By Marc Raimondi
The Royals knocked down 17 three-pointers and their role players made a large impact in a 99-61 blowout of Molloy in a league game Friday night in Briarwood. CK has not lost at Molloy since 1987.The outburst even surprised Christ the King coach Bob Oliva.”I never thought it was gonna be like this,” he said.Junior guard Marion Smith, making his first start and getting his most significant minutes of the season, responded with 10 points, senior forward Joe Nuss had 10 points off the bench and Jovani Nieves had nine points on a trio of three-pointers in a wild fourth quarter.Smith, starting in place of a ill Sean Johnson, made Oliva satisfied with his decision right away: the Woodside native scored eight points in the first quarter.”Coach says be ready at every time,” Smith said. “I never regret [sitting on the bench], because I know my time will come.”Smith got some words of advice from senior Ryan Pearson before the game.”Don't be scared even though it's your first start – now it's time to prove yourself,” the George Mason-bound forward told Smith.Pearson has been proving himself, too – as perhaps the best player in Brooklyn/Queens so far this year. He had 26 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and also four three-pointers against Molloy. Florida-bound senior Erving Walker added 16 for Christ the King (8-2, 3-1 CHSAA Class AA), while junior Russell Smith (24 points) and sophomore Ashton Pankey (18 points) led Molloy (8-5, 0-3).Reach Associate Sports Editor Marc Raimondi by e-mail at mraimondi@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 130.
