Some of the top Catholic school teams in New York City will compete against some of the top public school programs in Gotham at the ninth annual Big Apple Basketball HS Challenge this Sunday, December 6th, at Baruch College in Manhattan. Originating in 2004, the event has pitted schools from both leagues against each other with bragging rights as to which league is the strongest on the line. The Catholic league (CHSAA) has won 40 of the previous 62 bouts, for those keeping count.
See below for games schedule and showcase info from BAB:
After a four year absence, Big Apple Basketball will host the Ninth Annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge in New York City on Sunday, December 6 at Baruch College.
The challenge, which will feature eight of New York City’s top PSAL and CHSAA teams, is an event designed to show the supremacy of New York City’s PSAL or CHSAA league on the basketball court.
The challenge will feature PSAL schools Thomas Jefferson, Wings, Thurgood Marshall, and Boys and Girls, along with CHSAA schools, Iona Prep, Cardinal Hayes, Archbishop Molloy and Monsignor Scanlan.
“It’s a great experience and people want to see these matchups,” said Thomas Jefferson Head Coach, Lawrence Pollard. This will be his seventh year participating in the event with Jefferson, compiling a 3-3 series record versus the catholic schools. “You get the best of the best on a neutral college court, in front of college coaches.”
Notable players include: Thomas Jefferson senior, Shamorie Ponds (St. John’s); Iona Prep senior, Ty Jerome (Virginia); Cardinal Hayes senior, Clive Allen; Wings senior, Jose Perez; and Archbishop Molloy freshman, Cole Anthony (son of former NBA player, Greg Anthony).
“We’re just very happy to be able to bring back a very important event to New York City high school basketball,” said Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry. “The concept is unique and from 2004-2011, it featured all of the best boys basketball players our city had to offer.”
Former event standouts include: Kemba Walker (Rice/Charlotte Hornets); Lance Stephenson (Abraham Lincoln/Los Angeles Clippers); Charles Jenkins (Springfield Gardens/Hofstra); Devin Ebanks (Bishop Loughlin/West Virginia); and Sylven Landesberg (Holy Cross/Virginia).
The CHSAA holds a 40-22 series edge, with both leagues splitting four games in 2011.
Founded in 1999, Big Apple Basketball provides exposure and assists young people in their athletic, educational, professional, and life skill development, while providing family and community focused programs and events.
SCHEDULE
12pm – Boys and Girls (PSAL-Brooklyn) vs. Archbishop Molloy (CHSAA-Queens)
2pm – Thurgood Marshall (PSAL-Manhattan) vs. Monsignor Scanlan (CHSAA-Bronx)
4pm – Thomas Jefferson (PSAL-Brooklyn) vs. Cardinal Hayes (CHSAA-Bronx)
6pm – Wings (PSAL-Bronx) vs. Iona Prep (CHSAA-New Rochelle)
