Bayside has put together one of its best stretches in coach Cory Semper’s four seasons as coach. It continued Monday afternoon in the Big Apple Basketball High School Invitational as the Commodores knocked off Princeton Day School (N.J.) and national prospect Davon Reed, 58-49, at Baruch College for their eighth straight victory.
Continuing his inspired play of late, forward Uzonna Akazi had 14 points and 12 rebounds, Jamal Roseburgh came off the bench with 13 points and Brandon King also had 13 for Bayside (13-4).
“We’re working harder in practice and becoming more of a team,” Semper said. “Everybody’s buying into the system, they’re playing together, getting to loose balls and taking charges, doing all the little things.”
Bayside’s last loss, in fact, came at Baruch College, a setback to Archbishop Molloy. In addition to improved work habits, Akazi has become a force inside and out, standout junior guard Austin Williams has come into his own and the 6-foot-6 Roseburgh has returned from injury. The transfer from Texas gives the Commodores depth up front.
Just a game behind Queens AA leader Cardozo, Bayside is in position to win its first division crown in several years. Its odds improved in the last few days when Judges 6-foot-9 star forward Jermaine Lawrence left the Queens school for Pope John XXIII in Sparta, N.J. Semper, however, said he wasn’t happy.
“I’m a little disappointed because the best players in New York City are all leaving,” he said. “We felt we could take it anyway.”
The division crown will likely come down to the Jan. 31 showdown at Bayside as Cardozo won the first meeting, 62-59, on Dec. 15. Even without Lawrence, Semper is wary of the Judges, who he described as “very, very good. They’ll have other guys step up.”
“It would be definitely big to win the division,” he said. “It would be a big step for us. Every year we’re doing a little more. Our goal is always to win the division. This time we have a shot at it. But it’s gonna be tough. It’s not gonna be given to us.”
Mount Vernon 58, Cardozo 49: For the second time in three days, Cardozo fought valiantly but fell short. Ryan Yearwood scored 12 points, Omar Williams added 10 and Tajay Henry had nine points and seven rebounds for the Judges (11-4), who were without Lawrence for the second time. Isaiah Cousins led the defending New York State State Federation Class AA champion Knights with 19 points.
“We were just unlucky,” Cardozo coach Ron Naclerio said. “Five or six loose balls we couldn’t get. With 4:40 to go, Kyle Credle had a 3 go in and out that would’ve cut it to one.
“What makes me feel bad is we lost two games. What makes me feel good is we’re against a team in Mount Vernon if they were in the PSAL would be fighting for a PSAL title. After what happened to us last week, after kids have to look in the mirror and say if we still fight there’s always the chance. I hope the teams we play think we’re not good because [Lawrence] is not here anymore and take us lightly.”
Lincoln 77, Robert Vaux (Pa.) 42: The Railsplitters broke the game open with a 28-3 third quarter and cruised to their fourth straight victory. Ian Vasquez scored 18 points off the bench, Tafari Whittingham added 14 points and Isaiah Whitehead had 11 for Lincoln (15-2), which was coming off a huge victory Saturday against arch rival Boys & Girls.