I was able to catch the Lincoln vs. CTK scrimmage on Tuesday in Middle Village, Queens.
After hearing about Tiny Morton’s new players at Coney Island, I got a chance to watch them on the court first-hand.
Big man Jordan Dickerson, a 2011 junior from Virginia stood out right away because of his size. He’s around 6’10″ and has an enormous amount of potential. Dickerson runs the floor really well for a player his size. His athleticism will carry him far until his talent reaches its’ peak. His footwork is good, but lacks the aggressiveness under the basket needed to become a threat in the PSAL. Dickerson will be a project for Morton and his staff, but when the time comes, the big man will be a force to reckon with in New York City.
The second transfer for the Railsplitters is Reuben King from Nazareth. At 6’3″, King is more developed than his teammate, Dickerson. King has the toughness to attack the basket and can hit the three-ball if given enough space. He moves well on the floor as his ball-handling skills are good enough to take pressure from a defense. I expect King, a 2010 guard/forward to be a vital part of Lincoln’s offense this season.
Can Stokes lead Lincoln to glory for the 5th year in a row?
There is no doubt that this-Lincoln team has drastic differences from last years PSAL Championship squad. The only starter from last season still on the team in 2011 point guard Shaquille Stokes. After not being dependent to score the ball last season, Stokes’ offensive game will determine Lincoln’s fate this season. If the 5’10″ lead guard can get his points and get his teammates involved too, the Railsplitters are looking to have a good season. If not, expect Lincoln to struggle throughout the course of the year.
Christ the King was extremely impressive on Tuesday. I had the chance to see their high-tier players during the summer along with this fall in various AAU tournaments, but not as a team. Possibly the most impressive aspect watching the Royals play was they’re pure-determination and dedication on the defensive-end of the court.
Edwards will be a leader on both offense and defense
Coming off a iS8/NIKE Fall Championship, Corey Edwards took control of the Royals offense and showed why he’s one of the City’s top point guard, regardless of class. Scoring the ball isn’t Edwards vocal point, but the amount of baskets his team totals up because of the 2011 guards assists and pure hustle surely makes up for it. Not only is Edwards an extreme part of the Royals offense, but is one of their leaders on the defensive side of the ball as well. A player that knows the game exceptionally well is a step-ahead of his opponent by forcing him to his weak-hand and picking the ball away on a crossover continuously.
Barrow's offensive game has been risen to a new level
Maurice Barrow’s game has taken leaps and bounds over what he showed on the floor last season. Barrow, a 2010 forward, wasn’t nearly as versatile as he is now. His ability to take over a game is extremely impressive. As his offensive game is steadily growing, his defensive game is just as impressive. His quick feet help him against smaller opponents during full-court traps.
Calhoun is only a Soph, but plays well beyond his years
The only sophomore stater for the Royals, Omar Calhoun,was impressive as usual. He displayed an uncanny ability to shoot the ball from outside as well as finish on the fast-break. After the departure of Sean Johnson from the team, Calhoun looks like he’ll be filling the scoring-void. His ability to score the ball, inside and out will be greatly appreciated this season as he will get plenty of opportunities to shine throughout the year.
Both frontcourt starters for Christ the King played well. Dom Milka and Roland Brown took advantage of their size-advantage often and early. Milka showed flashes of stardom while passing the ball out of the paint with ease and freeing up teammates for open shots. His footwork has improved from last season as he can now step outside the paint and defend the basket. Brown showed great hustle on both ends of the floor. After being out with an injury last season, I am expecting Brown to have a good season as he will be dependent on scoring the ball inside along with Milka. Both big men are 2010 seniors.
Curry's ball-handling and court vision skills are fantastic
The bench of the Royals was impressive as well. 2011 juniors T.J. Curry, Terrell Hunt and Chris Ortiz were excellent in playing their roles on Tuesday. Curry, a smart point guard with great court vision handled the ball well and fed his teammates at the right time. As a wing forward, Hunt has the potential to be an effective scorer as his high school career progress’. Ortiz, an athletic big man ran the floor very well and had a monster put-back dunk during the scrimmage. Similar to Dickerson, Ortiz’ athleticim is superb for a young big man. All three played tough, hard-nosed on the defensive-end as well.
The Royals won 5 out of 6 quarters played on Tuesday. Christ the King is an early favorite along with Rice and Bishop Loughlin for the CHSAA ‘chip while Lincoln will have to climb its’ way back into the hunt for the PSAL title for the first time in years.
*Photo’s courtest of ctkhoops.com and nypost.com
