The Benjamin Cardozo Judges’ perfect season came to an end as they lost to the Abraham Lincoln Railsplitters (20-2) by a score of 56-54. The Judges gave it their all and had three players score in double figures, as sophomore Jermaine Lawrence led the way with 16 points and tied with senior Marquis Barnett for the team lead in rebounds with 10. Senior Christopher Gayot was second for the Judges (20-1) with 14 points and led the team with five assists. Senior Shelton Mickell added 10 points and four assists of his own, while senior Tyrel Hunt had five points and six rebounds.
The Railsplitters moved on to the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) Championship at Madison Square Garden to face the Boys & Girls Kangaroos (16-4) who beat The Wings Academy Wings (22-1) by a score of 53-48. Three Kangaroo players scored in double figures, as senior Malik Nicholas had a double-double leading the Kangaroos with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Junior Jeffland Neverson had a double-double as well with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while senior Michael Taylor added 10 points and seven rebounds of his own.
In the championship game, the Kangaroos beat the Railsplitters by a score of 62-65. Three Kangaroo players again scored in double figures, including diminutive senior Antione Slaughter, who tied for a team high with 19 points, four rebounds and led the team with eight assists to lead the second-seeded Kangaroos to victory over top-seeded Lincoln. Junior Leroy Fludd had 19 points as well and added seven rebounds. Senior Michael Taylor had a nice night as well with 14 points. Neverson added eight points and six rebounds in the victory. The PSAL championship title was the second in as many seasons for the Kangaroos, who won last year for the first time since 1979.
