NYPost.com boys basketball beat writer Zach Braziller breaks down this week’s STOP-DWI Holiday Classic at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, N.Y. featuring city programs Christ the King and Wings Academy. To follow our interactive live blog, click here.
Christ the King Royals
Head coach: Joe Arbitello
Record: 2-1
Player to watch: Omar Calhoun
Outlook: The Royals were in Binghamton two years ago and left with the title – the goal this week as well. Christ the King has the city’s top senior in UConn-bound Omar Calhoun and a trio of high-level juniors – Jon Severe, Isaiah Lewis and Jordan Fuchs – to rely upon on.
Wings Academy Wings
Head coach: Billy Turnage
Record: 9-0
Player to watch: Justin Jenins
Outlook: Wings Academy has rolled through Bronx AA, handling its seven league opponent in easy fashion, the closest victory a 56-50 win over rival John F. Kennedy. Now the Wings get their first true test, starting against Dixie Heights (Ky.) on Wednesday and possibly Christ the King in the semifinals. It will also be a great opportunity for top uncommitted seniors Justin Jenkins and Steven Gomez to prove themselves.
Mount Vernon Knights
Head coach: Bob Cimmino
Record: 2-0
Player to watch: Isaiah Cousins
Outlook: The defending New York State Federation Class AA champion graduated Jabari Hinds, now starting for West Virginia, but they may be deeper and more balanced. Division I prospects Isiaah Cousins, Randy Stephens, Jarrel Marshall and Josh Doughty lead the Knights, who return nine returning from last winter’s fourth Federation champion.
Neumann Goretti Saints
Head coach: Carl Arrigale
Record: 4-1
Player to watch: JaQuan Newton
Outlook: Despite a score of losses, the Saints repeated as PIAA Class AAA champions and won their third straight Catholic league championship last March. Seniors Derrick Stewart and Billy Shank are coming off solid seasons, while sophomore point guard JaQuan Newton is one of the city’s top floor generals, with scholarship offers from Villanova, Georgetown, Miami and Rutgers, among others, already.
Seton Catholic Central Saints
Head coach: Chris Sinicki
Record: 2-2
Player to watch: Tom Torto
Outlook: Off to a slow start, the Class A Saints are led by guards Tom Torto and John Armstrong and forward Cole Smothers.
St. Rita Mustangs
Head coach: Gary DeCesare
Record: 5-3
Player to watch: Tony Hicks
Outlook: The Chicago Catholic school are led by a familiar face to local hoops fans in DeCesare. He spent 16 years at St. Raymond and even led the Ravens to a STOP-DWI Holiday Classic crown here in 1998. He’s in his third year now at St. Rita after stints as an assistant at Richmond and DePaul. The Mustangs are experienced with five returning starters, including standout sophomores Dominique Matthews Victor Law.
St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders
Head coach: Steve Strand
Record: 9-1
Player to watch: Kendall Roberts
Outlook: The Raiders are coming off a third-place finish in the Kreul Classic Sweet 16 Championship tournament. They are no stranger to Binghamton, playing in the tournament four times in coach Steve Strand’s 15 seasons on the bench, and winning it all in 2000. The Florida school features a huge front line, which includes 6-foot-8 forwards Jason Wilkinson and Tanner Bombich and 6-foot-7 forward John Hunter.
Dixie Heights Colonels
Head coach: Ken Chevalier
Record: 5-3
Player to watch: Brandon Hatton
Outlook: Last year was a dream season for Dixie Heights as it won the Ninth Region title for the first time in 54 years. Much of that group is back, led by senior forward Patrick Stansberry and sophomore guard Brandon Hatton. The two combined to average 31 points per game last year for the Colonels, who after a quick start have dropped three games in a row.