In the heart of the Main Line, at the Finneran Pavilion, a homecoming of immense significance is set to unfold. Donta Scott, a fifth-year senior and star player for the Maryland Terrapins, returns to his roots to face the Kyle Neptune’s Villanova Wildcats. This homecoming marks a pivotal moment in Scott’s remarkable journey from Imhotep Charter High School to the University of Maryland, showcasing not only his prowess on the basketball court but also the positive influence of his alma mater and the nurturing guidance of Coach Andre Noble.
Imhotep Charter High School was founded in 1998 to offer an African-centered education that emphasizes STEM subjects. Over the past two decades, Imhotep has developed nationally recognized athletic programs in several sports while maintaining a small, nurturing learning environment. It became the cradle of Donta Scott’s academic and athletic development, providing an intimate family-like environment that went well beyond traditional education. Delgreco Wilson, an educational consultant, recognizing Scott’s need for a supportive academic setting and strong special education program, recommended Imhotep Charter School to his family when Scott was completing the 8th grade.
According to Wilson, “Donta was behind academically, he needed to find a high school that would embrace him academically, socially and emotionally. His basketball development was well underway by the time he was a 9th grader. His mother, Sandra Campbell and his mentor, Howard Hudson wanted to ensure his development off the court.”
“I personally reached out to Andre Noble and asked him to meet with Donta and his family. Noble and the special education staff at Imhotep spelled out a clear plan for Donta and after that meeting he became an Imhotep Panther.”
Coach Noble played a pivotal role in welcoming Scott into the Imhotep family. Imhotep became more than just a school; it was a community that embraced Scott in every aspect of his development.
On the basketball court, Donta Scott’s time at Imhotep was nothing short of legendary. He played a key role in leading the team to three consecutive PIAA Class 4A State Championships and three Philadelphia Public League championships. Scott’s prowess earned him the distinction of being named the PIAA Class 4A Player of the Year twice. Notably, he played a crucial role in ending Montverde Academy’s 55-game home winning streak, showcasing his versatility by playing various positions (forward, shooting guard and point guard) under Noble’s guidance.
Imhotep not only molded Scott into a basketball star but also ensured he was “college-ready” academically, socially, and emotionally. Noble and the Imhotep staff laid the foundation for Scott’s successful transition to college life. His academic journey at the University of Maryland is particularly impressive considering the learning disability he overcame during his formative years.
Wilson emphasized the societal challenges faced by young Black men dealing with learning difficulties, stating, “Young Black guys struggle, and there’s a stigma attached to learning difficulty.” Imhotep provided Scott with an environment where he could learn how to learn, fostering a mature and thoughtful young man ready to face the challenges of higher education.
Scott’s excellence on and off the court garnered attention from universities across the nation, including Temple, Florida, Penn State, Georgetown, Seton Hall, and South Carolina. However, his comfort with the academic support staff at the University of Maryland (UMD) played a crucial role in his decision. Scott’s commitment to taking control of his life, both academically and athletically, showcased the values instilled in him during his time at Imhotep.
As Donta Scott steps onto the court tonight at Finneran Pavilion, it’s not just a basketball game; it’s a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. Imhotep Charter High School, under the guidance of Coach Andre Noble, provided Scott with more than just a foundation for a successful basketball career; it equipped him with the tools to navigate life’s challenges and excel in a top-tier university. Scott’s journey from Imhotep to Maryland exemplifies the impact that a nurturing environment and supportive mentors can have on an individual’s holistic development.
Ahmad Nowell’s commitment ceremony was a resounding success, reflecting the magnitude of the occasion and the significance of his decision. The City Athletics Sports Facility located at 19th and Tioga in North Philly served as the perfect venue for this momentous event, accommodating about 200 eager spectators who came to witness Nowell’s choice.
Ahmad Nowell flanked by two of his Imhotep teammates
The atmosphere was undoubtedly charged with anticipation and excitement as friends, family, coaches, teammates, and basketball enthusiasts gathered to show their support for the rising basketball star. With the spotlight firmly on Nowell, the ceremony commenced, and all eyes were on him as he prepared to announce his college decision.
Tasheed Carr, Nowell’s mentor, played an integral role in ensuring the event’s success. Not only did he provide unwavering support throughout Nowell’s basketball journey, but he also organized a spread of delectable dishes that left a lasting impression on the attendees. The menu, featuring perfectly fried fish, potato salad, macaroni salad, green beans, and other mouth-watering treats, added a touch of warmth and hospitality to the occasion.
The commitment ceremony exuded an air of professionalism and class, fitting for a scholar-athlete of Nowell’s caliber who was making one of the most critical decisions of his young career. It highlighted not only his basketball prowess but also his commitment to excelling in both academics and athletics.
The event was a reflection of Nowell’s character and the values instilled in him by his mother, Teneka Greer. It demonstrated his ability to handle pressure with grace and poise, traits that undoubtedly contribute to his immense success on the basketball court. Nowell’s choice of the University of Connecticut as his college destination was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause, further cementing his position as a beloved and highly respected Philly PG with a bright future ahead.
The commitment ceremony was more than just an announcement; it was a celebration of Nowell’s achievements and a recognition of the hard work and dedication he has poured into his basketball career. It was a moment for Nowell to shine brightly in the spotlight, surrounded by those who have supported and believed in him from the beginning. The Imhotep Charter basketball program was well represented by Head Coach Andre Noble and the full slate of assistant coaches and players. Rob Brown, Director and Founder of the Team Final Basketball club was there to support Nowell. The leadership of Philly Pride, a rival basketball club, was also in attendance to pay respect to Nowell.
Rodney Veney, Philly Pride and Randy Miller, The Miller Report
As Nowell’s journey continues, he can look back on this well-executed commitment ceremony as a symbol of his determination and the beginning of an exciting chapter in his basketball career. With his talent, maturity, and the unwavering support of those around him, there is no doubt that Ahmad Nowell will leave a lasting impact both on and off the basketball court as he takes on the immense challenge of competing in the Big East Conference for the UConn Huskies.
Ahmad Nowell’s commitment to Coach Dan Hurley and the reigning National Champion University of Connecticut Men’s Basketball program is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport of basketball. Rising through the ranks as a standout player at Imhotep Charter High School in Philadelphia, Nowell has already garnered attention and praise for his skills on the court, placing him in the Top 30 players in the class of 2024, according to ESPN.
Philadelphia has long been known as a breeding ground for elite basketball guards, and Nowell is no exception to this tradition. His commitment to compete in the highly competitive Big East Conference after graduating in June 2024 is a significant achievement that speaks to his ability and potential as a player. Among his final four choices, including Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia Tech, Nowell ultimately chose UConn, a program with a rich history and a legacy of national championship success.
One of Nowell’s standout qualities is his versatility as a 2-way player. He excels not only as a defender but also as a playmaker, showcasing his ability to make an impact on both ends of the court. His steady development as a point guard has been evident, and his consistency as a jump shooter has improved over time. Moreover, Nowell has demonstrated his comfort in playing at an elite level in scholastic basketball, which was exemplified through his highly productive performances on the Nike EYBL circuit.
During his time at Imhotep Charter High School, Nowell has displayed leadership and took on a prominent role in the team’s offense, even with the presence of a Florida Gulf Coast freshman point guard, Rahmir Barno. Nowell’s ability to make the right decisions on the court and his confidence in his skills allowed him to be one of the top assist-makers on the EYBL circuit while also excelling as a scorer.
Nowell’s selection of UConn as his college destination indicates that he is not only an exceptional basketball player but also a serious and mature scholar-athlete. Clearly, the young man is ready and willing to rumble for minutes. His respectful and dignified demeanor reflects his understanding of the responsibility that comes with representing a prestigious university on the national stage. His mother, Teneka and Carr, have undoubtedly played a significant role in his development as a well-rounded individual both on and off the court.
Looking at the successes of other guards from the Philadelphia region in the Big East Conference, such as Kyle Lowry (Villanova), Maurice Watson, Jr. (Creighton), Collin Gillespie (Villanova), and Stevie Mitchell (Marquette), Nowell exhibits many of the traits that facilitated their seamless transitions to the collegiate level. He is tenacious, unselfish, and a defensive-minded playmaker, with exceptional ball-handling and decision-making skills.
As Nowell embarks upon his senior year at Imhotep Charter High School, he will face the challenge of leading the Panthers through a demanding schedule, including the Philadelphia Public League and the PIAA playoffs. With the departure of Barno (Florida Gulf Cost) and last year’s number #1 prospect, Justin Edwards (Kentucky), Nowell will undoubtedly be called upon to be the guiding force for his team. However, his maturity, outstanding confidence and ability to make decisions under pressure make him well-equipped for the challenge.
Ahmad Nowell (r) and his mother, Teneka Greer
It is not unreasonable to expect that by the time March arrives, Ahmad Nowell’s name will be etched in the pantheon of great Philadelphia guards, joining the ranks of legendary players like Guy Rodgers, Tee Parham, Earl Monroe, Andre McCarter, Pooh Richardson, Howie Evans, Kyle Lowry, and Collin Gillespie. UConn is gaining a college-ready point guard with the potential to leave a lasting mark on their program and help maintain their position as a national powerhouse in college basketball.
We are witnessing the evolution of the highly desired and widely respected “Philly Guard.” As Philadelphia Black Basketball Hall of Famer, Kyle Lowry, begins to wind down his magnificent career, a potential successor to his Philly Guard throne has emerged. Allow me to nominate Ahmad Nowell ’24 (Imhotep/Team Final), a highly skilled and tenacious point guard who commands the basketball court with his exceptional skills and unwavering intensity. Standing 6’1” and built like a hard hitting SEC/Big 10 safety, Nowell possesses a rare combination of talent, toughness, and a relentless competitive spirit that sets him apart from his peers.
Ahmad Nowell, ’24, Imhotep Charter High School (Photo: Gavin Bethell)
Nowell is a certified and bonafide winner. As a freshman in Memphis, his team won a state championship. His Imhotep Panther squads have won 99.9999999% of their matchups and he leads the current number 1 seed, Team Final 17U, on the prestigious EYBL Circuit. No matter what setting or context, Nowell exhibits exceptional ball-handling skills and an ability to orchestrate an offense with precision. His mastery over the basketball is evident as he effortlessly weaves through defenders, utilizing a wide array of dribble moves and crossovers. His quickness and agility allow him to create separation and penetrate the defense, opening up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
With a strong mid-range offensive game, Nowell excels at the lost art of stopping suddenly and pulling up for accurate jump shots from the outside or driving to the basket for acrobatic finishes. He possesses exceptional court vision, reading the defense and making smart decisions to find open teammates for scoring opportunities. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make split-second decisions makes him an invaluable asset on the court.
He has caught the attention of the BIG BOYS. Nowell is a SUPAHIGHMAJAH prospect… Kentucky (SEC), Tennessee (SEC), UConn (Big East) and Georgia Tech (ACC) are currently engaged in a fierce battle for his services.
Offensively, Nowell’s craftiness extends beyond his scoring abilities. He possesses excellent passing skills and a high basketball IQ, allowing him to make precise and creative assists. Whether it’s threading the needle with a pinpoint bounce pass or delivering a well-timed alley-oop, Nowell consistently finds ways to make his teammates better and elevate the overall performance of his team’s offense.Nowell’s competitiveness and intensity shine through on the defensive end as well. He NEVER, EVER backs down… He seeks out the challenge of defending the best players on the opposing teams. He possesses quick hands and exceptional lateral quickness, enabling him to stay in front of his opponents and disrupt their offensive flow. His defensive tenacity and disciplined approach frustrate opposing guards, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities in transition.
Nowell and his Imhotep teammates (Photo: Gavin Bethell)
Known for his toughness, Nowell epitomizes the Imhotep basketball culture developed by Andre Noble over the past 2 decades. He thrives in high-pressure situations, always stepping up when his team needs him the most. His leadership qualities and vocal presence on the court inspire his teammates to give their all and elevate their own performances.
Ahmad Nowell and Tasheed Carr after State Championship win
Off the court, he has benefitted immensely from Tasheed Carr’s guidance and nurturing. Nowell’s work ethic is unmatched. He is always in the gym. He is conscious of his diet and conditioning. His weight never fluctuates. His coaches consistently state that his often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, relentlessly honing his skills and pushing himself to improve. His dedication to the game and his teammates serves as a motivating force for everyone around him.
Ahmad Nowell is the quintessential “Philly Guard” in 2023-2024. Highly skilled, tough, and intensely competitive, he is ranked among the top 30 in the nation by ESPN. With his exceptional ball-handling, strong mid-range offensive game, and outstanding defensive abilities, he dominates the court on both ends. Nowell’s leadership, tenacity, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him an invaluable asset to any team. Whenever you get an opportunity to watch him play with his Panther teammates, please take advantage of it. Nowell is setting the new standard for what it means to be a true Philly point guard.
When Black folk say they’re “doing it for the culture,” let’s be very clear, they mean Black culture. The phrase is a linguistic representation of an internalized Black self-defense mechanism. Black folk are always trying to preserve a culture that has been constantly co-opted by the same people who have historically oppressed us. Throughout American history, Blackness, and by extension, Black culture, has constantly been under siege. From the moment, more than 2 centuries ago, when they forbade Blacks from learning to read and write… White America, for the most part, has not wanted Black culture to exist.
Doing it for the culture is a way in which Black folk ensure they have something to pass on to future generations. Even if it’s something as simple as a basketball game. That game proves that we exist, that we existed.
Three years ago, Roman Catholic and Camden did it for the culture. This highly anticipated game was played at Cherry Hill East HS. It was a game for the ages. Camden was led by 6’9” Lance Ware and 6’8” TaQuan Woodley, both of whom committed to SEC programs upon leaving the Castle of the Hill. Also on this team was, 6’7” Jerome Brewer, another Division 1 prospect who ended up at Texas A&M Commerce. But, by far the most recognizable and intriguing player on that star-studded Camden roster was a precocious 6’3’ freshman named D.J. Wagner. Wagner is a 3rd generation high school All-American destined to play in the McDonald’s All-American game just like his Pop, Dajuan Wagner and Grandpop, Milt Wagner.
D.J. Wagner, ESPN #1 prospect in class of 2023
It should be noted that Coach Matt Griffin and Roman Catholic came across the bridge loaded for bear. On the block stood 6’9” man-child Jalen Duren who become an NBA lottery pick after leaving high school early and making a brief pit stop in Memphis to play 30 or so games for Penny Hardaway. On the wing, the Cahillites featured a 6’4” future SEC commit, Justice Williams. Two future St. Joseph’s Hawks made up the backcourt, 6’2” Lynn Greer III and 6’1” Xzayvier Brown.
This was a tremendous scholastic basketball game. Roman eked out a hard fought come from behind victory over a Camden squad that would not lose another game over the next two years.
It’s difficult to convey the tremendous thirst for this game at the time. The building was beyond sold-out… The overflowing crowd obliterated the Fire Marshall’s stated building capacity. Once they stopped admitting patrons through the front gate, they continued to pour in through broken windows, back doors, side doors, A/C ducts, sewer drains, etc…
I swear I saw a few dudes just appear out of thin air…
No bull shit… one dude that reeked of the strongest ganja known to mankind had some type of Star Trek transportation machine in his pocket. One after the other, he was converting Camden fans into an energy pattern, then somehow beaming them court side. I’m not making this up, the transporter device conveyed scores of Camden supporters from long lines extending deep into the parking lot to court side seats without the need for time-consuming stints in the elongated cue.
That’s my story… And, I’m sticking with it…
Muthafuckas were NOT going to be denied an opportunity to witness this game.
Camden and Roman Catholic did it for the culture!
Raw Sports’ exceptionally well-done YouTube video of the game (see above) has garnered over 102,000 views. The sheer number of views for this video demonstrates the immense interest in highly competitive basketball in the Greater Philadelphia/Camden region.
Hoopheads across the region, myself included, were deeply appreciative of the fact that these two Nationally prominent programs, located about 4 miles apart, found a way to make this game happen.
It had to happen… They had to do it for the culture…
Well… today, there’s an even bigger matchup on the horizon. Three years later, Camden remains an unquestioned regional powerhouse. However, another highly qualified challenger has, once again, forced it’s way onto the national scene.
Imhotep Charter School is in the midst of a historic run through the vaunted Philadelphia Public League. Whereas Camden re-emerged on the National scene three years ago with the arrival of young Wagner and Rick Brunson as the Head Coach, Imhotep is on an epic 15 year run of excellence.
Andre Noble, Imhotep Head Coach
Imhotep Head Coach, Andre Noble has more Public League Championships under his belt than the legendary Gratz coach Bill Elerbee. Think about this for a second… Noble has more Public League Championships than Joey Goldenberg (West Philadelphia) and Ken Hamilton (Ben Franklin) combined. For the past decade and a half, the Philadelphia Public League has essentially consisted of Imhotep and everyone else.
Noble and Imhotep definitely understand the importance of culture. Noble is a graduate of, The Lincoln University, the first degree granting Black College in the United States. Moreover, Imhotep is named after an Egyptian chancellor to the Pharaoh Djoser. Egyptologists credit Imhotep with the design and construction of the Pyramid of Djoser built in the 3rd Dynasty.
Basketball historians will credit Noble with the design and construction of, perhaps, the greatest dynasty in the history of the Philadelphia Public League.
Justin Edwards, ESPN #2 prospect in class of 2023
While Wagner has spent the past few years firmly entrenched as the number 1 prospect in the class of 2023 national rankings, Imhotep’s magnificent 6’7” wing Justin Edwards has steadily climbed to the number 2 spot according to ESPN. A supremely gifted offensive talent, Edwards has already committed to John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats. Playing alongside Edwards, is 6’2” Ahmad Nowell a quintessential Philly point guard who is currently ranked #31 in the class of 2024 according to ESPN. Lightning quick 6’0” guard Rahmir Barno rounds out the big 3 for Imhotep. Barno recently committed to play for Florida Gulf Coast University and Head Coach Pat Chambers.
This game needs to happen… Camden and Imhotep have to do it for the culture!
Just a few weeks ago, it was leaked that an informal agreement to play had been reached… I lost my mind. I was ecstatic… Truth be told, Black Cager Sports has a strained relationship with both programs… Some within the respective programs would probably describe the relationship as acrimonious…
So what… Doesn’t matter… I ran out and bought some new clothes just for this game… Gotta be fresh…
My love for the game supersedes whatever personal animosity continues to linger. There are things that are way more important than childish “basketball beefs”. I want to see the kids in these program flourish… I want to see the programs continue to win state championships… I want to see the kids go on to play in college and beyond…
But… First and foremost, I want to see Camden and Imhotep settle the debates once and for all on the court.
It seems, however, that the aforementioned informal agreement to play is hanging on by the thinnest of threads…
As always, the devil is in the details…
Who gets what, where, when and how?
Apparently, there was some misinformation complicating the process. Some involved in the negotiations were under the impression that the game could not be held on the campus of an NCAA Division 1 program. That is simply not the case. In recent years, I have personally attended and watched a SOLD OUT game between St. Frances (MD) and Baltimore Poly (MD) on the campus of Morgan State University and another SOLD OUT game between St. Frances (MD) and Oak Hill (VA) on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
I sought guidance on this matter from Jill Bodensteiner, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Saint Joseph’s University. Ms. Bodenstiner provided the “Faculty Usage Chart” listed below. As you can see, It is permissible to host scholastic basketball events on campus at Division 1 institutions during the Academic year. It is NOT permissible to host scholastic camps/clinics on D1 campuses during the academic year.
This opens up the possibility of playing a Camden/Imhotep game at the Palestra on the campus the University of Pennsylvania, the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University or the Finneran Pavilion on the campus of Villanova University. With seating capacities ranging from 6,500 to 10,000, these facilities will alleviate the need for Camden fans to bring their transportation machines to gain entry. They can just purchase a ticket and stroll through the front door.
Some other venues that may make sense include Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City which has a seating capacity of 10,500, the PPL Center in Allentown (8,500 seats) and Cure Arena in Trenton (8,600).
Each of these venues would jump at the opportunity to host a slate of competitive high school games with Camden/Imhotep as the headliners.
Finding an appropriate venue isn’t a real barrier.
Perhaps, the REAL issue is the “purse split”…
What is an appropriate split for a Camden/Imhotep matchup?
Black Cager Sports reached out to six (6) knowledgeable high school basketball guys and asked that very question. No one thought a 50/50 split was in order.
While they all expressed nothing but the highest level of respect for the Imhotep program and their ability to compete at the highest level, they noted that Imhotep just doesn’t draw well and they don’t travel well.
They attribute the lack of drawing power to the fact that Imhotep is still a very young school and they don’t have generations of alums to draw upon. Moreover, Imhotep is a charter school and as such it does not really represent a specific neighborhood or geographic region.
Camden, on the other hand, has fielded a highly competitive basketball program for more than seven (7) decades. Camden can sell 2,000 tickets to games where they are favored by forty (40) or more. As tough as Edwards is, Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw are bigger draws.
The suggested splits ranged from 80/20 to 60/40. They all felt 60/40 would be generous on Camden’s behalf.
Would Imhotep be willing to accept anything less than a 50/50 split? I don’t know…
I do know Ali got $3,000,000 and Frazier got $1,500,000 for the “Thrilla in Manilla”…
Camden = Ali and Imhotep = Frazier.
If the game was played at the Liacouras Center and properly marketed, I am convinced it would sell out.
10,000 tickets @ $15 each = $150,000
I understand that the kids want to play on ESPN, but that would be tantamount to signing a record deal. Camden and Imhotep could stream the game on pay-per-view. Properly marketed, especially in the state of Kentucky, such a PPV event should draw at least 8,000 viewers.
8,000 views @ $10 each – $80,000
Let’s conservatively set game day expenses at $50,000… Set aside $10,000 for streaming expenses…
$230,000 – $60,000 = $170,000
25% of $170,000 = $42,500
Anything in that ball park would be a nice payday for any Philadelphia Public League HS program, especially with no real travel, hotel, meal costs involved.
The “problem” is the other guys would see around $127,500… Joe Frazier didn’t mind… He did it for the culture… (and $1.5 million)
A less feasible alternative put forth by a reliable source close to the Camden program is to play the game for free. Identify sponsors to cover venue costs and let fans in for free. Neither program makes any money.
Play for strictly for pride and the name on the front of the jersey.
Would Imhotep be willing to play if neither program makes any money? I don’t know…
My homie from Mars, Zimgid Zrvxow, came to visit tonight. Turns out, they are starting a professional basketball league on Mars. Zimgid’s assignment was to come to the USA to scout for the best players. Last week, he was on the West Coast hanging with Rico Hines. Rico put him onto Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs.
Tonight, we had a few beers and blew a few trees while talking hoops. Maaaaan, y’all gotta try some of that Martian “LOUD”! Shit is ridiculous!!
Zimgid asked me: “Which kids from this area are playing the best in college basketball right now?” I started talking about ESPN and Rivals HS rankings… He stopped me… “FUCK that, that shit don’t matter… I wanna know who is playing the best in college basketball right now.”
“Ok… But, he was a McDonald’s All…” he cut me off again…
“I don’t care about none of that shit from HS… I don’t care about grassroots or shoe company circuit performances… Who is BALLIN in college right now?”
Apparently, the Martian Basketball League (MBL) will pay rookies 30 million uutiizs per year… Seems like that’s a lot of tax free Martian money…
I had to think long and hard and after a while I gave him the following list…
Stay tuned… When fans are allowed, you may see a 13 ft., 437 lb figure with three legs and 7 eyes carrying a clip board at Big East, Big 10 and A10 games. Don’t be alarmed… That’s just my man Zimgid.
You might wanna go out to the parking lot and get on the space ship with him… I’m telling you, that Martian LOUD is something special.
So I’m running a lil’ late… I have program that works with incarcerated teenage males in Vineland, New Jersey. These are my guys… They love to read, watch and talk about sports. We were finishing up a discussion on whether or not they could work for Temple University and convince vocal opponents of the proposed Football Stadium to accept it’s placement square in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
They understood the issue of gentrification, they understood displacement and empathized with the position of the long-time residents. They wouldn’t want the traffic, the tailgating, the partying in their neighborhood. The fully grasped the ethical and moral dimensions of the debate.
But, unanimously… For the right amount of money, they indicated that they would work relentlessly to help Temple change the minds of the stadium opponents…
Love my guys… They keep that shit REAL!
So, they tell me to hit the road, they want me to go cover the Public League Semifinals and it’s a 45-50 minute drive from Vineland to South Philly.
Off I go…
I get there a little after 6:00… Late but not too bad… I’ll only miss a couple of minutes of action. So I thought…
Amazingly, I see a car pulling out of the lot as I pull in… PERFECT! A parking spot in the school lot… Cool…
You can feel the energy in the air… Nisine Poplar (Wooga) is playing… as I approach the door, it becomes apparent that it’s gonna take a while to get in… The line is LONG… Well over 100 patrons waiting to catch the action.
So I settle in and inch toward the door… The line is moving slowly but steadily…
The familiar aroma of “loud” lingers in the air… It smells rather enticing I might add… Tempted to ask the youngins where they purchased that particular brand of cologne, I demur…
Not the right time or place…
Finally, my group of ten is prepped for passage through the metal detectors… I hand the school officer my keys and iPhone… I let the young woman with 5 kids go before me, then I walk through the machine… No beep! I’m good… I feel just a lil’ bit safer…
As I enter the gym, it’s PACKED!
It’s also beautiful… The School District of Philadelphia has polished the playing surface. The hardwood is glistening… You can hear the shoes squeaking as the players stop, cut and change directions… The lights are ALL functioning, (almost) no missing bulbs… The stands are fully extended and every available seat is occupied!
The PUB!
As it should be… It feels as though the School District actually cares about athletics… I’m impressed.
Stacey Dandridge from Darby Township and Chillyock from South Philly
Then I look at the scoreboard… Imohtep is up 15 in the middle of the second quarter… I see my man Stacey Dandridge (Sta-Dan) from Darby Township… Like a lot of Darby Township guys, Sta-Dan has developed an affinity for South Philly and South Philly Basketball. It makes sense to see him sitting in the front row. He tells me that Imhotep has employed a gimmick “Box and 1” defense against MCS. Wooga and his teammates were having some difficulty adjusting.
To my left, I see my Southside homies… Sam Wylie, Sr., Shon Minnis, Butter and Bunky… I settle in amongst them to watch this thing play out.
Sam, Sr. is watching Sam, Jr. play a GREAT game so we kinda leave him alone… He’s in a zone…
The rest of us watch MCS, claw, scrap and fight their way back into the game.
Truth be told… It was the “other” guys that got MCS back into the game… Tvon Jones used his incredible athleticism and explosiveness to attack the rim, Naadhir Wood consistently caught the ball and finished when the team needed buckets, Zakee Fleming exhibited and very good understanding of basic basketball principles as he repeatedly got the better of bigger, faster and more athletic Imhotep front court players.
It was a real rumble…
Imhotep star, Elijah Taylor fouled out with Imhotep clinging to a 4 point lead with 1:20 remaining in the contest. Seemed like the Panthers would survive…
After all, Wooga had struggled throughout the game… The game plan was clear from the start… Imhotep Head Coach Andre Noble was going to make someone other that Wooga beat him. The Panthers face guarded Wooga anytime he was not in the locker room or on the bench… Relentlessly…
Still…
With Imhotep clinging to a 3 point lead, MCS had the ball and called timeout with about 11 seconds left in the game…
Everyone in the gym knew who was gonna take the shot… Mayor Kenney knew who was gonna take the shot… President Trump knew who was gonna take the shot… Marcus Garvey knew who was gonna take the shot… Harriet Tubman knew who was gonna take the shot…
Clark Kent had been mild-mannered for 31 minutes and 38 seconds…
If MCS was gonna pull this one out, they needed Superman to find a phone booth and put on his cape…
Well… Look up in the sky MUTHAFUCKA!
It’s a bird, it’s a plane…
On cue, Wooga ran his man off a Naadhir Wood screen, Marcus Middleton got him the ball… the Imhotep defenders were there… They challenged the shot… It wasn’t a good shot… I was a tough well-defended off balance 3-point attempt…
SPLASH bitches!
Superman is in the building…
Tie game… The overtime was a mere formality after Wooga’s heroics. With that, MCS finally vanquished the mighty Imhotep Panthers.
MCS Coaching Staff after win over Imhotep
Congratulations to Head Coach Lonnie Diggs and his hardworking staff. Can’t wait til Saturday… The defending PIAA AA State Champions will have their hands full with a well-coached Simon Gratz Bulldog squad.
The Black Cager 