By The TimesLedger
First Team
Cameron Tyler Jr. Guard Cardozo
When he was motivated, there was no one better in the borough than Tyler, a 5-foot-11 junior guard who transferred from Rice. Stung by a loss at Bayside, Tyler netted a career-high 41 points in the Judges’ win in the rematch. He averaged 23.8 points, 4.2 assists and four rebounds per game. Along with Vic Morris, Cardozo should have the best backcourt in Queens next year.
Lance Hazel Sr. Guard Bayside
Hazel established himself early as one of the borough’s top players and the 6-foot lightning quick senior guard played at that elite level throughout the season. After missing last year with a knee injury, Hazel made up for lost time, averaging 18 points, 10.1 rebounds and six assists per game. He also sports a 90 average and a 1,080 SAT score
C.J. Okogeri Sr. Guard Bayside
Teaming with Hazel, the 6-foot senior guard helped lead the surprising Commodores to a 24-3 record. Okogeri, who was also named TimesLedger All-Queens first team in football, was unstoppable slashing to the hole. He scored 21.5 points per game and grabbed 5.4 rebounds per game.
Brandon Williams Sr. Forward Bryant
Williams played just one season of varsity basketball at Bryant, but the 6-foot-4 senior forward made it a memorable one. He scored 17.9 points and grabbed 6.1 rebounds per game and was one of the better post players in Queens. Williams will go the junior college rout next year, although he is unsure which school he will attend.
Richard Hall Sr. Forward John Bowne
As the best player on a struggling team, Hall was asked to carry the offense on a daily basis. And the 6-foot-1 senior swingman didn't disappoint. He was fifth in the city in scoring, averaging 29 points per game and he also grabbed 10.3 rebounds per game for the Wildcats, who finished 7-8.
Second Team
Vic Morris Fr. Guard Cardozo
Ron Naclerio has coached his share of great guards at Cardozo, including Rafer Alston, Duane and Brian Woodward, Royal Ivey and Darryl Hill. But he believes Morris, who became the first player in school history to start his first varsity game, has the potential to be right there with the best of them. The 5-foot-10 freshman averaged 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Melvin Jackson Sr. Guard Van Buren
Jackson was a star on a Van Buren team that finished in last place in Queens III-A with a 3-9 record. The 6-foot senior guard averaged 17.9 points per game and had a jumper that when on was unstoppable. Just ask coach Chuck Granby and Campus Magnet, who were torched for 36 points in a 63-61 overtime win Dec. 10.
Andre Cole Jr. Fwd. Newtown
Cole became the first underclassman captain at Newtown in seven years and lived up to the billing, as the 6-foot-4 forward averaged 17.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as the Pioneers captured the Queens I-A title. According to head coach Pat Torney, “he has grown and matured and his best basketball is still ahead of him.”
Taylor Murphy Sr. Fwd. John Adams
When the PSAL granted Murphy’s request for a fifth year of eligibility, a collective groan could be heard from Adams’ opponents in Queens III-A. That’s because the 6-foot-4 forward is a thorn in opponents’ sides because of his rebounding prowess. Murphy finished second in the city, averaging 18.4 rebounds per game and also scored 18.1 points per game for the Spartans, who made the 'A' playoffs after moving up from the ‘B’ division last year.
Adrian Uter Sr. Fwd. Springfield Gardens
With Murphy and Uter there wasn’t too many rebounds to be had in Queens III-A this season. The 6-foot-5 senior forward was seventh in the city, averaging 15.2 rebounds per game and also scored 14.3 points per game for struggling Springfield Gardens. SUNY-Farmingdale, John Jay, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore are among the schools vying for Uter’s services.
Honorable Mention
Dwayne Johnson So. Guard Cardozo
Fleans Dervishi Sr. Guard Bryant
Junior Fuller Sr. Guard Forest Hills
Andrew Gordon Sr. Fwd. Magnet
Bobby Pandy Sr. Fwd. Newtown
