In a series of player profiles,Hoops Journal sat with Paterson Catholic’s Derrick Randall who is probably the best interior defensive player and shot blocker in the area, if not the state. Derrick’s athleticism will lead him to a major D-1 college.

Fun Facts :   HGT: 6’9             WGT: 220 

Nickname :  “D”  

AGE: 18          D.O.B. : September 21,1991

Parents :  Brian Randall Sr.   and    Diana McClain

SIBLINGS :  Brian      Christina     Lisa      Adrian     Antonio

Who Inspires You (non basketball) : Grandmother

Favorite Basketball Team :  Los Angeles Lakers

Favorite Basketball Player :  Manu Ginobli – Spurs

Favorite Alltime Sneaker : Nike Air Force

Favorite Artist :  Eminem

Hottest Song On Ipod : Tie Me Down – By – New Boyz

Highschool Goals :  To Get My Diploma and win the States

Future Goals :  Graduate From College

Something People Would Be Surprised To Know About You :  I Can Do a Back flip

Favorite College Team : Pittsburgh University

What Schools Are  You Interested In Or Are Interested In You :  Most Big East, A.C.C. and Atlantic 10 schools

Little Falls………… When you watch Passaic Valley you realize right away that they are a well coached team and their starting five unit is ready to do whatever it takes to get a win. Bergen Catholic came in  feeling good about themselves after a 72-39 beat down of Cliffside Park in the Bergen County Jamboree , but P.V. made things difficult in their 64-58 win against Bergen. The Hornets had balanced scoring with 4 people in double figures led by the play of senior guard Dom Coiro (pictured ) who scored 17 points and controlled the game throughout, dishing out 6 dimes and accounting for 3 steals. Dave Clough added 15 points and 6 boards, while Mike Governali ( 11 pts) and Anthony DiSanti (11 pts, 7 rebs) completed the other double figure scorers. Guard Nick DiCristino was a point away with 9 and also added 6 rebounds and 3 assists. The balance proved to be too much for the Crusaders. Leading by one entering the 4th quarter PV pulled ahead late as Coiro and Di Cristino made plays late. BC got 14 points out of junior Eric Flanagan and 13 from junior Mark Richards and a surprising 12 on 4 treys from junior Steve Ferrari. Bergen Catholic will meet Teaneck H.S. in the quaterfinals of the Jamboree on Sunday at Ramapo College, while Passaic Valley gets it on Saturday against DePaul Catholic at Kennedy H.S. in the Passaic county quarterfinals.

Note: Passaic Valley’s 2-3 zone is one of the best in the area, moving around well enough to get to the three shooters and still able to get back in the paint. It’s their bread and butter! Bergen hit 8 three’s but they have the fortune of having two players with outstanding range ( Flanagan and Ferrari ) and they hit them from two and three feet behind the arc.

Paterson……… Eastside Highschool overcame a 10-0 run to start the game and a 15-6 1st quarter to beat West Milford Highschool 64-56 in the Passaic County tournament game in what was a   very competitive contest. West Milford came out fast led by junior Connor Healy (pictured in black)who coming off a groin injury had his game going right away. He did it from the inside and the outside. The groin wasn’t completely healed and he had to come out of the game at times when he was definitely needed and it did hurt West Milford. The Ghosts trailed, but fought back to take the lead at the end of the 1st half 30-28 on a 3 point shot from senior Randy Blue at the buzzer. Eastside, which has gotten inconsistent play in the back court this year got good games from senior Marquis Matthews who finished with 16 points with most coming in the first half and Blue in the middle of the contest to account for his 11 points and also from senior Janif Green who finished the game with 13 points, most of those coming down the stretch for Eastside. West Milford took the lead back with 6:42 in the 3rd on a Tyler Coyle layup but Eastside took the lead back as junior Isaiah Brinson came off the bench to provide needed defense as he made 3 consecutive steals to account for 6 straight Eastside points. West Milford again made a run late but free throws from Terrell Spaulding helped Eastside maintain the lead and walk away with the win. Besides Matthews, Green and Blue (all pictured ) the Ghosts got 11 points and 10 rebounds from Spaulding and 6points and 7 boards from senior Chris Albuquerque. Healy who was West Milford’s star the entire game finished with 26 points and 8 rebounds. Coyle added 11 points and 10 boards. Dan Gunderson contributed 8 points. Eastside who played without the services of senior Allen Dantzler (back) and lost senior Travon Johnson (shoulder) during the game  will now play Paterson Catholic in the quarterfinals at Kennedy H.S. saturday.