Central and Central Catholic get wins at the HoopHall
January 12, 2012 New England Hoop News Staff
Central Catholic holds on against Cathedral
The lead was cut to one point, 63-62 and also to two points on a few occasions, but Springfield Cathedral couldn't get any closer. Clutch plays by Tyler Nelson and company helped Catholic hold on for the victory. The final result, a 72-66 win for Central Catholic, is nothing for the Cathedral players to hang their head about.
The #1 team in the state, Catholic was playing without top player Luis Puello, out with a high-ankle sprain, but they were picked up nicely by Tyler Nelson, who finished with 19 points. The sophomore connected on back to back three-pointers in the 2nd stanza which allowed Catholic to open up an 8-point advantage.
Cathedral never went quietly though and as the lead flucuated between 7 and 10 points the entire 2nd half, they went on a run when it mattered most. Jordan Monts (12 points) came alive and Louis Garcia continued to carry the panthers (game high, 23 points) connected on a couple more long-range shots.
The Panthers had two possessions with the opportunity to take the lead. Trailing 63-62, they could have taken the lead twice, but missed a three-pointer and front end of a one and one. Ultimately, the Cathedral run fell short as Catholic made free throws and hit shots when they needed to.
Shawn McCoy chipped in 14 for Central Catholic while Ryan DiBernardo added 12 for Cathedral. Cathedral moves to 5-3 on the season while Central Catholic jumps to 8-0.
Central dominates Putnam
The Central HS boys basketball team jumped into the Top 25 this past week at #19 according to ESPN Boston's poll. And we had them ranked #15 in our pool on January 3rd.
After seeing them play live for the first time this year, we're anticipating them moving up steadily in the polls all season long.
The talent has always been there. We've seen Tyrell Springer, Kamari Robinson, Chris Prophet, Jeyvaugh McMillan, Cornelius Tyson, Lee Turner, and the rest of the game for years. We know their personnel inside and out. The question has never been talent. The question has been focus, chemistry and playing through adversity.
Tonight against crosstown rival, Putnam (4-3), Central was clicking on all cyclinders, and left very little questions. Central won 76-57 and seemingly dominated the game from the 2nd quarter on, as they got out to a slow start.
A game-high, 21 points, from senior guard Tyrell Springer and 17 points, 10 rebounds from 6'5 junior forward Kamari Robinson propelled a team that can see any number of guys step up. Senior guard, Lee Turner connected on a pair of threes on his way to 10 points. And arguably Central's most important player, Chris Prophet, finished with 13 points while runnign the show.
Most impressive was Central's ability to defend full court, create havoc and take the team out of their offense. The game because very fast for Putnam and Central's defensive, full-court pressure, and 1/2 court traps, were the main reason for that.
With the win, Central improves to 8-0 on the year. Next up for Central, a meeting with top-ranked Windsor (CT) and legendeary head coach, Ken Smith. That will be a true test to see just how strong these Golden Eagles are.
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