Paterson Catholic and Kennedy H.S.  will face each other for the Passaic County Tournament Championship. PC comes in with an undefeated record, a national ranking and the chance to win the tournament for the third consecutive year. Kennedy will face PC for the second consecutive year in the championship game. Paterson Catholic got here by defeating DePaul H.S. 79-38 while Kennedy beat Wayne Valley H.S. 72-64 in overtime.

The Deal On Each Team:

PATERSON CATHOLIC:

Strength………… This is a talented deep team that has a chance to do something historic this season. The Cougars have done a good job of playing one game at a time and not looking too far ahead. They are led by seniors Fuquan Edwin and Jayon James. Edwin(right), the 6’5 Seton Hall recruit can score as quickly as anyone in the state as he can go on a personal 10-0 run against teams. an underrated defender, Edwin has evolved from a player who played inside as a freshman to a versatile swingman who can score inside and outside as a senior. James,(middle) the 6’5  Fordham recruit is the key to what PC does as his unselfishness and willingness to distribute the rock has been the main reason that the Cougars are undefeated. Tough to handle when able to get in the lane. 5’9 Junior Myles Mack(bottom) is a mistake free guard who can knock it down from deep or get to the basket with his quickness. Has improved defensively and will pick your pocket if you sleep! His ability to stay calm in crucial moments is why he is one of the best clutch players in the State.6’7  Sophomore Kyle Anderson is ranked in the top 25 nationally and has had a great year showing a consistent game. He has improved his perimeter game and stuffs the stat sheet in every category. One of the smartest players in the area.6’9 Junior Derrick Randall is the glue for PC defensively. Has the ability to make up for mistakes of teammates. A great shot blocker who is getting better at finishing around the basket, Randall is a freakish athlete, who can run and jump with anyone. 6’4 Senior Jermaine Peart,6’6 senior Trevor Clemmings and 5’10 junior Jahmir White round out the core of Paterson Catholic’s rotation. They are so deep that highly ranked freshman Reggie Cameron, who gets sporadic minutes could start for most teams in the area.

Weakness………..Not many as far as a highschool team goes. Sometimes can try to do too much, instead of making the easy play. Loses their intensity defensively at times, though leading  by so many points can do that. Have showed no signs of selfishness and if they can keep that out of the lockeroom will not only when County tournament, but have legitimate shot of winning Tournament of Championship.

KENNEDY H.S. :

Strength…………..6’2  Senior Shondell Stewart is a scorer and this is not just saying it. He is a calculator and can score 20 in a quarter! Stewart(#22) has a deadly 3 point shot and can get to the rim against anybody. He will need help from 6’2 Junior Dawon Lighty(#5), who also has the ability to put up big numbers. 5’10 Senior point guard Zahir Young is one of the best defensive players in the area and he will have to put his stamp on the game in that capacity. A good penetrator who will need to get in the paint to open up looks for Stewart and Lighty. 6’4 Senior Jaemille Barnes has been the biggest surprise of the season. A very good athlete with a strong will to rebound and defend. 6’1 Sophomore Sammy Singletary is an underrated  offensive player who can knock down the open shot. Kennedy is a very good defensive team!

Weakness…………… The loss of 5’11 Senior point guard Daquere Hayes has been the biggest factor of the season for the Knights. He was the glue to their team and has been missed tremendously. Kennedy has a habit of going into scoring droughts and can’t afford to have one against the Cougars. Will need someone besides Stewart to go off. It will take alot for the Knights to pull this off. But thats why they play the games!

 Eastern Christian senior guard David Rainville hit a milestone against rival Saddle Brook H.S.! With 4:30 left in the game Rainville connected on 2 free throws to reach the 1,000 point total for his career. Rainville finished with 13 points to lead the Eagles to a 48-40 victory. Rainville still has a couple of games left to add to his total. Hoops Journal would like to congratulate Rainville on his outstanding accomplishment and much success in the future.

           In a series of player profiles, Hoop Journal sat down with Ridgewood highschool senior swingman James Albano. Though Ridgewood is having a sub par season no one can fault Albano, who is averaging  over 20 points a game and can stroke the rock with the best in the area.

Fun Facts:          HGT: 6’5         WGT: 200

Nickname : “Bano”

AGE:  18                                 D.O.B. :   October 13, 1991

Parents :   Jim      and     Patrice  Albano

Siblings:    Joseph  13

Who Inspires You (non basketball)  :  My  Parents

 Favorite Basketball Team :  New York Knicks

Favorite Basketball Player :  Patrick Ewing

Favorite Alltime Sneaker  :    Hyperdunk by  Nike

Favorite Artist :  ” Jay-Z”

Hottest Song On Ipod :   Forever – by:   Drake

Highschool Goals :     Want To Leave School Being Remembered

Future Goals :  Play In College and Hopefully Play Professionally Overseas

Something People Would Be Surprised To Know About You :      Love To Cook

Favorite College Team :  Kansas University

What Schools Are Interested In You Or You Are Interested In? :    D3 Schools,  such as Gettysburg, Muhlenberg, Catholic and McDaniel College.