Moore Leads Linden Past St. Joseph’s To Final, 44-42

For the second straight year, the St. Joseph’s Falcons met up with the Linden Tigers in the semifinal round of the playoffs in the Linden Summer League. Last year, the Green Birds overcame a difficult start to defeat the Tigers. This year, they almost did it again. There was only one big problem with that summed up in two words: Quadri Moore.

Moore scored 14 points over the final 23:16 of the contest, but 11 of those points including two three pointers came in the final period of play. The last trey was the difference as Moore sank it from the left corner for a 44-41 lead with 35 seconds to play. St. Joseph’s had their chances in the last half minute of play, but could only muster one point at the line as the Falcons went one of six from the charity stripe in the final frame, and Linden won 44-42.

Two key stats determined the outcome of this game. Points scored from beyond the arc, and from the foul line. Linden had advantages in both of those categories with a 12-0 advantage in points scored on threes, and a 10-5 edge in points scored on free throws. St. Joseph’s was only 5 of 11 from the foul line for the game. St. Joe’s had a 29-28 edge in points scored over the last two plus quarters of the contest, but were outscored by a margin of 14-9 in the final period.

The Falcons scored their 29 points on 12 field goals and the five free throws while Linden had only 7 field goals, but four of them threes while also making 10 of 15 from the free throw line. St. Joe’s had an 11-5 edge in points scored off of turnovers. Moore made five field goals including his two fourth quarter threes while going just 2 of 4 from the foul line. Jordan Tapia stood tall for the Metuchen school with 11 points on five field goals and a free throw. Despite his struggles defending the much larger Moore in the corner in the second half, Tapia helped his team stay in the game with nine of his points over the final two periods.

Jake Dadika and Jalen Gilmore each added two field goals and a foul shot over the final 23:16 while Dadika had two steals and an assist, and Gilmore picked up two offensive rebounds including one for a score, a steal, and a charge. Salman Hasan chipped in with three points, Marcus Ashamole added a conventional three point play, and Josh Hudson got his only points during the stretch on a layin that tied the game at 41-41 with 1:07 remaining. The Falcons didn’t make any excuses with a solid effort from a group that played without the services of Quenton DeCosey, Danny Brix, Jimbo Long, and James Ziemba.

The game turned out to be quite a back and forth affair, especially down the stretch. Neither team had a lead bigger than five points in the final two periods of play. St. Joe’s largest lead was 33-30 entering the fourth period. The Falcons used a 12-4 tear over the last 7:07 of the third to take that lead into the final stanza. There were two lead changes and eight ties over the last 23:16 of the contest. Tapia sparked the run in the third that gave St. Joe’s brief control of the game with a three point play at the 6:49 mark. After Linden got a score off a floater with 5:07 to go in the quarter, the Falcons tied the game again at 28-28 with 4:14 to play in the third on layups by Gilmore and Dadika.

Following a scoring lull of about a minute and a half, and a brief departure from the game by Moore, who was shaken up at the 3:01 mark, the Tigers went back out in front at 30-28 with two free throws at the 2:41 mark. However, St. Joseph’s battled back with the final five points of the quarter including a pull-up jumper by Tapia at the 1:28 mark to tie the score at 30-30, and then a steal by Dadika that he converted into a traditional three point play with 1:10 remaining in the frame for a 33-30 lead. The Falcons had a chance to add to its lead in the waning moments of the third, but Hasan missed a three point attempt, and Dadika couldn’t score on the follow as time ran out in the period.

At the start of the fourth, Linden regrouped to take back the lead. After making one of two from the line at the 8:45 mark, the Tigers went in front as Moore made big plays at both ends. First, he blocked a layup attempt by Dadika at the 7:40 mark, and eight seconds later, he put Linden in front by the score of 34-33 with a three from the right wing. Moore then added one of two from the foul line at the 6:40 mark for a 35-33 lead, and put the Tigers up by four exactly a minute later when he scored down low for a 37-33 lead at the 5:40 mark. Despite two missed free throws by Dadika at the 4:57 mark, St. Joseph’s battled their way back to a tie.

Gilmore sparked the rally by drawing a charge on Moore with 4:03 to go. Tapia then connected on another pull-up jumper for a 37-35 Linden lead with 3:42 left. Gilmore made another big defensive play a little more than a minute later when he swiped a steal in the Tigers backcourt, and then converted the turnover on a putback for a 37-37 tie with a little more than two and a half minutes to play in regulation. On Linden’s next possession, Moore put the Tigers ahead again at 39-37 with a layup at the 2:16 mark. The Falcons had a chance to tie the game again, but a jumper by Dadika went in and out with two minutes left.

St. Joe’s kept pressing though, and Tapia managed to get a steal, and go the rest of the way for a scoop shot layup that tied the score again at 39-39 with 1:49 to play. Next time down the floor, Linden went back in front by drawing a foul, and making two free throws at the 1:29 mark. The Falcons answered though as Dadika dished to Hudson for a layin that tied the game again at 41-41 with 1:07 to go. Following a Linden timeout at the 1:02 mark, Moore connected on his second three of the quarter to give the Tigers the lead for good at 44-41 with just over a half minute to play. St. Joseph’s would only get one point the rest of the way as Linden earned a trip to the Championship for the second time in three years.

Spurt From Late Second Into Third Helps St. Peter’s Prep Hang On To Defeat EB, 35-31

After St. Joseph’s battled Linden in a semifinal that went down to the wire, East Brunswick scrapped with St. Peter’s Prep of Jersey City in the other semifinal on Wednesday. It was the second year in a row, the Bears reached the Final Four of the Linden Summer League. Last summer, EB lost to St. Patrick’s in the semifinals. This time, the Bears got off to a decent start thanks to the efforts of forward Rob Ukawuba, but the Marauders eventually overcame a sluggish start with a 17-4 spurt over a span of 12:15 that carried over from the middle of the second quarter to the middle of the third to turn a 10-7 deficit into a 24-14 lead.

St. Peter’s Prep led by as many as nine points with about a minute and a half to go before East Brunswick put together a rally to close the gap to three with 17 seconds to play. However, the Bears were unable to get any closer as the Marauders won 35-31 to advance to face Linden in the Championship Game on Thursday afternoon. For the game, St. Peter’s Prep, which has played in the last two Non-Public A North Championship Games with one title in 2010, compiled its 35 points on 10 field goals includes three treys, and made 12 of 18 from the foul line.

East Brunswick had only eight field goals including one three, and despite having more points from the charity stripe, it was 14 of 24 from the foul line including an 8 of 15 showing from the charity stripe in the first half. The Bears did a fine job of taking care of the basketball and keeping St. Peter’s Prep off the boards with a 4-2 edge in second chance points and an 11-4 advantage in points off turnovers. In a very physical game, EB did a superb job of playing defense as well. Led by the efforts of Garry Baumer, Jake Krantz (3 steals and a block), and Amir Bell, the Bears collected 11 steals, 7 deflections, 2 blocks, and a charge.

Ukawuba, who scored 8 points including the only two EB field goals in the first half, led the Bears in a losing cause with 14 points on four field goals and 6 of 9 from the foul line. The soon to be junior forward also collected four offensive rebounds with two of them converted into putbacks, three steals, an assist, block, and charge. Five other Bears added three points each including Baumer, Bell, Ethan Folz, Abu Bestawros, and Mike Summerer. It was a low scoring game, particularly in the first half. East Brunswick only led 8-7 after one period and had no field goals in the second while St. Peter’s Prep rallied with a 6-2 run to end the half for a 13-12 lead.

The Marauders, which had four field goals including two threes along with 3 of 4 from the foul line, then opened up the second half with an 11-2 tear over the first 4:52 to go up by ten midway through the third. The Bears, which went without a field goal over the last 7:18 of the third, still managed to narrow the deficit to six points by outscoring St. Peter’s Prep by a 4-2 margin over the last 4:11 of the stanza. Summerer made one of two free throws while Folz made three free throws after being fouled on a three point attempt at the 2:34 mark to pull the Bears to within 24-18 before St. Peter’s Prep made two free throws in the waning seconds of the quarter for a 26-18 advantage heading into the fourth.

In the final period, St. Peter’s Prep outscored EB by a slim 6-5 margin over the first 8:31 to increase its lead to nine with 1:29 remaining. However, the Bears didn’t give up. Over a span of just 58 seconds, East Brunswick went on a 9-2 tear to pull within three with 17 seconds left. Ukawuba sparked the rally by drawing a foul on a drive, and sinking both free throws at the 1:15 mark. After the Marauders drew a foul at the 1:09 mark, and made one of two free throws for a 33-25 lead, Ukawuba, who didn’t score for a span of 26:08 in the contest, scored again on a putback with 47 seconds remaining for a 33-27 St. Peter’s Prep lead.

After the Marauders made another one of two from the foul line with 44 seconds left, and a timeout at the 40 second mark, Ukawuba stole the ball, and strode in for a one handed dunk, and a 34-29 St. Peter’s Prep lead. The Bears then forced another turnover as Bestawros picked up a steal, and converted it into a layup to close the gap to 34-31 with under 20 seconds to play. EB almost got another steal, but the ball went out of bounds in front of the St. Peter’s Prep bench with eight seconds left. The Marauders then wrapped up the game with one of two from the line for a 35-31 victory.

GMC Hoops thanks the folks at Linden for their assistance this summer.

First Quarter

9:46–EB–Amir Bell deflects pass out of bounds.
9:32–EB–Bell deflects pass out of bounds again.
9:02–SPP–offensive foul.
8:36–EB–Abu Bestawros hits backiron on jumper, and ball goes out of bounds.
8:15–SPP–fouled on the drive, and makes both FTs for a 2-0 lead.
7:36–EB–Rob Ukawuba finds Mike Summerer for layup attempt that results in a foul, and two FTs for a 2-2 tie.
6:54–SPP–drives and kicks out to left wing for three pointer, and a 5-2 lead.
6:21–EB–Avi Oren called for blocking foul.
5:53–SPP–turnover.
5:22–EB–Bell dribbles and dishes left to Ukawuba for jumper, and a 5-4 SPP lead.
4:48–EB–Oren deflects pass out of bounds.
4:31–EB–Bell swipes steal, and dishes to Oren for layup attempt, but misses…EB gets ball out of bounds.
3:54–EB–Ukawuba to Bestawros, who dribbles and dishes back to Ukawuba for layup and foul–traditional three point play for a 7-5 lead.
3:05–EB–Ukawuba gets steal, and draws foul on layup attempt for one of two FTs, and an 8-5 lead.
2:01–SPP–calls timeout–EB playing solid defense–especially Garry Baumer and Oren.
1:46–SPP–fouled on floor.
1:30–SPP–fouled underneath.
1:17–EB–Jake Krantz pokes away steal.
0:48–EB–Baumer’s solid defense leads to fadeaway shot by SPP that falls short.
0:34–SPP–drives in for layup, and an 8-7 EB lead.
0:13–EB–Krantz blocks shot.
0:00–SPP–misses shot as time runs out.

Second Quarter

9:41–SPP–gets rebound off missed shot by Baumer, and draws foul on floor on drive.
9:18–EB–traveling.
8:55–SPP–fouled on floor.
8:31–EB–Ethan Folz deflects pass out of bounds.
8:12–SPP–fouled on the drive, but misses both FTs.
7:23–EB–Ukawuba gets offensive board off Baumer miss, draws foul, and makes both FTs for a 10-7 lead.
6:49–SPP–fouled on floor.
6:20–EB–Ukawuba draws charge on SPP player.
5:49–SPP–double dribble.
5:16–EB–Ukawuba loses handle, and can’t save ball from going out of bounds.–turnover.
4:49–EB–Folz pokes away steal.
4:35–EB–Ukawuba draws foul on follow of Folz miss, but misses both FTs.
4:02–EB–Summerer gets offensive rebound off missed FT, but misses both FTs.
3:19–EB–Ukawuba deflects pass, but he and Folz are unable to get steal..
2:58–EB–Krantz pokes away steal.
2:54–SPP–swats away Bell layup attempt.
2:04–EB–Summerer pass to Krantz goes off Krantz’s hands out of bounds–turnover.
1:45–SPP–banks in floater for a 10-9 EB lead.
1:24–EB–Bestawros fouled on floor during drive, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for an 11-9 lead.
1:07–EB–Bell blocks SPP shot.
1:03–SPP–fouled on floor–in double bonus–makes 1 of 2 FTs for an 11-10 EB lead.
0:30–SPP–cans three pointer from top of the key for a 13-11 lead.
0:05–EB–Bell fouled on the drive–makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 13-12 lead.
0:00–SPP–misses heave at buzzer…leads 13-12 at half.

EB–two FGs and 8 of 16 FTs in first half
Ukawuba–8 points on two FGs and 4 of 7 FTs, and an assist.
Summerer–2 points
Bestawros–1 point
Bell–1 point

Third Quarter

9:12–SPP–three point play for a 16-12 lead.
8:51–EB–Bell traveled.
8:22–SPP–loses ball out of bounds after missing shot in left low post.
7:58–SPP–fouled on the floor.
7:32–SPP–hits jumper in paint for a 18-12 lead.
7:18–EB–hits jumper from right wing for an 18-14 SPP lead.
6:53–SPP–hits three pointer after getting loose ball for a 21-14 lead.
6:38–EB–backcourt violation.
6:33–EB–timeout.
6:07–EB–turns ball after missed layup by Summerer.
5:49–SPP–traveling.
5:08–SPP–fouled on three point attempt for three FTs and a 24-14 lead.
4:11–EB–Summerer fouled on reverse layup attempt, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 24-15 SPP lead.
3:24–SPP–traveling.
3:02–EB–fouled on the floor.
2:34–EB–Folz fouled on three point attempt off inbounds, and makes all 3 FTs for a 24-18 SPP lead.
1:37–SPP–fouled on the floor by Oren.
1:25–SPP–fouled on the inbounds by Oren.
1:01–EB–Summerer deflects pass out of bounds.
0:33–EB–good box out by Ukawuba leads to over the back call.
0:05–SPP–steals pass, and draws foul on layup attempt for two FTs, and a 26-18 lead after three.

Fourth Quarter

9:53–EB–Bell fouled on the floor.
9:35–EB–Bell loses ball out of bounds–turnover.
9:10–EB–Ukawuba block leads to Bell layup at the other end for a 26-20 SPP lead.
9:00–SPP–timeout.
8:44–EB–Ukawuba pokes away steal, and Bell is fouled on the floor.
8:12–EB-Bell deflects pass out of bounds.
8:00–SPP–layup for a 28-20 lead.
7:36–SPP–blocks Baumer shot.
7:27–SPP–fouled on layup attempt, but misses both FTs.
6:44–EB–Baumer splashes three from left side for a 28-23 SPP lead.
6:21–SPP–banks in shot off spin move between Krantz and another EB defender for a 30-23 lead.
6:06–EB–turnover.
5:41–EB–timeout–follows foul on floor by Bell.
5:27–EB–Bell steals errant pass at midcourt, dribbles in for three attempt, and misses.  Krantz gets offensive board, and draws foul, but misses both FTs.
4:14–EB–Krantz pokes away steal to Baumer, who pushes ball upcourt, and dishes to Bell, but misses layup.
3:38–SPP–timeout to avoid turnover on 5 sec call.
3:22–SPP–fouled on the floor by Bell.
2:58–SPP–fouled on the floor by Summerer.
2:39–EB–Ukawuba gets hands on pass and forces jump ball–SPP keeps possession.
2:05–SPP–fouled on floor by Bell.
1:51–EB–Amir Bell ties up SPP player, and forces jump ball–EB possession.
1:29–SPP–gets offensive rebound and makes short shot on follow for a 32-23 lead.
1:15–EB–Ukawuba fouled on drive, and makes both FTs for a 32-25 SPP lead.
1:09–SPP–draws blocking foul on Bell, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 33-25 lead.
0:47–EB–Ukawuba–scores on putback off missed three by Bell for a 33-27 SPP lead.
0:46–EB–timeout.
0:44–SPP–fouled on floor by Bestawros–makes 1 of 2 FTs, and gets loose ball.
0:40–SPP–timeout.
0:33–EB–Ukawuba steals it, and strides in for a one handed dunk, and a 34-33 SPP lead.
0:17–EB–Bestawros steals it for layup, and a 34-31 SPP lead.
0:08–EB–almost gets steal…SPP ball out of bounds.
0:06–SPP–fouled on floor–makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 35-31 lead.
0:00–EB–Ukawuba three attempt hits front of rim, and Summerer unable to put in follow–SPP wins 35-31.

GMC Hoops will be posting an article on all this action soon.

Second Quarter

3:16–LIN–leads 16-13
3:00–LIN–draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 17-13 lead.
2:00–STJ–Hasan dishes to Marcus Ashamole for layup and foul to convert a three point play for a 17-16 LIN lead.
1:30–STJ–Hasan draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 17-17 tie.
1:00–LIN–three pointer from right wing for a 20-17 lead.
0:30–STJ–Jordan Tapia gets shot to fall for a 20-19 LIN lead.
0:00–LIN–misses shot and follow as time runs out.

LIN up 20-19 at the half

Third Quarter

9:44–LIN–Quadri Moore gets ball in left low block, posts up Ashamole, and draws foul for one of two FTs for a 21-19 lead.
8:55–LIN–steals errant pass by Jalen Gilmore.
8:49–STJ–swipes steal.
8:34–STJ–Hasan drives in from right side for layup, and a 21-21 tie.
8:00–LIN–draws foul, and makes both FTs for a 23-21 lead.
7:31–STJ–Hasan steps out of bounds.
7:07–LIN–drills three pointer from right corner for a 26-21 lead.
6:49–STJ–Tapia makes shot and is fouled for a three point play, and a 26-24 lead.
6:16–LIN–throws pass away–turnover.
5:23–STJ–Tapia deflects pass out of bounds.
5:07–LIN–hits floater off drive into paint for a 28-24 lead.
4:28–STJ–Tyler Weeks passes to Jalen Gilmore, who makes a circus scoop shot for a layup, and a 28-26 LIN lead.
4:14–STJ–Jake Dadika swipes a steal, and scores on layup for a 28-28 tie.
3:32–LIN–misses jumper, and can’t putback follow.
3:20–STJ–Dadika misses shot, and Gilmore unable to score on follow.
3:01–STJ–Moore goes down–has to leave the game.
2:41–LIN–draws foul, and makes two FTs for a 30-28 lead.
2:21–LIN–swipes steal, but commits double-dribble for turnover.
1:53–STJ–foul–pushed off with elbow.
1:28–STJ–Tapia pulls up for jumper, and a 30-30 tie.
1:10–STJ–Dadika swipes steal, and drives up left side for layup and foul for three point play, and a 33-30 lead.
0:00–STJ–Hasan misses three attempt from right wing, and Dadika misses on the follow for a 33-30 lead after three.

Fourth Quarter

9:30–LIN–loses ball out of bounds–turnover.
8:45–LIN–nice entry pass from left wing leads to foul on layup attempt.  Makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 33-31 STJ lead.
7:40–LIN–Moore blocks Dadika on layup attempt.
7:32–LIN–Moore nets three pointer from right wing for a 34-33 lead.
6:40–LIN–gets offensive rebound, leads to Moore getting fouled..makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 35-33 lead.
6:00–LIN–gets offensive rebound off missed FT, but can’t score.
5:40–LIN–gets ball back, and that leads to Moore score down low for a 37-33 lead.
4:57–STJ–Dadika fouled on the drive.  Timeout with 4:51 left.–Dadika at the line–misses both FTs.
4:13–LIN–gets offensive rebound off Moore miss.
4:03–STJ–Gilmore draws charge on Moore.
3:42–STJ–Tapia pulls up for jumper for a 37-35 LIN lead.
3:27–LIN–Moore pass goes out of bounds.
3:07–LIN–traps Dadika at midcourt, but gets called for foul.
2:32–STJ–Gilmore steals pass in Linden backcourt, and scores on putback for a 37-37 tie.
2:16–LIN–Moore layup for a 39-37 lead.
2:00–STJ–Dadika jumper goes in and out.
1:49–STJ–Tapia steals pass and goes rest of the way for scoop shot layup, and a 39-39 tie.
1:29–LIN–draws foul, and makes both FTs for a 41-39 lead.
1:07–STJ–Dadika dishes to Josh Hudson for layin and a 41-41 tie.
1:02–LIN–timeout.
0:35–LIN–Moore connects on three pointer from left corner for a 44-41 lead.
0:24–STJ–timeout.
0:09–STJ–Gilmore drives in and draws LIN blocking foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 44-42 LIN lead.
0:05–STJ–Tapia gets offensive rebound, and draws foul, but misses both FTs.
0:01–LIN–gets fouled on rebound–misses both FTs–Hasan–gets rebound, heaves it, but it is off the mark as time expires for a 44-42 LIN win.

GMC Hoops will be posting play-by-play from St. Peter’s Prep’s win over East Brunswick in the other semifinal shortly.

2011 Linden Summer League–Playoff Results–July 27th

• Linden 44–St. Joseph’s 42
• St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City) 35–East Brunswck 31

GMC Hoops thanks the folks at Linden for their cooperation this summer.

LINDEN, NJ–While the St. Joseph’s varsity squad is playing up in the Hamilton Park Summer League in Jersey City, the Falcons JV and varsity reserves for next season are getting quite a learning experience by playing tough competition at the Linden Summer League.

Playing the likes of Linden, Paterson Kennedy, Hillsborough, Rutgers Prep, and Hudson Catholic as well as traditional GMC foes in Cardinal McCarrick and East Brunswick, these Falcons are getting plenty of high quality on the job training this summer. While it may not translate into a lot of victories in both Linden and Elizabeth, where they also play, it will have benefits down the road for the Green Birds.

On Thursday, the Falcons took on the Knights of Paterson Kennedy in the finale of the final day of regular season action from the Tuesday/Thursday Division of the 2011 Linden Summer League. It was another tough lesson for St. Joe’s though as the Knights jumped out to a 16-2 lead over the first 6:05 of the contest, and they never really looked back in a 59-40 victory.

Paterson Kennedy never let St. Joe’s get closer than 12 points the rest of the way as they scored 19 points in the first quarter, 16 points in the second period, 11 in the third, and 13 in the fourth. The Falcons tried to show some life with a 9-3 run that ended the third and started the fourth, but the Knights quelled the rebellion with a breakaway layup at the 8:15 mark, and then a steal for a layup attempt that drew a foul and resulted in two free throws for a 53-33 lead at the 8:07 mark of the fourth.

Despite the heat and humidity really making things rough outside, conditions were quite comfortable inside the Linden High School gym, especially if you were sitting next to one of the five fans situated throughout the gym. It didn’t help St. Joe’s though as Paterson Kennedy’s up-tempo, high octane offense wore them down during the course of the contest. The Falcons had five different players score in the game including Salman Hasan, Owen McCleod, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Mike Cintron.

Hasan led the way in a losing cause for the Falcons with 14 points on six field goals including two threes. The soon to be junior also collected three steals and two assists in the loss. McCleod chipped in with 12 points on four field goals including a three, and was a perfect 3 of 3 from the charity stripe while also picking up three steals and an assist. Fitzpatrick added four points along with a steal and an assist, and Cintron contributed with four points and a steal.

For the game, St. Joseph’s got its 40 points on 16 field goals including three treys while making 5 of 7 from the foul line. Paterson Kennedy’s largest lead was 23 points midway through the fourth quarter, and the Knights also led by as many as 22 points on a couple of occasions in the second half. Leading 35-16 at the half, Paterson Kennedy opened the third quarter with a 6-3 burst over the first 4:44 to take a 41-19 lead.

The Falcons finished the period strong though with 9 of the last 14 points as Hasan fed Cintron for a layup at the 3:52 mark, McCleod swiped a steal and drew a foul on a layup attempt that produced two free throws at the 2:26 mark, Fitzpatrick scored a layup off a pass from McCleod at the 1:12 mark, and Hasan hit a jumper as time was running out in the period for a 46-28 Paterson Kennedy lead. Hasan then opened up the fourth with a layin at the 9:36 mark to draw the Falcons within 46-30, but after the two teams exchanged threes, the Knights went on a 10-3 tear over a span of 4:57 to put the game away.

St. Peter’s, which lost to Seton Hall Prep in the Non-Public A North Championship, was playing the first of two games at Linden on Wednesday night. Due to the July 4th holiday, all the teams had to play an extra game on one of the remaining nights. The Marauders had to play again at 8:30 PM against Point Pleasant Beach. Colonia fought valiantly again in this contest, but after a three pointer by Jordan McDaniel for a 38-37 lead with 56 seconds to play, St. Peter’s Prep closed the game with a 6 of 6 showing from the foul line to pull out a hard fought, 43-38 victory.

St. Peter’s Prep Edges Colonia With FT Down Stretch, 43-38

For the second straight game, Colonia played a powerhouse opponent in the Linden Summer League. And, for the second straight contest, the Patriots made a fine representation of themselves. As a matter of fact, the Pats had a lead with under a minute to go, but didn’t score again in the final 56 seconds while St. Peter’s Prep of Jersey City made six foul shots to pull out a five point win.

Despite being outnumbered, and having a size disadvantage, Colonia fought tooth and nail with the 2010 Non-Public A North Champion and 2011 Non-Public A North runner-up. There were 10 lead changes and five ties in the contest. Neither team had a lead bigger than seven points. Colonia’s biggest lead was 31-28 at the end of three quarters.

The Marauders held the lead for 27:53 while the game was tied for 7:10. Colonia only had the edge for 4:57. Jordan McDaniel played admirably against the larger frontline of St. Peter’s Prep. The Marauders seemed to have a ton of trees that McDaniel had to navigate in the paint, but the Colonia standout battled his way to the basket, and when he had his shot blocked or found himself trapped, he would either get the offensive rebound and tried to put it back in, or gathered himself for a score. He didn’t back down.

McDaniel ended up with 18 points on the day as he connected on four field goals including two threes while also making 8 of 11 from the foul line. Trent Barneys chipped in with 6 points along with spirited play that included diving for loose balls. His hustle almost got the best of him when he dove for a loose ball, and a St. Peter’s Prep player fell on him, which hurt his wrist. Barneys left the game for 2:18, but returned with four and a half minutes to play in the third, and stayed in for the rest of the contest.

St. Peter’s Prep tallied its 43 points on 13 field goals, four threes, and 13 of 21 from the foul line. The Marauders were 5 of 13 at one point in the fourth quarter, but netted all of its final eight attempts from the charity stripe to help come away with the victory. Colonia compiled its 35 points on 12 field goals including three treys, and 11 of 17 from the line. St. Peter’s Prep had a 12-9 edge in points scored from beyond the arc while also having a 13-11 edge in points scored from the foul line. The Jersey City school ended up with a 15-7 showing in the fourth as it limited the Patriots to just three field goals in the final frame.

A little less than two minutes into the second period, St. Peter’s Prep had a 17-12 lead. Over the next 18:09, Colonia outscored the Marauders by a margin of 19-11 to take a three point lead heading into the fourth. During this stretch, McDaniel scored half his total for the game including a three with a second to go in the first half to close the gap to 24-22 at the intermission, and two free throws at the 3:15 mark of the third to pull the Pats within one at 28-27. Barneys got his final points of the contest on a putback at the 1:29 to give CHS its first lead since the 1:50 mark of the first period.

Trailing by three at the start of the fourth, St. Peter’s scored the first four points of the final frame with a bank shot at the 9:25 mark, and a layup at the 8:44 mark to take a 32-31 lead. However, Colonia battled back with two offensive rebounds for a putback, and a 33-32 edge at the 7:29 mark. The Marauders came right back down to draw a foul on a drive, and made one of two from the line for a 33-33 tie with 7:12 remaining. St. Peter’s Prep took the lead at 35-33 with just under five minutes to play when it hit a floater from the right side.

McDaniel, who had five more points in the fourth, squared the game back up at 35-35 with 2:35 to play in regulation when he scored off a steal, but then the Jersey City school took the lead back when it got fouled on a putback attempt at the 1:53 mark, and made two foul shots for a 37-35 score. The Marauders held on to that two point edge for nearly a minute before McDaniel buried a three pointer from the top of the key for a 38-37 lead with 56 seconds to go. St. Peter’s Prep then made two pairs of free throws at the 42 and 19 second marks for a 41-38 lead.

Colonia had a chance to tie the game, and almost did when it got the ball into the hands of McDaniel for another open three attempt that drew groans from the St. Peter’s coaching staff sitting in the corner of the gym. However, McDaniel’s shot was just off the mark, and the Marauders got the rebound, and wrapped up the 43-38 win with two more free throws at the six second mark. Regular season play at Linden ended on Thursday night, and playoffs get underway with a full slate of opening round games on Monday starting at 4:30 PM.

First Quarter

3:35–arrive–PK up 14-2–makes two FTs for a 16-2 lead.
3:28–STJ–basket for a 16-4 lead.
3:15–PK–offensive rebound and putback for a 18-4 lead.
3:07–STJ–Salman Hasan–three pointer for an 18-7 PK lead.
2:30–PK–draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 19-7 lead.
2:05–STJ–Hasan–misses jumper.
1:49–PK–turnover.
1:30–STJ–Hasan misses shot–Owen McCleod with offensive rebound, and misses…Mike Cintron with offensive rebound, but misses jumper.
1:05–PK–misses putback attempt

Second Quarter

9:23–PK–swipes steal, but is tied up by Hasan and 
9:09–STJ–Hasan swipes steal for layup, and a 19-9 PK lead.
8:54–PK–taps in putback off own miss for a 21-9 lead.
8:25–STJ–Hasan misses three, but then gets steal, but then misses layup.
8:02–PK–turnover.
7:44–PK–blocks Fitzpatrick shot, but Fitzpatrick gets offensive board.
7:10–STJ–ball goes off Fitzpatricks hand for turnover.
6:45–PK–over the back foul.
6:17–STJ–Fitzpatrick gets offensive rebound, but turns it over.
5:53–PK–rejects Hasan layup attempt off glass.
5:38–PK–turnover.
5:02–PK–scores transition layup for 23-9 lead. 
4:46–STJ–Hasan hits high arching three from right corner for a 23-12 PK lead.
4:05–STJ–Hasan pass for Fitzpatrick sails out of bounds.
3:42–PK–loses ball out of bounds.
2:49–PK–turnover.
2:32–PK–scores on 3-on-1 fast break off missed three by Hasan.
2:16–STJ–traveling.
1:50–PK–can’t save ball from going out of bounds–turnover.
1:30–PK–steals it, saves it from going out of bounds to teammate for layup, and a 27-12 lead.
1:03–PK–three pointer off kickout for a 30-12 lead.
0:41–STJ–Fitzpatrick pump fakes, dribbles left, and sinks jumper for a 30-14 PK lead.
0:20–PK–three pointer from left wing for a 33-14 lead.
0:10–STJ–Cintron scores layup for a 33-16 PK lead.
0:00–PK–layin for a 35-16 lead at the break.

PK–starts second with an 11-5 run for a 30-12 lead.
STJ–Hasan–8 points in first half

Third Quarter

9:28–PK–dribbles in from left wing for jumper, and a 37-16 lead.
9:12–PK–foul on the floor.
8:52–STJ–Fitzpatrick swipes steal, and scores layup for a 37-18 PK lead.
8:20–PK–turnover.
7:51–PK–gets rebound off missed floater by Hasan, pushes ball upcourt, but STJ gets back to knock ball away.
7:08–STJ–Cintron gets rebound, and outlets to #0, who drives upcourt for layup attempt, and is fouled hard.  Makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 37-19 PK lead.
6:11–PK–banks in jump hook for a 39-19 lead.
5:40–PK–pushes off with elbow on the drive–foul–STJ ball.
5:16–PK–steals off McCleod, and drives in for layin, and a 41-19 lead.
4:36–PK–draws foul on layin attempt, but misses both FTs.
3:52–STJ–Hasan feeds Cintron for layup, and a 41-21 PK lead.
3:30–PK–pulls up for foul line jumper, and a 43-21 lead.
3:12–STJ–gets offensive rebound, draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 43-22 PK lead.
2:26–STJ–McCleod swipes steal, drives to the basket, and draws foul for two FTs and a 43-24 PK lead.
1:39–PK–dribbles left toward the middle, and dishes to left corner for three pointer, and a 46-24 lead.
1:12–STJ–McCleod nice bounces pass to the right for a cutting Fitzpatrick for a layup, and a 46-26 PK lead.
0:56–PK–traveling.
0:33–PK–pushing foul.
0:01–STJ–Fitzpatrick inbounds to Hasan in right corner, fakes, dribbles in, and nets jumper for a 46-28 PK lead.

Fourth Quarter

9:36–STJ–Hasan gets ball, fakes up, dribblesd to left baseline for layin, and a 46-30 PK lead.
9:24–PK–kicks out for three pointer from left wing for a 49-30 lead.
9:10–STJ–McCleod elevates for three pointer, and a 49-33 PK lead.
8:30–STJ–misses layup.
8:15–PK–breakaway layup for a 51-33 lead.
8:07–PK–steal for another layup attempt, draws foul, and makes two FTs for a 53-33 lead.
7:05–PK–gets rebound off Austin Sour miss–pushes ball upcourt, and gets fouled on layup attempt for 1 of 2 FTs, and a 54-33 lead.
6:27–PK–gets offensive rebound off missed FT, and draws foul for 1 of 2 FTs and a 55-33 lead.
5:32–STJ–McCleod fights hard for offensive rebound, and scores on the follow for a traditional three point play, and a 55-36 PK lead.
4:59–PK–nice entry pass for layup, and a 57-36 lead.
4:13–PK–nice dish for layup, and a 59-36 lead.
4:00–STJ–McCleod pass goes off Falcon out of bounds for turnover.
3:28–STJ–McCleod swipes steal on right side, and goes the rest of the way for layup, and a 59-38 PK lead.
2:59–STJ–gets steal, but loses footing on break for traveling.
1:13–STJ–McCleod gets steal, drives up 1-on-3, loses handle, regains it, and scores layup for a 59-40 PK lead.
0:40–STJ–Cintron gets steal, but Falcons can’t score.
PK wins 59-40.

GMC Hoops plans to be back out at Linden next week for the playoffs.

2011 Linden Summer League–Some Results–Tuesday/Thursday Division–July 21st

• Paterson Kennedy 59–St. Joseph’s 40

GMC Hoops plans to be back out at the Linden Summer League next week for playoff action.

First Quarter

9:23–SPP–foul
9:07–SPP–steals pass, but can’t finish.
8:45–SPP–blocks COL shot on follow
8:25–SPP–offensive rebound and putback for 2-0 lead.
8:08–COL–offensive foul.
7:40–SPP–three pointer for a 5-0 lead.
7:10–COL–swipes steal…SPP knocks ball out of bounds.
6:47–SPP–gets steal.
6:37–COL–Trent Barneys steals it back, and gets ball to Jordan McDaniel for layup, and foul for three point play, and a 5-3 SPP lead.
5:57–SPP–turnover.
5:39–COL–sets himself down low on left side for hook shot, and a 5-5 tie.
5:18–SPP–traveling.
4:53–COL–Barneys drives right baseline, and draws foul.  Makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 6-5  lead.
4:02–COL–called for foul on right baseline.
3:45–SPP–hits three pointer from right wing off inbounds for an 8-6 lead.
3:20–COL–drives in from left side for hook shot, and an 8-8 tie.
2:53–SPP–gets offensive rebound underneath, and draws foul on the follow for two FTs, and a 10-8 lead.
1:50–COL–Barneys nets three pointer from left wing for an 11-10 lead.
1:33–SPP–pulls up for jumper, and a 12-11 lead.
1:18–COL–McDaniel drives into the paint, draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 12-12 tie.
0:38–SPP–misses shot, but ball goes out of bounds off COL.
0:03–SPP–misses shot in paint, and McDaniel gets ball–tied up–jump ball–COL possession.
0:00–game tied at 12-12.

Second Quarter

9:29–SPP–scores layup off nice pass for a 14-12 lead.
9:12–COL–traveling.
8:34–COL–McDaniel gets rebound, takes ball upcourt, and misses shot…

8:09–SPP–three pointer from left side for a 17-12 lead.
7:46–SPP–turnover.
7:25–COL–Patel–layup for a 17-14 SPP lead.
7:05–SPP–fouled down low on left side, but misses both FTs.
6:25–SPP–steal
6:10–SPP–traveling.
5:36–COL–throws ball away–miscommunication.
5:33–COL–30 second timeout.
5:08–COL–calls timeout after getting on the floor for loose ball.
4:24–COL–offensive rebound off missed jumper by McDaniel for follow, and a 17-16 SPP lead.
3:54–SPP–two offensive rebounds, a putback, and a foul for a three point play, and a 20-16 lead.
3:03–COL–McDaniel misses jumper, but COL gets ball out of bounds.
2:47–SPP–ties up McDaniel on shot attempt for jump ball, and possession.
2:23–SPP–pulls up for three pointer for a 23-16 lead.
2:05–COL–offensive foul.
1:39–COL–McDaniel fouled on rebound, and makes both FTs for a 23-18 SPP lead.
1:25–SPP–gets offensive rebound, and draws foul for 1 of 2 FTs and a 24-18 lead.
1:17–COL–McDaniel loses handle, and is tied up by SPP, but COL keeps possession.
0:44–SPP–draws foul, but misses both FTs.
0:23–COL–McDaniel drives baseline on right side, has shot blocked, gets rebound, and draws foul for 1 of 2 FTs and a 24-19 SPP lead.–timeout.
0:10–COL–Barneys forces 5 second violation.
0:01–COL–McDaniel to Barneys on right wing, back to McDaniel for three pointer that gently rattles in, and a 24-22 SPP lead at the half.

Third Quarter

9:48–SPP–offensive rebound, and scores on reverse layup for a 26-22 lead.
9:25–COL–McDaniel drives in from right side, draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 26-23 SPP lead.
8:35–SPP–nice bounce pass down low on left side for foul, but misses both FTs.
7:50–SPP–scores on putback for a 28-23 lead.
7:37–COL–draws foul on the drive, and makes both FTs for a 28-25 SPP lead.
6:30–COL–Barneys tries to poke away steal, dives on the floor, and SPP player falls on him, hurting his wrist…Barneys leaves game.
5:39–SPP–misses shot, but gets ball out of bounds.
5:27–SPP–McDaniel draws charge.
5:05–COL–McDaniel called for over the back foul.
4:50–COL–Patel–steal.
4:36–SPP–called for blocking foul.
4:22–COL–misses both FTs.
4:12–COL–Barneys is back in the game.
3:33–SPP–turnover.
3:15–COL–McDaniel fouled on shot, and makes both FTs for a 28-27 SPP lead.
2:28–SPP–drives in from left side, and is fouled on floater, but misses both FTs.
1:29–COL–Barneys gets offensive board, and puts it back in for a 29-28 lead.
1:13–SPP–turnover.
0:56–SPP–called for holding foul at midcourt.
0:22–SPP–stops McDaniel on drive, but COL keeps possession.
0:02–COL–outworks SPP for two offensive rebounds, and puts in follow for a 31-28 lead.

Fourth Quarter

9:25–SPP–banks in shot from right side for a 31-30 COL lead.
9:03–SPP–gets on floor for loose ball, but is out of bounds–timeout.
8:44–SPP–nice feed to cutter for layup, and the foul.  Misses FT, but commits violation–32-31 lead.
7:29–COL–two offensive rebounds leads to putback, and a 33-32 lead.
7:12–SPP–fouled on the drive, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 33-33 tie.
6:08–COL–Barneys gets offensive rebound, but his pass goes off teammate out of bounds–turnover.
5:38–SPP–blocks McDaniel shot, but COL gets ball out of bounds.
4:50–SPP–hits baseline floater from right side for a 35-33 lead.
4:22–COL–pushing foul after McDaniel misses jumper from right side.
4:02–COL–Barneys deflects pass out of bounds.
3:35–COL–McDaniel ties up SPP player for jump ball, but SPP keeps possession.
3:12–SPP–gets offensive board, but turns it over.
2:44–SPP–blocks McDaniel shot.
2:35–COL–McDaniel scores off steal for a 35-35 tie.
2:13–SPP–gets a couple offensive rebounds, and draws foul.  Misses both FTs.
1:53–SPP–gets offensive rebound off missed FT, and draws foul for 2 FTs and a 37-35 lead.
1:34–COL–McDaniel gets offensive rebound off Barneys miss, but is stripped–SPP gets steal.
1:30–COL–McDaniel knocks pass out of bounds.
1:15–SPP–draws foul underneath–COL–timeout–SPP–misses both FTs.
1:11–COL–gets ball out of bounds.
0:56–COL–McDaniel buries three pointer from top of key for a 38-37 lead.
0:42–SPP–fouled by McDaniel on baseline, and makes both FTs for a 39-38 lead.
0:30–COL–traveling.
0:19–SPP–fouled on floor–makes both FTs for a 41-38 lead.
0:12–COL–three point attempt by McDaniel just misses.
0:06–SPP–fouled after rebound–makes both FTs for a 43-38 lead.
SPP wins 43-38

GMC Hoops plans to be back out at Linden on Thursday.

2011 Linden Summer League–Some Results–Monday/Wednesday Division–July 20th

• St. Peter’s Prep (J.C.) 43–Colonia 38

GMC Hoops plans to be back out at Linden on Thursday.