Two highly anticipated boys varsity basketball games in the CHSAA A and B Division were postponed this weekend as a result of the blizzard. LaSalle Academy was scheduled to take on Salesian at home on Friday night and Kennedy Catholic was scheduled to travel to Monsignor Scanlan Sunday afternoon. Both games involved teams at the top of their respective divisions and, in the case of Kennedy Catholic-Scanlan, featured teams that are undefeated in league play so far this season.
The Kennedy Catholic-Scanlan game would also have been a re-match of last year's City Championship game, which Kennedy Catholic won 72-61. Kennedy Catholic, currently ranked 6th in New York State, is 9-0 in CHSAA league play and 15-2 overall. The Gaels are led by Malachi de Sousa (18.9 ppg), Kevin Buron (12.1 ppg) and Alex Benson (11.6 ppg). Considering that Kennedy Catholic lost two of its best players (Elijah Hughes and Dominick Cristiano) to prep school transfers this season (see our prior post on that), head coach Al Morales has done a masterful job keeping the Gaels at the top of the CHSAA A Division. Scanlan, currently ranked 20th in New York State, is 8-0 in league play and 13-3 overall. The Crusaders are led by George Pena (16 ppg) and Jordan McAllister (12.7 ppg). Pending a make-up date, these teams are now scheduled to face off next Sunday at Kennedy Catholic. As much as everyone looks forward to this match-up, we would not be surprised to see these teams battle again for the City Championship in March.
LaSalle, currently ranked 23rd in New York State, is 5-1 in CHSAA league play and 12-3 overall. The Cardinals are led by Bryce Council (14.8 ppg) and their only league loss so far this season came on the road at Salesian on January 16th (59-42). Salesian is led by Alex Romans (12.8 ppg) and is currently tied with Regis for second place in the CHSAA B Division. If this game would have been played as scheduled, the Cardinals could have retained sole possession of first place with a win, while Salesian could have taken over first place with a road victory. Depending on when this game is re-scheduled, it could decide the regular season CHSAA B Division title.