Prep Talk

My first day back in the gyms was the first day of the Yale Cup season, and I decided to check out an intriguing matchup of Middle College at McKinley.

One team literally came out of nowhere -- Middle College is fielding a varsity team for the first time this season, and they've done quite well. The other team is one that has done well for quite some time, but is in a season of transition due to the suspension of former coach James Daye.

McKinley still appears to be finding itself, but it had several spirited efforts to help it win despite the absence of one of Western New York's best players. The Macks won, 77-70, with returning All-Western New York first-teamer and senior Mansa Habeeb on the bench the entire game due to a coach's decision. I was told it was an issue regarding missed practices.

At times, especially early, it was an extremely sloppy game, sometimes ugly, on both sides. I suppose that should be expected with a new program and a team trying to fill a leadership void. McKinley won with some hard work on defense and some unselfishness on offense.

Among the Macks' great efforts was that of senior Kevin Chillis (24 points), who did most of the ball-handling and was a quality leader on the floor. The Macks played hard -- among several others contributing hustle plays were senior guard C.J. Gardener, senior big man Terrie Lowe, senior Nickyle Holman and his brother Shaquille (a junior) and junior Aaron Martin.

Nickyle Holman (whose cool first name is worth of an all-name team) had all sorts of energy, scratching and clawing and bouncing around for rebounds and loose balls, jumping up from the bench to will on teammates, even asking around to see who needed water during a timeout after he had refueled. 

The Macks took control of the game with an 18-6 run to start the third quarter. Nickyle Holman had a block on one end and ran the floor to convert a layup on the other -- thanks to a behind-the-back dribble-and-dish from Martin -- to conclude the run and put McKinley up, 49-35. Later in the quarter, Shaq Holman had two impressive blocks on the same Middle College possession.   

Lowe had some slick moves inside -- including some smooth jump hooks, including one in the final minutes -- and hit a three-pointer.

Nickyle Holman converted another nice drive-and-dish from Martin in the fourth quarter; Nickyle Holman also stole the ball from Darale Young on a drive in the final two minutes.

The other game I was considering was Bennett at Grover Cleveland, because I know Bennett is improved from recent years. Grover beat the Tigers in overtime -- triple overtime. I can hear the Jamestown poll boosters already :-)

All the scores will be posted at our high school home page later this evening. Anyone see any of a busy ECIC and CCAA schedule (well, it was busy until some snow days happened).

---Keith McShea