#5 St. Patrick (NJ) Vs. #3 St. Benedict’s (NJ) Final 88-62

Dexter Strickland (St. Patrick, NJ)

In one of the most highly anticipated games of the season two national powers met last night at the “RAC” on Rutgers campus.

This game was between # 3 St. Benedict’s (NJ) and # 5 St. Patrick (NJ) each team boost numerous division one players across their rosters. Some of these talented players include Dexter Strickland (2009/UNC/St. Patrick), Michael Gilchrist (2011/St. Patrick), Kyle Irving (2010/St. Patrick) and Paris Bennet (2009/GM/St. Patrick) from St. Patrick, NJ. The standout players from St. Benedict’s, NJ are Tristan Thompson (2010/Texas/St. Benedict’s), Myck Kabongo (2011/Texas/St. Benedict’s), Tamir Jackson (2009/Rice/St. Benedict’s) and Lamar Patterson (2009/Pitt/St. Benedict’s).

The game ended up drawing in some of the area’s top college coaches and staff, coaches in attendance included Rutgers head coach Fred Hill, Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez and staff, UConn assistant Andre LaFleur, St. John’s assistant Fred Quartlebaum and Penn assistant Mike Martin.

At the beginning of the game it looked like this one would live up to the hype with each team going back and forth at each other in the first quarter with St. Patrick holding a slim 21-17 lead over St. Benedict’s. Kyle Irving had 10 points in the opening period for St. Patrick and Tristan Thompson led St. Benedict’s with 9 points.

St. Patrick blew a close game wide open in the second quarter outscoring St. Benedict’s 24-8 in the period. They went into the half with a 45-25 lead and never looked back from then on cruising to a blowout victory 88-62.

It seemed like after the first quarter when St. Benedict’s was getting the ball inside to Thompson and scoring buckets they went away from that. It also seemed like they just didn’t come to play last night and were disinterested in the game.

This was a big-time statement game for St. Patrick, NJ who is predicted to win the Tournament of Champions of New Jersey. They showed everyone in the state that when there at full strength they are a team to be wrecking with when it comes playoff time.

The leading scorers for St. Patrick, NJ were senior Dexter Strickland 21 points and junior Kyle Irving 21 points. Super sophomore Michael Gilchrist chipped in 8 points.

The leading scorers for St. Benedict’s, NJ were junior Tristan Thompson 13, sophomore Myck Kabongo 13 points and senior Tamir Jackson added 10 points.

Each of these teams has big-time match-ups coming up in the next week. St. Benedict’s takes on undefeated and #1 team in the country Mater Dei (CA) at the Nike Extravaganza this Saturday February 7^th at 12:00 a.m. eastern time on ESPNU. St. Patrick faces NYC powerhouse Lincoln on Friday February 13^th at 7:00 p.m. eastern time on ESPN 2.

Michael Gilchrist (St. Patrick, NJ) Recruitment Update

By: Alex Schwartz (Northstar Basketball Blog)

Michael Gilchrist

Michael Gilchrist ’11 of St. Patrick’s (NJ) is arguably the number one baller in the sophomore class. A 6’7 combo forward, the sophomore sensation has carried the St. Pat’s Celtics this year, as North Carolina-signee Dexter Strickland ’09 has missed a lot of time and Kyrie Irving ’10 is still out due to transfer rules. Just yesterday, Gilchrist led his team to a come-from-behind win at Trenton Catholic (NJ), leading a massive fourth quarter comeback along with Paris Bennett ’09, a future George Mason Patriot. After Michael’s impressive 22-point performance, he was kind enough to talk to me for a few minutes. The lanky superstar, who said the Celtics pulled out yesterday’s win due to “just heart, heart really,” gave me his college list. The five lucky schools to be mentioned by Gilchrist were Seton Hall, UMass, Syracuse, Villanova, and Memphis, claiming offers from all five of them. Many people think he will end up as a Memphis Tiger, but only time will tell.

Courtsey: http://blog.northstarbball.com/

2008 City of Palms Classic Final

The 36th annual City of Palms Classic wrapped up today in Ft. Myers, FL. In the third place game the Cinderella team Winter Park, FL defeated Wheeler, GA 91 to 87. Super sophomore Austin Rivers continued his outstanding tournament finishing with 46 points in the win. The championship matched top five teams #1 Mater Dei, CA vs. #4 St. Patrick, NJ in the end Mater Dei, CA just had to much size inside beating St. Patrick 52 to 45.

I will be posting other information from this event in the next few hours. Once again #1 Mater Dei (CA) wins the 2008 City of Palms Classic Title.

2008 City of Palms Classic Final 4 Match-Ups

The 36th annual City of Palms Classic has made it down to the final four after the first 3 days of action. The teams that have advanced to the semi-finals include #1 Mater Dei (CA), # 4 St. Patrick (NJ), Wheeler (GA) and Winter Park (FL).

In game # 1 you have a battle of front courts when David & Travis Wear (Mater Dei, CA) go up against Ari Stewart and Richard Howell (Wheeler, GA). Mater Dei, CA is the # 1 team in the land, there starting five have all signed with a major division one school.

Dexter Strickland (St. Patrick, NJ) Class of 2009 Picks UNC

On Sunday afternoon Dexter Strickland picked UNC over Florida and Michigan State.

Dexter Strickland is one of the elite players in the class of 2009 and has the skill set to play either guard position at the next level. He is a 6’3 combo guard that is a smooth guard that can take over a game when needed. He is a very athletic guard that finishes strong at the rim and has nice floor vision.

This now gives UNC five committments in the past week from the class of 2009 & 2010.

UNC Roy Williams coming to NJ

Coach Williams is planning on coming to New Jersey Wednesday, to attend St. Patrick, NJ scrimmage. He is coming to watch standout junior Dexter Strickland (St. Patrick, NJ). Dexter Strickland is ranked # 9 in my class of 09 rankings, he is a huge prospect who is considering UNC, Michigan State and Florida. UNC and Roy Williams have already offered Dexter a scholarship.