NCN SPORTS BLOG

Croton, NY—Lincoln Hall and Croton-Harmon split their regular season series, however, when it came down to the do or die third match up and a trip to the county center, the United prevailed with a 46-41 win. Sophomore Sir Aaron Taylor (pictured left) was once again the catalyst for Lincoln Hall, recording his second consecutive 20+ rebound game and adding 10 points.

Croton-Harmon jumped out to a quick 15-9 first quarter lead, as Ben Miller led the charge for the Tigers, scoring six of his eight total points in the first quarter alone. Junior guard Ryan Sawyer (12 points) paced the Tigers in the second quarter, recording five points, including a clutch three-pointer with about 2:30 left, putting Croton up 22-16. They took a 24-16 lead into the locker room.

Lincoln Hall came out energized in the second half, going on a 10-2 run, which was capped off by two Jamal Johnney free throws, putting them on top for the first time, 28-26, with 3:56 remaining in the third. However, Croton junior guard Frank Dimmagio answered back, knocking down a deep three, which put the Tigers back in front, 29-28. The lead was short lived, as Lincoln Hall went on a 9-0 run to close out the third. Junior forward Russell Williams was instrumental in the run, scoring six of his game high 13 points during the 3:00 stretch.

Williams continued his hot shooting as the fourth quarter began, draining a long jumper to put Lincoln Hall on top 38-29. However, the Tigers scratched and crawled their way back, going on a 10-0 run, consummated by a Pat Cooney put back, giving the Tigers a 40-39 lead with 3:38 remaining. Williams ceased the United drought, draining a jumper to put them on top, 40-39. But Dimaggio rebutted, slashing to the hoop for a lay-up, regaining a 41-40 Tigers lead.

However, the lead was short lived, as Johnney came back down the court and hit a runner in the lane with 2:48 remaining. Then junior forward Jiquhan Jones knocked down a shot, putting Lincoln Hall on top, 44-41. With :45 remaining, Croton sophomore guard Brandon Sileck had a chance to tie it, but his long range three-point attempt from the corner was off the mark. Liriano scooped up the rebound and dribbled the ball behind his back, breaking up court. He then passed the ball off the Jones, who missed the lay-up. But the omnipresent Taylor was there for the put back, icing the game for Lincoln Hall.

(5) Lincoln Hall will now meet up with (1) Briarcliff in the semifinals at the county center.

Personal View:

Sir Aaron Taylor has now recorded over 40 rebounds in his last two outings while willing his team to victory with sheer hustle and grit. What else can you say about it, really? The tremendous back-to-back performances will do down in history. I asked Taylor about his rebounding technique during the post game, so be sure to listen to the audio. I could attempt to paint a picture of what I saw in the game, but why waste the time? Hear it from the man himself.

Something that may have gone overlooked during the course of the game was the fact that Taylor shot a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. He seemed to struggle against Bronxville from the line, but tonight he was focused and dead on. Taylor will need to remain consistent, especially against number one seeded Briarcliff in the semi-finals.

Although Taylor was the inspirational leader, Lincoln Hall wouldn’t have been in the game without the clutch play of Russell Williams. Williams was strong on the inside, using his wide frame to put back many second chance opportunities on the offensive glass. Nevertheless, he made his biggest impression on the perimeter, knocking down shot after shot from the right wing. Maybe Croton didn’t think the big man had such a fine touch from distance. They never even got a hand in his face, decidedly settling for the mid to long range jump shots. Williams went on to punish the Tigers, taking exactly what they gave him. He had the trust of his coach, the trust of his teammates, and rewarded them with a brilliant performance.

It’s funny; during the Bronxville vs. Lincoln Hall first round match up, Williams was called upon to shoot two technical free throws. As he trudged to the line, I scratched my head and thought, ‘this is the best free throw shooter on the team?’ Keep in mind, Williams is 6’1 and 250+ lbs. In most cases, you don’t expect that kind of a player to be the purest shooter on the team. Well, he proved a whole gym full of people wrong tonight.
So, it is coming down to Lincoln Hall vs. Briarcliff at the County Center on 2/27—4:45 tip-off.

I can’t wait.

Feel free to comment on the game, or any other game that took place last night.
Game Photos

Post Game Audio