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.