Plainfield Cardinals Basketball

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Fanatic Summation of the Linden vs. Plainfield Union County Tournament Game Semi Finals

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played an 8.6. Plainfield came out aggressively on defense which led to offensive points for the Cardinals. The Cardinals jumped on the Tigers and grabbed an 11 point lead after 1 period. The Tigers could only get as close as 9 points for the entire game as the Cardinals wins to face National Power St. Patrick’s in the Union County Finals.

The most disappointing period for the Cardinals was the 4th. The Cardinals were looking to hold off the Tigers in the final period. The Tigers were not going to give up as Rodney Sanders connected on back to back 3-pointers to reduce the lead to 11. Linden Elijah Hodge also connected on a 3-pointer to help the Tigers outscore the Cardinals in the final period 14-13.

The most impressive period for the Cardinals was the 1st. Tyrone Johnson and Allen Brown connected for a combine 12 points including 2 3-pointers. Allen Brown assisted Mike Price with their defensive efforts on the Tiger guards. The Cardinals dropped 16 points while holding the Tigers to 5 points.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 22}
Johnson scored a game high 21 points. Johnson shot 100% below the arc, 75% from three point land, and had a game high tying 4 steals.

2) Plainfield – Junior Allen Brown – 6’0” {ER – 16}
Down Town Allen Brown continues to impress form the 3 point line. Brown shot 50% from the 3-point line, 75% from below the arc, and along with Johnson had a game high tying 4 steals. All this was accomplish while only committing 1 turnover for the entire game against one of the state’s best defensive team.

3) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 15}
Sears grabbed a game high 7 rebounds, rejected 2 shots, collected 2 steals, and dropped off 1 assist.

4) Linden – Senior Qadeer Lewis – 6’4” {ER – 14}
Lewis scored a team high 14 points to lead the Tigers. Lewis grabbed 5 rebounds and 2 steals while shooting 62% from the field.

5) Linden – Senior Rodney Sanders – 6’2” {ER – 11}
Sanders scored 12 points for the Tigers while shooting 75% from the field below the arc. Sanders connected on back to back three pointers in the final period.


The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Fanatic Summation of the Roselle Catholic vs. Plainfield Union County Tournament Game


On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played an 8.0. Roselle Catholic’s Jameel Warney carried the Lions on his back as far as he could but the relentless Cardinal hunted down the Lion until he was tired to pull out the victory. The hot shooting of Nate Grant-Dewitt helped overcome one of the best zone defensive efforts against the Cardinals this year.

The most disappointing period for the Cardinals was the 2nd. The Cardinals looked a step slower during this period. Roselle Park out rebounded, committed less turnovers, made 60% of their points from the field, shot 9 - 10 from the free throw line, and finished off the 2nd period with a 12 – 0 run.

The most impressive period for the Cardinals was the 1st. Nate Grant-Dewitt bka Dr. Zone Buster was at it again knocking down 2 three pointers in as many attempts. The scoring was balance with 6 different players putting points on the board. Plainfield finished off the 1st period going on a 17 – 4 run.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Roselle Catholic– Sophomore Jameel Warney – 6’6” {ER – 36}
Warney is one of 3 Plainfield basketball studs that have earned Star Ledger Basketball Outstanding Performer of the week (others are Miles Davis of St. Peters Prep, and Tyrone Johnson). Warney’s outstanding performance also tied a season high efficiency rating (Tyrone Johnson). Warney showed why he earned that honor. Jameel scored a game high 24 points on 64% shooting and hitting 75% of his free throws. He earned a double-double by grabbing a game high 12 rebounds. Warney also had 2 steals, 2 rejections and 2 assists to take Plainfield to the brink of elimination.

2) Roselle Catholic – Senior Steve Morgan – 5’9” {ER – 16}
Morgan was in charge of getting the ball to Warney. Warney dropped a game high 4 assists but what was more astounding was the 5’9” Morgan was second in rebounds for both teams with 8 boards. His game was efficient as he hit his only shot below the arc and shot 4 – 4 from the free throw line.

3) Plainfield – Senior Nate Grant-Dewitt – 6’4” {ER – 15}
Dr. Zone Buster was on duty. Luckily for the Cardinals he waived the co-pay as Nate knocked down 4 three pointers to counter the pack it down low zone strategy of the Lions. Nate shot 50 % from below the arc and 50% from beyond the three to lead the Cardinal scoring with 14 points.

4) Plainfield – Junior Allen Brown – 6’0” {ER – 15}
Mr. Split personality and master of names, Allen Brown showed his game when it was most needed by the Cardinals. Down Town Allen Brown knocked down 50% of his three’s to assist Mr. Zone Buster (Nate and Brown combined for 6 three pointers) from deep. Allen then changed into Lock Down Brown garnishing 3 steals (the back court of Price (7 steals) and Brown totaled 10 steals). Brown also shot 100% from below the arc.

5) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 14}
The young big man of the Cardinals will not have any days off this year. Sears went against arguably one of the best big men in the County. Although Roselle Catholic’s big man was the player of the game, Justin helped the Cardinals pull out the victory with his team high 5 rebounds, and game high 3 rejections.


The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.
*Pic by Ryan Sears

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Fanatic Summation of the Scotch Plains – Fanwood vs. Plainfield Union County Tournament Game

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played a 10. The defensive minded Cardinals put together the best 4 periods of defense in one night this season. The Raiders hot shooting guards of Charles Oliver, Tim Bonacum, and Patrick Dougher were defended well. Charles scored a team high 10 points while Tim and Patrick were held scoreless on only 4 shot attempts. Nate “Zone Buster” Grant-Dewitt outside touch opened the floor up for the Cardinal big men in the lane to spark the Cardinals to victory.

The most disappointing period for the Cardinals was the 1st. After Plainfield opened the game up with a 13 – 0 run Scotch Plains – Fanwood responded to close out the 1st with a 7 – 0 run sparked by a Doran Nelson 3 pointer. Plainfield was held scoreless after the initial 13 – 0 run for remainder of the 1st period.

The most impressive period was the 2nd. The Cardinals was aggressive offensively and defensively, which produced a 19 – 2 run to start the 2nd period. Defensively they held the Raiders to only 1 field goal made during the 2nd 8-minute stretch of the game. The other 4 points were made from the free throw line. Nate Grant-Dewitt and Tyrone Johnson combined for 7 – 9 shooting during the 2nd period to open the lead up to 21 points.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 23}
Johnson shot an efficient 89% from below the arc scoring a game high 18 points. Tyrone also dished out 4 assists and picked up 3 steals.

2) Plainfield – Senior Nate Grant-Dewitt – 6’4” {ER – 17}
Sharp Shooting Nate was at it again. Nate shot 75% from below the arc and 75% from beyond the arc and committed 0 turnovers. The veteran zone buster connected on 3 consecutive nothing but net 3’s with 2 of them contested. Nate displayed uncanny strong down low moves also. His versatility with his soft touch and down low presence will be an additional weapon needed down the tournament stretch.

3) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 12}
Sears shot 67% from the floor, which was punctuated with a high percentage 2 handed slam off a feed from Tyrone Johnson. Justin also had 2 rejections, 4 steals, and 4 rebounds.

4) Plainfield – Sophomore Sekou Harris – 5’9” {ER – 10}
The speedy guard gave the Cardinal faithful a scare against Elizabeth when he went down with an injury that required a hospital visit. But the lightning quick guard showed his Lubreski toughness by shaking off his injury and playing a very efficient game. Sekou shot 75% from the free throw line, collected 4 steals, and dropped 4 assists.

5) Plainfield – Sophomore Jahmal Lane – 6’4” {ER – 10}
Over the last 2 games Jahmal has shot nearly 70% from the floor. Lane continued his efficient shooting against the Raiders by shooting 67% from the floor. Lane also grabbed 4 rebounds.


The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.

Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs. Elizabeth Game

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played an 8.6. Plainfield outscored Elizabeth in all 4 periods. There was a balance scoring attack that featured 3 players in double digit scoring. The defensive effort was just as balance as the Cardinals collected 18 steals, 5 rejections, and out-rebounded the Minutemen 22 – 14.

This was the second consecutive game where all 4 periods displayed a balanced effort by the Cardinals. The most disappointing period would have to be the 3rd. Although the Cardinals outscored the Minutemen 19 – 13, sophomore sharp shooter Sekou Harris left the game with an injury that required medical attention. The shooting of Harris has lifted the Cardinal’s shooting percentage from the perimeter.

The most impressive period was the 2nd. The Cardinals came out firing on all cylinders as they opened the period with an 11 – 0 run to increase their lead to 16 points. Tyrone Johnson did the picking (4 steals in the 2nd period) while sophomore Jahmal Lane did the swishing (8 points on 4 – 4 shooting). The Cardinals outscored the Minutemen 19 – 11.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 20}
Justin scored a team high 14 points on 67% shooting and grabbed a game high 5 rebounds.

2) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 19}
Tyrone was in the mood of taking and giving as Johnson had a game high 5 steals, 4 assists, and shot perfect from below the arc.

3) Plainfield – Sophomore Diijon Allen-Jordan – 6’5” {ER – 16}
Diijon shot an efficient 100% from the floor to go along with his 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 rejections.

4) Elizabeth – Sophomore Hakeem Rodgers – 6’4” {ER – 15}
Hakeem led the Minutemen in scoring with 12 points. Rodgers was perfect with shooting for the game. Rodgers shot 100% from the floor and the free throw line while only committing 1 turnover.

5) Elizabeth – Junior J.R. Pringley – 6’6” {ER – 10}
Pringley shot 63% from the floor while leading the Minutemen in rebounds.


The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.

Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs. St. Joseph Prime Time Game






On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played an 8.1. Plainfield played 4 balance quarters against the 12th ranked St. Joseph Falcon’s. The Falcon’s 6’5” sophomore, Quenton DeCosey, posed a problem for the Cardinals due to his flexibility to play the perimeter and down low. The Cardinals countered that with a sophomore of their own, 6’7” Justin Sears, who forced the Falcons to look else where to score.

This was a balance effort against one of the top teams in the state. If there was a most disappointing period for the Cardinals, it was the 4th. The Cardinals gave up the most points in a single period during the final 8 minutes. The Falcons shot their highest percentage from the field during this stretch.

The most impressive period was the 3rd. The Cardinals was aggressive defensively and controlled the boards during this stretch. Justin Sears rejected 2 shots, grabbed 4 rebounds, and collected a steal to catalyze the Cardinals defensive efforts, which held the Falcons to single digit scoring during the 3rd period.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 32}
Johnson scored a game and season high 33 points against a top 20 team. Johnson shot 70% below the arc, 50% from 3-point land, and 90% from the free throw line. Tyrone also snatched a game high 5 steals and grabbed 4 rebounds.

2) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 19}
Justin’s versatile defense was a major factor in the Cardinal’s victory. Sears grabbed a team high 7 rebounds, rejected a game high 7 shots, dished out 3 assists, and collected 2 steals. His great defense on the perimeter showed the versatility of Sears.

3) St. Joseph – Junior Robert Ashamole – 6’5” {ER – 15}
If Robert was not in foul trouble, this game may have been closer. In limited time, Robert grabbed a team high 7 rebounds, shot 50% from the floor, and did not commit a single turnover.

4) St. Joseph – Senior Andrew Morgan – 6’0” {ER – 10}
Andrew had a team high 13 points, 3 steals and shot 56% from the floor.

5) St. Joseph – Senior Steven Rennard – 6’2” {ER – 10}
Steven earned Prime Time Team MVP. Steven scored 12 points shooting 80% from the floor and picked up 3 steals.


The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.
*Pic by Ryan Sears

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Fanatic Summation of the Westfield vs. Plainfield Game

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played an 8.4. This rating would have been higher if it was not for the play of Westfield’s Pat Sabatino. His play down low kept the Cardinal big men on their toes on the defensive end. The Cardinal’s hot shooting from deep (71% from behind the arc) and their defensive intensity of the sharp shooting guards of the Blue Devil’s offset the outstanding play of Sabatino.

The most disappointing period for the Cardinals was the 3rd. Plainfield looked to slow down the pace with a commanding lead but Westfield took a slight advantage with the play of Pat Sabatino. Pat dropped 9 of 11 Westfield’s third period points. The Cardinals seemed more deliberate and turned the ball over more frequently during this segment of the game. Westfield outscored the Cardinals in the 3rd period 11 – 10.

The most impressive period was the 2nd. The Cardinals exploded for a season high in point production in one period. The Cardinals outside shooting confidence grew with each make. Sekou Harris, Tyrone Johnson, and Mike Price combined for 5 for 5 shooting from behind the arc to spark a 29 point production during the 2nd period.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 30}
Johnson lit up the stat sheet. Johnson had a game high 24 points, a game high tying 2 rejections, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Johnson facing a box and one hit 83% of his shots below the arc, 75% from beyond the arc, and 83% from the foul line.

2) Westfield – Senior Pat Sabatino – 6’8” {ER – 25}
Sabatino did his best to try to keep Westfield in the game. Pat had a team high 23 points shooting 64% from the floor, shot 83% from the foul line, grabbed a game high tying 5 rebounds, and had a game high tying 2 rejections.

3) Westfield – Senior Ryan Hess – 6’3” {ER – 18}
Ryan Hess forced Coach Lubreski to call an early time out. Hess penetrated at will to score the Blue Devil’s first 6 points. Ryan shot 5 for 6 from the floor and was perfect (5 for 5) from the foul line.

4) Plainfield – Senior Mike Price – 6’2” {ER – 17}
If the season ended today, Price would get my vote for the Cardinals as the defensive player of the year. Price had a game high 5 steals, a game high 6 assists, and was perfect from the 3 point line.

5) Westfield – Senior Hugo Nolasco 6’2” {ER – 16}
Hugo had the responsibility of being the one in the box to stick the hot Johnson. Hugo did not let that affect his overall game. Hugo shot 100% from below the arc, 67 % from above the arc, and garnished 3 of Westfield’s total 6 steals.

The efficient rating was based on shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and turnovers.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs. Linden Game

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played a 9.0. This is a very high rating considering the Cards were playing the second highest ranked public school in the state. This game was competitive for the first 8 minutes. The Cards used a 25 – 4 run to open up an 18 point lead. The Tigers of Linden reduced the lead to 11 but the Cardinals held them at that point for the remainder of the game.

The most disappointing period for the Cardinals was the 1st. The Cardinal’s focused on shutting down Qadeer Lewis. Lewis dropped over 24 points and missed a double-double by one rebound in the previous meeting. The Coach Lubreski defense did its job well on Lewis holding him to 17% (1 – 6) shooting from the floor in the opening period. Linden responded to the Plainfield strategy with the hot shooting of Elijah Hodge and Jeffrey Knight who both combined for 3 – 3 shooting from behind the arc. The Tiger combo of Hodge and Knight helped Linden to outscore Plainfield in the opening period 13 -10.

The most impressive period was the 2nd. The insertions of “Mr. Zone Buster” Nate Grant-Dewitt and Sekou “Bolt” Harris sparked Plainfield to one of their most impressive scoring runs this year. Nate and Sekou nailed three 3 point attempts from deep in as many tries. Nate also finished a penetrating dish from Tyrone Johnson in the midst of the 3 point explosion the Cardinals displayed in the Tiger Den. The Coach Lubreski defensive strategy was nearly perfect. The multiple defensive sets not only shut down the Tiger’s offensively, but Linden could only get off 5 shot attempts for the entire 2nd period. The only points coming off a Qadeer Lewis assist to Armani Scipio for a lay-up. The Cardinals out scored the Tigers during the 2nd period 17 – 2.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 16}
Johnson had battle scars all over his arms from the no call physical play. The football experience paid off for Johnson as he led another balance scoring effort with 13 points. Johnson also had 4 rebounds and a game high 6 steals.

2) Linden – Senior Trell Meyers – 6’3” {ER – 15}
The Cardinals were able to ground the high flying Meyers but Trell did his best to fight off the feisty Cardinals. Meyer’s was the most efficient Tiger on this day with his 60% shooting from the floor, his team high 6 rebounds and team high 4 steals.

3) Plainfield – Sophomore Diijon Allen-Jordan – 6’5” {ER – 9}
If Diijon had finished off his 2-handed dunk attempt in the paint, the Cardinal Fanatic section was going to storm the court! Diijon has shown his competitive spirit in every game this season and believes that a Dunk is worth more than 2 points. Diijon dropped 9 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, a steal, an assist, and a rejection to lead a balance effort by the Cardinals.

4) Plainfield – Sophomore Sekou Harris – 5’9” {ER – 9}
The lightning quick Harris escaped any trap attempts by the aggressive Tigers. Harris looks like he will be the next in line for the "Mr. Zone Buster" title. Harris shot 100% from behind the arc. His Curly Neal basketball handling ability helped the Cardinals defeat the top public school defensive team in the state.

5) Plainfield – Senior Mike Price 6’2” {ER – 9}
Mike “the” Price “is right” has been “Money” with his defensive skills. Price seems like he will have a future in law enforcement because his long arm of the law rejected multiple shots, garnished multiple steals, grabbed multiple rebounds and disrupted multiple attempts by Linden to get into their offensive sets. Price should be a candidate for first team defense before the season is done.

The efficient rating was based on shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and turnovers.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs. St. Anthony’s Game

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played a 3.8. Plainfield played a great game defensively for the first 21 minutes of the game. The youthful Cardinals mixed up their defensive sets to frustrate the cold shooting Friars of St. Anthony’s. The Cardinals, to the surprise of many, was controlling the glass by out rebounding the Friars 17 – 10 for the first 21 minutes of the game. Coach Bob Hurley is legendary for a reason. He inspired his team to pick up the defensive intensity and attack the glass on every loose ball. St. Anthony’s dominated the last 11 minutes of the contest. The Friars responded by grabbing more boards than the Cardinals down the stretch 15 – 2 and out scoring Plainfield 32 - 11.

The most disappointing period for the Cardinals was the 4th. With the wheels coming off at the tail end of the 3rd period, the Cardinals never regrouped going into the final 8 minute stretch. In fairness to the Cardinals, St. Anthony ensured that the Cards would not regroup. The 6’6 250 lb Derrick Williams used his brute strength to out muscle the Cardinals down low. The 6’9” Devon Collier used his height to intimidate or reject any shot attempt in the paint. There were always 2 St. Anthony defenders with in arms length of Tyrone Johnson. With the Friar’s harassing physical defense flexing their muscle, St. Anthony pulls the game out of reach during this period.

The most impressive period was the 2nd. With sophomore sensations Diijon Allen-Jordan and Justin Sears controlling the paint with slam dunks and grabbing every loose ball, the Cardinals shook the confidence of the more experience Friars. The multiple defense sets kept the Friars off balance limiting them to only 2 field goals made during the 2nd period stretch. The Cards dominated the paint over St Ants by grabbing 7 rebounds compared to the Friar’s 2. This effort helped the Cardinals overcome a 7 point deficit and take a 2 point lead going into the half.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) St. Anthony’s – Senior Derrick Williams – 6’6” {ER – 25}
With out Derrick in this game, the Cardinals would have won by double digits. His strength was a man against boys. He created space for put backs, he boxed out for rebounds, and his uncanny leaping ability rejected multiple shot attempts. Derrick shot 56% from the floor, 80% from the free throw line, grabbed a game high 8 rebounds, had 2 assists, 2 steals, and a game high 3 rejections. Derrick will be playing his college ball at the University of Richmond next year.

2) St. Anthony – Senior Devon Collier – 6’9” {ER – 25}
Devon was an absentee player in the 1st half. After getting his ear chewed off by Coach Hurley, he responded like a man possess. Collier did not play the 1st period and did not grab a single rebound in the 1st half but his play in the 2nd half was near perfect. His inspired play shifts the momentum of the game for the Friars. Collier scored 13 of his 14 points in the 2nd half without missing one shot attempt and grabbed all of his 7 rebounds in the 2nd half. Devon also shot an impressive 80% from the free throw line. Devon will be playing his college ball at Oregon St next year who is coached by the brother of the 1st Lady of the United States.

3) St. Anthony’s – Senior Elijah Carter – 6’2” {ER – 15}
Carter may be the most improve guard in the state this year. The Paterson native led all scorers with 17 points. His 3 point shooting opened the middle up for the Friar’s big men. Elijah made 3 shots from behind the arc and shot 67% below the arc. Elijah will be playing his college ball at St. Bonaventure next year.

4) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 11}
Will some one please give this kid a day off! The sophomore has played against some of the best big men not only in the county or state, but the nation in his 1st year of varsity ball day in and day out. His team high 6 rebounds helped the Cardinals out play the Friars in the 1st half.

5) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson 6’3” {ER – 9}
Johnson faced a tough challenge with the Friars but was still able to help the Cardinals go up by 5 points past the midway point in the 3rd period. Johnson was the leading scorer for the Cardinals with his 13 points.

The efficient rating was based on shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and turnovers.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Quick Summary of the Newark National Invitational

The Cardinal Fanatic and crew went to visit the Newark National Invitational at the Prudential Center (The ROC) in Newark, NJ. Plainfield was well represented although the Cardinals were not playing. Plainfield natives that participated were Junior Miles Davis of St. Peter’s Prep, Junior Derrick Gordon, and Senior Chase Plummer of #1 St. Patrick.

Miles played a great game in defeat to New York City power Christ the King. Miles earned MVP honors for St. Peters.

Derrick Gordon and Chase Plummer played in an exciting game against nationally rated White House Station of Memphis, Tennessee. Derrick contributed with his defense and fast break buckets while Chase continues to show at 6’6” he has range from deep. Chase also was one of the top re-bounders during this battle of National powers.














White House Station has arguably the best guard in the nation in Joe Jackson. Jackson was simply magnificent. Joe has multiple skills and talent. His speed is blazing, reminding you of an Allen Iverson prototype. His shooting is on point and his court vision is outstanding. With Duke bound Kyrie Irving and Memphis bound Joe Jackson facing off, the crowd was hoping that both would match up with each other. Instead both coaches decided to have other guards stick 2 of the best guards in the country. Kyrie was at it again with his impeccable ball handling skills. On one play Irving drove hard stepped back with a double behind the back dribble and nailed the 3 from 25 feet to excite the crowd at the ROC. Joe Jackson would not be out done. His speed combine with his “Iverson” cross over moves left St. Pat’s defenders re-taping their ankles. The second best play of the game came with White House Station down 3 with less than 10 seconds remaining. The lightning quick Jackson went the length of the court in an incredible 1.5 seconds and pulled up from behind the arc to hit nothing but net to tie the game. After an inadvertent time out call by St. Pats with 3.6 seconds, St. Pats set up their offense for the play of the game. Know one new which poison the Celtics were going to choose (Irving or Gilchrist). Irving was denied the in bound pass, Boyle received the inbound pass, Boyle lobs a perfect pass to Gilchrist in the paint, Gilchrist goes up strong, gets fouled and the ball bounces on the rim and falls with less than 2 seconds remaining. With St. Pat’s in the lead by 2, Gilchrist misses the free throw and the clock runs out for the Celtic victory.




















The game the Cardinal Fanatic wanted to see is our opponent for tomorrow nights battle at the Holland Tunnel, our next opponent St. Anthony’s vs. DeMatha (Maryland). DeMatha came in with a previous National ranking as high as 5th in the Nation. After watching this game, St. Anthony will be a handful for the Cardinals of Plainfield. The Friars pulled out a come from behind victory over DeMatha. Derrick Williams of St. Anthony’s will be a problem for the Cardinal’s. His 6’6” 260 lb frame will cause havoc against the youthful boys of Plainfield. Williams, a resident of Staten Island, was previously an outstanding football player in New York. No one will argue with that after taking one look at his huge biceps. The only other player that would match up with Derrick in NJ is 6’6” 255 lb Pitt bound (for football) Trevor Clemmings of Paterson Catholic. Now that’s a match-up I would pay to see!
Although Derrick is the force in the middle for the Friars, Oregon St. bound Devon Collier, resident of the Bronx, will use his 6’8” frame to control the boards. 6’1” senior guard Elijah Carter is probably one of the most improve players in the state. He has shown consistency from 3 point land and has been a catalyst for come behind victories over in town rival St. Peters and DeMatha.

Lucious Jones, a 6’5” junior with an impressive outside touch, has the versatility to play down low or out on the perimeter.

5’7” senior point guard D’Marcus Owens runs the offense to a tee according to the instructions given from living legend Coach Bob Hurley.

Predictions:
If the Card’s can win the battle of the glass, look for the upset.

Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs. Scotch Plains – Fanwood Game

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played an 8.1. The 2nd half hot shooting of the Raiders junior guard, Charles “Chuck” Oliver, reduced a once 20 point lead to single digits. Clutch foul shooting down the stretch by the Cardinals Allen Brown and Justin Sears held off the Raiders.

The most disappointing period for the Cardinals was the 4th. Scotch Plains – Fanwood 6’2” guard Charles Oliver was in the zone. Chucky connected for 17 points in the final 8 minutes of the game to reduce the once large Plainfield lead to single digits.

The most impressive period was the 1st. The Cardinals was aggressive offensively and it produced a 12 – 0 run to start the game. The Cardinals took the lead from the tip and never relinquished it again. Down Town Allen Brown connected for 2 three pointers to spark the Cardinals early run.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) SPF – Junior Charles Oliver – 6’2” {ER – 21}
Chuck was simply in the zone in the second half. Oliver had 5 points at the half, but he came out in the 2nd half looking for his shot. Chucky shot 82% from the floor overall in the 2nd half. He shot 5 – 6 from below the arc and shot an eye popping 4 – 5 from well beyond the 3 point line. Charles dropped 28 points in the 2nd half of which 17 came in the final 8 minutes.

2) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 20}
Johnson led a balance scoring team effort. Johnson scored 16 points, shooting 60% from below the arc. Tyrone did what ever it took to win this game by filling up the stat sheet. Johnson grabbed 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 rejection, and a game high 5 assists.

3) SPF – Junior Matt Jegede – 6’5” {ER – 19}
Matt used his quickness to out rebound the taller Cardinals. Matt had a game high 11 rebounds and missed a double-double by 1 point. Matt shot 75% from the charity line and had a game high 3 steals.

4) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 17}
Justin shot 80% from the floor. But his foul shooting in the 4th period was clutch. Sears connected 3 – 4 foul shots to help seal the victory.

5) Plainfield – Junior Allen Brown – 6’0” {ER – 13}
Although Charles Oliver was the high scorer of the game, Down Town Brown was perfect from behind the arc, perfect below the arc, and shot 80% from the foul line. His only miss was 1 foul shot attempt. Brown also came up clutch by nailing 3 – 4 free throws in the final minutes to help seal the game for the Cardinals.


The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.