When Rob Phelps said Bedford Academy’s upset of Campus Magnet on Sunday would get his players ready for Monday’s showdown with Brooklyn A East rival Brooklyn Collegiate, he wasn’t kidding.
In the Panthers finest performance of the season, they manhandled the division-leading Lions, 71-40, Monday afternoon. Neil Veira led all scorers with 21 points and added 10 rebounds, Sean Snagg had 14 points, Darren Thomas notched 13 points and five assists, Darien Best had 10 points and 14 rebounds and Ellis Everett contributed nine points and 10 rebounds for Bedford (13-3, 10-3 Brooklyn A East)
“This is a big statement,” Phelps said. “I told our guys if we play consistent basketball, the way we’re supposed to play, we can beat any team [in the ‘A’]. We’re big enough, we’re strong enough, we have the talent. Our biggest issue is consistency. Last few days we’re been consistent, doing what we’re supposed to do.”
Bedford led by 10 at halftime and cruised to the surprising rout. Brooklyn Collegiate entered undefeated in league play, having won the first matchup between the two teams on Dec. 14, 68-60. In that game, senior Ervin Mitchell exploded for 30 points, but he was contained by Everett and Snagg this time and the Lions (16-2, 12-1) were held to 40 points, usually their output in a single half.
“We were clicking on all cylinders tonight,” Phelps said. “They paid great attention to detail for our game plan. They went out there and executed everything I told them to do, offensive end and defensive end. We just played as a team. Nobody was worrying about themselves, everybody just wanted to beat Brooklyn Collegiate. That was the key to the game – everybody was on the same page.”
Despite the win, a fourth straight Brooklyn A East crown is a longshot for Bedford as it trails Brooklyn Collegiate by two games with five contests remaining. Phelps isn’t overly concerned – he’s far more pleased with the direction of his team.
“What matters is the big jewel as the end,” he said.