Shaquille Stokes won’t be asked to carry the load offensively nearly as much this winter. (Damion Reid)
Lincoln enters this season in an odd position – as an underdog. Coming off last winter’s third-place finish in Brooklyn AA and quarterfinal exit in the playoffs, it isn’t the favorite to win the city title or finish atop Brooklyn, which is unique in itself.
That’s not to say the Railsplitters’ cupboard is empty; in fact, it is loaded, deep with experience, size and guard play, home to the unanimous top freshman in the city.
“I feel much better at this point than I did last year,” coach Dwayne (Tiny) Morton said.
Last winter’s weaknesses – an overdependence on guard Shaquille Stokes, lack of experience and depth – have been sured up.
“We have more chemistry now,” said power forward Kamari Murphy , who has a slew of Division I schools after him, including West Virginia, Seton Hall and Oklahoma State. “A lot more guys understand the game and we’re together as a team.”
Stokes will, of course, be counted on to carry the scoring load, but not nearly as much. Freshman Isaiah Whitehead has already impressed Morton in scrimmages; junior sharpshooter Ian Vasquez, formerly of Wings Academy, will open the floor; junior 6-foot-1 guard Isaiah Washington is eligible after previous struggles; sophomore guard Shaquille Davis showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman and Uniondale transfer Shaq Moseley will see time at the point.
“They don’t all play the same position, they don’t do the same thing, which is very good,” said Morton, entering his 12th year. “I’m working on different combinations. “
Lincoln’s frontcourt – Murphy, center Jordan Dickerson and reserves Reuben King and Michael White Jr. – is technically the same, though everyone has improved. The 6-foot-11 Dickerson struggled somewhat last winter in his first year of New York City basketball after coming north from Virginia, but he enjoyed a solid summer on the AAU circuit. Murphy is an all-city talent, long and athletic at 6-foot-8, and is used to his teammates after coming in late from Bishop Ford last December.
“He is one of the best big men in the city,” Morton said. “He’s versatile, he’s running the floor, he’s blocking shots, he’s rebounding, getting the foul line. It’s amazing his upside. He’s still 16 years old.”
Justifiably, Morton said, Boys & Girls is a preseason favorite to repeat as city champs as The High lost just one starter – Leroy Isler – and added Hillcrest transfer Malik Nichols, a Hofstra commit. Lincoln didn’t lose anyone, is loaded with seniors – eight in all – and may have the top underclassman in Whitehead in the five boroughs.
The Railsplitters have a quiet confidence about them; they aren’t going around making grandiose predictions, but there is a feeling in Coney Island they are as good as anyone.
“I’m not scared of Boys & Girls,” Morton said. “We lost in overtime to them and we beat them at our place.”
Stokes, who averaged 23 points per game last year and was a New York Post All-City second team selection, said: “We want to be under the radar. By the time of the playoffs, we’ll show everybody what we’re made of.”