Oliver Antigua took a trip down memory lane.
The St. Raymond boys basketball coach was sitting under the basket at Dyckman with his daughter Monday night taking in a set of games featuring his former players. Louie McCroskey and Ricky Torres played together for Big Russ Ballers first and Brian Laing and Frank Elegar took the court together for Castle Hill Kings right after.
“We watched them when they were little kids,” Antigua said. “Now you see them and they are grown up. It’s nice to see them successful.”
The four were on the Ravens teams that won back-to-back CHSAA city championships in 2003 and 2004. They were on the winning side at Dyckman also. They hold a special place in Antigua’s heart because of that and he was told to come down to the games by Elegar. He jokes with them about their state semifinal game loss to Mount Vernon in 2004.
“Every time I see them I go, ‘You guys cost me a state championship. You guys turned it over,’” Antigua said.
He got to witness a strong showing Monday also. McCroskey, who is trying to get back into basketball shape to play overseas, scored 25 points and Laing, who played his college ball at Seton Hall, tallied 10 in his game. His current team at Ray’s is coming off a trip to the CHSAA Class AA intersectional semifinals and returns a bulk of its talent.
“I watch Louie and I am like, ‘He’s still got it,’” Antigua said. “He can still play.”
Just like old times.
Team 914 77, Rosedale Blazers 67: Kirk Williams scored 19 of his 26 points after the break to help No. 2-seeded Team 914, which erased a 10-point, second-half deficit in the first round of the Dyckman playoffs. Aaron (The Problem) Williams scored 17 points and Will Cadiz added 11. Brandon Williams led No. 7 Rosedale with 19 points. Haron (H20) Hargrave had 16 and Amseshem Henderson added 13.
Castle Hill Kings 90, JTA 65: Kenny Satterfield led the No. 4-seeded Castle Hill Kings with 19 points. Former St. Raymond standout Brian Laing added 10 points. Rio Pittio scored 12 points for No. 5 JTA and Noruwa Agoh chipped in 11.
Big Russ Ballers 90, Body Snatchers 78: Former St. Raymond star Louie McCroskey and Will Pratt each dropped in 25 points for Big Russ Ballers in the play-in game. They advance to play top-seeded Da Young Ones on Tuesday at 9:45 p.m. in the second round. Greg (Playstation) Johnson added 18. David Seiger scored 24 points for the Body Snatchers and Anthony (Africa) Pimble added 20.