A tale of two stories, #1 Cardozo will meet #12 Transit Tech on Wednesday in the other semi-final game at St. John’s.
Unlike the Boys & Girls vs. Wings Academy match-up, this contest will be based on the two teams will to defend. Both squads are disciplined while on the floor.
Cardozo has been extremely effective on the defensive end this entire season. In Cardozo’s two playoff wins, the Judges have been ruling the defensive end of floor giving up an impressive 34.5 points per game.
Transit Tech’s defense has brought them into their current scenario. Stopping J.F.K.’s dynamic duo of Naquan Pierce and Jeffrey Short, along with Thomas Jefferson’s entire team in the quarter-finals, the Express have been rolling so far in the playoffs.
Being the number one seed is a great confidence boost for any team. Playing in New York City, Cardozo must remember that Transit Tech is the underdog in this contest and has nothing too lose. The Queens school can not underestimate their opponent as well.
Coming off their latest upset win against Brooklyn’s Jefferson, Transit Tech should expect similar game-play from Cardozo as the two teams draw close comparisons. A team with decisive guards and adequate big men, senior Rhamel Brown will have to come up big once again for the Express in order to advance.
If Cardozo does this they’ll win: Put pressure on Tech’s guards to score
Led by senior point guard Reynaldo Walters, Cardozo is an exceptional defensive team. Shot-blockers Ryan Rhoomes (pictured) and Dwayne Brunson out-match Brown in the post and need to take affirmative action in the paint from the get-go. With Brown out of the equation, guards Anthony Presscott and Shaquille Paugh will be forced to step up. Walters, along with Chris Gayot and Malcolm Brooks must pressure the Express back-court and force them to take contested shots. By making Brown throw up off-balanced shots, Cardozo will increase their chance to win.
If Transit Tech does this they’ll win: Utilize Brown in post; play inside-out
Transit Tech has very few advantages heading into their game versus Cardozo. One of them is Brown’s size at 6’6″ 220 lbs.. The Express must feed Brown the ball each possession down the floor. When receiving a pass, the Manhattan-bound forward must be firmly planted in the post. Brown needs to punish Cardozo’s big men and get them in foul-trouble early. Along with Brown’s scoring under the basket, if ‘Dozo guards begin to drop down to help, Brown is surrounded by sharp-shooters such as Prescott who can knock down three-pointers on a consistent basis. Getting Brown involved early in the game is the best thing for Transit Tech.
Key match-up:
Brown and Barry Posey vs. Rhoomes and Brunson
While Brown and Posey are both more talented offensive players, the defense of Rhoomes and Brunson may be too dominant in this semi-final game. The ‘Dozo duo’s length and shot-blocking ability are incredible. If the ‘Dozo big men can stay out of trouble and force Brown and Posey to take contested shots, Rhoomes and Brunson will lead their team to victory.
Prediction:
As defense will be the key to winning this game, Cardozo has too much talent, experience and confidence to go down in the semi-finals. ‘Dozo will come out strong and finish the same way. Cardozo will take care of business against Transit Tech by the second half and move on to the championship game.
Key Players:
Cardozo
’10 Walters
’10 Brooks
’10 Rhoomes
’10 Brunson
Transit Tech
’11 Prescott
’10 Brown
’10 Posey
