NCN SPORTS BLOG

Mookie Jones soars through the air before throwing down an alley oop dunk.

Mookie Jones led the Red Devils with 27 points in a 66-55 win over the Bronx’s Wings Academy.

Elliot Watson also chipped 19 points for Peekskill.

Notes on the game

* Ralph Watts was relegated to the bench for the second straight game with a knee injury. Coach Panzanaro explained that the kneed swelled up a bit after being drained and that they had planned to rest him for two games.

* In Watts’ absence, Mookie had his first real dominating performance of the season, scoring Peekskill’s first nine points of the game to build an early lead. He drained two 3-pointers and went a perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line. His alley-oop dunk from Jamie Gooding near the end of regulation was by far the highlight. Mookie explained that his surge was a result of “not thinking so much” on the court. Wings, who were undersized, had no one capable of guarding the versatile Jones. As a result, he was dominant on the inside, owning the glass and kick starting the transition game. Despite the quite impressive performance, Panzanaro cited that he would still like to see Mookie be a bit more assertive on the offensive end.

* Elliot Watson had his usual strong outing. The senior forward/center owned the paint and was a perfect complement to Jones all day. I say this a lot, but Watson is an underrated big man in Section 1. With a lot of pub going to Mookie — Syracuse, ’nuff said — and Ralph — as a result of his transfer and initial strong play — Watson has kind of ducked under the radar. I saw him outplay the 6-11 Henriquez from Port Chester early in the season and once again saw him as the most dominant big man against Wings. His ability to play down low and run the floor at Brickhouse’s speed is a huge asset to the Red Devils. I just couldn’t imagine this team with a 6-9+ center (that couldn’t run the floor). The chemistry and athleticism that the rest of the team possesses would be completely wasted. Essentially, Watson is the perfect big-man for the Red Devils.

* I’m not going to lie, this game wasn’t too pretty. There were a ton of fouls (35 total) and that really slowed down the pace. Both teams almost looked a little psyched out by the enormity of this contest. Wings also looks to be a little down this season. They didn’t have a real go-to-guy and presence down low, but had a stable of quick, slashing guards. Glancing at their roster, they also seem to be pretty young.

* Karl Baker is Mookie Jones’ cousin. I didn’t know that before today. More importantly, he played a solid game off the bench, chipping in four points and playing sound defense.

* Peekskill has to be happy with the win sans Watts. They are now in prime position to take the Slam Dunk tourney. Mookie — who explained that the squad had never won the tournament — believes that now is their time to take it.

Highlight video still to come …

Lakeland senior point guard Lou DeMello knifes through the John Jay defense in transition.

Lakeland, led by a game-high 23 points from Jason Obmoni, defeated the John Jay Indians, 62-54. Lavor Morris also chipped in 17 points in the win.

Notes on the game

* Lakeland, who are on a two-game winning streak following their rough loss to Panas back on December 17, look to be gelling as a unit. Point guard Lou DeMello explained that practice had been rough — killer drills and lots of running — since the loss to Panas. Well, it looks like it has paid off. The Hornets used their speed and transition game to perfection against the Indians, jumping out to a commanding 37-24 first half lead.

* Lavor Morris and Jason Omboni played exceptional. Without a true post-presence, Lakeland has to rely on these two players to knock down their open shots. When they are on — which wasn’t the case against Panas — the Hornets are a much more dangerous and effective team. If the duo can score in the mid-teens — as they also did in a win over Yorktown — Lakeland has a real shot at winning the League II Central. Omboni, in particular, is a deceptive player. He doesn’t physically appear to be much of a threat, but has the ability to knock down shots from all ranges and also knife into the lane.

* Late in the game with a 10 point lead, Morris put back an offensive rebound instead of pulling it out and milking the clock. After he missed the shot, John Jay’s Anthony Iacomini went down and buried a 3-pointer, cutting Lakeland’s lead to seven, 61-54. Coach Weltman was irate — and deservedly so — at the err in judgment. Morris, who is a phenomenal athlete and player, will learn from every mistake he makes this season.

* John Jay, per usual, stepped it up once they started playing a team game. When Mike Saldutti elevated his level of play in the third quarter, scoring seven of his nine points, John Jay was able to make a valiant comeback, pulling within two, 47-45. It is no coincidence that Drew had his best quarter — scoring seven of his 13 points — when everyone on the team shouldered a piece of the load. Playing from the point guard position, Drew was able to dish to Saldutti in the soft middle of Lakeland’s zone. He was also able to push the transition, displaying his boundless athleticism.

* Now at 1-6, John Jay has to start putting together complete efforts to be a playoff team. You can see they have the ability, but it comes in short glimpses here and there.

NCN basketball rankings The following rankings are as of 12 p.m. Tuesday, December 18.

1) Peekskill (3-0) — The Red Devils traveled up to the great big north of Poughkeepsie and came out with the win. Mookie Jones scored 23 points, which is a good sign that he is settling into the team’s new dynamic. Peekskill takes on NYC powerhouse Wings Academy on Saturday, December 22 at home. This is pretty much a must see for all local basketball fans. I remember watching the Elton Brand team back in ’96 as a sixth-grader and it still resonates clear in my head. Right now, with this team, everyone has the same chance to experience that.

2) Briarcliff (4-0) — Westlake was no contest for the mighty Bears. In fact, there hasn’t been a team that has posed a real threat to the Bears yet, as their average margin of victory is 18 points over the first four games of the season. Gulotta, averaging 18.3 ppg, is quietly becoming a first rate scoring option.

3) Panas (4-1) — Pagan, Tucker and O’Leary are turning out to be a light version of Briarcliff’s “Big Three.” Winning on the road against a tough JFK squad propelled them to go on and win their host tournament. Nestled deep in the woods, the Panthers are starting to make some noise.

4) Lincoln Hall (6-2) — I suppose the United have Willie Nelson’s On The Road Again stuck in their heads at this point. I mean, EIGHT straight road games to open the season! This makes their 6-2 record that much more impressive. The United will go as far as the deadly duo of Sir Aaron Taylor and Jamol Johnney can take them.

5) Kennedy Catholic (3-2) — The Gaels offense was offensive in the second half against Panas. But I have a strange feeling we haven’t even seen the half of what JFK has the ability to do this season. Very impressed early on with this feisty squad.

6) Lakeland (2-1) — The Hornets will be competitive this season with senior point guard Lou DeMello leading the charge. Two solid wins to open the season over Rye and Brewster got overshadowed with the disappointing loss to rival Panas. But this team is better than that game and also better than a lot of people would have thought.

7) Croton-Harmon (1-2) — Tipsy turvy start to the season for the Tigers. Losing at home to Lincoln Hall was a tough blow. But this team – assuming Frank Dimaggio is back to full health – will go on a tear at some point this season. Their match-up with Pleasantville on January 4 will be a good vantage point from which to grade whether or not the Tigers are a legitimate playoff contender.

Mahopac (4-1) — They haven’t played a game since the win over North Rockland on December 10. Looking at Mahopac’s schedule, they have a shot at winning 12+ games.

9) Ossining (2-4) — Rough, rough game against Tappan Zee. The schedule doesn’t relent much as the season progresses in the ultra competitive League II North. Ward and Drinks need to start clicking to get Ossining in gear.

10) Yorktown (0-1) — Brendan Kurpis’ 31-point effort was for naught against Greeley, as the Quakers won on a buzzer beater. ‘Town has played each opponent tough and might surprise quite a few teams this season.

11) John Jay (1-4) — Head Coach Artie Blank is looking for his team to show signs of life. With Drew and Iacomini, the Indians are far too talented to be losing games to the likes of Suffern.

12) Hen Hud (3-2) — Back-to-back losses to Nanuet and Harrison have brought the Sailors tumbling back down to earth.

13) Somers (1-4) — The Tuskers have lost their last two games by a combined 72 points. The 81-32 loss to the Quakers contributed to most of it.

14) Putnam Valley (1-5) — Five-straight losses for the Tigers.

Being that it was deadline day, I didn’t attend any games today.

Peering over at maxpreps, it appears that there were two blowouts.

Lakeland pasted Yorktown, 63-38

I didn’t see this coming. Seriously, I thought this would be a nail biter. Looks like Coach Weltman got the kind of effort that was lacking during the ugly loss to Panas last week. Lavor Morris looked to snap back into form, pouring in 15 points to lead the Hornets in scoring. Weltman, who was at a loss for his team’s defense after the loss to Panas, also looks to have sorted things out on that end of the floor, as his team relented a season-low 38 points. Yorktown were only able to score in double-digits in one quarter — the second with 12 points.

Poughkeepsie bowled over Panas, 72-53

Panas couldn’t keep their four game winning streak intact. Poughkeepsie jumped out to an early 22-10 first quarter lead and continued to pile it on in the second quarter, stretching the lead to 44-25 by the half. Michael Pagan led the Panthers with 19 points. This was Panas’ first test in the unfathomably difficult League II North. Things won’t get easier, as they travel to Peekskill on January 3.

Video update: Lincoln Hall vs. Woodlands will be posted tomorrow afternoon. Get your soda, popcorn and twizzlers ready.

Lincoln Hall junior forward Sir Aaron Taylor elevates to the rim against Woodlands.

Sir Aaron Taylor led Lincoln Hall with 28 points.

Notes on the game:

* Tonight, Sir Aaron Taylor showed why he is the leader of the United. Following a less than satisfactory first half that saw the United trailing the Falcons 30-22, Sir took it upon himself to awaken his squad. He went on to fire up his troops at half time — I imagine it was similar to Bill Pullman’s speech in Independence Day — and scored 16 of his 28 points in the second half to lead the United to a rousing come from behind victory. Taylor was all over the court, playing like he had caffeine supplanted directly into his blood stream. Woodlands could never seemed to catch their breath.

* Jamol Johnney, who also had a monster second half with 19 of his 24 points, turned in an outstanding performance. He is at his best when he can make a quick move on the perimeter and create space for his jump arcing shot. Johnney has a real smooth stroke, which looks be somewhat prone to streaks. You know, like John Starks style. However, when he is on, it is like NBA Jam, “He’s on fire!” As long as other United teammates can fill the scoring void when Johnney is looking to find a rhythm, they should be fine.

* Sophomore point guard Jeff Valloy, who didn’t travel with team, was missed early on. Coach Taylor didn’t elaborate on Valloy’s situation with the squad, but said he hopes to have him back. Valloy provides a solid ball handler for the United and takes pressure of Laquan Simpson and Jamal Johnney in the back court. Simpson, who was held scoreless for the first time all season, might have to shoulder a bigger load.

* Harry Pinckney is a pretty underrated player. He has the size and tenaciousness to bang under the boards and even showed an ability to take his man on the dribble today. Four of his points came in the heart of the oh-so-crucial third quarter. Pinckney and Taylor — while not that tall — are the reason that Lincoln Hall always seems to have an edge in rebounding.

* The United face Pleasantville, who they lost to 45-40 this past weekend, at home on the 21st. It will be the first home game of the season for these road hardened warriors. Luckily, their fans travel along. Look for a piece I wrote on this in the next NCN (12/19). Needless to say, I think a victory is in the cards in their home opener.

Video still to come …

Here is a video of the game in a sharper format.

Lakeland guard Keith Rodriguez goes up for a reverse lay-up against Panas forward Michael Pagan.

Panas defeated cross-town rival Lakeland, 73-48, in the championship of 6th annual Walter Panas tourney.

Brandon O’Leary led the Panthers with a game-high 24 points. Michael Pagan, who was named tournament MVP, chipped in 19 points to round out Panas’ high scorers.

Lou DeMello led the Hornets 14 points and was named to the all-tournament team. Teammate Keith Rodriguez added 13 points and was also selected to the all-tournament team.

Notes on the game

* Coach Sullivan has two very athletic and talented players in Devon Tucker and Michael Pagan. The two of them allow the Panthers to match-up with most teams on the perimeter — with Tucker’s speed and court vision in transition — and in the post — with Pagan’s rebounding prowess and all around aggressiveness near the basket. However, the wild-card on this Panas team is Brandon O’Leary. When he gets into the offensive flow of the game — as he did tonight — he can be quite a load for the opposing team to handle. O’Leary has height at 6′2″ and a wide frame to bang down low on the blocks. But his ability to handle the ball in transition and knock down 3-pointers (two on the night) sets him apart. When he is on — as he clearly was this evening — the Panthers become a much more dynamic team and aren’t forced to continually feed the ball inside to Pagan.

O’Leary’s unquestioned highlight of the game was when he went on a scoring binge midway through the second quarter. Following a Keith Rodriguez basket to cut Panas’s lead to 18-16, O’Leary scored seven straight points. The scary thing? It only took him about one-minute to so. Before Lakeland could gather themselves, he had boosted Panas’s lead to 25-18.

* Devon Tucker has been underrated this season — at least by me. His outside shot may look a bit unorthodox, but it goes in enough that team’s have to at least respect it. He also has the ability to slice and dice in the open court, creating endless opportunities for his teammates. Pagan heaped high praise on the point guard this evening, stating that his supreme passing ability makes it easier for everyone else on the court to score.

* Lakeland’s Lou DeMello’s offensive play was noteworthy. Last season he was almost always looking to dish the ball, passing up on more than his fair of shots to get the ball into the hands of Wayne Everett and Ralph Watts. However, without a real defined scorer on the Hornets this season, DeMello has stepped to the forefront. He was able to penetrate — almost at will — and get to the rim, converting on many of the opportunities. His long range shooting also looked plenty accurate. This almost mirrors his soccer season, in which he also stepped into the role of a scorer.

* Lakeland’s transfer from Stepinac — junior Lavor Morris — looks to have the size and ability to take a bigger role on the offensive end. Although he only scored six points, Morris should improve within the completely new system as the season progresses. He will undoubtedly have to burden a larger scoring and defensive role in order for the Hornets to succeed.

* Overall, it just looked like Panas was more geared up to win this game than the Hornets. The crowd support was overflowing in the bleachers and it just looked like the team wanted to represent for their home crowd.

* Is Panas for real? We will find out when they play Poughkeepsie at home on Tuesday, December 18 at 6:15 p.m.

* The Hornets will look to rebound with another rivalry game against — this time against Yorktown — on Tuesday, December 18 at 4:30 p.m.

The John Jay Indians dropped to 1-3 after falling to the Suffern Mounties in the opening round of the Pleasantville tournament on Friday, December 14.

Anthony Iacomini led the Indians with 17 points — including three 3-pointers — in the loss.

Notes on the game

• The Indians have the potential to be a much better team than what they showed on Friday night. According to Head Coach Artie Blank, the squad is not playing with enough energy and urgency. After playing a rather lackluster three quarters — trailing 45-34 — the Indians came to in the fourth quarter. John Jay outscored the Mounties 22-14, which was the first and only time they were able to outscore Suffern in a quarter. Kevin Drew and Paul Johnson ignited the effort, pouring in six points apiece. Iacomini banked in an off-balance three-pointer with 1.56 seconds left to pull with in two, 58-56. However, Suffern’s Evan Shreck sank the ensuing free throws on the Mounties next possession to seal the deal.

• Kevin Drew and Anthony Iacomini are high caliber players with the ability to handle and shoot ball. However, Drew didn’t really kick it into gear until the fourth quarter, when he scored six of his 11 points. The star senior guard seemed to be most dominant when taking it to the basket in transition, drawing contact or finishing. Iacomini was stroking his outside shot and was also able to make things happen in transition.

• The problem — or so it seems — is that the team didn’t fuel off the play of their two stars. I remember in the pre-season that Coach Blank indicated Paul Johnson’s ability to shoot from the outside and contribute on the offensive end would be vital for the team’s success. He just so happened to pour in six of his 12 points during the Indians last gasp efforts in the fourth quarter. Coincidence? I think not.

• Also, a post presence is something the Indians are in dire need of. Alleviating some of the pressure on the perimeter could open up space for Iacomini and Drew to operate. Mike Saldutti, 6′5″ and Colin Knox, 6′3″ — together — could help to fill this void. As Coach Blank said, increased energy will be the main focus right now to improve this team. If Knox and Saldutti can find some points in the paint off second chance put backs and low post moves, John Jay will be a much more balanced, successful team.

• Playing both Scarsdale and Port Chester — highly touted Section 1 teams — early in the season was a daunting task for John Jay. In order to right the ship and start stringing some wins together, the Indians can’t let the early 1-3 start won’t creep into their minds as they enter league play.

These rankings were based on all games played through Monday, December 10.

So don’t bite my head off if they seem a little off.

1) Peekskill (2-0) — Ralph Watts seems to be settling in nicely in the offensive flow, exemplified by his career-high 24 points against Port Chester. Peekskill turned it on down the stretch against Port Chester, showing how dangerous they can be as they outscored the Rams 25-8 in the fourth quarter. If they play defense and shoot like they did in that fourth quarter, this team is unbeatable.

2) Briarcliff (3-0) — “The Big Three” dominated against Dobbs Ferry. Their overall physical strength is too much for any team in Class B to handle. The Slam Dunk tournament will be a barometer as to how good this Briarcliff team is.

3) Panas (2-1) — The Panthers bounced back from a tough, 53-50, loss to a solid Eastchester team with a blowout, 77-45, win over Nyack. Pagan is the engine for this team.

4) Kennedy Catholic (2-1) — Eddie O’Connel’s crew is out to a fast 2-1 start. Big game with Panas on 12/12 will indicate whether or not team is for real.

5) Lincoln Hall (3-1) — Johnney and Sir Aaron led this bunch to an early season tourney title. The United are on the rise.

6) Croton-Harmon (1-1) — Croton played Class C favorite Tuckahoe right down to the wire. Losing the veteran leadership of Dimaggio hurts this team, but I’m sure he will back in the lineup real soon. Lincoln Hall match-up on 12/11 is the battle for supremacy behind Briarcliff in this region’s group of Class B teams.

7) Ossining (2-3) — Lots of games in a little amount of time for Jeff Ward and co. By the time you read this, they will have already played Class A contender Tappan Zee in a perfect measuring stick game.

John Jay (1-1) — Sans Iacomini, the Indians struggled against Scarsdale. Once they’re at full strength, they will show their talent. With Drew and Iacomini firing on full cylinders, they will be dangerous. A win over Kennedy Catholic on Friday would a perfect way to ignite a winning streak.

9) Mahopac (4-1) — Mahopac are off and rolling with a hot beginning to the season. Their 58-53 win over North Rockland is a great step in the right direction.

10) Lakeland (0-0) — The Hornets have yet to debut. I’m anxious to see how they fare with a youthful squad.

11) Yorktown (0-1) — Tough loss for the Huskers against Tappan Zee.

12) Hen Hud (3-0) — Mayer and Larmore have spurred the Sailors to an Ardsley tourney title. Thing are definitely looking up for the Sailors, even though they have benefited from playing the Tuskers twice early on.

13) Somers (1-2) — Win over PV keeps them out of the basement. If Finella hadn’t gone down with a busted nose against the Sailors, the game would have been tighter.

14) Putnam Valley (1-3) — The Tigers started the season with a nice win over Keio, but have taken a step back since.