By Simon Chen
As the mid-winter recess concluded, it only meant one thing – the playoffs are here. Indeed that is the case, as the boys of the PSAL hardwood commence the “second season” of what will be another exciting run for the coveted city championship. For yet another season, the Telecommunications Yellow Jackets, the Midwood Hornets, and the Sheepshead Bay Sharks all are returning to the playoffs. On the other hand, teams making their playoff debuts are FDR and Tilden. The two Cinderella stories of the “A” Division bracket are poised and ready, just like the rest of the playoff teams, to contend for the title of the basketball supremacy. #15 Sheepshead Bay – All season long, opponents haven’t figured out a way to stop Nelson Bishop. Since opponents haven’t contained Bishop, the senior has posted an average of 19 points per game and has totaled 355 points for the regular season. But we know that Bishop can’t do everything; that is why the Sharks needed a great performance out of Peter Adegboye and Ricardo Pierre. The duo have stepped-up to win a few crucial regular season games for this squad but they need terrific offensive performances to go deep. (Sheepshead Bay played #18 Julia Richman on February 27, after deadline.) #11 FDR – There is absolutely no doubt that this season’s FDR Cougars squad is a far better team than the one of a season ago. Last season, the “Big Cats” went 4-14 while during this campaign, they posted a 13-5 record and is matched-up in the playoffs against New Dorp. All season long, the key to their success was division scoring leader- guard Jeffery Barrett. The senior has posted great offensive numbers by clocking-in 22 points an afternoon. Along with Barrett, the supporting cast of versatile guard Jonathan Leduc and guard Steven Sharrers has been crucial to the success of this team. The tandem has posted 442 combined total points during the regular season. FDR faced #22 New Dorp on February 27 (after press deadline). In limiting New Dorp’s attack, the defense needed to claw through O Neil Alexander. The senior back court star has averaged a little more than 15 points per contest and has totaled 217 points for the ’07-’08 campaign, which is best for second in Staten Island. If FDR can shut down Alexander, a second round berth may be on the horizon for FDR. #21 Midwood- The Midwood Hornets concluded the regular season on a four-game winning streak and will ride that into the playoffs with a full head of steam with a matchup against 12th-seeded Teacher’s Prep. Packing the most powerful sting on this squad is senior forward Sean McPherson. The talented 6’ 4” front court star has posted a team-high 320 totals, which is third best in the Brooklyn “A” East division. While McPherson’s scoring prowess is much needed, the defense will need that same intensity in facing against Brooklyn A-2 West division’s leading scorer- guard Deylon Bovell. The sophomore sensation has netted 20 points per game while rounding out his season with a total of 241 points. When Bovell can’t score, fellow backcourt mate, Dayon Ratliff has done the trick. The versatile senior has swished in average of 15 points per contest and is the deadliest duo in the division. For the Hornets to be successful, limiting the role of both players and forcing a third starter to step-up is be the key formula to a second-round playoff game for Midwood. (Midwood faced #12 Teacher’s Prep on February 27.)
