Good evening everyone. It’s been almost a week since the GMCBCA Senior All-Star Game was played, but I haven’t forgotten about it. I’m always very happy to see this game because the kids have such a fun time playing it. When you see top notch players from a state finalist team such as Piscataway like James White, Omar Smith, and J.D. Griggs getting the ball to small school guys like Larry Lenahan for scores, you can see the respect and appreciation that those big school kids have for a guy like Lenahan. This contest also gives the fans an opportunity to see players like Kevin Uszenski of Bishop Ahr and Arman Wilson, who tended to be overshadowed by players that were either on better teams, or others that garnered more headlines in the GMC, show their stuff on the court, and both didn’t disappoint.
Uszenski ended up being the game MVP with 13 points (although I thought he had more) for the Dark Team, and Wilson scored 22 points for the Light Team. Although Cardinal McCarrick’s Mike Burwell scored in double figures, and came up clutch in the overtime with all six of the Dark Team’s points, he shared the spotlight with other players such as Uszenski and Will Roman of J.F. Kennedy, who had all eight of his points in the second quarter of play. For a player such as Roman, who was on a team that didn’t qualify for the state tournament, and didn’t get far in the GMCT, it was a chance to show the fans that he belonged. Paul Konopacki (9 points) showed great athleticism while coming up with huge traditional three point plays during his time on the floor with the Dark Team. Byron Merricks, who is more known for his defense, quickness, and playmaking ability for the Ramblers of Carteret this past season, showed a flair for scoring with 10 points including a three pointer in the second half.
Like Roman, crosstown rival player, Anthony Graham of Woodbridge showed the folks at Perth Amboy on Thursday night, that he is a talented player in spite of his teams struggles in 2007-08. Graham, who also played football during the fall, registered 15 points for the Light Team on three field goals, a three pointer, and 6 of 7 from the foul line including three clutch free throws at the 5:52 mark to pull his team to within two at 81-79. Lenahan scored in double figures as well with 10 points on five field goals as he demonstrated that he wasn’t in all of the field of talent he was on the floor with, and battled for rebounds and putbacks like he had all season with the Guvs of South Amboy. Another overlooked talent in the GMC that came to play in the All-Star Game was Perth Amboy’s Edwin Guerra. After having a bit of a shaky start with a couple misses early on, Guerra, who seemed to come up with double-doubles at will during 2007-08, ended up with 8 points on four field goals. Some nice teamwork was shown between Lenahan and Mark Simko of South Amboy and Middlesex’s John Stockton as the latter scored two baskets off feeds by the two Guv players.
While the talent was not as strong as it was in 2006, or even in the first All-Star classic covered by the site in 2001, it was still a fine performance by the two teams. It was very competitive, especially when the Light Team showed some fortitude, and overcame a 14 point deficit midway through the second half to force a 90-90 tie at the end of regulation. There was only three dunks in the game: one by Griggs, one by Arman Wilson, and one by Uszenski, and there were moments where the fans wondered when the All-Stars were going to show up, but despite the lack of showtime that usually is the theme of these games, both teams battled down to the final seconds of overtime before the Dark Team prevailed by two, 96-94. Neither team had a lead bigger than 14 points, and there were a total of 10 lead changes and 6 ties over the course of the night. It was a game that lived up to the fine play and competitive spirit that has characterized the spirit of this showcase event over the years.
Even more important though, is to come and watch these All-Star games, and watch the kids, which have been going tooth and nail at each other all season long in both division and conference play, and see them show the great deal of respect for one another on the sidelines, and on the court. A few of the parents approached me during the course of the game, and made note of that, and indicated how good that made them felt to see that. With the development of AAU teams over the years, these kids have more of an opportunity to get to know one another, and appreciate each others talent and ability. This game has always reflected that. After the contest was over, I had the chance to speak to a few players although I hoped to talk to more, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to. It’s great to talk to the players, and get to know them. You can also see that they have appreciated the coverage the site has given without them saying a word about it.
In the eight years, GMC Hoops has been in operation, the site has only managed to see three of these All-Star Games, and it has been one of the big disappointments of the coverage the site has given since its inception. Hopefully now that I’ve graduated Rutgers within the past year, and the changing work schedule, I will be able to see more of these contests in the future. I really don’t want to miss out on the special game anymore.