Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Falcons Fall to Undefeated Boxers
A week after completing the Boston Sweep, the Cambridge Falcons fell to the undefeated Brockton Boxers in front of a packed house at the sold out War Memorial Gymnasium.
The 81-70 loss drops the Falcons to 12-7 on the season with one game remaining before the state tournament. Before losing to Brockton, the Falcons had won seven straight games against such powerhouses as Everett and Madison Park.
Despite losing to Brockton, indisputably the top team in the South if not all of Massachusetts, things are looking up for the Falcons as they head into the post season. Senior Elon Fyfield has emerged as a potent scorer and double-double threat, pouring in a career-high 29 points in the losing effort against Brockton.
Senior Danny Pforte remains in top shooting form, scoring 30 points in the Falcons overtime victory over Madison Park. Center John Thomas and point guard Rashaad Wharton have made their way into the rotation in recent games as Cambridge Coach Lance Dottin has opted for a more experienced line-up.
The seven-loss Falcons are expected to receive a low seed in the state tournament and will face a difficult road that will likely take them through such dominant teams as Lynn English, Central Catholic, and Everett.
However, before taking on the powers of the North in the state championship, the Falcons must finish off the regular season this Thursday against Boston College High School who the Falcons have had trouble with in recent years.
If the Falcons hope to come away with the victory in front of their home crowd this Thursday, they will have to play with an unparalleled intensity and a tournament-like mentality.
The 81-70 loss drops the Falcons to 12-7 on the season with one game remaining before the state tournament. Before losing to Brockton, the Falcons had won seven straight games against such powerhouses as Everett and Madison Park.
Despite losing to Brockton, indisputably the top team in the South if not all of Massachusetts, things are looking up for the Falcons as they head into the post season. Senior Elon Fyfield has emerged as a potent scorer and double-double threat, pouring in a career-high 29 points in the losing effort against Brockton.
Senior Danny Pforte remains in top shooting form, scoring 30 points in the Falcons overtime victory over Madison Park. Center John Thomas and point guard Rashaad Wharton have made their way into the rotation in recent games as Cambridge Coach Lance Dottin has opted for a more experienced line-up.
The seven-loss Falcons are expected to receive a low seed in the state tournament and will face a difficult road that will likely take them through such dominant teams as Lynn English, Central Catholic, and Everett.
However, before taking on the powers of the North in the state championship, the Falcons must finish off the regular season this Thursday against Boston College High School who the Falcons have had trouble with in recent years.
If the Falcons hope to come away with the victory in front of their home crowd this Thursday, they will have to play with an unparalleled intensity and a tournament-like mentality.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Superb Defense gives Falcons Victory over Everett, 51-48
Just three weeks after losing to Everett by 22 points, the Falcons put in their best defensive effort and handed Everett their first GBL loss of the season, 51-48.
With 1:24 left in the fourth quarter and the Falcons trailing 44-46, Cambridge coach Lance Dottin called a time out and drew up a play to get the ball in the hands of sharpshooter Danny Pforte. Out of the time out, Pforte received the ball in the corner and let the shot fly. As the ball sailed through the net, the Falcons gained the 47-46 lead.
“It was really good execution,” said Pforte of the play that left him open in the corner. “I was just thinking ‘this is in.’”
After Everett regained the lead on the following possession, the Falcons got the ball in the hands of junior Ahmad Charles who was fouled taking the ball to the basket. After Charles swished his two free throw attempts, Cambridge had the 49-48 lead, a lead they would not relinquish.
Cambridge forced a turnover on Everett’s next possession and gave the ball to point guard Rashaad Wharton with 25 seconds remaining. Everett intentionally fouled Wharton, who calmly walked to the line and sank both free throws, increasing Cambridge’s lead to 3 points.
Everett guard Dio McCloud attempted a wild shot on Everett’s final possession, but the ball clanked off the rim into the hands of senior Elon Fyfield who iced the game for the Falcons and game them their ninth victory of the season.
Fyfield, who finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, had the difficult task of defending Everett’s best player, super-senior Jerome Cohen. In their previous match-up, Cohen torched the Falcons for 30 points. This game, however, was a different story as the Falcons’ defense disrupted Cohen who finished with less than 15 points.
“I knew I had to play strong and tough for the entire game if we wanted to win,” said Fyfield. Fyfield led the way for the Falcons’ big men, who were undersized compared to the Everett lineup featuring four players above 6’3’’—as well as the 6’7’’ Cohen.
When freshman center Kevin Lovicency picked up his fourth foul mid-way into the third quarter, senior John Thomas stepped in and put in a great defensive effort.
“I thought I was able to make a contribution, especially on the defensive end,” said Thomas.
The victory over Everett improves the Falcons to 9-6 on the season, just one win away from securing a post-season state tournament berth. The Falcons, who are currently riding a four game winning streak, take on West Roxbury at home on Monday.
In their previous game against Newton South, Ahmad Charles led the way for the Falcons, scoring 23 points. Charles’ success against Newton South earned him a return to the starting lineup against Everett, a place he had been absent from since the Falcons’ third game of the season.
Although Charles only finished with three points in tonight’s game, he added 13 rebounds and crucial free throws late in the game that secured the Cambridge victory over Everett and put the team in prime position to make the state tournament.
With 1:24 left in the fourth quarter and the Falcons trailing 44-46, Cambridge coach Lance Dottin called a time out and drew up a play to get the ball in the hands of sharpshooter Danny Pforte. Out of the time out, Pforte received the ball in the corner and let the shot fly. As the ball sailed through the net, the Falcons gained the 47-46 lead.
“It was really good execution,” said Pforte of the play that left him open in the corner. “I was just thinking ‘this is in.’”
After Everett regained the lead on the following possession, the Falcons got the ball in the hands of junior Ahmad Charles who was fouled taking the ball to the basket. After Charles swished his two free throw attempts, Cambridge had the 49-48 lead, a lead they would not relinquish.
Cambridge forced a turnover on Everett’s next possession and gave the ball to point guard Rashaad Wharton with 25 seconds remaining. Everett intentionally fouled Wharton, who calmly walked to the line and sank both free throws, increasing Cambridge’s lead to 3 points.
Everett guard Dio McCloud attempted a wild shot on Everett’s final possession, but the ball clanked off the rim into the hands of senior Elon Fyfield who iced the game for the Falcons and game them their ninth victory of the season.
Fyfield, who finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, had the difficult task of defending Everett’s best player, super-senior Jerome Cohen. In their previous match-up, Cohen torched the Falcons for 30 points. This game, however, was a different story as the Falcons’ defense disrupted Cohen who finished with less than 15 points.
“I knew I had to play strong and tough for the entire game if we wanted to win,” said Fyfield. Fyfield led the way for the Falcons’ big men, who were undersized compared to the Everett lineup featuring four players above 6’3’’—as well as the 6’7’’ Cohen.
When freshman center Kevin Lovicency picked up his fourth foul mid-way into the third quarter, senior John Thomas stepped in and put in a great defensive effort.
“I thought I was able to make a contribution, especially on the defensive end,” said Thomas.
The victory over Everett improves the Falcons to 9-6 on the season, just one win away from securing a post-season state tournament berth. The Falcons, who are currently riding a four game winning streak, take on West Roxbury at home on Monday.
In their previous game against Newton South, Ahmad Charles led the way for the Falcons, scoring 23 points. Charles’ success against Newton South earned him a return to the starting lineup against Everett, a place he had been absent from since the Falcons’ third game of the season.
Although Charles only finished with three points in tonight’s game, he added 13 rebounds and crucial free throws late in the game that secured the Cambridge victory over Everett and put the team in prime position to make the state tournament.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Skelton's Free-Throw Gives Falcons 2OT Victory
Never before had a free throw mattered so much in his life. But with .4 seconds remaining and the score knotted at 74 in the second over-time, Cambridge senior George Skelton stood at the free throw line with a chance to win the game for the Falcons.
Skelton paused, going through his normal pre-shot routine, and then let the ball go. Nothing but net. Skelton’s free throw gave Cambridge the victory over Lynn Tech and improved the Falcons’ record to 7-6; just three wins shy of securing a playoff berth in the Massachusetts’ postseason tournament.
The much-needed victory came after a difficult week for the Falcons, who lost a game to Dorcester and nearly blew a 30 point lead to GBL cellar-dweller Medford.
With Cambridge captain Isaiah Banks sidelined for the past week with a foot injury, head coach Lance Dottin opted for a smaller—and younger—starting lineup. Freshman center Kevin Loviency and sophomore forward Deondre Starling have logged significant minutes in the paint while junior Darius Sealy has manned the point guard position.
In the Falcons game against Lynn Tech, however, it was experience that came through for Cambridge in the end. Senior Elon Fyfield led the way for the Falcons, finishing with 20 points while defending Lynn Tech’s best player, Victor Smith. Senior Rashaad Wharton stepped up in a big way as well, knocking down three three-pointers in Cambridge’s fourth quarter comeback to send the game into overtime.
At the end of regulation, the Falcons had an opportunity to come away with the victory after George Skelton came away with a steal with the score tied in the final seconds. Skelton ran the length of the court as the last seconds ticked away and hit the lay-up, but just a split second after the final buzzer sounded.
Skelton, however, would get another opportunity to secure the victory for the Falcons in the second overtime. This time, Skelton’s shot was just in time, as his free throw attempt sailed through the net and gave Cambridge the astonishing victory.
Following their victory against Lynn Tech, the Falcons needed to win three out of their next seven games to secure a birth in the postseason tournament.
Skelton paused, going through his normal pre-shot routine, and then let the ball go. Nothing but net. Skelton’s free throw gave Cambridge the victory over Lynn Tech and improved the Falcons’ record to 7-6; just three wins shy of securing a playoff berth in the Massachusetts’ postseason tournament.
The much-needed victory came after a difficult week for the Falcons, who lost a game to Dorcester and nearly blew a 30 point lead to GBL cellar-dweller Medford.
With Cambridge captain Isaiah Banks sidelined for the past week with a foot injury, head coach Lance Dottin opted for a smaller—and younger—starting lineup. Freshman center Kevin Loviency and sophomore forward Deondre Starling have logged significant minutes in the paint while junior Darius Sealy has manned the point guard position.
In the Falcons game against Lynn Tech, however, it was experience that came through for Cambridge in the end. Senior Elon Fyfield led the way for the Falcons, finishing with 20 points while defending Lynn Tech’s best player, Victor Smith. Senior Rashaad Wharton stepped up in a big way as well, knocking down three three-pointers in Cambridge’s fourth quarter comeback to send the game into overtime.
At the end of regulation, the Falcons had an opportunity to come away with the victory after George Skelton came away with a steal with the score tied in the final seconds. Skelton ran the length of the court as the last seconds ticked away and hit the lay-up, but just a split second after the final buzzer sounded.
Skelton, however, would get another opportunity to secure the victory for the Falcons in the second overtime. This time, Skelton’s shot was just in time, as his free throw attempt sailed through the net and gave Cambridge the astonishing victory.
Following their victory against Lynn Tech, the Falcons needed to win three out of their next seven games to secure a birth in the postseason tournament.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Falcons Fall Below .500
The Falcons entered tonight's game against Malden hoping to make up for their double-digit loss to the Golden Tornadoes earlier this season. And until the four minutes of the game, it appeared they might do just that.
With under five minutes left in the game and Cambridge down by five points, Falcons' guard Isaiah Banks knocked home a three pointer to cut the lead to two. After finally battling back from a Malden lead knotted at six or seven, momentum appeared to be on the Falcons side heading into crunch time.
Malden, however, responded to the Falcons' threat by pushing the ball and converting the easy layup. Any hope of a Falcons comeback at this point was squandered when Cambridge missed four consecutive free throws and two three pointers.
Despite the 72-65 loss, there were some bright spots for the Falcons. Isaiah Banks turned in his best performance of the season, shooting a high percentage from the field, and senior Elon Fyfield finished with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 4-5 overall, putting them in a tight position if they want to qualify for the state tournament. A team must finish with a .500 winning percentage or above to make the state tournament. With tough non-league games against BC High and Brockton remaining on the Falcons' schedule, finishing the season above the .500 mark should be a challenge--but certainly not an impossible one.
With under five minutes left in the game and Cambridge down by five points, Falcons' guard Isaiah Banks knocked home a three pointer to cut the lead to two. After finally battling back from a Malden lead knotted at six or seven, momentum appeared to be on the Falcons side heading into crunch time.
Malden, however, responded to the Falcons' threat by pushing the ball and converting the easy layup. Any hope of a Falcons comeback at this point was squandered when Cambridge missed four consecutive free throws and two three pointers.
Despite the 72-65 loss, there were some bright spots for the Falcons. Isaiah Banks turned in his best performance of the season, shooting a high percentage from the field, and senior Elon Fyfield finished with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 4-5 overall, putting them in a tight position if they want to qualify for the state tournament. A team must finish with a .500 winning percentage or above to make the state tournament. With tough non-league games against BC High and Brockton remaining on the Falcons' schedule, finishing the season above the .500 mark should be a challenge--but certainly not an impossible one.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Falcons Drowned by Crimson Tide
Normally beatings from Everett come on the gridiron in the month of November. This year, however, the Falcons got an extra serving on the hardwood two months after Thanksgiving Day.
The undersized Cambridge team went on the road tonight and was crushed by GBL-leading Everett Crimson Tide 67-45. Everett was led by fifth-year senior Jerome Cohen who finished with 30 points in the game.
Everett came out strong in the first quarter, leading 28-10 at the break behind Cohen’s 17 first-quarter points. Everett extended its lead to 42-17 in the second quarter, destroying any hope of a Cambridge comeback.
The loss puts Cambridge at 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the GBL. The Falcons are currently in third place in the GBL.
The undersized Cambridge team went on the road tonight and was crushed by GBL-leading Everett Crimson Tide 67-45. Everett was led by fifth-year senior Jerome Cohen who finished with 30 points in the game.
Everett came out strong in the first quarter, leading 28-10 at the break behind Cohen’s 17 first-quarter points. Everett extended its lead to 42-17 in the second quarter, destroying any hope of a Cambridge comeback.
The loss puts Cambridge at 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the GBL. The Falcons are currently in third place in the GBL.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Falcons Blow Past Medford, Look Towards Everett
On Tuesday, January 13, the Falcons handled the Medford Mustangs 74-62, improving to 2-1 in the GBL and 4-3 overall.
Senior Danny Pforte led the way for Cambridge, scoring 16 points in the first half alone. Center Elon Fyfield nearly recorded a double-double in the first half, adding nine points, ten rebounds, and a blocked shot in the first two quarters.
Cambridge entered half time with the game all but locked up, leading 41-22. In the third quarter, freshman Kevin Loviency went off, scoring nine points in the quarter.
Tomorrow the Falcons take on last year’s GBL champion the Everett Crimson Tide on the road. Last season, the Falcons finished 1-2 against Everett, including a heart-breaking loss in the second round of the MIAA Division 1 tournament. Down by two with under a minute left to play, Cambridge uncharacteristically missed two free throws and botched two lay ups in the final seconds of last season’s tournament match-up.
This year’s Everett team returns much of its size from last season, but lost stellar point guard Isaac Johnson. In order for the undersized Falcons to come away with a victory tomorrow, they must pressure the Everett guards and play at a fast pace.
A Falcons’ win tomorrow will put them tied atop the GBL standings with Everett and Malden after the first half of league play.
Senior Danny Pforte led the way for Cambridge, scoring 16 points in the first half alone. Center Elon Fyfield nearly recorded a double-double in the first half, adding nine points, ten rebounds, and a blocked shot in the first two quarters.
Cambridge entered half time with the game all but locked up, leading 41-22. In the third quarter, freshman Kevin Loviency went off, scoring nine points in the quarter.
Tomorrow the Falcons take on last year’s GBL champion the Everett Crimson Tide on the road. Last season, the Falcons finished 1-2 against Everett, including a heart-breaking loss in the second round of the MIAA Division 1 tournament. Down by two with under a minute left to play, Cambridge uncharacteristically missed two free throws and botched two lay ups in the final seconds of last season’s tournament match-up.
This year’s Everett team returns much of its size from last season, but lost stellar point guard Isaac Johnson. In order for the undersized Falcons to come away with a victory tomorrow, they must pressure the Everett guards and play at a fast pace.
A Falcons’ win tomorrow will put them tied atop the GBL standings with Everett and Malden after the first half of league play.
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