By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Maybe it was the thrill of playing against another dominant power forward. Maybe it was a chance at redemption after missing action because of violations of team policy. Maybe it was the opportunity to beat a team that had given him, along with his teammates, fits in two previous meetings.
Whatever the motivation, St. Benedict's senior Samardo Samuels erupted for 30 points against arch-rival St. Patrick Friday at the Louis Brown Athletic Center (better known as the RAC) on the campus of Rutgers University, leading the way in an emotion-filled, 68-62 victory.
The game was one of four played on the night as part of the PrimeTime Shootout, which continues Saturday at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton.
“This is our championship,” Samuels said, describing a New Jersey rivalry game that often takes on much greater importantace on a national scale.
It was certainly more significant this year for the Gray Bees, loaded with an imposing frontcourt and a more-than-capable backcourt, but having never beaten St. Patrick during head coach Dan Hurley’s era.
“Everyone around school was tense today, saying we have to beat St. Pat’s,” Samuels said. “We can’t lose to them, this year.”
Samuels completely outplayed his front court nemesis, Kansas-bound Quintrell Thomas. Thomas had four points on only one field goal.
This came as no surprise to coach Hurley.
“Samardo is a better player,” Hurley said. “Quintrell is a talented player. Samardo is a great player.”
Samuels had help down low from 6-foot-9 junior Greg Echenique, who was constantly sticking Thomas, altering his shots and not allowing him to establish position.
“Greg’s going to be Greg,” Samuels said. “I told him before the game ‘I’m going to need you,' and he came through.”
The enormity of the win resonated with Hurley.
“We’ve beaten a lot of great teams this year, so we’re used to beating great teams,” Hurley said, in reference to the teams numerous victories in marquee games and tournaments. “This was a major psychological hurdle that we were able to overcome.”
Early on, the Gray Bees seemed destined to suffer another loss at the hands of the Celtics. St. Patrick raced to an early 11-3 lead, despite having Dexter Strickland on the bench for the first quarter for disciplinary reasons.
Strickland entered the game in the second quarter, and immediately made an impact, scoring on a fast break basket and minutes later, nailing a three pointer.
St. Benedict's gripped to a 28-26 lead at halftime, but really opened the game up in the third quarter, thanks to Samuels' ability to get to the basket. Heading into the fourth quarter, St. Benedict's let 47-38.
Receiving a strong performance from freshman guard Mack Kabongo, the Gray Bees led 63-54 with 1:18 remaining, before St. Patrick went on a furious tear.
Strickland scored the final eight of his 29 points in less than 30 seconds, capped off by a free throw from a three-point play that brought the Celtics within two, at 64-62, with 35 seconds left.
The Celtics would get no closer, however, as the Gray Bees were able to execute from the free throw line, something they have been unable to do at various points in the season. Two free throws each from Kabongo and Mike Machado iced it for St. Benedict's. Kabongo finished with 12 points, all from the charity stripe.
“That guy got heart,” Samuels said.
The win was certainly satisfying for the Gray Bees, but already looking forward, Hurley hopes his team can keep up the same level on intensity.
“We have to avoid a let down,” he said.
Murry-Bergtraum (N.Y.) 80, University (N.J.) 56 [Girls]
The Murry-Bergtraum Lady Blazers put on a show against the University High School Lady Phoenix, displaying dominance on the interior and perimeter en route to an 80-56 victory.
Guards Krystal Parnell and Cecelia Dixon paved the way early on, pushing the tempo and getting a number of fast-break points. Help down low from 6-3 Shakeya Leary pushed Murry-Bergtraum to a 45-29 halftime lead.
University came out firing in the second half, rattling off a 9-2 scoring run to bring the score to 45-38. It would be as close as the Lady Phoenix would get, as Murry-Bergtraum settled down thanks to the fine second-half play of Parnell and Dixon.
Grabbing player of the game honors for Murry-Bergtraum was Parnell, who tallied 18 points. Nadirah McKenith led the way for University with 12 points.
St. Anthony (N.J.) 71, John Caroll (Md.) 33
The St. Anthony Friars once again mauled an opponent from the get go, this time hammering Maryland's John Carroll, 71-33.
While the Friars were suffocating on defense, they also erupted on offense, led by Mike Rosario’s 24 first-half points.
John Carroll was held to six first-quarter points, after St. Anthony jumped out to a 21-3 lead.
“It was a humbling experience,” said John Carroll star forward Isaiah Philmore, who was swarmed each time he touched the ball. “We just got beat so bad.”
“It felt great to come out here on my future court and have the opportunity to play here today,” said Rosario, who finished with 32 points and will continue his playing career for Rutgers in the fall.
The Friars remain undefeated, while John Carroll falls to 18-9 on the season.
Oak Hill Academy (Va.) 81, Piscataway (N.J.) 39
Not overlooking any competition prior to its Saturday night showdown with St. Patrick in Trenton, Oak Hill Academy clobbered local favorite Piscataway 81-39 in the third game of the night.
The Jennings-Jennings connection sparked the Warriors, as Oak Hill’s Brandon Jennings consistently was able to find teammate Dan Jennings down low. The latter Jennings was named player of the game, compiling 15 points and dominating the block.
Brandon Jennings finished with 26 points and a number of slick passes, much to the delight of the crowd of several thousand that came to see the nation’s No. 1-ranked senior by CSTV.
Oak Hill is certainly no stranger to the PrimeTime Shootout. In 2002, a Carmelo Anthony-led Warrior team defeated St. Vincent-St. Mary (Ohio), and phenom LeBron James, then only a junior.
For Piscataway, Omar Smith led the scoring effort in defeat. He finished with seven points.
