I was told at the start of last season that Park could win the Manhattan Cup. At the start of this season, I was nearly guaranteeing it. The Park Pioneers joined the Monsignor Martin Association at the start of last season and immediately made waves, before bowing out to eventual champion Nichols in the Manhattan Cup playoffs. After the Manhattan Cup playoffs were re-formatted to award separate Cups for the Class A & Class B schools, Park came in this season as the heavy favorite to claim that prize in its inaugural season. They didn't disappoint.
With senior starter Randy Golda sidelined with a bruised foot, the Pioneers cruised to a 69-55 win over St. Mary's and claimed the first ever Class B Manhattan Cup. Jordan Nwora was named Tournament MVP for the Pioneers following his 21-point performance in the final.
Park put on a shooting display from start to finish, raining in 12 long-range bombs to account for more than half of their offensive production. Nwora and Kyle Harris each connected four times from downtown, while Hunter Anderson and Derek Cheatom each drilled a pair.
"That's been our story this year - they're all born shooters", Park coach Michael Battaglia said.
Early in the second quarter, one of Nwora's treys put the Pioneers in front, 25-24, and they would never relinquished it. Park took an 11-point lead into the intermission and never let the Lancers any closer than nine points the rest of the way.
Anderson finished with 17 points for Park, Harris scored 14 points, and Cheatom added 13 points.
"This is huge", Battaglia said. "Five years ago, we were in the IAC. It wasn't until last year that we joined the Monsignor Martin, which is a prestigious league - it's the best basketball in WNY, and to be able to win it in our second year is unbelievable".
Park advances to the CHSAA Class B state championship, where they'll face the winner of the St. Regis/Salesian CHSAA Class B semifinal. The state title game will be at Fordham on March 15, 2015.
-centercourt
Park needs to be tougher inside if to advance in States. 3s won't win for you if they dry up. Coach B out X & O-Ed in big games this year. No bigger than what's to come.
Posted by: Thomas D'Angelo | Saturday, March 07, 2015 at 12:19 AM