Sunday, December 23, 2007

TMA makes the Top 25 in the State of New York

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Thurgood Marshall Academy has been taking the City by storm with their impressive play thus far this season. The Panthers currently stand 6-0 in league play and 9-1 overall. The panthers have also gained respect within the State as they are currently ranked the # 12 "AA" team in the State of New York according to the latest polls released by the NY Sports Writers boys hoops rankings. The panthers have been led by senior guards Sean Corley and Lenny McNeil along with big man Kareem Green. The Panthers will travel to Maryland 12/26-12/29 to compete in the Salisbury Lions Holiday Classic where they will face Walbrook High School in game one. Thurgood still in the building stages of their program is gaining momentum fast and should be taken seriously as one of the elite programs in the State. Thurgood's 1st game after Christmas Break is 01/08/08 against the Wadleigh Tigers at Wadleigh H.S.

Boys basketball 2007 NYSSWA rankings (through Dec. 16) Rank Class AA Record Rank ===== ==================== ===== =====
1. Abraham Lincoln-PSAL 5-0 1.
2. St. Raymond-CHSAA 5-0 7.
3. Rice-CHSAA 3-0 3.
4. Mount Vernon-1 3-0 4.
5. Holy Cross-CHSAA 2-0 5.
6. Christ The King-CHSAA 1-1 2.
7. Bronx JFK-PSAL 8-0 9.
11. Campus Magnet-PSAL 6-0 12.
12. Thurgood Marshall-PSAL 7-0 3. (A)
13. Boys & Girls-PSAL 5-1 13.
16. Bishop Loughlin-CHSAA 4-0 NR

Friday, December 21, 2007

TMA vs Kitsilano(Vancouver) 12/19/07

On Wednesday December 19, 2007 the Panthers went into international waters and competed against a Canadian team from Vancouver by the name of Kitsilano Secondary High School. A school that has 1500 students and has four boy’s basketball teams from 8thgrade to 12th grade. A very well coached team with players that know how to play, know their roles, limitations and have good chemistry versus the undefeated Panthers of TMA. The Panthers just coming off an emotional win versus neighborhood rival FDA went into the game without two starters captain Sean Corley and forward Lenny McNeil and the return of junior guard Trevor Dillard. The pace of the game accelerated as the Panthers became erratic on offense but remained stable on defense and found executing difficult in the paint. Kareem Green had an impact in the paint and Jamel Duncan played well in the 1st half contributing on offense and defense. The Panther's offense seemed to stifle once ball went into Green and the Kitsilano defense converged on the big man with double and triple teams. Green forced shots against double teams and this led to fast breaks by the Kitsilano and bad transition defense by TMA. This gave Kitsilano confidence as the 1st half wore on and the panthers were down 31-28, a small lead compared to the 4 point deficit the panthers suffered versus FDA the night before.

In the second half which is usually the half of the Panthers sluggish play led to much of the same as Kitsilano’s lead ballooned to 14 points in the third quarter. Life was struck into the panthers after a timeout as the jungle started as three consecutive steals led to converted baskets and cut the deficit to 7 with a three converted by Daniel Berroa. With 45 seconds left in the game and the Panthers down five points a lay up was converted by Trevor Dillard to bring the lead to 3 and got the Panthers an emphatic timeout to the ref into their defensive set. Kitsilano turned the ball over and gave TMA a chance to possibly tie or cut the lead to one and TMA returned the favor by throwing the ball out of bounds. What happened next almost brought down the flair of a great game. TMA is on defense Rudy Macedon gets the rebound with 12 seconds on the clock and pushes the ball up the sideline and passes it to Antoine Hackman. Hackman drives baseline and tries to kick it out to as teammate but the ball goes into the backcourt. As the referee blows the whistle Jason Givens punches the ball and gets a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Kitsilano made 1 of 2 free throws with 2.1 seconds left and this ended the Panthers for undefeated season. Kareem Green led the Panthers with 23 points and 12 rebounds and Trevor Dillard pitched in 12 points. Next up is the Salisbury Lion’s Club Holiday Tournament in Salisbury Maryland versus Walbrook HS of Maryland. The Panthers record is now 9-1 and 6-0 in the league.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

TMA vs FDA 12/18/07

The Panthers of Thurgood Marshall Academy walked 13 blocks North on 7th Avenue last night (12/18) to face the Lions of Frederick Douglas Academy with a few things in mind during the walk. With a win Thurgood would cap off the 2007 league schedule with an impressive 6-0 start, 9-0 overall. This would be something the school has yet to accomplish in its young history a 9-0 mark to start the season and lead a pretty well balanced Manhattan "AA" division. Thurgood also wanted to show the rest of the City that they can win on the road after playing five of their 1st six league games at home. Lastly this would be a great way to end the year, on top of the division and having beaten every Manhattan team at least once on the way to the undefeated start. The coaching staff of TMA saw this match-up as a potential "Trap Game", not because of the talent on the other bench but due to the fact you never know what to expect when walking into the school located on 148th street and 7th Avenue. I don't even think "RAIN MAN" could have predicted what would transpire during this one. TMA would struggle to score the ball early on and committed several turnovers trying to force feed Kareem Green in the post. In addition TMA had several 1st half defensive let downs and barely got back on defense which lead to several easy transition baskets for the opposing FDA Lions. When TMA would transition well on defense in the 1st half they would play lazy with their hands leading to fouls. Kareem Green picked up 2 cheap 1st half fouls, Jason Givens would spend most of the 1st half and game on the bench due to foul trouble ( 3 fouls 1st half). Shooter Extraordinaire Daniel Berroa couldn't hit a basket to save his life in the 1st half; Sophomore Antoine Hackman played the 1st half like it was "SCARY MOVIE" while Trevor Dillard sat anxiously on the bench serving game 3 of his 3 game suspension. Add in a unhealthy Lenny McNeil on the floor and at the half TMA trailed 24-20 with all momentum pointing towards the home team. Not to worry TMA is a second half team but the Panthers would go into the locker room with a sense of urgency. If and only If FDA had a home crowd to cheer them on, things may have gotten a little more interesting in the 2nd half for TMA. Frederick Douglas Academy is the only school in the "AA" Division in the City to not allow spectators, including students in the gym during games. Which makes this rule interesting is the fact that there has never been a incident in the gym during a basketball game. So why no spectators? According to a FDA Assistant Coach “It’s not us (coaches) it’s the Principal. The parents have to step up and make it an issue. We can’t do anything about it". Well it turned out to be a great idea after all for FDA. I'm not sure how the home crowd would have responded in the gym the way this one ended. Thurgood would take advantage of the "NO HOME COURT ADVANTAGE" behind senior point guard Sean Corley. Corley would ignite a 3rd quarter rally in which Thurgood would see their 1st lead of the game behind 3 consecutive field goals from Corley. Sophomore guard Antoine Hackman who was blasted in the locker room at half for playing with a lack of focus, energy and heart responded extremely well. Hackman scored all 11 of his points in the 2nd half including 2 three point field goals including one long two in which the toe of his size 14 shoe straddled the 3pt line. FDA would counter by trying to slow the tempo against TMA's up-tempo in your face defense. This backfired several times as FDA was forced to battle with the 35 second shot clock to find a decent look at the basket. The fourth and final quarter would be the most telling. Not just for TMA who have played their best basketball in the fourth quarter. It would be rather more telling for the coaches, players, staff and entire school body of Frederick Douglas Academy. Kareem Green would score 12 of his game high 18 points in the final quarter. Green would convert a offensive rebound with a foul as the clock read 2:21. This would be the 5th and final foul for big man John Riley of FDA. This is when things would get interesting. Guard Juan Boateng would be called for technical foul as he expressed his dissatisfaction on the call and it would also bring TMA's lead to 20. The lead would never get past 20 and the clock would never run the final 2:21 seconds as the game was abruptly ended by the official after FDA's Head Coach Pat Mangan refused to put a sub in the game. FDA had at least 6 guys who were suited and could have played the final 2:21 if he wanted to just QUIT. “I don't want to make a sub and I don't have too" a furious Mangan yelled towards the officials. The game would end after a 15 second warning to the FDA bench that a sub needed to be sent in the game or the game would end with a final score of 64-42 Thurgood. Mangan would take the lesser of the 2 choosing to simply not play the final minutes out. Some speculated that some of the players may have been dressed but not eligible to play. Others speculated that Mangan was trying to avoid another possible 30 point loss, especially at the hands of FDA's Arch Rival. Whatever it was how you justify not playing the final minutes out because YOU want to play with 4 players. Instead of trying to win you just QUIT!!!!!! You could see the disgust in the player’s eyes as they walked down the line to shake the hands of TMA's players and coaches. At the end of the day TMA improved their league record to 6-0 and 9-0 overall. Thurgood will spend the holiday break in Maryland participating in the "Salisbury Lions Club Holiday Classic" where they will play Walbrook High School of Maryland in game 1.

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Written by Ravi Rozier

8) Thurgood Marshall (5-0) – The Panthers are still undefeated and in first place in Manhattan. They defeated Clinton in their last game 74-56. Today they travel to FDA for their only league game this week.

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Written by Robert White

On the fence looking to get in: John F. Kennedy BX 8-0, Thurgood Marshall Academy 8-0, Campus Magnet 6-0, Robeson 4-2..

Monday, December 17, 2007

TMA vs Dewitt Clinton 12/14/07

vs DewThere are 5 teams who enter the week undefeated in the PSAL "AA" leagues throughout the City. Boys and Girls and Lincoln both share the top spot in Brooklyn as both carry identical 4-0 league records. Campus Magnet stands atop of queens with a 6-0 league record, while John F. Kennedy of the Bronx is atop at 6-0 in league. The surprise 5th team is that of Thurgood Marshall Academy which stands 5-0 in league and has already beaten the defending Queens Borough Champs (Thomas Edison; PSAL tip-off) as well as the defending Manhattan Borough Champions (Wadleigh). True indeed it is a new season and a brand new cast of players but TMA looks like the team to beat in Manhattan. There's still allot of basketball to be played though....

In Friday nights win against Dewitt Clinton (0-5) of the Bronx, Thurgood would once again show off their depth and versatility (something TMA lacked last season) while playing a 2nd consecutive game without two starters. Sitting out this game would be leading scorer Lenny McNeil (19ppg) who was out nursing a sore ankle. Thurgood would get plenty of scoring help from a 3 headed monster. Sean Corley (17points) would pick up the slack again on the offense end but got plenty of help from Big Man Kareem Green (21 points) and Multidimensional G/F Jason Givens (20 points). Corley who is a quality pass 1st, 2nd and shoot 3rd point guard has taken heave of his coaches’ lessons and is scoring the basketball at a great pace. This in turn leads to another problem for defenders and make Thurgood a more deadly team when he has his scores work hat on. He would contribute 8 rebounds and 9 assists in the win.

Jr. Jason Givens who is one of the more underrated players in the 2009 class is continuing his breakout season as he added a career high 16 rebounds in the win. Givens is a very athletic player who can score in multiple ways. He has become a very important piece for TMA. Add in the fact that Kareem Green decided to wake from the "ineffective list" grabbing 13 boards in which was his finest effort in the previous 5 games. The BIG BODY green would awake for this match up choosing to use his size under the basket while bullying Clintons' front court players. Green one of the City's top big men is still trying to get himself in game shape after missing a good portion of last season due to some personal issues. He is a huge Cog for TMA if they are to make a run at a PSAL City Championship.

Thurgood would walk away with a 74-56 victory. Clinton was led by athletic wing Kendall Carter who recorded 22 points on the night, including several highlight reel dunks that brought the gym to its feet. TMA will travel up 7th Ave on Tuesday 12/18 to face division rival Frederick Douglas Academy (2-2).

Saturday, December 15, 2007

ZAGS on NYC: Big Man with Big Goals

Adam Zagoria
NYCHoops.net


Kareem Green is a big man with even bigger goals for his senior season.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound senior power forward at Thurgood Marshall Academy believes his team can compete with any squad in New York.
"I want a City Championship," Green said. "I feel we can compete with Lincoln, Kennedy, Cardozo."
Green, a four-year starter, is currently averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Panthers to a perfect 7-0 record enteringThursday's game against DeWitt Clinton.
"I feel like we're playing pretty good," said Green, who had a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards in a recent win on Manhattan Center. "I have a good supporting cast. Everybody helps everybody else out."
The supporting cast includes senior point guard Sean Corley, senior forward Justin Peaker, junior guard Trevor Dillard, senior guard Rudy Macedon, junior guard/forward Jason Givens, senior guard/forward LennyMcNeil, senior guard Kaseem Carr and junior guard Daniel Berroa.
The Panthers are coming off an 18-11 season (7-7 in PSAL play) in which they reached the Manhattan Borough finals and the Sweet 16 of the city playoffs.
This year's team returns four starters and a deeper bench of talented seniors and juniors. The Panthers' non-league schedule features several competitive events, including the Albany High School Classic, theBirmingham Basketball Classic, the Salisbury Lion's Club Holiday Classic, the MLK Classic, the Battle at The Beach and the Cougar Classic in Paterson, N.J., where they will take on Paterson Kennedy.
A lefty, Green should be a major factor for opposing teams to handle. Panthers coach Abdu Torrence compares him to Knicks big man Zach Randolph, high praise indeed.
"He's a skilled power forward with an adept shooting touch," Torrence said. "He has a soft touch for a big guy. He makes good decisions passing the ball and has worked hard to keep his weight down since his freshman year."
Green, who lives in Harlem with his mother, said Torrence has been a "father figure" for him.
"My dad died when I was 5," Green said. "(Coach Torrence) has always been a father figure for me since Day One. I don't really have a lot of people looking out for me as far as males. He's really looking out for me."
Torrence is involved in Green's recruiting process and said Iona, Norfolk State, East Stroudsburg, Main, St. Peter's, Central Connecticut, St. Francis (NY), John Jay and High Point (N.C.) are among those interested.
"I'm really interested in Iona and Norfolk State," Green said. "I can compete there. I have a chance of producing and really helping the team win a championship."

Friday, December 14, 2007

Albany Times Union article

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Thurgood Marshall scored 32 fourth-quarter points to break open a close game against host Albany to win the CDPHP Invitational championship game, 82-69.

TMA Makes the TOP TEN on NYHoops for 12/13/07

TMA Makes the TOP TEN on NYHoops for 12/13/07

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PSAL Top Ten
Written by Ravi Rozier   
NyHoops

8) Thurgood Marshall (4-0) – TMA is the top school in Manhattan right now. They beat Urban Peace this week 57-48. They will play Clinton on Friday.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

TMA vs UPA 12/11

Tuesday night (12/11) Thurgood Marshall Academy improved to 7-0, 4-0 in league play with a win over a tough Urban Peace Academy squad despite the absence of two starters, G Trevor Dillard (serving 1st of a 3 game suspension) and F Jason Givens (serving 1 game suspension). Dillard and Givens are combining for an average of 26 pts and 11 rebs. per outing. TMA started reserve Guard Daniel Berrora who hit for 9 points all on 3 point field goals coming in the second half. Senior Forward Justin Peaker started as well and played with good energy but is not heavily relied upon to score.

Things would get a little scary for TMA as the 1st quarter buzzer sounded and Senior G/F Lenny McNeil laid face down on the hardwood holding his right ankle. McNeil who is the leading scorer for TMA is averaging a shade less than 19 points and has been the most consistent player. Checking back into the game midway thru the 2nd quarter, McNeil would put the staggering Panthers on his back in route to a 21 point 6 rebound effort; including 3 treys on the sore right ankle. McNeil would in fact get some help from TMA's bench, but it was the aggressive play of senior Point Guard Sean Corley that would prove to be the difference in the game. In the second half Corley got to the basket at will finishing strong with both hands in route to a 12 point 4 assist night. Reserve point man Rudy Macedon added 3 assists off the bench and Sophomore Guard Antoine Hackman added 6 points towards the winning cause.
Urban Peace now 0-4 on the young season was led by Senior guard Ryan Alvarado who tallied 20 points on the night. Andre Odome added 9. Urban Peace which is a well coached squad showed a ton of heart and never backed down from the more physical and bigger Panthers of TMA. Urban Peace could shock some teams in the city come tournament time. TMA will next host Dewitt Clinton of the Bronx on Friday, December 14th. 5pm tip-off @ TMA.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

TMA Vs Manhattan Center 12/4/07

Thurgood Marshall Academy managed to improve their record to 6-0, 3-0 in league play despite a lack luster performance during Tuesday nights (12/04) defeat of the visiting Manhattan Center Rams (1-3 league record) by the score of 73-61. Thurgood Marshall did not come out with the same energy and defensive tenacity that they showcased through the 1st 5 games of the season. Instead they came out sluggish and lazy, committing several unforced turnovers. TMA seemed totally out of sync at times and were never able to put the game away despite never letting M.C. come within 10 points of the lead in the second half. Marshall showed little poise and forced the issue on several plays that could have cost them the game had it been closer. Add in the fact they were outscored 41-40 in the second half, something that has not happened all year. "A win that really doesn’t feel like a win, but I'll rather have an ugly Win than a pretty Loss" TMA Head Coach Abdu-Allah Torrence stated. “We still have a lot of work to do. We are very far from where we want to be as far as TEAM is concerned. We have some in-house issues to deal with and Trust me they will get addressed tomorrow. “Robert Sweet of Manhattan Center carried the scoring load for the Rams tallying 24. Sweet anchored a 2nd half charge that saw the TMA lead shrink from 17 to 10 with a little over 3 minutes remaining in the game. Thurgood managed to control the final 3 minutes to get the W. Lenny McNeil plagued by foul trouble all night led TMA with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Jason Givens and Kareem Green both went for double-doubles, Givens (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Green (15 points, 10 rebounds). Trevor Dillard added 14 points and an unselfish 8 assists. Thurgood has the rest of the week off before hosting Urban Peace (0-2 in league) on 12/11 and Dewitt Clinton (0-3 in league) on 12/14 then they head off to Manhattan Borough Rival Frederick Douglas Academy on 12/18.

TMA vs Lehman HS 11/30/07

11-30-07 TMA now 5-0 compiled 2 wins in 2 consecutive nights as they defeated Lehman High School Friday night (11/30) by a score of 86-64. Once again the Harlem Gym was filled to capacity as several students and spectators were turned away at the door for this Bronx vs. Harlem Matchup. Friday night was also the coming out party for TMA Sophomore guard Antoine Hackman. Hackman who was used sparingly during the 1st 4 games was a huge lift off the bench tallying 12 points, 8 Rebs. 5 assists and 3 steals. In addition to the 5-0 start and Hackman's party, Senior Captain Sean Corley had a career night in handouts (assists) totaling (14). Jr. Forward, Jason Givens was once again a force on the boards ripping down 10 rebs. to go along with his 10 points. Sr. Lenny McNeil quietly added 16 pts and 6 rebs. Jr. guard Trevor Dillard aggressively attacked the cup for 16 points. Kareem Green had a relatively quite night but was still able to add 15 points and pulled down 8 rebounds off the glass. Thurgood outscored their opponent 27-9 in the fourth quarter. Lehman (2-1) was led by sharpshooter Ali Mohammed who finished with 16 points and Derrick Fernandez who contributed 12 points. TMA will host Coach Charles Jackson and the Manhattan Center Rams on Tuesday, 12/04. 5PM Tip off. (Spectators please arrive early to Ensure Entrance).

TMA vs Wadleigh 11/29/07

It was another classic battle in the jungle last night as "The Panthers" of TMA played host to "The Tigers" of Wadleigh High. The standing room only crowd which featured several college coaches, former players and a very vocal and hostile TMA study body was treated to an offensive explosion in the 1st half courtesy of William "Monkey blood?" Harrison. Harrison, the senior transfer from OSL single handedly carried Wadleigh on his back on his way to 20 1st half points. Harrison hit a barrage of 3 point field goals (4) from all over the floor, played some point and displayed an all around game in the 1st half that was capped off by a THUNDEROUS dunk off a Alley-Op (Under the basket call). To TMA's credit, they weathered the storm, took Wadleigh's best punch and found themselves only down 3 going into the half as Danny Berroa (6 points) also an OSL transfer; hit a buzzer beating 3 to close the lead to 41-38. A wise man once stated "Basketball is a tale of 4 quarters not 1 HALF". The wise man was right on point. Kareem Green (20 points, 5 rebs.) led a DETERMINED TMA attack as the Big Body Senior scored the first 8 points of the quarter for TMA. Junior Forward Jason Givens was given the half time assignment of containing Harrison and did a terrific job. Givens (13 points, 9rebs) forced Harrison into several tough shots and was a factor all night on the glass. Wadleigh weathered the storm momentarily as they went into the fourth quarter up 2 (58-56) mainly due to their ability to rebound the ball on the offensive end which led to second chance points. TMA would outscore Wadleigh 24-12 in the final and telling last 8 minutes of the game behind the aggressive play of guards Trevor Dillard (13points) and Sean Corley (9points, 5 assists). Dillard and Corley kept Wadleigh’s guards on their heels by constantly attacking the rim which led to fouls, lay-ups as well as a ton of play making opportunities. Harrison was called for his 5th and final foul in the fourth quarter as he charged through the lane; Lenny McNeil (17points, 12 rebs.) stepped in and took the charge. McNeil a St. Raymond transfer dominated the boards in the fourth quarter and hit two big baskets which expanded the lead to 8 with just over a minute remaining in the game. Terrence Henderson played a good game as he finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Wadleigh(1-4, 1-1) Wadleigh will face John F Kennedy from the Bronx on Friday 11/30 @ 5:00 pm @ Wadleigh H.S. . TMA (4-0, 1-0) will face Lehman High School from the Bronx on Friday 11/30 @ 5:00 PM; the game will be played at TMA.

CDPHP Invitational @ Albany HS 11/23-11/24



Thurgood Marshall Academy spent the weekend capturing the HDPHP Thanksgiving High School Tournament Championship at Albany High School. On Friday, TMA defeated Bishop Gibbons High School of Schenectady, NY 65-63 to advance to the championship game. Kareem Green (19pts, 5rebs) hit a pair of free throws with 5.8 seconds remaining to give TMA a two point advantage. A last second heave was missed and TMA escaped with a good win. Lenny McNeil (Game MVP) led all scorers with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Jason Givens added 11 points and 5 rebounds. In Saturday’s championship game, TMA defeated the host team Albany High School 82-69 in front of a very loud and hostile home crowd. TMA led most of the game before going down 2 points with 5 mins. remaining in the game. TMA rallied back to tie the game and never looked back. TMA outscored A.H.S. 15-2 in the final 5 minutes to take home the championship crown. Trevor Dillard (Championship Game MVP) led a well balanced attack for TMA. Dillard recorded 21 points and 8 assists. Kareem Green finished with 21 points and 9 rebounds, Sean Corley scored 11 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals before fouling out with a mysterious 4th and 5th foul. Lenny McNeil added 13 points and 9 rebounds. Thurgood Marshall (3-0) will square off against Wadleigh High School this Thursday, November 29 at 5:00 pm at Thurgood Marshall.

TMA vs Thomas Edison 11/18/07

Thurgood Marshall started the year off on a good note securing a win at the PSAL Tip-Off classic @ City College. Playing an Edison team who last year won the Queens Borough Championship defeating Cardozo in the Semi-Finals and Campus Magnet in the Championship as well PSAL runner-up in the A division. With their first year in the AA division they had a tough task against the Panthers of TMA and uber talented backcourt of 5'11 guard Sr. Sean Corley and 5'10 guard Jr. Trevor Dillard and multi-talented front Court 6'3 Forward Jr. Jason Givens, 6'5 Forward Sr. Kareem Green and St. Raymond's transfer 6'4 Forward Sr. Leonard McNeil. With most of Edison's team back it would be a true test for TMA in their backyard. Edison started out the gates quick and put the Panthers in a hole early in the first quarter. Sean Corley and Kareem carried the Panthers and kept them in the game as the TMA trailed by 8 at the half. After the half it seemed like a new team on the floor bodies were everywhere diving on the floor, trapping, taking charges, and making unselfish plays running floor along with moving the ball. The Panthers triumphed and leading the way was Sean Corley with 14 points 9 assists and 10 rebounds, Kareem Green with 20 points and 10 rebounds and Trevor Dillard with 12 points. Next up Albany HS tournament Over Thanksgiving.