JAN. 11
CATHOLIC BLUE
Kennedy-Kenrick 46, McDevitt 41
  The only thing you could really say about this one is…. At least the Eagles won.
  A disappointing day here in Wyncote, so I just have a few things to say about the game. Well it all started today when Rodney "Snoop Dogg” Ellis winning the tap and the Lancers getting their offense set with Rodney getting the ball in the high post. He gave a great feed to Matt Conroy with the backdoor cut and the reverse layup. Those 2 points were Conroy’s only for the day. So the one thing I noticed today was when Robbie Griffith kept pump faking from about 5 ft behind the 3-pt line. I have no idea why because he did not fool anybody. One thing he did very successfully was defend, but more about that later. With about 4 minutes remaining Soph. Reggie Charles clocked into the game, unusual because he usually starts. He came in and fed Sr. guard Mike Palmero for a 3. It was a slow 1st quarter but it does get slower. In the 2nd quarter there was a combined total of 7 points. Brad Miller could have changed this easily when he got to shoot 2 from the line but the 1st rimmed out. And the 2nd one he airballed. I don’t know what's more embarrassing -- that or Dave Tornetta's voice resemblance to Napoleon Dynamite. A highlight in the 2nd quarter was when Kevin Shemar saved a ball from going out of bounds when he threw it behind his back off a leg of a Lancer defender. Other than that nothing really happened but McDevitt went into halftime up, 19-14. The 3rd quarter was another slow one with K-K winning, 5-4. Rodney LS was in foul trouble in the quarter early and missed significant time, but Sean Maguire played very well while pulling down 5 boards. A big difference in the 2nd half was K-K’s Defense, Robbie Griffith played great defense on Mike Palmero and he just couldn’t get an open look to take his shot, I think this really hurt the Lancers for the reason that Mike started off in the 1st half hot. At this point I really thought I was at a girl’s game as nobody was scoring. But that was about to change in the 4th quarter when a sparkplug came off the bench for the Wolverines -- sophomore Little Billy Malescio. This kid is skinny but has a lot of heart and he always goes up strong. And him going up strong helped him and his team a lot by bringing him to the line 9 times and converting 6. He finished with 12 points, all in the 4th quarter, He was really the difference-maker in this one. Well Kennedy-Kenrick did start off the 4th with a run and took the lead for the 1st time all game. And trust me you could tell they’ve been on a Catholic League losing streak since Clinton was in office. The players were hugging, the parents snapping pictures of the scoreboard, but hey can't blame them, they’ve lost more then Jared from Subway. But McDevitt fires right back when Matt Conroy fires a very nice no look pass to Sean Maguire for the easy layup. Conroy finished the day with 5 dimes. Malescio led the way for Kenrick making the final 46 For Kennedy Kenrick, 41 for McDevitt.
Game Notes    
- The Kennedy Kenrick team had about 4 to 5 kids that tried to grow facial but just couldn’t. I don’t think they realized that it makes you look less intimidating when you got a bunch of peach fuzz on your face.
- I have never seen a team whine and complain more then this K-K team. I guess the cool thing to do in Norristown is to pound the ball on the ground when the ref makes a bad call. But hey I asked a Kennedy-Kenrick fan why they do that he said, “Well, I guess it's just developed over time because I guess it's now our trademark. He also said 40 of the 42 games that they lost were the refs' fault.”
- After that I went to go interview Napoleon Dynamites 3rd cousin Dave Tornetta
KG: I notice your voice resembles Napoleon Dynamite, have you ever realized that?
DT: Heck Yes!
KG: Enthusiastic I see, I would be too if I haven’t won a league game in about 4 years.
DT: Just follow your heart. That's what I do.
KG: okay? I heard you saying Oh my gosh over and over during the game can you give me a reasoning about this?
DT: It’s just that me and my teammates were having a killer time out there and the refs were messing it all up. He told the one ref “Gosh Badly, you fat lard! Why don’t you make so flippin tight calls?”
KG: that’s pretty harsh… So what do you think about Napoleon going wolverine hunting in Alaska with his uncle?
DT: Well he said he killed like 50, but hey that’s no change because Wolverines lose all the time.
KG: Well put considering your basketball team has only won 4 times in the past 100 league games, but to you best the luck.
-Player of the Game: Billy Malescio… He led the comeback in the 4^th quarter
-Courtney Havens-Dobbs played very well today finishing with 10 pts and 10 boards.
-Scorers
- McDevitt: Mike Palmero-11, Courtney Havens-Dobbs-10, Reggie Charles-8, Rodney Ellis-5,Linburg Green-3,Matt Conroy-2,Sean Maguire-2
- Kennedy-Kenrick --- Billy Malescio-13,Brad Miller-9,Kevin Shemar-8,Robbie Griffith-8,Alex Byrne-7,Dave Tornetta-2
- Up Next is the Patriots of Archbishop Carroll, They're going to be coming off a tough game with wood, and hopefully we can keep up with them.
- Faces in the Crowd: The one the only Mr. Ted Silary, Mr. Redmond, Mr. Manzi.

JAN. 9
CATHOLIC BLUE
Dougherty 48, McDevitt 46
  I walked into the McDevitt gym on Friday night and was shocked! There was a crowd. It was good to see a lot of people at the game. Later I realized that about a quarter of them were Dougherty kids because most of them were still wearing their school uniforms. So I am watching warm-ups and I realize that Brandyn Wims is the only Dougherty player to be wearing a warmup. The reason for that is that he is the only one that should be warming up. I do not understand why he takes layups during warmups because all he does is shoot from deep. Of his total of 18 points, he made his biggest impact in the 2nd half. Besides 3 of them coming off free throws, the rest were all from deep. Now to the game, in the 1st it was close and the main reason for that was the ability of Rodney "Snoop Dogg” Ellis’ play inside. When he is on, he’s absolutely a beast. He’s been hot of late and even had back to back triple-doubles in the J-town Christmas tournament. When he plays to the best of his ability, he's capable of finishing with quality numbers like these: 17 points, 11 boards, 3 steals and 3 blocks. But 90% of the reason he is successful is the way Reggie Charles and Matthew Kenneth Conroy get him the ball. They combined for 13 dimes. (Reg 6, MKC 7) Now these sophomores are the heart and soul of this Lancer team. With Charles getting all the style points, Conroy does much of the undercover work. He finished with 10 boards as a 2 guard along with 8 points. He hit a buzzer beater to take the lead 14-13 at the end of the 1st. The 2nd quarter was where Charles made his mark scoring 7 of his 15 points. He had a great opportunity at the end of the quarter with 1.2 seconds left on the clock where he was fouled taking a three. He missed all 3 free throws, but he wasn’t the only one. The Lancers struggled as a team from the charity stripe besides Sr. guard Mike Palmero, who converted both of his free throws. The team combined went 5 from 16 (31%) from the line. This just can’t happen. Even if McDevitt converted 50%, it would have won. But going into half instead of being up 7, The Lancers were only up 4. Making impacts for Dougherty in the 2nd quarter was "My Favorite Subject Is" Art Comas -- 5 points, hitting the only 2 shots he took, one being a trey. And also Brandon Brown, who looks like he’s got a prosthetic leg with a brace that takes up his whole leg. He has a good mid range jump shot that is tough to cover and had 8 of his 13 points coming in the 2nd quarter. He was soft on the glass, only bringing down 4 rebounds as their big guy, but I think Snoop got the best of him today. Now as I said earlier Brandyn Wims had a huge impact in the 2nd half. He was hot and so was Dougherty. They started out on a 14-2 run that just sucked life out of the Lancers Biggest one was the 3 he hit as he got fouled to take the lead. Ten of his points came in the 3rd quarter. During the 3rd quarter Reggie Charles got into a bit of foul trouble and had to sit on the bench for a bit of time, which hurt the lancers. As the 4th quarter started McD started the comeback and were down 1 with 2:14 left on the clock, Charles failed to convert a free throw. Then Wimp did what he did the whole game -- went down and hit a three. And as The Lancers brought the ball back up Conroy drove and went up and Dougherty defender Ryan Colbert was clearly not set and Conroy got called for the charge… Questionable call. After that they forced a turnover and Reg Charles was fouled with 17 seconds left and made both halves of the 1 and 1, making the score 46-44. So they get the ball in and Ryan Colbert has the ball and he clearly walks, but no call. With 12 seconds left Brandon Brown was fouled and sank both free throws, Making the score 48-44, with 8 seconds to go and Linburg Green was fouled and missed both shots, and at that point there was no hope as Linburg Green made a pointless basket at the buzzer that made the deficit 2. And an upsetting loss as the Final The Cardinals of Cardinal Dougherty 48, The Royal Lancers of Bishop McDevitt 46.
Game Notes:
-Player of the Game- Brandyn Wims. Kid can just shoot.
-Scorers
-McDevitt: Rodney Ellis-17, Reggie Charles-15, Limburg Green-12Matt Conroy-8, Mike Palmero-2, Courtney Havens-Dobbs-2.
-Dougherty: Brandyn Wims-18, Brandon Brown-13, Ryan Colbert-7, Art Comas-5, Christian Gibbs-4, Dawan Earle-2, Victor Graham-2
- Thought it was unusual that Art Comas goes to Dougherty, but his Brother Dan Comas was former Basketball standout at Archbishop Wood.
-Speaking of Wood…I have some quotes from Wood student reporter Tom Zulewski.
  Tom stated, "Kevin, you might want to get your eyes checked out because I was not standing up and cheering like you said I was. I think you incorrectly identified me as the obnoxious McDevitt fan who was sitting behind me and telling the Lancer players on the court what to do. It’s all good to cheer, you have every right to. But to tell players what to do and what plays to run, that’s not right. That is what coaches are for, buddy.”
  I have some thinks to say about this one.
1. I did not mistake you for an adult. I can clearly establish the differences of you two. Trust me; you lived up to your name “The High Flyin’ Viking”
2. The man I DIDN’T mistake you as was Mr. Palmero, an assistant basketball coach at McDevitt. As you said in the same article.” So next time you go and make a statement about someone, get the facts straight please.”…I don’t think you should be asking someone to get the facts right when you yourself don’t get them right. Just because you’re not on the bench doesn’t mean you’re not a coach.
3. As to your statement to me “to get the facts straight please” I got the facts straight from Joe’s grade school friends… Maybe he is just a little embarrassed, but you should be because you keep saying things that are wrong.
4.” I don’t know what it is with you people from McDevitt always trying to hate on Wood. (Not all. Just a handful. There are some very nice people at McDevitt). Don’t be hating because Wood has been winning and been in all the papers and you haven’t. You’ll have your time to shine.” I think every score of every high school game is in the papers so we are also in the papers. And as to winning, its always about winning. That will stop This Wednesday January 14th when Wood and McDevitt meet at OYR at 8:50 PM When McDevitt owns wood in hockey. Hope to see you there Tom!
5. The only think you got right.” May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” I had a magnificent Christmas and even better New Year. I was a bit cold though outside on New Years. I wish you were there to build me a fire. I hear you’re an Eagle scout.
-Up next are the Ballas from Norristown and 2 teams that both have not won a league game yet. Prediction McDevitt 57, K-K 43 as Mike Palmero comes out and has a big day. Undecided if I am going to attend, very bad timing with the Eagles.
- The halftime show featured The Royal Lancers cheerleaders. I have no idea why but a lot of people were video taping with their cell phones, I was mind boggled. Since they're usually the ones always to get booed at pep rallies.
-Faces in the crowd: As always Mr. Redmond, Tyler "T But" Butler, Chris "Im the junior in the captains picture” Manero, Sean Brown.
-After the game I left and later did I realize that I had forgotten my hoodie. So I go back in the gym, and I see about 50 kids still in the gym. I asked them all what they were doing and they said, “The 22 Don’t come for another 25 minutes.”
Hallelujah. Holla back.
KG

DEC. 21
CATHOLIC BLUE
Wood 58, McDevitt 52
  It almost happened. It didn’t, but it almost did. Wood came into the game killing everybody they have played in the league so far. As for McDevitt, it's kind of the opposite. McDevitt came into this season really with only 1 varsity returnee in Courtney Havens-Dobbs, who came off the bench with a team that had 6 seniors that got the bulk of the playing time. Also there are really only 3 consistent starters on this team -- sophomores Reggie Charles and Matt Conroy and senior Mike Palmero. Now Wood is a very good team,  and the reason for that is that they play so well as a team. So at the start of the game McDevitt came out fired up and doing exactly what they wanted to do -- not let Tim Fahy shoot. This kid can shoot the lights out. He's a nice lefty who hustles and makes plays. Teams really have to watch out for this kid. Now if you look at Wood, and you're just looking at who's maybe, I guess you could say, the enforcer, that nitty-gritty player who hustles and gets some boards, I think 9 out of 10 people would say Brian "Muscles” O’Grady. This kid is tall and muscular and has the job description. Now the Lancers are pushin’ the ball and they are on the break and O’Grady is doing exactly what I would think of him doing, sprinting back and taking a charge. He gets set, gets ready, Reg Charles goes up for the layup strong, and it is kind of quiet in the gym and all you hear is a big YELP!! Yes Brian "Muscles" O’Grady screamed like a little girl. O’Grady, a standout baseball player (one of the best in the city), gets called for the block. From my angle it looked like a charge. I just think the refs were way too shocked to hear the yelp from him. Now back to the game where at the end of the 1st quarter the Lancers were up, yes up, 19-15.
  Now the 2nd quarter was even better. The Royal Lancers were causing turnovers and taking advantage of every opportunity. Mike Palmero hit some timely threes; he ended up with 12 points all on threes. And some timely shoots from Linburg Green, who finished 7 points. Now the difference in the Lancers' offense in the 1st was the post play of Rodney "Snoop Dogg” Ellis. He finished with 12 points and something like 8 boards. Now as I was watching the game, I noticed a Wood fan who was really intense. Maybe like a little too intense. As someone pointed out to me, it was Tom Zulewski. He actually looked like the High Flyin’ Viking with all the jumping around he was doing. He couldn’t believe that McDevitt was winning. He seemed more mad than the players were when the scoreboard showed The Lancers up 15. Wood did seem cool and collected and did stick to their game and not panic and force shots.
  The 2nd half started and Wood was just determined. They came out and got exactly what they hoped for, open shots for Tim Fahy. Fahy, who was slow to start, came out in the 2nd half and played awesome. O’Grady hit a huge three that made the deficit only 4 then he caused a turnover and led Tim Fahy to a very nice spinning layup. The Vikes scored those 5 points in about 10 seconds and it just sucked the life out the Lancers. Soon after another three, with about 20 seconds left on the clock, tied the game up going into the 4th.
  Now already this year the Lancers have looked like a 4th quarter team, playing very strong and winning games in the 4th. But today they were not The Vikings' solid team play, and the ability to get Fahy open, led them to start off with a 6-0 run and they didn’t lose the lead thereafter. McDevitt didn’t give up to the very end. A thing that killed the Lancers was that they were in foul trouble early, Reggie Charles (15 points) was a player in foul trouble and had to miss significant time in the 3rd quarter. It did not help the Lancers. But Fahy and the Vikings were too much for the Lancers to pull off the upset.
GAME NOTES
-- Player of the Game: Tim Fahy-started off slow. But was on fire when it mattered.
-- Other Scorers
  McD: Courtney H-D with 2 and Matt Conroy with 4
  Wood: Fran Dougherty with 14, Brian "Muscles” O’Grady with 11, Getz with 9, Sean McCartney with 3 and Doug Macrone with 2
-- As stated in Tom Zulewski's report, sophs Matt Conroy and Joe Getz did play together in St. Cecilia’s of FOX CHASE.
  You may wonder why that neighborhood in NE Philly is capitalized. Maybe because Fox Chase is 40 minutes away from Archbishop Wood, in Warminster.
  Not Stated in Tom Zulewski’s report was Joe Getz' desire to get his grade school #5 retired by St Cecilia’s…. They said no.
-- A matchup today was one in sophomores Reggie Charles and Joe Getz. Today I think Reggie Charles got the best of him. Reggie was too strong for Getz to handle. But those two and Conroy all should be great to watch in the future.
-- The halftime show featured The New “Bishop McDevitt Royal Dancers”
-- Next is the Powerhouse tournament Held at Jenkintown High School
  Prediction: Lancers come out victorious as Reggie Charles leads them, winning Tournament MVP.
-- 1st game in I don’t know how long Mr. Stout didn’t have any problems with the clock.
-- Shoutout to Doug Macrone, who I played ball with SJR in 5th grade, who also chipped in 2 points.
-- Some faces in the crowd: McDevitt #1 fan Mr. Redmond. Football Standout Drew Siegfried. Former Star McDevitt Athletes Matt Davis and Matt Shervin. Father Bill doing his usual commentary.