By Jon Minners
Gompers stands atop the Bronx A East Division with a 13-2 record while Grace Dodge has clinched first place in the Bronx A West Division with a commanding 13-2 record of its own.
In the end, Gompers stood tall, beating Grace Dodge 58 to 41 thanks in part to Olando Minott, who scored 19 points and picked up 18 rebounds. Adding 12 points and 8 assists was Tevin Bracey. Not to be outdone, Tony Droughorn scored 12 points of his own and added 14 rebounds to the mix.
Rebounds were one of the deciding factors in the game. Grace Dodge only had 20 to Gompers decisive 43.
But the key to Gompers win was their defense, holding all but one scorer for Grace Dodge to single digits. Only Frederi Simpson was able to find the basket with four three-pointers and a total 19 points.
Gompers jumped out to a 15 to 4 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, dropping another 20 points in the fourth quarter for good measure.
Grace Dodge will play second place Alfred E. Smith on Wednesday, February 7, at 4:30 p.m. on the road. At 11-4, a win for Alfred E. Smith will not stop Grace Dodge from winning the division.
Gompers will play at home against the second place South Bronx (12-3) at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7.
In their last meeting, Gompers won 77 to 65, but they will need to win once more in order to claim sole possession of first place. A loss means a tie for both teams.
