Curtin Call Return to TedSilary.com Home Page     Colin Curtin is a manager for St. Joseph's Prep basketball team, and he has received permission (grudgingly -- smile) from coach Speedy Morris to write for the site.      He'll try hard to keep Speedy happy. And maybe Ted, too.     You may reach Colin at Prepper05@aol.com.     Please offer your support. Thank you!!

MARCH 7
CATHOLIC LEAGUE FINAL
SJ Prep 84, Dougherty 61
          “Stars shine but teams win”, was the motto for the Prep basketball team as they prepared for the Cardinals of Cardinal Dougherty.  Going into the game The Prep had heard all the hoopla about how good this Dougherty team is and how they were ranked 1st in Southeastern Pennsylvania and ranked 25th in the nation.  The players simply took these distractions and shoved them away as they began to battle with this “powerhouse.”  The Dougherty lineup was very good with Kyle Lowry (4-9 for 9 points) and Shane Clark (4-9 for 14) going to Villanova and DeSean White (6-14 for 14 points) going to Providence. When seeing this, you might say how did the Prep play with these players?  The Prep played this game with a little more heart than any other game, you could tell because the crowd was into it, the bench players where jumping up and down, and even the players on the court were smiling.  Cardinal Dougherty got most of its scoring from Guard Tim Smith shooting 7-15 from the field 1-4 from downtown for 16 points 5 assists and 2 rebounds.   But this could not pull Dougherty to the promised land thanks to Mike Kearney’s slam at the end of the game which put an EXCLAMATION POINT on the whole season.  Mike shot 4-6 from the field 2-2 from the line for 10 points and 4 rebounds.  Throughout the season Mike has been that spark that fired up the team and boy did that dunk not only fire up the team but also the coaches.
Over the past 3 years John Griffin and Chris Clark have accumulated a record of 78-11 while at 17th and Girard.  Tonight’s win was like a storybook ending for the two, and they both had the games of their lives.  John shot 7-11 from the field 4-5 from downtown 9-9 from the line for 27 points 4 assists and 2 rebounds.   While Chris shot 8-10 from the field 1-2 from downtown 8-9 from the line for 25 points and 5 assists.  These two are by far the best backcourt in the city and tonight they proved it going against another tough backcourt in Kyle Lowry and Tim Smith.  While at the Prep Chris and John have hit many big shots in their career and how fitting their last Catholic League Game was a Championship.
        Reggie Redding was approaching his first Catholic League Championship and responded very well, shooting 7-10 from the field 2-3 from downtown for 16 points and 10 rebounds.  Reggie all night was smiling having fun and playing very relaxed.   He could be one of the top sophomores in the city, and the scary thing is that the Catholic League has him for another 2 years.   Tonight he is getting my “Tough-Guy Award” because in his first championship Reggie put up PTP (Prime Time Player) numbers.
         Well as for my final week of shot-outs.  My first is going to Coach Speedy Morris ,who has turned this program around since he stepped through those Prep doors, with help from Keith Morris, Joe Fox, Mike Lally, Joe Franco, Omar Richburg, and Joe Donahue.  My second is going to the Prep Fans. WOW! They were the best tonight.  My third is going to John Griffin, Chris Clark, Mike Kearney, Jared Black, Paul Lynch, Pat O’Toole, and Antoine Joseph, who will be missed greatly next year.  My fourth is going to Mrs. Fox, who held a great party on Sunday night.  And my last but not least is going to my dad and brother, Jim Curtin and Pat Curtin, a Freshman Manager for the Prep.

FEB. 28
CATHOLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL
SJ Prep 70, West Catholic 50
          Our road to the Catholic League Championship started tonight at 8:00 at La Salle University’s Tom Gola Arena.  The game started a little slow, which played into the hands of the Prep.  Knowing West had no true point guard, Prep when they got the chance ran right off the rebound.  At the end of the first quarter the Prep led by the score of 13-9.  Tonight West’s superstar Marshall Taylor picked up 3 early foul that forced him to play a little hesitantly.  But even with these foul Marshall shot 7-15 from the field 2-5 from downtown for 19 points and 11 rebounds.  He got help from other All-Catholic player Rob Latimer who chipped in for 10 points on 3-13 shooting from the field and collected 4 rebounds.  These two players were not able to stop the Prep thanks to SG and Bucknell Signee John Griffin, who shot 4-13 from the field 2-5 from downtown for 13 points. 
          The two MVP’s for tonight’s game are PG Chris Clark and Forward Reggie Redding.  Tonight these two only combined for 31 points 15 assists 9 steals 23 rebounds.  Reggie shot 7-13 from the field 1-3 from downtown for 15 points 4 assists 3 steals and 16 rebounds.  And Chris shot 5-11 from the field 1-2 from downtown 5-6 from the line for 16 points 11 assists 6 steals and 7 rebounds.  If these two continually produce these kind of numbers it will be very hard to stop the Prep.  Chris, who has really been a big brother to Reggie throughout this season, showing him the ropes, telling him what is right and wrong, and how to strive in this league.  This wisdom not only helped Reggie but also Chris and tonight they let all the people in Tom Gola Arena show what they are capable of doing.
          I am officially changing my “Game ball Award” to “Tough-Guy Award”.   Well after changing it to that some may already guess whom tonight’s Tough-Guy Award is, and if you guessed Mike Kearney you were correct.  Tonight Mike shot 6-8 from the field for 13 points and 5 rebounds.  Mike is a player who prides himself on charges taken and loose balls collected.  He is the definition of an “Old School” basketball player.  As for some other notable stats, Corey O’Rourke, Pat O’Toole, Antoine Joseph, Paul Lynch, and Jared Black all converted field goals in tonight’s game.
          As for some of my weekly shout-outs.  My first is going to Mr. And Mrs. Griffin the mother and father of SG John Griffin who held a little get-together for the team on Tuesday night when they treated us to cheesesteaks.  My second is going to my uncle Joe Sette, the coach for Archbishop Wood, who coached a near-perfect game, and also to his players who left everything on the court Friday night.  My last but not least is going to Jr. Sean Barker who suited up for the Prep for the first time since the third game of the season (knee injury).

FEB. 22
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 56, Roman 47
         The Hawks of St. Joe’s Prep shot out the CAHILL-LIGHTS today in the Kelly Fieldhouse.  Toward the end of the game the boisterous crowd let all the seniors have it as they chanted, “Thank you seniors”.  Today’s game was in my opinion the “The Holy War” of high school basketball.  If you think about it the Prep-Roman games since Speedy has been at the Prep have been the most entertaining game in the Catholic League.  Each year it seems that Prep fans and Roman fans look for this game on the calendar and quickly clean their schedule for those two games, and the fans today got their money’s worth.  The Prep was led today by SG and Bucknell signee, John Griffin who shot 3-14 from the field and from downtown 6-6 from the line for 15 points 2 assists 1 steal and 5 rebounds.  This was not one of John’s best performances, but he hit some key shots early in the game and also late in the game.  But the player that continuously has played hard all year, Mike Kearney, had one of his best and I mean best defensive game of his Prep career.  He held Niagara signee Charron Fisher to 2-18 shooting for 4 points and 12 rebounds.  Mike being undersized roughed up this D-1 recruit and loved doing it.  He is a kid that loves challenges and today he passed with flying colors.
          WG Jared Black had a great game for the Prep especially early in the game hitting 2 big treys in the first quarter to set the tone for the Prep.  He overall shot 3-6 from the field and 3-5 from downtown for 9 points.  Throughout the season Jared has hit huge shots down the stretch for us, if you can’t remember them I will tell you.  January 5 in South Philly when Jared in the third OT hit a huge trey to put the Prep up good, and now February 22 when Jared nailed 2 treys early to once again put the Prep in good position to win.  He played wonderful today and what a day to play wonderful.  Thanks for the great year, Jared.
          “You can’t guard him” was the chant to PG Bobby Jordan when PG Chris Clark blew by him for the score.  Chris today shot 6-10 from the field 2-3 from downtown for 14 points 4 assists 2 steals and 1 rebound.  He puts the “LOOR” in “FLOOR GENERAL” and constantly dishes the ball to the open man today.  As a leader him and John have willed this team to win in every game and today was their special day.  Thanks John and Chris.
          As for some weekly shout-out.  My first is going to one of the best Point Guards who ever played at St. Basil’s Academy, my mom, Camille Curtin.   My second is going to Matt Parkhurst, who hit a halfcourt shot to won himself a "Week's worth of lunch from the Prep”.  My last shout-out in going to Principal Michael Coury who will be leaving the Prep after this year and will be greatly missed in the Basketball Family.  So this Saturday at 8:45 the Prep will take on the Burrs of West Catholic at LaSalle University.

FEB. 20
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 67, Bonner 37
          Tonight’s game was the calm before the storm.  Everything was going right tonight for the starting five for the Prep.   The starting five shot a combine 22-43 from the field led by Chris Clark (6-10 from the field 3-5 from downtown for 15 points and 6 assists 3 steals and 4 rebounds) and John Griffin (6-10 from the field 4-7 from downtown for 16 points and 3 assists).  The Prep also got an offensive burst from defensive specialist and banger Mike Kearney going 4-6 from the field 2-2 from the line for 10 points and 5 rebounds.  But I have to give credit to this young Bonner team especially to SG Jeff Jones going 5-10 from the field 4-8 from downtown for 14 points and 5 rebounds.  After a first quarter score of 18-12 in favor of the Prep, Coach Speedy Morris looked very calm and after the second quarter holding Bonner to 3 total points The Coach seem like a spectator instead of a coach and for good reason.  This was a very impressive win to ride into Sunday’s Backyard Brawl with Roman Catholic.
          Reggie Redding was stroking it tonight right from the tip.  He shot 5-9 from the field 3-5 from downtown for 13 points 4 assists and 9 rebounds.  You can tell from the production in the past couple game that Carmelo loves to fill the stat sheet.  Only a sophomore, Reggie lives for the big games and all he has been talking about is the Roman game on Sunday.  I asked him why he wants it to come so bad and he simply awnsered, “I love the big game atmosphere”.  Well tonight he is getting my MVP and hopefully he can put up similar number in the game on Sunday.
          My game ball is going to 3 players from the scout team, Paul Lynch, Pat O’Toole, and Antoine Joseph.  These players push John, Chris and Reggie everyday whether it’s hitting them after a shot or throwing some elbows as they go for lay-ups.  These 3 players have imitated the likes of Marshall Taylor, Earl Pettis, and Adon El just to name a few.   They are perfect players for this and come to practice every day as if it is a game.  THEY LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FLOOR.
          As for my weekly shout-outs.  My first is going to the Prep JV Team extending their Southern Division Record to 12-1.  My next is going to the pride of St. Bede’s basketball program Joey Dolan and Fran Dolan.  And last but not least religion teacher Mr. Kearney, yes the brother of Mike Kearney.  And you think Mike’s tough on the court; his brother is even tougher in the classroom. (Smile)

FEB. 15
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 48, O'Hara 29
          This continued to be a great weekend for the Prep after losing a heart breaker to Archbishop Carroll last Monday night.  These kids were down but not out and they proved it this weekend, notching wins against West and today against O’Hara.  This was a defensive minded game for the Prep, which held the Lions under 15 points at the break.  A stat that told the story of the game was the Prep’s 13 steals to the Lions' 1.  Yet again the Prep got the bulk of their offense from Chris Clark and John Griffin, who combined for 7-21 from the field 3-4 from the line for 19 points 7 assists 6 steals and 4 rebounds.  The Lionss got their offense from Chris “The Pest” Myers and Anthony Walters (4 apiece).
          Today my MVP is going to the young but athletic Soph Reggie Redding.  Once again he helped the Prep win by shooting 6-9 from the field 4-4 from the line for 17 points 2 assists 4 steals and 7 rebounds.  In this game Reggie was making open shots early and often.  He also played a great defensive game.  Isn’t it scary he still has 2 years in the league?  As for my game ball I’m giving it to Lions forward Pat Kirby, who almost singlehandedly scored every point for O’Hara.  He had 9 of the 12 points at halftime and finish with 13 for the game.  He never gave up right up till the horn rang. He hustled and hustled. Great job, Pat.
          As for my weekly shout-outs: My first is going to ex-freshman basketball player turned football player Matt Leddy, who hit a half-court shot to win a week worth of free lunch.  My other one is going to legendary announcer Dan Baker, who was in attendance for today’s game. And my last, but not least, is going to the Prep Bowling Team, which just won the Catholic League South Title.

FEB. 13
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 53, West Catholic 51
          “Boyle, Boyle, Boyle” is what the crowd shouted when Jr. C Mike Boyle arose from the bench late in the fourth quarter after Mike Kearney fouled out.  With only 45 seconds left Mike came down with a huge defensive rebound and then got fouled with a score of 48-45.  Mike stepped up and hit the first but missed the second only to get his own rebound to ice the game.  In that 15 seconds Mike Boyle with 1-2 from the line for 1 point and 2 rebounds to put the game out of distance.  Going into the fourth quarter the Burrs were down 41-25 but possession after possession Marshall “The Truth” Taylor nailed 11 points in the fourth quarter finishing with 31 for the game.  After trying to contain Marshall, other off guard Rob Latimer pinched in 9 in the quarter and 9 for the game, but key shots down the stretch by Mike Kearney (4-6 from the field for 8 points and 8 rebounds) helped the Prep pull out the win.
          The backcourt of John Griffin and Chris Clark are both getting the MVP for their play against this dangerous Burrs team.  John went 6-16 from the field 3-7 from downtown 5-7 from the line for 20 points and 4 rebounds.  But many of John’s open shots came from Chris Clark going 4-11 for 10 points 5 assists and 3 rebounds.  This smooth play of John and Chris reminds me of another great backcourt, two guys named West and Nelson if you have heard of them.
          The play of Soph Reggie Redding has been amazing especially in big games like these.  He always responds when he is called upon.  Reggie went 4-7 from the field 5-6 from the line for 14 points 4 assists 3 steals and 11 boards.  These big three scored 44 of the Prep’s 53 points.  If one has a bad game other two will pick up the slack. This “Three-Headed Monster” is very very hard to stop.  According to Stuart Scott “You can’t stop them. You can only hope to contain them!!!”
          As for some weekly shout-outs.  My first is going to the cousin of Reggie Redding, Woody Redding a sixth grade star at St. Martin De Porres, “He’ll be a Diaper Dandy”.  My next is going to Sr. Keith Carroll, who also has been to almost all the Prep’s games.  And my last two are going to the Dynamic Duo of John Petruzelli and Jim Daniels, who are the scoreboard keeper and announcer for the Prep.

FEB. 9
CATHOLIC SOUTH
Carroll 47, SJ Prep 44
          Tonight the Prep awoke a giant that had falen asleep early in the season.  The Patriots of Archbishop Carroll entered tonight with a 2-7 record in the Catholic League South.  All year this team had stuck with the likes of Roman, West, Neumann and the Prep, but come up short most of the time.  But tonight Carroll came up with the win and the Prep was the team that came up short.  Carroll led by new 1,000 point scorer Mike Springman gave the Prep fits tonight.  Coach Speedy Morris started off with Soph Reggie Redding on Springman and then Corey O’Rourke, but it seemed that Mike was scoring at will whether Corey or Reggie was guarding him.  Mike went 5-13 from the field 2-4 from downtown and 2-2 from the line for 15 points 2 assists and 5 rebounds.
          Former Prep student and current Archbishop Carroll sharpshooter Mike Welsh is getting my MVP for tonight’s game.  Mike went 5-10 from the field 4-7 from downtown for 14 points 2 steals and 5 rebounds.  Mike hit a huge baseline jumper real late in the fourth quarter to extend the Patriots' by 4 point with 40 seconds to play.  He hit some timely threes both early and late in the game, and played hard defense and pulled many rebounds.
          John Griffin once again tried to will this team to win, but it was a little too late.  He is getting the Game Ball for his performance tonight; he went 5-13 from the field 2-9 from downtown 3-3 from the line for 15 points and 6 rebounds.   Other notable stats, Chris Clark had 8 points 3 assists and 3 rebounds, Reggie Redding had 8 points 4 assists and 8 rebounds, and Mike Kearney had 6 points and 4 rebounds.  This was a bad loss for the Prep, but it is now behind us, we need to look toward the future and the future comes Friday, when the Burrs of West Catholic face the Prep in a crucial game for both clubs.
          But now for the best part of the article and the only part people love to read are my weekly shout-outs.  Well tonight I have to give my props to the Carroll Crowd they might only have been 20 of them but they were very and I mean very loud (Carroll Crazies).   One is going out to my partner in crime, Pete “Crispy Corner” Crispino who did a wonderful job for the Prep football team.  And my last shout-out is going to the “Dirty-Thirty”, John Derham, Andrew Fox, Pat Glynn, Pat McKeever, Tim Day, Paul Ryan, Tom Wurfel, Greg Ambrogi, Pat Daley, Joe DeMarco, Mark Haber, Chris Harrington, Peter Land, Chris Limbach, Mike Maloney, Ed McShane, Rob Muth, Mark Noonan, Joe O’Neil, Matt Parkhurst, Sean Ryan, Mike Sansoni, Larry Wargo, John Zakrzewski, Karl Zimmerman, Matt Oberlies, Bob Carroll, Pat Mahoney, John Mattero, and Greg Mendez.   These “Dirty Thirty” were all present at the Carroll game; We need you guys Friday and maybe a picture on the website. (SMILE)

FEB. 5
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 83, Kennedy-Kenrick 41
          1,323, 1,323, 1,323 . . . why is this number so significant?   Well tonight only needing 14 points John Griffin scored 20 points to become the Prep’s all time leading scorer surpassing Mark Zoller (PENN).   John shot 7-10 from the field and 6-9 from downtown for 20 points. He added 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebounds.  Yet again the Prep went into K-K looking to take care of business and try to get out of there injury free, and the Prep being the team they are went in all in one piece and came out all in one piece.  After the second quarter Coach Speedy Morris showed a great deal of sportsmanship sitting his five starters for the rest of the game and playing the players who work hard at practice every day, Pat O’Toole, Paul Lynch, Antoine Joseph, and Joe Fox.  As the three checked in (Pat, Paul, and Antoine) Coach Morris left John in the game, and did John keep shooting to put more points up, no, he passed the ball to his teammates. I think die-hard fan Mr. Edmund Dillon said it the best after John passed it to Pat O’Toole for the trey he said, “Way to be a senior, John”.  That line sums up the career that John has produced at the Prep and everyone is proud of him.   He and Chris Clark are true leaders.
         As for my MVP and Game ball, I am giving it to senior Pat O’Toole who posted career numbers tonight shooting 4-10 from the field 2-5 from downtown for 11 points 2 assists 2 steals and 11 rebounds.  This is a kid you always root for when he is in the game; he works hard whether he is in the game for 20 minutes of 30 seconds.  He puts his whole heart and soul into the game and leaves it all on the floor.  And again he also showed his senior leadership by passing to other players so they could all enjoy this win and not just him.  There might be only 2 captains on this team, but there are 5 other seniors that show the same traits that the captain’s do.  Thanks Mike Kearney, Jared Black, Pat O’Toole, Paul Lynch, and Antoine Joseph for helping this team be the great team that they are, these seniors are all unsung heroes in my book.
          As for some of my weekly shout-outs.  My first is going to Mayfair’s finest Pat Reilly, who is also a wrestler and star point guard for St. Matt's CYO.   My second one is going to one of the best players in Penn Charter and La Salle University history Coach Keith Morris, we all know why LaSalle won 30 games that year not because of the L-Train or Doug Overton but because of the smooth touch of Coach Keith Morris.  My third one is going to Slippery Rock star Rev. George Clark the father of Guard Chris Clark.  And last but not least Rhawnhurst’s finest Freshman Matt Smith, who is also a regular at many and I mean many games both home and away.

FEB. 3
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 74, Roman 59
          Tonight Chris Clark blew out his birthday candles and we are all enjoying the party.  Chris put on a show for both the Roman fans and the Prep fans present at Philadelphia University.  He shot 4 for 11 and 3 for 7 from downtown and 9 for 10 from the foul line for 20 points he also added 2 assists 2 steals and 2 rebounds.  This was the best gift that Chris could have got, but the tandem of Charron Fisher  (4 for 8 and 6 for 6 from the line for 14 points and 8 rebounds) and Malik Perry (6 for 8 for 12 points and 4 rebounds) tried to ruin it, but came up short.  But early and often the Prep were raining three-pointers everywhere on the floor.  As a team the Prep shot 37% from downtown and took care of the ball committing only 7 turnovers to Roman's 15.   A lot of that credit should be given to Chris Clark and John Griffin, who could probably be one of the best backcourts or even the best.
          John Griffin is once again the MVP of the game. John is becoming a regular to this award the past couple of games.  He once again put on a show, shooting 6 for 14 for 17 points while adding 3 assists 5 steals and 5 rebounds.   He did a wonderful job stopping the Roman backcourt especially Bobby Jordan (4 points) and Malik Perry (12 points).  John yet again played defense, hit open shots, and grabbed rebounds.  And late in the fourth   quarter John had one of the best tip-ins that I ever seen when he out jumped Charron for the score.
          As for my game balls they are all going to Reggie “Carmelo” Redding, Corey O’Rourke, Mike “Dennis “The Worm” Kearney and Jared Black.  These four played a huge role in tonight’s game.  Starting with Jared Black who went 3 for 3 from the field and 2 for 4 from downtown.  Jared’s 2 three-pointers, one right in the beginning of the first quarter and one in the beginning of the third quarter, ignited the Prep fans.  Reggie “Carmelo” Redding once again put up amazing numbers especially in a big game like this, he went 7 for 16 for 17 points, with 4 assists 2 steals and 8 rebounds.  And when his number was called he buried a huge 3 late in the fourth to seal the deal.  Mike Kearney, what more can be said about this senior.   He is not the tallest or the best shooter, but he has the biggest heart.  This kid never ever gives up, he is presented with a challenge and he always completes it.  Tonight was a great example holding the toughest guy in the Southern Division to only 14 points, great job MIKE.  How do you spell charge?  Oh I remember C-O-R-E-Y O-'-R-O-U-R-K-E.  Corey took not 1 not 2 but 3 huge charges in tonight’s game.  He also shot 2 for 4 from the field 1 for 2 from downtown and 2 for 2 from the foul line for 8 points and 3 rebounds.
          And now for my weekly shout-outs.  My first is going to the only Prep fans that you could hear, The Clark family, they could have possibly been louder than the cheerleaders, great job!!!  Another one is going to Mr. Andrew Whelan for producing a great newspaper, The Nose.  And last but not least to the Cape and Sword Production who will be performing “A Flea in her Ear” starting this Thursday and continuing thru the weekend and then again next Thursday to next Sunday (These are plays are better than the ones on Broadway).   Now the Prep is all alone in first place.

JAN. 30
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 58, Neumann 53
          Are you sure we are only at midseason and not in the playoffs? Because the Kelly Fieldhouse in North Philadelphia was rocking.  Right from the beginning you knew it was big when Coach John Chaney who recently won his 700 game was in the house and also SJU Manager Dan Timby, who is on the all-time Prep scoring list with 3 points.  The atmosphere was buzzing and the players were very ready and focused on this game and not on Roman (Tuesday Night).  The fans were constantly kept yelling, “Richard, Richard Richard” every time Richard “Tabby” Cunningham caught the ball.  But Tabby was not flustered shooting 5-10 from the field 3-5 from downtown 6-7 from the line for 19 points 3 rebounds and 3 assists.  The LaSalle signee came into the Prep tough as nails hitting his first 2 shots and hitting a crucial 3 at the end of the second quarter to put them down 2 25-27.  Although only down 2 in the beginning of the third quarter, Neumann made some costly mistakes; taking bad shots and throwing the ball away.  Once again the rough play of Mike Kearney made the game even more intense.  Late third quarter Dennis Rodman (Mike Kearney) set a great screen on Tabby to spring free Chris Clark, and the Neumann coaching staff kept yelling, “Where’s the foul?”, and quietly the referee turned and said, “He was planted”, and yes he was.  Kearney shot 4-5 for 8 points and 5 rebounds.  He continuously does the dirty work setting screens, grabbing boards and diving for loose balls.
          John, John, John what more can be said about Sr. Guard John Griffin.  He is yet a major reason why the Prep pulled this game out.  John shot 6-16 from the field 6-12 from downtown and yes that is “6” trey bombs 6-6 from the line for 24 points 5 rebounds 3 assists and 6 steals.  He is according to Dick Vitale a “Prime Time Player, Baby”, (In my book) that is why he getting the MVP of the game.
          As for my Game Ball, it's going to the “Sixth Man” of course, led by recent Marshall product Matt Parkhurst, who rallied up the fans during his emotional seventh period announcement.  As for some of my shout-outs, I got to give one to Sea Isle City’s finest Pat Bradley also a star soccer player, and another one to Freshman football player Brian Dillon -- yes, the brother of manager Ned Dillon, who has been to every game even the ones in D.C.  And Jr. SG Sean Barker who is on IR for the year because of a knee injury, but he will be back for next year’s season.  And for my last shout-out it is going to avid fan Tommy Fox (son of Coach Joe Fox), who is a regular at Saturday practices, and he is only in second grade, can you say possible Catholic League Coach.
         As for other notable stats Chris Clark shot 4-11 for 13 points 5 rebounds and 3 steals, Reggie Redding added 11 points 9 rebounds and 6 assists.  And at the end of the game the fans kept chanting “WE WANT ROMAN."

JAN. 23
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 62, Bonner 45
          Yet another crowdless game for the Prep against Southern Division foe Monsignor Bonner, but there were always the regulars at the game.  Starting with two freshman stars turned football stars, Andrew Spross and James Bogan, plus the guy that holds the Prep football team together, Chucky Hart.  The game started very slowly straight from the first possession, when Bonner took 1 minute to attempt there first shot.  And once the Prep got the ball back they didn’t look back outscoring Bonner in every quarter.  Overall this was a pretty intense and scrappy game starting with the play of C. Mike Kearney shooting 4-5 and grabbing 4 rebounds (8points 4 rebounds), he also helped the team by deflecting many rebounds out of the hands of Carlos Monroe.  “Los” shot 6-12 for 14 points and grabbed 9 boards.  Bonner also got help off the bench from 6’8 C Derrick Graff going 5-7 for 12 points and pulling 5 in a limited time period for the Friars.  It seemed the whole game that the Prep was one step ahead of the Friars trapping right when the ball was passed and breaking off of turnovers.
          Soph F Reggie “Carmelo” Redding caused a lot of these turnovers.  And yet again Redding picks up the game ball for the Prep.  He shot 6-10 for 15 points 3 assists 4 steals and 9 rebounds.   The reason he plays very good each game is because he is patient, he’s never jumpy or nervous he always plays with a smile on his face whether we are in 3 overtimes and down five or up by 10.  He never gets flustered even when he makes mistakes on the court.   He is a great student of the game and loves to learn new things everyday by Coach Speedy Morris.
          And his partner in crime Chris Clark (MVP of the game) once again got fantastic numbers shooting 6-13 from the field, 5-5 from the line for 21 points 3 assists and 2 steals.  Chris today played like his role model Oklahoma freshman Drew Lavender slashing to the hoop, dishing the ball, running the breaks, and being the floor general. WHAT ELSE CAN THIS KID DO?
          Now the stage is set 6-0 SJ Prep vs. 6-0 Roman Catholic Tuesday evening for first place in the Philadelphia Catholic League South.

JAN. 18
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 63, O'Hara 39
          Heart, Determination, and Discipline are three components that keep this team together to win.  After losing the MVP of last year Mark Zoller (Penn), the Prep was not getting the respect that Roman and Neumann kept getting, but 14-2 and 5-0 in the division is not too shabby.  This team continuously gets points from Sr. John Griffin, who today had 14 points on 6-13 shooting 3 assists and 3 rebounds, and recent 1,000-point scorer Chris Clark, who had 12 points and 6 assists.  Reggie Redding and Mike Kearney remind me of former Detroit Pistons Bill Lambier and Dennis Rodman (The original Bad Boys).  These two will put the ball in the basket, take offensive fouls, get rebounds, and won’t let any easy buckets in the lane.  In today’s game Reggie Redding and Mike Kearney combined for 11 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 4 blocks and 21 rebounds, 13 for Carmelo (Reggie) and 8 for Mike Kearney.  This rough and hard style of play sets the tone for the team.
          Sr. WG Jared Black without a doubt is getting the Game Ball and MVP -- yes, this is a first in Curtin Call history but Jared played one of his best games.   He had 15 points shooting 5-9 from the field and 4-8 from downtown. And if you thought that was a lot, he also pulled 6 rebounds.   This was a breakout game for him and his jumper was on; he was silky smooth.
          As for Cardinal O’Hara, they got a bulk of their scoring from Pat Kirby (11 points, 5-8 from the field, 3 rebounds).  Other scoring came from Mark Concannon with 10 and Matt Campbell with 7.  The Prep will take on The Friars from Bonner on Friday at 3:45 at the Prep.  LET'S GO EAGLES!!

JAN. 16
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 51, West Catholic 40
   It might have been very cold out today, but the stars where out on Ludlow street.  Tonight’s game featured 3 of the best players in the Southern Division; Marshall Taylor, John Griffin, and Chris Clark.   This game started out very sloppy in the first quarter with the Prep only scoring 4 points to West’s 12.  Coach Ludlow and his staff seemed to be very aggressive early in the game, doubling the ball, locating the shooters and playing very hard defense in the first. But the Burrs took a blow to the stomach when there leading scorer Marshall Taylor picked up 4 fouls in the second quarter with 7 minutes still to go.  With this happening Marshall was limited to 6 points on 3-14 shooting, but did have 2 blocked shots and 10 rebounds.  This was a very exciting game going into the fourth quarter with West leading the Prep 30-28.  It looked real bad for the Prep right from their first possession in the fourth quarter, when Chris Clark turned it over right back to West.  But boy did he make it up, getting a crucial steal late in the game to propel the Prep to a 39-36 score.
    But even with Marshall Taylor in foul trouble, West got a lot of its scoring from Rob Latimer.  He had 15 points shooting 6-13 and pulling 6 rebounds.  His scrappy play on defense and his smooth touch on offense kept the Burrs in the game.  That is why my game ball is going to Rob Latimer.  He stepped up for his team with the lack of scoring from Marshall Taylor and really carrying his whole team on his back scoring 11 second half points.
   1000 points is something that is a true milestone for any player in basketball, and tonight Philadelphia High School Basketball got another 1000 point scorer.  Needing only 18 points tonight Sr. Point Guard Chris Clark scored 21 points shooting 7-18, 6-6 from the line, and also adding 2 assists 3 steals and 3 rebs.  (Ted's note: This number is up for debate. We have him for 992 points and his mom doesn't have him with 1,000, either -- smile). He is not really concerned with individual success bur rather the teams success.  Now the Prep has 2 1000-point scorers on the team, with John Griffin getting it early in the season and now Chris Clark.   And with out a doubt my MVP of tonight’s game is going to 1000-point scorer Chris Clark.
    Other notable stats for the Prep were John Griffin scoring 14 points shooting 4-12 with 2 assists 2 steals and 4 rebounds.  And once again Sr. Mike Kearney and Reggie Redding both had 5 points and combined for 22 rebounds.  And before I end this, this game was a homecoming for Coach Joe Donahue, who was the coach of West in the early 90’s, “Book it Dano”!!!!!!!  The Prep extends its record to 13-2 and 4-0 in the Division.  I can’t resist; BURR, IT WAS COLD TONIGHT!!!!!!!!

JAN. 11
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 63, Carroll 40
          There was 1:04 left in the third quarter and the Prep scored 10 straight points by the end of the session to sprint away from a 28-28 tie. This game was more like a football game than a basketball game.  There were flagrant fouls, technicals, and ejections.  But this rough style of play didn’t phase the Prep; it just made them stronger.  During that third quarter Soph Reggie Redding (14 pts 5 ast and 8 rebs) was once again asked to step up and once again he did, but with the help of Chris Clark (12 pts 3 ast 4 stls and 3 rebs) and John Griffin (17 pts 2 ast 4 stls 3 rebs).  This “Three Headed Monster” seems to always step up when the game is on the line.
           Another player that never gets the fame or glory that the other 3 get is Sr. C Mike Kearney.  He is an “Old School” player that does the little thing to help this team win.   He grabs rebounds, dives for loose balls, and takes charges.  Again today Mike Kearney had solid numbers, 10 pts 3 stls and 7 rebs.   My game ball is going to 2 players that keep this team together, John Griffin and Chris Clark.   John Griffin has been shooting the ball very well and increasing his rebound total, and Chris Clark, who is the “Floor General,” getting his points steals and assists. These 2 perform night in, night out never quitting for one play they give 110% each game.  As for my MVP I picked Sr. Mike Kearney, he is very underrated and has a nose for where the ball will be, kind of like "The Worm," Dennis Rodman.
         I have to give a lot of credit to Carroll they came into the Prep playing defense and shooting well behind Sr. Mike Springman scoring 19 pts and pulling 12 rebs.  Another player that played well for Carroll was Taney Willcox coming off the bench going 3-3 from downtown for 9pts.  But with the ejection of Mike Welsh in the third quarter it seemed as if Carroll could not find another scorer.  This game was very entertaining; it was like a heavyweight fight.  The Prep extends its record to 12-2, and will play the Burrs of West Catholic Friday night.

JAN. 9
CATHOLIC SOUTH
SJ Prep 84, Kennedy-Kenrick 30
          This was a game that the Prep basketball team could not look past.  They needed to protect the ball, score, and get out of the game injury free.  And boy did they score.  PG Chris Clark was a flame thrower in the first quarter going 5-5 from the field and 3-3 from downtown finishing with 14 in the first quarter and 14 for the game (only played the first).  The Prep outscored Kenrick in the first quarter 36-9 with help from another hurler, Jared Black.   He went 4-6 from the field and 3-4 from the arc finishing with 11 in the first and 11 for the game.  Others contributions came from Sr. guard John Griffin with 5 and Soph Forward Reggie Redding with 2.  Another player that played well for the Prep was Jr C Mike Boyle who was making his first start for the ill Mike Kearney.  But my game ball is going to the “Bench Mob”, scoring 50 of the Prep’s 84 points.   Jr. guard Corey O’Rourke led the bench, shooting 6-14 from the field 2-2 from the line for 14 points and pulling 10 rebounds. And another surprise for the Prep was Jr. point guard Joe Fox going 5-9 from the field 2-3 from downtown for 12 points 5 stls and 4 rebs.  But my MVP goes to all the Sr.’s off the bench starting with Pat O’Toole (12 pts, 4 asts, 5 stls and 5 rebs), Paul Lynch (6 pts, 4 asts, 3 stls, 7rebs), and last but not least Antoine Joseph (6 pts and 5 rebs).
          Brian Organtini led Kennedy-Kenrick with 12 pts, going 4-9 from 3’s, while Tom Amenta had 8 pts and 9 rebs.  The next game for the Prep will be Sunday against the Patriots of Archbishop Carroll with JV at noon and Varsity at 1:30.  The Prep extends its record to 11-2.