foul. She was unable to complete the three-point play.

Berkeley Carroll picked up the intensity in an improved second period. Their aggressive D forced Martin Luther into mistakes and some undisciplined shots. Senior captain Olivia Wilson scored half a dozen as the Lady Lions outscored their Queens opponent 14-8. They got solid D from Sarah Paller, whose steals and two buckets  helkped put her team in front 24-22 at intermission. Sophomore Olivia Saleh scored in transition and also made a nice pass for an easy Wilson finish.

However, Martin Luther turned it around with a 16-8 third that featured a 12-4 run to start. They were led by Octavia Campbell, who paced everyone with 20. She did most of her damage in the second half, getting 19 after intermission. Campbell was outstanding, taking advantage of sloppy BC mistakes for easy buckets while also hitting a trey from the right key. Her inspired play turned the game around. She scored more than half her team’s points, pacing them with nine in a strong third that saw Martin Luther take a six-point lead into the final stanza.

Two baskets from Wilson and a nice roll off a long two from Becca Bender kept Berkeley Carroll within striking distance as the third ended.

Early in the fourth, it looked like Martin Luther would pull away. They continued to get contributions from Campbell (10 in quarter) and teammate Lauren Nieves, who finished with 12. However, the Lady Lions weren’t done. Even with Wilson fouling out with still four and a half minutes left and BC on the ropes, Blumstein’s club fought valiantly.

Junior Mia Kellman caught fire from the outside. Having already sunk one three, she converted consecutive trifectas to pull the Lady Lions within 48-47. She scored nine of her 11 in the quarter- springing the bench to life as Martin Luther called for time.

Kellman also got help from Paller, who hit some timely hoops to keep BC alive. She finished with a team high 14, including eight in the fourth. However, a mistake on a critical possession didn’t help the Lady Lion’s chances. Trailing 52-50, Paller received a pass on an in bounds but wasn’t prepared for the pressure, turning the ball over.  Martin Luther cashed in with a lay-up to extend to 54-50.

Berkeley Carroll never came any closer. Five big points from Vanessa Richards salted it away. Martin Luther drew first blood with the rematch on their home court tomorrow at 4. It should be interesting.

Notes: Following the second meeting over four days with Martin Luther, the Lady Lions play host to Trevor Day as part of a double featuring the Varsity Men on Friday.

PARK SLOPE, BK- Depth played a role in the Berkeley Carroll JV Boys win over Leman Monday at the Lions Den. First-year coach Terrence Caufield’s Lions continued to roar by posting a 55-35 home win over the Manhattan school, who only had six players. They were missing two but gave BC a stiff challenge due to an experienced group led by Billy Byrne’s 14 points.

In fact, Berkeley Carroll fell behind 9-6 before turning the first quarter around thanks to an 11-0 run. Top scorer Izzy David netted 10 of the Lions’ 17 on some strong drives and free throws en route to a game high 15. After one, they led 17-9.

However, a sloppy second produced only two buckets and a slew of turnovers much to Caufield’s disgust. To Leman’s credit, they played superb defense, limiting David’s effectiveness while forcing him into a few miscues. Berkeley Carroll struggled with the pressure, throwing balls away while letting their opponent back in it. Not surprisingly, Leman controlled a low scoring stanza by outscoring BC 10-4 to trail by four at intermission. Only a late Chris Harper trey gave them some breathing space.

For much of the opening 16 minutes, the Lions’ shorthanded foe outhustled them to loose balls. That changed in the second half with the Lions paying more attention to detail. They also executed better thanks to outstanding efforts from David Colon and twin brother Andrew Colon. Both were instrumental in a quick 7-0 run that extended BC’s lead to 28-19. Each did most of the damage with David scoring 10 of his 11 after the break while Andrew had nearly an identical line, netting nine of 10 in the second half.

A high scoring third quarter saw Berkeley Carroll get back on track by outscoring Leman 21-13, extending from four to a 12-point lead (42-30). The Colon brothers got help from Zach Llewlyn, who scored eight in transition.

Caufield also used his bench, subbing in and out to keep players fresh. The strategy paid dividends with Joey Shapiro hitting a bucket while Matteo Heilbrun distributed the ball and played solid D.  For most of the contest, Leman hung around thanks to Byrne, who used his size and explosiveness to beat the Lions down the floor for easy lay-ins. He had help from Jordan Wright (8) and Daniel Blatto (5).

Leman finally wore down in the final quarter. Limited to just five, they couldn’t maintain BC’s fast pace. With both Colons scoring off steals and Kyle Graber scoring inside, Berkeley Carroll pulled away for another win.

Notes: The JV hosts Dwight tomorrow at 4 followed by the Varsity in a big clash at 5:30.

PARK SLOPE, BK- One of the areas Berkeley Carroll needs to improve on is consistency. Especially if they want to succeed this season. It was a point senior captain Adam Kochman emphasized following a strong second half that pushed the Lions past ACIS league rival Brooklyn Friends, 54-40 yesterday at the Lions Den.

Early on, it looked a bit too easy for Berkeley Carroll, who used a 9-0 run to go ahead by seven. A big part of the afternoon was sophomore guard Ian Miller, who caught fire from the outside- netting a pair of treys in a seesaw first quarter en route to a game high 21 points. It was a strong response to a foul plagued game in a three-point win Wednesday over Staten Island Academy. Miller passed the six he had in the game’s first few minutes.

However, Brooklyn Friends turned it around following a timeout with a 9-0 run of their own to go in front by two in what amounted to a high scoring first quarter. The Brooklyn rivals combined for 38 total points with each playing at a frenetic pace. To say defense was non-existant would be an understatement. Friends was led by lanky big man Jared Long, who terrorized the Park Slope hosts under the basket by converting second and third chances. He scored 10 of his team best 16 in the opening half while crashing the boards for a double/double.

Berkeley Carroll also got help from junior forward Dondre Benson, who hit for all eight in the first half on an array of floaters. With leading scorer Shane Pearley held in check, the Lions needed a balanced attack to turn back Brooklyn Friends. Pearley finished with 11 but took his lumps against the bigger Long, whose hard foul forced the sophomore from the game. In his place, Jasper Kitchen stepped up and sank a pair of free throws while providing a lift.

The second stanza was predictably sloppy with neither team able to match the early intensity. It led to plenty of turnovers and wild action, which couldn’t have pleased third-year Lions’ coach Carmine Giovino. After a Miller long jumper in the final minute helped keep his team ahead 28-25 at the half, he and his assistant Reed discussed strategy, Berkeley Carroll came out and executed the game plan.

Giovino changed tactics by shifting to a zone to offset Long’s effectiveness. In particular, strong defensive work from starter Duncan Hardy and senior Mike Andria helped turn the tide. Both played with ferocity, pushing Long away from the bucket and rebounding with poise. Along with Kochman, they forced Long into some wild shots, frustrating the junior into fouls. With Brooklyn Friends unable to capitalize from the perimeter, they struggled mightily from the field.

It helped explain a 14-4 third quarter in favor of the Lions, who increased their lead to 42-29. Giovino inserted Will Reagen, who didn’t disappoint. Playing with the kind of energy necessary, his hustle and defensive work led to steals. Reagen also chipped in with a couple of timely baskets off strong drives. Kochman also sprung to life with a corner three that got the bench up.

Another key contributor was Josiah Murrell, whose size and hustle made life difficult on Long. Giovino’s strategy paid off with everyone getting involved. Leading by 13, the Lions never let Brooklyn Friends get close. Some timely hooping by Miller and Pearley along with three Kochman free throws allowed Berkeley Carroll to breathe easy.

Combined with a successful tournament win at Loyola during the break, the Lions have won five in a row since senior Joe Longo’s ankle injury. Longo hinted that he might return by next Friday for Trevor Day. That would only be a boost for a team that’s worked itself into contention. A big test comes next Thursday versus Dwight.

JV rolls past Brooklyn Friends: It was another good day for first-year coach Terrence Caufield’s Boys JV, who were too much for Brooklyn Friends to handle- winning handily 63-23. Izzy David paced the Lions with 14 while starters Chris Harper and David C contributed seven and six respectively.

Danny McCormick came off the bench for 13 and Matteo Heilbrun added 10 as the JV improved to 4-0 in league play. They’ll host Claremont Prep Monday followed by the Varsity Ladies, who aim for their second straight following a blowout win at Evangel Christian.

PARK SLOPE, BK- For most of Wednesday’s first game of the new calendar year, ACIS league rivals Berkeley Carroll and Staten Island Academy were back and forth. The hotly contested Varsity Boys basketball game at the BC Athletic Center in Brooklyn featured runs from each squad. However, it was the Lions finally getting third-year coach Carmine Giovino’s message by stepping up their intensity in the defensive end that led to a 53-50 win.

Even with outside threat Ian Miller (a pair of treys in first half) saddled with four fouls on the bench, Berkeley Carroll turned it around following a dismal third quarter that saw them fall behind by as much as six. It was a team effort with only leading scorer Shane Pearley hitting double figures with a game high 20 while the rest of his teammates chipped in for an important league win.

While Pearley did his part inside and out, sophomore shooting guard Jasper Kitchen provided the spark with strong defense and timely scoring. His two three’s were part of a 9-0 run to open the fourth quarter. Super sub Adam Kochman also made a nifty backdoor feed for a Duncan Hardy lay-in as Coach Giovino watched his team compose themselves down the stretch. Kitchen got all eight in the second half and older brother Cole Kitchen had some big steals and rebounds to go with two buckets.

The Tigers had three players in double digits led by James Morisano’s 15. He did most of his damage in the first half, hurting Berkeley Carroll in the paint. Morisano would also get flustered in the final stanza due to the Lions’ aggression, which caused a couple of charges. Morisano had help from guard Alex Morbano, who sliced and diced his way to 13 while Lionel Greene contributed 11, including consecutive fouls on Miller which sidelined him.

Giovino did a solid job using Hardy and Mike Andria to offset Morisano’s inside edge. Both played strong D and hustled. The Lions got eight from Dondre Benson, who hit one runner that answered a Staten Island Academy hoop.

Despite the 9-zip run, BC still had to hold off SIA, who got two three’s to make things interesting. But they got enough free throws including one from Benson to pull it out.

JV romp: In JV action, the Lions soared past SIA 54-19. They were led by Izzy David’s 13, all coming in the first half. Chris Harper added 12 and Danny McCormick had eight.

PARK SLOPE, BK- Defense wins championships. More importantly for the Berkeley Carroll Lions, it helped them to an important home win over league rival Friends Seminary- posting a 63-53 victory to enter the Christmas break on the right foot.

Second-year coach Carmine Giovino was pleased with a superb team effort over the defending ACIS champs, who showed some growing pains after a quick start. Minus starter Joe Longo, Giovino inserted senior captain Adam Kochman into the lineup. He didn’t disappoint finishing with eight, including four big free throws down the stretch that helped put away Friends Sem.

“I stepped up and hit my free throws. This was the best game we’ve played,” the always loquacious Kochman said afterwards of his team’s effort.

Leading scorer Shane Pearley netted more than half his club best 23 following intermission. The super sophomore hurt Friends Seminary with an array of shots inside and out, including a nice steal and finish that allowed the Park Slope hosts to build a double digit lead in response to a nice surge from the mid-Manhattan school during the first part of the third quarter.

The Lions had taken control late in the first half and led 27-19 at intermission. They got solid contributions from Josiah Murrell , who replaced foul plagued starter Dondre Benson, and played huge minutes in the middle portion. Murrell did a sound defensive job on Friends Sem’s big man Joe Pucci, who scored his team’s first 13.  The versatile junior sliced and diced his way to a game high 26. However, Murrell and teammates made life difficult on him in the second half by taking away time and space.

“The defense won us the game. We really got after it and rebounded well,” Pearley pointed out. “It was the best defense we played all year.“

Giovino saw his team outwork their opponents by getting to loose balls and closing out against Friends’ other perimeter threats. They also were aggressive offensively, getting the second option in foul trouble, which limited his effectiveness. The attention to detail wasn’t lost on Pearley, who exploded for 11 in the final half of the third following a 10-2 Friends run that tied it at 29.

“We know that every team’s gonna make a run. We came out ready to play. We made some mistakes. We played some strong defense to get some rebounds to get out of it,” the Lions’ high man added.

BC’s response showed poise as they finished the quarter with a 16-4 run to maintain a 45-33 lead enterting the final stanza. Senior guard Cole Kitchen immediately replied with a trey from the left wing that put his team ahead for good. Kitchen, who has battled injuries and fought hard to come back- had his best game. He contributed timely hoops en route to nine point and stellar D, including a few steals that aided the Lions’ cause. Coming off a frustrating outing versus Packer, it had to be satisfying.

Friends Seminary didn’t go away in the fourth, getting a long three off a double screen to crawl within eight. However, it just wasn’t enough due to Berkeley Carroll’s attention to detail. Aside from great D, they made life difficult on their opponent by rebounding well and holding them to one possession. In contrast, the Lions hit the glass and got to loose balls for key resets. It was the kind of basketball that wins.

Sophomore Ian Miller finished strong with 10 of his 14 in the final eight, including six-for-six at the charity stripe. Everyone got involved, including Duncan Hardy, who gave Giovino a solid effort on the glass with Benson on the bench.  Murrell also had a sweet theft and lay-in off BC’s press.

It all translated to Berkeley Carroll’s best win of the season. Exactly what the doctor ordered for Giovino with his team now off until the Loyola Tournament. They don’t return home until Wednesday, January 4, 2012 for a meeting with nemesis Staten Island Academy. All part of a hectic month.

Note: Giovino inserted freshman Richie Palacios into the game late so he could get his first Varsity point. It came on a free throw, prompting a nice reaction.

PARK SLOPE, BK- Whenever Berkeley Carroll and league rival Packer get together, it’s usually entertaining. On Friday, the Lions fell short to the Pelicans 66-55 in a game of runs at a packed BC Athletic Center.

Early on, it was back and forth with each school trading buckets. However, the Pelicans began to pull away thanks to the stellar play of sophomore forward Ethan Feldman. Feldman sliced and diced the Lions for a game high 26 points. Many came in the opening half with Packer taking control due to some cold shooting from the Park Slope hosts. They broke open a one-point game with a 10-0 runthat steered them ahead 25-17. Before second-year coach Carmine Giovino knew it, his team trailed 31-21 at intermission.

In particular, Ian Miller struggled from the perimeter and leading scorer Shane Pearley didn’t get going until the second half when things got interesting. Senior guard Joe Longo also was quiet in the early going before helping lead a second half charge. Unfortunately, it was a bit of deja vu for the unlucky five-year starter, who reinjured the same ankle that cost him most of his junior season. At a critical time with his team within striking distance, Longo was forced out due to a collision. He iced the ankle, which originally was injured versus Packer against Packer around the same time at the Lions Den.

Longo’s misfortune certainly didn’t hurt Packer, who also had the benefit of some awfully generous calls from a less than adequate ref. The Lions had a few whistles go against them, including a missed charge that resulted in Miller’s fourth before the fourth quarter. There also was a regrettable call in which the trailer counted a critical Pelican hoop after the third quarter buzzer that stretched Packer’s lead to 49-38.

Prior, the Lions picked it up in the third quarter thanks to Miller and Pearley. A pair of treys from Miller sliced a 15-point lead to nine getting them back in it. Packer coach George Butis quickly called for time. Thanks to a couple of timely hoops from Jake Shapiro and Daniel Chin (14 Pts), the Pelicans carried momentum into the final stanza. Berkeley Carroll turned up the head in the fourth with Pearley and Longo stepping up. Both were instrumental defensively, with steals and big buckets that drew BC within five. Everytime they seemed ready to take over, someone from Packer made a big play to keep them afloat. Nick Morton was a third Pelican in double digits with 11, including a couple of nice finishes. They also had a distinct advantage at the line due to all the fouls. It certainly wasn’t the best officiated game.

Longo’s loss was felt down the stretch as the Lions were forced to foul after Cole Kitchen’s trey was off. Feldman and Co. sealed it at the line.

Notes: Pearley netted 14 of his team-leading 21 after the break while Adam Kochman chipped in five. Dondre Benson was held to nine with five in the first half.