What a Season!!! 2011-2012 - A Final Summation

What a Season Again!!!

Who would have thought that not winning the Tournament of Championship (TOC) would be a disappointment?  These young men on this team were on a mission since their defeat at last years TOC.  They were determined, confident, and eager to get back to that position to play for the right to be the best team in New Jersey.

The Cardinals dominated the public school scene by going 25-0 versus public schools.  Linden, Elizabeth, Teaneck, Asbury Park, Neptune, Mendham, and Newark Eastside were at one point ranked teams that all suffered defeats to the Cardinals.  What was so amazing of this Cardinal team, all the victories of their public school opponents were of double-digit margins (with the exception of Paul Robeson of NYC – Plainfield won by 9 points).  Some publications even published that the Asbury Park and Neptune defeats were moral victories for the shore schools because of the effort and competitive game that were played.  This is even more of a credit to the Plainfield basketball team that won both games by double-digit margins to formidable opponents.

The Cardinals suffered 4 defeats to 3 teams this year.  All of the teams (St. Anthony’s, St. Benedicts and St. Patrick’s) are traditional powers that get the best of the best of basketball players through out multiple states and various countries.  New Jersey has been known for years to produce national powers and Gill St. Bernard’s has added their name to the mix with a one time national ranking as high as #12 in the Nation.  Plainfield was able to beat Gill St. Bernard’s in a classic overtime game.  Hudson Catholic was discussed as a possible nationally rated team also.  Plainfield defeated Hudson Catholic in a tough game.  St. Anthony’s was last years National Champion with a #1 ranking and this year is ranked #3 in the Nation.  St. Benedicts is ranked also in the top 20 in the Nation and has been invited to play in this year ESPN Rise National Championship Tournament.  (By the way, last years champion, Montrose Christian (MD), was led by former Plainfield standout Tyrone Johnson who earned MVP honors.)

Plainfield suffered their first defeat of the season to St. Benedicts in a game, which Plainfield led by 9 points with 3 minutes remaining.  Justin Sears fouled out with seconds remaining.  St. Benedicts was able to get an offensive rebound put back by Tyler Ennis (NJ Gatorade Player of the year) to win by 2-points.

St. Anthony’s defeated Plainfield in the first match giving the Cardinals their only home defeat of the season.  In the rematch, Plainfield looked like the team to be the first public school to beat St. Anthony’s since Plainfield (Jahmal Lane was a freshman) did it in 2009.  Sears injury in the 1^st period took away 14 rebounds, 14 points, and 4 rejections.  It was a tough pill to swallow since the Cardinals played so well with out him and still was within a possession with seconds remaining. 

St. Patrick defeated the Cardinals in a rematch.  In the first match up, the Cardinals defeated St. Patrick at home on a miraculous play by Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan.  In the re-match, the Cardinals played arguably their worst game of the season.  A Sekou Harris desperation 3-pointer rimmed out at the buzzer as the Cardinals lost by 3 points.

The Cardinals defeated 7 teams that were ranked in the Top 10 (#3 St. Joseph, #2 Teaneck, #2 Gill St. Bernard’s, #6 Hudson Catholic, # 7 Roselle Catholic, #8 St. Patrick, and #9 Linden).  In each of these games the Cardinals had double digit leads.  Hudson Catholic and St. Patrick were able to close on the lead but the Cardinals were able to hold them off.

Although the Cardinals lost in the final game of the New Jersey High School Basketball season, the season was an unprecedented display of basketball in the History of Plainfield Sports. 

The 2012 seniors of the Plainfield High School Basketball team has won more awards and will probably place more players on the New Jersey State Basketball Honor Roll than any other prior team ever that roamed the basketball gymnasium of Plainfield High.  The following are a list of accomplishments by the class of 2012:

2009 - JV Union County finalist {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris}

2009 - Group IV Section 2 State Champions {Jahmal Lane}

2009 – Group IV North State Finalist {Jahmal Lane}

2010 – Neptune Christmas Tournament Jubilee Champion {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane}

2010 – Union County Finalist {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris*, Jahmal Lane}

2010 – Group IV Section 2 State Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris*, Jahmal Lane}

2010 – Group IV North State Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris*, Jahmal Lane}

2010 – Group IV State Finalist {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris*, Jahmal Lane}

2011 – Group III Section 2 State Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson}

2011 – Group III North State Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson}

2011 – Group III State Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson}

2011 – NJSIAA Tournament of Champions (TOC) Finalist {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson}

2012 – Union County Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson, Ahmid Williams, Taylor Plummer}

2012 – Group III Section 2 State Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson, Ahmid Williams, Taylor Plummer}

2012 – Group III North Jersey State Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson, Ahmid Williams, Taylor Plummer}

2012 – Group III State Champions {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson, Ahmid Williams, Taylor Plummer}

2012 – NJSIAA Tournament of Champions (TOC) Finalist {Justin Sears, Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan, Sekou Harris, Jahmal Lane, Chad Jno-Lewis, Edward Anderson, Ahmid Williams, Taylor Plummer}  

The Class of 2012 has put in their own vote as the greatest team that Plainfield has ever seen. Let the debate begin!

Good luck to all the seniors.

Now lets get that Degree!!!

Side Note: 

After the season was finally over, the Cardinal Fanatic took a stroll through the empty gymnasium and the empty hall ways of Plainfield High School.  The Cardinal Fanatic felt a cool breeze as he left the gym.  The Fanatic stopped and looked over his shoulder, (http://plainfield-basketball.blogspot.com/2011/12/dejavue-ghost-of-past-class-of-1984.html), but did not see anything.  A voice in the hallway echoed, “We are good now.  Our young boys did well.  We are finally at peace.”  The Ghost of “84” has left the building.

Stay Tuned!! Under Construction....

2011 - 2012 Final Summation

2011-2012 - Top Efficiency Performances
                  - Honorable Mention All-Efficiency Performers
                  - 4th Team All-Efficiency Performers
                  - 3rd Team All-Efficiency Performers
                  - 2nd Team All-Efficiency Performers
                  - 1st Team All-Efficiency Perfromers

2012 Tournament of Champions Final

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

Where did the Cardinals lose this game?

–        Points Below the Arc (Advantage St. Anthony’s) – With Justin Sears playing only 9 minutes due to an injury, St. Anthony’s took advantage of the absence of one of the most prolific shot blocker and rebounder in state history.  Jerome Frink was a major benefactor of this and he help give St. Anthony a 25 – 15 2-point conversion advantage.  This gave St. Anthony’s a 20-point advantage in this particular statistical category.

–        3 Pointers (Advantage – Plainfield) Sekou Harris and Jahmal Lane combined to connect on 5 3-pointers compared to St. Anthony’s Tariq Carey and Halice Cooke combining for 3 3-pointers.  This gave Plainfield a 6 point advantage in this category and narrowed the overall margin to 14 points in favor of St. Anthony’s

–        Free Throws (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield converted 17 free throws compared to St. Anthony’s 7.  This gave Plainfield a 10-point advantage and narrowed the difference in the game of 4 points.  In hindsight, Plainfield shot 86% from the free-throw line and against any other team this would be plenty enough to win the game base on this statistical category.  Plainfield missed only 3 free throw attempts for the game.  If the Cardinals could have shot 20 for 20, the game would have been tied going into the final 10 seconds of the game.

–        Rebounds (Advantage St. Anthony’s) – St. Anthony grabbed 31 rebounds compared to Plainfield’s 17.  With the absence of Sears for 23 minutes of the game this was a tough obstacle to overcome.

–        Steals (Advantage St. Anthony’s) – St. Anthony's picked up 9 steals compared to Plainfield 5 steals.

–        Assists (Advantage St. Anthony’s) – St. Anthony’s dropped off 18 assists while Plainfield dropped off 11 assists.

–        Block shots (Advantage St. Anthony’s) – St. Anthony’s rejected 6 shot attempts compared to Plainfield rejecting 4 shot attempts. Considering the absence of Sears, this was a pivotal category that decided the final outcome of the game. Denzel Christian stepped in for the injured Sears and rejected a team high 3 shot attempts.

–        Turnovers (Even) – St Anthony’s committed 15 turnovers while Plainfield committed 16 turnovers.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) St. Anthony’s – Senior Jerome Frink 6’6” {ER-41}

Can some one say VCU (Virginia Common Wealth University)?  With no official D-1 offers, Jerome benefited the most than any other player in this game in respect to recruiting potential.  The most notable recruit in the building was 2011 Cinderella Final Four Coach of VCU, Shaka Smart.  Jerome gave a performance of the ages by giving a remarkable double-double performance by dropping a game high 28 points on 58% shooting from the field and grabbing a game high 13 rebounds.  Frink added to his stat line by grabbing 3 steals, dropping 2 assists and rejecting a game high 3 shot attempts. Frink, who also became only the 3^rd player in Cardinal Fanatic Efficiency Rating recording history to score over 40 (Kyrie Irving and Justin Sears are the other two to score over 40), showed why he was the TOC Efficiency Player of the game by committing only 1 turnover for the entire game.

2) Plainfield – Senior Sekou Harris 6’0” {ER-20}

I will admit the Cardinal Fanatic is a bias observer!  But you must admit that Sekou “Trey Swish” Harris is one of the best guards in the East Coast of the United States!  When the lights are at its brightest he steps up his game.  The first team All-State candidate Harris has responded in every big game this year and this one was no different.  Harris shot 40% from beyond the arc and shot a perfect 12 for 12 from the free throw line to score a team high 22 points.  You would not think that some one scoring a team high in points could also be a distributor of the ball but Harris did just that by dropping a game high 7 assists to show why multiple D-1 recruiters are interested in Harris because of his scoring ability, free throw accuracy and distribution of the ball.

3) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-20}

Lane scored 21 points by shooting 55% below the arc and Planet Mercury 75% from beyond the arc.  Lane also grabbed a team high 3 steals and dished out 1 assist. 

To many of the State basketball experts, Lane has come out of nowhere to perplex the All-State selections for 2011-2012.  Against the best of the best, Lane was the most consistent player in the State. But this was no surprise to the Cardinal Fanatic as Jahmal as an 8^th/9^th grader had Pitt University showing interest! His Gary Payton defense, his Kobe Bryant spin move fade away was artistically beautiful, and his Clyde Frazier charisma off and on the court exemplified a 4-year varsity player of a program who has never seen a 4-year stretch in the history of its program.  Lane possesses D-1 body size, shooting ability, and defensive intensity that has only been displayed by one other high school player in the state (Kyle Anderson). 

4) St. Anthony’s – Senior Tariq Carey 6’3” {ER-20}

The Newark Eastside/St. Benedict transfer was on fire!  Tariq shot 71% below the arc and a sizzling 67% from beyond the arc to score a critical 18 points. 

5) St. Anthony’s – Senior Kyle Anderson 6’9” {ER-17}

Anderson shot 50% from the floor to score 12 points.  But scoring points is not the only thing needed to win games.  Kyle had a balance stat line to help the Friars pull out the victory.  Kyle grabbed 8 rebounds, picked up a game high 4 steals, dropped a team high tying 4 assists (Josh Brown also with 4 assists) and rejected 2 shot attempts.

6) St. Anthony’s – Junior Halice Cooke 6’2” {ER-11}

While Tariq Carey was knocking down his shots on one side, Halice was cooking from the other.  Halice shot 50% from beyond the arc and connected on a critical 3-pointer to give the Friars more breathing room.  Halice also grabbed 2 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dropped 3 assists, and had a critical rejection.  Halice was very Efficient with the ball as he committed 0 turnovers for the entire game.  Halice completed his night with an impressive 3:0 assist to turnover ratio.

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

Tournament of Champions Semifinals

A Fanatic Summation of the St Joseph vs Plainfield Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Points Below the Arc (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield was able to convert 27 field goals compared to St. Joseph’s 16 field goals.  This gave Plainfield a 22-point advantage.

–        3 Pointers (Advantage – St. Joseph) St. Joseph converted 5 treys compared to Plainfield’s 1.  This gave St. Joseph a 12-point advantage in this category and reducing the Plainfield point advantage to 10-points

–        Free Throws (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield converted 13 free throws compared to St. Joseph’s 1.  This gave Plainfield an additional 12-point advantage and the difference in the game of 22 points.

–        Rebounds (Advantage St. Joseph) – St. Joseph grabbed 28 rebounds compared to Plainfield’s 27.

–        Steals (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield picked up 11 steals compared to St. Joseph’s 4 steals.

–        Assists (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield dropped off 13 assists while St. Joseph dropped off 10 assists.

–        Block shots (Advantage St. Joseph) – St. Joseph rejected 5 shot attempts compared to Plainfield rejecting 2 shot attempts.

–        Turnovers (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield committed 9 turnovers, which is a low for the TOC, while St. Joseph committed 13 turnovers.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-25}

Lane shot 64% from below the arc and connected at a 50% clip from beyond the arc to score a game high 22 points.  Lane grabbed 4 rebounds, picked up 2 steals and dropped off 2 assists.  Lane only committed 1 turnover for the entire game.

2) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-23}

Dii’Jon continues his exceptional play.  Dii’Jon shot at a 67% clip to score 12 points.  Dii’Jon added to his stat line by grabbing a game high 7 rebounds, picking up a game high tying 3 steals (Plainfield’s Sekou Harris and Justin Sears also with 3 steals), dropping off a team high tying 4 assists (Sekou Harris also with 4 assists), and rejecting 1 shot.  Allen-Jordan did not commit a single turnover for the entire game giving him an excellent 4:0 assist to turnover ratio.

3) St. Joseph – Senior Danny Brix 6’4” {ER-18}

Danny did not shoot the rock like his last name.  Brix connected on 50% of his shots below the arc and improved his accuracy from long range by shooting 60% from beyond the arc to score a team high 15 points.  Brix also had 3 rebounds, dished out 1 assist and picked up 1 steal.

4) Plainfield – Senior Sekou Harris 6’0” {ER-15}

Sekou shot 55% from below the arc and 83% from the free throw line to score 17 points.  Sekou grabbed 5 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 3 steals and dropped a team high tying 4 assists.

5) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-15}

Sears shot 50% from the floor and 100% from the free throw line to score 12 points.  Sears also grabbed 2 rebounds, picked up a team high tying 3 steals and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Sears only committed 1 turnover for the entire game.

6) St. Joseph – Senior James “Jimbo” Long 5’10” {ER-13}

Jimbo’s spinning reverse lay-up over the outstretch arms of Justin Sears was impressive.  James scored 7 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out a game high 6 assists.  Long committed only 1 turnover for the entire game making him finish the day with an impressive 6:1 assist to turnover ratio.

7) St. Joseph – Senior Quenton DeCosey 6’6” {ER-12}

The Temple bound guard scored 14 points, grabbed a team high 6 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dropped off 2 assists and rejected 1 shot to complete his night.  Quenton is considered a 1^st Team All-State candidate and is in the discussion of player of the year.

8) St. Joseph – Freshman Karl Towns 6’10” {ER-11}

The freshman had to battle against a combine 10 years of varsity experience with the Plainfield big men. Karl grabbed 2 rebounds, picked up 1 steal and rejected a game high 4 shot attempts. The freshman only committed 1 turnover for the entire game.

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

Tournament of Champions - Quarterfinals

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs Asbury Park Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Points Below the Arc (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield was able to convert 25 field goals at an accuracy of 64% compared to Asbury Park’s 22 field goals.  This gave Plainfield a 6-point advantage.

–        3 Pointers (Advantage - Plainfield) Plainfield converted 3 treys compared to Asbury Park’s 1.  This gave Plainfield a 6-point advantage in this category.

–        Free Throws (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield converted 9 free throws compared to Asbury Park’s 6.  This gave Plainfield an additional 3-point advantage and the difference in the game of 15 points.

–        Rebounds (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield grabbed 30 rebounds to gain an extra 11 possessions.  Asbury Park grabbed 19 boards.

–        Steals (Advantage Asbury Park) – Asbury Park picked up 12 steals while the Cardinals had 7 steals.

–        Assists (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield dropped off 20 assists while Asbury Park dropped off 7 assists.

–        Block shots (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield rejected 5 shot attempts compared to Asbury Park rejecting 1 shot attempt.

–        Turnovers (Advantage Asbury Park) – The free throw conversions, 2-point conversions, 3-point conversions and the block shots helped Plainfield over come the turnovers made.  Asbury Park was primed to upset Plainfield with their defensive effort.  Plainfield turned the ball over 21 times compared to Asbury Park’s 9 turnovers.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-26}

The Dunkadelic tour continues!  Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan shot 64% from the field to score 17 points.  Dii’Jon had an impressive stat line:  6 rebounds; 5 assists; a game high tying 2 rejections (Plainfield’s Justin Sears also with 2 rejections).  Allen-Jordan only committed 1 turnover to finish the night with a 5:1 assist to turnover ratio.

2) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-26}

Sears & Roebuck, oops, I mean Sears & Allen-Jordan controlled the paint which was the decisive difference in this game.  Sears, aka Dr. Double-Double, lived up to his degree.  Sears shot 70% from the field to score 15 points.  Sears earned another double double performance by grabbing a game high 14 rebounds.  Sears also picked up 1 steal, dished out 4 assists and rejected a game high tying 2 shot attempts. 

3) Asbury Park – Senior Amir Conover 6’1” {ER-25}

The Twins played exceptional.  Amir shot 70% from below the arc, which was impressive considering he was shooting over defenders with a 5-inch advantage!  Amir was able to score 14 points, grab a team high tying 6 rebounds (Armond Conover also with 6 rebounds), a game high 5 steals, a game high tying 6 assists (Plainfield’s Sekou Harris also with 6 assists) and 1 rejection.

4) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-23}

Jahmal “The Black Mamba” Lane scored a game high 21 points shooting with an accuracy of 71% from below the arc and perfection from the free throw line.  Lane also grabbed 5 rebounds, picked up a team high 3 steals, dropped off 1 assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.

5) Asbury Park – Senior Armond Conover 6’1” {ER-19}

Armond scored a team high 18 points connecting at a 62% clip from below the arc.  Armond grabbed a team high tying 6 rebounds and picked up 1steal.

6) Asbury Park – Senior Thomond Hammary 6’3” {ER-17}

Thomond the sharp shooter Hammary was covered like a blanket on a chilly night.  Even with the skintight defense, Hammary was able to convert 60% of his shots below the arc, 50% from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the foul line to score 13 points.  Hammary also grabbed 3 rebounds and picked up 3 steals.

7) Plainfield – Senior Sekou Harris 6’0” {ER-15}

Sekou connected on 75% of his 3-point attempts and was 100% from the foul line to score 13 points for the game.  Sekou completed his night by grabbing 2 rebounds, picking up 2 steals and dropping off a game high tying 6 assists.

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

New Jersey Group 3 State Championship

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs Neptune Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Points Below the Arc (Advantage Neptune) – Neptune was able to convert 19 field goals compared to Plainfield’s 17 field goals.  This gave Neptune a 4-point advantage.

–        3 Pointers (Advantage - Even) Both teams converted 1 three-pointer.

–        Free Throws (Advantage Plainfield) – This was arguably the pivotal statistical category that pushed Plainfield to victory.  Plainfield converted 21 free throws compared to Neptune’s 7.  This gave Plainfield a 14-point advantage in this category and the eventual difference in the game of a 10-point victory for the Cardinals.

–        Rebounds (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield earned an additional 11 possessions by winning the battle of the boards.  Plainfield grabbed 33 rebounds while Neptune grabbed 22.

–        Steals (Advantage Neptune) – Neptune picked up 11 steals while the Cardinals had 7 steals.

–        Assists (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield dropped off 10 assists while Neptune dropped off 6 assists.

–        Block shots (Advantage Plainfield) – Another major factor in the outcome of the game.  Plainfield turned away a potential 34 points with their defensive effort in the paint.  If just a 3^rd of those shot attempts were converted, Plainfield would have suffered the loss.  Plainfield rejected a whopping 17 shot attempts compared to Neptune rejecting 2 shot attempts

–        Turnovers (Advantage Neptune) – The free throw conversions and the block shots helped Plainfield over come the turnovers made.  Neptune was primed to upset Plainfield with their defensive effort.  Plainfield turned the ball over 18 times compared to Neptune’s 8 turnovers.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-25}

Dr. Dunkadelic played my song again. That song was Flashlight!  The camera lights were popping when Dr. Dunkadelic took off from the foul line and slammed it home.  The Cardinal Fanatic has not seen a more impressive dunk since Kenny Fields did a 360 slam against Weequahic in 1980!  Dii’Jon has responded with everything on the line.  Dii’Jon shot 58% from the floor and 75% from the free throw line to score a game high 17 points.  Mr. Mustard grabbed 6 rebounds, dropped 3 assists and rejected 5 shots.  With only 1 turnover committed, Allen-Jordan completed his stat line with a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio.

2) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-24}

Dr. Double Double had to make a house call again.  Sears scored 11 points to go along with 16 rebounds to earn another double double performance.  But hold the press!!! Sears has earned another degree, “Dr. Triple Double” by getting his 2^nd Triple Double of the season by rejecting a whopping 10 shot attempts. 

3) Plainfield – Senior Sekou Harris 6’0” {ER-18}

Sekou shot 60% from below the arc and 89% from the free throw line to score 14 points.  Harris also grabbed 7 rebounds, picked up 2 steals and dropped a game high 4 assists.

4) Neptune – Senior Ikie Caledron 5’10” {ER-18}

The 4-year varsity player shot 55% from the floor and was perfect from the foul line to score 14 points.  Ikie grabbed 3 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 3 steals (Neptune’s Keith Kirkwood also with 3 steals), and dropped off 3 assists.

5) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-16}

Jahmal shot 67% from the floor and 100% from the free throw line to score 13 points.  Jahmal added to his stat line by grabbing 3 rebounds, picking up 2 steals, dropping off 2 assists and rejecting 1 shot attempt.

6) Neptune – Junior Keith Kirkwood 6’5” {ER-15}

Kirkwood and Sears at Yale University?  What a combo.  Yes, Yale has shown interest in the talented Kirkwood.  Kirkwood scored a team high 15 points, grabbed a team high 7 rebounds, picked up a game high 3 steals, dropped 1 assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Kirkwood only committed 1 turnover for the entire game.

7) Neptune – Senior Jaheem Woods 6’1” {ER-11}

The talented Quarterback shot 50% from below the arc to score 13 points, grabbed 2 rebounds and picked up 2 steals.

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

North Group 3 State Championship

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs Teaneck Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Points Below the Arc (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield was able to convert 29 field goals at a 59% clip compared to Teaneck’s 21 field goals.  This gave Plainfield a 16-point advantage.

–        3 Pointers (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield converted 5 treys out of 5 attempts.  Teaneck converted 4 treys.  This gave Plainfield a 3-point advantage.

–        Free Throws (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield converted 11 free throws while Teaneck converted 8 free throws.  This gave Plainfield a 3-point advantage and thus the 22 point margin of victory

–        Rebounds (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield grabbed 33 rebounds compared to Teaneck’s 19 rebounds.  This gave the Cardinals 14 more possessions than their opponent.

–        Steals (Advantage Teaneck) – Teaneck picked up 6 steals while the Cardinals had 5 steals.

–        Assists (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield dropped off 18 assists while Teaneck dropped off 3 assists.

–        Block shots (Advantage Plainfield) – Plainfield rejected 10 shot attempts while Teaneck rejected 4 shot attempts

–        Turnovers (Advantage Teaneck) – Teaneck committed 12 turnovers while Plainfield committed 13.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-35}

Dr. Dunkadelic was at it again.  The Cardinal Fanatic has not seen such throw downs in over 30 years (Kenny Fields “80”).  Dii’Jon gave his best Efficiency Performance in the unofficial public school championship game.  Dunkadelic shot 69% from the floor and was perfect from the foul line to score a team high tying 24 points (Sekou Harris also with 24 points).  Mr. Mustard just missing a double double by 1 rebound by grabbing 9 boards.  Dii’Jon also picked up 2 steals, dropped off 2 assists and re-fortified the Block Party with 2 rejections.  Dii’Jon had a superb night taking care of the rock, as he did not commit a single turnover for the entire game.

2) Plainfield – Senior Sekou Harris 6’0” {ER-35}

Sekou “Trey Swish” Harris gave arguably the best performance by a point guard in the State of NJ this year.  Sekou shot 50% from below the arc and 100% from beyond the arc (4 for 4 shooting) to score a team high tying 24 points.  Sekou also grabbed 6 rebounds, picked up 2 steals and distributed a game high 9 assists.  Sekou gave an exceptional performance taking care of the rock as he finished the game with a 9:2 assist to turnover ratio.  This is the best assist to turnover ratio by a player or opponent in a Plainfield game in the last 3-years of Efficiency Record keeping.

3) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-25}

Sears is the type of store you go to get what ever you want.  If you want your car worked on: Check, If you want clothes: Check, If you want to get into the Paint Department: SORRY – closed by the order of Dr. Double Double.  Sears had the paint shut down as he grabbed 12 rebounds and scored 14 points to garner another double double performance.  Sears re-fortified the Paint industry to himself with his 6 rejections.  Sears also picked up 1 steal and dropped off 2 assists.

4) Teaneck – Junior Shaakir Lindsey 5’10” {ER-22}

Shaakir did all he could do to will the Highwaymen.  Lindsey shot 60% from below the arc, 50% from beyond the arc and shot 83% from the free throw line to score a game high 29 points.

5) Teaneck – Senior Neville Fincher 6’10” {ER-13}

If it was not for his foul trouble Fincher may have given a better Efficiency Performance.  In minimal playing time Neville grabbed a team high 6 rebounds and rejected a team high 4 shot attempts.

6) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-12}

Lane shot 50% from below the arc and was perfect from beyond the arc to score 12 points.  Lane grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out 2 assists and rejected 1 shot to complete his stat line.

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

Group 3 Section 2 State Championship Game

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs Mendham Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Defense – Plainfield was able to reject 9 shots, pick up 13 steals, and grab 34 rebounds to hold Mendham to 36 points for the game.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-32}

Jahmal gave one of his best Efficiency performances to help Plainfield get their 4^th consecutive Sectional State Championship.  Lane becomes the first player in Plainfield Basketball History to win 4 Sectional Titles, a record that will never be broken for 4 years of eligibility.  Lane shot 69% from below the arc and was perfect from the free throw line to score a game and career high 29 points.  Lane also grabbed 6 rebounds, picked up a game high 5 steals, dropped off 1 assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Lane completed a fantastic night by only committing 1 turnover.

2) Plainfield – Senior Sekou Harris 6’0” {ER-24}

Sekou “Trey Swish” Harris shot 63% below the arc and 43% from beyond the arc to score 19 points.  Sekou grabbed a game high 7 rebounds, picked up 2 steals and dropped off a game high 4 assists.

3) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-14}

Sears was not needed to score in this game but he was very Efficient when he did by shooting at a 60% clip from the field.  Sears grabbed 5 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dropped off 1 assist and rejected a game high 3 shot attempts.  Sears only committed 1 turnover for the entire game.

4) Plainfield – Senior Taylor Plummer 6’5” {ER-13}

Taylor shot 67% from the field and was perfect from the foul line.  Taylor grabbed 6 rebounds, picked up 1 steal and dropped off 2 assists.  Taylor only committed 1 turnover from his guard position.

5) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-11}

Dii’Jon shot 75% from the field and was perfect from the foul line. Dii’Jon grabbed 2 rebounds, picked up 1 steal and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Dii’Jon was very Efficient with the ball by only committing 1 turnover for the entire game.

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

Semi-Finals Group 3 Section 2 Playoffs

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs Newark Eastside Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Rebounds – Plainfield was able to grab 37 rebounds compared to Newark Eastside 24 rebounds.

–        Free throw line – The Cardinals took advantage of their trips to the free-throw line.  Plainfield connected on 22 free throws compared to Newark Eastside 3 free throws made.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-29}

Justin shot 67% from the field and was perfect from the foul line to score 14 points.  Dr. Double Double lived up to his title by grabbing a game high 11 rebounds.  Sears also picked up 1 steal, dropped off a game high tying 4 assists (Plainfield’s Sekou Harris also with 4 assists) and rejected 2 shot attempts.

2) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-24}

Jahmal shot 75% from the field and 83% from the free throw line to score a team high 17 points.  Lane had an Efficient night by grabbing 6 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 3 steals (Plainfield’s Sekou Harris and Eastside’s Aaron Bodie also with 3 steals) and dropped off 1 assist.

3) Newark Eastside – Senior Jamal Reid 6’2” {ER-19}

Reid shot 50% from below the arc and 50% from above the arc to score a game high 24 points.  Reid grabbed 5 rebounds from his guard position, picked up 1 steal and dropped off a team high tying 2 assists (Ishmael Sanogo also with 2 assists).

4) Plainfield – Senior Sekou Harris 6’0” {ER-19}

Harris scored 16 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 3 steals and dropped off a game high tying 4 assists.

5) Newark Eastside – Sophomore Ishmael Sanogo 6’8” {ER-19}

Sanogo is one of the most talented sophomores in the state of NJ.  The Cardinal Fanatic is expecting to hear great things in the future about Ishmael.  Ishmael was a force in the middle on the defensive end and showed great moves for a sophomore big man.  His offensive skills around the basket gave him the ability to shoot 57% from the field against a solid defensive unit in Plainfield.  Ishmael grabbed a team high 6 rebounds (Aaron Bodie also with 6 rebounds), picked up 1 steal, dropped off 2 assists and rejected a game high tying 3 shot attempts (Plainfield’s Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan also with 3 rejections).  This was even more impressive considering the young talent was saddle with foul trouble that minimized his playing time.  Sanogo was also very Efficient with the ball by committing only 1 turnover for the entire game.

6) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-16}

Allen-Jordan has just announce that he is making a hostile take over of Roebuck of Sears and Roebuck.  Sears will now join forces and will be renamed Sears and Allen-Jordan Inc. Dii’Jon joined the Double Double club by dropping 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.  Mr. Mustard also picked up 1 steal, dropped off 1 assist and rejected a game high 3 shot attempts.

7) Newark Eastside – Senior Aaron Bodie 6’7” {ER-16}

It seems like Aaron has been playing varsity ball since the 90’s.  The 4-year varsity stud scored his 1,000-point in his final game as a high school ball player.  Bodie scored 12 points, grabbed a team high tying 6 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 3 steals and rejected 2 shot attempts.

8) Plainfield – Senior Taylor Plummer 6’5” {ER-14}

Taylor was perfect from the field and the foul line to be 100% Efficient in regards to shooting the rock.  Taylor also grabbed 4 rebounds, picked up 2 steals, dropped 1 assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Taylor also was very Efficient handling the ball from the guard position as he only committed 1 turnover for the entire game.

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

Quarter-Finals Group 3 Section 2 Playoffs

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs Colonia Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Defense – Plainfield limited Colonia to 35% shooting below the arc, 27% shooting from beyond the arc, forced Colonia to have 16 turnovers of which 10 were Plainfield steals and rejected 9 shot attempts

–        Sharing the Ball – The Cardinals shared the ball well.  9 different players combined for 18 assists, which gave the opportunity for 11 different players to score.

–        Shooting accuracy – Plainfield shot an Efficient 80% from the free throw line, 50% from beyond the arc and 59% from below the arc.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Colonia – Senior Jordan McDaniel 6’5” {ER-24}

Jordan McDaniel may be one the most talented bball players from Middlesex County that know one have really heard about.  After putting up 32 points to upset Somerville in the first round, Jordan did his best to pull off another upset.  Jordan shot 67% from beyond the arc and was perfect from the foul line to score a game high 21 points.  Jordan also grabbed 5 rebounds, picked up 1 steal and dropped off 1 assist.  Plainfield played an excellent defensive game but McDaniel’s only committed 1 turnover.

2) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-22}

Jahmal 4^th year of varsity basketball is arguably his best.  Lane shot 83% from below the arc, 100% from above the arc and 100% from the free throw line to score 14 points.  Lane added to his stat line with 3 rebounds, a game high tying 3 steals (Plainfield’s Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan and Colonia’s Greg Jones also with 3 steals) and 2 assists.

3) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-18}

Justin “Too Tall” Sears shot 70% from the floor and 100% from the free throw line to score a team high 16 points.  Sears also grabbed 5 rebounds and rejected 1 shot.  If the future Yale bound Wall Street broker is as Efficient with investments as he is with the ball, the Cardinal Fanatic will be his first customer for investment advice.  Sears committed only 1 turnover to complete an Efficient night.

4) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-18}

Dii’Jon shot 67% from the floor and 100% from the free throw line.  Dii’Jon filled up the stat sheet by grabbing a game high tying 6 rebounds (Colonia’s Greg Jones also with 6 rebounds), picking up a game high tying 3 steals, dropped off 2 assists, and rejected 1 shot.  Mr. Mustard completed an Efficient night by committing only 1 turnover.

5) Plainfield – Senior Sekou Harris 6’0” {ER-12}

Trey Swish shot 50% from down town and was perfect from the foul line to score 15 points.  Sekou also grabbed 2 rebounds, picked up 1 steal and dropped off a game high 5 assists.

6) Colonia – Senior Greg Jones 5’11” {ER-12}

One of the top running backs in Central Jersey played an Efficient game on the hardwood.  Jones shot 67% from the floor, grabbed a game high tying 6 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 3 steals and dropped off a team high tying 2 assists (Trent Barneys also with 2 assists).

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

1st Round of Group 3 Section 2 Playoffs

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs Iselin Kennedy Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Defense – Plainfield limited Kennedy to 19.2% shooting in the paint.  The Cardinals accounted for 12 rejections that limited Kennedy to 5 field goals made below the arc.

–        Sharing the Ball – The Cardinals shared the ball well.  10 different players combined for 23 assists, which gave the opportunity for 11 different players to score.

–        Rebounds – Plainfield grabbed 49 rebounds.  Sekou Harris grabbed 6 rebounds from his guard position.

–        Points in the Paint – The Cardinals shot a luke warm 59% from below the arc to tally 58 points within or near the paint area.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-26}

Jahmal shot an Efficient 75% from below the arc, perfect from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free throw line to score a team high 16 points.  Jahmal also grabbed a game high 8 rebounds, dished out an assist and rejected 3 shot attempts.  Jahmal was also very careful taking care of the rock as he committed only 1 turnover for the entire game.

2) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-22}

Justin shot 54% from the field and was perfect from the foul line to score 15 points.  Justin also grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 1 assist, and rejected a game high tying 4 shot attempts (Plainfield’s Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan and Iselin Kennedy’s Shabas Clarke also with 4 rejections).  Sears completed his Efficient night by not committing any turnovers for the entire game.

3) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-17}

Mr. Mustard shot an Efficient 75% from the field.  Dii’Jon also grabbed 6 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dropped off 2 assists and rejected a game high tying 4 shot attempts.  Dii’Jon completed a very Efficient night by only committing 1 turnover for the entire game.

4) Plainfield – Senior Ahmid Williams 5’10” {ER-12}

The lightning quick guard shot 67% from below the arc.  Ahmid was also able to grab 5 rebounds, pick up 3 steals and drop off 3 assists.  What was impressive with this was this was all done within 8 minutes of play.  Ahmid was also very efficient with the ball from his point guard position by only committing 1 turnover and turning in a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio.

5) Plainfield – Junior Denzel Christian 6’6” {ER-12}

The starting center from last years State Championship team is just starting to get his legs back from an off season injury.  Denzel was as Efficient as you can be.  Denzel shot 100% from the field, grabbed 2 rebounds, picked up a steal, dropped off 2 assists, and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Denzel also took care of the rock, as he did not commit a turnover for the game. 

 

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

Under Construction.....

Upcoming summaries

Colonia
Newark Eastside
Mendham - Group 3 Section 2 Finals
Teaneck - Group 3 North Finals
Neptune - Group 3 State Finals

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs Iselin Kennedy Game

Where did the Cardinals win this game?

–        Defense – Plainfield limited Kennedy to 19.2% shooting in the paint.  The Cardinals accounted for 12 rejections that limited Kennedy to 5 field goals made below the arc.

–        Sharing the Ball – The Cardinals shared the ball well.  10 different players combined for 23 assists, which gave the opportunity for 11 different players to score.

–        Rebounds – Plainfield grabbed 49 rebounds.  Sekou Harris grabbed 6 rebounds from his guard position.

–        Points in the Paint – The Cardinals shot a luke warm 59% from below the arc to tally 58 points within or near the paint area.

Cardinal Fanatic Efficient 5

1) Plainfield – Senior Jahmal Lane 6’4” {ER-26}

Jahmal shot an Efficient 75% from below the arc, perfect from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free throw line to score a team high 16 points.  Jahmal also grabbed a game high 8 rebounds, dished out an assist and rejected 3 shot attempts.  Jahmal was also very careful taking care of the rock as he committed only 1 turnover for the entire game.

2) Plainfield – Senior Justin Sears 6’8” {ER-22}

Justin shot 54% from the field and was perfect from the foul line to score 15 points.  Justin also grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 1 assist, and rejected a game high tying 4 shot attempts (Plainfield’s Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan and Iselin Kennedy’s Shabas Clarke also with 4 rejections).  Sears completed his Efficient night by not committing any turnovers for the entire game.

3) Plainfield – Senior Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan 6’6” {ER-17}

Mr. Mustard shot an Efficient 75% from the field.  Dii’Jon also grabbed 6 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dropped off 2 assists and rejected a game high tying 4 shot attempts.  Dii’Jon completed a very Efficient night by only committing 1 turnover for the entire game.

4) Plainfield – Senior Ahmid Williams 5’10” {ER-12}

The lightning quick guard shot 67% from below the arc.  Ahmid was also able to grab 5 rebounds, pick up 3 steals and drop off 3 assists.  What was impressive with this was this was all done within 8 minutes of play.  Ahmid was also very efficient with the ball from his point guard position by only committing 1 turnover and turning in a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio.

5) Plainfield – Junior Denzel Christian 6’6” {ER-12}

The starting center from last years State Championship team is just starting to get his legs back from an off season injury.  Denzel was as Efficient as you can be.  Denzel shot 100% from the field, grabbed 2 rebounds, picked up a steal, dropped off 2 assists, and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Denzel also took care of the rock, as he did not commit a turnover for the game. 

 

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