By Robert Elkin
Brooklyn captured all three games in the eighth annual Brooklyn Basketball Challenge sponsored by the Forest City Ratner Companies on the floor of the old gym at Long Island University . The event, in celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. drew six teams from the met area. Grady, in an effort to get back to the PSAL championship game, looked very good and defeated Thurgood Marshall of Manhattan, 55-42, in the middle game. All eyes were on Van Arsdale’s center and top rebounder in the PSAL in Veron Matthews, but his play did not stop a team effort by Benjamin Banneker of Fort Greene in an 87-75 decision. In the final game, Bishop Loughlin also of Fort Greene led almost all the way and turned back St. Anthony’s of Long Island, 64-52, in the final game. “This is our fifth time competing in this Classic,” said Grady’s Coach Mark Seltzberg, whose team has an overall 5-7 record, including 3-5 in league competition. “This is our second win in this classic. “We would have liked to play in the new arena, but still it’s terrific playing here. We have a good relationship with the staff at Long Island University. The win was important, because we could be competing with them for playoff seedings.” Grady relied on the play of senior Glenn Pindell, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Game. “We just came out and played hard,” said Pindell. “I came late to the game. I’m just happy that I got a chance to play and helped my team to the victory. Pindell, a resident of Coney Island, is one of two seniors on the young squad and is a starter. The other is Tyief Thompson, who is averaging 18 points an outing and is the top scorer on the team. “It’ll be nice to beat Lincoln this year,” Pindell added. “It’ll take a lot of hard work to win the whole thing. We have a lot of kids who were on the junior varsity last year and hopefully they can contribute (down the stretch).” In another game, also before a slim crowd at LIU, because of other classics going on during the same day, Devon Elliot’s three straight field goals within almost a minute span enabled Bishop Loughlin to pull away to an eight point advantage at intermission and gradually increase its margin. “It means a lot to receive the MVP award because I worked hard for almost three years,” said Elliot, a junior from East New York. “I’m preparing for my senior year. I’ll keep working hard and see what happens. The key to today’s game (the win over St. Anthony’s) was defense, staying together, sharing the ball, rebounding, and playing smart. “Playing in this classic means a lot because Martin Luther King did a lot for the community and world.” Loughlin defeated Commerce High in Massachusetts on the previous day and had to play back-to-back games. “After they (our players) were non-energetic in the first half, they kept fighting and shared the ball in the second half,” coach Khalid Green said. The first game of the Classic started with all eyes on 6’8” Van Arsdale center Veron Matthews, who scored 38 points and grabbed 27 rebounds in a previous game against Automotive, and tallied 24 points and grabbed 24 caroms against Banneker. Banneker jumped out to a 21-0 lead with almost three minutes left in the first quarter and never looked back. Van Arsdale battled back to close the margin to five points midway in the fourth quarter. Banneker was led by Din Moore who scored 19 points and was named the game’s MVP. “We have to build on this win,” Banneker coach Lindel Saunders said. “We play in a tough division. (of the PSAL)” Proceeds from the event benefit the Youth development program of Youth America, Inc. and the Right Bounce organization. Since 1984, Youth America has operated a wide range of educational, cultural, recreational, and health programs for the enrichment of community residents. Established in 1997, Right Bounce provides assistance for student athletes seeking college athletic scholarships. “I like the fact that the kids get a chance to play on a very special occasion,” said Keith Lewis, Executive Director of Youth America. “It’s Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and it should be important. We’ve been doing this on this day for eight years. “I’m glad we are able to run the Classic annually for our kids in Brooklyn. This is the second longest running basketball event in Brooklyn besides the Kangaroo Classic that is annually held at a university.” “We are delighted to host a basketball Classic of this caliber,” said Sharon Abbate, representing Long Island University. “It is well supported by LIU and the community. The Provost supports numerous community events and this is one of many.”
