GAME ON Boys Basketball Central vs Classical
GAME ON Reporter Malcolm Burnley
GAME ON Boys Basketball Central vs Classical
Central was on a roll and Classical was winless, but when Central came to play the make up game the super-sophomores of Classical kept the game close. Originally, this game got postponed due to the threat of gang violence. The decision to postponed the game came under great review, but once the game was on - both teams were running.
Game Recap:
Robert Lewis scored 18 points to lead the Central High Knights past the Purple of Classical High, 62-53 in a boys basketball match-up of Division I West Rivals. Ismael Batista (15 pts) and Terrill Toe (17 pts) kept Classical close during the first period, and Classical trailed by only four at the half, 36-32. But Central sprinted by Classical in the second period, playing up-tempo and scoring easily in transition. Central improved its record to 4-1 in the league (5-2 overall), while Classical dropped to 0-4 (0-7 overall).
Player of The Game:
Robert Lewis, Central
Classical had no answer for Lewis in the second half. The versatile 6’3 senior, currently among the top 5 in the state in scoring average, showed a versatile skill-set throughout. During a one-minute stretch late in the game, he scored 7 straight points to clinch the victory for Central, including an emphatic break-away dunk. Lewis earned Second-team All-Division honors in 2009-2010, and appears poised for an All-State accolade this year.
Head-to-Head Match-Up of the Game:
Coach Todd Keefe, Central (former Classical coach) VS Coach John Kavanagh, Classical (formerly Keefe’s assistant)
Both coaches demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm and energy on the sidelines. It is no coincidence they share similar coaching styles-Kavanagh served under Keefe last season, before replacing him as head coach at Classical. Kavanagh inspired his players to keep the game close, despite the Purple’s undersized roster, but Keefe’s passion ultimately willed Central to win.
Quote of The Game:
“They know how to work as a family.”
-Andres Brito and Jeremy Gullen, 11th grade students from Central High school, speaking about this year’s squad.
What The Final Score Says:
Central looks like a legitimate contender in Division I and appears capable of a deep run in the State Championships. The first-year under Keefe might be a banner one.
Classical had to replace its coach (Keefe) and top player (Mike Palumbo), while transitioning to Division I this season. The young Purple team will improve, and sophomore co-captains Terrill Toe and Ismael Batista are a formidable due to look out for in the future.