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The world of Basketball detailed by the voices of the unathletic. Discussing play, culture, and, of course, who's the best. Trust the Process.
John Jay Honors Classmate with Inspiring Victory Over Fox Lane
On Saturday January 13, John Jay was looking for their third straight win, and Fox Lane stood in the way at the high school. Even so, there was more on the minds of the community and the team than basketball. Brooke D’Aleo is battling cancer, and behind the PA at the scorer’s Marc McAlley gave voice to the overall sentiment. “You’re not alone, stay strong,” the teacher’s words echoed. Of course, win or lose, nothing would change. But just the same, the Wolves were definitely driven and really put their teeth into honoring their classmate.
Rich MonettiPublished 2 months ago in UnbalancedSomers Keeps Going Strong in 49-39 Victory over Valhalla
Please See Tip, Pledge and Subscribe option at end of the article.... On Thursday January 25, Somers faced Valhalla at home, and despite leading 25-22 at the half, the effort didn’t please the Tuskers. “We went into halftime a little disappointed with how we played,” said Coach James Loughran. But intermission didn’t really have the team overanalyzing, and left the Tuskers addressing their shortcomings, according to center Mac Sullivan.
Rich MonettiPublished 2 months ago in UnbalancedSomers Runs John Jay out of Gym with 69-51 Victory
After falling 67-61 to Yorktown on Wednesday January 17, another cross town rival was in on Friday night, and the Tuskers were definitely in the thick of it versus John Jay. A 41-37 third quarter game in favor of Somers, the battle gave way to a long run, and the rest of the game was easily joined.
Rich MonettiPublished 2 months ago in UnbalancedStraddling the Fence
I had no idea when I wrote “If You are on the Fence about Leaving Your Sport: Read This” that it would be my most popular piece on Vocal, nor that it would actually resonate with so many people. At the time, I believed myself to be more of a creative writer so to have just a simple story about my personal experience attempting to pursue the sport I love, only to quit at the collegiate level, gain the most traction, I was shocked. I was even more shocked when I received a direct message on Instagram from someone I did not know and had never met before, a whole 6 years after my original story was published, asking me for advice because they were facing the exact same scenario in their life and somehow stumbled upon my piece and felt compelled enough to find and reach out to me for advice.
Elise SpillerPublished 2 months ago in UnbalancedJohn Jay Falls to the Strong Inside and Out Game of Pearl River
On Monday January 22, John Jay hosted Pearl River, and it took awhile for the game to get off the ground. No baskets through almost two full minutes, the challenge eventually revealed itself at 6:10. Kelsey Miedreich got the ball in the low post, backed down Jordan Kauftheil, and on the foul, she sank both free throws. But her inside dominance was only the half it on a very tough day.
Rich MonettiPublished 2 months ago in UnbalancedSomers Goes Downtown for 46-39 Win Over Fox Lane
Slideshow vs Byram After losing a close 42-39 game to John Jay on Friday January 19, the Tuskers found themselves in another tight game on Saturday at Fox Lane. 5:24 left in the game, Sydney Ingraham stood alone above the arc at 26-26 and her brief hesitation gave way to probability. “I haven’t really been hitting my threes, so when I was there, I thought maybe this is the game,” said the guard.
Rich MonettiPublished 2 months ago in UnbalancedJohn Jay Competes for 35-26 Victory Over Yorktown
With everyone else getting the day off for MLK day, the girls basketball team was on the clock and up at noon for a game at Yorktown High School. But while Jaime Bartley-Cohen acknowledged that it was a little unusual to be playing basketball on a Monday afternoon, she also welcomed the chance to represent on the holiday. “I’m glad we got to play today,” said the junior, and the team did more than just play.
Rich MonettiPublished 2 months ago in UnbalancedSomers Beats Byram Hills on Both Ends of the Court
On Thursday January 11, Somers traveled to Byram Hills, and one thing really stuck out. The hulking frame of Bobcat center Zachery Efobi could not be missed, and the Tuskers certainly knew the tall order coming in. “A big kid, with big strong moves, we had to double him in the post,” said Andrew Violante. “That’s what we did and it worked.” But the Tuskers also had to play on the other end, and Violante led the way their too.
Rich MonettiPublished 3 months ago in UnbalancedJohn Jay Falls 61-39 to Yorktown
After facing a pretty tall and wide order in Byram’s Hills Zachery Efobi, John Jay faced Yorktown at home on Wednesday January 10, and the good news was that the Huskers weren’t nearly as hulking. But they were still pretty tall and pretty quick, and the combination again proved too much for the Wolves.
Rich MonettiPublished 3 months ago in UnbalancedJohn Jay Can't Contain Height and Might of Byram Hills
On Friday January 5, John Jay traveled to Byram Hills, and it didn’t take long for the Wolves to see what they were up against. Christopher Amenedo penetrated into the paint, dished to Zachery Efobi in the low post and he threw down a two handed dunk. Their hands obviously full, John Jay did manage to contain the big man in the first half but keeping the Bobcat from breaking out was another matter.
Rich MonettiPublished 3 months ago in UnbalancedTop 10 NBA Players of All Time
Compiling a list of the top 10 NBA players of all time is no easy feat, as it requires navigating through decades of basketball history, assessing individual achievements, impact on the game, and overall greatness. In this curated selection, I take into account factors such as scoring ability, defensive prowess, leadership, and longevity. Each player on this list has left an indelible mark on the NBA, influencing the sport's evolution and setting benchmarks for excellence. The criteria include a player's impact on their teams, individual accolades, and the lasting legacy they've imprinted on the basketball world.
TJ JonesPublished 3 months ago in UnbalancedSteph Curry's Frustration and the Warriors' Trade Dilemma
Over the weekend, the Golden State Warriors faced a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in double overtime. The defeat left Warriors' star Stephen Curry visibly frustrated, culminating in the rare sight of him ripping his jersey. The intensity of the moment not only reflected the disappointment of the loss but also hinted at broader frustrations with the team's overall performance this season.
Brandon ShimadaPublished 3 months ago in Unbalanced